25/05/2007 08:41
Danny Gabbidon may make his long-awaited return from injury tomorrow at the
Racecourse Ground where Wales are set to take on New Zealand in an
international friendly. The West Ham United defender was hampered by a groin
injury during the latter part of last season and had to undergo two
operations. If he does take part, he will be playing alongside team-mate
James Collins.
Robert Green is also hoping to be involved in international action tonight,
having been named in the England squad for the B international against
Albania, which takes place at Turf Moor.
Elsewhere, representing the Hammers in the England Under-21 squad, Mark
Noble, Nigel Reo-Coker and Anton Ferdinand are at a training camp in Spain
preparing for next month's friendly against Slovakia.
The Club today also confirmed that Hammers goalkeeper Roy Carroll has asked
to leave Upton Park so that he can play regular first team football and has
been granted a free transfer.
Paul Konchesky and John Pantsil have also stated their desire for first team
action and will be allowed to leave when an appropriate transfer offer is
made that is acceptable to the Club.
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Benayoun commits his future to the Hammers - WHUFC
25/05/2007 14:01
West Ham United can today announce that much sought-after midfielder Yossi
Benayoun has agreed a new five-year deal to keep him at Upton Park until
2012. "I'm very pleased to have agreed this new deal," said the Israel
international. "From the first moment I arrived at West Ham, the Club felt
like home to me. We have the best supporters in England. "The natural thing
for me was to sign a new deal and I'm very happy because I want to stay at
this Club. I'm sure we'll have a better season next season because we have
players with a lot of quality. "We will also have new players coming in to
make us stronger and better. I'm very pleased because it is the best place
for me. "The Chairman is very ambitious and I want to thank him because the
negotiations were very quick. He and the manager showed me they wanted me to
stay immediately. Hopefully I will pay them back on the pitch and I will do
everything in my power to match their ambition."
Hammers Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "We are very ambitious and Yossi is
a big part of our plans. I'm very pleased to have agreed terms to keep him
at the Club for five more years.
"We are looking forward to bringing in exciting new signings but we must
also make sure we keep hold of the hugely talented players we already have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benayoun signs new West Ham deal - BBC
West Ham midfielder Yossi Benayoun has signed a new five-year contract. The
27-year-old had been linked with a move to Portsmouth but has committed
himself to the Hammers until 2012.
The Israel international told West Ham's website: "From the first moment I
arrived, West Ham felt like home to me. We have the best supporters in
England. "The chairman is ambitious and I want to thank him because the
negotiations were very quick. He and the manager showed me they wanted me to
stay." Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "We are very ambitious and Yossi is a
big part of our plans. I'm very pleased to have agreed terms to keep him at
the Club for five more years. "We are looking forward to bringing in
exciting new signings but we must also make sure we keep hold of the hugely
talented players we already have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yossi signs - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 25th May 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Yossi Benayoun has pledged his future to West Ham United after putting pen
to paper on a new five-year deal. Benayoun has looked as if he was on his
way out of East London earlier in the year after falling out with manager
ALan Curbishley after repreatedly coming home from international duty
injured. But following a run of good form Benayoun has perofrmed an about
turn and signed a new deal thought to be worth in the region of £40,000 per
week. Talking to whufc.com this afternoon, Benayoun said: "I'm very pleased
to have agreed this new deal. From the first moment I arrived at West Ham,
the Club felt like home to me. We have the best supporters in England. "I'm
very happy because I want to stay at this Club. I'm sure we'll have a better
season next season because we have players with a lot of quality. We will
also have new players coming in to make us stronger and better. I'm very
pleased because it is the best place for me. "The Chairman is very ambitious
and I want to thank him because the negotiations were very quick. He and the
manager showed me they wanted me to stay immediately. Hopefully I will pay
them back on the pitch and I will do everything in my power to match their
ambition."
Meanwhile it has been confirmed that goalkeeper Roy Carroll has left the
club after being given a free transfer. Full-backs Paul Konchesky and John
Pantsil have also had transfer requests accepted.
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Season ticket prices 2007/8 - WHO
Match Reporter - Fri May 25 2007
West Ham United have released their season ticket prices for the forthcoming
Premier League campaign.
An average rise on an adult season of around 7% will be seen by many as a
small price to pay should the club be able to retain the excellent Carlos
Tevez and the promised World Class players Executive Chairman Eggert
Magnússon has indicated the club will sign this summer. Whilst the minority
will moan at the fact West Ham have joined only Tottenham and Manchester
United in raising prices for the coming season, West Ham once again went
through what was a poor campaign with a record number of season ticket
holders and a string of sell out games and it's a simple case of supply and
demand. With the excellent finish to the last campaign and the drama
involved, coupled to the fact of the promise investment from a board for the
first time in the Hammers history showing true ambition, season tickets
could well be tough to come across, as the club have vowed to cap sales at
26,000, a figure the club were not far short of last season, leaving 5000+
tickets to sale to members. So with the rise equating to no more then a
pint of lager per game, I'm sure not too many fans wont be renewing by the
29th of June deadline.
Band 1
Adult £850
Under 16's £255
Under 10's£110
OAP/Under 21's £425
Band 2
Adult £780
Under 16's £230
Under 10's£110
OAP/Under 21's £390
Band 3
Adult £725
Under 16's £215
Under 10's£110
OAP/Under 21's £360
Band 4
Adult £595
Under 16's £175
Under 10's£110
OAP/Under 21's £295
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benayoun signs Hammers deal - Sky
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 25 May 2007
Yossi Benayoun has pledged his future to West Ham United by signing a new
five-year contract. Reports had claimed the Israeli schemer was holding
crisis talks with The Hammers after being dropped by Alan Curbishley earlier
in the season. But Benayoun forced his way back into the side and played his
part in helping West Ham stave off relegation to the Championship. He has
now committed his future to the club by agreeing a deal until 2012 and the
midfielder had no qualms in extending his stay. "I'm very pleased to have
agreed this new deal," Benayoun told the club's official website. "From the
first moment I arrived at West Ham, the club felt like home to me. We have
the best supporters in England. "The natural thing for me was to sign a new
deal and I'm very happy because I want to stay at this club. I'm sure we'll
have a better season next season because we have players with a lot of
quality. "We will also have new players coming in to make us stronger and
better. I'm very pleased because it is the best place for me. "The chairman
is very ambitious and I want to thank him because the negotiations were very
quick. He and the manager showed me they wanted me to stay immediately.
"Hopefully I will pay them back on the pitch and I will do everything in my
power to match their ambition."
Last September, Benayoun revealed he had agreed a five-year deal with The
Hammers after impressing since his arrival from Racing Santander in 2005.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Great news regarding Yossi - WHO
North Bank - Tue May 22 2007
I know some of you will have reservations but I don't care as you're know
nothing fools, this is great news as Yossi's the best footballer at the
Club. Tottenham's pursuit of Yossi Benayoun looks doomed to fail with the
midfielder set to sign an improved deal at West Ham. Israel international
Benayoun was expected to hand in a transfer request and be on his way out of
Upton Park this summer.However, despite a myriad of interest from the likes
of Spurs, Portsmouth and Newcastle, the Hammers have moved to entice him to
stay put. The fact they avoided relegation and the offer of a new improved
five-year deal in which Benayoun will be handed a weekly wage of £38,500 -
an increase of £15,500 from his current £23,000-a-week salary - looks like
ensuring he will be going nowhere. West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is thought
to be plotting a massive squad overhaul but wants to keep Benayoun on board.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Javier hopes for Tevez move - Sky Sports
By Mark Buckingham - Created on 25 May 2007
Javier Mascherano says it is 'possible' that his fellow Argentine, Carlos
Tevez, will move to Liverpool. Tevez is considering his future at West Ham
United after admitting it may be time to join a major European club. He
arrived at Upton Park last August, along with Mascherano, with the duo's
controversial transfer eventually landing The Hammers with a £5.5million
fine. Mascherano moved on again in January when he signed for Liverpool and
he has impressed since playing regularly in the Premiership. Reports suggest
the UEFA Champions League finalists want to reunite the South Americans, and
the midfielder believes his compatriot would be a big hit at Anfield. "It's
possible he will come," Mascherano told the Sun about the Tevez rumours. "I
would love to have him by my side as a player and a friend. "After managing
to keep West Ham in the Premiership, he has a lot of possibilities to move
to a big club in Europe. "When we talk we avoid discussing moves, but I know
he's talking about a probable move to Liverpool. "He would be a barbarian."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer Ephraim may make return - TeamTalk
Hogan Ephraim has not ruled out a return to Colchester next season despite
agreeing a new contract at West Ham. Ephraim, 19, impressed while on loan at
Layer Road for five months last term and Us manager Geraint Williams is
eager to bring him back. The striker will start the new season with West Ham
after signing a one-year deal following talks with Alan Curbishley, but an
immediate first-team breakthrough at Upton Park looks a big ask so he could
find himself elsewhere. "We came to the conclusion that it would be best all
round if I signed for another year," Ephraim told the Colchester Gazette. "I
know that I have to hit the ground running as soon as we get back after the
summer break. There are some top-class players at West Ham but I'm confident
that I can be in and around the first-team squad. "The manager hasn't seen
me play but he told me he has taken advice from the people around him and
his backroom staff. He said they like what they have seen and that he'll
have a good look at me in pre-season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blues baulk at Konchesky price Fri, May 25 2007 13:29 - EatSleepSport
Birmingham have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign defender Paul
Konchesky because of West Ham's £4million asking price. The news comes
after coach Eric Black confirmed the newly-promoted club are finding it
difficult recruiting experienced players because of mounting transfer fees
and wage ranges. Transfer target Sylvain Distin will rake in £50,000-a-week
at his new club Portsmouth, while the Hammers' price tag on left-back
Konchesky is out of Birmingham's range. Black feels there is not only a lack
of quality available but there is also the competition from richer clubs who
can afford the "astronomical" asking prices. "We are looking to up the
quality level wherever we possibly can. But it's certainly not
straightforward, especially finding players who may have Premier League
experience," Black told the Birmingham Mail. "There is a dearth of quality
out there and it's become harder and harder as everyone is fishing from the
same pond, and the net clubs are casting is so vast. It's become
increasingly difficult to find that little gem. "Then there are the fees
involved, which have become astronomical in some cases and affordable to
only a very few. However, that's the situation we find ourselves in and
we're doing all we can to identify players and then see if it's possible to
bring them here," said Black.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Konchesky deal in doubt - Clubcall
20070525 13:29
Birmingham have reportedly pulled out of a deal to sign defender Paul
Konchesky because of West Ham's £4million asking price. The news comes after
coach Eric Black confirmed the newly-promoted Blues are finding it difficult
recruiting experienced players because of mounting transfer fees and wage
ranges. Transfer target Sylvain Distin will rake in £50,000-a-week at his
new club Portsmouth, while West Ham's price tag on left-back Konchesky is
out of Blues' range. Black feels there is not only a lack of quality
available but there is also the competition from richer clubs who can afford
the "astronomical" asking prices. "We are looking to up the quality level
wherever we possibly can. But it's certainly not straightforward, especially
finding players who may have Premier League experience," Black told the
Birmingham Mail.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yossi commits to Hammers - The Sun
By MIKE ANSTEAD
May 25, 2007
YOSSI BENAYOUN has ended doubts over his future by signing a new five-year
deal at West Ham. The Israel midfielder considered leaving after the Hammers
avoided relegation from the Premiership on the last day of the season. But
he has now agreed to stay on at the club until 2012. Benayoun, 27, said:
"I'm very pleased to have agreed this new deal. "From the first moment I
arrived at West Ham, the club felt like home to me. We have the best
supporters in England. "The natural thing for me was to sign a new deal and
I'm very happy because I want to stay at this club. "I'm sure we'll have a
better season next season because we have players with a lot of quality.
"We will also have new players coming in to make us stronger and better. I'm
very pleased because it is the best place for me. "The chairman is very
ambitious and I want to thank him because the negotiations were very quick.
"He and the manager showed me they wanted me to stay immediately. Hopefully
I will pay them back on the pitch and I will do everything in my power to
match their ambition."
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "We are very ambitious and Yossi is
a big part of our plans. "I'm very pleased to have agreed terms to keep him
at the club for five more years.
"We are looking forward to bringing in exciting new signings but we must
also make sure we keep hold of the hugely talented players we already have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Yossi Hammers out new deal - TeamTalk
Israel midfielder Yossi Benayoun has ended specualtion about his West Ham
future by signing a new five-year contract at Upton Park. The 27-year-old
played a key role in the Hammers escaping relegation from the Premiership
and will now remain at Upton Park until 2012 at least after agreeing the new
deal. Benayoun, who signed from Racing Santander for £2.5million in July
2005, told the club's official website: "I'm very pleased to have agreed
this new deal. From the first moment I arrived at West Ham, the club felt
like home to me. We have the best supporters in England. "The natural thing
for me was to sign a new deal and I'm very happy because I want to stay at
this club. I'm sure we'll have a better season next season because we have
players with a lot of quality. "We will also have new players coming in to
make us stronger and better. I'm very pleased because it is the best place
for me. "The chairman is very ambitious and I want to thank him because the
negotiations were very quick. He and the manager showed me they wanted me to
stay immediately. Hopefully I will pay them back on the pitch and I will do
everything in my power to match their ambition."
Chairman Eggert Magnusson said: "We are very ambitious and Yossi is a big
part of our plans. I'm very pleased to have agreed terms to keep him at the
club for five more years. "We are looking forward to bringing in exciting
new signings but we must also make sure we keep hold of the hugely talented
players we already have."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Seagulls wade into Tevez row - TeamTalk
Brighton have written to the FA for clarification over West Ham striker
Carlos Tevez's eligibility to play in their FA Cup clash in January. West
Ham were fined £5.5million by the Premier League over irregularities
surrounding the signings of Tevez and fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano
in August, but an arbitration panel will now be set up after complaints from
relegated Sheffield United. The row centres around the decision not to dock
the Hammers points for signing third-party agreements in contravention of
league rules. And now League One side Brighton want to establish whether
they have a case for compensation after Tevez played in West Ham's 3-0
victory at Upton Park. Seagulls chief executive Martin Perry told the
Evening Argus: "We have written to the FA but we haven't had a response yet.
The issue revolves around whether or not he was eligible, it isn't an issue
about ownership as far as we are concerned. "The fact is the Premier League
are insisting he was eligible. In that case, we haven't got anywhere to go.
"It is being investigated now by FIFA, so from our point of view it is a
watching brief. We have written for clarification and we will wait and see.
"If the Premier League's position is found to be correct, that he was
eligible to play and that the rules broken related to ownership, then we
don't have a case. "If it was found that he wasn't eligible then we will
certainly take it further. It all hinges around that single point." The
three-man arbitration panel to rule on Sheffield United's complaints is due
to be appointed on Friday but any final decision is not likely before the
end of June.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BLADES STEP UP TEV WAR
EXCLUSIVE Sheffield United vow to fight on McCabe will snub promoted clubs
Alan Nixon 25/05/2007
SHEFFIELD UNITED plan to throw the Premier League into chaos by refusing to
hand over their membership 'card' to a newly-promoted club. United plc
chairman Kevin McCabe aims to go on a war footing over the Carlos Tevez
affair and bring it to a head with this unprecedented move. Relegated teams
have to pass on a certificate of membership at the league's annual meeting,
but the Blades are going to hold onto it until the arbitration process over
West Ham's record £5.5million fine for breaking regulations over Tevez's
registration is completed. The Blades and some other clubs were unhappy the
Hammers punishment did not include having points docked. That would have
sent West Ham down instead of the Yorkshire club. Sheffield United
officially lose their Premier League status when they give up the "share",
but believe they would be within their rights were they to hold onto it at
the meeting scheduled for Thursday. No club has taken this form of action
before and it may force the agenda to be ripped up and put further pressure
on chief executive Richard Scudamore to sort out a new solution. The Premier
League had dismissed Sheffield United's attempts at arbitration as a "waste
of money" - angering them and their allies. Wigan chairman Dave Whelan and
Fulham's Mohamed Al Fayed will also be pressing for a judicial review of the
whole process as they stand strong beside their relegated former rival.
However Sheffield United's move is more radical and drags another club -
technically the Championship play-off winners West Brom or Derby - into the
dispute. The refusal to hand over the share would also stop the Premier
League issuing fixtures for next season and give Scudamore a reminder this
problem is far from over ahead of what promises to be the stormiest Premier
League AGM ever. Whelan had suggested Scudamore and chairman Sir David
Richards should resign over their handling of the case.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spector named in USA squad - TeamTalk
West Ham defender Jonathan Spector has been named in the USA squad as they
attempt to defend their CONCACAF Gold Cup crown next month. USA face
Guatemala on June 7 and Trinidad & Tobago two days later before a clash with
El Salvador on June 12 in the group stages. Head coach Bob Bradley said:
"Winning the Gold Cup is our most important priority this year and I believe
we have assembled a team capable of doing that. "We have a very good blend
of talent, youth and experience. This is a great opportunity to continue to
secure our place as one of the top teams in the region as well as obtain
valuable experience as we progress towards World Cup qualifying in 2008."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
BARNSLEY TO SIGN UP REID - The Mirror
25/05/2007
Barnsley are poised to sign West Ham reject Kyel Reid in a £200,000 deal
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premiership Rumour Mill: West Ham close in Shorey - Daily Mail
By DANNY GRIFFITHS - Last updated at 10:49am on 25th May 2007
West Ham want Reading defender Nicky Shorey as the first piece in their
programme to rebuild the first-team at Upton Park. Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley wants to shake-up the squad which spectacularly underachieved
last season and only achieved premiership survival by beating Manchester
United on the last day of the season. And he is preparing to make a
£5million bid for the 26-year-old who will make play for England B against
Albania tonight. Shorey has been one of the foundations behind the Royals'
successful first season in the top flight and would be the second of their
top stars to depart the Madejski Stadium since the end of the season
following Steve Sidwell's switch to Chelsea as a free agent. Reading will
try to keep their best players and director of football Nicky Hammond said:
"Players will leave us this summer but we are not planning to lose anyone we
don't want to."
Shorey can't wait to pull on his country's shirt at Burnley's Turf Moor
tonight and said: "It's been a great year and, following on from the last
couple of seasons, it is excellent and rounds everything off nicely."
Sunderland have made a £2m bid for Bolton keeper Jussi Jaaskelainen, who has
a year left on his current contract. and the Black Cats also want
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen - but face competition from West Ham,
Portsmouth and Newcastle.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Blades to learn Tevez panel - Yorkshire Post
SHEFFIELD United will today discover the identities of the three men chosen
to conduct an arbitration into the Premier League's handling of the 'Carlos
Tevez affair'. The trio will be examining the decision not to dock West Ham
United points for breaking transfer regulations in the signing of the
Argentinian international striker and his team-mate, Javier Mascherano, who
is now at Liverpool. If they should rule that the League have not acted
properly, it could lead to the awarding of compensation although Blades
chairman Kevin McCabe is still hoping that the Hammers will be relegated
instead of the Blades. The panel is likely to comprise three lawyers, one of
whom will have been chosen by the Blades and another who will be the choice
of the Premier League. The third will act as an independent. Although the
panel is appointed today, the date for the publication of their final
decision is not yet known. Tevez helped the Hammers pull clear of the
Premiership relegation zone while the Blades went down on goal difference
along with Charlton Athletic and Watford.
Last Updated: 25 May 2007
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Albion want clarification on Tevez - the Argus
Albion have written to the FA seeking clarification over the eligibility of
Carlos Tevez for their FA Cup defeat at West Ham in January. The Seagulls
are trying to establish whether they have a case for compensation as an
investigation into the details of the Tevez transfer to Upton Park
continues. West Ham were hit with a £5.5 million fine by the Premier League
over the ownership of Tevez and Argentina team-mate Javier Mascherano.
Martin Perry, Albion's chief executive, said: "We have written to the FA but
we haven't had a response yet. The issue revolves around whether or not he
was eligible, it isn't an issue about ownership as far as we are concerned.
"The fact is the Premier League are insisting he was eligible. In that case
we haven't got anywhere to go. It is being investigated now by FIFA, so from
our point of view it is a watching brief. We have written for clarification
and we will wait and see. If the Premier League's position is found to be
correct, that he was eligible to play and that the rules broken related to
ownership, then we don't have a case. "If it was found that he wasn't
eligible then we will certainly take it further. It all hinges around that
single point."
The Premier League will publish its fixture list in mid-June as normal,
despite agreeing to Sheffield United's request for an arbitration tribunal
to rule on the Tevez affair. The Blades, relegated on the final day while
West Ham stayed up, are adamant the Hammers should have been docked points.
The members of the three-man arbitration panel will be named today but a
final ruling is not expected until the end of June. Meanwhile, Albion have
corrected dates for a couple of pre-season friendlies. They play at
Braintree on Wednesday July 18 and Billericay on Saturday July 21.
10:47am today
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premiership keeper in City's sights - Clubcall
20070525 10:32
Boss Dave Jones is reportedly planning a swoop to take West Ham's
out-of-favour goalkeeper Roy Carroll to Ninian Park this summer. The
Northern Ireland international shot-stopper is thought to be unhappy with
his lack of first-team opportunities at Upton Park due to the emergence of
Robert Green as the Hammers' number one last season. And it looks likely
that he will depart in search of regular action in the new season.
The Bluebirds are on the lookout for a new keeper following contract rebel
Neil Alexander's failure to put pen-to-paper on a new deal offered to him by
the south Wales side at the end of the season. And Carroll would be the
ideal recruit whether it be on a permanent or season-long loan basis. The
former Wigan keeper has been at West Ham for two years following a free
transfer switch from Manchester United, but Cardiff's rivals site has
reported that he could soon become a Bluebirds regular next term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Royals to snub Hammers swoop - Clubcall
20070525 08:43
Director of football Nicky Hammond insists Reading will do everything to
resist West Ham's reported £5million swoop for Nicky Shorey. The 26-year-old
is reportedly at the top of Hammers boss Alan Curbishley's target list after
an impressive debut Premiership campaign with the Royals in which he helped
Steve Coppell's men to an eighth-placed finish. He played in 37 of the
Royals 38 games and almost secured a place in the PFA team of the year which
has seen him become a reported big target of the Hammers.
The left-back has been rewarded with his performances for Reading with a
call-up to the England B side for Friday's friendly against Albania at
Burnley's Turf Moor and, despite the expected interest from other parties,
the club are vowing to keep Shorey at the Madejski Stadium. Hammond told
The Mirror: "Players will go from us this summer but we are not planning to
lose anyone we don't want to. It is not our plan to lose key players. "You
cannot make a final decision until an offer comes in but our main players
are contracted."
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