By Julian Shea
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley says he will not be held to ransom by other
clubs in the summer transfer market. Chairman Eggert Magnusson says West
Ham's perceived wealth means clubs are inflating prices but Curbishley said
he will not spend for the sake of it. "People are looking at us as new kids
on the block but we're not," he said. "If something happens which we think
can improve us we'll have a go but I'm not going to sign 11 players and get
everybody out."
Curbishley replaced Alan Pardew as West Ham manager in December 2006, a
month after Magnusson took over at Upton Park. He was active in the January
transfer window but the only two new signings who played a significant role
in their successful fight against relegation were Lucas Neill and Luis Boa
Morte.
Curbishley says this shows that he already has great resources at his
disposal without having to bring in more players. "If you look at the team
who won at Old Trafford on the last day of the season, most of them were
already here, so that shows the talent we have," he said. "It's a strong
squad when the players are all fit. "Danny Gabbidon was player of the year
the season before but I didn't really see him because of injury, I've not
seen Dean Ashton and I've hardly seen Matthew Upson. Those two are
£13m-worth of players who've not kicked a ball in a long time. "We've got a
strong squad but if I can add to it, I will.
"But if nothing else happens between now and the kick-off, I've got a squad
and a lot to work with."
Scott Parker, who grew up playing under Curbishley at Charlton, is the only
new arrival of the summer so far. Curbishley said he admired Parker's work
ethic and hoped to instil this in the rest of the squad to ensure a strong
start to the new campaign and avoid a repetition of last season's flirtation
with relegation.
"When he was at Charlton, he was the life and soul of everything we did but
he probably got swallowed up a bit at Chelsea and Newcastle. "I'd like him
to be the life and soul here too, to set the benchmark for the rest of the
players. "If he brings his potential with him, the fans here will respond to
that. I'm hoping that on the first day of pre-season, everyone realises what
it's all about."
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Reo-Coker move to Villa delayed - Soccernet
Aston Villa look like having to wait until after the UEFA Under-21
Championships to complete the signing of Nigel Reo-Coker from West Ham.
Reo-Coker has arrived in Holland with his international team-mates but his
£7million move away from Upton Park still to be resolved. Villa have made
clear to Hammers officials that they are willing to offer something like the
asking fee to land the services of the want-away Reo-Coker although it has
transpired no formal bid has been registered. But Villa boss Martin O'Neill
is likely to have to wait until at least after England's final group game
with Serbia on June 17 before he can complete what he hopes will be the
formalities of the transfer. Given the mix-up over Villa player Gabriel
Agbonlahor's availability for the Under-21 squad, coach Stuart Pearce is
unlikely to be in any mood to allow his skipper Reo-Coker to become involved
in transfer negotiations while England remain in the tournament. Reo-Coker,
who joined West Ham from Wimbledon for £500,000 two and a half years ago,
has made it clear that is also where his immediate priorities lie. He said;
'I see myself as a professional and I have got my professional hat on and
right now it is all about England Under-21s and the European
Championships.''
Reo-Coker will join up with two of his potential Villa team-mates of the
future in Ashley Young and Gary Cahill if the deal gets the green light.
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Curbishley keen to be prudent - Telegraph
By Marc Isaacs
Last Updated: 12:27am BST 09/06/2007
Alan Curbishley is adamant that West Ham will not be held to ransom this
summer despite having a £50million transfer budget. Curbishley has the full
financial backing of the club's Eggert Magnusson and he wasted no time
strengthening his squad this week when Scott Parker completed a £7million
move from Newcastle. The West Ham manager also wanted to sign Manchester
City midfielder Joey Barton, but has switched his attentions to Charlton
striker Darren Bent and Chelsea winger Shaun Wright-Phillips. Charlton are
not prepared to let their England striker leave for less than £18 million,
but Curbishley has warned he will not pay over the odds for any player and
that they will have to fit into line with the club's pay structure.
Curbishley said: "There is a lot of stuff being said about us; how much we
are paying for players, how much we have offered them. If there are players
who can improve us, we will try to get them. "People look at us as new kids
on the block. We are not. A lot has been exaggerated. If you look at what we
are spending it is not outrageous. We are fair game at the moment. "Most of
the team who played and won at Old Trafford on the last day of the season
were here before I arrived. It showed what talent was at the club. I am not
saying that I am going to sign 11 players and everyone is out. If nothing
else happens until we kick off, I still have a lot to work with."
Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood are expected to leave the club before
the season gets under way, but one player Curbishley is determined to hold
on to is defender Danny Gabbidon. Gabbidon, a Wales international, expressed
fears that he may be surplus to requirements following the arrival of
Matthew Upson from Birmingham. But Curbishley says the talented defender is
a big part of his plans and is looking forward to seeing him back in action
after he was forced to miss half of last season with a groin injury.
Curbishley said: "I have not seen him play. Danny was player of the year
here two seasons ago and I missed him greatly. It is a strong squad when
they are all fit."
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Reo Coker Burns His Boats - West Ham Till I Die
June 9th, 2007
Nigel Reo Coker ought to know better. This is the interview he has given to
The Times today. What a devious little shit he is.
For once, Nigel Reo-Coker allows his guard to slip. "As I've said many
times," he says with a sigh, "my main focus is on West Ham . . ." He stops,
turns to Tony Finnigan, his agent, and laughs. Finnigan, deep in text mode
on his mobile phone, shakes his head. Reo-Coker reloads. Take two: "As I've
said, my main focus is on England Under-21. We're going to try to win the
tournament and that's all I'm thinking about at the moment. Everything else
that happens will take care of itself."
It is an amusing error, a rare departure from a prepared script. Reo-Coker's
focus is not on West Ham – his critics might point out that it has not been
for some time – and he will join the probable exodus from Upton Park this
summer. A move to Aston Villa is likely and could be completed as Reo-Coker,
the captain, leads England in the European Under21 Championship finals in
the Netherlands. The squad left yesterday for their first group match
against the Czech Republic in Arnhem on Monday. "I truly believe we can win
the trophy," Reo-Coker says. "I've been in the under-21s for a while and
it's the best bunch of players I've been with. Everyone has played at least
half a season in the Premiership and we've got so many talented
individuals."
Reo-Coker, 23, sits in the cramped Bellini Bar in The Hospital, a chic maze
of function rooms in Covent Garden, Central London. He twiddles
absent-mindedly on a computer console and endorses the XBox 5's, one of the
biggest five-a-side football tournaments in Britain, the finals of which are
to be held in Birming-ham tomorrow. Relaxed and softly spoken, he talks
dispassionately about the chaos at West Ham last season. It is as if he has
left the club already – his transfer request went in last week – and that
his stay of more than three years has been swiftly consigned to the past.
Yet the criticism that he and his colleagues attracted, as West Ham lurched
from one crisis to another, stings. Reo-Coker, the captain at Upton Park,
was at the epicentre of abuse, bracketed among the overpaid underachievers
at Upton Park, the "Baby Bentley" brigade.
"Yeah, it did get me down," Reo-Coker says. "I'm not going to lie, I'm
human. I was down, I was depressed, I was hurt. Some individuals went
through a lot of personal issues, but we stayed in the Premiership and that
meant a lot to the team and the squad. To go through all that at such a
young age was priceless and it made me stronger. But it's done now, it's
history.
Reo-Coker hit rock bottom during the 6-0 defeat away to Reading on New
Year's Day, after which Alan Curbishley, the manager, famously referred to
the club's money-obsessed underperformers. "Yeah, the Baby Bentley Club,"
Reo-Coker says tersely. "Well, I'm not a member. I don't have a Bentley. No
comment.
"But that game was probably one of the lowest points of my career. It was
such an embarrassment and I just can't put into words how it felt in the
dressing-room. When your own fans sing 'You're not fit to wear the shirt'
it's heartbreaking."
The bond between Reo-Coker and Curbishley, who succeeded Alan Pardew in
December, deteriorated. "How was the relationship?" he is asked. "Leave that
one, Nigel," Finnigan advises. Reo-Coker does not name names, anyway,
politely deflecting every potential curve ball. He is happier talking about
potting plants at his home, a newfound love of golf – "though I'm not really
the patient type" – and a shared interest in horses with Anton Ferdinand,
his soon-to-be former teammate. And the under21 campaign, too. Reo-Coker has
no regrets. "That's life," he says. "What happened happened."
Yet when he returns from the Netherlands he will refocus, probably in the
direction of Villa Park. He will not escape the claret and blue that easily.
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Craig Bellamy No Thanks - West Ham Till I Doe
June 9th, 2007
Today's Times is predicting that Yossi Benayoun will be used as bait in a
deal with Liverpool to get Craig Bellamy. Not sure I approve of that.
Bellamy has been a troublemaker at every club he has been to - Norwich,
Coventry, Newcastle, Blackburn and Liverpool are just the ones I can
remember. Not sure hw would be conducive to a good team spirit…
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Alan to Curb spending? - Sky
By Tom Adams - Created on 8 Jun 2007
Alan Curbishley insists he is not about to perform major surgery at West
Ham, but more cosmetic changes could yet be made to the face of his playing
staff following the capture of Scott Parker. Hammers chairman Eggert
Magnusson has clearly shown he is willing to back Curbishley with
substantial transfer funds, and Parker has already arrived this summer to
join January signings Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson, Luis Boa Morte, Calum
Davenport and Nigel Quashie. Curbishley has been linked with a wide range of
players with Magnusson's millions at his disposal, but the former Charlton
chief - who worked wonders on a shoestring budget at The Valley - admits he
does not feel under any pressure to carry on his lavish spending. With
injured players set to return, and Parker ready to dictate proceedings in
the centre of midfield next season, Curbishley insists he would be happy to
start the new season with the players currently at his disposal. "The last
time I had any money to spend was when I sold Scott Parker (to Chelsea from
Charlton)," said Curbishley. "But I am not saying I will sign 11 players and
move everyone out. We have a strong squad here when they are all fit. "Lucas
Neill and Luis Boa Morte were the only players involved on the last day at
Old Trafford who weren't here when I arrived. "Danny Gabiddon was player of
the year in 2006 and I missed him greatly. Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton
have barely kicked a ball because of injury - that is £13million of talent.
"If there are players who can improve us, we will try to get them. If I can
add to the squad I will but if nothing else happens until we kick off, I
have a lot to work with."
West Ham narrowly avoided relegation on the final day of last season, and
Curbishley has been quick to pinpoint a poor attitude in the dressing room
for the club's failings over the past year. However, Alan Pardew's
replacement is now determined to instil a winning mentality at Upton Park in
time for next season, with his latest acquisition acting as a role model for
his fellow players. "It is not about playing for West Ham - you have to
change that around a little bit - you work for West Ham," Curbishley added.
"There is a big difference between the two. I have realised my
responsibility to this club over the past three or four months and the
players have to realise that too. "Scott Parker is someone vastly
experienced and professional who will set the standards we are looking for
on and off the pitch - that's the sort of person I need at the club."
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Benayoun to be the bait in new bid for Bellamy - This Is London
09.06.07
West Ham are ready to include Yossi Benayoun in a package aimed at
persuading Liverpool to part with £9million-rated striker Craig Bellamy.
Anfield chiefs are bracing themselves for an approach for Bellamy, as
revealed in Sportsmail yesterday, after West Ham manager Alan Curbishley
identified the newly-appointed Wales skipper's pace and movement as the
qualities he will need if Carlos Tevez makes his expected departure.
Tevez's uncertain future has come under close scrutiny at Anfield, but
Benayoun is emerging as part of an equation that could end with Bellamy
moving to Upton Park in a £70,000-a-week deal that would virtually double
his earnings. Midfielder Benayoun has yet to sign a five-year,
£50,000-a-week contract with West Ham, and there were claims in Israel,
after their 2-0 win over Andorra, that his representatives had agreed
personal terms with Liverpool. No such deal has been struck but Benayoun
left the door open for a move to Anfield by saying: "I still haven't signed
with West Ham because of some small differences. They are my first aim but
if another team want me we will consider it. If it is good for everyone, why
not?"
Liverpool manager Rafa Benitez is known to admire Benayoun, having tried to
sign him for Valencia before the 27-year-old left Racing Santander for Upton
Park in a £2.5million transfer in July 2005. Sportsmail understands Benitez
would consider taking Benayoun, who has two years left on his contract, as
part-payment for Bellamy as he continues to search for reinforcements on the
flanks and up front. With one-time Anfield target Simao Sabrosa thought to
be heading for Lyon, Florent Malouda's departure from the French champions
looks to be close, although Liverpool bosses are less than impressed with
the way he appeared to hedge his bets in an interview with L'Equipe
yesterday. "There are no offers at the moment but there has been direct
contact," he said. "Chelsea and Liverpool have shown interest. I don't know
how it will be finalised but in my mind, I am certain I will leave. "At
Chelsea, there is Didier Drogba and all the rest but at Liverpool Rafa
Benitez is a great coach, too, and the team have played in two Champions
League Finals in three seasons. To me, the most important thing will be the
desire shown by the clubs. To move abroad you really have to be wanted."
With Arsenal also monitoring Malouda's availability, Liverpool are far from
certain to land the French player of the year and may consider Benayoun's
versatility on either wing a useful asset. Benitez is at least making
headway in his bid to secure the futures of key members of his squad, with
Xabi Alonso signing a five-year deal and Momo Sissoko indicating he will
ignore overtures from Juventus and commit himself to another long-term
contract. Reports in Italy suggested the newly-promoted Turin giants had
tied up a £10m deal for Sissoko but Anfield sources said talks with the
22-year-old midfielder's agent were nearing completion and that he had
signalled an intention to stay. Full back Steve Finnan is next in line for
contract talks.
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BENT UNDER THE HAMMER - The Mirror
Exclusive By Darren Lewis 09/06/2007
TOTTENHAM and West Ham were last night locked in a bidding war for
Charlton's £18million-rated striker Darren Bent. The England hitman is the
prime target of both clubs. But the Hammers are prepared to offer him
£60,000 a week in wages - double the sum Spurs had banked on paying. Spanish
giants Valencia - poised to lose marksman David Villa this summer - are also
keen. But Charlton supremo Peter Varney last night warned all interested
clubs that they won't land the south Londoners' prize asset unless they
match the Addicks' valuation. Varney said: "Darren Bent will only leave
Charlton if the price is right for Charlton. If it is not then he will be
going nowhere." Twenty-three-year-old Bent is currently on holiday and
expected back towards the end of next week.
West Ham feel they will have an exciting pool of strikers if they can land
him to play alongside Dean Ashton and Carlos Tevez - providing they manage
to hold onto their controversial Argentine signing.
But Spurs believe Bent, who scored 15, 22 and 19 goals in each of the last
three seasons, will help them to smash their way into the Premiership's top
four.
The White Hart Lane club already boast three strikers in Dimitar Berbatov,
Robbie Keane and Jermain Defoe, who hit 60 goals between them last season.
Meanwhile, Birmingham boss Steve Bruce is ready to rescue Mido from his
Spurs nightmare. The 24-year-old Egyptian is unhappy after falling behind
Keane, Berbatov and Defoe in the Tottenham pecking order. Bruce is ready to
bid £4m for the 6ft 2in hitman after missing out on Mark Viduka, who has
moved to Newcastle.
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CURBS' GET TOUGH PLEDGE - The Mirror
By Neil McLeman 09/06/2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY has laid down the law at West Ham for next season by stating
he wants hard work and discipline to follow the Baby Bentley era. The
Hammers boss took his spending at Upton Park to £24million with the capture
of no-nonsense midfielder Scott Parker this week. And with his transfer
activity set to continue with the signing of three more players, Curbishley
wants more strong characters in the dressing room as the club looks to build
on their amazing end to last season. Advertisement"It is not about playing
for West Ham - you have to change that around a little bit. You work for
West Ham," he said. "And that means on and of the pitch." Chairman Eggert
Magnusson insisted: "We aim to bring in at least three more players. But
there will be players leaving."
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50 MPs back Blades fight - The Star Sheffield
SHEFFIELD United will have the support of almost 50 MPs when they attempt to
overturn their relegation to the Championship later this month.
The Bramall Lane club's appeal against the FA Premier League's decision not
to deduct West Ham points following the Carlos Tevez affair will enter its
most critical phase when a panel of independent arbitrators start
considering the legality of that judgement on June 18.
United argue that by allowing Alan Curbishley's side to escape with a £5.5m
fine, they gave the Londoners an unfair advantage during last season's
scramble to avoid the drop.
Hollywood star Sean Bean is set to lead a delegation of officials and fans
to the Houses of Parliament on Wednesday and United's 'Campaign for
Fairness" has struck such a chord in Westminster that an Early Day Motion
tabled by Clive Betts has now attracted 44 signatures with the promise of
more to follow.
Although EDMs are rarely debated in chamber, the strength of opinion
United's plight is generating outside of sporting circles will provide huge
encouragement for plc chairman Kevin McCabe as he spearheads a fight with
the potential to dramatically alter England's footballing landscape.
David Blunkett, Dr Vincent Cable, Austin Mitchell and Ann Cryer are among
the prominent names who have lent their backing to motion 1464 while a
previous EDM spoke of its "disgust" at the FAPL's failure to impose a
heavier punishment.
United's preparations for arbitration have overshadowed the tug-of-war for
Phil Jagielka's services with Everton understood to be confident of
imminently securing his signature for around £4m. Middlesbrough are also
said to be lining up talks with him next week. Wigan and Birmingham are also
interested.
The England B international has informed new manager Bryan Robson that he
would prefer to continue his career in the top-flight.
09 June 2007
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Tevez open to Hammers stay - The Sun
By ANDREW HAIGH
June 08, 2007
CARLOS TEVEZ has not ruled out staying at West Ham next season. The
Argentina star has attracted interest from Europe's top clubs since leading
the Hammers to Premiership survival.And Tevez, 23, has admitted he could now
spend another season at Upton Park.When asked if he will stay, Tevez said:
"I don't know - I'm very happy with the Hammers. They have been marvellous
to me. "I'll never forget the last match of the season - our win at
Manchester United - when our fans started chanting 'Argentina, Argentina!'
"For someone like me who had a relative who fought in the Falklands and who
knows the feeling that existed after the war, it was incredible to hear that
chant. "I was amazed that I could be an idol for English fans. It made a
huge impression on me."
Tevez also played down a potential money-spinning move to Real Madrid. He
added: "Moving to Madrid would be exciting but I don't mean anything by
that.
"I would love to play for an important European club. That's what I told my
agent and Kia Joorabchian, who is in charge of my transfers. "But the
priority is what suits West Ham. They've always treated me well. There isn't
one club that appeals to me more than any other."
Tevez revealed that he has grown to love life in England. He added: "The
people are terrific. You can go out and they respect your privacy. "It had
been five years since I was able to do a simple thing like take my daughter
out to the park. "In England very few people come up to you. In Argentina
they really get in my face."
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Hammers have designs on better future - Daily Mail
Last updated at 18:13pm on 8th June 2007
West Ham are marketing their change of kit design as a "new shirt for a new
beginning" - and that is just what manager Alan Curbishley is determined to
implement at the club this summer. Curbishley found disruptive elements in
the changing room when he arrived at Upton Park in December and spoke out
against the "baby Bentley culture" which had pervaded the club. Inspired by
the goals of Carlos Tevez, West Ham eventually got their act in gear and
pulled off a remarkable relegation escape with a win at Manchester United on
the last day of the season. But Curbishley's mission this summer is to sweep
away the bad wood and implement some harsh lessons on those who, in his
mind, got carried away with their own press for much of last season.
Curbishley believes the arrival of Scott Parker is central to that
philosophy and it is no coincidence he is allowing club captain Nigel
Reo-Coker to leave. The chairman Eggert Magnusson wants the club challenging
for Europe and this week left players in no doubt what was expected of them
when he said: "We need grown-up men at this club to move to the next level".
Curbishley was equally as blunt in his language as he outlined the role he
expects Parker to play in helping to implement that new beginning at Upton
Park.
"It is not about playing for West Ham - you have to change that around a
little bit - you work for West Ham," said Curbishley. "There is a big
difference between the two. I have realised my responsibility to this club
over the past three or four months and the players have to realise that too.
"Scott Parker is someone vastly experienced and professional who will set
the standards we are looking for on and off the pitch - that's the sort of
person I need at the club.
"When Scott was playing for Charlton he was the life and soul of everything
we were doing. "He has been kind of swallowed up in the other two clubs
(Chelsea and Newcastle) but I hope he can be the life and soul again at West
Ham. "I would like him to set the benchmark, not only in pre-season, but
what goes on out there on the pitch. He can take the responsibility. "We
know we are a big club but we have to prove that on the pitch now."
Reo-Coker handed in a transfer request at the end of last season after
deciding his future no longer lies in east London. It is thought Aston Villa
have made contact with West Ham and Curbishley will not put up a fight to
keep the wantaway midfielder. "He is a West Ham player at the moment but he
has made clear his desire to leave. We responded to that request and we will
see where we go," said Curbishley, who added that no formal bid had yet been
received.
This is all new territory for Curbishley. He has never had a bottomless pit
of money to spend and has never been able to bid for leading Premiership
players.
Magnusson would like to add three new "quality players" and keep hold of
Tevez. That all comes with its own pressures, but its also brings an air of
excitement to the club. "The last time I had any money to spend was when I
sold Scott Parker (to Chelsea from Charlton)," Curbishley laughed. "But I am
not saying I will sign 11 players and move everyone out. We have a strong
squad here when they are all fit. "Lucas Neill and Luis Boa Morte were the
only players involved on the last day at Old Trafford who weren't here when
I arrived. "Danny Gabiddon was player of the year in 2006 and I missed him
greatly. Matthew Upson and Dean Ashton have barely kicked a ball because of
injury - that is £13million of talent. "If there are players who can improve
us, we will try to get them. If I can add to the squad I will but if nothing
else happens until we kick off, I have a lot to work with."
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Police Concerned Over Blades Anti West Ham Demo - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 8 June, 2007 - 22:39.
City of London Police are concerned that a Sheffield United delegation, lead
by actor Sean Bean that aims to tell members of parliament next Wednesday
about how unhappy they are with the way their club has been treated in the
'Carlos Tevez affair', could be a potential cause of public disorder. A
police spokesperson said "demonstrations of this type are unwelcome in an
area where security is of paramount importance, resources that could have
been more usefully employed will have to be diverted in order to ensure that
there isn't any trouble".
'Hard man' Bean will doubtless be proud of himself and his fellow Blades
supporters, but their ever increasing acts of desperation will cast them in
a particularly sad light to most supporters of the beautiful game. Trying to
get the media attention of a parliamentary lobby is the short term aim of a
once proud club, but the real reason Sheffield Utd are 'pulling out the big
guns' is because they are seeking a compensation payment from the Premier
League, figures of £5 to £30 Million have been mentioned. It seems that
'McBabe' will settle for a pay off according to Premier League insiders, but
they are unwilling to stump up for what they consider to be a legitimate
conclusion to the charges faced by West Ham for the incorrect registration
of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano..
The eyes of the Press will be on the planned rally, so it would be advisable
for any Hammers supporter who wanted to go along and legally express their
displeasure to bear in mind that they will be under close scrutiny, and that
their behaviour will reflect on the club's wider image during a period when
fans should be looking forwards and not to the past. - Ed
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Celtic Linked With Hammers Duo - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 9 June, 2007 - 07:30.
Gordon Strachan has not been very mobile since his recent hip operation, but
he has got his skates on when it comes to bringing new players to his club.
Celtic are to make a combined £5 Million offer for the services of Marlon
Harewood and Paul Konchesky.. Striker Harewood who arrived for a fee of
£500,000 from Forest was told that he could leave the Boleyn last week and
defender Konchesky who cost £2 Million was never going to last long at West
Ham given his previous track record with Alan Curbishley who was his manager
at Charlton.. At today's TV money cash rich over inflated values , £5
Million is relatively cheap for a striker and a defender, both of whom would
do rather well in the SPL, the only stumbling block, as is the case with
many of those due to leave West Ham, is their wages and of course having to
move to Scotland.. Players like Marlene, Konch, Mullins and Etherington all
signed new deals that they were offered following the last minute defeat on
penalties in the memorable FA Cup final against 'Rick the grass's' hub cap
and fellow fans ticket stealer's. The above mentioned players are all on
good wages and they might end up proving harder to shift than one of 'Arry's
used escorts. - Ed
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