Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 19th May 2008

Tomka having a great time - WHUFC
The 2007/08 Young Hammer of the Year James Tomkins is still going from
strength to strength
16.05.2008

James Tomkins has spoken of his delight at being crowned Young Hammer of the
Year after a tremendous campaign for club and country.

The 19-year-old defender had perhaps the biggest impact of the three academy
debutants this season, making five starts and one substitute appearance as
he finished the season as a regular in the first team. Added to that, he
firmly established himself in the England U19 set-up and is set to be an
essential part of their bid to qualify for July's European Championship
finals with the Elite round later this month in Belarus.

It is at West Ham United, though, where Tomkins' impact has been most keenly
felt. To pick up that prestigious prize before the final game of the season
was just reward for his efforts in following the likes of past winners Anton
Ferdinand and Mark Noble into the side. "There are a lot of good players on
that list and to be among them is a great honour," he told WHUTV. "Nobes won
it before. There are a lot of big names and it feels good to be in the same
bracket as them."

Tomka, as he is known to his team-mates, will not feel he has achieved
anything yet. "Obviously I have ended the season playing regularly - that is
good and is going to hold me in good stead for next season but I am just
going to keep trying and learning. It has been a brilliant season." He was
also delighted to be able to take part in the end of season lap of the pitch
and thank the supporters for their contribution this campaign. "The fans
have been brilliant all season so it was good to show our respect to them
and how good they have been."

While many of his colleagues have begun their holidays, Tomkins has been
training hard with Freddie Sears for the England U19 trip to Belarus, where
they will play three qualifying matches for July's finals in quick
succession between 26 and 31 May. "I am concentrating now on England. Then I
will have a little break away and then come back ready to go. My objective
next season is to get into the team again. If that isn't right, and if I go
out on loan then so be it. My objective though is to make a mark on this
team."

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Sears hungry for more - WHUFC
Seven appearances in the Premier League has left Freddie Sears wanting more
next season
16.05.2008

Freddie Sears has pledged to come back stronger for the new season after
giving a taste of his potential in the 2007/08 run-in.

A winning goal five minutes into his debut against Blackburn Rovers back in
March was followed by five more substitute appearances and one start. He
also got to play against the champions-elect in front of 76,000 fans away to
Manchester United and ultimately had the satisfaction as a boyhood Hammers
fan of helping the team finish above old rivals Tottenham Hotspur.

"It has been a bit of a struggle at times but we got there in the end," he
said. "It was a good team effort. We all dug deep and it really meant a lot
to the boys. One of the aims for the end of the season was to be above Spurs
and come tenth and we did that." While the squad finished on a collective
high, Sears could not hide his individual happiness at making an impact
after 25 goals in 24 appearances for the youth and reserve teams.

The England Under-19 international said: "Looking back it has been a great
season for me personally. Coming into the team like that when I scored, then
making more appearances and I have got my first start. Everything this
season has just been a bonus for me. I have got lots of experience and
played at Old Trafford. I will come back stronger next season, hopefully
play more games and see where it takes me."

Having grown up watching on from the stands as players such as his hero
Paolo Di Canio ruled the Boleyn Ground roost , Sears relished the chance to
take to the pitch with the rest of the squad after the final game of the
season. "It was a really good atmosphere and nice to walk around the pitch
at the end and say thanks to the fans. It was good for everyone to finish
like that." While his team-mates prepare for holidays, Sears is getting
ready to join up with England U19s for a crucial qualifying tournament.
whufc.com will have more news on that to come.

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Positive news from Ljungberg - WHUFC
Although he is still returning to fitness, Freddie Ljungberg is focused on
making it to Euro 2008
16.05.2008

Freddie Ljungberg is working hard to be back playing for the start of the
2008 European Championship which gets under way in just under a month's
time.

The West Ham United midfielder has been recovering from a broken rib
suffered against Newcastle United on 26 April but despite the injury he is
determined to be ready by the time Sweden kick off their finals campaign. In
a vote of confidence, he was named this week in the 23-man squad. "The pain
has been quite extreme," said Ljungberg. "It's been difficult taking deep
breaths and it hurts even when I just turn my body. I have been on
painkillers however, and I'm getting better and better.

"I have slowly started to try to jog and have even cycled a little. The
healing process so far has been all according to the prognosis by our
medical staff which is encouraging. I am very much looking forward to being
fit for the tournament." As captain of his country, Ljungberg has extra
motivation to make it for his fifth major finals and, with strikers Zlatan
Ibrahimovic and Henrik Larsson to feed off his service, he believes there is
no reason why the country cannot aim high.

He said: "First our goal is to advance from the group. That itself will be a
challenge and then if we succeed we can set new goals. That will all depend
on how the draw works out. But I don't think it is unrealistic to say we
have a chance of winning the whole tournament. Greece showed in 2004 that
anything can happen." With the Scandinavian nation getting under way against
the champions from four years ago on 10 June, Ljungberg has extra incentive
to be raring to go as soon as possible.

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Guberti Set for West Ham Switch - Goal.com

West Ham United are set to swoop for Ascoli midfielder Stefano Guberti,
according to the player's agent. Guberti has enjoyed an impressive season
for the Serie A side, with the 23-year old linked with a number of Italian
clubs in recent months, but it now looks like Alan Curbishley will win the
race for the sturdy midfielder. The east London club had a solid season in
the top flight but have struggled for injuries in midfield, with Keiron
Dyer, Lee Bowyer and Freddie Ljungberg among others missing for large spells
of the season. "There is something real," Claudio di Nicola told Calcio
Mercato. "Gianluca Nani, West Ham's sporting director, likes Stefano very
much and could fight to have him "Stefano is much demanded and Ascoli
received offers from Fiorentina, and Torino and Napoli have shown their
interest. "This season he stayed with Ascoli but he deserves to move to a
better level next year. "La Viola (Fiorentina) continue to show they are
interested in him. "In the past they refused a concrete offer from
Fiorentina, but from now on they will not resist anymore. "It is an
important decision to make for his career and we will study every offer. I
am due to meet with Ascoli's directors in order to discuss it."
Should Guberti move to West Ham, it is expected Ascoli will command a fee of
around £5 million.

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Hammers striker Ashton is £15m target for Spurs - Daily Mail
Last updated at 23:08pm on 17th May 2008

Dean Ashton will get a fresh opportunity to leave his bitter-sweet FA Cup
final memories behind when he is expected to move across London to join
Tottenham this summer. The 24-year-old striker, valued at about £15 million,
scored for West Ham in the last final to be played in Cardiff but still
finished on the losing side when Liverpool won a dramatic penalty shoot-out
after Steven Gerrard's last-gasp equaliser. Now Ashton tops the Spurs
shopping list as they look for a replacement for Real Madrid-bound Dimitar
Berbatov. Meanwhile, the north London club are hoping to end their long
search for a goalkeeper by signing former Real Madrid youth team product
Diego Lopez from Villarreal.

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Hammers linked with swoop for Taylor - guardian Series

WEST Ham are ready to make a £5 million bid for Newcastle centre-back Steven
Taylor, according to media reports. The 22-year-old has just over a year to
run on his current contract at St James' Park and is eager for a new deal,
although Magpies owner Mike Ashley is apparently looking to reduce the clubs
wage bill. That could see Irons boss Alan Curbishley make a swoop for the
highly-rated England U21 defender. With Anton Ferdinand linked with a move
away from the east end, and Danny Gabbidon and James Collins out injured,
Curbishley could see Taylor as an ideal partner for England star Matthew
Upson.

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Hammers striker Ashton linked with a move to Spurs - Guardian Series

WEST Ham striker Dean Ashton is a £15 million target for bitter London
rivals Spurs, according to media reports over the weekend. Ashton - who was
expected to meet with the Hammers board to discuss the terms of a new
contract on Friday - finished as the Irons top scorer this season with 11
goals, and was called into Fabio Capello's 31-man England squad for the
friendlies against the USA and Trinidad and Tobago. However, the 24-year-old
has been strongly linked with a move away from Upton Park this summer, with
Manchester United amongst the clubs believed to be interested. Now the Daily
Mail suggests that Juande Ramos is ready to step in with a firm offer for
the former Norwich man. The Spurs boss is sure to be without striker Dimitar
Berbatov - a target for Barcelona and Real Madrid - while flop Darren Bent,
who was signed for £16.5 million from Charlton by ex-boss Martin Jol in the
summer, is also likely to leave White Hart Lane. Spurs could even offer Bent
in an exchange deal to land Ashton, although the Hammers would probably
prefer the cash.

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Old boys' reunion will not prevent Cole from taking care of business
David Hytner
The Guardian, Monday May 19 2008

Joe Cole is searching for superlatives. Having dreamed the dream, he finds
the glorious reality is now upon him. "For a young lad to climb to the top
of the mountain is a fantastic achievement and something that takes the
breath away," chirps the Chelsea midfielder, a faraway look in his eyes.
"The Champions League final is the pinnacle."

Cole's achievement, though, will be glossed by an extraordinary sub-plot. It
is one thing to hit the heights as an individual; quite another to do so
alongside a handful of lifelong friends. Yet when Cole hears the Champions
League music in Moscow on Wednesday night, before the showdown with
Manchester United, he will exchange knowing glances with two players on
either team.

He is particularly close to the United midfielder Michael Carrick, the pair
having lived in the same Essex cul-de-sac as they made their way through the
West Ham academy. But he goes back with United's Rio Ferdinand and his
Chelsea team-mate Frank Lampard, too, who are both three years older and
were ahead of him at West Ham. Cole even has boyhood previous with John
Terry, his captain at Chelsea. Terry, who is a year older than him, played
in the West Ham youth set-up between the ages of 10 and 14. Cole joined the
club at 12.

"I'm just happy to be able to go and play there with my mates, fantastic
lads who I've known for all of my life," said Cole. "To go and play in the
Champions League final with them and hopefully win it will be a cracking
night. I can't wait."

It will be an emotional night for Tony Carr, West Ham's youth academy
director of 35 years. He had Ferdinand and Lampard in the team that reached
the FA Youth Cup final in 1996 (they lost to Michael Owen's and Jamie
Carragher's Liverpool) and Cole and Carrick in the one that thrashed
Coventry City 9-0 in the 1999 final.

"I don't know who to support," said Carr, who travels to Hong Kong tomorrow
with West Ham's youth players and is desperate to catch the game at whatever
the time of night. "We'll all be very proud at West Ham because the boys
started out here and now they are at the top of their profession." Yet more
evidence of that came over the weekend, when Carrick signed a new £14.5m
four-year contract.

Carr remembers the "frenzy" that surrounded Cole even before he had kicked a
ball for the West Ham first team. Banner headlines had compared the prodigy
to Pele and Maradona, and the club's battle was as much with the hype.

"Joe was always destined to be a very good footballer but the expectations
were a big burden for him," said Carr. "When he was put in the team [at 17]
everybody expected him to set the world alight immediately but that is not
the reality for a young player. In a strange way, though, all the hype
surrounding Joe allowed Michael Carrick to develop. Michael had moved down
from the north-east and was very homesick at first. If it wasn't for Bob and
Val Rayson in our club house he might have gone home. But we felt the same
way about Michael as we did Joe."

Carr, who converted Ferdinand, "the joker of the group", from a midfielder
into a centre-half and who still marvels at the hard work that Lampard put
in to "make himself the player he is now", is regularly asked the 'What if
...' question about the club's famous old boys. "It's a nice dream to think
what might have happened if we could have kept them but it was never going
to be a reality," he said. "We couldn't turn down Leeds' [£18m] offer for
Rio; Frank's dad and uncle [Harry Redknapp] had just left the managerial
staff when the offer from Chelsea came in for him and the harshest of
relegations in 2003 meant that we had to sell our assets."

Cole and Carrick played in that ill-fated campaign; five years later they
have the ultimate club honour in their sights. "It's incredible and it goes
to show the ups and downs of football," said Cole. "When we were in the West
Ham youth team, it was just 'Can we get into the first team?' Then it was
'Can we get into the England squad? Can we play for huge clubs? Can we win
trophies?' The more successful you are, the greedier you get."

Ferdinand and Lampard, Cole and Carrick won the first trophy of their
careers together when, in August 1999, they were in the West Ham squad that
beat Metz to lift the Intertoto Cup. The stakes are somewhat higher now.

"Michael and Rio know I love them but Wednesday night will be war," said
Cole. "We'll be dignified in defeat or victory, we've already had a little
word about it. We meet up with England afterwards and you can't go running
round with a Champions League medal round your neck. But Wednesday night is
Wednesday night. There'll be no favours."

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How the Hammers can win the European Cup
The Guardian,
Monday May 19 2008

Michael Carrick Man Utd

Age 26 England Caps 14

Honours 3 (Premier League 2, Community Shield 1)

The midfielder rose to prominence as part of the Hammers' 1999 FA Youth
Cup-winning team, for whom he scored twice in a thumping 9-0 aggregate win
over Coventry City in the final. Carrick made his full first-team debut at
the start of the following season and stayed at Upton Park until 2004,
playing a full season in the second tier, before moving to Tottenham for
£2.75m in 2004 and then Manchester United for £18m two years later.

Joe Cole Chelsea

Age 26 England caps 48

Honours 6 (Premier League 2, FA Cup 1, Carling Cup 2, Community Shield 1)

Cole attracted instant attention when he broke into the Hammers' first team
in 1998-99 while also playing a starring role in the Youth Cup-winning side.
He stayed at Upton Park until 2003 when, unlike Carrick, he left when West
Ham were relegated, Chelsea signing him for £6.6m. The wide player has been
mostly consistent and impressive for the Blues ever since and was one of
England's few creditable performers in the 2006 World Cup.

Rio Ferdinand Man Utd

Age 29 England caps 65

Honours 6 (Premier League 3,

League Cup 1, Community Shield 2)

Ferdinand signed as a schoolboy for West Ham in 1992, making his first-team
debut four years later. The assured central defender quickly made his mark,
winning the club's player of the season award in 1997-98. He moved to Leeds
United in 2000 for £18m, a fee that made him the world's most expensive
defender, before moving on to Old Trafford for £30m two years later after an
excellent World Cup in 2002.

Frank Lampard Chelsea

Age 29 England caps 60

Honours 6 (Premier League 2, FA Cup 1, Carling Cup 2, Community Shield 1)

Lampard, the son of the former West Ham defender of the same name and the
then assistant manager, made his debut in 1996 and became part of a
promising young side. But he left for Chelsea for £11m in 2001 following the
departure of his uncle, the manager Harry Redknapp. Made his England debut
in 2001 and, though his displays for the national side have been
inconsistent, those for Chelsea have been frequently pivotal to their
successes.

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Hammers to face Tractor Boys - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard

WEST Ham will travel to Championship side Ipswich Town for a pre-season
friendly on Monday, August 4. The Tractor Boys finished the season in eighth
place in the table, losing just one of their 23 home league matches. The
last time the Irons visited Portman Road, in May 2005, a Bobby Zamora brace
secured the 2-0 victory that sent the Hammers through to the Championship
Play-Off final at the Millennium Stadium. There, another Zamora strike saw
off Preston North End and saw Alan Pardew's side promoted to the Premier
League. West Ham are unbeaten in their last seven trips to Ipswich. The
pre-season clash will kick-off at 7.45pm. The Irons are scheduled to travel
to North America to face the MLS All-Stars in Toronto, Canada on July 24. A
second game in the United States is expected to be confirmed soon.

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Newcastle linked with West Ham winger Boa Morte
tribalfooball.com - May 18, 2008

Newcastle United are eyeing West Ham United winger Luis Boa Morte. The
30-year-old, who has two years left on his contract, admits he isn't
"completely happy" at West Ham and is now looking for the exit door. Toon
are being linked with a £3 million bid for the Portugal international.

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West Ham eyeing Newcastle defender Taylor
tribalfooball.com - May 18, 2008

West Ham United are eyeing Newcastle United defender Steven Taylor. Magpies
billionaire owner Mike Ashley wants to reduce the wage bill at St James'
Park - and Taylor, 22, fears a new deal will not arrive quickly or match his
demands, says the News of the World. With just one year left on the
defender's contract he signed before becoming a first-team regular, the
Hammers hope Newcastle will be open to offers for the England Under-21 star.

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Pantsil ponders West Ham future
tribalfooball.com - May 18, 2008

John Pantsil has cast doubt on his future at West Ham United. The Ghana
fullback said: "What I need is to play more than I am doing now so, if a
team comes along that guarantees that next season, I will sit down with the
manager and we will see. "I want to play more games so I am ready every time
for the national team. It is my most important consideration."

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West Ham in for Watford wideman - FansFC
10:27 May, 18, 2008

Jobi McAnuff is being linked with a move to Upton Park. The Hornets failure
to bounce back into the Premier League will lead to summer changes at
Vicarage Road with boss Aidy Boothroyd admitting: "I'll have to be a Del Boy
and do a bit of wheeling and dealing. "It may be a case of starting again
for us." West Ham are working under a tighter budget than last season and
see McAnuff as a realistic signing.

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£15million rated West Ham Striker Set to Join Tottenham - footballpools.com

West Ham's peroxide haired striker Dean Ashton is rumoured to be a summer
transfer target for Tottenham. As Dimitar Berbatov looks set to depart to a
side that would offer him Champions League football, Ashton could be a
realistic replacement for the Bulgarian sulker at the Lane.

The Hammers are reported to be looking to cut their high wage bill and the
former Norwich and Crewe forward is without a doubt their most marketable
asset. The only drawback may be his less than perfect injury record. The
hitman has only scored 11 goals this season but has maintained his growing
reputation as one of the best targetmen in the Premier League. What the
player lacks in mobility and pace he makes up for with his hold up skills
and aerial ability. He could offer Tottenham a more reliable yet less
glamorous proposition to Berbatov but whether West Ham will want to sell to
their rivals is debatable.

Do you think this story has any credence to it seeing that the Irons
finished higher than Spurs last season? Would Tottenham fans be pleased with
this acquisition and would Hammers fans see a move as good business for a
player signed for just £7.25million just over 2 years ago?

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West Ham's Sears determined to build on Premiership breakthrough
tribalfootball.com - May 17, 2008

West Ham United striker Freddie Sears is aiming to build on this season's
Premiership breakthrough next term. The England Under-19 international told
whufc.com: "Looking back it has been a great season for me personally.
Coming into the team like that when I scored, then making more appearances
and I have got my first start. Everything this season has just been a bonus
for me. I have got lots of experience and played at Old Trafford. I will
come back stronger next season, hopefully play more games and see where it
takes me."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 16th May 2008

Bellamy back in Wales squad - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy is hoping to hit the ground running in pre-season by taking
part in two Wales friendlies.
15.05.2008

Craig Bellamy has been recalled by Wales for the friendlies away to Iceland
and the Netherlands on 28 May and 1 June respectively.

The international captain has not played competitively since 2 February with
an abdominal problem but has been training with Cardiff City since the end
of the season as he nears fitness. The striker's club-mate Jack Collison,
still only 19, has also been selected for the first time while Danny
Gabbidon (groin) and James Collins (knee) are still on the long-term injured
list at Chadwell Heath.

Speaking last week at a fans' forum at the Boleyn Ground, Bellamy revealed
his determination to be raring to go for the start of the 2008/09 campaign.
He said: "Wales have got a couple of games and hopefully I will be able to
play in them ... I can train off the back of that and come into pre-season
in really good shape. I am going to attack pre-season and really start off
next season in as good form as I can. By playing these games for Wales I
will be able to do that."

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Collison furthers Welsh experience - WHUFC
Reserve-team captain Jack Collison made another appearance for Brian Flynn's
side on Thursday
15.05.2008

Jack Collison was part of the Wales team that lost 2-0 to England in an
Under-21 friendly on Thursday night.

The 19-year-old midfielder, watched by club legend Sir Trevor Brooking who
was at the game in Wrexham in his FA capacity as director of football
development, played the whole 90 minutes. England scored both goals in the
first half, with a penalty from Tom Huddlestone being followed by a
deflected Theo Walcott effort. Huddlestone was only in the squad as a
replacement for Mark Noble, who was withdrawn earlier this week with back
and hamstring trouble.

Collison may have been on the losing side but he was cheered earlier in the
day by confirmation of his inclusion in the senior Wales squad for the first
time. The reserve-team captain, who made two appearances for West Ham United
this season, was named in a 35-man squad to face Iceland on 28 May and then
the might of the Netherlands on 1 June. Wales captain Craig Bellamy was also
included as he returns from an abdominal injury while both Danny Gabbidon
and James Collins remain sidelined.

With regard to the Under-21 set-up, Wales used the England game as a warm-up
for their final two 2009 Euro qualifiers at home to Romania on 20 August
before concluding their campaign with the return trip to the eastern
European nation on 10 September. The Welsh have a four-point advantage on
Romania, who have a game in hand, and France with only the section winners
progressing to October's play-offs for the finals. Collison has been capped
five times at that level, with two goals.

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Call-up for United duo - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 15th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Jack Collison has been named in the full Welsh squad for the first time -
whilst Craig Bellamy is named for the first time this year. Welsh boss John
Toshack named his latest squad - for the forthcoming friendlies against
Iceland and Holland - earlier this afternoon, and the two Hammers were both
included.
Collison - who is expected to start for the under 21s against their English
counterparts in tonight's friendly - is set to make his debut having made
just two appearances for United's first team. Meanwhile Bellamy has proved
his fitness by spending the last week trianing with FA Cup finalists Cardiff
City. Wales face Iceland in Reykjavik on Wednesday, 28th May (7:30pm kick
off local time). Four days later they face European Championship qualifiers
Holland in Rotterdam (3:00pm kick off local time). In other international
news, Freddie Ljungberg has - as expected - been named in the Swedish squad
for the forthcoming European Championships.

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Oh Sienna - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 15th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Sienna chiarman Giovanni Lombardi Stronati has pleaded with Davide Lanzafame
to reject West Ham's overtures in order to remain in Italy. Stronarti is
attempting to lure the Juve striker to Serie A strugglers Sienna for next
season's campaign - although he believes that United remain the strong
favourites to capture the Italian under-21 on loan. Talking to Mediagol, he
said: "The real problem is that Lanzafame has received a resounding offer
from West Ham.
"It must be for the player to decide what is best for him – to remain in
Italy and grow gradually, as I believe Siena will allow, or to earn more
money immediately with major risks. "Young people in Italy perhaps are
convinced there will be more opportunities abroad, but that is not always
the case."
News of West Ham's interest in Lanzafame broke earlier this week. The deal
to bring him to the Boleyn Ground is understood to be the work of new
technical director Gianluca Nani, who officially takes up his post at the
beginning of June.

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Marked man? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 15th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Today's Daily Mail is linking the Hammers with a move for Palermo's Mark
Bresciano. The Australian midfielder played for the Italians against United
in the UEFA Cup last season, and is being linked with a £4m switch to East
London. Bresciano, 28, joined the Italians in 2006 having spent the previous
four years with Parma. He began his career in his home country before
moving to Italy nine years ago after he was plucked from obscurity by then
Serie B outfit Empoli. Bresciano has made more than 40 appearances for the
Socceroos, scoring 10 goals in the process.

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Bellamy set for milestone - SSN
Hammers striker handed Welsh call-up
By Chris Burton Last updated: 15th May 2008

Craig Bellamy is set to end a seven-month spell on the sidelines by winning
his 50th cap for Wales. The West Ham striker has managed just eight
appearances in the Premier League this season after struggling with stomach
and groin complaints. However, now back to full fitness, he has been
included in John Toshack's 35-man 'A' squad for upcoming friendlies against
Iceland on 28th May and Holland 1st June. Six uncapped players have also
been called up, with Bellamy's young team-mate at Upton Park Jack Collison
among them.

Wales 'A' squad in full:

Hennessey (Wolves), Myhill (Hull), Price (Ipswich), Blake (Cardiff), Eardley
(Oldham), Steve Evans (Wrexham), Gunter (Tottenham), Jacobson (Bristol
Rovers), Morgan (Peterborough), Nyatanga (Derby), Ricketts (Hull), Williams
(Stockport), Collison (West Ham), Crofts (Gillingham), Arron Davies
(Nottingham Forest), Simon Davies (Fulham), Edwards (Wolves), Fletcher
(Crystal Palace), Mark Jones (Wrexham), Owain Tudur Jones (Swansea), Koumas
(Wigan), Ledley (Cardiff), Parry (Cardiff), Ramsey (Cardiff), Robinson
(Toronto FC), Stock (Doncaster), Vaughan (Real Sociedad), Bellamy (West
Ham), Cotterill (Wigan), Craig Davies (Oldham), Easter (Plymouth), Eastwood
(Wolves), Ched Evans (Manchester City), Nardiello (QPR), Vokes
(Bournemouth).

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Hammers move in with £6m offer for Dunne - independent.ie
By Gary Jacob
Friday May 16 2008

WEST Ham United have tried to exploit the growing turmoil at Manchester City
by making an offer of up to £6m for Richard Dunne. Alan Curbishley's move to
strengthen the centre of his defence was not thought to be a priority for
the summer, but the West Ham manager appears to have lost patience with
Anton Ferdinand, who has been made available for transfer. West Ham have
been encouraged that Thaksin Shinawatra, the City owner, is planning a
clear-out of Sven-Goran Eriksson's squad. The Swede's possible departure as
manager and upheaval at the City of Manchester Stadium appears to have
angered Dunne, who has attracted attention from Newcastle United and
Tottenham Hotspur. The 28-year-old Ireland defender has a year left on his
contract, which makes City's £8m valuation inflated. West Ham refused
Ferdinand's request to leave Upton Park last summer, but they would be open
to offers, with teams such as Newcastle, Portsmouth and Tottenham
interested.City are a club in disarray as they continue their end-of-season
visit to Thailand and Hong Kong with Eriksson firmly expecting that he will
be dismissed when he meets the City owner. Thaksin is preparing to offload
not only the "dead wood" players such as Andreas Isaksson, Darius Vassell,
Georgios Samaras and Paul Dickov but also many of last summer's signings,
such as Rolando Bianchi -- who spent the second half of the season on loan
to Lazio -- Valeri Bojinov, Javier Garrido and Geovanni. Eriksson is already
looking for a new job, but is understood to be ready to turn down positions
with Benfica and Mexico, with a "much bigger job" believed to be in the
pipeline.

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Neill unlikely starter against Iraq - foxsports.com.au
By Marco Monteverde

May 16, 2008 AUSTRALIA defender Lucas Neill is at long odds to play in the
World Cup qualifier against Iraq at Suncorp Stadium on June 1, because of
the impending birth of his child. Mile Sterjovski, in a similar situation,
meanwhile remains confident the birth of his baby would not stop him playing
in Brisbane, but Neill is in serious doubt for the contest. Sterjovski is
all but certain to miss Australia's return clash against the Iraqis in Qatar
on June 7 and the match against Qatar in Doha a week later, but he is
desperate to play a leading role at Suncorp Stadium. The Derby County
striker hopes to take Australia to the verge of the next stage of the Asian
Football Confederation qualifying campaign with a strong performance in
Brisbane. "If we win that game we'll be high on confidence," Sterjovski
said. "We need another win after that to make sure it's secure. The home
games are really important because we know that away games are going to be
quite difficult."
Sterjovski has almost forgotten what it's like to win a match since joining
Derby - dubbed the worst team in the history of the Barclays Premier League
- from Turkish club Genclerbirligi in January. The relegated Rams won just
one of their 38 games. "It's always difficult when you're not winning. We've
done our best, and obviously there are a lot of things that need to be
changed," Sterjovski said. "But I don't regret it one bit. I love the club.
I would have loved to win some games in the premiership, but it just hasn't
happened."

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Alan Curbishley makes Richard Dunne his top target - The Times
Manchester City defender targeted as Alan Curbishley decides to put Anton
Ferdinand up for sale
Gary Jacob

West Ham United have tried to exploit the growing turmoil at Manchester City
by making an offer of up to £6 million for Richard Dunne. Alan Curbishley's
move to strengthen the centre of his defence was not thought to be a
priority for the summer, but the West Ham manager appears to have lost
patience with Anton Ferdinand, who has been made available for transfer.

West Ham have been encouraged that Thaksin Shinawatra, the City owner, is
planning an extensive clear-out of Sven-Göran Eriksson's squad. The Swede's
possible departure as manager and upheaval at the City of Manchester Stadium
appears to have angered Dunne, who has attracted attention from Newcastle
United and Tottenham Hotspur. The 28-year-old Ireland defender has a year
left on his contract, which makes City's £8 million valuation inflated.

West Ham refused Ferdinand's request to leave Upton Park last summer, but
they would be open to offers, with teams such as Newcastle, Portsmouth and
Tottenham interested.

Curbishley has been given a small transfer budget, but wants to sign two
full backs. Up to ten players could leave the East London club, including
Luís Boa Morte, the winger, who has been booed by supporters.

After some criticism from fans, Curbishley has received backing from the
board, which believes that he should be given the opportunity to show his
ability when he can choose from a full-strength squad. However, Gianluca
Nani, the club's Italian technical director, has earmarked Pierpaolo Bisoli
as a potential future manager of West Ham. Bisoli came to prominence for
taking Foligno, a little-known team, into the play-offs for promotion to
Serie B, the Italian second tier.

City are a club in disarray as they continue their end-of-season visit to
Thailand and Hong Kong with Eriksson firmly expecting that he will be
dismissed when he meets the City owner.

Thaksin is preparing to offload not only the "dead wood" - players such as
Andreas Isaksson, Darius Vassell, Georgios Samaras and Paul Dickov - but
also many of last summer's signings, such as Rolando Bianchi - who spent the
second half of the season on loan to Lazio - Valeri Bojinov, Javier Garrido
and Geovanni.

Eriksson is already looking for a new job, but is understood to be ready to
turn down positions with Benfica and Mexico, with a "much bigger job"
believed to be in the pipeline.

The former England head coach is eager to have his fate resolved in a
meeting that is planned to take place with Thaksin over the weekend after a
farcical press conference in Bangkok yesterday, when the Swede and his
players did not take questions from the floor owing to the sensitivity of
their futures. Thaksin is likely to tell Eriksson in the next 48 hours that
his services are no longer required - but even then he will be asked to lead
the team into their match in Hong Kong next Thursday.

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Still Eyeing Wright - Still Singing The Blues
By Aston May 15 2008

Town manager Jim Magilton says he would still sign former Town goalkeeper
Richard Wright if the West Ham 'keeper wanted to sign for Town again. Wright
snubbed Town last summer in favour of sitting on the bench at Upton park
behind Robert Green, only to get bored and join Southampton on-loan for the
final two months, Jim also confirmed he made a move for Aston Villa 'keeper
Thomas Sorensen. Jim: "Sorensen's agent told us he was not prepared to drop
down a division and wanted to stay in the Premier League. We are not a
Premier League side yet. "If he became available and wanted to come to us we
would speak to him. "Wrighty is another, and if he wants to come and play he
would be welcomed back. "A lot of players are prepared to sit in the
reserves and not drop down and it baffles me. "We need a keeper and Stephen
Bywater is still in that equation."

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Italian talent told to shun Hammers
by Tom Adams, 15 May 2008

Siena have urged West Ham target Davide Lanzafame to snub The Hammers and
continue his footballing education in Italy. The Juventus striker is
expected to move to The Premier League on loan for next season in the first
signing orchestrated by the club's new technical director Gianluca Nani.
Lanzafame has impressed on loan at Bari in Serie B, scoring ten goals, and
it is believed that West Ham currently head the race for his signature
despite interest from the likes of Lazio and Palermo. Siena are also hoping
to take the Italy Under-21 international on loan and Giovanni Lombardi
Stronati, managing director of the Tuscan club, has pleaded with Lanzafame
to ignore the riches on offer from the London side. "The real problem is
that Lanzafame has received a resounding offer from West Ham," Stronati told
Mediagol. "Here, it must be for the player to decide what is best for him –
to remain in Italy and grow gradually, as I believe Siena will allow, or to
earn more money immediately with major risks. "Young people in Italy perhaps
are convinced there will be more opportunities abroad, but that is not
always the case."

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West Ham join interest for Man City's Dunne
tribalfootball.com - May 15, 2008

West Ham United have joined the race for Manchester City captain Richard
Dunne. Arsenal and Newcastle United are eyeing Dunne, who is said to have
become disillusioned at Eastlands over the treatment of manager Sven Goran
Eriksson. The Telegraph says the Hammers are also keen, with Dunne likely to
become available for a knockdown fee if he rejects a new contract offer this
summer.

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Hammers chase £4million Mark Bresciano - The Mirror
15/05/2008

West Ham have made an enquiry for Palermo's £4m-rated midfielder Mark
Bresciano. The Australian saw a move to Manchester City fall through last
summer but is keen on switching to the Premier League. Palermo are willing
to let him leave if the Hammers make a bid.

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Hammers stars avoid United drubbing by enjoying a day at the races - Daily
Mail ( funnily enough eh!? )
Last updated at 10:18am on 15th May 2008

Rather than share the embarrassment of their team-mates' 4-1 thrashing at
Manchester United, three of the club's injured stars — Matthew Etherington,
James Collins and Danny Gabbidon — were spotted along with former team-mate
Teddy Sheringham at Newmarket races the same afternoon.
Racecourse officials helpfully showed the Old Trafford match on a giant
screen, but the pain of not playing was clearly too much for the Hammers
trio, who were stood with their backs to the action.

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Chalvedon lad Tomka loving life at the top - Echo News
By Rob Pritchard

SIX months ago, West Ham defender James Tomkins was unknown outside Upton
Park. A regular in the Irons' reserve team, the Basildon teenager was
already marked out for great things by the Hammers' coaching staff.
Half-a-year on and things are very different. The England Under-19
international has made six promising Premier League appearances, has been
modelling the club's new sky blue away kit and been named Young Hammer of
the Year.
Tomkins told the Echo he was still struggling to come to terms with his
rapid rise to national prominence. "It's hard to put the last couple of
months into words," said the 19-year-old former Chalvedon School pupil.
"When I got my chance it came as a surprise to me but I've had to take it as
it's come and I've kept improving every game and I've loved every minute of
it. "It was good to win the award before the game against Aston Villa. "I
had to keep my mind focused on the match but to win such an award,
particularly with the players who have won it in the past, is a great
honour."
Lifelong West Ham fan Tomkins, who featured against Everton, Sunderland,
Derby, Newcastle, Manchester United and Villa, was also delighted to see the
Irons end the season above local rivals Tottenham in 10th. The top-half
finish also secured bonuses for the entire first-team squad, but the
youngster insisted money was the last thing on his mind. "The fans and all
the players are delighted to have held on to that 10th place and finished
above Tottenham because that's what the supporters love, including myself,"
he added. "It's also an extra bit of money in our pay packets, but finishing
10th was by far the most important thing. "Now I want to keep learning and
come back fit and stronger next season."
Before then Tomkins is off to Belarus next week for the European Under-19
Championship elite qualifying round, where England will take on Poland,
Serbia and Belarus. Positive results will take the Young Lions through to
the finals in the Czech Republic. "There isn't any rest for me yet," he
joked. "We're off to Belarus with England and we've got to qualify for the
European Under-19 Championships in July. "I'm just going to keep trying to
improve and use the experience I've gained with West Ham when I play for
England."
MARK Noble and former Grays star Michael Kightly have pulled out of
tonight's England Under-21 friendly with Wales in Wrexham tonight through
injury.
However, West Ham's Jack Collison will be in the Welsh line-up and is
expected to receive his first full international call-up for next week's
friendlies in Iceland and the Netherlands.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton wants West Ham to keep word
tribalfootball.com - May 15, 2008

Dean Ashton is sweating on what sort of new contract offer West Ham are
willing to make after planned negotiations were confirmed by the club this
week. The Times says Ashton has asked the club to honour the undertaking
that they made in January to give him an improved contract if he performed
well this season. Portsmouth, Newcastle United and Manchester City are
interested in signing the 24-year-old, who has two years left on his
existing deal.
Ashton is paid about £25,000 a week, which is significantly lower than the
wages being paid to many of the players signed by the club in the past year
who earn in excess of £60,000.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 15th May 2008

Green day a big success - WHUFC
The first Boleyn Cup in aid of AMREF and organised by Robert Green raised
money and awareness
15.05.2008

Robert Green is aiming to put his feet up for a little while after
organising a charity football day at the Boleyn Ground.

The newly-crowned Hammer of the Year staged the Boleyn Cup in support of the
African Research and Medical Foundation (AMREF) - a cause he has already
backed with a fundraising golf day featuring the country's leading
shot-stoppers last week that raised more than £11,000. He will continue to
support the organisation later this summer with a personal trip to Africa
including a climb of the continent's highest peak - Mount Kilimanjaro.

For the Boleyn Cup, five-a-side teams were invited to pay £1,000 to enter
and allowed to use the home and away dressing rooms and then take part in an
all-day tournament that proved to be enjoyable and competitive. Green then
presented the trophies at the end before being mobbed for autographs and
photos. "It went as smoothly as possible," he said. "It was a really good
day. We had beautiful weather again thankfully and it all worked out
perfectly in the end."

The 28-year-old was grateful for the support from West Ham United and the
stadium staff, describing their backing as "brilliant" before adding: "It
has been wonderful. The club has been fantastic and I can't thank them
enough." Although the aim of the day was very much on football and
enjoyment, the funds and awareness raised for AMREF was the most crucial
element.

Green said: "It is massive. They do some wonderful work throughout Africa.
Everything they do and all the awareness and the money - so much can go so
far." He will see for himself when he arrives in Kenya and Tanzania ahead of
the Mount Kilimanjaro climb between 20 June and 1 July. "I really don't know
what to expect," he added. "The enormity of it all could take me by surprise
to be honest. I am going to experience it and hopefully make a difference.
If I can, it will be tremendous and I am really looking forward to going."

AMREF has more than 600 people working throughout the Africa, attempting to
improve the lives of people in some of the harshest and poorest climates in
the world. If you would like to sponsor Robert on his climb, you can find
his page on www.justgiving.com/robertgreenkiliclimb.

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Chairman 'pleased with progress' - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 14th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United Chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has admitted that he is
unlikely to sanction major squad investments this summer. The club's
Icelandic owner echoed comments made by Alan Curbishley regarding his
existing squad, claiming that rather than investing heavily this summer 'the
squad he has assembled should be given a chance to play together'. In the
letter, sent to season ticket holders this week he also revealed that he was
happy with the club's progress last season - progress which amounted to an
extra eight Premier League points compared to the 06/07 season and an
improvement of five places. "Although certainly less eventful than the
previous season I have been pleased with our progress and it gives the club
a platform from which to progress further," he said. "I share the
frustration expressed by Alan [Curbishley] about the scale of our injuries
but endorse his view that the squad he has assembled should be given a
chance to play together while allowing the exciting young talents emerging
from our Academy the chance to establish themselves in the first team
squad."
However Gudmundsson warned Curbishley that he expected to see a major
improvement in the team's results next year. "When I first purchased the
club in December 2006 I was keen to emphasise my long term commitment to
building the club," he added. "It was always my intention to invest further
funds in the club to strengthen the first team squad. "To this end the club
has invested at net £40m in the squad since the takeover - and I hope that
next season we will finally see a settled side with a realistic chance of
competing for honours."

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Curbishley: no major changes - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 14th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Alan Curbishley has told season ticket holders not to expect major changes
in personnel this summer. Curbishley's comments were included in the season
ticket holders renewal pack, which was distributed earlier this week. In it,
Curbishley admitted that the football produced by his team last season was
below par - but promised that it would be 'a different West Ham next
season'. However he warned supporters not to expect big signings this summer
- or until he had the opportunity to see his best XI in action. "Although
this season has lacked the drama of last season's relegation battle I hope
all of you will share my satisfaction with the progress we have made," he
wrote. "A top half finish has to be viewed as a considerable achievement,
especially after the high number of injuries we have experienced throughout
the season. "Following our escape last summer the chairman made significant
funds available for me to strengthen the squad in the close season. I was
able to bring in a number of exciting new players and it has been a major
frustration to me that so many of them have barely featured in the first
team. "It is for these reasons that I do not expect to make major changes
to the squad this summer. There is a need to consolidate this current squad
before assessing whether to bring in new faces. "I am aware that you are
accustomed to West Ham United teams playing attractive attacking football
but that our performances this season have not always met your expectations.
"Our back room team are focussing on making sure that all the key members of
our squad are available for the pre season and are ready to start next
year's campaign in peak condition. "It is an exciting prospect and, if we
can achieve this, I think you will see a different West Ham next season."
Despite Cubishley's comments the Hammers continue to be linked with a string
of players - details of which can be seen on our new transfer rumours page.

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Green fears for future - SSN
West Ham goalkeeper admits international concerns
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 14th May 2008

West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green fears he may not feature in the plans of
England manager Fabio Capello. Green failed to force his way into England's
final squad for the friendlies against Switzerland and France following the
arrival of Capello in January. And the shot-stopper has again been
overlooked for the forthcoming meetings with USA and Trinidad & Tobago on
28th May and 1st June respectively. Green admits that he has simply failed
to impress Capello and he fears he could be set to remain in the
international wilderness while the Italian is in charge of England. "There
is a distinct possibility," Green told Sky Sports News when asked if could
continue to miss out under Capello. "I'm failing to do so, so far. "It's
life. All I can do is focus on what I'm doing and, thankfully, I have had a
good season at West Ham and hopefully I'll improve on that next season."
Green has earned one England cap to date, which came when he appeared for 73
minutes in the friendly with Colombia in New Jersey in 2005 when the
national side was under the management of Sven Goran Eriksson.

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Boo boys may force Luis out of the club - Newham Recorder
14 May 2008

UNDER-FIRE West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte has admitted that he might be
hounded out of the club if he continues to be on the receiving end of taunts
from supporters, writes MIKE SIMMONDS. The former Fulham star has found
himself the target of the Hammers boo boys in recent weeks, after failing to
convince them since his big money £5million move from Craven Cottage 16
months ago. Now it has got to the point where Boa Morte might be forced to
play his football elsewhere if the abuse doesn't stop. "I've got two years
left at West Ham but of course I don't like the situation and we'll see what
happens in the summer," he revealed. "I will sit down with the chairman and
the manager and speak to them about it and find the best solution. Nobody
likes to work and get booed every single week when you're name is read out,
when you touch the ball, so of course it is not a good situation. "If the
supporters boo me then I have to play against them and the opposition.
"When I came here, I came in good spirits and to reach my targets and to
help the team achieve their targets as well, but when I get booed after 30
minutes then this is a situation that doesn't make me happy. "Nobody likes
to get booed when they touch the ball so I've just kept my character and
showed my strength but I've worked hard over the last eight weeks while
they've been booing me."
Any critics of Boa Morte can't have failed to be impressed with the way the
midfielder performed against Aston Villa on Saturday as he gave a display
crammed full of tenacity. A couple of fearsome challenges on former Hammers
skipper Nigel Reo-Coker went some way to rebuilding his reputation, but the
winger fears it might be too late. "It's 50/50, some people boo me and some
don't but I keep focusing with the help of my family. They all support me,"
he said. "It's not a good feeling you know. It makes me feel sad but I'm
never going to throw the towel in. "Before the match today (Saturday) it
was the same, some people cheered me and some people booed me. "That's the
situation, I don't like it. I went through tough times at Fulham but now I
came here with the same spirit to do my best because it was a new challenge
but that's football, it's not fair.

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Hammers keen on Dunne - Guardian Series

WEST Ham boss Alan Curbishley has joined the race to sign sought-after
Manchester City skipper Richard Dunne, according the media reports. The
Republic of Ireland defender (pictured) has become unsettled with life at
the City of Manchester Stadium over the impending sacking of boss Sven Goran
Eriksson. That has seen him linked with a move away from the club, with
Newcastle, Sunderland, Arsenal and Spurs all interested. But Curbishley is
ready to step in first. The Irons chief has been without injured centre
backs Danny Gabbidon, James Collins and Calum Davenport for the majority of
the season, while Anton Ferdinand has been dogged by a series of niggling
injuries. Now he sees Dunne as an ideal candidate to provide stability
alongside England defender Matthew Upson at the heart of the Hammers
defence. And it is believed that, under new FIFA regulations, the
28-year-old - in the last year of his contract at City - could be available
for as little as £1 million although, according to the Daily Star,
Curbishley is willing to offer Ferdinand in a part-exchange deal. Dunne -
who was sent off in City-s 8-1 hiding at Middlesbrough on Sunday - has been
a consistent at City this season. He has racked up over 250 appearances
following his £3 million switch from Everton in 2000.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 14th May 2008

Ferdinand meets Prime Minister - WHUFC
Anton Ferdinand has had an audience with Gordon Brown during a high-profile
anti-racism event
14.05.2008

The annual Show Racism the Red Card Hall of Fame ceremony was held at
Downing Street this week and was hosted by the Prime Minister Gordon Brown.

West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand, who is keen to raise awareness of
the major issues affecting young people today and is the club's anti-racism
ambassador, was invited to attend along with Vice-Chairman Asgeir
Fridgeirsson and CEO Scott Duxbury. The Hall of Fame was initiated in 2004
as a way of thanking the high-profile role models who so generously give up
their time and commitment to the Show Racism the Red Card campaign by
helping to educate children against the dangers and wrongs of racism.

Several past Hammers players have been inaugurated including Ian Wright, Les
Ferdinand, Rio Ferdinand, Chris Hughton, Chris Powell as well as current
midfielder Kieron Dyer. Former West Ham United goalkeeper Shaka Hislop is
also on the esteemed list and is one of the main patrons for the campaign.
He introduced this year's awards ceremony with a touching speech about his
experiences of racism early in his career and how he became determined to
make sure future players were spared the same sort of abuse.

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Ljungberg named by Sweden - WHUFC
Freddie Ljungberg has been selected in Sweden's 23-man squad for the
European Championship in June
14.05.2008

Sweden captain Freddie Ljungberg has been selected in his country's 23-man
squad for the European Championship this summer.

The midfielder missed the last two games of West Ham United's season, having
impressed in his first campaign with 27 appearances, after suffering a
cracked rib against Newcastle United on 26 April. The injury raised fears he
could miss the start of the tournament, which gets under way against holders
Greece on 10 June, but his inclusion will allay such worries. It remains to
be seen though whether he will be able to take part in a Gothenburg friendly
against Slovenia on 26 May.

Ljungberg played nine times and scored once in qualifying for the finals in
Switzerland and Austria and is vastly experienced at international level.
This will be his fifth major finals after he played at Euro 2000, the 2002
World Cup, Euro 2004 and the 2006 World Cup. He has been capped 71 times and
scored 14 goals since his debut for the Scandinavian nation back on 24
January 1998 against the United States. Other big names included are Henrik
Larsson and Zlatan Ibrahimovic.

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Collison still going strong - WHUFC
A high-profile U21 meeting between England and Wales has caught the
imagination of Jack Collison
14.05.2008

Jack Collison is raring to go for Wales as they take on England in an
Under-21 friendly on Thursday that promises to be anything but given the
competitive rivalry between the teams.

While many of his club-mates are off on their summer breaks, the 19-year-old
midfielder has joined up with Brian Flynn's side for the high-profile match
in Wrexham. He will not be up against club-mate Mark Noble however, as the
England player has withdrawn with hamstring and back problems that caused
his late substitution in the 2-2 win against Aston Villa. Should all go well
for Collison, he could then join up with the senior squad for friendlies
against Iceland and the Netherlands on 28 May and 1 June respectively.

Wales have been making waves across Europe at U21 level this season - not
least a 4-2 win against France last November - and Collison thinks the game
will give a good indicator for their 2009 European Championship hopes. He
said: "It is going to be a massive game and I think it will give us a chance
to see where we are at. We have had some good results, obviously the
outstanding one was against France, and are full of confidence." That
optimism extends to his personal form after two goals in four U21
appearances to date.

"I know it is an end of season game but it won't feel like that," he added.
"There is no chance of treating it like a friendly." Wales will use the game
as a warm-up for their final two European qualifiers at home to Romania on
20 August before concluding their campaign with the return trip to the
eastern European nation on 10 September. The Welsh have a four-point
advantage on Romania, who have a game in hand, and France with only the
section winners progressing to October's play-offs for the finals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble out - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Mark Noble has withdrawn from the England under-21 squad set to face Wales
tomorrow night. The 21-year-old Hammer pulled out after suffering what has
been described by the club as 'back and hamstring trouble' during the
weekend's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa. Noble - who would almost certanly have
been up against team mate Jack Collison had he played - has been replaced in
the squad by Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone. The match is being played at
Wrexham's Racecourse Ground and kicks off at 7.30pm.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Thank God it's Friday - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 13th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have taken the unusual step of confirming impending contract
talks with striker Dean Ashton. In a press release posted on whufc.com this
afternoon the club confirmed that they will be meeting with the 24-year-old
forward and his representatives this Friday.
CEO Scott Duxbury is quoted as saying: "The end of the season was the
appropriate time to discuss such matters and to meet Dean Ashton and his
representatives. We will sit down on Friday with a view to agreeing a new
long-term contract to keep Dean at Upton Park. "Everyone at West Ham United
is committed to taking the club forward and we will keep all supporters up
to date with developments as and when we have them to report."
One possible reason for the announcement is that season ticket renewal packs
were distributed earlier this week, and that a number of supporters have
expressed their concerns regarding Ashton's situation after the former Crewe
man admitted that he was in the dark over his future. Alan Curbishley met
with board members yesterday to discuss the club's plans for the summer. It
is thought that the future of all squad members was discussed at the meeting
- as were the club's summer spending plans.

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Green expected to miss out - SSN
Hammers keeper did not expect call-up
By James Pearson Last updated: 13th May 2008

West Ham keeper Robert Green has stated he did not expect to make Fabio
Capello's latest England squad. Italian tactician Capello named his squad
for upcoming friendlies against USA and Trinidad & Tobago, but Green missed
out. Green, who is preparing to climb Mount Kilimanjaro for charity this
summer, stated he never expected to be included for the friendlies. "I never
thought that I was going to be involved," said Green on the possibility of
playing in England's upcoming friendlies. "I am not part of the plans so it
was a chance for the first time in a long time to have a few weeks off and
have a chance to do something different."
However, the 28-year-old former Norwich City shot-stopper would not hesitate
in representing his country should the head coach come knocking. "It is an
honour to play for your country and it is not something that you take
lightly or for granted," he continued. "We have a good number of keepers now
and there are people like myself Scott Carson and Paul Robinson, and none
are in the squad now. "But it is your country, and one of the biggest in the
world for football. It is a tremendous honour. Not being part of it is
disappointing but you don't have any right to be involved in it. "So if you
are called in at the last minute to collect the bibs then so be it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers confirm Ashton talks - SSN
Contract talks amid speculation linking striker with a move away
Last updated: 13th May 2008

West Ham want to keep star striker Dean Ashton at the club, despite
speculation linking him with a move away. The Hammers have confirmed they
will sit down with the striker and his representatives on Friday to try and
tie him to a new long-term deal. The news comes as Ashton, who has two years
left on his current deal, has been linked with clubs such as Manchester
Untied, Portsmouth and Newcastle. But Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury
has spoken of the club's desire to keep him at Upton Park. He said: "The end
of the season was the appropriate time to discuss such matters and to meet
Dean Ashton and his representatives. "We will sit down on Friday with a view
to agreeing a new long-term contract to keep Dean Ashton at Upton Park."
Ashton is not among the club's high earners after signing from Norwich two
years ago. He missed last season after breaking an ankle on international
duty when he was poised to earn a first cap. But found the net on 11
occasions this season, including three in his last three matches. This good
form has earned him a call-up to the England squad and he could make his
debut in the end-of-season friendlies against the USA or Trinidad and
Tobago.

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Hammers close on Juve starlet - SSN
Lanzafame set for Upton Park loan
By Nadia Carminati Last updated: 13th May 2008

West Ham United are set to clinch a loan deal for Italian starlet Davide
Lanzafame. The 21-year-old striker is a product of Juventus' youth system
and made his first-team debut for them last season. But this term he was
loaned out to Bari in Serie B where Juve legend Anontio Conte is coach. And
Lanzafame did not disappoint with ten goals which earned him a call-up to
the Italian Under 21 squad. Indeed Conte feels the player has all the
ability in the world - even likening him to Manchester United's Cristiano
Ronaldo. "Lanzafame has improved tactically," he told the Gazzetta dello
Sport. "He is explosive, he sniffs the goal, and imposes his speed outside
the area. If he improves and learns he can become like Cristiano Ronaldo."
West Ham are now set to agree terms with Juve for a season-long loan. The
deal is a clear indication of the influence of The Hammers' new sporting
director Gianluca Nani. The Italian was brought in to oversee transfer
policy and he has wasted little time in sealing a deal for one of his
country's brightest young prospects.

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Hammers said to be tracking Spanish third division defender - Guardian
Series

WEST Ham are hot on the trail of a Spanish third division defender,
according to reports in Spain. Joseph currently plays for minnows La Bolana.
But his agent has claimed that the player is attracting the attention of two
Premier League clubs - and one is the Hammers. The 23-year-old is also the
subject of a double-player switch - alongside team-mate Javi Gallardo - to
Spanish second division side Cadiz.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green: I'm always here for England - TeamTalk

Robert Green says he will never turn his back on England - and would accept
a call-up even if it was just to collect the bibs in training. The West Ham
goalkeeper accepts he is not in Fabio Capello's England plans - he was only
called up for the recent France friendly after injuries - but he is refusing
to turn his back on his country. Green, 28, had earmarked this summer to
help the African Medical and Research Foundation (AMREF) and would probably
have been free even if England qualified for the European Championships. "I
never thought that I was going to be involved," said Green, who earned his
one cap for England three years ago. "I am not part of the plans so it was a
chance for the first time in a long time to have a few weeks off and have a
chance to do something different."
Green will still make himself available for England whenever needed, adding:
"It is an honour to play for your country and it is not something that you
take lightly or for granted. "We have a good number of 'keepers now and
there are people like myself Scott Carson and Paul Robinson, and none are in
the squad now. "But it is your country, and one of the biggest in the world
for football. It is a tremendous honour. Not being part of it is
disappointing but you don't have any right to be involved in it. "So if you
are called in at the last minute to collect the bibs then so be it."

Green will have a holiday in Mexico before starting his work for AMREF,
travelling to Kenya and Tanzania for charity projects before climbing Mount
Kilimanjaro.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham attempt to tie down Ashton - The Times
By Jason Burt
Wednesday, 14 May 2008

West Ham United will open talks on Friday with Dean Ashton, their most
valuable playing asset, about an extension to his contract, with the
striker, who is far from being one of the club's highest earners, hoping for
a substantial pay rise. The 24-year-old has two years left on his deal but
has been anxious for several months to sort out his future.

The Premier League club took the unusual step yesterday of confirming when
the talks were scheduled for. It shows the sensitivity over losing Ashton
and also West Ham's keenness, following a board meeting on Monday, to keep
the £7.25m striker who has just been called into Fabio Capello's squad and
who has a very real chance of staking a claim as England's main
centre-forward.

Ashton is hugely popular with West Ham fans and the decision to announce the
talks may have been influenced by the fact that the club has just sent out
season ticket renewal packs. However, Scott Duxbury, the chief executive,
said: "The end of the season was the appropriate time to discuss such
matters and to meet Dean Ashton and his representatives. We will sit down on
Friday with a view to agreeing a new long-term contract."

Ashton wants to stay but is understood to earn less than a third of the
wages commanded by the club's highest-earner, Fredrik Ljungberg who is paid
£85,000-a-week. West Ham have, however, described as "utter rubbish" claims
that the Swedish international has been offered a £3m pay-off to cancel the
rest of his three-year contract.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dean Ashton hopes West Ham United keep word on pay rise - The Indepndent
Gary Jacob

West Ham United have taken the unusual step of announcing that they will
hold contract talks with Dean Ashton on Friday, but it is not certain that
they will meet the forward's demands. Ashton has asked the club to honour
the undertaking that they made in January to give him an improved contract
if he performed well this season. Portsmouth, Newcastle United and
Manchester City are interested in signing the 24-year-old, who has two years
left on his existing deal.

Before offering a new contract to Ashton, West Ham wanted to be certain he
had returned to the full fitness and form that he had showed before the
broken ankle he suffered at the start of last season. Ashton scored 11 goals
this season for the club, including five in his past eight matches, but his
appearances have been restricted by the preference of Alan Curbishley, the
manager, sometimes to play Carlton Cole as a lone striker.

Ashton is paid about £25,000 a week, which is significantly lower than the
wages being paid to many of the players signed by the club in the past year
who earn in excess of £60,000.

However, the financial climate at Upton Park has come full circle from when
Ashton joined West Ham as the highest earner 2½ years ago, with the club
trying to rein in the wage bill. Curbishley is likely to have to sell
between six and ten players — Nigel Quashie, Danny Gabbidon and Lee Bowyer
are among those seen as expendable — as well as looking for a left back.

Robert Green, the West Ham goalkeeper, feels the present squad can aim
higher than the tenth place achieved this season. "We have the potential to
challenge for a European spot as the squad is as good as the teams outside
the top four," Green said. "We had a taste of the Uefa Cup two seasons ago
and want it again."

Gianluca Nani, the club's technical director, has begun to exert his
influence by attempting to sign Davide Lanzafame, the Juventus striker, on
loan for next season. Lanzafame was loaned to Bari last season and is
expected to play for Italy at the Olympic Games in Beijing this summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ex-Hammers boss wants £5million more - Daily Mail
00:51am 14th May 2008

West Ham's former owner, Terry Brown, who collected more than £30million
when he sold his controlling shareholding to the Icelandic consortium in
November 2006, is now attempting to claim another £5m-plus from the club
through a High Court writ for damages and compensation. The details of
Brown's claim following the huge profit he made selling the club is sure to
further alienate West Ham fans already uneasy about the Brown regime's
handling of the costly Carlos Tevez Affair that is still to be totally
resolved. The management service contract and benefits Brown had agreed with
the new owners were terminated in May 2007 following the unravelling of the
Tevez registration fiasco. He is claiming loss of annual salary of £492,000
and bonuses with two years running on his director's contract plus pension
provision of £42,240 per year. Also in the claim are loss of a chauffeur and
mileage allowances and the use of on-site parking spaces at home and away
matches. Additionally, Brown was an honorary life vice-president and, with
that, went lifetime perks of eight seats in the director's box, eight
hospitality places in the chairman's suite and two tickets in the directors
box and boardroom at away games. West Ham have already written to Brown
advising him of a significant counter-claim against him over the cost to the
club from the Tevez wrangling that includes the record Premier League fine
of £5.5m and legal expenses. But the size of West Ham's counter-punch is
dependent on the outcome of the Sheffield United arbitration case in June —
the Hammers' Premier League survival with the help of Tevez's goals was at
their expense — and the Kia Joorabchian-led third party ownership claim for
£7m from the player's transfer to Manchester United.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Definitive Moment For West Ham And Ashton - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 14 May, 2008 - 07:07.

It is common knowledge that striker Dean Ashton and West Ham United are to
discuss an extension to the two years remaining on the player's contract.
This will be the first time where the board can finally prove to the fans
that the club is going forward...by not selling! Too often in the past have
players 'floated off' from the club just as they were beginning to really
show their worth. This time there is a genuine belief that although there
will be a bit of squad trimming and belt tightening, the 'Jewels In The
Crown' will not be flogged! Of course last season's end saw Yossi Benayoun
and Carlitos leave despite the club having no apparent need to sell... One
thing for sure is that the title West Ham will no longer be preceded by the
words 'money bags', but that is a good thing. Keeping hold of all the talent
at the club will be a much more significant achievement than having finished
in tenth spot! - Ed

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Green: Hammers must keep Ashton - Setanat
by Chris Stanton, 14 May 2008

Robert Green believes it is 'massively important' that Dean Ashton remains a
West Ham player. Ashton, who was named in Fabio Capello's most recent
England squad, is in contract talks with The Hammers but speculation has
linked the talented 24-year-old with a move to Premier League champions
Manchester United. Green said: "He's a tremendous player and talent, maybe
it's something to do with the size of him. I don't mean that in a bad sense!
He just has something other people haven't got. "England have plenty of
quick, skilful forwards, but beyond Peter Crouch we haven't got a target man
of that international class. "Dean's back in the England squad now and
rightly so, on the back of some tremendous performances towards the end of
the season.
"This season's been difficult for him because everyone was expecting so
much, but he came back and showed what he can do. It's massively important
he stays at West Ham."
While Ashton has regained his place in the England squad, Green admits he
did not expect the same to happen to him. 'England's Number 6' has been
critical in the past following his omission by Steve McClaren and not much
appears to have changed under new coach Fabio Capello. At the same time as
England will be facing USA and Trinidad & Tobago at the end of May and the
beginning of June, Green will be climbing Mount Kilimanjaro for charity.
Green admitted: "I never thought I was going to be involved with England."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham look to take Juventus star on loan - the Mirror

West Ham are in talks with Juventus to take Italian Under 21 star Davide
Lanzfame on a year's loan at Upton Park. The attacking midfielder, 21, is
owned by the Turin club but has spent this season on loan at Bari in Serie
B. The signing could be the first for Italian Gianluca Nani, who was
appointed in March as the club's technical director responsible for
transfers. But Lanzafame could miss the start of next season as he is
expected to be called up by the Italian Olympic team for the Beijing Games.
The Hammers have taken the unusual step of announcing they will hold
contract talks with Dean Ashton this week. The £7.25m England squad striker
still has two years left on his current deal but expressed his frustration
at the lack of progress towards a new agreement earlier this week. Chief
executive Scott Duxbury said: "The end of the season was the appropriate
time to discuss such matters and to meet Dean Ashton and his
representatives. "We will sit down on Friday with a view to agreeing a new
long term contract to keep Dean at Upton Park."

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Juventus starlet on West Ham's radar as Nani looks to his homeland - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 12:15pm on 14th May 2008

West Ham are in talks with Juventus to take Italy Under-21 star Davide
Lanzfame on loan. The attacking midfielder, 21, is owned by the Turin club
but has spent this season at Bari in Serie B. The signing could be the first
for Italian Gianluca Nani, who was appointed in March as the club's
technical director responsible for transfers. But Lanzafame could miss the
start of next season as he is expected to be called up by the Italian
Olympic team for the Beijing Games. The Hammers have taken the unusual step
of announcing they will hold contract talks with Dean Ashton this week. The
£7.25m England squad striker still has two years left on his current deal
but expressed his frustration at the lack of progress towards a new
agreement earlier this week. Chief executive Scott Duxbury said: "The end of
the season was the appropriate time to discuss such matters and to meet Dean
Ashton and his representatives.
"We will sit down on Friday with a view to agreeing a new long term contract
to keep Dean at Upton Park."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham eyeing Gibraltar prospect Joseph
tribalfootball.com - May 13, 2008

Gibraltar defender Joseph, of Spanish third division La Balona, is
attracting interest from West Ham United. Joseph's agent claims the player
has attracted interest from two Premier League clubs, one of which is West
Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bari coach backs Lanzafame for West Ham switch
tribalfootball.com - May 13, 2008

West Ham United are set to clinch a loan deal for Italian starlet Davide
Lanzafame. The 21-year-old striker is a product of Juventus' youth system
and made his first-team debut for them last season. But this term he was
loaned out to Bari in Serie B where Juve legend Antonio Conte is coach.
Indeed Conte feels the player has all the ability in the world - even
likening him to Manchester United's Cristiano Ronaldo. "Lanzafame has
improved tactically," he told the Gazzetta dello Sport. "He is explosive, he
sniffs the goal, and imposes his speed outside the area. If he improves and
learns he can become like Cristiano Ronaldo." West Ham are now set to agree
terms with Juve for a season-long loan. The deal is a clear indication of
the influence of The Hammers' new sporting director Gianluca Nani.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Item [ West Ham United ] - Dean Ashton

Ashton part of club's future - WHUFC
West Ham United are to discuss a new long-term contract with Dean Ashton
this coming Friday
13.05.2008

West Ham United are due to meet with Dean Ashton on Friday 16 May to discuss
terms for a new long-term contract at the club.

With the 2007/08 season only just concluded last Sunday, the focus at the
Boleyn Ground has already switched to looking ahead to the next campaign and
Ashton is an integral part of Alan Curbishley's plans. The 24-year-old
striker, who finished the season with eleven goals including five in his
last eight matches, has two years left on his contract and the aim is to
secure Ashton's services in line with the club's vision for the future which
also includes the return of key players like Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy.

West Ham United Chief Executive Scott Duxbury said: "The end of the season
was the appropriate time to discuss such matters and to meet Dean Ashton and
his representatives. We will sit down on Friday with a view to agreeing a
new long-term contract to keep Dean Ashton at Upton Park. Everyone at West
Ham United is committed to taking the club forward and we will keep all
supporters up to date with developments via the official website as and when
we have them to report."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 13th May 2008

Ashton seeking confirmation - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Dean Ashton says that he would like to extend his stay at the club - but has
heard nothing regarding a new contract. The 24-year-old striker - who scored
United's second goal against Aston Villa yesterday afternoon - has two years
remaining on his current contract. However he says that despite requesting
talks with the club, he remains in the dark with regards to his immediate
future. "I'd like to speak to the club about it," he said. "I'd like to know
where my future stands. "Obviously I had to prove myself and I feel I've
done that now. The only worry is that the club haven't spoken to me yet - so
I don't know where I stand at the moment. "I've got two [more] years and I
want to talk to the club because I've really enjoyed myself here. That's all
I'm really thinking about."

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Stronger - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 12th May 2008
By: Staff Writer

Alan Curbishley looks back on a tumultuous season - and dismisses talk of a
mass exodus ...

I've been saying all season that the players have done fantastic. We've let
ourselves down on a couple of occasions, we know that - especially that bad
week we had. But they've just got on with it and it's been a terrific
effort. I now know that my squad is stronger than when I started last year.
My big hope is that we get the players back for the start of pre-season and
I think then I'll have the competition that can make us better next year.
The one thing about Villa today was their pace - and the way it's worked out
is that a lot of my pace has been injured for most of the season, so I'm
hoping they get back. I came in 18 months ago and we had to stay up which
was the short-term brief. The long-term brief is to try and break into the
European spots at some stage. The squad is that much stronger now because a
lot of players have played football that they perhaps didn't think they'd be
getting. I've got to get some return dates on certain players. Craig Bellamy
has been training for the last two weeks, we think he's okay. Faubert had a
chance today but we just felt we couldn't risk that. Kieron Dyer is going
to start full running, we're very hopeful on that. Upson isn't far away. If
I can get some of these players back that have been injured it will be like
new signings. I've not had too many knocks on the door this year from people
unhappy that they're not playing. When everybody gets fit I think it's
natural that there will be players who are unhappy - and one or two may want
to leave. But I'm under no pressure to do anything. I told the story where I
had the five centre halves in my office at the start of the season. I said
to them 'I can only play two so I can envisage
some problems'. As it stands at the moment none of them are fit except
Ferdinand who came back today.
Ljungberg? Freddie cracked a rib and he's recuperating. But we've had no
discussions with Freddie whatsoever. Some things get put in papers and we've
just got to get on with it. This has been the most competitive Premier
League I've been involved in and I'm sure it's going to get a bit stronger
next year, so we've all got to move forward and push on.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 2 - KUMB
Aston Villa 2

By Gordon Thrower

So where did that season go?
It was only a few minutes ago that I sat down to write my first report of
the season and somehow nine months have gone. Of course unlike last season
there was to be no last match trauma, only the honour of still seeing our
name on screen when they show the "top" section of the league table was at
stake.

It was a scorching hot day and the temptation to remain in the Black Lion
beer garden was almost overwhelming, especially as one's arrival was
substantially delayed by the fact that the Jubilee line was, not for the
first time, knackered. However, the need to deliver a spare ticket to a
lucky recipient following a last minute cry-off meant that staying put was
not an option.

Team news was that Ashton had recovered from the knock picked up in Salford
and Ferdinand had recovered from the dodgy hamstring picked up way back when
the weather was rotten. The starting line-up: Green, Neill, McCartney,
Ferdinand, Tomkins, Solano, Parker, Noble, Boa-Morte, Ashton, Zamora.
Unfortunately Mike Dean had failed to pick up an injury and was available to
referee.

It was a bright start and both teams went for it right from the start. An
early Solano lob into Zamora saw the striker find space but his header was
wayward. We then forced a couple of corners, the second which started a
Villa breakaway by Reo-Coker. Agbonghr's ball into the box found the
impressive Young who didn't quite get the shot right, the post coming to
Green's aid.

Things settled down and Ferdinand was taken out right on the edge of the
box. After an interminable delay whilst Vila constructed a wall using all 10
outfield players Solano calmly stuck the free-kick past a poor attempt at a
save from Carson – who, lest we forget, was preferred to Green in past
England squads. Solano's celebrations, as is the fashion when scoring
against a former club, were muted.

Enter Mike Dean. God help us but this twit has the Cup Final next week.
Remember that if you're thinking of having a bet because later on in this
report he gets something right and the chances of that happening two weeks
in a row are minimal. Firstly he decided to indulge in a spot of double
booking, punishing Neill and Parker for challenges. Parker's looked
especially harsh and, if that was the yellow standard, serious questions
need to be asked about some later decisions.

Dean later endeared himself to the home crowd by deciding a knock to Tomkins
was not serious, but seeing Zamora go clean through following some slick
passing, the moron decided that he would bring play back after all.

On the quarter hour the scores were levelled. Linda had been drawn into the
middle and Reo-Coker fed Young in the inside right slot. Green's positioning
wasn't the best and Young had enough angle to slot in at the far post. It
could have been worse a few minutes later as Tomkins was caught the wrong
side of his striker. Fortunately his striker was the asinine Carew who
failed to make decent contact when he might have scored.

Neill forced a corner which caused the mildest of panics as Anton wound
himself up for a shot. Noble then got on the end of a clever flick from
Ashton only to see his run ended by a cynical hack from Petrov. I'm sure the
idiot Dean had a perfectly adequate explanation for his failure to issue the
yellow card that the laws of the game demand for such incidents, but, since
unfortunately he is not accountable to us mere paying members of the public
we'll never know what that explanation is. My theory – and this is backed up
by years of having to put up with ruined matches at the hands of this twit –
is that he is incompetent. Simple as that.

Meanwhile Boa-Morte was having great fun. Possibly discovering that there
was someone who was getting booed even more than he was, he was happily
chasing back at Reo-Coker and winning the ball off him time after time, thus
endearing himself to the home support no end. This gave him the confidence
to try a first time volley which, although not accurate, won generous
applause for the effort. LBM was also involved just before the interval as
his neat ball inside to Zamora saw Bobby hit a shot on the turn that had
Carson, and, unfortunately, the post beaten.

Those of you who had McCartney in the Injury Lotto finally got a pay-out as
Linda failed to appear for the second period, Pantsil being the replacement.
Villa started the brighter of the sides in the second half, forcing an early
corner on the right which came to naught. Boa-Morte countered with a surging
run that ended up with a shot that was too close to Carson.

Then the moment that I'll keep on Sky + for the rest of my life. Mike Dean
got one right. I know it's hard to believe but he did. I guess if you give
an infinite number of apes an infinite number of typewriters, eventually one
of them will write "Hamlet" and the same principle applies with this idiot.
Agbonlahor played a ball across from the left and Green pulled off a
marvellous save from Carew from point blank range. Green came out to follow
up and Petrov beat him to the ball but dived. It was embarrassing. Even Dean
thought so – actually he probably thought it was a penalty and was trying to
be controversial – and out came the yellow card. Such a shame Dean hadn't
thought to show the yellow to the same player earlier when he'd brought down
Noble but I suppose we should be grateful for one decision from this
official in 10 years.

Young then found space on the right but Parker had made up an incredible
amount of ground to make the blocking tackle. Barry then had a shot
deflected wide. Carew's header from the resulting corner was cleared off the
ine by Noble. Up the other end Solano's cross was brought down by Ashton but
a defender cleared just as the trigger was about to be pulled.

The sun was causing problems as, twice, Zamora failed to pick up the ball,
the second time a promising ball coming back off his heels as he lost the
flight of the ball.

Just before the hour we went behind. Pantsil lost the ball upfield in a
pointless run that was going nowhere. Stretched by his failure to seem in
too much of a hurry to get back, Neill found himself outnumbered at the far
post and, whilst Green's save from Reo-Coker's shot was superb the ball fell
straight out to Barry who turned the ball back in first time for what will
probably be his last Villa goal before yet another Liverpool illegal
approach finally works.

We came back strongly. Solano's free-kick narrowly missed conversion by
Ashton, Carson flapping away at the cross in that comical manner that seems
to be required of England goalkeepers. Ashton's header from the corner was
then cleared off the line by Petrov – yes the same one who shouldn't have
been on the pitch. Boa Morte then twisted and turned before getting a cross
in that Zamora put against the bar with a powerful header. This was
virtually his last contribution as he was replaced by Cole shortly after.

Agbonlahor then got a cross in that Tomkins did well to block, Green getting
a kick in the face from Carew for his trouble that the idiot ref eventually
spotted as a head injury without obtaining the free-kick that one might
expect of even a moderately able official. Sears then replaced Noble in an
attempt to give the attack a bit more emphasis.

With two left on the clock, and most people feeling grateful for Spurs'
impending defeat, we equalised. Paintsil's ball in was, frankly, dreadful.
However a deflection brought it away from the defence and Ashton's powerful
drive gave Carson no chance. That, apart from a bizarre attempt by Cole to
chest the ball back to his 'keeper from a distance of about 1 inch, was
that. And an entertaining match, if not a season, came to a close.

It's been an odd old 9 months. At the start of the season when asked what
I'd like for this year I asked for a dull season untroubled by anything that
would cause sleepless nights. Boy did we get that. Next year we need to push
on though. Will we ever see a fully fit squad? Will Rob Green ever make the
England squad? Where actually is Nigel Quashie? And will Chalks ever pay me
that tenner for mentioning the word "Jacuzzi" on national radio?

All these questions and less will be answered right here next season. In the
meantime I should go into self-indulgent mode and finish off with a few
thank-yous. This rubbish comes to you each week thanks to the invaluable
assistance of the following people without whom I'd be even more of a
gibbering wreck than usual(so blame them!): Upton Girlie, Margot, Romford,
Gent, Nan, Alan & Trevor, Naeem, Bonehead, Goes To Eleven, Delilah and most
of all If Not Why Not (where's my birthday present?!).

Have a great summer everyone and be safe.

Robert Green (7)
Maybe slightly in the wrong position for the first goal but made some fine
stops later on.

Lucas Neill (5)
Seemed a yard short against the admittedly pacy Young.

George McCartney (5)
Not at his best in the first half – possible as a result of the hamstring
problem that saw him sit out the second 45.

Anton Ferdinand (6)
A welcome return but was made to battle.

James Tomkins (6)
Had a tough time up against Carew and Young. Stuck to the task though.

Mark Noble (7)
Another hard shift put in before being sacrificed in the chase for the
equaliser.

Scott Parker (8)
At full-time he went down on his knees, possibly looking for the one blade
of grass he hadn't covered during the day.

Nobby Solano (7)
Always looked dangerous on the ball. Fine free-kick though the 'keeper
helped a bit.

Luis Boa Morte (7)
A good game – some great tracking back and a few good crosses.

Bobby Zamora (7)
Unlucky not to get on the scoresheet.

Dean Ashton (8)
Always dangerous, his goal was superb.

Substitutes

John Paintsil (5)
(replaced McCartney, 46) Passing was poor.

Carlton Cole (5)
(replaced Zamora, 73) Failed to make an impression.

Fred Sears (5)
(replaced Solano, 80) Also failed to make an impression.

Richard Wright (0)
Did not play.

Hayden Mullins (0)
Did not play.

KUMB Match facts

West Ham United: Robert Green, Lucas Neill, George McCartney, Anton
Ferdinand, James Tomkins, Mark Noble, Scott Parker, Nobby Solano, Luis Boa
Morte, Bobby Zamora, Dean Ashton.

Substitutes: John Paintsil, Carlton Cole, Fred Sears, Richard Wright, Hayden
Mullins.

Goals: Nobby Solano 8 Dean Ashton 88

Booked: Scott Parker 10 Lucas Neill 10

Sent Off: None

Aston Villa: Carson, Mellberg, Laursen, Knight, Bouma, Petrov, Reo-Coker,
Barry, Young, Carew, Agbonlahor.

Substitutes: Harewood (Carew 87).

Subs not used: Taylor, Salifou, Routledge, Maloney.

Goals: Young (14), Barry (58)

Booked: Mellberg , Petrov

Sent Off: None sent off

Referee: M.Dean

Attendance: 34969

Man of the Match: Scott Parker

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
De Mos admits Hammers dream -SSN
Dutchman wants Hammers job
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 12th May 2008

Dutch coach Aad de Mos has revealed he would love the chance to manage West
Ham. De Mos departed Vitesse Arnhem two weeks ago after falling out with the
club's hierarchy. Now the 61-year-old has admitted he would love to take
charge at Upton Park. "It's a club I'd love the chance to manage one day,"
the former Ajax and PSV Eindhoven chief said. "If an opportunity ever arose
it would be very difficult to turn down." De Mos still has contacts at West
Ham after forging a relationship between them and his former club Mechelen
back in 2000. Meanwhile, Vitesse are yet to appoint his successor but
Volendam coach Stanley Menzo has emerged as favourite along with Zwolle's
Jan Everse.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton unsure over future - SSN
Hammers star wants talks
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 12th May 2008

Dean Ashton admits he does not know where he stands over his future at West
Ham. The 24-year-old has returned to good form this year and bagged 11 goals
after missing all of last season with a badly broken ankle. Now a host of
clubs including Manchester United, Newcastle and Portsmouth are said to be
taking a keen interest in Ashton. The striker, who has two years left on his
current contract, admits the club are yet to talk to him about his future.
"As far as I know I'll be at West Ham. The only worry is that the club
haven't spoken to me yet so I don't know where I stand," he said. "Obviously
I'd like to speak to the club about my future. I'd just like to know where
my future lies. "Obviously I had to prove myself after spending so long out
injured and I feel I've done that now. "West Ham is the team I play for. I
want to talk to the club because I've really enjoyed myself here and that's
all I'm really thinking about."
Ashton was complimented by Sir Alex Ferguson after scoring in the 4-1 rout
at Old Trafford on May 3, but has taken little notice of his words. "A lot
has been written about me but the thing I'm most worried about is what West
Ham think of me," he said. "I suppose it (Ferguson's praise) is flattering
but you don't really read a lot into what goes into the papers."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers board meet to iron out striker Ashton's Upton Park future - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 10:44am on 12th May 2008

The future of Dean Ashton is on the agenda at today's West Ham board
meeting. England striker Ashton, who scored a late equaliser in the 2-2 home
draw with Aston Villa, wants assurances about his career at Upton Park.
Ashton said: "I just want to know where I stand. I haven't really been told
that at the moment. "I'm not saying I want to go. I have seen my name linked
with other clubs, but I'm more worried about what West Ham think of me and
whether they want to keep me."
Owner and chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was expected at today's meeting to
confirm that Alan Curbishley must trim his squad. The club, who bought
almost exclusively from the English market last summer, may turn their
attention to Europe for new players, particularly following the appointment
of Italian technical director, Gianluca Nani.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton in dark over Hammers future - Setanta
by Ben Blackmore, 12 May 2008

Dean Ashton admits to being 'flattered' by reports linking him with
Manchester United, but the only talks he is seeking are those that clarify
his future at West Ham. The former Norwich and Crewe striker has endured a
tough season at Upton Park, with injuries hindering any hint of regular
first team football.
Two superb goals in his final two matches of the season have helped Ashton
force his way into Fabio Capello's England squad, as well as helping him to
attract reported interest from United. Ashton insists his only priority is a
meeting with Alan Curbishley, where he will seek confirmation that the club
intends to keep him this summer. "I suppose it is flattering to be linked
with United, but you don't really read a lot about what goes into the
papers," said Ashton.
"The thing I'm more worried about is what West Ham think of me and whether
they want to keep me. "As far as I know I'll be here. I haven't heard
anything myself and the only worry is that the club haven't spoken to me yet
so I don't know where I stand with the club at the moment. "Obviously I'd
like to speak to the club about my future. I'd just like to know where my
future stands. I haven't really been told particularly where my future
stands at the moment. "West Ham is the team I play for. I've got two years
(left) here and I want to talk to the club because I've really enjoyed
myself here and that's all I'm really thinking about."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
We're not selling, says Hammers boss Curbishley - Northampton Chronicle

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley insists that star striker Dean Ashton is not
for sale. The big hit-man is said to be a target for one of the big four
clubs, but Hammers boss Alan Curbishley says he is under no pressure to
sell. Curbishley said: "Every club has its problem over sides wanting to buy
their players - look at Tottenham and Dimitar Berbatov. "It's something you
have to deal with if it comes along but fans saw last summer that we had
players coming in rather than leaving. "I'm not under pressure to cut the
wage bill."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Squad Sorting - West Ham Online
Alex V - Mon May 12 2008

Okay, let's sort Curbishley's squad out for him. No doubt Curbs was doing
something similar last night, perhaps with cue cards and some sort of
wallchart, or perhaps tapping away at a spreadsheet. We can only guess at
the squalor of Curbishley's private life, but for now let's look at the
playing staff at the club.

When you look at Premiership players, you have to turn off some of the inate
personal biases you have in order to get any sort of objectivity going. For
a start, you have to concede that even average footballers are paid the
equivalent of what the slimiest fat cats get in big business - it's a fact
of life, get over it. You also have to turn off the part of your brain that
inexplicably either thinks players are solid gold stars or absolute rubbish
- all the players in our squad are generally decent premiership players,
none of them are 'championship players' (and it's a damned hard league, we
should know!), and it's better to stand back and take a more objective look.
Sometimes this doesn't work - Robbie Savage is a #### however objectively
you look at it.

What are the general principles at work here? Well we want a better squad! I
think the general consensus is that we need to clear away some of the dead
wood in the squad, if any exists, and build a leaner fitter squad.
Personally I have made it clear in previous articles that I want to move
away from average Premiership performers, and gamble a little more on
younger players with potential. But basically it's all about winning
matches.

Okay, I want to start with the least contentious section of the squad - the
following players are ones that Curbishley would be almost certain to keep
over the Summer, unless offers come in that cannot be refused etc.

- The youngsters. Sears, Tomkins, Collison etc. There's no point selling
these for peanuts before we have a proper chance to assess. They may not
make it, and may spend next season on loan for example, but they STAY.

- The relatively young. Ferdinand and Noble are Premiership players on the
rise, with good reputations and solid England Under-21 experience. Obviously
Ferdinand is linked with a move away from the club, and there are contract
issues there too, but I don't think there's any doubt that he is a
first-choice player for us and one of the highest-rated players at his age
in this country.

- The stars. Hard to really assess who these are to true accuracy. Ashton,
Upson and Green are the ones I would pick out.

- The crocks. This bunch of players were bought last Summer, barely played,
obviously have quality, and cannot really be just moved on this Summer. Like
it or not, we have to see it through with these signings and hope they get
fit and come good. Parker, Bellamy, Dyer and Faubert. (I suppose you could
make a case for selling any of them, but realistically Curbishley cannot do
that without admitting they were a mistake in the first place).

- McCartney. I don't rate him personally, but I cannot deny his form has
been solid and his attitude seems to be excellent. I don't see a case where
Curbishley could sell him even if he bought a replacement, because we are so
short in that area of the side. A KEEP.

I'm hoping then, that we can agree to a large extent that the following
players would probably be on Curbishley's KEEP list (barring some ludicrous
offers)...

Green.
McCartney, Upson, Ferdinand, Tomkins.
Parker, Noble, Faubert, Dyer, Collison.
Ashton, Bellamy, Sears.

Obviously squad building is not an exact art - if Spurs offer £12 million
plus for Ferdinand, what do we do? If Noble demands a Summer move, do we
deny him it? But barring unforeseen circumstances, these are 13 players I
would expect to see in pre-season at West Ham - it is virtually a team
there.

Now the bit where opinions will differ. Here's my take on the players in the
rest of the squad - for me the following players have to make a case for
staying in the squad, because none of them are truly essential. The problem
here is that I don't know the exact details of players wages, their
contracts, their attitude in training and in the dressing room, and what
potential they actually have. I make my guesses based on what I've seen and
heard.

- Lucas Neill. Neill feels like an important 'issue' - he is the club
captain. We may be out of step with what Curbishley thinks about Neill - we
can't see the work that he does in the dressing room, on the training pitch,
and just generally around the club. He may be an instrumental figure who has
been key to our progress on the pitch, or he may be a destructive one, a
negative influence in a position of too much power at the club. I must say
in his defence that I thought he was excellent up until Christmas, and his
form has only fallen away more recently. I also think that his International
commitments may be key to his performance levels - if Curbs could get him to
retire from International football, I would make him a definite KEEP. But
given his position as a high earner, and some indifferent form, I wouldn't
be absolutely shocked if Curbs tries to move him on.

- Spector and Cole. Where I think the 'fans' are definitely out of step with
reality is with these two younger players, who by my reckoning should be
clearly in the KEEP list. Spector is presumably not a financial drain on the
club, is still relatively young, and offers excellent cover across the whole
back line and central midfield - I just can't see a justification for moving
him on. Some fans are critical of his form, but he has never had a run of
games to build form - in fact he barely plays the same position from one
game to the next. Cole is apparently one of our most highly-paid players -
when we bought him he could have gone to any Premiership club pretty much,
and I think the wages reflect that fact. He does lack goals, but I think
he's been excellent this season, and has looked particularly good as a
strong direct player coming off the bench to change matches. So I just can't
understand why you would think about selling. For me both of those are
definite KEEPs.

- Bobby Zamora. This is a much more difficult decision. He is clearly a good
Premiership player, and was terrific in the run-in last season. But he was
playing with Tevez at the time, and my good memories of Zamora are mixed
with bad ones of indifferent performances. He definitely chips in with a
steady stream of goals, but I would argue that he just isn't a dynamic
enough presence to really change matches with regularity. I do think you
need 5 strikers these days at any club, especially with 7 subs on the bench
next season. But if Curbishley brings in a striker over the Summer, Zamora
would sadly be on my hit list to go. A great servant to the club, very
difficult to imagine it without him, but we want to improve and he will
bring in an almost guaranteed £4 million plus in the market - GO.

- Nol Solano. I think he's been excellent tucked into central midfield this
season, but too slow played out on the wing. There's no doubt that he is a
solid, creative and experienced player though, and chips in with set-piece
goals. It kind of depends how much we pay him in wages - if he's a top
earner I think Curbs might be best to move him on, because I don't see him
in the first team next season. If he's affordable, then he's an excellent
option to have around. KEEP.

- Lee Bowyer. Another experienced head, and largely a dependable one,
probably on a sizable wage, and with injury problems. These are tough
decisions - I can see every reason for Curbs liking to have him around, but
I think the squad is top-heavy with aging pros eking out a living, and
playing at a veteran's pace in an increasingly frantic Premiership. For
those reasons I say GO, but I bet he's here next season. Also I'm not
convinced we could sell him if we tried.

- Hayden Mullins. Another midfielder whose chief attribute is dependability
- I highly doubt that Curbishley is even considering letting him go this
Summer. The trouble is that if you let him and Bowyer go, and Parker gets
injured again, we are looking very threadbare in midfield. And Mullins is
unlikely to be a top wage-earner, nor that valuable an asset in the transfer
market. Will the £2 million we get for him really be worthwhile? - if we get
injuries next season it could be a costly mistake! It would depend who
Curbishley wants to bring in really - I lean towards a keep.

- James Collins. Horrible season from him - half his appearances this season
were for Wales. It's a bit of a stretch now to recall the form he showed in
last season's run-in, but it was damned impressive at the time. This is the
problem - Collins is 25 and probably just getting that bit too old to be
considered a rising talent. This season probably would have been make or
break for him - do we wait another season to pass judgement? I think it's
unlikely he's a financial drain on the club, and for that reason it's a very
bordeline decision - keep for one more season? Another point - what is he
actually worth in the transfer market?

- Danny Gabbidon. I can't see a single reason to keep him, unless the club
has decided to go backwards. His best form is from three seasons ago, he's
had a succession of injuries over two seasons, he's approaching veteran
status, and it's unlikely he'd be first-choice at the club if fit. He is
EXACTLY the sort of player that the board would be encouraging Curbishley to
jettison - a player on first-team wages, who is only rated an average
Premiership player at best. I would argue that he punched above his weight
in that first season under Pardew, and makes too many mistakes - an
absolutely definite SELL, and a very enticing purchase for any newly
promoted club. If fit, I expect us to make at least £3 million from a sale.
If we keep him, it will say everything about what is wrong at the club.

- Richard Wright. Had a good time at Southampton - what an escape that was
for them! He seems like about the best reserve keeper we could hope to have
at the club, and for that reason I hope we KEEP. Again I'm happy that
Curbishley is in the best position to make a case either way - hopefully
Green will be fit and first-choice throughout next season.

- James Walker. He's probably not a high wage-earner, and you definitely
need three keepers at the club. KEEP.

- Matty Etherington. I didn't think Ethers could make the step-up to the
Premiership, but I have been happy to be proved wrong - he can be a menace
on that left side, and is a nice throwback to the era of the traditional
winger who hugs the touchline, only has one foot, and needs the ball at his
feet. But I think Premiership football has moved on, and I can't see a case
for keeping him as anything other than an impact sub for the last 15 minutes
of games. On that basis it's a SELL, and I expect him to be snapped up
pretty quickly, maybe by a bigger club than we expect.

- Kyel Reid. 4 appearances this season, so there must be something there
that Curbs likes. No progress at Palace on loan unfortunately, so probably
not ready to threaten the first team yet. But he's still relatively young,
and with 7 subs to pick next season Curbs could get the chance to give him
more first-team football from the bench. If there's the merest chance he can
make it, why sell at this stage? KEEP.

- Freddie Ljungberg. Again I feel some fans have a strangely negative
opinion of him - for me he was our best attacking midfielder last season.
Not saying much I know, and it definitely took too long for him to find his
form, but beggars can't be choosers in that department. There are some
persistant rumours that West Ham are looking to get shot of him this Summer,
but unless there's been a bust-up behind the scenes I can't imagine why we
would consider it. Sure he's on big wages, but technically he's our most
gifted player, and he can play in any position in midfield - how do you
replace that? It's too easy to say "he's past it" but I think that is unfair
on a player who, at 50% of what he was at his peak, would still be a
definite first-team player at almost any club outside the top four. A
definite KEEP for me.

- Nigel Quashie. Impossible to really assess a player who has been out of
the picture for so long. From what little we saw I would rate him as a
useful stop-gap midfielder, not one to take us forward. Get him fit, ship
him out. GO.

- Calum Davenport. Another player it is difficult to assess - I still
remember the player we had on loan in the Championship, who at the time
looked a potential world-beater. It's fair to say he hasn't delivered on
that promise, and at 25 he is very much on the borderline for proving
himself a top-drawer player. And I don't quite see how and when he will get
the chance to prove the case either way at West Ham. To be honest, we would
never have bought him if we'd got Upson first, so the whole signing has
proven a bit of a misfire. And with such serious injury problems, maybe just
getting back on the pitch will be a triumph for Davenport - sad to say that
when he does get fit, he may find himself on the way out. GO.

- John Paintsil. He's obviously not a natural defender, and may be better
suited to that wide-right berth rather than full-back, but he is unlikely to
be first-choice in either. But then the question is whether he's a decent
alternative - I think if you compare him to Lucas Neill, he is. He is more
attacking, and has definite quality on the ball, and he seems like a trier
with a good attitude. I wonder what his wages are - if they are relatively
low I would consider a KEEP here, just because he is something a little bit
different.

- Luis Boa Morte. A triumphant end of season for Boa Morte - he's been man
of the match in three of the last four games of the season. The one thing
about Luis is that regardless of how frustrating he is to watch, he is a
damned nuisance to the opposition - niggly fouls, 100% commitment,
play-acting, and just that touch of the unpredictable that makes him
dangerous. I appreciate that he has been horrible to watch at times this
season, but at the same time I think he brings something quite unique to the
table. I think if things are going stale in a match next season, Curbs might
want to turn to a player like Luis from the bench to just get out there and
cause mischief. Added to this is the fact that Boa Morte is the one player
to make a success of that advanced midfield position in a 4-5-1 - he was
brilliant roughing up Makelele away at Chelsea for example. So for me, and I
don't expect this to be popular, he is a KEEP.

So, that leaves me with this list.

Green, Wright, Walker.
Upson, Ferdinand, McCartney, Neill, Spector, Tomkins, Paintsil.
Parker, Noble, Mullins, Ljungberg, Dyer, Faubert, Boa Morte, Collison, Reid,
Solano.
Bellamy, Ashton, Cole, Sears.

A first team squad of 25-ish, as it stands. Davenport, Etherington,
Gabbidon, Bowyer, Zamora and Quashie out. (I have to say I doubt Bowyer will
be sold).

Having looked through the players one by one, I'm surprised how few I want
to get rid of. On the one hand I want to see radical changes at the club,
but on the other hand when you look at players and try to be pragmatic about
it, you can usually see a case for hanging onto them. That said, there are a
number of borderline cases there that I wouldn't be surprised to see leave
the club - Mullins, Boa Morte, Paintsil, Solano.

But at the same time, it all depends who Curbishley brings in over the
Summer. If he buys a central midfielder, do we need Mullins? If he buys
another central defender, is it worth persevering with Collins? If Zamora
won't go, do you look at Carlton Cole? There are lots of twists and turns to
come over the Summer, and I certainly wouldn't expect it to be predictable.
But I think, if you look at the squad as it is, there is the basis of a good
one there, and it's hard to imagine what you can do to improve it on paper
without spending big money (I'll look at transfers in next week). I think
it's also true that if we started next season with this season's squad
unchanged but fully fit, I think we'd stand a decent chance of improving on
10th position. Anyway, this Summer will be fascinating, and arguably more
fun than our season :)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton unsettled about lack of new West Ham contract - Daily Mail
Last updated at 23:48pm on 12th May 2008

West Ham striker Dean Ashton has expressed concern that the club has yet to
discuss a new contract amid speculation he will be sold this summer. Ashton
said: "As far as I know I'll be at West Ham. The only worry is that the club
haven't spoken to me yet so I don't know where I stand. I'd just like to
know where my future lies

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley gets the thumbs-up
David Hytner
The Guardian, Tuesday May 13 2008

Alan Curbishley will lead West Ham United next season after the board of
directors pronounced itself satisfied with his efforts this time out.
Curbishley took the club to a 10th-placed finish, above their rivals
Tottenham Hotspur, and provided a season of stability after the desperate
fight against relegation in 2006-07.

Although there has been frustration about the style of football, and a
feeling in some quarters that the team ought to have kicked on more, the
board, which met yesterday for six hours, accept that injuries had
undermined their prospects.

Curbishley emerged from the meeting, chaired by the owner Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, looking forward to a summer of fine-tuning and working with
Gianluca Nani, the technical director who takes up his post next month. One
of their first tasks will be to open talks with Dean Ashton, who has two
years to run on his deal.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 2008 Report Card
The Guardian, Tuesday May 13 2008

On-pitch moment of the season
Matthew Upson scoring the winner against Manchester United

Off-pitch moment of the season
The departure of Eggert Magnusson in December, making way for the owner,
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, to take a more hands-on role

Player who must not to be sold
Dean Ashton, restored to fitness after spending so long recovering from his
broken ankle

Greatest goal
Freddie Sears' late winner six minutes into his debut against Blackburn,
after three 4-0 defeats in a row

Most embarrassing moment
The 4-0 defeat at White Hart Lane in March, the third of that run

Effect of manager's shopping
Craig Bellamy, Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker, Julien Faubert and Kieron
Dyer all had extensive injury problems and have yet to be seen for a lengthy
period in the first team

The season in five words
Win or lose, they're 10th

Five-point action plan for the summer
Expensive experienced players who have spent more time on the treatment
table than out on the pitch should be moved on; continue the development of
the younger players; retain Robert Green in goal; add youth and invention;
rekindle some of the enthusiasm

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Villa's Reo-Coker happy with West Ham visit
tribalfootball.com - May 12, 2008

Aston Villa midfielder Nigel Reo-Coker believes he won his battle with West
Ham fans in Sunday's 2-2 draw. He told avfc.co.uk: "It was impossible to
block out the crowd. But I knew what to expect and I concentrated on my
game. I did what I had to do. "It was difficult but it wasn't about me. We
went into the game knowing so much was at stake and our whole season could
stand or fall on the one game. "It was pleasing for me to be involved in the
two goals, but what mattered was how the team finished the season. "It was
end to end stuff between two sides who play end to end football. I think it
was definitely entertaining stuff for the supporters."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle, Portsmouth rival Man Utd for Ashton
tribalfooball.com - May 12, 2008

A host of Premiership rivals are eyeing West Ham striker Dean Ashton. The
Daily Mail says Hammers boss Alan Curbishley met with the board yesterday to
review the season and discuss plans for the transfer window. Curbishley is
determined to keep Ashton and after yesterday's 2-2 draw with Aston Villa
denied that he is under pressure to slash the wage bill. But a big offer
could tempt the board to sell and Ashton is seeking reassurances over his
future with two years left on his contract. Manchester United are rumoured
to be ready to test the Hammers' resolve to keep Ashton by tabling an
£8million bid for the England prospect this summer. Portsmouth and Newcastle
are also reported to be interested in the 24-year-old, who returned this
season after a year out spent recovering from a broken ankle.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley: No pressure to slash wage bill
tribalfootball.com - May 12, 2008

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley insists he's not under pressure to
slash his wage bill. He said: "Every club has its problem over sides wanting
to buy their players - look at Tottenham and Dimitar Berbatov. "It's
something you have to deal with if it comes along but fans saw last summer
that we had players coming in rather than leaving. I'm not under pressure to
cut the wage bill."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to make offer for Palermo's Bresciano
tribalfooball.com - May 12, 2008

West Ham United are launching a bid for Palermo midfielder Mark Bresciano.
La Repubblica says the Hammers, with Italian Gianluca Nani now dictating
transfer policy, are ready to offer £4 million for the Australia
international

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
"I'd love to manage West Ham" - de Mos - Echo
By Rob Pritchard

DUTCH coach Aad de Mos has revealed that he wants to manage West Ham. The
61-year-old former Ajax Amsterdam, PSV Eindhoven, Werder Bremen, Anderlecht
and Standard Liege boss forged ties with the Irons during his second spell
in charge of Belgian side KV Mechelen between 2000 and 2002.
De Mos, whose resume includes one European Cup Winners' Cup and European
Super Cup - both with Mechelen in 1988 - three Dutch Eredivisie titles, two
Belgian league titles, three Dutch Cups and one Belgian Cup, told Sky Sports
that he still has admiration for the East Enders. The Den Haag-born manager
is a free agent after departing Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem a fortnight ago
after falling out with the club's hierarchy. "It's a club I'd love the
chance to manage one day," he said. "If an opportunity ever arose it would
be very difficult to turn down."
Despite enduring a difficult first full season in charge, including a
staggering 55 injuries to first team players, current Hammers manager Alan
Curbishley has no plans to leave the Boleyn Ground. And having watched
Curbishley guide the club to a 10th place finish, chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson is highly unlikely to replace the 50-year-old.

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Nigel Reo-Coker and Olof Mellberg did Aston Villa proud, says Martin O'Neill
- BirminghamMail.net
May 12 2008 By Bill Howell

MARTIN O'Neill says that Nigel Reo-Coker thrived in the cauldron of noise
that was West Ham's Boleyn Ground. "Nigel Reo-Coker was particularly
excellent for us. He really thrust forward with the ball and was a real
throwback to what he used to do for West Ham, as their supporters would have
known over the last couple of years", he said. "He just seems to get blamed
for everything going wrong at Upton Park - probably for all West Ham's woes
since Bobby Moore! "He did splendidly for us to cope with all of that."
O'Neill also praised Olof Mellberg, who paid around £40,000 for replica
shirts to be left on every seat in the away end. O'Neill added: "I was
particularly pleased for Olof because he's been a splendid professional
footballer here over the years I have known him and a lot longer than that.
"He goes to Juventus with all of our best wishes. "It was a lovely gesture
of him regarding the shirts. I'm not sure I would have done it - I wouldn't
have the same money!"
O'Neill has precious little time to get Villa back in the swing. He added:
"There are drawbacks to being in the Intertoto but you don't have to play
umpteen games to progress from it. "This time last year we were not equipped
to play in it at all. It was a big season and a big push to finish 11th.
"Now we have improved significantly. "We finished with 60 points which is a
terrific achievement considering we have had a small squad all season."

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