Daily WHUFC News - II 16th January 2009

On this day: 16 January
WHUFC.com
Bobby Zamora and a vital home win over Portsmouth in 1993 are the focus
today
16.01.2009

Anniversary

Bobby Zamora
Date of birth: 16 January 1981
Clubs: Bristol Rovers, Brighton and Hove Albion, Tottenham Hotspur, West Ham
United, Fulham

Barking-born Zamora will probably be best remembered for scoring the goal
that won West Ham United promotion back to the Premier League in May 2005.
The striker scored the only goal of the game to defeat Preston North End in
the Championship play-off final at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.

Zamora joined the West Ham United Academy as a schoolboy but was released
before turning professional. He was picked up by Bristol Rovers as a trainee
but only made six substitute appearances. Loan moves to Bath City and
Brighton and Hove Albion followed with the latter deciding to make his move
permanent.

Zamora proved himself a prolific goalscorer on the south coast, scoring 76
goals in 125 games and helping Ablion to two consecutive titles. That form
caught the eye of Tottenham Hotspur who bought the forward for £1.5m in July
2003. However, 18 appearances bought just one goal.

Six months later Zamora moved to east London to rejoin his boyhood club and
immediately made his mark by scoring on his debut against Bradford City. The
following season he struck 13 times, including two in the semi-final win
over Ipswich Town and the one in the final against Preston.

The striker, who wore No25 in his time at the Boleyn Ground, made his mark
the following season in the Premier League, scoring ten goals. Eleven goals
followed in the 2006/07 season as United miraculously avoided relegation.
However, fitness was to hinder the forward in the 2007/08 campaign and he
made just 14 appearances with a solitary goal in return before moving to
Fulham in July 2008.

Classic match

West Ham United 2-0 Portsmouth
First Division
16 January 1993

A comfortable home win on the day, but few could have predicted how
important the result would be at the end of the season. Trevor Morley put
the Hammers in front with a diving header in the 26th minute before Colin
Foster doubled the lead with another headed effort ten minutes after
half-time in front of 18,127 at the Boleyn Ground.

Portsmouth boss Jim Smith was full of praise for the home side, saying:
"West Ham are the best team we've played this season." The result was to
prove vital in West Ham United's successful promotion campaign. Following
the game, Portsmouth went on a great run that would see them finish the
season third, one place below the promoted Hammers on goal difference.
Crucially, though, if the game had finished 1-0, Portsmouth would have been
promoted at United's expense.

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Permanent move interests Bowyer
BBC.co.uk

Lee Bowyer says he wants to win something at Birmingham City and is open to
the idea of making his loan from West Ham United permanent.
Bowyer, 32, is out of contract at Upton Park in the summer and knows a move
is almost certain. "I don't think I'll be going back and I'll be a free
agent in the summer," Bowyer told BBC WM. "If I do well you never know I
might be here a while after that. I've come here to try and win something."
Bowyer is set for his debut in Blues' home game with Cardiff on Saturday.
And he is looking forward to making an impact at the club following a
frustrating time at West Ham. "It's a big challenge," he said. "But that's a
big factor in why I came because the club are moving in the right direction
and trying to get back in the Premier League. I've come here for a new
challenge. It just wasn't right for me to come here before. "My fitness
stats are higher than anyone else's so I know I can still do it. "If I
wanted to, I could have sat on the bench at West Ham and taken the money but
I'm not that sort of player."
Bowyer nearly joined Blues in 2005 but pulled out of the move after an
on-line petition protesting against his signing following some
highly-publicised off-the-field incidents. But Bowyer, who opted instead
for a second spell at West Ham, says things have moved on since then. "That
was around the time I went to West Ham." he said. "And I felt I had
unfinished business there. "I went there six months previously and was
injured and it didn't work out. "I feel I've done myself justice and I've
come here for a new challenge. "It just wasn't right for me to come here
before."

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Hammers reject Bellamy request
Striker keen to join Spurs, rather than City
Last updated: 16th January 2009
SSN

Sky Sports News understands West Ham United have rejected Craig Bellamy's
request to leave the club in order to join Tottenham Hotspur.
Spurs and Manchester City have both spent the transfer window pursuing
Bellamy, with the Hammers turning down multiple bids for the Wales
international. West Ham remain determined to keep hold of their best players
in January and made moves to secure Bellamy's future at Upton Park. Bellamy
was offered a new contract by the club on Thursday, but turned down the
extension after talks with chief executive Scott Duxbury.
He also asked Duxbury to be allowed to leave the Hammers for the club's
London rivals, but his request was knocked back.

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Are Sky On An Earner Over Bellamy Transfer?
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 16 January, 2009 - 13:49.
West Ham Fans.org

Sky Sports Television's coverage of the transfer window was always going to
be a bit 'action man', it always is, but the level and style with which they
have covered the 'Craig Bellamy Story' is reminiscent of an old episode of
Minder where everyone is on an earner. The conviction that Sky use when
'announcing' yet another scoop is only matched by the haste that such scoop
is withdrawn when proven to be non-factual. Tottenham want Bellamy and
Bellamy wants Tottenham, no wait, Mark Hughes and Man City like Bellamy and
Bellamy likes Hughes, there is a common theme emerging isn't there? Who
exactly has confirmed that Craig Bellamy has put in a request to join
Arsenal's lesser cousins? The same 'source' that also confirmed that Scott
Parker's move to money bags Citeh (sic) was done and dusted! Obviously
Hammers fans would prefer that Bellamy moves to Citeh should he eventually
be sold rather than to the Spuds, but the sort of money being talked about
by both suitors is substantial and already above the £15 Million watershed
figure set by West Ham and manager Gianfranco Zola. Football is a business,
it is naive to think that the board won't snap the hands of a club offering
towards £20 Million, Milan are having to have a reality check when
confronted with a massive offer, albeit on a larger scale. -Ed

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West Ham v FULHAM: Bullard to miss clash at Upton Park
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:55 PM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail

Fulham midfielder Jimmy Bullard will miss Sunday's Premier League clash with
West Ham. Bullard - who has been struck by a dead leg, illness and groin
problem in recent weeks - has returned to light training but is still
troubled by a hip injury. Otherwise Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has a fully fit
squad to select from for the trip to Upton Park.

Provisional squad: Schwarzer, Konchesky, Pantsil, Baird, Hughes, Murphy,
Dempsey, Davies, Gera, Zamora, Johnson, Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gray, Etuhu,
Stoor, Andreasen, Kallio, Hangeland.

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Hammers fight to keep Bellamy with new contract offer
Friday, January 16, 2009
Metro.co.uk

West Ham attempted to ward off interest in Craig Bellamy by offering the
Wales international striker a new contract. Tottenham and Manchester City
are desperate to buy the 29-year-old, with both clubs reported to have
failed with improved bids in the last 24 hours. And now West Ham have
publicly stated Bellamy does not have permission to talk to either City or
Spurs, and revealed they have offered a new deal to the former Liverpool
player. 'We can confirm that Craig Bellamy has been offered a new contract,'
announced a spokesman. 'We can also confirm that he has no permission to
talk to other clubs including Spurs and Manchester City.' The Hammers have
also had to fend off interest from Manchester City in midfielder Scott
Parker and from Newcastle in captain Lucas Neill. Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear
revealed yesterday he had been talking to Neill's agent but the Hammers said
no permission had been given nor any offers received from the Magpies. West
Ham will not report Newcastle to the Premier League however. A club source
said: 'Kinnear was out of order and we have made our feelings known to
Newcastle in the strongest possible terms but we'll leave it at that.'

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Hammers Offer Bellamy New Deal
Setanta.co.uk
by Joseph Caron Dawe , 16 January 2009

West Ham have cranked up their efforts to retain Craig Bellamy by offering
the forward a new contract, having refused the player permission to talk to
Tottenham or Manchester City. The Wales international has been the subject
of overtures from both Spurs and City, but The Hammers have so far been
steadfast in their determination to hold onto him. Having rebuffed offers
from both clubs for the 29-year-old – including a £12 million attempt from
Spurs – West Ham have so far been dismissive of approaches for the former
Newcastle, Blackburn and Liverpool man. They have now offered Bellamy a new
deal at Upton Park in a further bid to shake off the interest of his
suitors. A West Ham spokesman said: "We can confirm that Craig Bellamy has
been offered a new contract. We can also confirm that he has no permission
to talk to other clubs, including Spurs and Manchester City."
The Hammers have also had to work hard to repel interest and a subsequent
bid from City in midfielder Scott Parker, as well as a bid from Newcastle
for captain Lucas Neill.

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Nigel Quashie may not return to West Ham when loan spell with Birmingham
City ends tomorrow
Jan 16 2009 by Colin Tattum, Birmingham Mail

NIGEL Quashie is not necessarily going to be ushered straight through the St
Andrew's exit door after tomorrow's game. The West Ham United midfielder's
loan expires once the dust has settled on Blues-Cardiff City, and a decision
about a permanent transfer has to be made. Manager Alex McLeish said: "We
know it's his last game and his loan is up. But the plan is to hold onto
everybody just now. We will see what happens. "Both parties have done each
other a favour during the whole loan spell. ''We've got Nigel back to
fitness, he'd been out an awful long time, and he's done well for us."

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HATCHET MAN: West Ham's Boa Morte shows his true colours by turning down
Hull
By Hatchet Man
Last updated at 11:17 AM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail

Luis Boa Morte has looked a distinctly unambitious player for some time and
now he has proved that is exactly what he is. The West Ham winger turned
down a move to Hull over personal terms but is a fringe player at Upton Park
who has been going through the motions since they signed him from Fulham two
years ago for £5 million. The fee looks even more ridiculously inflated now
than it did then, and it is a fair bet that his wages are also way too high
in relation to his talent so the chances of them being matched elsewhere are
very low. Still, the opportunity to become an integral part of an ambitious
club should have brought about a compromise if he wanted to prove he can
still play in the Premier League. One goal and 30 league starts for West Ham
in two years says he can't. Rejecting the move to Hull demonstrated he
doesn't care.

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Chievo's Langella flattered by West Ham interest
16.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Chievo Verona midfielder Antonio Langella is flattered by interest from West
Ham United. Langella has been linked with a January move to Upton Park and
he said: "I'm flattered, but only interested in staying with Chievo. "I am
used to fighting and I want to stay here to help us stay in Serie A with all
my friends."

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Clarke feeling he and Zola making mark at West Ham
16.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Steve Clarke believes he and West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola are
beginning to make their mark on the squad. "We haven't had any success yet
but I think we've shown that, given time, we might do," former Chelsea coach
Clarke told the London Evening Standard. "If you compare West Ham now to
West Ham at the start of the season, I think you can see our mark -
Gianfranco's mark - on the team." West Ham's solid passing game backs up
Clarke's belief. And he knows how to coach a team to play that way. He
added: "Improving is all about repetition. The players work on how to
receive the ball, how to see angles and how to pick a pass. "We practise
every day and, when it comes to Saturday, they know what to do: control and
pass. "Seeing it happen in games is our measure of success. I think we're
getting it. We've a lot of improving to do but I think it's starting to
come." That goes for individual players as well as the team, of course.
While Craig Bellamy has attracted the headlines and speculation about his
future, Carlton Cole has signed a new long-term deal and is in the form of
his life. Clarke was the striker's youth team coach at Chelsea. "He was a
kid back then," he remembers. "Maybe he's just maturing now. He's
understands football better, realises you have to be 100 per cent focused
for every game."

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Spurs close in on deal for Bellamy as Wales striker demands to leave West
Ham
By Simon Cass and Colin Young
Last updated at 12:17 PM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail

Tottenham are set to conclude a deal to sign Craig Bellamy, with the West
Ham striker slapping in a transfer request. The Hammers have rejected bids
from Spurs and Manchester City for the 29-year-old but Bellamy has tried to
force his club's hand by demanding to move. The transfer request has been
rejected but Sportsmail understands that a deal for the former Blackburn hot
shot is expected to be concluded over the weekend for a fee in the region of
£12million. Spurs sanctioned an offer of £10m up front with a further £2m
based on performance in a bid to head off interest from Manchester City.
City are believed to have since matched the offer, having had their last bid
of £9.5m rejected. Bellamy faces a choice between linking up with Redknapp
at Tottenham or rejoining Mark Hughes, whom he played under for Wales and
Blackburn. While Spurs would be unable to match personal terms available at
City, Redknapp will hope Bellamy's initial preference for a move across
London will prove decisive.

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West Ham turn down Craig Bellamy's request to join Tottenham
Times Online

West Ham United have rejected a request from striker Craig Bellamy to join
Tottenham Hotspur, and have offered the Wales striker a new contract. Scott
Duxbury, the West Ham chief executive, remains determined to hang on to the
Wales striker, despite strong interest from a number of Premier League
clubs. "We can confirm that Craig Bellamy has been offered a new contract,"
a West Ham spokesman said. "We can also confirm that he has no permission to
talk to other clubs including Spurs and Manchester City."
City have had three offers turned down for Bellamy but West Ham, whose owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson could sell the club, say they do not want to offload
players and are under no pressure to do so. Earlier this week, Gianfranco
Zola, the West Ham manager, reiterated his intention to keep Bellamy. "I
know that he's got good teams around him that are tempting him but we want
him to stay with us," Zola said. "I have a very good relationship with
Craig, he's the perfect professional. I hope that I'm giving him something
that will feed his wish to improve. "I have some players I consider very
important for the club. We want to keep those players and Bellamy is one of
them."
West Ham United yesterday released a statement denying that they had an
received an approach from Newcastle United for Lucas Neill, their captain.

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Bellamy offered new Hammers deal
TeamTalk

West Ham have refused to give striker Craig Bellamy permission to talk to
Tottenham or Manchester City - and offered him a new contract. The Hammers
have turned down several bids from the two clubs for the 29-year-old, with
Spurs having a £12million offer knocked back. The ball is now back in
Tottenham's and City's court to see whether they will go any higher. West
Ham are keen to hang on to the player - unless they get an offer they cannot
refuse. A West Ham spokesman said: "We can confirm that Craig Bellamy has
been offered a new contract. We can also confirm that he has no permission
to talk to other clubs including Spurs and Manchester City." The Hammers
have also had to fend off interest from Manchester City in midfielder Scott
Parker and from Newcastle in captain Lucas Neill. Newcastle boss Joe Kinnear
revealed on Thursday he had been talking to Neill's agent but the Hammers
said no permission had been given nor any offers received from the Magpies.
West Ham will not report Newcastle to the Premier League however. A club
source said: "Kinnear was out of order and we have made our feelings known
to Newcastle in the strongest possible terms but we will leave it at that."

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Daily WHUFC News - *** BREAKING NEWS ***

Bellamy a step closer to Upton Park exit door after storming out of training
at West Ham
By Simon Johnson and Ken Dyer
Last updated at 3:09 PM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail

Craig Bellamy looks set to leave West Ham after angrily storming out of the
club's Chadwell Heath training ground. In a move that will push the Wales
international closer to the exit door at Upton Park, he told officials that
he wanted to discuss a possible £12million move to Tottenham, and, when
permission was denied, he reached in fury. It would seem unlikely that he
will now play in Sunday's match at home to Fulham after not taking part in
Friday's training session. Both Spurs and Manchester City have had bids of
£12m turned down for the 29 year old and, outwardly, the Hammers are still
insisting that he is not for sale. But the fact that Bellamy has said he
wants out should ensure that Redknapp gets his man.
It was thought the Spurs boss was no longer interested in the striker after
he signed Jermain Defoe for £16m, but Redknapp is desperate to further
freshen up his squad and has also linked with AC Milan's former Chelsea
striker Hernan Crespo. Another new arrival at White Hart Lane could be
Wilson Palacios, after Wigan boss Steve Bruce confirmed that a deal for the
midfielder was 'virtually done'. And Redknapp could offset the cost of the
Honduran (£14m) and Bellamy by selling Jermaine Jenas to Inter Milan. The
Italian side's boss, Jose Mourinho, confirmed that he is interested in
taking the England international to the San Siro to play in Serie A.
Bellamy's move to White Hart Lane would be a huge blow for both West Ham
boss Gianfranco Zola and City manager Mark Hughes. Zola has insisted
throughout the transfer window that he did not have to sell his best
players, while Hughes has now made four bids for the striker, whom he worked
with at Blackburn and when he was in charge of the Wales national team.
City's Abu Dhabi-based owners have set an incredible benchmark by offering
£100m for AC Milan star Kaka, which has helped to push the price up for
Bellamy, who cost £6m from Liverpool in 2007. The West Ham board will come
under fire from their fans if they sanction any deal with their London
rivals even though it appears Spurs are willing to offer Darren Bent, who
the Hammers tried to sign 18 months ago, as part of the transfer.
West Ham also said today they were 'astonished' by Newcastle manager Joe
Kinnear's assertion that he wants to sign captain Lucas Neill.
Any deal for Bellamy is now unlikely to be completed before Sunday's match
with Redknapp's former club Portsmouth.

Nice one Harry. - PeterR

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my run for charity
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Daily WHUFC News - 16th January 2009

West Ham United statement
WHUFC.com
The club have clarified the situation regarding reports today concerning
captain Lucas Neill
15.01.2009

West Ham United would like to make it clear that Lucas Neill is a contracted
West Ham United player and that we have received no approach from any club
for his services including Newcastle United. We are astonished by reports
today that a Premier League manager has claimed contact with one of our
contracted players. As stated on 31 December by CEO Scott Duxbury, talks
over a new contract with Lucas Neill - who remains committed to West Ham
United - are due to be held in due course when appropriate for all parties.

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'Big opportunity' says Behrami
WHUFC.com
The Sunday afternoon date with Fulham offers West Ham United the chance to
push up from mid-table
15.01.2009

Valon Behrami is relishing the visit of Fulham on Sunday afternoon as a
chance to get back to winning ways and push up the league standings.

The young midfielder, still only 23, had his first taste of a London derby
in the 2-1 win at Craven Cottage back in September and would be more than
happy to settle for a repeat result ths weekend.

"It's a big derby and will be a difficult game but we are at home. It is the
first of two home games for us and is a moment to do something more to
change our situation. We have a big opportunity in front of us.

"Fulham are a good team. We played them at Craven Cottage and won 2-1. They
defend well and play on the counterattack. It will not be easy. I saw Fulham
get a draw at Liverpool and they played very well. It will be a tough game."

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Reid revels in Wolves chance
WHUFC.com
A loan until the season end will give Kyel Reid an excellent chance to stake
his claim at West Ham United
15.01.2009

Kyel Reid cannot wait to get started with Wolverhampton Wanderers after
joining the Coca-Cola Championship leaders on loan for the rest of the
season.

The 21-year-old winger impressed Wolves during a month-long loan at
Blackpool, playing seven games including a key role in the 2-2 draw between
the clubs when he caught the eye of manager Mick McCarthy. Reid is keen to
keep that form going and hopefully do enough to remind Gianfranco Zola and
his staff what he is all about.

"I just want to get out there and play and show the manager and myself that
I've got the ability to play," said Reid. "I'm at an age now where I just
need to get games under my belt and see what happens.

"When I spoke to Mick McCarthy he said that he had been watching me for a
while and he also liked the way that I played the game when we played them.
It seems good and I just hope that I can do my bit for myself as well as
them and then show them that I can come back and get into the West Ham
team."

Reid will certainly be in the spotlight, with a televised game at Bristol
City on Saturday evening set to be his Wolves debut and the prospect of an
FA Cup fourth-round tie against Middlesbrough on Saturday week. "This is a
chance to show the manager that I can play and hopefully he will be watching
or getting reports and he will see something in me that he likes and I'll
get my chance to play here."

The south Londoner played once for the Hammers first team this season and
made his mark with a goal in the 4-1 defeat of Macclesfield Town in the
League Cup. He also scored on his last reserve outing - a 2-0 defeat of
Portsmouth on 25 November when he also made the other goal - but Reid knows
nothing can match playing first-team football.

"Reserve games are not like they are used to be a few years ago when there
was a game every week. Now there is a game every two weeks if you are lucky
so it's a bit difficult and with the first-team squad players playing as
well it is a bit harder for some of the younger ones to break through."

With Wolves four points clear at the top of the Championship and pushing
hard for promotion, Reid knows he will have to battle for a place. He is
prepared to work hard to make things happen though. "They are top of the
league and four points clear so hopefully I can go there and be amongst them
and hopefully at the end of the season I can pick up a promotion medal. That
would be good!

"Hopefully I'll do well there and then come back and play for West Ham. I've
been here for a long time and I love the club. I'll still keep in touch with
the players here like Jack Collison, Hayden Mullins and Carlton Cole because
it's important to still feel part of it here. When Wolves aren't playing
I'll come back to cheer the boys on."

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Hammers angry over Neill interest
BBC.co.uk

West Ham have reacted angrily to Premier League rivals Newcastle's interest
in captain Lucas Neill. The defender, 30, is out of contract in June, with
Magpies boss Joe Kinnear saying he had spoken to Neill's agent. A Hammers
statement said: "We'd like to make it clear Neill is a contracted player and
we've received no approach from any club, including Newcastle. "We are
astonished by reports that a Premier League manager has claimed contact with
one of our players."
Neill joined West Ham in January 2007, helping the club avoid relegation
that season. "West Ham have made it clear he is a player they value as an
important to of their squad and they have no desire to sell," said a Magpies
spokesman. "Newcastle United respect West Ham's position and will therefore
not be pursing this matter."
Meanwhile, Kinnear also confirmed he had made a £5m bid for 22-year-old
Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia. The Cameroon international said he was the
subject of interest from Newcastle's Premier League rivals Everton in August
2008. "He is 6ft 2in, he has pace and he is powerful. I just thought he
would add something else to us," said Kinnear. "He is a fantastic player. I
have seen him on numerous occasions and I would dearly love to have him. "We
are just waiting to see how they will receive the offer and if the offer is
good enough and up to their expectations, or they come back and tell us how
much they want."
Kinnear said he had been impressed by the support he had received from
Newcastle owner Mike Ashley. "I have been in contact with him and it has
been very good so far," he said. "He is prepared to back me on what players
I have seen, which is good news, but the frustrating thing is actually
getting the players at the moment. "But I am optimistic that deals will be
tied up very shortly, one going out and a couple coming in."

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Man City hopeful of Bellamy deal
BBC.co.uk

Manchester City are still hopeful of signing Craig Bellamy despite having a
third bid for the Wales striker turned down by West Ham United. The Hammers
turned down an improved £9m offer for the 29-year-old on Monday but City
made a higher bid on Wednesday. Manager Mark Hughes is keen to bring Bellamy
and Scott Parker to Eastlands but has so far failed to land either. "We are
still very hopeful that something can happen," Manchester City assistant
manager Mark Bowen said. West Ham, whose owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may
sell the club, insist they do not want to offload players and are under no
pressure to do so. Wales captain Bellamy played under Bowen and Hughes
during his time as Wales and Blackburn Rovers manager. "Our third bid has
been turned down but we will see what develops from there," Bowen told BBC
Sport. "Of course we're interested in Craig Bellamy, he is a player we very
much admire and we are hopeful we can bring him to Manchester City. "We've
known Craig for many years, and had him at Blackburn Rovers, and we know
what he brings to any team he plays for. "It does make me smile as I think
he is one of those players who you either love or hate. "But fans of teams
that he has played for love him and know what he gave for their team."
Often a controversial figure, Bellamy has helped lead 10th-placed West Ham
back up the Premier League table in recent weeks after they had initially
struggled as Gianfranco Zola settled in at the club after joining as its new
manager in September. And speaking after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Newcastle,
in which Bellamy scored his sixth goal of the season, Zola said: "If you see
the way he plays all over the pitch, it is fantastic.
"It is an example of professionalism and he is performing very well." The
Italian added: "It is not true that we want to sell our best players. We
want to improve so we are hopeful we can do this." The former Liverpool,
Blackburn, Newcastle, Coventry and Norwich forward has made 54 appearances
for his country scoring 16 goals. City, who signed left-back Wayne Bridge
from Chelsea for around £10m when the January transfer window opened, have
also had a £12m bid for Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz rejected.

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West Ham's Reid loaned to Wolves
BBC.co.uk

West Ham winger Kyel Reid has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers until the end
of the season. The 21-year-old academy graduate has been recruited to help
the Championship leaders' promotion push. Reid has only just returned from a
loan spell at Blackpool, where he impressed in his seven appearances. The
youngster, who has also played on loan at Barnsley and Crystal Palace, could
make his debut for Wolves in Saturday's game at Bristol City. The midfielder
featured for West Ham in the League Cup this season, coming on to score in
the 4-1 home win against Macclesfield. He has made one league start for the
Hammers, in the 1-0 win at West Bromwich Albion in May 2006.

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West Ham v Fulham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 18 January Kick-off: 1330 GMT
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC Radio 5 Live, score updates and coverage on
BBC Sport website & highlights on Match of the Day
BBC.co.uk

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Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS
The 12th London derby of this Premier League season, matches West Ham and
Fulham, who are locked together in mid-table, equal on 26 points. The
Cottagers boast a goal difference advantage of eight, even though the
Hammers have scored eight more goals (26 to Fulham's 18).

These clubs are second bottom and second top in the London Premier League
table; West Ham have four points from four league clashes with fellow clubs
from the capital, Fulham have eight points from five.

The Cottagers, who were frozen off against Blackburn last Saturday, hold a
nine-match unbeaten sequence in the Premier League, but their last four away
league games have all been goalless draws.

West Ham are looking for a fourth consecutive Premier League win over
Fulham; the Cottagers are hunting only the second win from 12 meetings with
the Hammers in this league.

Distance between the clubs: 15 miles (24 kilometres)

CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED

Club stats

Going into the weekend: 10th 26 points

Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)

1. Picked up seven points out of nine.

2. Gained their first win in seven home league games, with a 2-1 victory
over Stoke on 28 December, in their last league game at Upton Park.

3. Six points down on this same stage last season.

4. Victory in the reverse fixture is their only win in the last six London
Premier League derbies, four of which were lost.

5. The 2-1 victory over the Cottagers on 12 January last year is their only
maximum in 10 home London derbies; seven of the most recent nine were lost,
including the last three.

Fixtures

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FULHAM

Club stats

Going into the weekend: 9th 26 points

Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)

1. Won three and drawn six of their last nine Premier League games.

2. The 1-0 away loss to Everton on 1 November is their only defeat in 13
league outings.

3. The highest placed club yet to gain a first away win of the season.

4. Without victory in nine league matches on the road.

5. Not scored in the last five away league games, or in 453 minutes (seven
hours 33 minutes) of top-flight soccer away from the Cottage, since Clint
Dempsey's 87th minute equaliser in the 1-1 draw, away to Portsmouth on 26
October.

6. Drawn five of the last six away league matches, and third bottom in the
Premier League's "away" table, with only West Brom and Stoke beneath them.

7. Collected 16 more points at Craven Cottage than on the road (21 at home,
five away); the widest such disparity in the top league.

8. Up by 12 points on the corresponding stage last season, their best
comparable points return for five years.

9. Lost only one of five London league derbies; that defeat being this
season's reverse fixture.

Fixtures

KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED

Squad profiles

Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

GREEN will be playing on his 29th birthday.

Dean ASHTON will be making his 250th career league appearance (Crewe,
Norwich and West Ham).

If on the field from the outset:-

Scott PARKER will be making his 250th club career start (Charlton, Norwich,
Chelsea, Newcastle and West Ham).

----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
FULHAM

Squad profiles

Aaron HUGHES and Mark SCHWARZER have played every minute of every one of
Fulham's Premier League matches this season.

If selected:-

SCHWARZER will be making his 400th career English league appearance
(Bradford City, Middlesbrough and Fulham).

Aaron HUGHES will be making his 50th Premier League appearance in Fulham
colours.

HEAD TO HEAD
There have been six red cards in the last nine Premier League games between
West Ham and Fulham.

The Hammers are unbeaten in 10 top-flight matches against the Cottagers; won
seven and drawn three since the 0-2 defeat at Upton Park on 3 November 2001
when Sylvain Legwinski and Steed Malbranque were on target.

Fulham have never failed to score in a Premier League game with West Ham
away from home.

Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 33 wins, Fulham 24, Draws 16
Prem: West Ham 7 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 3

at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 20 wins, Fulham 8, Draws 8
Prem: West Ham 2 wins, Fulham 1, Draws 2

LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 2-1 Fulham
12 January 2008 - Ref: Mike Riley
West Ham scorers: Ashton 28, Ferdinand 69
Fulham scorer: Davies 8

THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Fulham 1-2 West Ham United
27 September 2008 - Ref: Andre Marriner
Fulham scorers: Murphy 59 pen
West Ham scorers: Cole 43, Etherington 45
Sent Off: Johnson (Fulham) 45

REFEREE
Phil Dowd (Stoke-on-Trent, Staffordshire)

Premier League referees' table
Phil Dowd's 2007-08 Premier League card count

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa rejects Hull - and Neill stays too
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

Luis Boa Morte has rejected a £1.5million switch to Hull City, according to
reports. Sky Sports are reporting that Boa Morte - who met with Hull earlier
this week in order to thrash out personal terms after West Ham accepted
City's £1.5million bid - is thought to have been unhappy at the Premier
League newcomer's offer. The news is perhaps no surprise given that earlier
in the day, Tigers boss Phil Brown conceded that negotiations had not gone
well. "We are miles apart where Luis is concerned with personal terms," he
said. "We have agreed a deal with regards to West Ham, but it is now down
to Luis to come down in his evaluation of his next contract."
In other transfer news, West Ham United have told Newcastle United that club
captain Lucas Neill is 'unavailable' after the Magpies made an enquiry
earlier today. It is suggested elsewhere that Newcastle may test the
Hammers' resolve with a £2million offer later this week. Neill's current
contract expires this summer.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers reject Bellamy bids
City and Spurs offers are turned down
Last updated: 16th January 2009
SSN

West Ham have rejected new bids from Manchester City and Tottenham for
striker Craig Bellamy, Sky Sports News understands. Sky Sports News chief
news reporter Bryan Swanson has learned that the tug-of-war for Bellamy's
services has intensified in recent days. The Wales international has become
hot property during the winter transfer window with rival Premier League
clubs eager to secure his services. But Upton Park chief executive Scott
Duxbury remains determined to retain the services of the former Liverpool
forward. Eastlands manager Mark Hughes is a confirmed fan of his fellow
countryman and has now made four offers, the most recent of which is
believed to be in the region of £11million.
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp is keen to further bolster his forward line
despite splashing out £15million on Jermain Defoe, but his approach has
received short shrift from the Hammers. City are expected to be the biggest
spenders during the transfer window, with their astonishing £107million
offer for AC Milan ace Kaka dominating the headlines around the world. With
such an astronomical amount on the table for one player, money is clearly no
object for the North West outfit, who are bankrolled by the financial might
of the Abu Dhabi United group. But despite their vast wealth, City remain in
the Premier League relegation scrap along with Spurs and the Hammers, with
the East London outfit unwilling to sell one of their key men to their
rivals in the fight to stay up.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Magpies end Neill interest
Hammers rule out defender sale
Last updated: 15th January 2009
SSN

Newcastle have dropped their interest in West Ham defender Lucas Neill after
being told he is not for sale. Magpies boss Joe Kinnear revealed earlier on
Thursday that the club had made an enquiry about the 30-year-old Australian
as they attempt to find cover for Habib Beye, who is facing at least another
10 weeks on the sidelines with an ankle injury. However, after initial
contact was made, the Hammers have insisted Neill is not for sale, and
Kinnear will now look for other targets. A Newcastle spokesman said: "In
looking to strengthen our squad, the club has been exploring a number of
possibilities during the transfer window. "With regards to Lucas Neill, West
Ham United have made it clear he is a player they value as a highly
important member of their squad and who they have no desire to sell.
"Newcastle United respect West Ham's position and will therefore not be
pursing this matter."
West Ham released a statement on their own website claiming they had no
approach from Newcastle and that they are talks with the Australian over a
new deal at Upton Park. The statement read: "West Ham would like to make it
clear that Lucas Neill is a contracted West Ham United player and that we
have received no approach from any club for his services, including
Newcastle United. "We are astonished by reports that a Premier League
manager has claimed contact with one of our players. "As stated on 31
December by CEO Scott Duxbury, talks over a new contract with Lucas Neill -
who remains committed to West Ham United - are due to be held in due course
when appropriate for all parties."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte: I never wanted to leave West Ham
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 15 January 2009 - 9:44 PM

Luis Boa Morte insists he never wanted to leave West Ham - just hours after
snubbing a move to Hull City. The Portugal midfielder had looked set to
complete a £1.5million move to the KC Stadium, only to pull out at the last
minute after failing to agree personal terms.The Hammers had wanted to
offload the 31-year-old winger as they desperately try to cut their wage
bill in the wake of the club's financial crisis. But the former Arsenal and
Fulham man says he now wants to stay at West Ham and see out the remainder
of his contract. "I have not reached a full agreement with Hull and I have
not asked for a transfer," he said. "There may be an agreement between the
two clubs, but the final say lies with me and we have not reached a deal. "I
have a contract for 18 months with West Ham which I want to see out. I do
not expect to leave because I have not asked for anything from anyone."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham tell Newcastle to stay away from Lucas Neill, he's not for sale
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:27 PM on 15th January 2009
Daily Mail

Newcastle have been warned off Lucas Neill after West Ham said he was not
for sale. Manager Joe Kinnear said yesterday he had inquired about the
30-year-old Australian but a Newcastle spokesman said: 'He's a player West
Ham value and have no desire to sell. We will not be pursuing this matter.'
Newcastle have bid £5m for Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbai and reportedly
£4m for St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham agree £12m fee for Bellamy as they rely on lure of Redknapp
By Simon Cass and Colin Young Last updated at 8:06 AM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail

Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp was locked in talks on Thursday night with
Craig Bellamy after West Ham accepted a £12million package for the Wales
striker. Redknapp has agreed to pay £10m up front with a further £2m based
on performance in a bid to head off interest from Manchester City for the
29-year-old forward. City are expected to match the Spurs offer on Friday,
having had their last bid of £9.5m rejected.
That will leave Bellamy facing a choice between linking up with Redknapp at
Tottenham or rejoining Mark Hughes, whom he played under for Wales and
Blackburn. While Spurs would be unable to match personal terms available at
City, Redknapp will hope Bellamy's initial preference for a move across
London will prove decisive.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham bemused by Kinnear claim
By Michael Walker
Friday, 16 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web

Newcastle united last night abandoned a seemingly muddled and one-sided
attempt to sign West Ham United captain Lucas Neill after the east London
club said they were "astonished" by talk of any move.

Just hours after Joe Kinnear, Newcastle's manager, had spoken of taking the
Australian full-back on loan until the end of the season, a Newcastle
spokesman said: "With regards to Lucas Neill, West Ham United have made it
clear he is a player they value as a highly important member of their squad
and who they have no desire to sell. Newcastle United respect West Ham's
position and will therefore not be pursuing this matter."

This was all news to West Ham, who released a statement on the club's
website, saying: "West Ham would like to make it clear that Lucas Neill is a
contracted West Ham United player and that we have received no approach from
any club for his services, including Newcastle United.

"We are astonished by reports that a Premier League manager has claimed
contact with one of our players."

Earlier Kinnear had spoken of the move as if it were well under way. "It
would be a loan until the end of the season," he said. "Being happy to match
his wages would probably be one of the reasons why we are taking him, or
probably one of the reasons why they want to get rid of him."

Yesterday Kinnear also said that Newcastle had bid £5m for the Rennes
midfielder Stephane Mbia.

"He's the nearest thing I've seen to Patrick Vieira," Kinnear said of
22-year-old Mbia. "He is a monster, 6ft 3in, powerhouse, box to box. I would
hang my hat on him from what I have seen on him." When asked how much he had
seen of Mbia, Kinnear said he had not seen him in the flesh, only on video.
An agent in France, whom Kinnear trusts, has recommended the player.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks is relishing new bawl game as he starts at the bottom
By Alan Fraser
Last updated at 1:04 AM on 16th January 2009
Daily Mail

While nobody ever really expected Julian Dicks to adopt the mild-mannered
Steve Coppell style of management, the former West Ham favourite still
rather took the breath away with his first key dressing-room analysis. 'I
said to the front lads that they were absolutely f****** s*** and to just go
into the shower,' revealed Dicks. Now, this somewhat blunt assessment,
coming immediately following a 4-0 defeat, could have been viewed as the
vengeful rant of a defender who spent his career chasing (and often
catching) fancy dan forwards. Or it could simply have been a
particularly pointed home truth directed at an admittedly ineffectual
attack. No matter, his words indicated that the players of Wivenhoe Town are
in for a pretty torrid time for the days, weeks, months or years that Dicks
decides to continue at the helm of the Ridgeons League Premier Division
side. At least he does not own a hairdryer.
The Wivenhoe player making a comeback after being banished for punching the
previous manager would be well advised to keep his hands in his pockets. The
unpopularity of that manager was demonstrated, however, by the fact that he
was sacked on the day Wivenhoe won the team of the month award. The scorer
of the last goal for Liverpool in front of the standing Kop — one of Dicks'
less dubious claims to fame — began his managerial career this week in front
of 187 spectators in the remote and quaintly named Suffolk outpost of
Needham Market. 'It is still football,' Dicks reasoned. Not, however, as he
had ever experienced it. The only magic at Bloomfields — the first ground in
the country to be built with a National Lottery grant — were the markers
used to print the teams on a board attached to the fitness Portakabin
located behind one goal.
Ah, the team-sheets which were required to be submitted 45 minutes before
kick-off. Identifying his players proved Dicks' first problem as manager and
a recurring one as the match progressed.
'Who's the guy up front?' he asked his assistant.
'What's the other centre half's name? Who's that guy?'
And so the questions continued to flow. He needed to put names to barked
instructions more than names to faces.
Sue Shepherd, the club secretary, had dutifully copied the names of Dicks'
first selection and was ready to impart some information of her own.
'The referee doesn't show too many yellow cards,' she told Dicks. 'Provided
you behave all right.'
'Always behave all right,' replied Dicks with a twinkle in his eye.
Her understandable concern was based on reputation and some television
footage: 'They showed a few of Julian's tackles on television the other day.
I thought: "Oh my goodness". But he seems very nice.'
Everyone present wondered whether Wivenhoe would play in the image of their
new boss. The Needham left back offered a post-match view. 'They are a very
young team who we have played twice in a month.

'There was a slight improvement tonight. They showed a lot of bottle and put
their foot in which, apart from being a class player, is what Julian was
known for. He never shied away from tackles.'
That is one way of putting it. That left back was none other than Kevin
Horlock, the former Northern Ireland international, who just happened to
clean Dicks's boots at West Ham.
'I did it before Frank Lampard,' Horlock explained. 'I done his boots at
Upton Park, which was great for me. I was a left back at the time and I was
a West Ham fan. And Julian was every West Ham fan's hero. I really looked up
to him. It was a great chance for me to learn from someone I thought was the
best left back in the country.'
The pair never played together. Dicks thought the question odd. 'We couldn't
have because I was a left back and so was he. He wasn't going to get picked
ahead of me,' Dicks said.
Hard man: Dicks lets Eric Cantona know he has overstepped the mark
Horlock, at 36 happy to help out a local side, had been surprised to learn
of the latest Wivenhoe appointment. 'I was playing in the Masters for West
Ham a while back and Julian's name came up. I thought he was living in
Spain, and before I know it he's at Wivenhoe. It was weird, a big surprise.
But he's a football man.
'Perhaps it's a stepping stone. Wivenhoe to West Ham. You never know. He was
always a leader. He has attributes. People will look up to him and enjoy
working with him.'
Football, though, has shared Horlock's astonishment. Wivenhoe, who are in
freefall having lost nine games in a row and need five promotions to get to
the Football League, do not pay their players. Dicks is not being paid. His
explanation is not entirely convincing.
'Out of the blue, the club asked for my help and I obliged,' he said. 'I
left Spain and I'm living with in-laws at Braintree. We all have to start
somewhere. Sam Allardyce began at Limerick. We'll just see where it goes.
I'm an ambitious person. Hopefully, one or two people might back us. We have
to wait and see. I just love football.'
It was not always the case. He fell out of love for a while and tried to
become a golf professional. He was, until last year, competing with no
conspicuous success on the lowly Hi5 Pro Tour in Spain.

Latterly, he coached football to kids there at the Charlton Athletic Soccer
School. His busted left knee stopped his golf, as it had done his football
in 1999. He left the game an angry man.
'I didn't have any desire at all to go into coaching — and now I know why,'
he joked, referring to his debut defeat.
'I was bitter because of the injury. You get people who don't give a toss
about their club or football and they go on playing to 35. I wear my heart
on my sleeve, get stuck in, always give 100 per cent and at 29 I'm
finished.'
Silky skills: Dicks could play a bit, too, and enjoyed a spell at Liverpool
He added: 'But getting back into football has been gradually niggling away
in the back of my mind. I think I have something to offer. It'd be nice to
manage in the Premier League. But it doesn't happen to everyone. Gareth
Southgate is one lucky person.'
Dicks himself is not sure what kind of manager he will be. 'I've had all
different kinds. John Lyall never raised a voice. Ron Saunders was quite
vocal. Graeme Souness, too. Harry Redknapp went off on one now and then.'
If this week was anything to go by, Dicks will break a sound barrier. He had
begun in silence. It took only a minute or two, though, for him to crack.
And pretty soon he was not so much kicking every ball as kicking every
opponent.
'Tight, tight, tight,' he shouted. 'Hold the line, hold the line! Tight,
tight! Let's have some quality! Up, up, up! Hold the line! Tight, tight,
tight! Referee, referee!'
It soon became apparent that the technical area was nowhere near big enough
to contain him. As he edged further up the line and occasionally on to the
pitch, a young, white-legged, terrified assistant referee looked more and
more worried.
By the second half, the shouting had become screaming and the pauses for
breath had disappeared. The moon shone brightly. It sounded as if he were
howling at it.
Better at this stage to delete all the expletives. If he makes progress as a
manager, there will be time enough for him to go head to head, or perhaps
tongue to tongue, with Joe Kinnear.
Of course, there will always be those who would regard the idea of Dicks
running a top team as similar to putting Dr Hannibal Lecter — with whom he
bears more than a passing resemblance — in charge of organ transplants.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tottenham & West Ham Agree £12m Fee For Bellamy
Goal.com

According to The Daily Mail, West Ham United have agreed to sell Craig
Bellamy to Tottenham Hotspur in a deal worth around £12 million all up - £10
million off the bat, the remaining £2 million pending performances. However,
the newspaper claims that Spurs are yet to settle on personal terms with the
29-year-old striker, who is also targeted by Manchester City. The
ex-Blackburn Rovers forward faces something of a dilemma: should he stick
with his preference of remaining in London, or return to the North West to
link up with former boss Mark Hughes? Matters could be further complicated
if the Citizens decide to equal or eclipse the Lilywhites' bid, which they
are expected to do later this afternoon. And as the Arab-backed Sky Blues
can obviously offer Bellamy much greater wages than he would receive at
White Hart Lane, it might come down to Harry Redknapp's persuasiveness.

Mike Maguire, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham slam Newcastle in Lucas Neill 'tapping up' row
The Mirror
By Simon Bird 16/01/2009

Joe Kinnear was involved in a 'tapping-up' transfer row with West Ham last
night after claiming Newcastle were close to signing Lucas Neill on loan.
The Hammers hit out at Kinnear and said the club was "astonished" that
Aussie defender Neill had been targeted by Kinnear without their knowledge.
Yesterday afternoon Kinnear confirmed he was close to landing Neill on loan
adding: "Being happy to match his West Ham wages would probably be one of
the reasons why we are taking him, or probably one of the reasons why they
want to get rid." Newcastle were only entitled to speak to Neill, who is out
of contract in June, about a summer move - but Kinnear revealed his plan to
take the right-back this month yesterday afternoon. That prompted angry West
Ham officials to release a statement late last night saying: "We are
astonished by reports today that a Premier League manager has claimed
contact with one of our contracted players. "West Ham United would like to
make it clear that Lucas Neill is a contractedWest Ham United player and
that we have received no approach from any club for his services, including
Newcastle United.
"As stated on 31 December by CEO Scott Duxbury, talks over a new contract
with Lucas Neill - who remains committed to West Ham - are due to be held in
due course when appropriate for all parties."
Newcastle released their own statement last night in a damage limitation
exercise to prevent further action by West Ham, claiming they had ended
their interest in Neill. A spokesperson said: "In looking to strengthen our
squad, the club has been exploring a number of possibilities during the
transfer window. "With regard to Lucas Neill, West Ham have made it clear he
is a player they value as a highly important member of their squad and who
they have no desire to sell. Newcastle respect West Ham's position and will
therefore not be pursuing the matter."
Earlier Kinnear provoked West Ham's fury by saying: "It would be a loan
until the end of the season. It's a position we have to address. "We haven't
got cover so, for me, Lucas Neill covers both areas - he's a centre-half and
a right-back and an experienced one in case we drop into that danger area."
Kinnear also claimed he had only seen his £5million target, Rennes' Cameroon
midfielder Stephane Mbia, on video - though club scouts have seen him live.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Arsenal to make new £12m move for West Ham star Matthew Upson
The Mirror
Exclusive by John Cross 16/01/2009

Arsene Wenger is ready to admit a £9m mistake on Matt Upson - and offer
Nicklas Bendtner to take the West Ham defender back to Arsenal.
Wenger is desperate for a centre half and midfielder in January and Upson
fits the bill even though it would mean an amazing U-turn. Arsenal boss
Wenger sold Upson to Birmingham for just £3m in 2003 and now hard-up West
Ham want at least £12m for the England defender.
Wenger, who is also "hopeful" of signing Andrei Arshavin, does not have
limitless funds and may be willing to offer Danish striker Bendtner as a £5
million makeweight in any Upson deal. Bendtner is a bit-part player at
Arsenal and Wenger also has Eduardo coming back from injury and therefore
may be willing to let him go to strengthen his central defence which is a
major area for concern. West Ham have knocked back bids from Tottenham and
Manchester City for Craig Bellamy and are hoping to survive January without
having to sell one of their prize assets of Upson, Robert Green and Scott
Parker. Upson is also reluctant to move to a club without Champions League
ambitions and has been holding out to see whether Aston Villa or Arsenal
would be interested.
A return to his old club is something that may appeal and would be seen as a
remarkable change of mind for Wenger, but with £30m at stake for reaching
the Champions League the price of failing to finish in the top four would be
an even bigger own goal. That has also left Wenger determined to push
through a deal for Zenit St Petersburg midfielder Arshavin, 27, in January.
Wenger has made a £12m offer but has warned the Russian club that they will
not pay over-the-odds because Arshavin is not eligible for the Champions
League. "We are in negotiations, yes, but we want to respect our
principles," said Wenger. "I am very hopeful that something can be done in a
few days because we are half way to the end of the window. "So it will be
days, but if it doesn't happen, it doesn't happen.We want to concentrate on
what we are doing and what we have here and how we can improve with the
players we have. "But a player like Arshavin cannot play in the Champions
League. If he comes here now he will have 15-16 games and it will take five,
six, seven maybe ten games to adapt. You don't know. We are not in a hurry
to do things like that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hull boss Brown: West Ham's Boa Morte asking too much
16.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Hull City boss Phil Brown admits West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte has priced
himself out of a move to the KC. He said: "We are miles apart where Luis is
concerned with personal terms. We have agreed a deal with regards to West
Ham, but it is now down to Luis to come down in his evaluation of his next
contract. It is up to Luis."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer set for West Ham comeback against Fulham
16.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Kieron Dyer is line to make his first Premier League appearance for West Ham
since August, 2007 in Sunday's derby against Fulham. Dyer successfully came
through 70 minutes of reserve team action against Aston Villa last night -
it was his third outing since his return from an 18-month broken leg
lay-off. The 30-year-old former England midfielder is in contention to start
on the bench after continuing his steady progress from injury with an
impressive performance.

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Daily WHUFC News - II 15th January 2009

On this day: 15 January
WHUFC.com
An FA Cup tie in which Geoff Hurst and Clyde Best were on target is the
focus today
15.01.2009

Classic match

West Ham United 2-1 Luton Town
FA Cup third round
15 January 1972

West Ham United progressed to the fourth round of the FA Cup with a 2-1 win
over Luton Town in this tense encounter.

32,099 were in the Boleyn Ground as Trevor Brooking set up Geoff Hurst to
put the Hammers in front after just 91 seconds. Clyde Best made it two 23
minutes later as the home side looked as thought they would cruise to
victory.

However, Don Givens got one back for the Hatters eight minutes after the
break to set up a gripping finale. Geoff Hurst had a penalty saved while
Bobby Ferguson had to be at his best to deny the visitors late on as United
held on to go through.

West Ham United would go on to knock Hereford United out in the next round
with Geoff Hurst getting a hat-trick in a 3-1 replay win, before coming
unstuck at Huddersfield Town in the fifth round.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reid loaned to Wolves
WHUFC.com
Winger Kyel Reid has joined Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan until May
15.01.2009

Young midfielder Kyel Reid will be looking to gain further first-team
experience after joining Championship side Wolverhampton Wanderers on loan
until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old academy graduate has been bought in to help Mick McCarthy's
mens' promotion push and could make his debut for the league-leaders in
Saturday's away game at Bristol City. Reid had only just returned from a
succesful loan spell at fellow Championship side Blackpool.

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Man City hopeful of Bellamy deal
Bbc.co.uk

Manchester City are still hopeful of signing Craig Bellamy despite having a
third bid for the Wales striker turned down by West Ham United. The Hammers
turned down an improved £9m offer for the 29-year-old on Monday but City
made a higher bid on Wednesday. Manager Mark Hughes is keen to bring Bellamy
and Scott Parker to Eastlands but has so far failed to land either. "We are
still very hopeful that something can happen," Manchester City assistant
manager Mark Bowen said. West Ham, whose owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may
sell the club, insist they do not want to offload players and are under no
pressure to do so. Wales captain Bellamy played under Bowen and Hughes
during his time as Wales and Blackburn Rovers manager. "Our third bid has
been turned down but we will see what develops from there," Bowen told BBC
Sport. "Of course we're interested in Craig Bellamy, he is a player we very
much admire and we are hopeful we can bring him to Manchester City. "We've
known Craig for many years, and had him at Blackburn Rovers, and we know
what he brings to any team he plays for. "It does make me smile as I think
he is one of those players who you either love or hate. "But fans of teams
that he has played for love him and know what he gave for their team."
Often a controversial figure, Bellamy has helped lead 10th-placed West Ham
back up the Premier League table in recent weeks after they had initially
struggled as Gianfranco Zola settled in at the club after joining as its new
manager in September. And speaking after Saturday's 2-2 draw at Newcastle,
in which Bellamy scored his sixth goal of the season, Zola said: "If you see
the way he plays all over the pitch, it is fantastic. "It is an example of
professionalism and he is performing very well." The Italian added: "It is
not true that we want to sell our best players. We want to improve so we are
hopeful we can do this." The former Liverpool, Blackburn, Newcastle,
Coventry and Norwich forward has made 54 appearances for his country scoring
16 goals. City, who signed left-back Wayne Bridge from Chelsea for around
£10m when the January transfer window opened, have also had a £12m bid for
Blackburn striker Roque Santa Cruz rejected.

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£15mill - or do one
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 15th January 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have told Manchester City to forget about signing Craig Bellamy -
unless they put their money where they mouth is. A third bid for the Welsh
striker of around £10million was made by cash-rich City last night and
instantly rejected by the Hammers, who have told the Arabic-owned club that
they will consider nothing less than £15million for the 29-year-old former
Liverpool forward. City have thus far made three bids; the first a joint
move for Bellamy and Scott Parker worth around £15million for the pair, a
second bid for Bellamy alone of £8.5million plus add-ons and last night's
offer of just under £10million.
But the Hammers will refuse to put the offer to manager Gianfranco Zola
unless City hit the magic £15million mark - which, given that they were
reportedly set to offer £100million for Inter's Kaka yesterday, would appear
to be an inevitable conclusion IF Mark Hughes continues to prefer Bellamy
over his other target, Blackburn's Roque Santa Cruz.
Meanwhile today's Independent reports that United rejected a second bid for
Bellamy yesterday from Tottenham, who having originally offered a paltry
£6million for the striker - an offer laughed off by West Ham - came back
with a new offer of a straight swap for former Hammers target Darren Bent,
who Eggert Magnusson had been willing to pay £16million for in the summer of
2007.
Elsewhere and there is no further news on Luis Boa Morte's propsed move to
Hull, although the two parties have met and discussed personal terms. City
boss Phil Brown had hoped to have both Boa Morte and fellow target Kevin
Kilbane in his squad for this weekend's clash with Liverpool.

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Wolves close on Reid
Hammers youngster set for loan move
Last updated: 15th January 2009
SSN

West Ham winger Kyel Reid is on the brink of joining Wolves on loan until
the end of the season. The Championship leaders have agreed a deal with West
Ham and Reid is set to complete the move later on Thursday. The 21-year-old
has come through the youth ranks at West Ham but he has had few
opportunities to impress under Gianfranco Zola. Reid has recently finished a
one-month loan spell with Blackpool and the Hammers are now allowing him to
go out and gain further experience. Wolves chief executive Jez Moxey is
delighted to be bringing Reid to Molineux and feels the youngster will give
Mick McCarthy an exciting new option. He told the club's official website:
"Mick has been keen to bring in a wide player during the transfer window and
after the deal to sign Alan Gow fell through, we have moved quickly for
Kyel. "We look forward to having him with us for the rest of the season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tigers waiting on Boa Morte
Brown seeks contract compromise
By Chris Burton Last updated: 15th January 2009
SSN

Hull City boss Phil Brown admits his efforts to sign West Ham midfielder
Luis Boa Morte have hit a stumbling block. The Tigers boss had hoped to push
through a deal for the Portuguese playmaker during the transfer window.
However, the two parties are struggling to agree personal terms and Brown
accepts the move will collapse should a compromise not be reached. "We are
miles apart where Luis is concerned with personal terms," he said. "We have
agreed a deal with regards to West Ham, but it is now down to Luis to come
down in his evaluation of his next contract. It is up to Luis."
Meanwhile, Brown has been left frustrated by Sunderland's decision to recall
Paul McShane from his loan spell at KC Stadium. He remains hopeful that the
Republic of Ireland defender could be brought back to the club in the
future, but for now is disappointed at seeing his defensive options culled.
"It is an option (brining him back) but it would depend on Ricky Sbragia's
shopping list - and at the moment it seems to be falling on deaf ears,"
Brown reported.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Magpies launch Mbia bid
Offer lodged for midfielder, while Neill talks are ongoing
Last updated: 15th January 2009
SSN

Newcastle have tabled a £5million approach for Rennes midfielder Stephane
Mbia. Magpies boss Joe Kinnear has made no secret of his admiration for the
Cameroon international and revealed on Wednesday that discussions regarding
a possible deal had reached an advanced stage. It has now emerged that a
sizeable offer has been made for the African ace, with Newcastle keen to
push the deal through as soon as possible. "We put a bid in for Stephane
Mbia earlier in the week with an offer of £5million, that is a permanent
deal," Kinnear told the Evening Chronicle. "He's a fantastic player."
Newcastle are also waiting to hear back from West Ham full-back Lucas Neill
as Kinnear looks to make headway in the transfer market. "We have spoke to
him, we are waiting to hear what the answer is from West Ham," added the
Magpies boss. "All I can say is it is seriously ongoing."
Kinnear remains optimistic that new recruits are imminent and is hoping to
have added fresh faces to his squad by the time Newcastle travel to Ewood
Park on Saturday. He said: "We'd love to have them in for the Blackburn
game. "We wouldn't want to leave it any later. "We'd like to bring back in
injured players and fresh faces. "We've identified the players we want."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte rejects Tigers switch
West Ham wide man says no to KC move
Last updated: 15th January 2009
SSN

Luis Boa Morte has rejected the chance to join Hull City after failing to
agree personal terms at the KC Stadium. The Tigers had concurred on a fee
with West Ham for the Portuguese international but Phil Brown conceded
earlier on Thursday that the deal was close to collapse. West Ham are eager
to offload a number of their fringe players in a bid to reduce both
overheads and the size of Gianfranco Zola's squad, but it would appear Boa
Morte is to stay at Upton Park for the foreseeable future. Brown has already
added Kevin Kilbane to his squad but is eager to bolster further after
struggles in the league of late, despite a lofty position of eighth. A
central defender could also be on his shopping list, with City left short
defensively due to Sunderland's decision to recall Paul McShane from a loan
spell.

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JK confirms Neill Interest
Setanta.co.uk
Alex Livie , 15 January 2009

Hot on the heels of confirmation of a bid for Stephane Mbia, Newcastle boss
Joe Kinnear has confirmed his interest in Lucas Neill. Kinnear is determined
to shore up a number of holes in his side to stave off the threat of
relegation and West Ham defender Neill has come across his radar.
West Ham have signalled their intention to fend off interest in their key
players, despite the financial cloud hanging over the club, but Kinnear has
confirmed Newcastle are ready to test their resolve to keep the Australian.
"We have spoken to them and we are waiting to hear what their answer is,"
said Kinnear. "All I can say is that it is ongoing and we will wait and see.
We could get an answer at any time."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United set their sights on Lucas Neill and Stephane Mbia
West Ham insist Neill is not for sale, despite Newcastle's inquiry
Times Online

Joe Kinnear, the Newcastle United manager, says the club have made an
inquiry for West Ham's Lucas Neill as well as making a £5million bid for
Stephane Mbia, the Rennes midfielder. Kinnear is now awaiting news on the
Australia international, although early reports claim that West Ham have
said they are not looking to sell the player. "We have spoken to his
[Neill's] agent and it is ongoing at the moment, we are just waiting to
see," Kinnear said. "We could get an answer at any time." Newcastle is also
awaiting news on the club's firm offer for Mbia, the 22-year-old Cameroon
international. "We have put a bid in writing for Stephane Mbia and we are
waiting to hear from his club," he said. "We have put a bid in of £5million
and we are waiting to see what the outcome of that is."
Kinnear claimed last night that the club had made two £4m offers for unnamed
players. With his interest in Toulouse defender Albin Ebondo having
apparently cooled, it is understood St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis could
now be in his sights. Meanwhile, Geremi and his representatives are still in
talks over a proposed move to Turkish club Besiktas which could further
boost the club's transfer kitty.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert desperate to quit West Ham after falling out with Zola
By Matt Lawless Last updated at 3:02 PM on 15th January 2009
Daily Mail

Unsettled Julien Faubert has put his West Ham future in doubt after
launching a furious attack on manager Gianfranco Zola. The out-of-favour
midfielder, a £6.1 million recruit from Bordeaux in 2007, is keen on a move
to French champions Lyon in a bid to revive his international prospects for
Les Bleus. The 25-year-old angrily lambasted Zola after he was an unused
substitute in the Hammers' 2-2 draw at Newcastle last weekend.
And his days at Upton Park are seemingly numbered after the Italian boss
transfer listed Birmingham-bound team-mate Calum Davenport, who previously
spoke out against the manager following his exclusion from the side that
beat Stoke last month. 'I don't know what he is up to,' said Faubert. 'Zola
has said he relies on me but I don't see any opportunities coming.' Faubert
admits he is desperate to quit the Barclays Premier League outfit having
endured a nightmare 19-month period in East London. The one-cap France
international has failed to make an impact since his arrival having ben
blighted by a succession of injuries, notably the ruptured achilles tendon
injury he sustained within his first few weeks at the club which saw him
sidelined for six months and caused him to miss most of last season. With no
less than two weeks until the end of the window the unpopular Faubert, who
has made 15 league starts in the claret and blue this term, is becoming
increasingly desperate to end his tortuous stint in the capital alerting a
host of Ligue 1 sides to his availability. 'Right now my agent is discussing
a move with other clubs.' he revealed with both Lyon and Nantes believed to
be interested. 'Playing for a club such as Lyon is my priority to re-launch
my international career.' Although the makeshift full-back is keen to hurry
a swift exit, Faubert's hefty price-tag is thought to be putting off
potential suitors with the frustrated winger's financially troubled
employers looking to recoup most of the fee they initially paid for him.
'The problem is that my selling price is far too high,' he added.
Meanwhile, Kieron Dyer is line to make his first Premier League appearance
for West Ham since August, 2007 in Sunday's derby against Fulham.
Dyer successfully came through 70 minutes of reserve team football unscathed
against Aston Villa last night - it was his third outing since his return
from an 18-month broken leg lay-off. The 30-year-old former England
midfielder is in contention to start on the bench after continuing his
steady progress from injury with an impressive performance.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kinnear waiting to hear from West Ham over Neill
Jan 15 2009 By Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle

JOE KINNEAR says that talks to bring Aussie defender Lucas Neill to St
James's Park from West Ham United are still ongoing. The Chronicle revealed
today that the former Millwall and Blackburn defender was a target of the
Magpies and was on Kinnear's wish-list. The Toon boss has also confirmed
that a move for Rennes star Stephane Mbia was also at an advanced stage and
that he hoped to bring in the Cameroon international as quickly as possible
to ease the current injury crisis. He said today: "We have spoke to him, we
are waiting to hear what the answer is from West Ham. "All I can say is it
is seriously ongoing - we could get an answer at any time. "We put a bid in
for Stephane Mbia earlier in the week with an offer of £5 million, that is a
permanent deal. "He's a fantastic player."
Kinnear also claimed that Toon tycoon Mike Ashley will address fans via the
media when the January transfer window closes at the start of next month and
that he will be backed by the United owner. He added: "I spoke to Mike last
night and the chairman has been to the training ground.
"Mike is going to speak to the Press when the window shuts. "He is prepared
to back me with the players I have seen. "I am optimistic that one player is
going out and two coming."
However, Kinnear is unsure whether he will have any new faces or players
back from injury for the trip to Ewood Park. He says: "We'd love to have
them in for the Blackburn game. "We wouldn't want to leave it any later.
"We'd like to bring back in injured players and fresh faces. "I cancelled
training as it was a case of having saunas and massages and getting ready
for the match."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kinnear plots double Newcastle deal for Mbia and Neill
Rennes midfielder targeted in £5m transfer
Hammers' Australian captain also in Magpies' sights
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 15 January 2009 14.44 GMT

Newcastle United have made a £5m bid for the Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia
and have also enquired as to the availability of the West Ham United captain
Lucas Neill, who manager Joe Kinnear hopes to bring in on a loan deal with a
view to a permanent move.

Kinnear has made an enquiry over the 30-year-old West Ham defender as he
attempts to cover for the loss of Habib Beye to an ankle injury.

The Newcastle manager is now awaiting news of the club's firm offer for the
22-year-old Cameroon international Mbia, and developments with Neill. He
said: "We have put a bid in writing for Stephane Mbia and we are waiting to
hear from his club. We have put a bid in of £5m and we are waiting to see
what the outcome of that is."

Asked about Neill, he added: "We have spoken to his agent and it is ongoing
at the moment, we are just waiting to see. We could get an answer at any
time."

West Ham, who are up for sale and under pressure to cut costs, will get one
of their highest earners off the wage bill if a deal for Neill goes through.
The Australian earns around £70,000 a week at Upton Park after West Ham beat
Liverpool to his signature from Blackburn Rovers two years ago.

Kinnear claimed last night that the club had made two £4m offers for unnamed
players. With his interest in Toulouse defender Albin Ebondo having
apparently cooled, it is understood St Etienne striker Bafetimbi Gomis could
now be in his sights.

Meanwhile, Geremi and his representatives are still in talks over a proposed
move to Turkish club Besiktas which could further boost the manager's
transfer funds.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Quashie's Uncertain Future
Setanta.co.uk
by Chris Stanton , 15 January 2009

Birmingham's West Ham owned midfielder Nigel Quashie admits he is unsure of
his future and that his fate is in the hands of The Hammers.
Saturday's match against Cardiff is Quashie's last of a three-month loan
spell at St Andrews and the 30-year-old does not know if he is staying or
going. The loan addition of Hammers team-mate Lee Bowyer and the
rehabilitation of injury victim Damien Johnson count against the chances of
Quashie making his loan stay permanent. "I don't know if there's been any
talks with West Ham, or what will happen," Quashie told the Birmingham Mail.
"I'm just glad to be playing football. I've had a long time out and I'm
still getting used to the feeling of getting round a football pitch. "I've
got 18 months left on my contract at West Ham, so it all depends on what
West Ham want. "I'm happy to carry on playing football, I haven't broken
down, and I just want to keep enjoying myself. "Whatever happens, happens.
Like I said, I've got 18 months left at West Ham and we will take it from
there."
Another player whose future could lie away from Birmingham is midfielder
Mehdi Nafti. Blues boss Alex McLeish confirmed: "There's possibly a chance
that Mehdi will be leaving the club. I've spoken to him and his advisors and
there may be something happening. "He is still contracted until the end of
the season. But we decided for the moment to leave him out of things and
we'll just see what happens in the coming weeks before the window closes."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa Morte rejects £1.5m switch to Hull to fight for place in West Ham team
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:54 PM on 15th January 2009
Daily Mail

Luis Boa Morte has rejected a move from West Ham to Hull City. The two teams
agreed a £1.5million fee and the deal was expected to be concluded in time
for the Portugal winger to make his Tigers debut against former club Arsenal
this weekend. But the 31-year-old instead chose instead to stay at Upton
Park to fight for his first-team place.

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West Ham teenage footballer signs £1 million jazz record deal
A West Ham schoolboy footballer turned jazz musician has signed a £1 million
four-album deal with Universal.
Telegraph.co.uk
Last Updated: 1:44PM GMT 15 Jan 2009

Tyler Rix, who has played for West Ham's Academy, signed the deal with
Universal Music on the turf at Upton Park. The 16-year-old saxophonist, from
London, was discovered by record executives when he took part in BBC2's
Classical Star TV talent programme. Bosses at Universal Classics and Jazz
offered him the chance to join a stable which includes Amy Winehouse, Take
That and Jamie Cullum. Tyler had a tough decision of his own to make –
whether to pursue football or music. By the age of 15 he had experienced a
string of successes as a footballer. Snapped up on the day of his trial, he
played several times at Upton Park and was prominently featured in Junior
Soccer, a coaching guide produced in association with West Ham United. Tyler
said: "I always knew that one day I would have to choose between my music
and my football commitments. "I could never have dreamt of making that
choice in such a spectacular way."
"Tyler Rix is a sensational talent," said Dickon Stainer, managing director
of Universal Classics and Jazz. "We're very glad he chose music. It's better
than playing at left back." Tyler began playing the saxophone at the age of
nine. The deal comes at a busy time for Tyler, who is taking his mock GCSE
exams. His debut album, Ascent, is released on February 2.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toon want West Ham skipper
Shields Gazette
Published Date: 15 January 2009

NEWCASTLE United have launched an ambitious raid on cash-strapped West Ham
for Lucas Neill. The Gazette understands Newcastle are in talks over taking
over the remaining six months of Neill's Upton Park contract, with the
Hammers needing to cut their wage bill. And with United owner Mike Ashley
having freed up some cash, the club have also slapped in £4m bids for St
Etienne forward Bafetimbi Gomis. The Frenchman was a target of the club last
season when Kevin Keegan was in charge, and they are also interested in
Rennes midfielder Stephane Mbia. However, the most significant move is that
for Neill, with manager Joe Kinnear – whose side crashed out of the FA Cup
last night – desperate to sign cover for Habib Beye, who faces at least 10
weeks on the sidelines. The bid, however, may be dependent on Geremi
completing a move to Besiktas, which would bring in an extra £1.5m from the
transfer fee, as well as saving Newcastle around £4m in wages. Kinnear told
the Gazette: "We've made £4m bids for Gomis and Mbia. I don't know what's
going to happen with them, but we're trying our hardest to get them.
"Obviously, we're letting Geremi go the other way, and his agent's in talks
with Besiktas."

Neill – an Australia team-mate of Newcastle striker Mark Viduka – is
attracting interest from around Europe, with AC Milan and former club
Blackburn Rovers both linked with transfer window moves. West Ham boss
Gianfranco Zola does not want to lose Neill, but the decision could be taken
out of his hands given the financial crisis Upton Park. And the 30-year-old
– who, ironically, had an own goal ruled out in last Saturday's 2-2 home
draw at St James's Park – is said to be keen on a short-term move to St
James's Park, which would allow him to assess his options again in the
summer, when he would be available on a Bosman. Meanwhile, executive
director (football) Dennis Wise had St Etienne's France international Gomis
watched late last season ahead of an anticipated summer departure from the
Ligue 1 club. Gomis went to Euro 2008 after scoring two goals on his
international debut, but – like his country – failed to impress in the
tournament, making just two substitute appearances, and the 23-year-old
ended up staying at St Etienne. Now Gomis is again a target for United, with
Wise having put a firm bid on the table, but as with Neill, Newcastle will
face competition for his signature. The Gazette yesterday revealed Mbia was
a target of United's, and Kinnear last night confirmed a bid was on the
table for the Cameroon international.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make offer for Rapid Bucharest's Costin Lazar
15.01.09 | tribalfootball.com

Rapid Bucharest midfielder Costin Lazar is target for West Ham United.
Romanian sources say the Hammers have already tabled £2 million bid for the
27 year-old. Rapid are experiencing cash problems and are expected to sell
Lazar.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GIOVINCO AGENT DENIES HAMMERS LINK
Football365.co.za

Sebastian Giovinco will not be joining West Ham, according to his agent. The
Juventus attacking midfielder is a target of the London club, with Hammers
coach Gianfranco Zola showing an interest in taking the 21-year-old on loan,
having previously worked with him at Italy Under-21 level.
"Seba (Giovinco) will remain in Turin," said Giovincos agent Andrea DAmico.
"Everyone knows that Zola has great admiration for Giovinco and it doesnt
surprise me that they would like him at West Ham. "But the episode of
sending him somewhere else to prove his quality is a chapter of the past.
"If Sebastian is at Juve it means that he has the quality of Juve. He is
awaiting his moment and he is patient."
Giovinco, who returned to Juve in the summer after a successful loan deal at
Empoli, recently signed a two-year contract extension which will keep him in
Turin through 2013.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Brown Warning For Boa Morte
Setanta.co.uk
by Alex Livie , 15 January 2009

Hull's hopes of securing the signature of Luis Boa Morte have met with a
setback, as manager Phil Brown admits they are struggling to agree personal
terms. The Tigers had a bid for Boa Morte accepted by West Ham earlier in
the week and set about talks with the player in earnest following their FA
Cup win over Newcastle. It would appear Boa Morte's demands are proving a
stumbling block, as Brown claims the parties are way apart in their
respective valuations. "We are miles apart where Luis is concerned with
personal terms," he said. "We have agreed a deal with regards to West Ham,
but it is now down to Luis to come down in his evaluation of his next
contract. It is up to Luis."
Brown admits his chances of bringing Paul McShane back to the KC Stadium for
a second loan spell from Sunderland are in the balance. "It is an option
(brining him back) but it would depend on Ricky Sbragia's shopping list -
and at the moment it seems to be falling on deaf ears," Brown reported.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NUFC target Lucas Neill and Bafetimbi Gomis
Jan 15 2009 by Lee Ryder, Evening Chronicle

NEWCASTLE United have turned to experienced Aussie international right-back
Lucas Neill in order to bolster their injury-ravaged squad. The Chronicle
understands that Neill has emerged as one of United's main targets in the
January transfer window with the black- and-whites in dire need of a boost
with the treatment room fit to burst. The Magpies have also lodged bids for
midfielder Stephane Mbia and St Etienne's French international striker
Bafetimbi Gomis, after Mike Ashley released transfer funds following a plea
from Toon boss Joe Kinnear. United are hoping to come to an agreement with
West Ham to buy out the remainder of Neill's contract – which has six months
left to run – and transfer chief Dennis Wise's close relationship with
Gianfranco Zola, from their Chelsea days, could help swing the deal. Kinnear
confirmed last night that funds had been made available by Toon tycoon
Ashley and that the two £4m bids for new faces had been lodged. Kinnear said
today: "We've bid for two players and we have tried our hardest to get them
both here at Newcastle United. "One of them plays for Cameroon – he's a
decent player and is very powerful in the air."
The Chronicle reported last night that Kinnear was interested in signing
tall Cameroon international midfielder Mbia from Rennes. However, after
assessing their options in the right-back position and, given that the
cash-strapped Hammers are desperate to reduce their wage bill, United seem
to have cooled their interest in Toulouse right-back Albin Ebondo for now.
Mbia is desperate to make the move to the Premier League and with his fellow
countryman Geremi edging ever nearer to the exit door at St James's, the
removal of the ex-Real Madrid player from the Toon wage bill will help the
move run a little smoother. Talks between Geremi and Turkish outfit Besiktas
continued today. Gomis was a target of United last term when Kevin Keegan
was in charge, and he is now back on the radar. The striker scored 16 times
in 35 French League games last season, but has only struck four in 20 this
term. He scored twice on his international debut for France against Ecuador
but, despite winning a place in the Euro 2008 squad for Les Bleus, played
only a bit-part role in the tournament as the French flopped in Switzerland.
The 23-year-old would give United some much-needed options in attack at the
moment, with Michael Owen Kinnear's only fully-fit striker. Yet the
acquisition of Neill would give the Magpies a major boost, with influential
Senegal international Habib Beye ruled out for 10 weeks. Not only is the
tough-tackling defender able to cover in the centre-back position, but his
vast experience in the Premier League could help stabilise Kinnear's side
ahead of the upcoming tough run of fixtures that include trips to Blackburn,
Man City and West Brom, plus the must win Tyne-Wear derby with Sunderland.
The 30-year-old had an own-goal chalked off in Saturday's Premier League
game between Newcastle and the Hammers, but is said to be keen to make the
move.
And in Aussie international team-mate Mark Viduka, he already has a major
ally waiting for him on Tyneside. Meanwhile, United are hoping to complete
the signing of 18-year-old striker Caio Ferreira from Brazilian side Clube
Atletico do Porto, with red tape currently holding up the deal.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Irons warn City over Bellamy bid
www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk
15 January 2009
By Jonathan Clegg

West Ham have warned Manchester City that it will take an 'extraordinary'
offer to prise Craig Bellamy away from Upton Park after rejecting a second
bid for the striker this week. The club's determination to hold on to
Bellamy was underlined on Tuesday when West Ham knocked back City's £9.5m
offer for the striker, who has emerged as a leading target for Mark Hughes
this month. Hughes remains keen to complete a deal for the Wales hitman and
City are understood to be mulling a third bid for Bellamy, but Hammers
technical director Gianluca Nani has revealed that only an "extraordinary"
offer - thought to be around £15m - would tempt the club to cash in on their
prize asset. Even then, Gianfranco Zola would have the final say on any deal
and the Hammers boss this week repeated his desire to retain the services of
Bellamy. "I know that he's got good teams around him that are tempting him
but we want him to stay with us," Zola said. "I have a very good
relationship with Craig, he's the perfect professional. I hope that I'm
giving him something that will feed his wish to improve. "I have some
players I consider very important for the club. We want to keep those
players and Bellamy is one of them."
Despite Zola's admiration for Bellamy, it is thought that City could test
his resolve with an offer of more than £10m this weekend and the key to any
deal could hinge on the inclusion of Bulgaria striker Valeri Bojinov as a
makeweight. West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has said that sales will
only be sanctioned if a replacement has been lined up and Bojinov has
revealed that he has spoken to Zola about a move to Upton Park.
"Two days ago, Zola called me on my mobile and told me that he wants me in
West Ham but City made it perfectly clear that they don't want to sell me,"
Bojinov said.

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Hammers have 'nothing to hide' as Tevez saga rumbles on
www.eastlondonadvertiser.co.uk
15 January 2009
By Jonathan Clegg

West Ham have hit back following the latest twist in the Carlos Tevez saga
by insisting they have 'nothing to hide' after the FA and Premier League
ordered a fresh inquiry into the club's conduct this week. The surprise move
to launch a new joint investigation into the affair was announced last
Thursday and leaves the Hammers facing the prospect of further sanctions if
the club are found guilty of any charges. The long-running dispute has
already proved costly for West Ham, with the club handed a world record
£5.5m fine in April 2007 for an admitted breach of Premier League rules in
the transfer of the Argentina forward. The Hammers could now be slapped with
a points deduction or another fine if they are found guilty by the new
inquiry, but the club deny any further wrongdoing and are confident they
will be vindicated by the investigation. "West Ham will co-operate fully
with the joint inquiry convened by the FA and Premier League," the club said
in a statement. "We have acted in good faith throughout the various
inquiries and investigations into this matter and fulfilled the undertakings
given to the Premier League following the initial penalty. "We have nothing
to hide and will ensure that this is once again reflected in our evidence to
the FA and Premier League."
The new inquiry will focus on comments made by Lord Griffiths, the former
judge who chaired an arbitration tribunal into the Tevez affair. The
tribunal ruled against the Hammers in their legal battle with Sheffield
United, who are seeking compensation for their relegation from the Premier
League during the time that Tevez played at Upton Park. Lord Griffiths
arrived at the verdict after ruling that West Ham chief executive Scott
Duxbury had made assurances to Kia Joorabchian, Tevez's representative, that
the club would privately honour the third-party agreement they had publicly
promised to tear up. In his report, Lord Griffiths said: "If the Premier
League had known what Mr Duxbury was saying to Mr Joorabchian's solicitor,
we are confident that the Premier League would have suspended Mr Tevez's
registration as a West Ham player.

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Reid All About It!
Posted on: Thu 15 Jan 2009
www.wolves.co.uk

Wolves are set to land highly-rated West Ham winger Kyel Reid on loan until
the end of the season. The 21-year-old Londoner has agreed a
window-to-window loan to stay at Molineux and is due at Compton today to
complete the formalities and train for the first time with his new
team-mates. Kyel, who came through the Academy ranks at Upton Park, has
already enjoyed loan spells with Barnsley, Crystal Palace and Blackpool
during his early career in order to further his footballing education.
Indeed his last appearance of a month-loan stay with Blackpool came against
Wolves just over a fortnight ago. His Hammers debut came just down the road
at The Hawthorns, playing the full 90 minutes in a 1-0 win at West Bromwich
Albion in May, 2006. In total he has made nine appearances for West Ham
scoring one goal, which came in the Carling Cup win against Macclesfield at
the start of this season. Kyel's various loan spells have also seen him
previously play at Molineux, for Barnsley as Wolves won 2-0 on New Year's
Day of 2007. "Mick McCarthy has been keen to bring in a wide player during
the transfer window and after the deal to sign Alan Gow fell through we have
moved quickly for Kyel," said Jez. "The loan is set to be completed today
and we look forward to having him with us for the rest of the season."

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Boa Morte stalls on £1.5m switch to Hull as he ponders fighting for West Ham
place
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:50 AM on 15th January 2009
Daily Mail

Luis Boa Morte is stalling on his move from West Ham to Hull City. The two
teams have agreed a £1.5million fee and the deal was expected to be
concluded in time for the Portugal winger to make his Tigers debut against
former club Arsenal this weekend. But Boa Morte is yet to decide his future
and it is understood that he would be keen to stay at Upton Park to fight
for his first-team place.

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TEVEZGATE
The Spolier.co.uk
Are Sheffield United no longer confident of receiving big money from West
Ham?

Club statement suggests a bleak financial future awaits the Blades.

Last week's announcement that there will be a new inquiry into whether
Carlos Tevez should have received Premier League permission to play in the
final three games of the 2006-07 season sounded like bad news for West Ham.

However, the silence of Sheffield United chairman Kevin McCabe, who was so
vocal when the Lord Griffiths-chaired tribunal ruled in their favour last
September, suggests that perhaps they aren't happy with recent developments.

The Blades already got the verdict they wanted and blocked West Ham's right
to appeal so, given the unlikelyhood of them being reinstalled in the
Premier League, this new inquiry is unlikely to further benefit them. It can
only serve either to further punish West Ham or alternatively it could find
no evidence to suggest that Tevez shouldn't have been allowed to participate
in the final three games and leave Sheffield United's compensation claim in
ruins.

McCabe's intriguing silence on the latest twist to the Tevez affair was
yesterday followed by the sale of top-scorer James Beattie for less money
than the Yorkshire club paid for him seventeen months ago. This afternoon
they released a statement confirming that the decision to sell Beattie to
Stoke was made because of a need to cut costs, which doesn't sound like the
actions a club confident of landing £30-50 million in compensation would
make.

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West Ham after Croatian defender ( !! defender.. not according to the
article - PeterR )
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 15 January 2009 - 10:04 AM

West Ham are keeping tabs on £5million Croatian scoring sensation Nikola
Kalinic. The 21-year-old, who has been hailed as the 'New Davor Suker' in
his home country, has won rave reviews for his goalscoring exploits with
Hajduk Split.Croatia coach and former Hammers defender Slaven Bilic has
already handed the player his international debut and rates the forward as
one of the best young prospects in Europe. Kalinic scored 17 times in 25
appearances last season and has enjoyed similar success this year, netting
12 times in 20 games. And West Ham are keen to bring the player to England
although they may face a fight with Valencia and Bayern Munich also
interested.

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West Ham United Vs Fulham - Sunday Lunchtime with yer Roasties DARE YA!
Admiral Lard - Thu Jan 15 2009
West Ham Online

Well now Shipmates this is an interesting clash. Our record against Fulham,
down the years, is very good. West Ham 33 wins Fulham 24 win and 16 Draws.

More recently West Ham have completed the "double" against Fulham in 2 of
the last 3 season. We have to go back to the 3rd November 2001 to find
Fulham's last victory over West ham, 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground.

This season the form is very different. Despite our fortunate 2-1 win at the
Cottage, Fulham's only home defeat of the season, Fulham have been much the
more consistent team.

Both have 26 points though Fulham's have come from 2 fewer games, 19 against
West Ham's 21. Fulham's goal difference is 8 better than ours, they have not
lost in 10 matches, their last defeat, 1-0 away at Everton on November 1st.

Since then Fulham have won 3, Drawn 6 and lost 0 in the premiership in
addition to a win against Sheffield Wednesday in the FA Cup. Interestingly
for us most of Fulham's success has been at Craven Cottage, amazingly, given
their 9th,place they have yet to win away from home.

My feeling is that West Ham are, at last, finding their feet under the
stewardship of GF Zola and Steve Clarke. The defence has become stronger
though still the odd slip, the 4-3-3 has been modified and is now producing
goals and we seem to have staved off the loss of our key players to
Premiership money bags.

A tough game for both clubs and both will be looking for a win. One thing
that will prey on Fulham's mind is their inability to win away thus far. I
think a draw is the most likely outcome, it's what Fulham do best and will
test our resolve and patience to the extreme.

West Ham United 1 Fulham 1

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West Ham reject a third City offer for Bellamy
Ken Dyer
Evening Standard

Manchester City remain determined to land West Ham striker Craig Bellamy in
the January transfer window despite having a third bid rejected by the Upton
Park club. City raised their offer to around £10million last night but it is
believed the Hammers are only willing to do any deals if the sum for the
Welsh international goes above £12m. City remain hopeful that Kaka can
still be prised away from AC Milan even though the player would prefer to
stay in Italy. However, their interest in the Brazilian won't stop the
Eastlands club pursuing Bellamy. West Ham's Portuguese midfield player Luis
Boa Morte, meanwhile, is still mulling over a £1.5 million move to Hull, who
set up an FA Cup fourth round tie at home to Millwall after beating
Newcastle 1-0 at St James' Park last night. The two clubs have agreed a fee
but it is understood that Boa Morte's preference is to stay at Upton Park
and fight for his first- team place.

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EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City losing patience as West Ham play hard ball over
£22m bid for Bellamy and Parker
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 9:30 AM on 15th January 2009
Daily Mail

Manchester City could walk away from attempts to sign Craig Bellamy and
Scott Parker as they become increasingly exasperated by West Ham's demands.
City are keen not to be ripped off and are understood to have tabled bids of
£12million for Wales striker Bellamy and £10m for midfielder Parker. Aware
of the vast wealth at Eastlands, the Hammers are playing hardball. But City
are losing are losing patience and face the dilemma of whether to push
through the deal or walk away. Upton Park boss Gianfranco Zola is determined
to keep hold of his best players, but the reality in these straitened times
is that every player has his price. Bidding for Bellamy started at £6m but,
with Tottenham also interested, bidding has escalated.
City's breath-taking £100m offer to AC Milan for Kaka shows the Barclays
Premier League strugglers' intent and resources, but they are not frightened
to walk away from ludicrous demands. They missed out on Lassana Diarra, who
moved from Portsmouth to Real Madrid for close to £20m, after they learned
of his personal requirements. City also hope to conclude a deal for
Blackburn Rovers striker Roque Santa Cruz before the transfer window closes
on February 2.

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