A number of players could be on midweek duty with their countries on
Wednesday 20 August
14.08.2008
West Ham United are waiting to see how the club will be represented in next
week's international friendlies taking place across Europe.
The matches on Wednesday 20 August will be the last chance for coaches to
assess their players on national-team duty before the 2010 FIFA World Cup
qualifiers get under way in earnest in September. Naturally, it is
Saturday's England squad announcement that will hold most interest with the
likes of Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Dean Ashton among
those who could be called by Fabio Capello.
The Italian manager has been keeping a close eye on the summer football and
said: "It's very important for me that the players that I decide to put in
the squad are playing [for their clubs] and are getting games. It's
impossible to be fit if you don't play in pre-season games. This is a game
that is good for me and us because I can see exactly the general condition
of the players."
New recruit Valon Behrami will head back to Geneva to help Switzerland in
their friendly match against Cyprus while it remains to be seen whether
George McCartney, who has been suffering with a virus for the past couple of
weeks, is able to join up with Northern Ireland when they go to Scotland.
None of the four Wales players in Alan Curbishley's squad were called for
the visit of Georgia.
Outside of the European nations, captain Lucas Neill was selected by
Australia for their friendly against South Africa. The Socceroos are already
into the second stage of their qualifying campaign and will take on the 2010
hosts in a friendly at the Loftus Road home of Queen's Park Rangers on
Tuesday 19 August.
At Under-21 level, Jack Collison will miss out on Wales' vital qualifier
against Romania on Wednesday with a medial knee ligament injury picked up in
training. The U21s will play the Romanians again on 9 September and a win in
either game should be enough to take them to the October play-offs for the
2009 finals. Mark Noble has been called up by England to face Slovenia in a
Tuesday friendly in Hull.
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Striking chance on Saturday - WHUFC
The West Ham United players should be raring to go when they welcome Wigan
Athletic this weekend
14.08.2008
West Ham United get back to Barclays Premier League action on Saturday with
Alan Curbishley expecting his players to rise to the occasion.
The manager has had many positives this pre-season. Not least is the form of
the 24-year-old Dean Ashton, who has scored six goals in five pre-season
appearances and finished last season with five goals in his final eight
games. Against Wigan Athletic on Saturday, England manager Fabio Capello is
expected to pay close attention as well to the man he named at No9 in the
final international of the 2008/09 campaign.
Reiterating that Capello had given Ashton plenty of encouragement after his
debut against Trinidad and Tobago on 1 June, Curbishley said: "I'm looking
for him to lead the line and getting the goals that comes with that. At his
age and the position he finds himself in, it's all in front of him.
Everything is up for grabs, and that includes the England spot. If you have
that in front you have to do everything possible to take it. Last season he
was still feeling his way back. This is a big season for him."
While strike partner Craig Bellamy is still a few weeks away after his
hamstring setback following a superb summer spell, the manager will likely
pair Ashton with either Carlton Cole or Freddie Sears. "Carlton Cole has
done well and young Freddie has looked good in pre-season. I'm looking for
big things from him as well. He has more maturity about him and sees a bit
of light. I'm looking for more from all the strikers, not just Dean."
Elsewhere in the squad, James Collins and Nigel Quashie are going well in
training and could be in the frame early in September with Danny Gabbidon
(abdomen) and Kieron Dyer (broken leg) working hard to follow and Jonathan
Spector due back in England soon after good progress from the hip operation
he had in the US. In his absence, and with George McCartney not set to
return to Chadwell Heath until Monday after being laid low by a virus, Lucas
Neill is likely to start the season at left-back.
"Lucas has played a lot of his career at left back so it's not a problem for
him. He's been quite comfortable during pre-season," Curbishley said. He is
also encouraged by the form of his central defenders, although Anton
Ferdinand is doubtful with hamstring trouble. The manager has admitted he is
"still looking" for new recruits but in Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport
has a solid-looking duo, while James Tomkins like Jack Collison has a medial
knee ligament problem.
He said: "Upson played the whole of pre-season except America. [Calum]
Davenport was training near the end of last season and carried on through
the summer. He's got a point to prove I think. He came to us 18 months ago,
took an injury like a lot of them did and took a long time to recovery. He's
had a good pre-season but knows there's a lot of competition when everyone
is fit. He wants to grab it by the scruff of the neck and make the most of
it."
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Macclesfield ticket information - WHUFC
Tickets will go on sale for the Carling Cup second round tie on Saturday 16
August
14.08.2008
West Ham United have confirmed reduced ticket prices for the visit of
Macclesfield in the Carling Cup second round on Wednesday 27 August. The
match, which gets under way at 7.45pm, will be played to a finish on the
night. Tickets will be on sale to season ticket holders between Saturday
16-Wednesday 20 August before being opened to club members on Thursday 21
August and then general sale on Friday 22 August.
Standard Adult ST holder Senior/YA member
All juniors
Band 1 £25 £20 £10 £5
Band 2 £25 £20 £8 £5
Band 3 £20 £15 £7.50 £5
Band 4 £15 £10 £5 £5
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Footballers lack hunger - Macari - BBC
Former Swindon manager Lou Macari has criticised the lack of "hunger" in
modern players and advocated more performance-related payments. Macari was
in charge at the County Ground from 1984 to 1989, guiding Town to promotions
from the then Division Four to Division Two. "This modern way of paying vast
sums for actually doing nothing is wrong," Macari told BBC Points West. "The
lads I had here [at Swindon] worked hard and got the reward for it."
After Macari moved from Wiltshire to West Ham in 1989, Swindon were punished
for making illegal payments to players. A court case saw then-chairman Brian
Hillier sentenced to six months in prison but Macari was exonerated of any
wrong-doing. "They were under-paid, they got extra money, which we all know
about, for winning matches," continued Macari. "I'm sure any board of
directors would rather be going down that road rather than paying them big
money for a signing a contract, paying them big money for actually doing
nothing for the club. "I didn't have that problem with the players I brought
in.
"They wanted to come and play and if they were successful, they accepted
hopefully they were going to get rewarded for it. "During my time at
Swindon, they didn't always get rewarded for it, until we tried to do
something about it and give them extra money for beating teams. "We had to
reward them which got us into a little bit of trouble but that is the right
way."
The 24-times capped Scottish international has fond memories of his time in
Wiltshire. "I had a great time. This was the first club that gave me a
[managerial] opportunity, I didn't really know what lay ahead and it was a
bit of a roller-coaster ride but I enjoyed every minute," said Macari. "It
was fantastic and I would probably have stayed here a lot longer, except
people were starting to say I had no ambition to go to a bigger club. "I
turned down an opportunity to go to Chelsea and then West Ham came up and I
decided that was the time."
Macari says he is proud to have brought the likes of Fraser Digby, Colin
Calderwood, Paul Bodin and Duncan Shearer to the County Ground, all of whom
later played key roles when Town were promoted to the Premiership in
1992/93. "It's on your CV when you leave that not only did [I] get a couple
of promotions and just miss out on going to the biggest league but [I]
brought in those players," added Macari. "Without a doubt that gives you
satisfaction but that would never have happened if the players had been a
bit complacent, they would never have got to the great places they did and I
would never have got out of them what I did, which I think I was quite
remarkable."
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CC confirmation - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 14th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Carling Cup tie with Macclesfield will take place on
Wednesday, 27th August. The club confirmed the date of the second round tie
earlier today; the match is due to kick-off at 7.45pm. As per previous
seasons reduced-price tickets are likely to be available, however the club
are yet to announce details of these.
* The second round matches being broadcast live on Sky are Coventry City v
Newcastle Utd (Tues 26th) and Nottingham Forest v Sunderland (Weds 27th).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Prem trio in for Dele - SSN
Big interest in Nigerian teenager
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 14th August 2008
Manchester City, West Ham and Fulham have all made moves for Nigerian
teenager Dele Adeleye, skysports.com understands. The 19-year-old currently
plays for Sparta Rotterdam in Holland but he now looks as if he could be set
for a move to England. Adeleye, an imposing central defender, has caught the
eye playing for Sparta since joining them last summer. Sparta first spotted
Adeleye in action for Nigeria at the World Under-20 championships, which
took place in Holland. They secured a deal with Shooting Stars FC to sign
him last year - but it now appears he could be ready for a quick move after
just one season with Rotterdam. A host of English scouts have been making
regular checks on him and both Everton and Blackburn were strongly linked
earlier this year. Now, after excelling at the Olympics for his country,
Adeleye has attracted bids from City, West Ham and Fulham, although Sparta
are bracing themselves for further interest. At least two more English clubs
are thought to be ready to make a move, while interest from elsewhere in
Holland, Germany and France is also strong. Adeleye has played every minute
of Nigeria's impressive Olympic campaign to date and he will line up in the
quarter-finals against Ivory Coast later this week.
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Curbishley not fearing the sack - SSN
Hammers boss among favourites to lose his job
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 14th August 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has insisted he is not concerned about losing
his job. The Hammers finished 10th in the Premier League last term and did
not enjoy much success in either of the domestic cup competitions.
Curbishley has been tipped by some bookmakers as the Premier League manager
most likely to be sacked this season. The Upton Park boss feels it is unfair
for anybody to be under such pressure before the new campaign has even
started.
However, he is not paying much attention to the speculation and is staying
focused on the season opener against Wigan on Saturday. "I'm used to being
the 40/1 outsider," the former Charlton boss told Sky Sports News. "I've
been in the game a long while so it was always going to come around that it
would change a little. "I'm not too fussed. I'm probably doing the other 19
managers a favour at the moment. "I don't read too much into it. It's all
part and parcel of being a Premier League manager, there are a lot of ups
and downs. "Results determine a lot of things so I'm not too concerned. "I
get a bit fed up with some of the premeditated stuff. I think we have to be
judged on what we do and judged on where we are at and how we attack things.
"I'm sure that everyone at West Ham is looking forward to having a
successful season."
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Behrami earns Curbs praise -SSN
Hammers boss delighted with new signing
Last updated: 14th August 2008
Alan Curbishley has backed new signing Valon Behrami to make a major impact
at West Ham this season. The Switzerland international moved to Upton Park
from Lazio earlier in the summer for a fee of £5.5million. He has already
impressed Curbishley after turning in a series of fine performances in
pre-season. Behrami has played at right-back and in midfield for the Hammers
and Curbishley is excited about the extra options he provides. "He is so
versatile," Curbishley told the club's official website. "That is one of the
main reasons why I brought him in. "When I sat down with him I said 'where
do you think your best position is' and he said 'wherever you want to play
me'. Behrami continued his fine form in the 1-1 draw against Villarreal on
Saturday and Curbishley added: "He likes to get forward. "I think when
(Carlton) Cole scored he was just behind him on that break-out but he will
play wherever we play him."
Curbishley has also expressed his delight at the return to fitness of Scott
Parker and Matthew Etherington, who both struggled with injuries last
season.
"Our hope was we would get some of last season's injured fit, and Scotty was
one of those," explained the West Ham boss. "He has come back strong and
nice and sharp. He needs to be because we are going to depend a lot on him.
"There are one or two people who really got a lot out of (Saturday) like
Matty Etherington who has missed quite a bit of pre-season."
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West Ham Utd v Wigan Athletic - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 14th August 2008
By: Preview Percy
With our normal preview correspondent currently unavailable we asked
"Preview Percy" to jot a few lines about Saturday's season-opener at the
Boleyn……
So an enjoyable Euro 08 is history and all those matches that the papers
like to refer to as "traditional curtain raisers" are safely out of the way
and it's time for the real thing. It's fair to say that there is a large
element of gloom, doom and despondency amongst our support at present.
Following a season, in which the plus points of a 10th place finish were
largely ignored as a result of the less than inspiring manner in which that
result was achieved, any cause for optimism rested on getting last season's
injury absentees fit and running for the new term.
At one stage the official site was optimistic that Alan Curbishley would
just about have a full squad to select from. Fate duly tempted, the injuries
started to mount up. The likes of McCartney and Ferdinand have been largely
absent pre-season, Etherington and Ashton were in and out of the friendly
side and the luckless Dyer's return now seems as far away as ever. Also, and
possibly crucially, after a promising pre-season, Craig Bellamy's hamstring
went. Add to that a failure to make any significant additions to the squad
(Behrami apart), the Ljungberg fiasco, disciplinary problems with backroom
staff and the rise in ticket costs and the fans' current lack of enthusiasm
for the coming season is understandable – even if some have perhaps been
guilty of reading too much into pre-season results.
So to the weekend. As with last season, selection in certain areas will
largely be a matter of availability. In defence, during pre-season Davenport
has been given his longest run-out in claret and blue since the promotion
season, largely due to the absence of Ferdinand, Gabbidon and Collins, and
he will probably line alongside Upson in the middle. Much of the starting XI
will depend on whether McCartney has recovered from injury and sickness.
Neill has failed to convince at left-back so far but with the "Thatcher
experiment" seemingly – and thankfully – going no further, if Linda is still
poorly expect to see the Aussie out left with Behrami filling in on the
right. This would leave us with a midfield of Parker and Noble in the centre
and Etherington and Faubert on the left and right respectively. On the other
hand, if McCartney is fit Faubert is likely to start on the bench as Neill
reverts to his more usual right-back spot and Behrami is pushed up to fill
the right-back berth.
Up front the lack of variety is something of a worry. In this writer's
opinion Bellamy is the key player to our playing the sort of crisp and
incisive football we like to see. Without that sort of player making the
sort of runs that sort of player makes we are left with a strike-force of
Cole and Ashton and a tendency to hit the ball long. Though playing Freddie
Sears instead of Cole or Ashton would restore some balance to the forward
line, the youngster is a long way from being the finished article and,
unless there is a sudden change of mind on the part of the boss I expect to
see Sears on the newly expanded bench this weekend.
Our opponents are currently below us in the league table by virtue of
alphabetical order. Their pre-season has been fairly humdrum, the best
result being a 6-0 win at Barnsley – though I did raise an eyebrow at their
result at Hannover when a typo suggested that they had conceded 962 goals.
The actual result was a 2-2 draw - the 96 actually being part of the German
club's full name. Their most recent run-out was a 2-0 win last weekend at
Dutch side Utrecht. Pre-season? Make of it what you will.
Wigan, it is fair to say, are not a club that one would normally associate
with attractive football. Last season the pitch at the (usually half-empty)
JJB stadium was poor by today's standards (though those of us old enough to
remember the Boleyn of old or the Baseball Ground will allow ourselves a wry
grin at the memory), and we were not the only club to leave with suspicions
that the home side had done little to improve matters as teams with a
passing game struggled to cope with a surface pitted with more divots than a
municipal golf course.
Chris Kirkland is expected to be between the sticks for the visitors though
there is an injury doubt at the time of writing. Expect Carlo Nash to step
in if Kirkland's back is still playing up. In front of the 'keeper, the
squad also has a couple of fitness problems. Austrian defender Paul
Scharner, often a danger in attack from set-pieces, has been struggling with
an ankle problem and has been rated as "doubtful" as I write. The likely
replacement will be the much-derided Titus Bramble, of whom Latics assistant
boss Eric Black recently said "he has shown without a doubt that he is a
Premier League centre-back," though the quote notably omitted to mention
which country Black had in mind. Fellow defender Ryan Taylor is also a
doubt. Former Chelsea defender Mario Melchiot is still about. If he plays,
expect an aerial barrage from long throws. On past experience, not all of
Melchiot's throws will actually be legal and keep an eye out for the lifted
back foot – the assistant referee is unlikely to. The defensive line-up has
recently been bolstered by the extension of the loan of Honduras
international Maynor Figuerola who impressed in his one and a half
appearances for Wigan.
In midfield the visitors have recently signed Lee Clattermole from Boro'
and, eventually, Olivier Kapo from Bruce's old club Birmingham City. The
Kapo deal was delayed as a "minor problem" believed to be connected with
unpaid disciplinary fines raised its head. The pick of the Wigan midfield
however is probably winger AntonioValencia who spent half the summer being
linked with big-money moves to the likes of Man Utd, Barcelona and
Liverpool. However it seems that he is likely to stay for one more season
(or at least until the January window) and if fit, selected, and on form he
is likely to prove a handful as long as Wigan ensure he sees plenty of the
ball.
Up front, Marlon King is out of favour and, by time you read this he is
likely to have completed a deal to spend the season on loan at Hull. Having
already spent part of his career at Gillingham, King seems intent on going
through the book of "Crap Towns" – either that or his agent really hates
him. Of those left in the squad we are most likely to see Emile Heskey
featuring alongside another recent loan addition Amr Zaki. Whilst Heskey is
a known, if nonetheless awkward, quantity, Zaki has eluded Premiership radar
up to now and the whisper from the JJB is that they are quite excited by the
signing of the Egyptian who has pitched in with a couple of pre-season
goals. Also in the squad is former Irons' loanee Henri Camera though, if the
comments attributed to Bruce to the effect that he didn't realise that
Camera was actually still a Wigan player when the Senegalese striker turned
up for training are to be believed, we shouldn't expect him to play too much
of a part in Saturday's proceedings.
Of course we couldn't let any mention of the visitors pass without reference
to "Honest Dave" Whelan whose hypocritical – and, frankly, often false –
comments on the Tevez affair did so much to entertain us a while ago. Given
his somewhat chequered reputation in just about every area of business in
which he has been involved, it seems that he may have finally grasped the
meaning of the phrase "people in glass houses" and, having abandoned
Sheffield United to the Championship, he has largely kept schtum in recent
months. Last year he elected to stay on holiday rather than watch Wigan's
August visit to the Boleyn and it'll be interesting to see if he has better
things to do this weekend.
In last season's corresponding match we scrambled a point at home despite
dominating for large periods of the game. This was in those heady opening
days of the season when the full injury crisis had yet to wreak its terrible
effect on the squad and, more cruicially, the type of game we were trying to
play. Although in Valencia (the player that is, not the Spanish city of the
same name!) Wigan have a player who can turn a match with his inventiveness,
the rest of their squad does not suggest we will be seeing a team who will
come to batter us with all out pace and skill. Instead, expect to see the
sort of thing we saw an awful lot of in the second tier a few years back as
the visitors "set out their stall" to "silence the home crowd." A good start
is crucial to our plans for the season and, if we try to play decent
football, three points should be there for the taking. My concern is that,
in the absence of Bellamy, we might resort to the sort of stuff we saw far
too much of last year as aimless long balls are pumped forward in the often
forlorn hope that Ashton or Cole might get on the end of something. If we
play that way this Saturday I fear that we will be merely playing into the
hands of our opponents. Cole's goal against Villareal was proof, however,
that it doesn't have to be that way – though it would have been more
heartening had we tried such a move more than once in the remaining 44
minutes of the half.
However, the first game of the season is not the time for doom and gloom. It
is the only time really when one can indulge in a spot of totally blind and
unthinking optimism so I'll plump for a 2-1 home win on this occasion
despite the depressive air about the place - and I'll throw in a win for
Essex in the cricket for free!
Enjoy the match!
Last season: 1-1
Danger Man: Antonio Valencia
Keep an eye out for: Wigan fans with megaphones (yes, really!), Honest Dave
Whelan
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Whose club is it anyway? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 14th August 2008
By: Dutchman
There is a defining moment in the life of every governing body or
institution that sometimes decides whether it stands or falls but always
determines how it will be remembered. In the case of the current Board at
West Ham United Football Club the defining moment must surely be the
increase in admission prices to levels that would not have appeared in a
fan's worst nightmare.
The notion that West Ham supporters, many of whom come from some of the most
deprived areas of the country, would or could pay £57 to watch a game
against Stoke City or Bolton (and no disrespect to either of these clubs) is
simply ludicrous, but we should not be surprised.
When Eggert Magnusson and his Icelandic chums pitched up at the Boleyn, it
was not long before they announced their intention to close it down and move
the football club to a new home. Magnusson believed that the model to follow
was Arsenal where the business customer is king and the ordinary punter pays
through the nose to sit in a soulless bowl, albeit a well designed one. The
difference between Arsenal and West Ham is, of course, that while we grub
around the middle of the Premier League, they regularly appear in the
Champions League thus attracting enough corporate cash to keep the show on
the road, a fact not lost on the Eggman who envisaged the Irons competing at
the same level within a few years. Unfortunately for him, events on the
field did not match his ambitions and history tells us that we are fortunate
not to be in the second division or whatever they call it these days.
Even after Magnusson was given the bums' rush, there did not seem to be cash
flow problems and West Ham's wage bill was amongst the highest in the
league. The bonanza for deserving footballers such as Freddie Ljundberg
coincided with a boom for financial institutions like Icelandic bank
Landbanski whose Chairman is West Ham's owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
Landbanski, together with other Icelandic banks had assets that were eight
times larger than the country's Gross Domestic Product, an impressive figure
even when it is taken into account that the entire population is less than
that of Bristol.
Unfortunately for Gudmundsson, and West Ham, the boom is over which may
account for the desperate attempt to raise revenue and lower costs by
whacking up ticket prices and shedding players. How else do you explain the
release of Nobby Solano, the sale of Bobby Zamora and the Ljunberg fiasco?
Rumours abound about other West Ham players and, despite Scott Duxbury's
denials, it would be no surprise to see Dean Ashton on his way before the
transfer deadline at the end of August.
When the new season begins and West Ham are playing in front of a half-empty
stadium, in contrast with last season's full houses, it would be easy to
blame the Board for treating us like a bunch of merchant bankers. But what
do we expect? Icelandic millionaires have no empathy with the supporters, no
connection with the club and are over here to make money out of it. We may
refer to West Ham as 'our' club and talk about it as 'we' but in reality we
have as much influence as to how it is run as we have Tesco. To the Board we
are nothing more than paying customers, to be squeezed until the pips
squeak, and that is the fundamental problem.
How much longer are we are going to tolerate this situation? At least when
West Ham was a PLC under Brown, we could buy a share and lobby the Board at
the AGM. Now we can not even do that. The supporters' forums are an insult
to our intelligence and achieve nothing. Even if the present regime sells up
and goes, who is to say that the next lot will be any better? In order for
there to be progress, West Ham, and indeed other clubs, must be brought
under supporters control and there has to be a challenge to the whole rotten
system of dodgy billionaire owners, bloated salaries and absurd ticket
prices that effectively bar real fans from watching their teams play.
"Impossible to do and not worth trying," I hear you say. Maybe that is the
case, but when West Ham are playing Stoke at 8pm on a freezing Monday night
with the game live on Sky or Setanta will you be paying £57 to turn up?
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New defender linked - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 14th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
Skysports are claiming this afternoon that West Ham have made a bid for
Nigerian centre-half Ayodele Adeleye. The 19-year-old defender joined Sparta
Rotterdam last year after initially impressing as a 17-year-old during the
2005 World under-20 Championships but is said to have caught the eye of a
number of Premier League clubs of late. Adeleye has been in action at the
Olympics this week where he had played all of Nigeria's games. He is set to
play in next week's quarter final against the Ivory Coast. Born in Lagos on
Christmas Day 1988, the 6'3" defender began his career with Shooting Stars
FC in Ibadan, Nigeria. He moved to Holland in February 2007 and has become a
regular in Sparta's first team.
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Hammers eye Uruguayan star - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 14th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United are running the rule over former Birmingham City striker
Walter Pandiani. The 32-year-old Uruguayan striker currently plays for
Spanish outfit Osasuna but is surplus to requirements with Los Rojillos. The
Hammers are thought to be looking at the player with view to a season-long
loan.
Pandiani, also known as 'The Rifle' last played in England three years ago
and made a total of 35 appearances for Birmingham, scoring seven goals.
However his early good form petered out shortly after making the move to the
City Ground permanent (having initially signed on loan) and he returned to
Spain in the summer of 2006 to join Espanyol. Pandiani went on to score 18
goals in 47 games for Espanyol before moving to Osasuna the following
summer.
The striker, a former roadsweeper began his professional career in his home
country with Progreso in 1996 before moving on to Basañez and then Penarol.
He moved to Spain in 2000 to join Deportivo La Coruna where he spent the
next five years (bar a year on loan at Mallorca in 02/03), averaging a goal
every three games. Pandiani was recently linked with Fulham and Premier
League newcomers Hull City although his agent denied that any offers had
been received. Osasuna coach Cuco Ziganda recently said that he would be
happy to keep Pandiani on the club's books despite the player no longer
being guaranteed a starting berth.
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Hello To The New Season - West Ham Online
Alex V - Thu Aug 14 2008
West Ham are all set for another decent season in the top flight. Curbishley
is apparently aiming for 7th place, but I think the difference between 7th
and 11th-12th is relatively small in the current Premiership. So I think any
position from 12th upwards in this league is acceptable and could be
described as progress.
I think the club has pretty much done what it set out to do in the Summer. A
few faces have been shifted, and I expect a few more to follow - the squad
was slightly bloated, and with 7-8 central defenders still on the books,
there is room to cut more players before the transfer window closes. Behrami
looks an interesting acquisition, and I expect one or two other new faces
will also arrive in the next couple of weeks.
But our squad, as it stands, is easily good enough for mid-table in the
Premiership, and that in itself is a remarkable transformation over the last
18 months. We will benefit from retaining a fairly settled core first team,
with what looks like a nice blend of experience and youth in the side.
Ashton, Parker and Bellamy are top-quality players, and at their age
Ferdinand and Noble are among the best of their generation. There is no
reason to be concerned about the quality of our first team.
Obviously we hope that the side is more fluent and entertaining this year,
while retaining the resilience and work ethic that saw us secure such a
promising position in the league last season. The onus is on the midfield
and attack to develop a successful understanding and a method of attacking
that works - we just never had that last season. It's been said many times,
but there is a real pressure on players like Faubert, Etherington and
Behrami to give us that cutting edge of pace and creativity that we have
lacked since Tevez and Benayoun left us.
And I suppose this is the time when Curbishley really lays his cards on the
table - I am convinced that he is a damned reliable club manager, but I want
to see evidence now that he and his staff can inspire a team to do more than
just hold their own in testing company. Hopefully there will be no injury
excuses this season, and we will be able to see what our manager can do on a
relatively fair playing field.
But a word of warning - this league doesn't stand still, and I think we have
to be realistic what we can achieve. I expect Spurs and Newcastle to improve
drastically on poor seasons last time, and teams like Sunderland, Fulham and
Wigan look like seriously improved outfits. While one could make a case for
Blackburn fading, I can't see any obvious reason why any of the other 8
teams who finished above us would provide easier opposition this season.
So on balance, I think that if everything goes right for us we could push
for a European place, but the more realistic expectation is of a season of
consistency but hopefully more entertaining football, somewhere in the
middle of the table. Heart says 7th, head says 11th.
Over the last 2 years the club has changed significantly, and is doing the
right things to create the conditions for real progress. Nani is scouring
the world for young talent, we continue to have a youth setup to be proud
of, new training facilities are on the way, and the medical staff has been
significantly expanded. Some of us have been calling for these changes to be
made for over a decade - now they are here, there is certainly no reason to
be pessimistic. I think the prospects for West Ham have never been healthier
- let's enjoy the season, and support the club that we love.
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Lucas Neill leaps to Alan Curbishley's defence - Telegraph
Lucas Neill has urged West Ham's board to be patient with manager Alan
Curbishley as he battles for his Upton Park future.
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 1:33AM BST 15 Aug 2008
Curbishley has spent £47 million since taking over yet managed just 10th
place in his first full season in charge. Included in that was a £22.5
million outlay on Craig Bellamy, Freddie Ljungberg, Kieron Dyer and Julien
Faubert. So far the quartet have made a combined 34 Premier League starts
because of injury, with Ljungberg leaving the club last week. West Ham
toiled without their main attacking weapons and as a result Curbishley has
been installed as the pre-season favourite to win the Premier League
sack-race amid financial uncertainty at Upton Park. But Neill, who was
signed by Curbishley in January last year, believes it is ill-fortune and
not ability that has left the manager in trouble. "He's been a victim of a
board that's come in, given him a lot of money and wanted success
immediately," said Neill. "He spent the money and unfortunately what he
spent it on didn't bear fruit. That's not his fault.
"It was just bad luck with injuries. He's got to be judged on what happens
from now. Somebody's got to be the favourite to get the sack first and it's
him because of the demand at West Ham for success. But the odds on him going
will change if we stick two or three wins together." Curbishley's critics
have pointed out that Bellamy, Dyer and Ljungberg are injury-prone and were
always going to be regulars in the treatment room. The news that Bellamy
will miss the first month of the season with Dyer possibly not available
until November will have been greeted with dismay by fans. But Neill
believes that when they do return the duo will feel like fresh signings.
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Neill urges board to support Curbishley
Dominic Fifield, Stuart James and Ewan Murray The Guardian, Friday August 15
2008
Lucas Neill has asked for patience from the West Ham hierarchy after Alan
Curbishleywas made favourite to be the first manager to lose his job once
the season is under way. The Hammers have had a quiet summer in the transfer
market, adding the Swiss international Valon Behrami but shedding Bobby
Zamora, John Pantsil and Fredrik Ljungberg. Yet both Curbishley and Neill
are hopeful the players who arrived for substantial fees last year will
experience better luck with injuries this term; they start without Kieron
Dyer and Craig Bellamy. "I think Curbishley has been the victim of a board
that's come in and wanted success immediately and given him a lot of money,"
said Neill. "People have to remember it's a slow process."
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Hammers boss knows the 'vultures are circling' - Guardian Series
7:38am Friday 15th August 2008
ALAN CURBISHLEY has admitted the 'vultures are circling' around him for the
first time in his managerial career but insists he is not fazed going into
the first game of the new season. The Hammers boss has been installed as the
bookies' favourite to win this year's managerial sack race after receiving
criticism from some quarters last season, while various sections of the
Upton Park crowd grew frustrated with the team's performances. Curbishley
admits he has taken some of that criticism on board but insists he will not
allow it all to overwhelm him, despite coming under fire for the first time
in his managerial career. "I guess you could say I've had an easy road until
now," he said. "The vultures have never circled over me before but I'll deal
with it.
"I understand the criticism, I don't close my eyes to it, but I don't have
to accept all of it as well. Some of it is true and I take that on board and
I try to change. "(Being favourite to be sacked first) is not something I'm
going to worry about, I've got plenty of other far more important things on
my plate to worry about. But it's part and parcel of being a manager.
Everyone understands the pressure that comes with the job. "I've been out at
about 40-1 before, as has Martin Jol I'm sure and look what happened there.
I'm sure I'm doing the other 19 managers a favour!"
Curbishley's managerial portfolio is an impressive one, having established
Charlton Athletic as a Premier League club after two promotions during his
15-year spell. So, having to deal with growing pressure from fans and media
alike is something he has rarely had to contend with. There has been
increasing clamour for Curbishley to deliver the kind of attacking football
the supporters yearn for, but as he is quick to point out, the spate of
injuries the club have encountered has somewhat inhibited that ambition. "I
accept that I have a responsibility. I know that there are certain
traditions at West Ham and I've been brought up on that," he added. "People
have to understand that we were patched up a lot of times last season and
quite often the team picked itself, given the injuries we had. "But I accept
the criticism. We didn't shut ourselves off to that and we're trying to do
better. We want to win games and we want to play better."
With that mindset firmly in place, Curbishley hopes the team can silence the
doubters and do all the talking on the pitch. "I always seem to be defending
myself and the team. This season I don't want to be doing any of that.
"We'll attack the positions above us in the league this year. If we do
better than we did last season then I'll be happy."
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Newcastle move for West Ham's Gabbidon
tribalfooball.com - August 14, 2008
Newcastle United are eyeing West Ham defender Danny Gabbidon. The Evening
Chronicle says while a deal for Deportivo La Coruna centre-half Fabricio
Coloccini is being wrapped up, Toon are also eyeing Wales international
Gabbidon.
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Curbishley wants more from West Ham kid Sears
tribalfootball.com - August 14, 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is looking for Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears
to make big contributions in attack this season. He said: "Carlton Cole did
last season well and young Freddie has looked good in pre-season. I'm
looking for big things from him as well. "He has more maturity about him and
sees a bit of light. I'm looking for more from all the strikers, not just
Dean (Ashton)."
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West Ham boss Curbishley: Ashton facing big season
tribalfooball.com - August 14, 2008
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has challenged Dean Ashton to reach his
potential this season. "This is a big season for Dean. (Fabio) Capello spoke
to him in the summer and he's take on board what he said," Curbishley said.
"What Capello has asked for is no different to what we've asked for and Dean
has been working hard at it. I think you will see a difference. "I'm looking
for him to lead the line and score the goals that comes with that.
"At his age and the position he finds himself in, it's all in front of him.
Everything is up for grabs - and that includes the England spot. "If you
have that in front of you, you must do everything possible to take the
opportunity. Last season he was still feeling his way back."
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West Ham boss Curbishley: This is Davenport's chance
tribalfooball.com - August 14, 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley says fit-again defender Calum Davenport will
have a chance to establish himself this season. "Davenport was training near
the end of last season and carried on through the summer. He's got a point
to prove," he said. "He came to us 18 months ago, suffered an injury like a
lot of them did and took a long time to recovery. "He's had a good
pre-season but knows there's a lot of competition when everyone is fit. He
wants to grab his chance by the scruff of the neck and make the most of it."
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West Ham skipper Neill: Ljungberg not discussed
tribalfootball.com - August 14, 2008
West Ham captain Lucas Neill says his players have not mentioned the sudden
departure - and payout - of ex-teammate Freddie Ljungberg. "It's something
he agreed with West Ham. He's a great player but obviously something wasn't
right. Nobody knows what happened," said Neill. "Nobody has seen Freddie.
Nobody is talking about the Freddie situation. We don't even know what the
real situation is."
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Skipper Neill has swipe at West Ham board
tribalfootball.com - August 14, 2008
Club captain Lucas Neill has taken a dig at the expectations of West Ham's
board as manager Alan Curbishley begins the new season under intense
pressure to keep his job. "I think he's been a victim of a board that's come
in, given him a lot of money and wanted success immediately," said Neill.
"He spent the money and unfortunately what he spent it on didn't bear fruit.
That's not his fault. "It was just bad luck with injuries. I think he's got
to be judged on what happens from now. "Somebody's got to be the favourite
to get the sack first and unfortunately it's him because of the demand at
West Ham for success. "But the odds on him going will soon change if we
stick two or three quick wins together. "It's a slow process and you've got
to build a foundation. Matthew Upson summed it up the other day - you can't
just buy success in one season, it takes time. "Time stood still for us for
a year because everyone we tried to bring in, in terms of knowledge and
experience, was injured."
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Anton Ferdinand turns down new West Ham contract - Telegraph
West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand has reportedly rejected an improved
contract offer at Upton Park, prompting fresh speculation that he could be
sold before the end of the current transfer window.
By Matt Lawless
Last Updated: 1:16PM BST 14 Aug 2008
The former England Under-21 international has been the subject of interest
from Tottenham, Newcastle and Aston Villa this summer. While a move to Villa
is seemingly unlikely after Martin O'Neill completed the £7.8 million
signing of Spanish defender Carlos Cuellar, Newcastle could re-emerge as a
potential buyer. It is understood Ferdinand, 23, turned down an approach
from St James' Park last month because he did not want to leave London for
the North East, but West Ham could be swayed if their reported £8 million
valuation is met. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is set to select Matthew
Upson and Callum Davenport as his defensive pairing for the start of the new
season against Wigan after the duo impressed together during pre-season in
the absence of Ferdinand, who missed the 1-1 friendly draw with Villarreal
with a hamstring problem. With James Tomkins, the highly-rated England
Under-19 prospect, and Wales international James Collins, who recently
returned to full training following a lengthy spell on the sidelines,
Curbishley has other alternatives to choose from in defence.
Although Ferdinand has repeatedly insisted over the summer that he wishes to
remain at West Ham, his apparent reluctance to sign improved terms that are
believed to be worth three times his current deal, could accelerate his exit
with the club eager to reduce their high wage bill. Curbishley, meanwhile,
has invited promising Trinidad & Tobago midfielder Keon Daniel for a trial a
week before the transfer deadline with a view to a permanent deal, according
to the player. Daniel, 21, spent a week with champions Manchester United
three years ago and is looking forward to his latest opportunity. He said:
"I'm playing regularly and I have been to England before so I know what to
expect - if things work out for me we have to look at the transfer deadline
of Aug 31. "It's going to be a great opportunity for me and it's one I'm
looking forward to."
Curbishley, the former Charlton manager and bookmakers' favourite to be the
first Premier League manager relieved of his duties this season, has
reassured the club's concerned supporters that he has been working hard to
secure new signings, revealing a new defender is a priority. All of which
casts further doubt on Ferdinand's future. He said: "At the moment in
defence, I need to strengthen it a little bit, as we've got one or two
niggles there, but the problem we've faced so far is getting clubs to say
yes. Everyone wants to hold on to their players."
Trialist Ben Thatcher is set to sign for Championship club Ipswich, however,
after he was jeered by West Ham fans throughout his 45-minute appearance for
last weekend.
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Behrami aiming for a Euro fight - EastLondonAdvertiser
14 August 2008
NEW signing Valon Behrami has told his West Ham team-mates to let their
football do the talking as they chase European qualification this season.
Swiss international Behrami is the lone big-name signing to arrive at Upton
Park this summer following a £5million move from Lazio last month. Despite
the lack of new additions, Behrami is convinced the club can improve on last
year's 10th place finish. He said: "I think West Ham have the possibility to
push on from last year and definitely improve - but we have only to work and
not so much talk. "Maybe if everything goes right for us we can spring a
surprise this season." The versatile has made four pre-season appearances
since joining the Hammers and has played on the right flank, in central
midfield and also at right-back. Behrami looks certain to start at full-back
against Wigan this weekend and he admits he is happy to play anywhere for
his new club. "I just prefer to play - and then where the manager wants me,"
he said. "When I have the option, then its midfielder, but the more
important thing is to play."
Even Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is unsure where Behrami will settle within
the team this season but he is delighted to have the talented all-rounder at
his disposal. He'll play where we have to play him and that's one of the
main reasons why I brought him in," said Curbishley.
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HAMMERS COMMENT - Time for excuses is over - Echo News
2:00pm Thursday 14th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United manager Alan Curbishley is well-known for repeating himself.
On the pitch, his Charlton Athletic sides spent the best part of decade
starting the season well before tailing off miserably come the Spring. Off
it, the man who became Irons boss in December 2006 has a stock range of
catchphrases and stories that he regularly re-counts to the press. One such
tale is that of West Ham's "solid" 2007/08 season. A year ago, Curbishley
told the media thus: "In the last four seasons West Ham have lost a play-off
final, won a play-off final, lost an FA Cup final and won a relegation
battle. "All I've said since we've been back is that I want a solid season."
And then he told us the same thing again and again and again. While some
journalists might have nodded off, his players obviously listened intently
as West Ham spent virtually the whole season marooned in 10th place – the
league position that is the very epitome of "solid". Well, 12 months on, a
similarly "solid" season will certainly not be enough to satisfy the club's
success-thirsty supports, and may not be enough to keep Curbishley himself
in a job.
Despite the fact that virtually the whole Premier League have chucked money
at trying to climb – or stay-in – the top-flight, the Irons' boss is under
severe pressure to improve on last season's mid-table showing. It may not be
fair but the bookmakers have stalled Curbs as the 4/1 favourite in the sack
race – and you rarely see a poor bookie... But should the boss really be
looking over his shoulder?
Aside from the manager's laments, last season was notable for one other
monotonously regular occurrence – injuries. West Ham's first team players
were ruled out with a total of more than 50 strains, pulls and breaks last
term. Whatever the claims and counter-claims of fans unhappy with the policy
of signing walking wounded Freddie Ljungberg and Kieron Dyer, Curbishley
could not be blamed for the long-term injuries suffered to Julien Faubert,
Scott Parker or Craig Bellamy.
To steer a team so severely depleted to safety with months to spare was a
real achievement. But for many West Ham fans, that achievement will not –
and perhaps should not – be enough should the Hammers not hit the ground
running this time around. With Dean Ashton back to full fitness, Curbishley
at last has a regular goalscorer to call upon for the first time since the
departure of Carlos Tevez. In midfield, Faubert, Parker, Mark Noble, Matty
Etherington and new signing Valon Behrami are all ready to go. At the back,
Matthew Upson has returned, while Robert Green will remain as consistent as
ever in goal.
Indeed, of his first-choice team perhaps only three or four – Bellamy, Dyer,
Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney – will miss Saturday's opener against
Wigan Athletic. With the vast majority of his best players back in action,
Curbishley should be rightly and fairly judged on the style his team play
and the results they achieve this season. Despite the club's lack of
spending, boring, direct, predictable football will no longer be acceptable.
The time for excuses is gone.
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HAMMERS TALK: Newcastle linked with Ashton move - Guardian Series
2:07pm Thursday 14th August 2008
MEDIA reports claim Newcastle United manager Kevin Keegan is hoping to prize
Dean Ashton away from Upton Park with a bid of £12 million as he looks to
bolster his forward line ahead of the new season. The Magpies boss wants to
pair Ashton with Michael Owen in an all-English strike force and this could
prove tempting for the 24 year-old, who is desperate to force his way into
the England team. The Hammers striker played for England in the friendly
with Trinidad and Tobago in May and was told by Fabio Capello that he needs
to focus on getting fitter if he wants to make the grade at international
level.
"We followed Dean in a lot of games last season and he was very good but he
had injury problems before that," Capello said in the Evening Standard.
"He has since told me he is fit now. I spoke with him in Trinidad and I told
him he had to lose weight and be better physically because technically he is
good but he is not quick."
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Nani up for Hammers challenge - Setanta
by Adam Polkinghorne, 14 August 2008
West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani wants to attract the best young
talent in the world to Upton Park. The Italian arrived from Serie A side
Brescia in June with the mission to transform the Hammers into one of
Europe's top clubs both on and off the pitch. He plans to completely
overhaul every aspect behind-the-scenes from scouting to medical and
training facilities. The 45-year-old admits the job is a "great gamble" but
is hungry to succeed and optimistic about the East London club's future. "I
know my job and that is to keep the best players from last season and find
the best players to add to the squad. My plan is to build our organisation
by finding the best European and South American players from around the
world but we need time, "Nani told the Basildon newspaper. Nani is pleased
with the signing of Valon Behrami, a player he personally recommended and
has defended the club's controversial decision to release Freddie Ljungberg.
"He was available for transfer. He played a lot of years in England and he
would like to do a new thing so in respect for him and his career without
any fighting we let him go."
Injury problems blighted Alan Curbishley's preparations last season but Nani
believes the team is in good shape. "Last season we had some players who
were injured but all of them are coming back. I think we are working the
right way. We know we have Craig Bellamy and Julien Faubert coming back and
Kieron Dyer is very close to coming back again – so I think we can have a
good season."
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Hammers believes Ferdinand will be fit for curtain-raiser - Guardian Series
2:17pm Thursday 14th August 2008
HAMMERS defender Anton Ferdinand is expected to be fit for the team's season
curtain-raiser against Wigan on Saturday, writes Tim Groves. The centre-back
has been struggling after picking up a knock in the side's friendly win over
Ipswich but, speaking at a press conference on Thursday, Alan Curbishley was
confident that he would feature. "I'm confident, he is in with a good shout
of playing against Wigan," said the Irons boss. Despite another spate of
injuries, Curbishley remains upbeat about his side's chances of victory in
their opening fixture. Last season saw fans briefly turn on their team as
they grew frustrated with the team's performances but Curbishley insists
that substance must come before style. "The result is the most important
thing. The first games can often produce some unusual results. "Hopefully it
will all go well and we'll get a good performance but we need a winning
start and that's what everyone yearns for," he added. "We're looking forward
to it and we're confident."
The former Charlton manager is anticipating a tough test against Steve
Bruce's Wigan but he is not expecting them to spring too many surprises for
his team. "They (Wigan) turned the corner last year and they've got a squad
that can deliver more than they did last year. It should be a decent game
and fairly open," he said. "With Man City (in the first game of last season)
we weren't sure what to expect because they had signed lots of people last
summer. But with Wigan not making too many signings, we know what we're up
against. They've had a good pre-season but they've had a couple of problems
of their own."
In other team news, the Hammers boss confirmed that Lucas Neill will play at
left back as a result of injuries to Jonathan Spector and George McCartney.
"Spector is still recovering from a hip operation so Neill will play at
left-back. He's been playing comfortably there but yes, we are light in that
area at the moment," said the 50 year-old. "McCartney has had an illness for
the past two and a half weeks and he won't be back until Monday."
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West Ham boss looking for Ashton to be his leading man - Guardian Series
2:24pm Thursday 14th August 2008
ALAN CURBISHLEY has called for striker Dean Ashton to 'lead the line' for
the Hammers this season and push for an England recall, writes Jared Rood.
Ashton put all the speculation about a potential move away from Upton Park
to bed by signing a new deal with the Irons earlier in the summer. And
Curbishley now wants the 25-year-old to realise his full potential and
spearhead the attack for club and country. "Fabio Capello spoke to Dean over
the summer and he knows what he's asked for. He's working hard at it and I
expect to see a difference," he told reporters at a press conference on
Thursday.
"I want Dean to lead the line and get the goals that comes with that. It's
all in front of him. Everything is up for grabs and that includes an England
spot and Dean will have to do all he can to grab that chance."
The Swindon-born striker has enjoyed a fruitful pre-season for West Ham,
scoring six times in as many games, including a hat-trick against Ipswich
Town and Curbishley hopes he can strike up a prolific partnership with the
injured Craig Bellamy. He said: "I'm looking forward to seeing him playing
with Bellamy - they played only two games together last year and they've
only played twice together in pre-season."
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Fast start a must warns Curbishley - East London Advertiser
14 August 2008
By JONATHAN CLEGG
ALAN Curbishley admits that West Ham must hit the ground running this season
- or risk being dragged into a relegation scrap. Hammers boss Curbishley
pulled off a miraculous escape from the drop in his first season at Upton
Park and then guided the club to a mid-table finish in the last campaign. He
is now planning an assault on the Premier League's top six - but insists
dreams of European qualification could be replaced by another nightmare
struggle against relegation if West Ham fail to perform in the opening weeks
of the season. "I think it's always important to get off to a good start. No
matter what the fixtures give you, it is a vital time," said Curbishley.
"When I talk about starts, I tend to talk about eight games. I think it then
settles down a bit and you see if you've had a decent start or not. "If you
have had a decent start, a win here and then a loss and win - it keeps you
where you are. "But if you've not had a good start and you need to pick up,
you're always chasing it."
West Ham's prospects of hitting the ground running this season have been
dealt a blow by a series of injury problems during pre-season. Defenders
George McCartney and Anton Ferdinand remains doubtful for the opening match
against Wigan at Upton Park on Saturday, while Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer
are definitely out. Having seen his team hit by an unprecedented injury
crisis last season, Curbishley is anxious to strengthen the squad with at
least one new addition before the transfer window closes at the end of the
month. He said: "We're looking to add [to the squad] and I think I need to
strengthen it at the back a little bit because we've got one or two niggles
there." West Ham triallist Ben Thatcher will not be one of the new arrivals
after Ipswich Town confirmed he is on the verge of a move to the
Championship club.
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EXCLUSIVE - Hammers' Gianluca Nani interview - ECHO
11:44am Thursday 14th August 2008
GIANLUCA Nani is a man with a mission. He wants to turn West Ham United into
one of Europe's top clubs, both on and off the pitch. To fulfil his aims,
the Irons' new Italian technical director plans to overhaul everything from
the club's playing staff to its medical and training facilities. Nani spoke
exclusively to our sister paper the Basildon about his plans for the
Hammers. THEY same Rome was not built in a day. It is perhaps ironic, then,
that Roman Gianluca Nani says that the new West Ham United will not be built
in a day. The 45-year-old arrived from Serie A side Brescia in June with the
remit of transforming the Hammers from a traditional English club to one at
the forefront of European and world football. To do so, the former law
student stated his case for an almost complete overhaul of the club's
scouting, transfer, training and medical facilities. Nani has a dream of
attracting the cream of the world's best young talent to Upton Park before
turning them into superstars. The Italian's job, he admitted, is a "great
gamble", but Nani is prepared to roll the dice.
"It's fantastic to be at West Ham. It's really nice. It's a really great
gamble," he told the Echo. "I'm really concentrated because now we are
working hard for the transfer market and we try to build a better team. "We
are taking care of the financial side too and we think that West Ham could
be a really good team. "First of all, we are trying to build a team around
the squad."
Since his arrival, Nani's influence has already been felt in the transfer
market. Valon Behrami arrived from Lazio for £5million at his own personal
recommendation. "Behrami can be one of the top players in the Premier League
within two-or-three years. He has everything needed to be successful in
England," Nani enthused.
Meanwhile, Bobby Zamora, John Pantsil and Freddie Ljungberg - in
controversial circumstances - have all left the Boleyn Ground since his
arrival. "Freddie will try a new experience abroad and we let him go," Nani,
who took part in the negotiation of the Swede's release from his three-year
contract after just a single season, explained. "He was available for
transfer. He played a lot of years in England and played for the best team
in England and played in Europe.
"He would like to do a new thing and so in respect of him and his career,
without any fighting we let him go."
Despite the ins and outs, many West Ham supporters have been disappointed
with the lack of action in the transfer market. Nani, however, insisted his
work in the summer transfer window was not yet done. "It has not been a
frustrating summer at all," he said. "I know my job and that is to keep the
best players from last season find the best players to add to the squad.
"I'm working hard trying to be ready, when we have the chance, to bring in
the best players. "But, the market could change at any time and you have to
be ready to take that opportunity to get the better players. "Some players
could go, while some others could come – you have to be ready at any time."
Nani made his name by bringing in unproven talent and reviving seemingly
spent careers during his nine-year spell at Brescia. Among those to benefit
were Italian World Cup winners Luca Toni and Andrea Pirlo, Roberto Baggio,
Spanish midfielder Josip Guardiola, Brazilian Matuzalem and Ghanaian
midfielder Stephen Appiah. The technical director wants to build a similarly
successful operation in the East End, but it will not happen overnight. "My
plan to build our organisation by finding the best European and South
American players from around the world, we need time," he said. "I think we
are not finished with the market. "The balance should be looked at at the
end of the market and the real balance will be shown at the end of the
season."
What is clear is that Nani and his scouting network will scour the world for
"the next Cristiano Ronaldo", with Icelandic teenager Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson
already at the club and skilful Hungarian forward Balint Bajner on trial.
For now, however, Nani is content with the strength of the Irons' first team
squad and believes the club can enjoy a positive season in the Premier
League. "Last season, we had some players who were injured, but all of them
are coming back," he added. "We have a very good medical department and have
bought a very important player in Valon Behrami. We are really following our
plan.
"I think we are working the right way. We know we have Craig Bellamy and
Julien Faubert coming back and Kieron Dyer is very close to coming back
again. "So, I think we can have a good season."
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Collison ruled out of Welsh U21 qualifier - ShropshireStar.com
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison will miss Wales under-21's UEFA
championship qualifying match next week. The 19-year-old has withdrawn from
the squad to play Romania at Wrexham next Wednesday with a medial knee
ligament injury. If Wales win they will ensure a place in November's
play-offs for a place in the Sweden finals next summer. Boss Brian Flynn
today trimmed an initial 28-strong squad to 18 for the game. Lewin Nyatanga
and Joe Jacobson are out injured, while Chelsea teenage goalkeeper Rhys
Taylor has been elevated to the senior squad which will hopefully play
Georgia the same night at Swansea, providing the fixture goes ahead.
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Hot Cole looks to fire up the Premier League - Guardian Series
10:47am Thursday 14th August 2008
WEST Ham striker Carlton Cole has revealed that the team must build on their
performance last season and are targeting a top-ten finish in the Premier
League this time around, writes Tim Groves. "The ambition has always got to
be to finish higher than tenth," said the former England U21 international.
"We set ourselves a good base last season. "We weren't in the dogfight at
the bottom and we've got to build on that and achieve more." Following
Craig Bellamy's latest injury, Cole may find himself in the starting line-up
to face Wigan but the striker insists he has no idea if he will be playing.
"We're just going with the flow," he said. "If you get called upon you've
just got to go out there and do a professional job and that's what we'll do.
We're professional players," said the 24 year-old. The former Chelsea man
netted for the first time in pre-season against Villareal and is hoping that
more goals will come when the season starts in earnest on Saturday.
"Hopefully I've saved it until the start of the season and during the
season," he said. Cole played up front on his own in the second half
against Villareal and he seems happy to fulfil any role as long as he's
playing first team football. "I don't mind. I just like playing," he said.
"Last season I got called upon to do a job up front alone because we had so
many injuries. "As long as I'm playing I'm happy." The striker has also
backed more of the Hammers' youth team stars to set the Premier League
alight. "West Ham is renowned for producing good, talented youngsters and
the academy is still producing some of the best talent you're going to see
in the Premier League," raved Cole.
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Hammers' Matt wants Moore glory with England - Guardian Series
10:48am Thursday 14th August 2008
WITH West Ham having made the decision to retire the club's famous number
six shirt to honour legendary skipper Bobby Moore, the last man to wear the
jersey must now settle for a less traditional 15 instead. Despite his
disappointment at losing one of the most famous shirts in English football,
Matthew Upson called it a 'massive honour' that he had the opportunity to
wear it at all. He said: "It was a massive honour, just to actually be given
the shirt when I came here. "I'll miss playing in it but it's been retired
in the right way and in honour of somebody who is a legend at the club and
for football in general." Upson is now less concerned by the digits on his
back but rather focused on replicating Moore's achievements in a different
way, by cementing a place at the heart of the England defence. It's a
massive goal of mine," he said in regards to a possible call-up. "I'm
working towards that every day. As long as I perform for West Ham and it's
something I really want to be involved in. "Fabio Capello hasn't been in
touch in any way but I'm sure he's been watching a lot of the games. "We've
only got one Premier League game and then there's an England friendly, so
who knows?"
The close season has been characteristically chaotic and has seen more
uncertainty surrounding the future of manager Alan Curbishley after the club
finished tenth despite buying players such as Kieron Dyer, Craig Bellamy and
French international player Julien Faubert. "It's the nature of football,"
said Upson. "We had a huge financial injection and a lot of people expected
big things at this place and so far those massive things haven't been
delivered. You've got to build your way up to being able to sustain being a
top club and that doesn't happen overnight."
With England in mind, as well as success with his club side, Upson is
understandably anxious for the season to get under way. "You get to the
point where you're sick of pre-season friendlies and you just want the
league to start so you can just crack on," he said. "I missed a few games at
the end of last season, so it's been a long summer for me. "But I feel good,
my sharpness is coming back, and in another couple of games I'll be where I
was before."
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