WHUFC .com
Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac is back with West Ham United after agreeing a permanent transfer
14.08.2009
West Ham United are delighted to announce the permanent signing of Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee.
He played nine times on loan for the club last season and was delighted to be back at Chadwell Heath on Friday morning as he trained with his team-mates again. Kovac had completed a medical late on Thursday before putting pen to paper on a three-year contract. It came after the club concluded positive negotiations with Spartak, where he was captain.
"I am delighted to be back," Kovac told whufc.com. "I enjoyed my time here last season and I am very happy to get the chance to come back and compete for a place at West Ham. It is great that it is a permanent deal and that it is all sorted out. Now I can just concentrate on doing well for the club and the fans."
It is not yet clear whether the versatile 29-year-old, who scored a memorable long-range strike in the 3-1 defeat at Everton last May, will feature in the squad for Saturday's opening game of the new Barclays Premier League season at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The club are still waiting to receive international clearance.
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U18s in Dutch test
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18s will conclude their pre-season with a tournament in the Netherlands
14.08.2009
Tony Carr will lead his West Ham United youngsters into a prestigious pre-season tournament in the Netherlands on Friday.
The Academy Director will take an Under-18 and U17 team to Doetinchem to take part in a tournament with seven other teams from around the globe.
"It's a final preparation for pre-season training," Carr said. We always like to take in a pre-season tournament now. It is a good bonding session for the squad to go away together even though it is only for three days.
"We then come back on the Monday, start training on the Tuesday for the first league game against Everton the following Saturday. Hopefully we'll come through it unscathed and we start preparing for the league programme that starts on the 22 August."
With strong representation from the host country, there will also be plenty of interest in countries as far away as Brazil. "It's mostly Dutch teams but the full lineup with us is Botafogo from Brazil, AK Alkmaar from Austria, Salzburg from Germany, Graafschap from Holland, Vitesse Arnhem, Kopenhagen from Denmark and Doetinchem, the local team from Holland."
With their flight leaving London on Friday morning and the first match later that day, Carr's squad will quickly need to adapt to their new surroundings.
"We should have four games over a three-day period. The only downside for us is that we travel very early on a Friday morning and play Friday evening the same day so it is going to be a long tough day for us. We fly to Dusseldorf in Germany and the tournament is just over the border in Holland."
The tournament takes on an eleven-a-side format with matches 30 minutes each way. The eight teams will form two groups of four with the winners and runners-up of each section facing each other in the semi-finals. The third and fourth place from each group will also compete for fifth, sixth, seventh and eighth place in the tournament through a play-off.
Carr could be without a couple of familiar faces through injury. But, ever the optimist, he simply sees it as an opportunity for another player to stake a claim.
"We've got a couple of injuries. Callum McNaughton, who performed very well for us at centre back last year, has turned his ankle over so we don't want to risk him as we need him for the Everton game. Filip Modelski is still a long-term injury so he won't go.
"But there are a lot of new young lads going so it's an opportunity for them to step into the gaps and hopefully great experience. Even recent signings - Frank Nouble, Darprela are eligible to play in the youth team. We are probably not going to use them, but it shows the strength we have."
After spending the whole of pre-season on home soil, Carr is looking forward to the different kind of challenges his youngsters will face playing foreign opposition in unfamiliar territory.
"When you're playing a tournament you play to win so there's more of an edge to the game and everybody is trying to win as it's a tournament format. It gives you that little edge that you need in the league before the league begins.
"You're playing foreign opposition, different refereeing with different interpretations and certainly you've got to keep your cool as some of these decisions in these tournaments and the play acting is something that frustrates the British mentality. They are all things you learn over the years but I am looking forward to it. It should be a good three days."
Although keen to progress as far as possible in the tournament, Carr is already content with how his side are shaping up for the new season.
"In terms of preparation and fitness I'm very pleased. There are just one or two little tactical issues I'm not too sure about - who's going to play where and exactly my best starting XI at this point, but that is to be expected. But it does show the strength of the squad which is great."
Return to whufc.com to follow how Carr's side progress in the tournament.
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West Ham complete Kovac signing
BBC.co.uk
West Ham have completed the signing of Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac from Spartak Moscow for an undisclosed fee. Kovac was on loan at the club at the end of last season and made nine appearances for the Hammers. The 29-year-old has signed a three-year deal with the Upton Park club. Kovac could play in the club's opening Premier League game against Wolves on Saturday if West Ham get international clearance in time. Kovac has figured for his country at the World Cup in 2006 and Euro 2008 and brings Champions League and Uefa Cup experience to manager Gianfranco Zola's side. He scored his only goal for West Ham in a 3-1 defeat by Everton in the penultimate game of last season.
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Big day for Junior
WHUFC.com
The chance to impress from the off against Wolverhampton Wanderers is firing Junior Stanislas
15.08.2009
Junior Stanislas is being tipped to continue his emergence in the West Ham United first team this season after a brilliant breakthrough in the last campaign.
The England Under-21 attacker - he made his debut at that level in Tuesday's goalless draw in the Netherlands - could even start against Wolverhampton Wanderers this afternoon after impressing in pre-season. Stanislas, still only 19, scored two goals in nine appearances in the second half of the 2008/09 campaign.
Stanislas is fired up to get going again and may even be up against a familiar foe as Wolves have just signed his international team-mate Michael Mancienne on a season-long loan from Chelsea.
"It will be a good clash if we can both play," said Stanislas. "I am not sure where he will play, he can play centre-back or right-back. I have played against him when he was at Chelsea.
"We had a good week with England, he's a good lad and it would be great for us both to be on the pitch on Saturday with us winning of course. We're looking forward to it all starting now, we've worked hard all pre-season and it will be good for the season to begin."
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We've got your number
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Herita Ilunga will wear the number 23 shirt for the first time against Wolves tomorrow afternoon. The Congolese defender - who wore the number three shirt last season - has been granted his wish to wear the vacant number 23 last worn by Jimmy Walker, who was released by the club at the end of last season. Other players set to feature in new numbers for the first time tomorrow include Luis Jimenez (17), Frank Nouble (24) and Peter Kurucz (28).
The full list of squad numbers for 2009/10 are as follows:
1. Robert Green
4. Danny Gabbidon
7. Kieron Dyer
8. Scott Parker
9. Dean Ashton
10. Savio Nsereko
12. Carlton Cole
13. Luis Boa Morte
14. Radoslav Kovac
15. Matthew Upson
16. Mark Noble
17. Luis Jimenez
18. Jonathan Spector
19. James Collins
20. Julien Faubert
21. Valon Behrami
23. Herita Ilunga
24. Frank Nouble
28. Peter Kurucz
29. Marek Stech
30. James Tomkins
31. Jack Collison
33. Fabio Daprela
35. Josh Payne
41. Zavon Hines
44. Bondz N'Gala
45. Jordan Spence
46. Junior Stanislas
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Sling your hook
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Millwall's allocation for this month's Carling Cup second round tie has been restricted to just 1,500 by the Football League. The League One minnows were disappointed to learn that their expected allocation of around 3,500 had been effectively halved - leading to numerous complaints from fans of the Lions who had been hoping to see their team play Premier League opposition.
Despite the news, many supporters have insisted that they will still travel to the game - something which the Met Police, who were no doubt horrified when the fixture was drawn from the hat, have already acknowledged. In a statement given to the South London Press, they said: "The MPS has a great deal of experience in policing high profile football matches in London. We will continue to liaise with both clubs and an appropriate policing plan will be in place for the match."
Lions MD Andy Ambler - who effectively wrote Gianfranco Zola's team talk for the game earlier this week when he claimed that West Ham's players will not be looking forward to the fixture - moved to distance himself from any potential trouble whilst washing his hands of any responsibility for the behaviour of his own club's supporters when he added: "Our concern is that a large number of Lions fans without tickets for the Millwall section will travel the short distance to Upton Park in any case and attempt to see the game any way they can. "It would seem to us to be far more sensible to give as many Millwall supporters the chance to watch the match safely and securely within the visitors' section at the ground."
West Ham had initially earmarked the entire lower tier of the Trevor Brooking stand for Millwall supporters before the Football League intervened on the grounds on safety.
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Kovac on return
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Czech international Radoslav Kovac has been speaking about his return to West Ham United. The 29-year-old midfielder this week sealed a return to East London, a deal that has today been confirmed by United following completion of the necessary paperwork. Kovac - who is understood to have cost the Hammers around £2million - has signed a three-year contract and could be included in the squad to face Wolves tomorrow, should his transfer be given international clearance in time.
Talking about his return to the UK earlier in the week, Kovac told deniksport.blesk.cz: "I really hoped to return despite having other offers. I was aware that West Ham have financial troubles and I expected that it would be very difficult. Therefore I am very glad that it ended well. "I had two concrete offers, from Hull and West Ham. I was not dealing with anyone other than West Ham, I only know that Hull manager Phil Brown was interested. But I decided to sign for West Ham."
Kovac - who is hoping to bring his family to London with him having secured a permanent deal - also revealed that the Hammers had initially attempted to sign him on loan once again - something that, with his 30th birthday approaching, he felt unable to agree to. "I wanted a full contract as a loan would not solve anything for me," he added. "The club wanted to take me on a one year loan, but it was not acceptable for me. I wanted a full contract as I will be 30 soon. "We agreed on three years in the end and I can only repeat that I am delighted. I'm going somewhere where I know the manager and director wants me plus I have already spent four months there, which makes everything much more simple. Everything spoke for West Ham."
Kovac - whose only goal for the Hammers last season, a 30-yard screamer at Everton, was voted by KUMB readers as the Goal of the Season runner-up - also revealed that he is hoping to hit the target more often this coming term. "I have a quite interesting bonus for scoring five goals in the contract," he revealed. "If I manage to reach this, it would be fantastic! "There are a lot of games during the season, so it is realistic. If I was involved in set pieces, I could manage it; I scored five goals in my first season with Spartak Moscow. But it will not be easy, for sure; we will see. "But mainly I would just like to play as much as possible - and I want to enjoy it."
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Upson: a happy Hammer?
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 14th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson has distanced himself from speculation linking him with a move to Manchester City. The England defender, who is set to succeed Lucas Neill by being named club captain has been linked with a move to the North West since the end of last season. Despite having thus far refused to sign a new contract with the Hammers (his current deal having less than two years left to run) Upson insists that he remains committed to West Ham - without ruling out a transfer window switch. "I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking," he told the Standard. "I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement. "At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season."
However Upson warned that should the club fail to increase the options available to Gianfranco Zola, the Hammers could struggle as the season unfolds. "At the moment, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems," he added. "Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers."
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Hammers join Chamakh chase
Bordeaux claim Zola is keen on Morocco striker
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN
West Ham are reported to have joined the race to sign Marouane Chamakh and have seen their opening bid rejected by Bordeaux. The Morocco international is being tracked by a number of Premier League sides with Arsenal and Sunderland confirming their interest and Blackburn also said to be monitoring the situation. Chamakh has made no secret of his desire to leave the French champions this summer, but as yet no deal has been agreed for his departure. Les Girondins chairman Jean-Louis Triaud claims the Hammers have tabled one 5million euros offer for the striker, which was immediately turned down. Triaud told L'Equipe: "That offer was not acceptable. So it was no. Moreover it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham."
Reports in the French press claim West Ham could now return with an improved offer for the 25-year-old. Gianfranco Zola has made no secret of his desire to improve his forward options with Luis Boa Morte ruled out until January with a serious knee injury.
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Hammers nail down Kovac
Czech ace signs three-year Upton Park deal
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN
West Ham have completed the signing of Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac for an undisclosed fee from Spartak Moscow. The 29-year-old spent four months with the Hammers on loan last season, but is now at Upton Park permanently after joining for an undisclosed fee. Kovac, who made nine appearances under Gianfranco Zola last term, has signed a three-year contract with the East London side. It remains to be seen whether he features for West Ham in their season-opener at Wolves this weekend as the club await international clearance. Kovac has confirmed Hull City were also chasing his signature, however he rejected the chance to link up with Phil Brown in East Yorkshire. "I wanted a permanent move, not just a loan," he told deniksport. "A loan would resolve nothing at my age. "It's good that I have experience with West Ham. I must say I'm very happy to be at a club where both the manager and the owner want me." West Ham finished ninth in the table last season and Kovac believes another top-10 finish this time around would be deemed a good campaign. "Anywhere above 10th place would be good," he continued. "I think the club would be content with such a result."
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Zola - Cole's best to come
Hammers boss backs striker's World Cup claims
Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is confident Carlton Cole's best form is still to come and has backed the striker to claim a place in England's World Cup squad.
Cole was the only Hammers player to hit double figures last season and he also forced his way into Fabio Capello's plans, making his debut against Spain in February.
The 25-year-old impressed as a second-half substitute in England's friendly draw with Holland in midweek and Zola expects Cole to continue improving. "He will be massive for us and I'm assuming he'll also be important for England, because the way he played the other day was very encouraging," said Zola. "There's a lot of competition in front of him because up front England are very good, but he looked very good when he came on. "He was really aggressive and I'm sure Capello, who is someone who knows his job very well, is certainly considering him as a serious option. "Carlton Cole knows that this season will be the most important season of his career. "I'm sure he can have a better season than last year. I can tell you I am not anxious to say that, for me, nobody has seen the best of Carlton Cole."
Cole moved to Upton Park from Chelsea three years ago, but has only started to blossom and fulfil his potential since Zola took charge last season. Zola added: "What we have done with him is to try and encourage those qualities and give him confidence and add something to his game. "We worked with him, especially with his finishing. His movements were okay, but we just needed to improve his positivity in front of the goalkeeper, and he's been very good. "Myself and Steve Clarke kept reminding him of the qualities he has got. He just needed to focus a little bit more on scoring and making his game a little bit more effective for the team. "The more he has done that, the more he realised how good he was and found himself being very effective for the team. "He has established positive habits and now he is growing up."
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Zola coy on transfer targets
West Ham boss working on possible deals
Last updated: 14th August 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has welcomed the signing of Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac but refused to reveal anything about other potential targets. Kovac spent the closing half of last season on loan at Upton Park but secured a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee from Spartak Moscow on Friday. The Italian manager believes that Kovac will become an integral part of his team over the course of his three-year contract. "He's a player that last year did very well for us and he's a good player for us. He's got experience, he's got charisma, good personality and he'll be an important player for us," Zola said. However, the former Chelsea player played his cards very close to his chest when discussing other transfer targets, which are rumoured to include Luca Toni, Eidur Gudjohnsen and Marouane Chamakh. Even though he did not personally reveal any names, Zola admitted that he was working on transfers that would strengthen the Hammers' front-line. "We are working on it (transfers). That is (attack) the part from last year that we need to improve and we are working on it. It's not easy. "I can't give you a percentage (chance of a deal), it is our concern and before the time expires we are going to come up with something. "It is no doubt that we are looking for some striker reinforcement, for me to tell you in detail what we are looking for is not right. We will find some."
Zola also addressed the speculation that West Ham might have to sell defender Matthew Upson in order to finance incoming transfers. He said: "For the moment it is not in our plan (to sell Upson). Hopefully it's not going to happen, we are trying to improve from last year's squad so it shouldn't happen."
Lucas Neill and Dean Ashton have also been linked with moves away from West Ham, but Zola was quick to deflect attention away from the possible departures, instead choosing to focus on Ashton's race for fitness. "Lucas Neill was discussing the (contract) situation with the club, so you have to ask the club about it. It looks like they haven't found an agreement yet and I don't know how it's going to end up, to be honest," the 43-year-old manager said. "Dean Ashton is still waiting. I'll be very excited to have him training with me but, unfortunately, it hasn't happened for the moment. As far as I know, he is still working on his fitness and hopefully he will be OK soon."
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Matthew Upson only has his eyes on Hammers
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard
14.08.09
Matthew Upson may be the subject of speculation linking him with Manchester City but the England defender's thoughts are on West Ham buying, not selling. Joleon Lescott remains City's No1 target but if Everton continue to refuse to do business then the Eastlands club are likely to step up their efforts to sign Upson. Unlike Lescott, Upson has not handed in a transfer request and he hopes that the Hammers can strengthen their squad. "I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking," said Upson, who looks certain to be captain at Wolves tomorrow. "I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement. "At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. "The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season. At the moment, though, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems. "Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers."
The 30-year-old, who hopes to play at next summer's World Cup, added: "For me, it's the biggest season of my life. I'm in good shape and I'm ready for it."
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West Ham United Bid For Bordeaux Striker Marouane Chamakh Rejected
The French league champions have confirmed they have received a bid from the Hammers...
14 Aug 2009 10:39:48
Girondins de Bordeaux have revealed they have rejected a bid for Marouane Chamakh from West Ham United. The Hammers have emerged as potential suitors for the Moroccan striker after Arsenal reportedly ended their interest in signing him earlier this week. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola is keen to add strikers to his squad as Carlton Cole is his only fit and available senior option, due to injuries to Dean Ashton and Luis Boa Morte. The French Ligue 1 champions have now claimed Zola's club have made an offer of €5 million, which has subsequently been knocked back. "That offer was not acceptable," les Girondins chairman Jean-Louis Triaud told L'Equipe. "So it was no. "Moreover, it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham."
Chamakh was understood to have had his heart set on a move to the Emirates Stadium, but he is thought to have several other options in England. Sunderland have also expressed an interest in the 25-year-old in the recent past, while Fulham and Blackburn Rovers are said to be monitoring his situation.
Jamie Dunn, Goal.com
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England hopeful Matthew Upson rejects Manchester City talk to focus on future at West HamBy Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:08 PM on 14th August 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham captain Matthew Upson is refusing to let renewed speculation linking him with a move away from Upton Park hinder his England aspirations as the defender prepares for the start of a pivotal season. The 30-year-old is focused on landing a spot in Fabio Capello's World Cup party to South Africa next year and insists he is not looking to leave the cash-strapped Barclays Premier League club despite reports linking him with a possible departure to moneybags Manchester City. 'For me, it's the biggest season of my life. I'm in good shape and I'm ready for it,' he said. 'I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking.'
Recent reports suggest that Mark Hughes could swoop for the former Arsenal and Birmingham player if hiss hopes of prising Joleon Lescott from Everton fail to materialise, but Upson insists he is only thinking of his future with the Hammers. 'I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement,' he added. 'At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. It has been a frustrating summer in the transfer market for West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola so far, bringing in only two fresh faces so far in Luis Jimenez and former Chelsea youngster Frank Nouble ahead of their season opener at newly promoted Wolves. The Italian is desperate to add to his relatively small squad with a new striker high on his agenda and Upson is hopeful the club can land some new talent before the transfer window slams shut at the end of the month. He said: 'The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season. 'At the moment, though, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems.
'Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers.'
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Birmingham City owners could buy West Ham
14 August 2009 | By James Emmett
SportsPromedia.com
Birmingham City owners David Gold and David Sullivan could bid for West Ham United should Carson Yeung's US$116 million takeover attempt at their own club go through. According to Englsih newspaper 'The Sun' "it would complete a lifelong dream for Gold in particular, who was born a stone's throw from Upton Park and was a youth player with the club." Sullivan and Gold held a 29.9 per cent shareholding in the West Ham during the 1980s. Birmingham City confirmed this week that Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung has revived his attempt to take control of the club. Meanwhile, US billionaire Clark Hunt is rumoured to be interested in taking West Ham United off Icelandic bank Straumur's hands.
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Millwall angry over tickets for Carling Cup clash with West Ham
Evening Standard
14.08.09
Millwall have complained to the Metropolitan Police over its decision to halve the club's allocation of tickets for their Carling Cup tie with West Ham. The Lions said today they had agreed with the Hammers to have 3000 tickets for the second-round clash at Upton Park on 25 August only for the police to step in. Millwall fear that with fewer tickets available their fans may try to get seats in the West Ham section, creating a potential for crowd trouble. The League One club have written to the police, Football League and West Ham calling for the decision to be reversed. Millwall managing director Andy Ambler said: "It would seem to us to be far more sensible to give as many Millwall supporters the chance to watch the match safely and securely within the visitors' section at the ground."
Meanwhile, Matthew Upson is hoping that the Hammers can strengthen their squad. The defender, who is set to captain the side at Wolves tomorrow, said: "The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season."
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Sir Geoff Hurst returns to West Ham to launch Sport for All campaign
The England World Cup winner, who netted a hat-trick in the 1966 final against Russia, was at Upton Park to kick-off initiative which aims to get more disabled people involved in sport
The London Paper
by: Philip Duncan
14 August 2009
SIR GEOFF HURST was back at his old stomping ground on Thursday to help kick off the Sport for All campaign. The 1966 World Cup winner returned to Upton Park to lend his support to the initiative, which will train a minimum of 500 community-based sports coaches all over the UK and provide them with an accredited qualification in coaching disabled people. Speaking at the event, Sir Geoff, who played over 400 games for the Hammers, netting 180 goals said: "Sport has been a big part of my life and there is no reason why disabled athletes cannot get as much out of it as I did." He added: "With the Olympics coming up and Paralympics you can see just what people can achieve. To get 500 people to become coaches and work in the community to help more people get more out of sport would be great."
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If they were a band...West Ham United
Sport.co.uk
Author: Jonny Abrams
Posted on:14 August 2009 - 14:45
West Ham United
IN: Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moscow, £3.25m), Fabio Daprela (Grasshopper Club Zurich, undisclosed), Luis Jimenez (Inter Milan, loan)
OUT: Walter Lopez (Brescia, free), Diego Tristan (Cadiz, free), Lee Bowyer (Birmingham, free), Kyel Reid (Sheffield United, free), Tony Stokes (Ujpest FC, free), Freddie Sears (Crystal Palace, loan), Lucas Neill (released), Jimmy Walker (released)
Hopes: That Dean Ashton cannot possibly get any more injured. That Man City keep their filthy mitts off Matthew Upson. That Mark Noble can recapture his best form. That James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Savio aren't over-relied upon at such early stages in their careers.
Fears: David Di Michele.
Player to watch: James Tomkins – while he shouldn't be overburdened with expectation and responsibility, Tomkins is a fine centre-back in the making.
New kid on the block: Luis Jimenez – Gianfranco Zola has stated his belief that the on-loan Chilean playmaker can weigh in with a strong goals return and, for a team who scored only 42 times in the league last season, this would be a dab hand.
Sport.co.uk Prediction: 9th – a third successive top ten finish is not to be sniffed at, but they lack the squad depth to reach those European spots.
What you would expect to hear from a fan? "Yeah, he's a cracking young player. Wonder how much we'll flog him for."
If they were a band they would be? Travis – pretty enough, but not really going anywhere.
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Hammers bid for Chamakh snubbed
442 Staff - 24 minutes ago
FourFourTwo.com
West Ham United have reportedly had an offer for in-demand Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh rejected by the Ligue 1 club. The Moroccan international, who has netted 15 times for his country, has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the close-season. His 13 goals last term helped secure a first league title in 10 years for les Girondins, but Chamakh has made no secret of his desire to leave the Stade Chaban Delmas. He has previously claimed to have agreed terms with Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal are now believed to have withdrawn their interest in the striker after refusing to up their offer of £5 million. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has already been linked with several high-profile forwards this summer, including Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen, Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli and Bayern Munich talisman Luca Toni, as he bids to bolster his front-line. But, according to L'Equipe, the Italian's opening offer for Chamakh has been turned down by the French champions. While Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has indicated that the striker may not be interested in joining the Upton Park outfit, with the Moroccan having had his heart set on a switch to the Emirates Stadium. "That offer was not acceptable. So it was no," he said. "Moreover it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham."
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Upson assures West Ham fans he's staying
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Matthew Upson has assured West Ham United fans he's staying. "I've seen some of the speculation about me during the close season but you can't let these things cloud your thinking," said Upson, who looks certain to be captain at Wolves tomorrow, in the London Evening Standard. "I'm not instigating any move but sometimes things present themselves without any acknowledgement. "At the moment I'm enjoying playing in a team which is trying to play the right way and I'm improving as a player which is the main thing. "The transfer window is still open and if we can tweak a few things, we can have a good season. At the moment, though, you look at our squad and we're only a couple of injuries away from having a few problems. "Hopefully we have enough time to strengthen the numbers."
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Bordeaux reveal failed West Ham bid for Chamakh
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Bordeaux president Jean-Louis Triaud has confirmed they've turned down an offer from West Ham for Marouane Chamakh. Triaud told L'Equipe: "That offer was not acceptable. So it was no. Moreover it is not obvious the player wants to join West Ham." Reports in the French press claim West Ham could now return with an improved offer for the 25-year-old. Gianfranco Zola has made no secret of his desire to improve his forward options with Luis Boa Morte ruled out until January with a serious knee injury.
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Sunderland hope to sign Neill today
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Former West Ham captain Lucas Neill is expected to sign for Sunderland today. The Mirror says the Black Cats are also hopeful Neill will choose them rather than re-commit to Hammers, with sources close to the Australian saying he is due to decide on his future today. Neill was left out of Australia's friendly win in Ireland this week over concerns he may be injured before landing a new Premiership contract.
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