WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager believes 52 points could be enough to qualify
for next season's UEFA Europa League
19.03.2009
Gianfranco Zola believes 52 points could be enough for his West Ham United
team to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa League.
The Hammers occupy seventh position in the Premier League table going into
Saturday's trip to Blackburn Rovers. Zola's squad has mustered 40 points
from the 29 league games they have contested this season and the manager
believes 12 points from their final nine fixtures could be enough to secure
European football next season.
With home games against Sunderland, Chelsea, Liverpool and Middlesbrough and
trips to Tottenham Hotspur, Aston Villa, Stoke City and Everton to follow
this weekend's visit to Ewood Park, Zola is positive his squad has the
physical and mental strength to qualify for next season's UEFA Europa
League.
"The supporters can be optimistic as long as we manage to get all the
players back from injury. Obviously we have had big problems and in the next
few weeks we are looking forward to getting a few players back. When we have
all of them available again then we really have a good chance because the
team is looking well.
"The team has shown me that it is a strong team and also mentally they are
strong because we lost a few games. We lost to Manchester United and at
Bolton and the FA Cup game at Middlesbrough but we had a very difficult game
against Manchester City and on that occasion they performed very, very well.
It was a very good indication to me about how strong they are mentally.
"First of all we need consistency. It is a very, very important thing. They
need to perform all the time. That is the main thing. We have achieved the
first target which was to get to at least 40 points. Now they need to push
even more because we want to reach 52 points. I believe that will be the
quota we need to achieve if we want to go into Europe, so they need to push
themselves even harder.
"At this point of the season we have less players because we have a few
injuries and people are starting to get tired so they really need to be
demanding of themselves.
"I believe that 52 points will be the target we need that might take us to
the Europa League so we are 12 points short. It is achievable. We have to
think in this way. We have to have targets and try everything to achieve
them."
While some Premier League clubs have fielded weakened teams in the UEFA Cup
this season, the manager also dismissed suggestions that European football
would prove be an unwanted distraction for him and his players next term
should the Hammers secure their qualification.
"For me, it is very much worth qualifying. We haven't been in Europe for a
while [the 2006/07 season]. I played in Europe for many years as a player
and I know very much how good it is to play in that kind of competition not
only for the silverware you can get but also for the opportunity it gives
players to improve. If you play abroad you always improve so I wish that we
can achieve that."
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Future bright for Zola
WHUFC.com
With the Academy production line running well, Gianfranco Zola has a wealth
of talent at his disposal
19.03.2009
Gianfranco Zola is relishing seeing what his exciting crop of young players
can do as the club head to Blackburn Rovers on Saturday pushing hard for a
top-seven finish.
The manager has lost the services of some key players of late but sees that
as an opportunity to gain greater understanding of the talent he could have
at his disposal for years to come.
Already this season, six Academy graduates - namely Mark Noble, James
Tomkins, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Junior Stanislas and Freddie Sears - have
played under Zola, while goalkeeper Marek Stech, defender Bondz N'Gala and
versatile Josh Payne have all made it to the bench.
Add to that Zavon Hines, the 20-year-old forward who made a goalscoring
debut in the League Cup last August, and the likes of 19-year-old Savio, the
22-year-old Jonathan Spector and even Valon Behrami and Walter Lopez, who
are both still only 23, and the future looks bright for the manager.
However, Zola is anxious not to put too much pressure on his young charges.
He said: "The young players are an important part of the project we are
taking forward but we need to use them at the right time and at the right
moment. We have got a clear idea of what we are going to do.
"I have seen a few new players so I can have a better idea of what they can
give me and also where they need to improve. I am going to be working on
that and it is important for me for the future."
The man of the moment is perhaps Tomkins, with the 19-year-old centre-back
having more than played his part in the clean sheets the Hammers have kept
in their last three Premier League fixtures.
The England Under-19 defender has slotted in at the heart of the back-four
following an injury to James Collins and has hardly put a foot wrong,
greatly impressing his manager.
Zola added: "He has been doing very well James. He is young but he is at the
same time very mature. He looks very composed and I am very pleased with his
performance. He is improving very much."
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Sears seeks Rovers return
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears is hoping for more great memories against Blackburn a year
after his goalscoring debut
18.03.2009
Freddie Sears is eager to face Blackburn Rovers on Saturday having made his
first Barclays Premier League start for four months last weekend.
After enjoying 90 minutes against West Bromwich Albion, the England Under-20
international is hoping to start his second consecutive match. "Against West
Brom I think I did well and I got round a bit, been busy and got on the
ball," Sears said. "It's hard with me and David [Di Michele] both being the
same sort of size but I think all we did was lack a goal, that was all we
needed.
"It was good. I think we took a while to get going with a few new faces in
the team but once we got going I think we did OK. We just needed a goal to
push on."
The Hornchurch-based forward is hoping to draw on previous positive
experiences against Blackburn, after scoring a memorable winner on his debut
in March 2008 against the same opponents. After the West Brom match,
however, Sears knows that it will not be an easy game.
"Going to Blackburn will be a difficult but if we can go there with the
right attitude then we can get the three points that we need. We need that
seventh place and it would be great to score against Blackburn again after
the good memories last time."
With Carlton Cole suspended, Sears is hoping to retain his place up front to
try to continue to build his form and fitness in the Premier League.
"It's a massive opportunity. With Coley suspended for two games you know
there is a massive space there and I'm just working as hard as I can to stay
in the space and keep the shirt. You've got to keep training hard and see
where it takes you.
It is just a year and a few days since Sears' dramatic debut, but the
19-year-old already feels he is now much more of a rounded player after a
nearly a full season training with the first team.
"I'm definitely a better player. Over the year you come on leaps and bounds
training with the first team every game. They are so sharp it makes you a
better player.
"It's been a bit on and off but I'm happy to get on the pitch at any time.
Obviously it's frustrating sitting on the bench sometimes or going and not
making the bench but I think just getting on the pitch and helping out the
team makes me happy."
Like the rest of the squad, Sears is still confident the Hammers can achieve
the results over the last nine games to remain in seventh spot in the league
and secure a UEFA Europa League slot for next season.
"The aim is to finish seventh and that's we all think we can achieve. We
think we can get a European spot and that would be a great achievement for
the club."
Sears, along with James Tomkins, has just been named in the England Under-20
squad to play a friendly against Italy at Loftus Road at the end of the
month and then with it is the possibility of a place at the FIFA U-20 World
Cup taking place in Egypt later this year. The prospect of travelling to the
finals to represent his country is one that excites Sears.
"It would be great to fly out there to play different countries every week
and different nationalities. Playing for England at any level is a great
achievement and it helps you as a player playing more games."
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Spence happy at Orient
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence is pleased with the experience he is getting during his loan
spell at Leyton Orient
19.03.2009
Jordan Spence is loving life on loan at League One side Leyton Orient.
The England Under-19 defender is enjoying his second spell at Brisbane Road
this season, helping Geraint Williams' O's climb clear of the relegation
zone with a run of three straight victories this month.
Wins over Brighton and Hove Albion, Carlisle United and Stockport County
have lifted Orient into 17th place, seven points clear of the bottom four,
and Spence is eager to ensure the club does not slip back into trouble
during the final eight weeks of the campaign.
"It's going well. We've had three wins out of three in the past week. It was
a big week for us as it's seen us go seven points clear of the relegation
area so we're moving in the right direction. Hopefully we can continue on
our good run and a run of wins and could find ourselves safe before the last
day of the season.
"They are a great bunch of lads down there. The new manager has come in and
had faith in me and hopefully I'm repaying that faith. We're now out of the
bottom-four and performing well."
A regular in West Ham's Under-18 and reserve teams over the past two
seasons, Academy graduate Spence has been widely tipped to have a very
bright future in the game.
Capped by England at Under-16, 17, 18 and 19 level, the intelligent and
versatile defender is used to performing on the big stage, having scored the
winner when captaining his country against Brazil at the 2007 FIFA U-17
World Cup. However, Spence admits he is relishing the challenge of playing
week-in, week-out in a demanding league.
"Obviously it's different [from playing for West Ham or England] but there's
a really good spirit in the dressing room. We all want to be part of the
starting eleven and that competitive spirit is helping us to get out of the
situation we were in.
"We've played a number of games in front of crowds of 6,000 or 7,000 which
has its own sort of pressure because you need to fight for the three points
week-in, week-out. I'd obviously not experienced that before and, because we
were in such a precarious position initially, everything was critical. It's
certainly a different sort of pressure but pressure that I enjoy and
hopefully I'm thriving under it."
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Blackburn match preview
All of the early team news ahead of Saturday's match with Blackburn Rovers
at Ewood Park
19.03.2009
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Barclays Premier League
Blackburn Rovers v West Ham United
Ewood Park
Saturday 21 March
3pm
Referee: Chris Foy
WHUTV - LIVE COMMENTARY, ACTION AND REACTION
• West Ham United travel to face Sam Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers in the
club's 15th away match of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season.
• On the road, West Ham have won four (Fulham, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Wigan
Athletic), drawn five (Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United,
Arsenal) and lost five (Manchester City, West Bromwich Albion, Hull City,
Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers)
• The Hammers go into Saturday's match unbeaten in their last three Premier
League matches. A Jack Collison volley saw Manchester City beaten 1-0 at the
Boleyn Ground on 1 March before Carlton Cole's fine finish earned victory by
the same scoreline at Wigan Athletic on 4 March. West Ham drew 0-0 with West
Bromwich Albion at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening.
• West Ham will hope to complete their third Premier League 'double' of the
season after winning 4-1 at the Boleyn Ground in the reverse fixture on
Saturday 30 August. Wigan and Fulham are the other teams the Hammers have
beaten home and away this season.
• West Ham have won their last six matches against Blackburn in all
competitions, including victories on each of their previous two visits to
Ewood Park. Rovers have not beaten the Hammers since 10 December 2005.
• Zola's side go into the match in seventh place in the Premier League
table. A win could lift the Hammers within five points of sixth-placed
Everton should the Toffeemen lose at Portsmouth on Saturday. Should the
top-six remain the same, a seventh-place finish will be good enough to
qualify for next season's inaugural UEFA Europa League.
• Blackburn go into Saturday's match 15th in the Premier League table, a
point above 18th-placed Stoke City.
• This is the 92nd league meeting between the two sides. Blackburn have won
42, West Ham have won 38 and there have been eleven draws.
• West Ham manager Zola made his debut in English football at Ewood Park on
16 November 1996. The Italian was part of the Chelsea team that drew 1-1
with Blackburn that day.
Referee
• Monday's referee is Chris Foy.
• Now 46, Foy started refereeing at the age of 20 in 1983. He joined the
Football League list of assistant referees in 1994 and the Premier League
assistant referees' list a year later.
• Foy became a Football League referee in 1996 before being promoted to the
Premier League list in 2001, taking charge of his first top-flight fixture
in December of that year.
• Foy took charge of the 2007 FA Trophy final between Stevenage Borough and
Kidderminster Harriers at Wembley on 12 May 2007.
• He returned to the national stadium as fourth official for the 2008 FA Cup
final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City before refereeing this season's
Carling Cup final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
• Foy has been actively involved in the 'Don't X The Line' campaign to
eradicate abusive or aggressive behaviour from players and spectators at
junior and youth matches.
• Foy has taken charge of just one West Ham fixture so far this season,
refereeing the Hammers' 1-0 defeat at Hull City on 19 October. He was also
in charge for Blackburn's 2-0 home defeat by Chelsea and 0-0 draw at
Middlesbrough earlier this term.
Last time out
Monday 16 March 2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson (Spector 29), Ilunga, Noble
(Boa Morte 82), Kovac, Parker, Savio (Stanislas 68), Di Michele, Sears
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Payne, Tristan
Booked: Savio
Saturday 14 March 2009
Barclays Premier League
Arsenal 4-0 Blackburn Rovers
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Simpson, Samba, Ooijer, Givet (Dunn 13), Diouf,
Mokoena, Khizanishvili (McCarthy 66), Warnock (Olsson 55), Pedersen, Roberts
Subs not used: Bunn, Tugay, Andrews, Treacy
Booked: Diouf, Khizanishvili, Mokoena, Ooijer
West Ham United
• West Ham go into Saturday's match aiming to extend their Premier League
unbeaten run to four matches, having overcome Manchester City and Wigan
Athletic 1-0 and drawn 0-0 with West Brom in their last three league
matches.
• For the second consecutive match, West Ham face a side beaten by Arsenal
in their previous Premier League fixture. West Brom had gone down 3-1 to the
Gunners, while Blackburn lost 4-0 at the Emirates Stadium on 14 March.
• West Ham's biggest ever away win at Blackburn Rovers came in Division One
on 22 September 1962. Then, the Hammers won 4-0 at Ewood Park. Geoff Hurst
gave the visitors a 35th-minute lead before Malcolm Musgrove, Johnny Byrne
and Martin Peters added further goals in the second half in front of a crowd
of 15,400.
• West Ham have won on each of their last two visits to Blackburn. A Carlos
Tevez penalty and Bobby Zamora goal gave the Hammers a 2-1 victory in March
2007. Nine months later, Dean Ashton's header earned the Londoners a 1-0
success.
• Carlton Cole is West Ham's top scorer in the Premier League this season
with nine goals. He has eleven in all competitions. However, Cole is
suspended for Saturday's game.
• Goalkeeper Robert Green is the only West Ham player to have played every
minute of the club's 29 Premier League matches so far this season. Matthew
Upson has started all 29 games, but was substituted late in the 3-1 home
defeat by Everton on 8 November and during the first half of Monday's 0-0
draw with West Brom.
• Cole is West Ham's statistics leader in a number of categories. The
striker has had more shots in total (74), on target (45) and off target
(29), more assists (five), been caught offside more times (28) and committed
more fouls (62) than any other Hammers player.
• Matthew Upson has made more defensive blocks (45) and clearances (25) than
any other West Ham player.
• Midfielder Mark Noble has unleashed more crosses (24) than any other West
Ham player.
• Cole has been sent-off twice, more than any other West Ham player, while
Noble and Scott Parker have each been shown the yellow card on seven
occasions.
Blackburn Rovers
• Blackburn go into Saturday's match having won two and drawn one of their
last four Premier League fixtures. However, in their last engagement, Rovers
were beaten 4-0 at Arsenal on Saturday 14 March.
• Blackburn's biggest-ever home win over West Ham came on 14 October 2001.
Rovers secured a 7-1 victory that day, with Garry Flitcroft, David Dunn,
Damien Johnson, Tugay, Matt Jansen, Craig Hignett and a Chris McCann
own-goal all on target for Blackburn. Michael Carrick netted West Ham's
consolation goal. West Ham captain Lucas Neill was part of the Blackburn
team that day.
• Blackburn's last home win over West Ham came on 10 December 2005. Rovers
won 3-2 with goals from Paul Dickov (two) and Shefki Kuqi. West Ham scored
through Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood.
• Benni McCarthy and Jason Roberts are Blackburn's joint top scorers in the
Premier League this season with seven goals each. McCarthy has ten goals in
all competitions, while Roberts has not scored outside of the Premier
League.
• None of Blackburn's players have started all 29 of their Premier League
fixtures. Stephen Warnock has started 28, Ryan Nelsen 27 and both Paul
Robinson and Christopher Samba 26 each.
• Norway winger Morten Gamst Pedersen has unleashed more shots (41) and
crosses (63) than any other Blackburn player. Pedersen has also conjured
more assists (seven) than any of his Rovers team-mates.
• Jason Roberts has had more shots on target (27), been caught offside (26),
won more free-kicks (38) and committed more fouls (43) than any other
Blackburn player.
• Defender Christopher Samba has made more defensive clearances (62) than
any other Rovers player this season, while central defensive partner Ryan
Nelsen has made more defensive blocks (18) than any of his colleagues.
• Should Blackburn win on Saturday, they will pass the 500-point plateau in
the Premier League. Rovers currently sit on 498 points. They would become
the ninth club in the league's history to reach such a milestone.
Team news
• West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola will be without the suspended Carlton
Cole, who received two yellow cards and was sent-off at Wigan Athletic on 4
March. Cole also missed Monday's 0-0 draw against West Brom at the Boleyn
Ground but will return for the home fixture against Sunderland on Saturday 4
April.
• Zola will also be without midfielders Valon Behrami and Jack Collison.
Switzerland international Behrami will be out of action for around six
months after suffering a anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee,
while Collison is expected to be sidelined until the end of April with a
dislocated kneecap.
• England defender Matthew Upson is facing a race to be fit for Saturday's
match after being carried off with a calf strain in Monday's goalless draw
with West Brom. The 29-year-old will be assessed on Friday.
• Wales defender James Collins is continuing his rehabilitation after
suffering a hamstring strain at Bolton on 21 February.
• Young Academy graduate Junior Stanislas impressed as a second-half
substitute in Monday's goalless draw with West Brom - his Premier League
debut - and will hope to be given another chance to shine at Ewood Park
should he recover from a slight thigh muscle injury. The England Under-19
winger has been with the Hammers since he was eleven and enjoyed a
successful loan spell at League One outfit Southend United earlier this
season.
• Savio received a knock to his kneecap on Monday evening. As with Upson, a
decision will taken on his fitness on Friday.
• England forward Kieron Dyer has trained well with the first-team squad
this week.
• Reserve team captain Bondz N'Gala is pushing hard for a place in the
matchday 18 after travelling with the first-team squad to the recent
fixtures against Wigan and West Brom. The 19-year-old central defender has
been in good form for Alex Dyer's reserve team in recent weeks and could be
named among the substitutes at Ewood Park. N'Gala was named on the bench for
the visit of Stoke City on Sunday 28 December.
• Wales defender Danny Gabbidon is continuing his recovery from back and
stomach injuries by working with the club's medical staff at Chadwell Heath.
He is now running.
• Blackburn's star striker Roque Santa Cruz is set to miss Saturday's game
with a knee injury. The Paraguay forward has been out of action for the past
two weeks with tendinitis.
• France defender Gael Givet (knee) and Australia midfielder Vince Grella
(groin) are both battling to be fit for Saturday's fixture. Grella missed
last Saturday's 4-0 defeat at Arsenal, while on-loan Marseille man Givet was
replaced by David Dunn after just 13 minutes at the Emirates Stadium.
• Blackburn will definitely be without Australia midfielder Brett Emerton,
who has an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee, and Ireland
midfielder Steven Reid, who is also ruled out for the remainder of the
season with a knee complaint.
Last meeting
• The teams met at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 30 August, with West Ham
running out 4-1 winners. Calum Davenport and a Christopher Samba own-goal
put West Ham 2-0 up within 20 minutes before Jason Roberts netted for Rovers
on 22 minutes. Robert Green then saved Roberts' penalty shortly after
half-time before Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole added further goals for the
home side in added time.
• The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill, Faubert (McCartney
60), Parker, Noble (Mullins 81), Etherington, Cole, Ashton (Bellamy 69)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Reid, Sears
Goals: Davenport 12, Samba 20 (og), Bellamy 90, Cole 90
Blackburn Rovers: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Reid,
Grella (Andrews 46), Pedersen (Treacy 66), Santa Cruz (Derbyshire 29),
Roberts
Subs not used Brown, Mokoena, Villanueva, Simpson
Goal: Roberts 22
Attendance: 32,905
Old boys
• West Ham captain Lucas Neill spent five-and-a-half years with Blackburn,
making 227 appearances and scoring eight goals between September 2001 and
January 2007. Neill joined Rovers from Millwall for a £1m fee before leaving
for the Boleyn Ground for around £1.5m.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Fred
Blackburn, Martin Britt, John Burton, Herman Conway, Christian Dailly, Tony
Gale, Tommy Hampson, Harry Hindle, Matty Holmes, Marc Keller, Bob Morris,
Ian Pearce, Bob Pride, Syd Puddefoot, John Radford, Robbie Slater, Matthew
Smailes, Percy Smith and Lionel Watson.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
30 August 2008 West Ham United 4-1 Blackburn Rovers
15 March 2008 West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
9 December 2007 Blackburn Rovers 0-1 West Ham United
17 March 2007 Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Ham United
29 October 2006 West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
28 January 2006 West Ham United 4-2 Blackburn Rovers
Overall record v Blackburn Rovers (all competitions) W 41 D 16 L 45
Next up
• West Ham will play host to Sunderland in a Barclays Premier League fixture
on Saturday 4 April, with kick-off at 3pm
• Blackburn will welcome Tottenham Hotspur in the Barclays Premier League on
Saturday 4 April, with kick-off at 12.45pm
General information
• For ticket information, click here
• The weather forecast for Blackburn this Saturday is for a sunny day with a
maximum daytime temperature of 12C.
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And the answer is ... 52
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola believes that four more wins will see the Hammers into
Europe next season. Monday's night's home draw with bottom club West
Bromwich Albion put the Irons on 40 for the season so far with nine games
left to play - five of which are away from home, starting with the trip to
Ewood Park this weekend. The Hammers, currently seventh in the table head
the pack chasing what should be the final Europa League spot. Wigan, Fulham,
Man City and a rejuvenated Tottenham are all hot on United's heels -
although Zola feels that the biggest obstacle in their way is not
necessarily the form of those rivals but West Ham's increasing injury list
which continues to grow by the week. "The supporters can be optimistic - as
long as we manage to get all the players back from injury," he said.
"Obviously we have had big problems and in the next few weeks we are looking
forward to getting a few players back. "When we have all of them available
again then we really have a good chance because the team is looking good.
They has shown me that it is a strong team and also mentally they are strong
because we lost a few games. "First of all we need consistency. It is a
very, very important thing. They need to perform all the time. That is the
main thing. We have achieved the first target which was to get to at least
40 points. Now they need to push even more because we want to reach 52
points. "I believe that will be the quota we need to achieve if we want to
go into Europe, so they need to push themselves even harder. I believe that
will be the target we need that might take us to the Europa League so we are
12 points short. "It is achievable. We have to think in this way. We have
to have targets and try everything to achieve them."
West Ham's clash with Blackburn is an increasingly rare 3pm kick off this
Saturday afternoon.
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A taste of your own medicine
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
Three more clubs are set to hit Sheffield United with compensation claims in
the wake of the out-of-court settlement with West Ham United on Monday.
According to today's Daily Mail Sunderland, Preston and West Bromwich Albion
are all set to follow Leeds United and hit the Blades with claims of their
own. The three clubs believe they are entitled to a piece of the pie as
Sheffield United failed to comply with certain contract conditions at the
time as a result of their relegation from the Premiership in 2006/07.
Their relegation prevented clauses in the contracts of players transferred
from the triumverate to the Blades - which include Jon Stead, Geoff
Horsfield and Claude Davis - from kicking in. Now the Yorkshire club will
received a £20million+ payout to compensate for their loss of Premiership
status the three aforementioned club plus Leeds United - whose chairman Ken
Bates started the ball rolling on Tuesday after he announced his intentions
to sue the Blades for up to £500,000 - will start their bids to be duly
compensated.
* Neil Warnock revealed this morning that he was yet to decide whether to
continue with his plans to sue West Ham. Warnock, who has been roundly
criticised in the media for his stance since announcing his intentions to go
for compensation told SkySports: "I think we've spoken enough this week on
the whole subject really. I've been in contact with the LMA and I'm leaving
it in their hands at the minute."
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Ash set for Addicks switch
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
Ashley Miller could be set to land a move to Championship basement boys
Charlton Athletic. The 19-year-old defender has been taken on trial by the
Addicks and made his debut for the reserves at right-back in their fixture
against local rivals QPR last night. However it wasn't the greatest start
for Miller to a possible career at the Valley as he saw his side go down 2-0
courtesy of goals by Rowan Vine (pen, 42 mins) and Romone Rose (81 mins).
The full back, who first arrived at West Ham as an 8-year-old was one of two
players sent on trial to Ujpest Dozsa last month as part of the deal that
brought Peter Kurucz to East London. Whilst striker Tony Stokes impressed,
Miller returned home just a week or so later. Having been made excess to
requirements Miller - who was in the same 2006 Acedemy intake as Freddie
Sears and Junior Stanislas, both of whom are on the verges of the first team
- is expected to leave the club one way or another by the summer.
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Blackburn Rovers Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 18th March 2009
By: Preview Percy
And so we schlep up the M6 to Ewood Park for a 3pm kick-off against
Blackburn Rovers.
Rovers are on their second manager of the season with Ince being shown the
door before he'd had a chance to go behind their backs to take someone
else's 30 pieces. His replacement was the less than lovable Sam Allardyce
who, following the infamous Panorama programme, vowed never to speak to the
BBC again. He was also going to sue the pants off Auntie for good measure.
However, the statutory year and a day period elapsed after the broadcast
with no sign of any legal correspondence winging its way to Broadcasting
House from messrs Sue, Grabbit & Runne and, though it was a long day and I
was falling asleep in front of the box at the weekend I could have sworn I
saw his sylph-like figure chatting happily away to someone on MOTD last
weekend.
There have been some eventful matches between the two clubs over the past
few years. We'll quietly draw a veil over 2004's 7-1 and remind ourselves of
the 3-1 win that marked our return to the Premiership in 2005 and the
bizarre 2-1 win up there during the Great Escape when Mr Jim Devine – a
linesman of no obvious "Russian" descent – awarded us what turned out to be
a winner despite the ball not having crossed the line. I'm sure his address
is available from the FA if the morally bankrupt players of Sheffield United
want to find someone else to sue for their relegation. Perhaps the money
will come in handy when Barnsley come knocking at their door.
Blackburn currently lie in 15th place, one point and three goals better off
than Stoke, who currently occupy the final relegation spot. Their last six
league games has seen them win two (Fulham and Hull both away, both 2-1),
draw one (0-0 at Everton) and lose three (4-0 at Arsenal, 2-1 at Moan U, and
2-0 at home to Villa). In between all that they went out of the Cup at
Coventry after a replay. Their last home win was the 2-1 defeat of
Sunderland at the beginning of February. It's fair to say that last week's
4-0 drubbing at the library could have been even heavier had Wenger picked,
say, his own Gran, to play instead of Bendtner who displayed a remarkable
inability to hit the proverbial cow's backside with a banjo.
Picking the ball out of the net last week was Paul Robinson, another 'keeper
who was once considered worthy of an England place, presumably because I was
injured at the time. In front of him last week was the hapless Ooijer who
opened the scoring for Arsenal with an own goal, having come in for skipper
Ryan Nelsen, who had a calf strain. Nelsen may be available for a return
this weekend as might the on-loan-with-a-view-to-a-permanent-deal Givet who
is shown as available following a knee injury, along with Aussie
international midfielder Grella who has been missing with a groin strain.
Both Brett Emerton and Steven Reid are long term absentees with knee
problems.
One player that will need no introduction will be striker El Hadj Diouf.
Hammers away fans were introduced to this charming lout a few years back
when he decided to empty his gob over the away section. Disgracefully his
then employers Liverpool denied anything had occurred, only apologising for
effectively calling supporters liars after their own staff came forward to
confirm what had happened. Diouf then went up to Glasgow and did the same
thing against Celtic, picking up a £5,000 fine and a conviction on the way.
Throw in court appearances for drink driving and assaulting the wife of a
team-mate and you'll get some idea of what a nice guy this player is. His
latest stunt was to tell Anton Ferdinand he was going to stab him whilst at
Sunderland, a threat that saw the Senegalese international booted out to be
reunited with Sam Allardyce, who had been his manager at Bolton. Yes the
same Sam Allardyce whose lofty principles saw him threaten legal action
against the BBC for tarnishing his good name. Funny old world innit!
El Hadj Diouf arrived during the transfer window during which his fellow
forward Roque Santa Cruz seemed to be linked with moves to just about every
club except Stringfellows. He missed the Arsenal match with a knee injury
and has the infamous "no return date" tag next to his name on
physioroom.com. If he is still away, Jason Roberts is likely to partner the
spitter up front.
As for us, well the other night showed that shorn of a number of
first-choice players we can sometimes lack ideas. On the injury debit side
Upson will obviously be missed. On the up side both Collins and Dyer are
said to be close to returns, though I suspect Ginge is likely to be closer
to a start than Dyer. However, if, as seems likely, Ginge is not risked we
can expect the same back four as finished the WBA match. Elsewhere there
isn't exactly an abundance of riches to select from. Though Tristan, who was
on the bench in midweek following injury, might be fit enough to consider
for a starting berth.
This will be a tough one. For all their relatively lowly position in the
league, Blackburn are a typical Allardyce outfit where emphasis is placed
primarily (if not always successfully) on being difficult to beat. We found
out on Monday night that the current side can struggle against
well-organised teams that flood the midfield. However, there will be
pressure on them as the home side to perhaps go for it a bit more. We've
been a bit of a bogey team for them of late so I'll plump for a 1-1 draw
from this one to bring a point back home down the M6.
Enjoy the game!
Last Season: W 1-0
– A Dean Ashton goal and some shoddy finishing from the home side gave us
another three points.
Danger Man: Jason Roberts
– maybe my faulty memory but he seems to be one of those journeymen that
always gives us a hard time.
Look Out For: El Hadj Diouf
– bring waterproofs whatever the weather!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Another ex-Blade named and shamed
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
Stoke City's Michael Tonge has admitted that he is one of a group of current
and former Sheffiled United players looking to sue West Ham United for
compensation.
25-year-old Tonge - who joined the Premier League new boys last summer for
an undisclosed fee - made 27 appearances for the Blades in their relegation
season of 2006/07. Yet despite having earned a move back to the Premier
League with relegation favourites Stoke - for whom he has made just one
Premier League appearance since Christmas - Tonge confirmed that he was one
of the group of players set to sure the Hammers for up to £3million. "I'm
just waiting to see what comes of it," he said. "I'm not taking it upon
myself to make a claim, but might consider joining one. West Ham have
admitted they have done something wrong and I think it should have been
sorted out in that season."
And of Carlos Tevez, the player at the centre of the row and who scored just
seven goals that season - none of which were against Sheffield United -
Tonge added:
"It wouldn't have been brought up as much if Carlos Tevez hadn't played such
a prominent part in West Ham staying up. Maybe if he were a defender it
wouldn't have been such a big deal, but he scored lots of goals, including
the one at Manchester United on the last day that kept them up."
Tonge, despite not being considered good enough to feature for the worst
team in the Premier League is set to face his second relegation within three
years should the Potters go straight back down, as expected. He gave an
indication as to where his true motives lie when he added: "I would take not
playing again this season if that meant us staying up".
But despite having potentially failed twice to keep his team in the top
flight Tonge - like former team mate Phil Jagielka, who is set to sign a new
£40,000 per week contract with Everton shortly - is happy to seek his pound
of flesh.
Ponce Watch: who's on board the Sheffield United gravy train
Neil Warnock: Crystal Palace manager and fantasist who watched his current
side (who are 12th in the Championship) beaten 3-1 by relegation threatened
Barnsley on Monday night.
Phil Jagielka: Everton defender who has coined it in since leaving Bramall
Lane.
Michael Tonge: Stoke City reserve player.
+ up to 18 other as yet unnamed former and current Sheffield United players
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unhappy Zola eyes Europe
West Ham boss concern at Europa League
Last updated: 20th March 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola wants his side to push on this season and seal
a place in Europe. The Hammers are currently seventh in the league - which
if the current top-four stays as is, will be enough to seal a place in next
season's revamped Uefa Cup - the Europa League. Whilst Zola wants to land a
place in Europe - he is unhappy with the proposed new league format. "Years
ago, this competition was more attractive and that is something that maybe
should be thought about for the future," said Zola.
"For me, it is nonsense. But I have the same idea about the Champions
League, really. For me, It does not have the same attractiveness as it had
before. "Before, it was a proper Champions League. To participate, you had
to come first." Despite his concerns, Europe is very much in the Italian's
mind. "We have not been in Europe for a while," he continued. "I played in
Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those
competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also, for the
players, it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always
improve. I wish we can achieve that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Latics reject Tevez action
Latics drop Tevez matter
Last updated: 19th March 2009
SSN
Wigan have rejected suggestions they are to pursue legal action against West
Ham to recover prize money they may have missed out on, in light of the
Carlos Tevez affair.
West Ham agreed to pay Sheffield United £25million this week in an
out-of-court settlement to apparently end the saga over the eligibility of
Tevez, who helped the Hammers stay up in 2007 at the Blades' expense. Since
the ruling, Sheffield United boss at the time Neil Warnock and a number of
ex-Blades players have said they are considering legal action in order to
recover the costs of lost bonuses or wage reductions they believe they would
have been entitled to had their club stayed up. There are also claims clubs
such as Wigan and Fulham - who ultimately finished the season below West Ham
- may sue in order to recover the additional money they would have gained
for finishing higher. But Wigan have moved to clarify their position
revealing they will not be taking the matter any further. "We have not
sought any further legal advice and will not be pursuing the matter any
further," read a statement. "Reports that the club are seeking compensation
for false league position payments are totally incorrect. "As far as Wigan
Athletic Football Club is concerned, the matter is being dealt with by the
appropriate authorities - and the club does not wish to comment further."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Warnock waiting on decision
Former Blades boss contacts LMA regarding Tevez saga
Last updated: 19th March 2009
SSN
Crystal Palace manager Neil Warnock is waiting to decide whether to take
legal action against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez saga. Former Sheffield
United boss Warnock was sacked after Tevez helped West Ham stay in the
Premier League at the expense of the Blades in 2007. It was later
discovered that the Hammers' signing of the Argentina international broke
official rules and, as a result, Sheffield United have earned out-of-court
compensation. However, Warnock - who has contacted the League Managers'
Association regarding the subject - could still pursue a personal claim
against the Blades. "I've been in contact with the LMA and I am leaving it
in their hands at the minute," he told Sky Sports News. And Warnock is not
concerned that he might receive the wrath of opponents for refusing to allow
the matter to pass. "I get criticism one way or another," he added. "I've
got supporters and I've got people who will always slaughter me. Nothing's
changed."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tonge considers Tevez action
Former Blade looking at situation
Last updated: 19th March 2009
SSN
Michael Tonge has admitted he is one of the former Sheffield United players
considering taking legal action over the Carlos Tevez affair. The
25-year-old was relegated with the Blades after Tevez helped West Ham stay
up in 2007 - although West Ham's signing of the Argentina international
broke Premier League rules. Sheffield United have successfully battled to
win compensation from West Ham and the two clubs agreed an out-of-court
settlement earlier this week. Former Blades boss Neil Warnock has admitted
he is looking into the situation with a view to taking legal action and now
Tonge admits he is also ready to do the same. "I'm just waiting to see what
comes of it. I'm not taking it upon myself to make a claim, but might
consider joining one," said Tonge, who is now with Stoke City. "It's not
something I'm thinking too much about at the moment. I'm sure things will
start to be resolved over the next few weeks, so they may become clearer
then. "West Ham have admitted they have done something wrong and I think it
should have been sorted out in that season. "It wouldn't have been brought
up as much if Carlos Tevez hadn't played such a prominent part in West Ham
staying up. "Maybe if he were a defender it wouldn't have been such a big
deal, but he scored lots of goals, including the one at Manchester United on
the last day that kept them up."
While Tonge is looking at the Tevez situation, his main concern is trying to
win a place back in Stoke's first-team. "Not playing is frustrating, but the
most important thing is that this club stays in the Premier League. Then, we
can take things from there," he said. "I would take not playing again this
season if that meant us staying up. In the situation we are in, I don't want
to bring any disappointment or frustration to the squad. "We have a really
big squad and everyone is pulling in the right direction. But it would only
take one or two players not to do that to affect things. "I will be
supporting whoever the manager sends out to get the right results. I think
we'll stay up, although it won't be easy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham may have to pay £26.5m to close the Tevez affair
Sources reveal possible pay-out to Sheffield United
West Ham may pay £5m more if they are sold for over £95m
Owen Gibson The Guardian, Friday 20 March 2009 Article history
The true cost to West Ham of the deal negotiated with Sheffield United over
the Carlos Tevez affair is greater than first thought, sources close to the
deal claimed yesterday. According to a source involved in the negotiations,
West Ham could end up paying a total of £26.5m in compensation. They put the
much-disputed total value of the deal at £21.5m, payable in staggered
instalments until 2013. If the club is sold for more than £95m, West Ham
will have to pay a further £5m. The first payment of £1.5m is due in May and
subsequent instalments are staggered to coincide with West Ham's major
income streams, such as its merit payments and share of TV rights money from
the Premier League. West Ham's Icelandic owner, Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, had
hoped to negotiate a sale of the club by the summer, having recently had the
bankruptcy protection afforded to his parent company Hansa extended until
June by a Reykjavik court. He paid £85m, and assumed debts of around £22m,
when he bought the club in 2006. Despite the substantial liability on any
future owner, West Ham will claim the deal gives them certainty about their
future obligations and, crucially, allows them to spread the payments over
several years.
Originally, Sheffield United had claimed compensation of £45m after a West
Ham team inspired by Tevez had condemned them to relegation, despite
breaking rules on third party ownership earlier in the season. West Ham had
estimated their loss at no more than £5m. The terms of the deal remained
confidential under the agreement signed between the two clubs, which was
designed to bring an end to the saga before an arbitration panel chaired by
Lord Griffiths could rule on the matter. But far from drawing a line under
the affair, the agreement has sparked a flood of speculation from others who
have said they may now launch claims. A lawyer representing a group of
around 20 members of the Sheffield United squad relegated in 2007 has
insisted that they have a good case, while former manager Neil Warnock has
said he is also considering his options and Leeds United chairman Ken Bates
plans to seek compensation on bonus transfer payments that would have been
due had the Blades stayed up. IPS Law, the firm representing the Sheffield
United players, is expected to contact the FA in order to launch fresh
tribunal proceedings if a satisfactory answer is not received from West Ham
within the next week. Meanwhile a joint Premier League and FA inquiry into
Lord Griffiths' verdict on the behaviour of West Ham in the wake of the
original decision to fine the club £5.5m for breaking rules on third party
ownership will continue.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham claim adds new twist to Tevez saga
Exclusive: West London club demand £700,000 over loss of 'merit money' in
2006-07
Independent.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Friday, 20 March 2009
In an extraordinary twist on the Carlos Tevez saga, Fulham have submitted a
claim for £700,000 in compensation from West Ham United because they
finished below the Hammers in the season that the Argentine striker played
at Upton Park. The claim appears to confirm the fear of "legal anarchy" that
West Ham warned about.
The cash relates to the loss of so-called "merit money" that Fulham believe
they missed out on because the 2006-07 campaign ended with them in 16th
place, two points behind 15th-placed West Ham. They claim that, because of
Tevez, they finished in a false position.
Fulham received £20.26m in merit money – the cash divided between the clubs
from the television and broadcast deals brokered by the Premier League –
with West Ham receiving £20.71m. The difference amounts to £450,000 – the
extra cash they would have received in 2007 – but, confusingly, Fulham are
understood to have submitted a claim for £700,000 which is the amount they
would be due if the places were reversed this season.
The action was launched on Tuesday, the day after West Ham, who will fight
it and have reacted with incredulity to the claim, announced they had
reached an out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United of £20m, spread
over the next five seasons, to end the Blades' long-running dispute over
Tevez.
The settlement followed the arbitration judgment by the independent
tribunal, chaired by Lord Griffiths, which decided that Tevez, whose signing
had breached rules on third-party ownership, had had a decisive effect on
the Blades being relegated and West Ham surviving that season.
West Ham, who had already been fined £5.5m by the Premier League and torn up
Tevez's original contract, had rejected the claim and were furious they had
no right to appeal or recourse to the Court of Arbitration in Sport. They
decided to settle because they did not want to go before Griffiths again and
could not afford a hefty lump sum payment given the financial plight of
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
In a statement on Tuesday, in the wake of the attempts by players, former
Blades' manager Neil Warnock and Leeds United chairman Ken Bates to claim
compensation, West Ham said they would "strongly resist any attempts to
prolong this matter through the courts, both to protect our interests and
those of the wider game".
Fulham have now lodged a formal legal claim but Wigan Athletic, who finished
17th that season, three points behind West Ham, made clear yesterday that,
contrary to reports, they have not sought any further legal advice and do
not intend to seek compensation for a "false league position".
The crucial piece of the ruling that Fulham have seized on is Griffiths'
panel's judgment that they had "no doubt" that West Ham would have acquired
"at least three fewer points" without Tevez. The panel claimed that in the
last two games of that season Tevez "more likely than not" helped West Ham
to achieve the three extra points that ensured they avoided relegation at
the expense of the Blades.
For example, could West Ham now sue the authorities for appointing referee
Stuart Attwell who then sent off Carlton Cole, harshly, in the recent match
away to Wigan? It meant the striker missed last Monday's match against West
Brom, which ended in a goalless draw with West Ham dropping two points,
affecting their chances of qualifying for Europe?
The ramifications may be endless. In another example, of course, Sheffield
United may themselves be affected should Barnsley be relegated and link
their demotion from the Championship to the elbow thrown by Chris Morgan
into the face of the Barnsley striker – and record signing – Iain Hume which
left him with a fractured skull and unable to play for the rest of the
season.
If Fulham pursue their claim it may also require the establishment of yet
another arbitration hearing as the case involving Sheffield United was a
private arbitration.
The Premier League and Football Association are already carrying out a fresh
inquiry into the Tevez affair but are not expected to mete out any further
punishment.
As for the claims being pursued by Warnock, who is waiting for legal advice
from the League Managers Association, and the players, West Ham are
confident that they can successfully defend any action. Bates, who believes
Leeds are entitled to windfall payments through three players he sold to the
Sheffield club that season, is likely to pursue the Blades for the £500,000
in compensation he wants.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola sets European target for West Ham
The Times
Gary Jacob
Gianfranco Zola, West Ham United's mild-mannered manager, came close to
losing his patience yesterday when asked repeatedly about the Carlos Tévez
affair, before setting his team a target of 52 points in the Barclays
Premier League and a likely European spot.
On paper, the target of 12 more points would seem a realistic proposition
for West Ham, who are seventh in the table, but the goalless draw against
West Bromwich Albion on Monday exposed inadequacies.
Wigan Athletic and Fulham are in strong contention, in eighth and ninth
respectively, and very soon, they may all be looking over their shoulders at
Tottenham Hotspur, who are just five points behind West Ham and scheduled to
meet them next month at White Hart Lane. West Ham also have home games
against Liverpool and Chelsea in the run-in.
"Getting 12 more points is achievable," Zola said. "You have to have a
target and you have to give everything to achieve that."
A year ago, West Ham fans would have groaned at Carlton Cole's name on the
team-sheet, but not now. The forward's two-match suspension will end after
the away game against Blackburn Rovers tomorrow.
Zola expressed the hope that the dispute with Sheffield United about the
eligibility of Tévez is over after the clubs agreed a compensation deal. "I
hope from now on, we can be left in peace and plan our future," Zola said.
"I just don't want to hear about it any more, really, I have had enough. It
is becoming just a little bit annoying.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rovers rocked by Santa Cruz blow
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 19 March 2009 - 5:27 PM
Blackburn Rovers have suffered a big blow after Roque Santa Cruz revealed he
has tendinitis.The Paraguayan has not featured for Rovers since their
goalless draw with Everton on March 4 and says he does not know when he will
return. Sam Allardyce's side are just one point above the relegation zone
and Santa Cruz will definitely miss Saturday's match at West Ham. "I gave up
training two weeks ago," Santa Cruz said. "Not training does not help me
physically. "It is a difficult situation and we'll have a talk with the
medical staff. "I will not play on Saturday. It is a tendinitis I've been
carrying for a long time and I have already played some matches with pain."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola laments the "nonsense" of UEFA's formats
Soccernet
March 19, 2009
Gianfranco Zola believes West Ham are four wins away from Europe - but he
has launched an attack on the format of UEFA competitions and feels they
have been devalued. Zola's men are seventh in the Premier League and in the
hunt for a place in next season's Europa League, the revamped version of the
UEFA Cup. Although there is a new name and schedule, there will still be
plenty of games in group stages before the knockout rounds start. ''Years
ago, this competition was more attractive and that is something that maybe
should be thought about for the future,'' said Hammers boss Zola. ''For me
it is nonsense. But I have the same idea about the Champions League really.
For me, It does not have the same attractiveness as it had before. ''Before
it was a proper Champions League. To participate, you had to come first. It
had a different value and it was the same for the UEFA Cup. It was much more
attractive. A knockout competition already makes it more interesting.'' Zola
may feel European qualification has been devalued but he is determined to
guide West Ham there in his first season as a manager, with his players
benefiting from the experience. They have already reached the 40-point mark
for safety and could edge towards their target for Europe with a win at
Blackburn this weekend. He added: ''We have not been in Europe for a while.
I played in Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those
competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also for the
players it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always
improve. I wish we can achieve that. ''We need to push because we want to
achieve the estimate of 52 points if we want to go to Europe, we need to
push ourselves hard because we have a few injuries. ''It is achievable. You
have to think in this way. You have to have a target and you have to give
everything to achieve that.''
Zola insists his players have not been distracted by the Carlos Tevez affair
this week, with Sheffield United players seeking legal advice over possible
compensation. ''As far as I'm concerned and as far as I know it should be
finished,'' Zola said. ''I just don't want to hear about it anymore really,
I've had enough.'' For the trip to Ewood Park, Zola needs to check on
Matthew Upson's calf injury. ''We have to wait until the day before the game
to see, we will only know then. It is not too bad but we don't want to make
things worse,'' he said. Savio Nsereko needs to be checked, while Diego
Tristan and Kieron Dyer could be back in contention.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham's Tevez cash claim kicks off 'legal anarchy'
Belfastteleegraph.co.uk
Friday, 20 March 2009
In an extraordinary twist on the Carlos Tevez saga, Fulham have submitted an
astonishing claim for £700,000 in compensation from West Ham United because
they finished one place below the Hammers in the season that the Argentinean
striker played at Upton Park. The claim would appear to confirm the fear of
"legal anarchy" that West Ham warned about. The cash relates to the loss of
so-called "merit money" that Fulham believe they missed out on because the
campaign 2006-07 ended with them in 16th place, two points behind 15th
placed West Ham, on 39 points. The claim is that because of Tevez they
finished in a false position. Fulham received £20.26m in merit money — the
cash divided between the clubs from the television and broadcast deals
brokered by the Premier League — with West Ham receiving £20.71m. The
difference amounts to £450,000 — the extra cash they would have received in
2007 — but, confusingly, Fulham are understood to have submitted a claim for
£700,000 which is the amount they would be due if the places were reversed
this season. The action was launched on Tuesday, the day after West Ham, who
will fight it and have reacted with incredulity to the claim, announced they
had reached an out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United of £20m, spread
over the next five seasons, to end the Blades long-running dispute over
Tevez. The settlement followed the arbitration judgment by the independent
tribunal which decided that Tevez, whose signing had breached rules on
third-party ownership, had had a decisive effect on the Blades relegation
and West Ham's survival that season. West Ham, who had already been fined
£5.5m by the Premier League and had torn up Tevez's original contract, had
rejected the claim. Fulham have now lodged a formal legal claim but, , Wigan
Athletic, who finished 17th that season, three points behind West Ham, have
not sought further legal advice.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham submit West Ham claim
(20/03/2009 07:48:31)
Fulhamweb.co.uk
In an additional twist on the Carlos Tevez saga, Fulham have submitted a
claim for £700,000 in compensation from West Ham United because they
finished below the Hammers in the season that the Argentine striker played
at Upton Park.
The cash relates to the loss of so-called "merit money" that Fulham believe
they missed out on because the 2006-07 campaign ended with them in 16th
place, two points behind 15th-placed West Ham. They claim that, because of
Tevez, they finished in a false position.
Fulham received £20.26m in merit money – the cash divided between the clubs
from the television and broadcast deals brokered by the Premier League –
with West Ham receiving £20.71m. The difference amounts to £450,000 – the
extra cash they would have received in 2007 – but, confusingly, Fulham are
understood to have submitted a claim for £700,000 which is the amount they
would be due if the places were reversed this season.
The action was launched on Tuesday, the day after West Ham, who will fight
it and have reacted with incredulity to the claim, announced they had
reached an out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United of £20m, spread
over the next five seasons, to end the Blades' long-running dispute over
Tevez.
The settlement followed the arbitration judgment by the independent
tribunal, chaired by Lord Griffiths, which decided that Tevez, whose signing
had breached rules on third-party ownership, had had a decisive effect on
the Blades being relegated and West Ham surviving that season.
West Ham, who had already been fined £5.5m by the Premier League and torn up
Tevez's original contract, had rejected the claim and were furious they had
no right to appeal or recourse to the Court of Arbitration in Sport. They
decided to settle because they did not want to go before Griffiths again and
could not afford a hefty lump sum payment given the financial plight of
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson.
In a statement on Tuesday, in the wake of the attempts by players, former
Blades' manager Neil Warnock and Leeds United chairman Ken Bates to claim
compensation, West Ham said they would "strongly resist any attempts to
prolong this matter through the courts, both to protect our interests and
those of the wider game".
Fulham have now lodged a formal legal claim but Wigan Athletic, who finished
17th that season, three points behind West Ham, made clear yesterday that,
contrary to reports, they have not sought any further legal advice and do
not intend to seek compensation for a "false league position".
The crucial piece of the ruling that Fulham have seized on is Griffiths'
panel's judgment that they had "no doubt" that West Ham would have acquired
"at least three fewer points" without Tevez. The panel claimed that in the
last two games of that season Tevez "more likely than not" helped West Ham
to achieve the three extra points that ensured they avoided relegation at
the expense of the Blades.
If Fulham pursue their claim it may also require the establishment of yet
another arbitration hearing as the case involving Sheffield United was a
private arbitration.
The Premier League and Football Association are already carrying out a fresh
inquiry into the Tevez affair but are not expected to mete out any further
punishment.
As for the claims being pursued by Warnock, who is waiting for legal advice
from the League Managers Association, and the players, West Ham are
confident that they can successfully defend any action. Bates, who believes
Leeds are entitled to windfall payments through three players he sold to the
Sheffield club that season, is likely to pursue the Blades for the £500,000
in compensation he wants.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upton Park chief Zola fed up with everybody Hammering on about Tevez
By Marc Isaacs Last updated at 5:23 PM on 19th March 2009
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola has called for the Carlos Tevez affair to finally come to an
end and is getting annoyed that other parties want to sue West Ham. The club
finally reached an out of court settlement with Sheffield United this week
when they were reported to be paying £25million in compensation to the
Yorkshire club. Zola was praying the matter would be finished and is now
outraged that Neil Warnock, Ken Bates and Sheffield United players are
reported to be considering legal action against West Ham. The Hammers
manager is angry that the matter is still being talked about and is urging
the world of football to finally end the whole saga. Zola said: 'I hope it
is the end of the matter. I hope from now on we can be left in peace and
plan our future. 'Since I have been here, we have been talking about this.
Now it is settled, we are still talking about it. I don't know what to say.
'I wish we could get on with it and focus on our future because this club
needs to plan for the future. 'There are a few things still going on, but as
far as I am concerned, it should be finished. But this is something that the
club is dealing with and as far as I know we should not have any problems.
It is not distracting. 'I don't want to hear about it anymore, really, I
have had enough. 'This club has been through so any problems this year and
had always come out with the right thing. We will handle it properly.'
Meanwhile, Zola is urging Fabio Capello to pick Scott Parker for England's
forthcoming matches against Slovakia and Ukraine. Zola added: 'He is a
complete midfielder because he can produce quality, but works very hard
defensively. I believe in his position he is the best in this country.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola labels Euro competitions as nonsense
20.03.09 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes the UEFA Cup and European
Champions League should revert back their old ways. Zola says the new format
is not what the competitions should be about despite his team still being in
the hunt to qualify for Europe next season. "Years ago, this competition
was more attractive and that is something that maybe should be thought about
for the future," Zola said. "For me it is nonsense. But I have the same idea
about The Champions League really. For me, it does not have the same
attractiveness as it had before. "Before it was a proper Champions League.
To participate, you had to come first. "It had a different value and it was
the same for the Uefa Cup. It was much more attractive. A knockout
competition already makes it more interesting."
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Real Madrid chief Mijatovic defends Faubert signing
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
Real Madrid sports director Predrag Mijatovic has defended the loan signing
of West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert. The Frenchman has struggled
since his January arrival, but Mijatovic says: "We needed to strengthen the
midfield, several players were considered and we decided on him because we
thought he was the best. "He has until the end of the season to prove he
deserves to be signed permanently."
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West Ham boss Zola "very pleased" with Tomkins
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has no qualms playing James Tomkins at
centre-half. He told whufc.com of the youngster: "He has been doing very
well James. He is young but he is at the same time very mature. He looks
very composed and I am very pleased with his performance. "He is improving
very much."
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Zola delighted with West Ham youth conveyor belt
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is delighted with the progress of his
young players this season. Already this season, six Academy graduates -
namely Mark Noble, James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Junior Stanislas
and Freddie Sears - have played under Zola, while goalkeeper Marek Stech,
defender Bondz N'Gala and versatile Josh Payne have all made it to the
bench. Zola told whufc.com: "The young players are an important part of the
project we are taking forward but we need to use them at the right time and
at the right moment. We have got a clear idea of what we are going to do. "I
have seen a few new players so I can have a better idea of what they can
give me and also where they need to improve. I am going to be working on
that and it is important for me for the future."
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West Ham boss Zola: Europe important for players' progress
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola says he'd love to take the club into
Europe next season. He said: "We have not been in Europe for a while. I
played in Europe many years ago and I know how good it is to play in those
competitions, not only for the silverware you can get but also for the
players it is an opportunity to improve as if you play abroad you always
improve. I wish we can achieve that. "We need to push because we want to
achieve the estimate of 52 points if we want to go to Europe, we need to
push ourselves hard because we have a few injuries. "It is achievable. You
have to think in this way. You have to have a target and you have to give
everything to achieve that."
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West Ham boss Zola: Parker best in England
20.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has called on Fabio Capello to include
Scott Parker in his latest England squad. "He is a complete midfielder
because he can produce quality, but works very hard defensively. I believe
in his position he is the best in this country," said Zola.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blades switch for 'claim clubs'
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 19 March 2009
By James Shield
SHEFFIELD United could point Leeds, Preston and West Bromwich Albion - three
clubs who have laid claim to a slice of their £25m compensation package
following the Carlos Tevez Affair - in the direction of West Ham as the
fall-out from one of the most controversial episodes in the recent history
of English football continues.
Elland Road chairman Ken Bates insisted earlier this week that Leeds are
entitled to receive money relating to the transfer of former players,
including Rob Hulse and Matthew Kilgallon, in the wake of Monday's
out-of-court settlement. But United's lawyers could point them in the
direction of West Ham when they receive details of Bates' claim highlighting
substantial'add-ons' had the pair helped preserve Bramall Lane's top-flight
status. Preston and West Brom are also analysing the situation closely while
Sunderland, who sold Jon Stead to the South Yorkshire outfit midway through
the 2006/2007 campaign, could also be told to pursue the Londoners should
they seek payment of outstanding clauses. United sought financial redress
after being controversialy relegated to the Championship two years ago - a
fate they believe Tevez, whose contract breached rules governing third party
ownership of players, helped West Ham avoid - and won a landmark legal
verdict at an independent tribunal last autumn.
Together with his fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano, Tevez, now with
Manchester United, moved to Upton Park at the start of the 2006-07 season
but the club were later fined £5.5million by the Premier League for failing
to fully disclose the terms of the deal that brought them to England. West
Ham issued a statement on their website saying they will do everything they
can to prevent "legal anarchy". "It is now becoming clear that the ruling by
Lord Griffiths has encouraged a potentially endless legal chain of claims
and counter claims, which can only be damaging to English football," it
read. "As a club, we will strongly resist any attempts to prolong this
matter through the courts, both to protect our interests and those of the
wider game."
Having already agreed to pay substantial money to United, West Ham are
understandably keen to avoid any further settlements or legal expense.
However former manager Neil Warnock, who resigned from his post at Bramall
Lane three days after the club's relegation, is exploring the possibility of
launching his own action. A joint investigation by the FAPL and Football
Association into the Tevez and Mascherano signings is ongoing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers chase O'Shea
by Adam Marshall , 19 March 2009
setanta.co.uk
West Ham are keeping tabs on Galway United winger Jay O'Shea, according to
sources in Ireland. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international saw a
move to Derby County collapse when Paul Jewell left the club but still has
plenty of admirers in England. After helping Galway top the table at the
start of the current League of Ireland campaign, the 20-year-old will be
watched by Hammers chief scout Roger Cross when tackling Bray Wanderers on
Friday. United boss Ian Foster recently admitted his delight that the young
wide man would remain part of his plans this term. "It's great news for me
because I hope Jay will play this year as he did during the last third of
the 2008 season," he declared. O'Shea was called into Don Givens's Under-21
squad this week for the matches with Spain and Turkey and is clearly moving
in the right direction.
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Escape remains source of pride for Green
East London Advertiser
19 March 2009
Robert Green insists that West Ham's compensation payment to Sheffield
United will not cast a shadow on memories of the club's dramatic escape from
relegation two years ago. England international Green was a key figure as
the Hammers won seven of their final nine games, including memorable
triumphs over Arsenal and Manchester United, to complete the most miraculous
survival mission in the history of the Premier League. The club's
achievement has since been overshadowed by a bitter legal dispute with the
Blades, which was finally settled this week after West Ham agreed to pay
£15m in an out-of-court settlement. The saga now looks set to rumble on,
with former Blades manager Neil Warnock and 20 players poised to pursue
personal compensation claims against the Hammers. But Green is adamant that
the long-running legal battle will not diminish his own pride at helping the
Hammers retain their top flight status. He said: "Winning at Arsenal, at Man
United - that's what I'll remember and that's what West Ham fans will
remember. "Sheffield United can do what they like. There's only so much
before you lose interest." Warnock, who quit Bramall Lane three days after
Sheffield United's relegation in 2007, confirmed this week that he will
consider suing the Hammers for personal compensation. "I wanted to see the
club's case out of the way first," Warnock said. "As far as I'm concerned, I
should still be a manager in the Premier League. And I think the players
have a case, too.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson injury fears allayed
East London Advertiser
19 March 2009
Matthew Upson could make an immediate return to action when West Ham travel
to Blackburn Rovers this weekend despite fears that the England defender had
suffered a serious injury against West Brom on Monday night. Upson was taken
off on a stretcher in the 29th minute of the club's goalless draw at Upton
Park after complaining of a calf problem. The 29-year-old suffered a serious
calf injury shortly after joining the Hammers two years ago, but boss
Gianfranco Zola has allayed fears that Upson is set for a significant spell
on the sidelines. "I don't see that it's going to be a big problem. He had a
problem with his calf before he came on the pitch, but it's not a big
concern," Zola said. "I believe that his fitness is not a major problem. It
shouldn't be a big setback."
Meanwhile, West Brom defender Jonas Olsson has escaped punishment following
his clash with goalkeeper Robert Green. Green was caught by Olsson's elbow
during the stalemate at the Boleyn Ground but referee Mark Halsey has now
reviewed the incident again and told the Football Association that he would
not have given a red card.
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Michael Tonge is considering legal action over Tevezgate
March 19th, 2009 · 1 Comment
The Spolier
Former Sheffield United player Michael Tonge has revealed he would
contemplate joining a legal claim against West Ham if some of his
ex-teammates hold his hand. He said: "I'm just waiting to see what comes of
it. I'm not taking it upon myself to make a claim, but might consider
joining one."
The midfielder is back in the Premier League now with Stoke - and one has to
wonder who he will blame if the Potters go down this summer - but Tony Pulis
obviously doesn't rate him too highly as he has started just one league
game.
Tonge also showed ignorance of the situation by stating that Carlos Tevez'
goal on the final day at Old Trafford kept West Ham up when the reality is
that all they needed was a draw, meaning the back five who shut Manchester
United out deserve the credit. Indeed, Henry Winter, the journalist who
provided evidence supporting Sheffield United's case, named Green man of the
match in his report on the game.
Besides, If Tonge believes he can pinpoint his relegation entirely on the
performance of another player, will he be equally as willing to reject any
bonuses coming his way if Stoke stay up this season when he has done little
to aid their cause?
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West Ham News: Diego Tristan is back in Gianfranco Zola's plans and may
start in West Ham's weekend clash with Blackburn
Thursday, 19 March 2009
Londonpaper.co.uk
GIANFRANCO ZOLA might turn to Diego Tristan to solve West Ham's striker
crisis. With Carlton Cole starting a two-game ban, Freddie Sears and David
Di Michele failed to impress in the draw with West Brom on Monday. And with
Dean Ashton injured and new signing Savio no replacement for the departed
Craig Bellamy, Zola will look to Tristan. Zola said: "The only reason I
didn't play Diego against West Brom is that he has been suffering with a
muscle problem. Maybe he will give us more of a presence in attack. For him,
this is a very important week and I'll see how he works physically." Tristan
has struggled for form and fitness since his arrival in October. Zola
added: "If he does well and is in good shape then I'll play him against
Blackburn at the weekend."
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Latics Latest : Wigan Athletic not seeking compensation from West Ham United
Posted by Landlord on 19 03 09
YOTAC.co.uk
Club officials have reacted quickly to reports suggesting that Wigan
Athletic will be attempting to seek compensation following the recent out of
court settlement between West Ham United and Sheffield United. An official
statement has been released and it is reproduced in full here.
"Contrary to some reports in the media Wigan Athletic Football Club would
like to clarify its position in relation to the West Ham United / Sheffield
United / Carlos Tevez situation. Wigan Athletic have not sought any further
legal advice and will not be pursuing the matter any further, reports that
the Club are seeking compensation for false league position payments are
totally incorrect. As far as Wigan Athletic Football Club is concerned the
matter is being dealt with by the appropriate authorities and the Club does
not wish to comment any further."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upton Park chief Zola fed up with everybody Hammering on about Tevez
By Marc Isaacs Last updated at 4:28 PM on 19th March 2009
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola has called for the Carlos Tevez affair to finally come to an
end and is getting annoyed that other parties want to sue West Ham. The club
finally reached an out of court settlement with Sheffield United this week
when they were reported to be paying £25million in compensation to the
Yorkshire club. Zola was praying the matter would be finished and is now
outraged that Neil Warnock, Ken Bates and Sheffield United players are
reported to be considering legal action against West Ham. The Hammers
manager is angry that the matter is still being talked about and is urging
the world of football to finally end the whole saga. Zola said: 'I hope it
is the end of the matter. I hope from now on we can be left in peace and
plan our future. 'Since I have been here, we have been talking about this.
Now it is settled, we are still talking about it. I don't know what to say.
'I wish we could get on with it and focus on our future because this club
needs to plan for the future. 'There are a few things still going on, but as
far as I am concerned, it should be finished. But this is something that the
club is dealing with and as far as I know we should not have any problems.
It is not distracting. 'I don't want to hear about it anymore, really, I
have had enough. This club has been through so any problems this year and
had always come out with the right thing. We will handle it properly.'
Meanwhile, Zola is urging Fabio Capello to pick Scott Parker for England's
forthcoming matches against Slovakia and Ukraine. Zola added: 'He is a
complete midfielder because he can produce quality, but works very hard
defensively. I believe in his position he is the best in this country.'
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