Daily WHUFC News - 28th June 2009

Specs' final push
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector is delighted to have helped the United States reach the
Confederations Cup final
27.06.2009

Jonathan Spector is looking forward to representing the United States in
their first ever final in a major tournament after they reached the FIFA
Confederations Cup final with a fantastic 2-0 victory over European
champions Spain.

The Americans pulled off arguably the best result in their history as a goal
in each half from Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey put paid to the Spaniards
in Bloemfontein, South Africa, on Wednesday evening.

The West Ham United full-back played an important part in a resilient
defensive display from Bob Bradley's side, working hard to keep the likes of
Fernando Torres, David Villa, Cesc Fabregas and Xavi at bay.

Spector, 23, had his work cut out marking Liverpool winger Albert Riera and
later Valencia wideman Mata, but responded with a disciplined, whole-hearted
performance.

"I think after the second goal you could tell they were, not panicking, but
just that they needed to get one back quickly," said Spector. "We all knew
that if we could hold them for five minutes that we would have a great
chance of going on to win the game. At that point I'd say is when I could
feel it.

"It was certainly a hard fought win and it took the entire team defending,
not just the back-four, we needed our midfielders and even the front
runners. We knew they wanted to go through middle so we forced them wide and
defended whatever crosses came in. It was successful for us."

Victory carried the United States through to face Brazil in Sunday's final
in Johannesburg. There, Spector and his team-mates will be battling for the
first major international trophy in his nation's history.

The Hammers defender was part of the American team that won the CONCACAF
Gold Cup in his home city of Chicago for the fourth time in 2007, but
success at the Confederations Cup would mark the greatest ever achievement
in US football.

"It's certainly a huge win for us, probably one of the biggest that the team
has had," said Spector. "It's our first major final and beating a team like
Spain is a great result, especially with their win streak.

"Well we certainly hope that we'll gain a few fans who will watch the final,
and we hope that we can turn in another good performance like we just had."

The United States have overcome a number of obstacles to reach Sunday's
showpiece, losing their opening two matches before turning round a six-goal
swing - with the help of Brazil's 3-0 win over Italy - to qualify for the
semi-finals.

Spector has played all 360 minutes of the Americans' run to the final,
appearing at right-back in the Group B fixtures against Italy, Brazil and
Egypt - setting up Dempsey's vital third goal in a 3-0 victory with a
pinpoint cross - as well as Wednesday's emotional success against Spain.

Before the tournament, the former U17 and U20 international was expected to
play second-fiddle to regular starters Steve Cherundolo and Frankie Hejduk,
but injuries to both have opened the door for Spector to win his 18th cap in
the biggest game in his country's history.

"There have definitely been changes to the back four recently and it's not
easy, obviously, when there isn't as much cohesiveness because we haven't
all played together as much. I think the entire team dealt with it really
well," he said.

Sunday's final will be screened live on BBC3 on Sunday evening, with
kick-off at 7.30pm.

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Duxbury's 'disaster' warning
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th June 2009
By: Staff Writer

Scott Duxbury had told KUMB.com that the much-delayed club accounts are 'a
disaster'. West Ham United CEO Duxbury, talking to KUMB.com for our latest
Q&A admitted that the twice-postponed figures reveal substantial losses
incurred as a result of Eggert Magnusson's 'massive player acquisition
programme'.

Duxbury also revealed that transfer fees for players such as Matthew Upson -
for whom the financing was thought to have come personally from Bjorgolffur
Gudmundsson - were actually secured on bank loans; loans which the club is
now in the process of repaying.

"The accounts were a disaster; we've had absolute Hell," said Duxbury.
"We've had the owner going bankrupt, XL ... it's been an absolute disaster.

"We've had massive pressure from the banks. The collapse of our various
partners and owner conincided obviously with the banking world just being
absolutely destroyed.

"When Eggert came in we embarked on a massive player acquisition programme.
It's not just the transfer fees, it was the salaries that were given. And
all of this, we didn't know, was bank funded - it wasn't owner funded.

"Then the banking world collapses and they said 'we want our money back'.
Fantastic."

However Duxbury added that the club are now back on an even keel whilst
confirming that Gianfranco Zola will have substantial funds at his disposal
from the summer of 2010 onwards - although this summer, any inward
acquisitions are likely to be loan-based, as per the recent Luis Jimenez
transfer.

"Ironically the past year-and-a-half has been the best it's been," added
Duxbury, "because we haven't had an owner.

"We've been able to just get on and run the club without interference and
basically implement the business plan."

You can read the full interview with Scott Duxbury here on KUMB on Monday
morning.

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ANTON FERDINAND HEADING BACK
West Ham try cut-price bid for Sunderland defender
27/06/2009
News Of The World

WEST HAM will consider a cut-price bid to buy back Anton Ferdinand. New
Sunderland boss Steve Bruce does not want the former England Under-21
centre-half. Ferdinand, 24, joined the Black Cats last summer for £8million.
With skipper Matt Upson likely to be on his way to Manchester City or Aston
Villa, the Hammers will need to bolster their back four. So West Ham boss
Gianfranco Zola is ready to test Sunderland with a £2m bid.

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Birmingham agree Bowyer terms with West Ham
28.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Birmingham City have struck terms for West Ham United midfielder Lee Bowyer.
The Birmingham Mail says Bowyer spent a successful loan spell at St Andrew's
from January, adding impetus to the push for Championship promotion. And
now, after protracted negotiations, he has become the latest addition to the
ranks in a busy summer.
There are still some fine details to iron out before the signing, on a free
transfer from West Ham, is announced. But Alex McLeish can now move on to
his next target.

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Scott Duxbury Interview Part 2: I Want Us To Win the League
West Ham Till I Die
Copyright West Ham Till I Die. No part of this interview may be reproduced
without crediting West Ham Till I Die Blog.

ID: Would it be an exaggeration to say that almost for the first time since
the days of Harry Redknapp that it's a happy club?

SD: I have been at the club ten years and it's the happiest I have seen it.
There is a genuine belief that there is a permanence to it.There's a clear
structure. This isn't just 'we've signed a particular player who's
performing very well, and as long as he stays fit, happy days'. There's a
clear - I'll use it early on – The Project – there's a clear business plan…

ID Very New Labour. [laughs]

Exactly! Spin, spin spin! [laughs]. There's a clear direction that has a
certain longevity to it. I believe in it. Gianfranco believes in it.
Gianluca [Nani] believes in it. I think the supporters have every right to
be cynical and wary but I think they want to believe. They see a structure
and a long term future.
What reaction have you had personally from supporters over the last few
months? I don't think many people believed you when you came out in January
and said you wouldn't sell players, but you delivered.

The death threats have reduced a little bit, but they haven't completely
gone away. Joking aside, I used to look at the unofficial sites. I stopped
doing it but Greg Demetriou, my head of media keeps me informed of the
general views. There can be quite emotive comments and some of them quite
personal. I used to go home at night and I couldn't sleep. I remember when
McCartney left and we signed Ilunga, but we couldn't announce it because of
various red tape we had to get through, I really was getting death threats.
One said that if I left the club they knew who I was, where I was going and
I would be killed. It is quite disturbing. The danger is that you start to
make decisions that aren't rational because you are conscious of a personal
perception. So I try to ignore it and make the right decision for West Ham.
There have been lots of incidents throughout my ten years at the club but I
can honestly say I have always done what is best for West Ham United. So I
can sleep at night and I believe in my own ability so I am not here for my
own personal gain. I am here because I do believe I can contribute to this
football club and I believe we can achieve success.

Do you think that your comparative youth in running a club like West Ham
means that people haven't taken you as seriously as you might have liked
them to?

I think yes, there is a danger of that, but the fact I have been here for
ten years means I don't look particularly young any more! Maybe. I make
decisions that someone who is a little more conservative wouldn't – Zola,
for instance. But I have a team around me now which is a young team at all
levels. I think that's an advantage for us. It's supplemented with
experience. I think especially after the last year and a half I am taken
seriously. We are negotiating CEOs of Inter Milan, Barcelona. We are on a
very very high stage. They respect what we as a club, and me as a smaller
part, have done. I don't think that's an issue any more. In the past ten
years I have probably experienced more as a CEO than many others do in a
lifetime.

When you talk about "The Project" what is a realistic ambition to emerge
from those plans?

I am the wrong person to ask because I am ambitious. My answer will be to
win the league. It's not a stupid remark because we are in a league, it's a
race and if you're not in it to win it, why on earth are you taking part?
Simply to exist is not what I am about. If we get the right set of
circumstances and continue to grow as a club, why not? Why can't we achieve
the ultimate? I was with Gianfranco just before the season ended and I said,
well, if we sign these players we'll definitely finish seventh and qualify
for the Europa League next season. And he said: "Only seventh? No way, we've
got to finish much higher than that". He shares my ambition and my view. Of
course I am aware of the financial constraints on the club and the perceived
financial requirements to compete at that highest level, but we've got our
vision and we believe in it. If we continue to develop the players, who
knows where we can end up. We are certainly not going to limit ourselves and
say we can never finish at this level because we all believe we can.

Moving on to the ownership question, it appears there is now a degree of
stability but the owners are effectively the creditors of the former
chairman. They are not in it for the long haul so they will want to maximize
their return at some point. It's not an ideal situation, is it, if you want
to launch a bid to get into the top four?
I disagree to be honest. It's a perfect scenario. The past year and a half
has shown that if we can run the club without interference… It's not just my
decision, it's Gianfranco, Gianluca, the three of us. Our decisions are not
questioned and we can push the club forward. Straumur allows us to do that.
Their vision is that over the next three years the world economy improves.
They do intend at some point to invest in the club and grow the asset and
then realize it in three years time. Three years is a lifetime in football.
If the three of us can work together during that time and grow the club,
wonderful. The one thing I cannot control is ownership issues. My big fear
is that tomorrow a new owner comes in, doesn't want Gianfranco as the
manager, wants some high profile individual, doesn't believe in the ethos of
the project, wants us to sign the most high profile midfielders and centre
forwards and it's all destroyed. We have seen the impact of owner led issues
at Newcastle. We have seen what it can do to a football club. We have had a
year and a half of the football club being run on footballing principles and
Straumur will hopefully allow us to continue that for the next three years.
Then Straumur – and this is where I will try to be involved - will hopefully
sell to someone who believes in Gianfranco, believes in The Project and
simply continues the development. But unfortunately that's out of my
control.

Do you on a personal level feel quite sad about what's happened to the
previous chairman and indeed Eggert Magnusson in some ways? They clearly
were not the kind of people who wanted to come in and rip the club apart,
they seemed to me to have a vision and the world economic circumstances
meant they weren't able to realise it.
It's dreadful. BG and Eggert are invited back to games. They had the best
interests of the club at heart. I hope BG comes back to games next season.
He personally has been dreadfully affected by the world economy.
Individually he is a bankrupt. He's lost everything. He loved West Ham. He
really did. Again, during his personal troubles, and I am not saying he
would have done this, but it would have been easy for him to say Scott, sell
Upson, sell Green, sell Parker and I'm having that money. That pressure was
never put on me at all. On the contrary. He completely endorsed the plans I
had and backed me when I was having some pretty difficult conversations with
the banks. Their place in history should be remembered fondly, and they have
really contributed to a club that has improved during difficult times. It's
no small thanks to them.

Part Three to come soon!

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Noble to lead England in Euro finalby RivalsDM
FoxSPorts
Updated: June 27, 2009, 12:20 PM EDT

West Ham midfielder Mark Noble will lead England Under-21s into Monday's
European Championship final against old rivals Germany. Stuart Pearce's
youngsters beat Sweden 5-4 on penalties after blowing a 3-0 half-time to
eventually draw 3-3 after extra-time. Noble was recalled to the starting XI
after being rested against the Germans in the final group game but returned
for the semi-final clash in Gothenburg - lining up alonside Fabrice Muamba
and Lee Cattermole in the heart of England's midfield.
The 22-year-old was replaced by Everton's Jack Rodwell with 20 minutes to go
and the Swedes fought back to score three times late on - but England,
amazingly, held their nerve in the shootout to reach the final.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 27th June 2009

England reach U21 final
WHUFC.com
A thrilling finale saw the Young Lions keep their cool on Friday to reach
the UEFA European Under-21 Championship final
26.06.2009

Mark Noble is set to lead England into the final of the UEFA European
Under-21 Championship on Monday after they survived a thrilling fightback
from Sweden to win 5-4 on penalties after a 3-3 draw in Gothenburg on Friday
night.

After both sides missed their first kicks through James Milner and Marcus
Berg, each team found the net with their next four efforts - Joe Hart, Lee
Cattermole, Adam Johnson and Theo Walcott doing the honours for the Young
Lions. The latter conversion meant that Rasmus Bengtsson had to score to
send the contest into sudden death which he duly did. Kieron Gibbs then
stepped up to score and when Guillermo Molins hit the post, England were
through.

England, skippered by the West Ham United midfielder, had needed to ride
their luck in extra time, having gone down to ten men after the dismissal of
Fraizer Campbell just before the turnaround and seeing Berg hit the
crossbar.

Stuart Pearce's side had begun in vibrant form against the host nation in
Gothenburg, underlined by Martin Craine's strike after just 54 seconds.
Nedum Onuoha added a second just before the half-hour mark before an own
goal by Mattias Bjarsmyr seemed to settle the contest seven minutes before
the break. However, Sweden fought back through two goals from Berg either
side of Ola Toivonen's free-kick inside the final 20 minutes to set up the
additional 30 minutes.

Noble was recalled to the starting eleven after sitting out the academic
group game against Germany on Monday, when James Tomkins impressed in a 1-1
draw. Tomkins was back on the bench for this contest at the Gamla Ullevi
stadium in the Swedish capital as Pearce went for experience. England were
bidding to go one better than the 2007 finals when they lost out to the
Netherlands following a 13-12 defeat on penalties.

Things seemed to be going all England's way when a deep Milner corner found
Craine on the edge of the penalty area inside the first minute. Gabriel
Agbonlahor, who will miss the final after picking up his second yellow card
of the competition in the first half, did just enough to put off the Sweden
keeper as Craine's shot fizzed into the corner. Milner was the architect of
the second goal as well, picking out Onuoha to rifle in before Bjarsmyr
deflected Cattermole's cross into his own net seven minutes from the break.

The second half was all about the host nation though. Berg dispatched a low
shot to pull one back on 68 minutes before his strike partner Toivonen gave
the capacity crowd real hope with a stunning free-kick on 75 minutes, five
minutes after Noble was replaced by Jack Rodwell. The incredible comeback
was capped by a fine volley from Berg, his seventh goal of the tournament,
to send England into a nervy extra time and then that penalties finish -
during which Hart was booked to mean he will also miss the final. Unlike two
years ago, this time they came out on top.

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Freddie ready to soar
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears is eager to start scoring after joining Crystal Palace on a
season-long loan
26.06.2009

Freddie Sears has admitted he cannot wait for the new season to begin after
joining Crystal Palace on a season-long loan deal.

The West Ham United striker has flown the Boleyn Ground to join the Eagles
until the summer of 2010, and he is itching to start banging in the goals
for the Coca-Cola Championship side.

Sears, a prolific marksman for the Hammers' youth and reserve teams, signed
a five-year contract with West Ham last September. While manager Gianfranco
Zola sees the teenager's long-term future at West Ham, he believes Sears
will benefit greatly from a full season of regular first-team football with
Palace.

The speedy forward himself agrees, stating his intent to fire the south
London club back into the Barclays Premier League after a five-year absence.

"I can't wait at the minute," said Sears, who returned from his summer
holiday to complete the deal. "I want to get a good pre-season behind me and
then go from there.

"I'll get more experience from playing week-in, week-out in front of fans at
a good standard of football. I think getting a good run in the team and
starting to get some goals should be good."

Sears will work under experienced manager Neil Warnock at Selhurst Park, and
the striker revealed that the Palace boss has told him he will be given
every chance to impress in what is a tough, physically demanding division.

"He said I'll play and then see what happens and hopefully we'll have a good
season there," he added.

"It's a good league. You see the teams coming up getting stronger and
stronger and there are a few big teams in there like Newcastle and
Middlesbrough so it should be a good challenge.

"I think it will be a bit more physical. I don't think it will be faster as
the Premier League is probably the fastest league. I'll just have to get
stronger and see what happens."

Sears is the latest in a succession of promising Academy graduates to spend
a period away from Chadwell Heath. Last season James Tomkins, Junior
Stanislas and Josh Payne all returned from loan spells to force their way
into Zola's first-team reckoning.

Reserve team captain Bondz N'Gala and England Under-19 skipper Jordan Spence
also went out to MK Dons and Leyton Orient repectively, and Sears is eager
to emulate them by learning from the experience of playing in unfamiliar
surroundings.

"I think having spoken to them that they had a good time out there and
they've come back stronger and hopefully I can do the same," he added.

Sears was linked with loan moves to Championship sides Sheffield Wednesday
and Peterborough United, but he believes Palace will offer him the best
chance to improve his all-round game over the coming season.

"I wasn't too bothered where I went but I knew a few of the lads at Palace
so it was a good mix of youth and experience there so it interests more,"
said Sears, who plans to return to the Boleyn Ground to cheer on his West
Ham team-mates whenever the opportunity arises. "The fact that it is in
London is just a bonus."

"I think starting most games will be good. Even if I go there and play 30
games that would be good.

"I will still be at the West Ham games to see how the lads get on."

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Eagles swoop for Sears
WHUFC.com
Freddie Sears has linked up with Championship side Crystal Palace on a
season-long loan
26.06.2009

West Ham United can confirm that Freddie Sears has joined Coca-Cola
Championship side Crystal Palace on a season-long loan.

The 19-year-old striker cut short his summer holiday to return to the Boleyn
Ground to complete the move, which will see him remain at Selhurst Park
until May 2010, on Friday afternoon.

Prolific at youth and reserve team level, Sears scored on his Barclays
Premier League debut against Blackburn Rovers in March 2008. Last September,
the teenager scored all four goals in the Hammers' 4-3 Barclays Premier
Reserve League South win over West Bromwich Albion.

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola believes Sears will benefit from his
time with Palace, who finished 15th in the Championship standings last
season. The manager has urged the teenager to seize the opportunity to
improve his game while playing regular first-team football.

"I probably didn't give him as many opportunities as he probably needed but
that is part of the game sometimes," said Zola. "I believe in him. He's got
good talent and good qualities.

"In the last few weeks of the season I saw him improving. We are trying to
add something to his game because, with the kind of body he has got, he
needs to add something to his game.

"We have been talking about him and said we have seen him improving. I my
view, he needs to go out and play consistently and get his game going again.
Then, he will be an important player for us in the future."

Youngsters James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas and Josh Payne spent time on loan
at Derby County, Southend United and Cheltenham Town respectively last
season, with all three returning to the Boleyn Ground before forcing their
way into Gianfranco Zola's first-team squad.

Sears could make his debut in Palace's pre-season friendly at Boreham Wood
on Thursday 9 July.

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Duxbury on Mancini
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 26th June 2009
By: Staff Writer

Gianfranco Zola is to try and persuade Inter star Mancini to join the
Hammers. Zola, who landed the Brazilian international's former Inter team
mate Luis Jimenez just last week is to try and resurrect the deal which has
stalled due to the numerous offers said to have been made to Mancini since
news of United's interest was made public.
Zola, who only recently returned from his summer holiday will be in Italy
with Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury, who told KUMB.com: "We're pretty much there
with Milan. I'm flying there tomorrow [Saturday] to see the player. "Jimenez
was never an issue. Mancini's a different story because he's got lots of
offers and lots of options - so it's down to Gianfranco really. "I'll get
the deal done, I know where we are with it so that won't be an issue - but
it's down to Gianfranco. If Gianfranco and Mancini can hit it off and
Mancini wants to come then I'm 80% sure it'll happen."
Duxbury - talking exclusively to KUMB.com in our latest Q&A that will appear
on the site throughout next week - also said that he was looking forward to
seeing new signing Jimenez in action. "I think that Jimenez is absolutely
huge for us - a massive, massive signing," he said. "He's a top drawer
player, he's exactly what we've been missing.
"We had a barbeque at Gianfranco's house and were just talking - but his
whole team revolves around Jimenez."
Duxbury also defended the club's decision to rely on the loan market to
supplement the first team squad, adding: "I'll try and do every deal this
way. From a cashflow perspective they're superb."

* Part one of our Q&A with Scott Duxbury will be published this coming
Monday.

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Keita keen on Lyon stay
Three clubs linked with move for Ivorian winger
By Patrick Haond & Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 26th June 2009
SSN

Kader Keita's agent has stated that the winger is keen to prove his worth at
Lyon despite rumours linking him with a move away from Ligue 1. The Ivory
Coast international joined Lyon from Lille in 2007 for a fee in the region
of £13.5million. However, Keita's struggle to make an impact at Stade
Gerland has led to suggestions that he could seek an exit this summer. West
Ham United, Everton and Roma have all be mooted as potential suitors, but
Keita's representative, Alfred Obrou, is hopeful he will stay at Lyon. Obrou
said: "Kader did not have the best two years in his career, but he is ready
to make amends. "I have contacts for him but he wants to stay and prove his
worth to Lyon. But if they don't want to keep him, he will look elsewhere.
"He will return to France for pre-season and we will see. There are contacts
in England, he is a great player so it is normal but nothing is official
yet."

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Sears makes Palace switch
Warnock thrilled to get striker on loan
Last updated: 26th June 2009
SSN

Neil Warnock has expressed his delight after Freddie Sears completed his
loan move to Crystal Palace. Palace agreed a deal with West Ham over the
weekend to bring in Sears for the whole of the 2009/10 Championship. The
switch has now been finalised and Eagles boss Warnock is looking forward to
working with the highly-rated teenager. Sears shot to fame when he scored on
debut against Blackburn in March 2008, but he failed to find the net in 22
appearances last season and will now continue his development at Selhurst
Park. Warnock told Palace's official website: "We are thrilled to have him
on board as we have been chasing Freddie for some time now.
"Freddie is an exciting, hard working player and I am sure the fans will
take to him very quickly."
Meanwhile, another Hammers youngster, Tony Brookes, has been handed his
first professional contract at Upton Park. The 18-year-old defender has been
with the club for a decade and has agreed a 12-month deal with the Hammers.
"It's a great honour to be picked by West Ham to get my first contract, I
feel over the moon," he told West Ham's official website. "The club have had
many great players come through the ranks and hopefully I can be the next
one. "I've been here since I was eight and hopefully I can carry on and get
into the first team."

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Blues reiterate Bowyer appeal
Reports claim deal is on the horizon
Last updated: 26th June 2009
SSN

Birmingham City remain optimistic midfielder Lee Bowyer will complete a
permanent move from West Ham United to St Andrews. Bowyer spent a fruitful
loan spell with the Blues during the second half of last season, helping
Alex McLeish's team reach the Premier League. McLeish has previously
confirmed his interest in signing Bowyer for next campaign and reports
suggest an agreement is imminent. The former Scotland boss said: "Lee did
well for us after coming here and he would definitely be a worthy addition
to the Birmingham squad."

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Scott Duxbury Interview Part 1: Why I Nearly Quit in January
Copyright West Ham Till I Die. No part of this interview may be reproduced
without crediting West Ham Till I Die Blog.

ID: What are the main differences in the club compared to a year ago?

SD: The main difference is we are – it sounds a little corny – but we are as
one. We are united. There is a general belief in what the club is trying to
do, and what Gianfranco is trying to do, and the supporters are now with us.
I've gone on the record on numerous occasions saying that one of the most
divisive aspects of any football club is if there are competing elements and
if the supporters aren't with us and the supporters don't believe in what we
are doing, then there isn't really anywhere for us to go. I think the
January [transfer] window, or the end of it, was the defining moment.
Everybody was as one, and believes in what we are trying to achieve and
where we are going.

That was the first time you had really come out in the open and spoken
directly to the public, wasn't it?

Yes. The financial troubles of the football club have ironically helped me.
There has always been pressure from above to run the football club in a
certain way and I have simply had to follow orders, but for the first time,
in the past year I have been able to implement my ideas without hindrance,
which has been a good thing from my perspective and to be blunt, the
direction in which Gianfranco Zola and I think the club should be going has
been allowed to happen without hindrance, so when I came out in the January
window and said the things I said I did so with complete confidence, because
I knew there wasn't somebody above me who could suddenly pull the rug from
under me and say, no actually, we are selling Scott Parker, we are selling
Matthew Upson. I made the decision we weren't going to do that and I was
extremely confident I could deliver on that.

Was there ever a point in all of the ownership situation when you thought
there was a danger the club could go under?

No, there was never a thought we could go under, but there were various
times, particularly during the January window where there were pressures put
upon me where I couldn't deliver what I was saying I would deliver. I have
got no interest at being at West Ham and just surviving. The reason I
brought Gianfranco in, and the trust between me and Gianfranco, is that we
know what the situation is, we're ambitious and we know what we can achieve
but with the banking world collapsing, there was quite a lot of pressure put
on me by the banks to sell players. The previous funding of the players –
where we got players at prices we couldn't afford was by virtue of bank
loans. When the baking world collapsed the banks said, right, we want those
loans back, so we had to reduce our debts. I came up with the strategy of
selling the fringe players, and that would still keep us competitive, even
self sufficient. Notwithstanding that, during the window there was quite a
lot of pressure from our banks that we should sell Scott Parker. I argued
very strongly against to the point of, er, perhaps moving on, because we had
never breached any of our banking covenants. We had always made our
repayments back, but because the banks were getting nervous about their own
situations, to me they were putting undue pressure on us and trying to
interfere in the operation.

So to be clear, you actually threatened to quit?

Yes. It would have been an untenable situation. I had brought Gianfranco in.
We were working closely together and then suddenly top players would have
been removed. That wasn't part of our plan. I had made quite clear how we
could achieve the savings – by selling the fringe players - and if we are
not competitive and we are not growing, I don't want to be here and
Gianfranco doesn't want to be here. That was the biggest issue we have
overcome – battles with the banks.
So what you are saying is that there could have been a situation in January
where you would have quit, and there would have been a strong possibility
that Zola would have quit as well.

There are lots of hypothetical situations that could have happened, Iain,
but I see it as part of my job to have these battles, to make sure that what
I promised to Gianfranco, what I promised in our plan, is delivered. It's
part of my job to go into boardrooms and have these battles. Bankers have
their own agendas. They just want debts to be reduced. They are not
interested in the success of West Ham.

When you came out at the beginning of January and said you weren't going to
sell any top players, was that aimed more at the banks than anyone else?
No. It was a business plan which was absolutely watertight and I knew I
could deliver on that. There was no pressure from the owners. The fact that
the banks have their own problems with the economic climate meant they were
a little more jittery. They had no ability to make me buy or sell players.
They couldn't action that. They were starting to get very nervous and push
the boundaries but I wasn't prepared to be pushed. You've got to remember as
well that in January BG was facing bankruptcy and our ownership issue was up
in the air, so there were lively discussions. Now Straumur have taken over
the club, ownership issues are resolved. The banks are back where they
should be, which is lending money and we repay it back and there is no
interference. There will always be battles I have to have. You just have to
make sure you win them.

Part Two follows tomorrow.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chelsea to sign Charlton prodigy
Daily Express
Last updated: 26/06/2009 10:34:00

CHELSEA are closing in on a £4m deal for Charlton's 17-year-old forward
Jonjo Shelvey, who is also being tracked by Newcastle, Tottenham and West
Ham. (Daily Express)

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 26th June 2009

Zola excited by Jimenez
WHUFC.com
The manager believes Luis Jimenez can be a success in the Premier League
with West Ham United
25.06.2009

Gianfranco Zola is looking forward to seeing Luis Jimenez in a West Ham
United shirt after the club secured the services of the Internazionale
forward for next season.

The manager is in Italy on holiday but in welcoming his new recruit admitted
his thoughts have not been too far away from the Boleyn Ground and his squad
for the 2009/10 season. "I am pleased that it is now official and Luis
Jimenez is with us," he told whufc.com. "A lot of hard work has gone into
the transfer and I am pleased the club have been able to make it happen. It
is very good for everyone.

"He is one of those players that has got the qualities that West Ham
supporters like and I think he will fit very well into our team. I am sure
he will settle well into the Premier League and we will do our best to
welcome him and make him feel at home.

"We have a couple of weeks before we start pre-season but I am very excited
about coming back. I have been getting a rest in the meantime with my family
and everyone is very happy - I am doing phone calls in between each swim. We
have all been resting and recovering and I have no doubt we will all be
recharged and ready to start the new season."

The manager played no small part in getting the Chilean international to the
club, and was impressed by the enthusiasm by Jimenez shown during transfer
discussions. "I have spoken to him about what we are trying to do and he was
very enthusiastic and excited about coming to us. That was good to hear
because you can tell he just wants to play and do well for West Ham.

"I am sure he will be a success. He is a quality player and quality players
always do well, especially with the way we try to play football. It should
prove a good move for everyone."

Zola also had words of praise for CEO Scott Duxbury who travelled with
technical director Gianluca Nani to Milan to broker the deal and have
already moved on to the other transfer targets he has identified. "I have to
say Scott is doing a very good job for us and is trying to support me as
much as possible. He went to Milan with Gianluca and they are both very much
connected to our idea.

"The teamwork between the three of us is coming together very well and it is
very good to have people like that behind you. They have the same idea of
football as me and it is really positive for West Ham."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fry signs up
WHUFC.com
Youth team captain Matt Fry has become the latest Academy graduate to sign a
new contract
25.06.2009

West Ham United defender Matt Fry has given his father Ron the perfect
birthday present by signing his first professional contract with the club.

Fry, who turns 19 in September, enjoyed a superb 2008/09 campaign, being
named captain of Tony Carr's Under-18 side and progressing to become a
regular in the reserve team, playing ten times for Alex Dyer's team.

A lifelong West Ham fan who has been at the club since the age of eleven,
Fry has overcome a serious injury to become one of the club's most promising
young players.

The versatile, committed teenager, who is equally comfortable at both
centre-back and left-back, was wearing a broad grin as he put pen to paper
in the trophy room at the Boleyn Ground.

"It's obviously brilliant to have signed the deal, especially being a West
Ham fan as well," said Fry. "My Dad Ron is a West Ham supporter as well, so
he'll never forget this day either.

"I've been here since I was eleven years of age so without him I wouldn't
have got to where I have today. I live about 40 minutes away in Gravesend
and he brought me in every day, making it possible for me to get where I am.
My whole family, especially my Mum Lesley, brother Will and sister Tasha,
have all been very supportive of me."

Fry has worked hard on and off the pitch to realise his dream of becoming a
professional footballer, overcoming a knee injury and completing his studies
at Gravesend Grammar School, earning eleven GCSEs, before concentrating
fully on his football over the past two seasons.

"Anyone who thinks this journey has been easy would be wrong," he said. "At
14 I had an anterior cruciate knee ligament injury, and was out for the
whole year watching everyone else play, which was difficult.

"I've always been focussed on where I want to be and I'm just so happy to
have got my future sorted out. I've spent the past two years learning my
trade as a scholar, but this is obviously a lot bigger and I'm proud to have
signed it.

"This is a massive year for me now. I've got to get back in, get cracking
and get my head down and hopefully get into the first-team squad.

"There are some good central defenders at the club and a lot I can learn
from them. Matty Upson is someone I have kept a close eye on and James
Tomkins is doing really well now, so they're both players I will watch
closely."

Fry is the second Academy youngster to sign a full professional contract
this summer, following promising forward Anthony Edgar.

Edgar, who also turns 19 in September, was in fantastic form as the 2008/09
season came to a close, scoring seven goals in 21 FA Premier Academy League
South appearances.

Both Fry and Edgar formed part of West Ham's squad at the recent IP Global
Soccer Sevens in Hong Kong and they will be eager to play a full part in the
club's pre-season programme, which begins with a first-team friendly at Blue
Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic on Saturday 11 July.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton link is nonsense - Stoke
BBC.co.uk

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has said that the Potters are "a million
miles away" from signing West Ham United striker Dean Ashton. Reports on
Thursday had suggested that Stoke were in talks with the Hammers over the
former Norwich frontman. But Coates told BBC Radio Stoke: "It's absolute
nonsense. "I have have not said we are in talks with West Ham. We are a
million miles from doing anything with Dean Ashton and probably won't." A
televised interview with Coates appeared to suggest that City were close to
a deal for the 25-year-old, but the Potters chairman insisted that he has
been "misunderstood". "I have not said that we are talking to him or that we
are about to sign him, I just simply haven't said it," said Coates. "I have
not said it because it's simply not true. I have been misunderstood."
And Coates added that although Stoke manager Tony Pulis is an admirer of
Ashton, the speculation surrounding a possible transfer is frustrating.
"It's frustrating because it's inaccurate and it's not what I have said,"
added Coates. "We have not talked one jot about him in terms of anything
significant." Ashton began his career at Stoke's academy before moving to
near-neighbours Crewe Alexandra. After scoring 73 goals for the Alex he
joined Norwich for £3m in January 2005 before joining the Hammers for £7.25m
a year later. But he has only managed 33 Premier League starts in his time
at Upton Park, scoring 15 goals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jimenez has Zola excited
Hammers boss expects big things from loan star
By Chris Burton Last updated: 25th June 2009
SSN

West Ham new-boy Luis Jimenez has been tipped to make a positive impression
in England by Gianfranco Zola. The Hammers boss completed the capture of the
Inter Milan midfielder on a season-long loan deal on Tuesday. He is now
looking forward to working with the Chile international throughout the
2009/10 campaign. "I am pleased that it is now official and Luis Jimenez is
with us," Zola told the club's official website. "A lot of hard work has
gone into the transfer and I am pleased the club have been able to make it
happen. It is very good for everyone. "He is one of those players that has
got the qualities that West Ham supporters like and I think he will fit very
well into our team. "I am sure he will settle well into the Premier League
and we will do our best to welcome him and make him feel at home. "We have a
couple of weeks before we start pre-season but I am very excited about
coming back. We have all been resting and recovering and I have no doubt we
will all be recharged and ready to start the new season."
Zola has also revealed that he called Jimenez personally in an effort to
persuade the South American star to take on a new challenge at Upton Park.
"I have spoken to him about what we are trying to do and he was very
enthusiastic and excited about coming to us," he added. "That was good to
hear because you can tell he just wants to play and do well for West Ham. "I
am sure he will be a success. He is a quality player and quality players
always do well, especially with the way we try to play football. It should
prove a good move for everyone."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke make Ashton approach
Potters chairman confirms talks with Hammers over striker
By James Dall Last updated: 25th June 2009
SSN

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has confirmed to Sky Sports News that the
club are in talks with West Ham United over Dean Ashton. It was revealed on
Wednesday that the Potters were considering a bid for the striker, who has
not played first-team football since August 2008. The 25-year-old underwent
ankle surgery earlier this year and is said to be nearing a return to
training ahead of the new season. Ashton signed for the Hammers from Norwich
in 2006 for £7.25million and has made 46 league appearances since the move,
scoring 15 goals. Coates told Sky Sports News: "I think Tony has talked to
West Ham. That is the stage we are at. Tony likes him as a player."
Recent reports have suggested Stoke could also bid for Newcastle United
striker Michael Owen. Of what would be a shock deal, Coates said: "We
haven't really discussed Michael Owen at this stage. We know he is about.
But I don't believe we have made an approach. "He is a terrific player and a
very nice man. I don't know what options Michael has got, we are not privy
to his position. "If I said to Tony Pulis, 'Would you like Michael Owen',
he'd probably say yes. It would be a fabulous coup to get Michael Owen."But
you also have to look at other aspects - the impact he would have on the
squad, the wage bill. There is always a worry about how much he would play."
Coates also dismissed suggestions that Manchester United midfielder Paul
Scholes could sign for Stoke on a player/coach basis. He added: "I think
that is someone just running a story. There is nothing in that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke open Ashton talks with West Ham
Independent.co.uk
Thursday, 25 June 2009

Stoke are interested in signing West Ham's England striker Dean Ashton, PA
Sport understands. A report this afternoon has claimed the Potters have
opened negotiations with the Londoners over a possible transfer. Sources at
the Britannia Stadium have refused to confirm whether that is the case,
however it is clear that City manager Tony Pulis would jump at the chance to
sign the former Norwich and Crewe frontman. Ashton, 25, was tipped to play a
starring role in the last Barclays Premier League campaign but he was unable
to take the field at all after September 13 due to an ankle injury. It was
the second time that Ashton - who made his England bow against Trinidad and
Tobago in June 2008 - had missed almost an entire season. The striker
previously broke his ankle during a training session with the national team
and saw 2006-07 wiped out as a result.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pulis: No Ashton offer
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 25 June 2009 - 13:59

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates and manager Tony Pulis have denied that the
club are in talks with West Ham forward Dean Ashton. The Injury prone
England forward has been linked with the Potters in recent weeks, with
speculation circulating that the marksman is looking for a clean break,
after his injury hell at the Hammers.
Stoke Chairman Peter Coates said:"We're not in talks with West Ham, although
manager Tony Pulis might have made a phone call".
Ashton started his career at Stoke City, before moving to neighbours Crewe
Alexandria, however manager Tony Pulis confessed he hadn't made contact with
the Hammers:
"I've not spoken to the player. I understand he's on big wages at West Ham."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: Dean Ashton will cost Stoke City £10m
West Ham United will demand a fee of £10 million if Stoke City follow up
their interest in Dean Ashton with an official bid.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt, Deputy Football Correspondent
Published: 3:32PM BST 25 Jun 2009

At the same time West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury will return to Milan
this weekend - having already signed the Chilean striker Luis Jimenez from
Inter Milan  to hopefully complete the deal to secure another Inter player,
Mancini.

Terms have been agreed with Inter, following further discussions earlier
this week, and Duxbury is due to meet Mancini to discuss his own personal
demands. The deal for the 28-year-old Brazilian winger is expected to be
structured in the same way as the transfer of Jimenez - a one-year loan with
an option to buy.

Sport on television The expected arrival of Mancini will be regarded as
something of a coup for West Ham who had feared the deal would collapse
after the news they were in negotiations leaked out last week.

So far West Ham have had no contact from Stoke over Ashton but it's
understood the 25-year-old striker - who started his career at Crewe
Alexandra - is keen to return north even though he only signed a new deal at
Upton Park last year. He has been sidelined since suffering a serious ankle
injury in September 2008 but is close to a return to fitness and should pass
a medical.

Given his history of injuries, Ashton has made just 46 league appearances
since signing in January 2006 for a then club record £7.25 million, West Ham
are willing to listen to offers but will demand a high fee for the
once-capped England international which may scare off Stoke whose previous
record fee was the £5 million paid last summer for Dave Kitson.

The form of Carlton Cole has also encouraged West Ham to believe that Ashton
could be sold while their supporters will watch carefully to see how much of
the transfer funds are re-invested in squad-building for manager Gianfranco
Zola.

West Ham insist that there is no pressure to sell, and Ashton will only go
if the terms are right, but are also hoping to off-load Julien Faubert and
Calum Davenport - who spent the second half of last season loan - this
summer while there are question marks over James Collins who is also, like
Ashton, injury-prone. West Ham have already told Manchester City that
Matthew Upson is not for sale.

It also appears that Lucas Neill has had a change of heart and is set to
sign a contract extension at the club. The 31-year-old Australian full-back,
who is out-of-contract next week, had initially rejected the offer which
involved him taking a pay cut. It was even announced on the West Ham website
that Neill was leaving but he now appears to have agreed to the original
terms which were offered to him.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lucas Neill Set To Extend West Ham United Stay - Report
The Socceroo is ready to re-sign with the Hammers...
26 Jun 2009 07:03:54
Goal.com

According to UK newspaper The Times, Lucas Neill is on the verge of penning
a one-year contract extension with West Ham United. The Hammers have been
attempting to coax their captain into agreeing a new deal for the best part
of 12 months, and it was expected that he would leave the club this summer.
The Australian defender, whose deal at Upton Park expires next week, has
been holding out for a pay rise - a request the cash-strapped London club
cannot grant. Indeed, the Irons announced at the start of the month that
Neill had rejected their latest contract offer and had begun searching for a
new team. However, despite strong rumours that he could join Harry Kewell at
Galatasaray, it now appears that the former Blackburn Rovers man has backed
down on his wage demands and will stay for another year. Neill joined West
Ham from Ewood Park in 2007, after turning down Liverpool to take up a more
lucrative offer at Green Street.

Mike Maguire, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Edgar joins Fry in signing West Ham pro forms
26.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Matthew Fry is the second West Ham United academy player to be rewarded with
pro terms this summer. The teenage defender signed his deal yesterday and
this follows on from promising forward Anthony Edgar also turning pro.
Edgar, who also turns 19 in September, was in fantastic form as the 2008/09
season came to a close, scoring seven goals in 21 FA Premier Academy League
South appearances.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola praises Duxbury for market work
26.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola has praised the work of chief executive
Scott Duxbury in the summer market so far. After the signing of Luis
Jimenez, Zola told whufc.com: "I have to say Scott is doing a very good job
for us and is trying to support me as much as possible. He went to Milan
with Gianluca (Nani) and they are both very much connected to our idea. "The
teamwork between the three of us is coming together very well and it is very
good to have people like that behind you. They have the same idea of
football as me and it is really positive for West Ham."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke boss Pulis discusses Ashton deal with West Ham
26.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has revealed manager Tony Pulis has spoken
to West Ham United about Dean Ashton's situation. "Tony has talked to West
Ham and that's the stage we're at," Coates told Sky Sports News. "Whether
there's any deal to be done... "Dean was at Stoke City as a boy so it would
be full circle for him. "Tony likes him as a player but there are lots of
ifs and buts about it because of Dean's (injury) problems. "I wouldn't have
a clue at this stage whether anything will come of that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke chairman now denies interest in West Ham's Ashton
26.06.09 | Andrew Slevison

Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has now denied the club are close to
signing West Ham's Dean Ashton. Recent reports have suggested the Potters
were making a move to sign the injured striker but Coates has put those
rumours to rest. "It's absolute nonsense," he told BBC Radio Stoke. "I have
not said we are in talks with West Ham. We are a million miles from doing
anything with Dean Ashton and probably won't. "I have not said that we are
talking to him or that we are about to sign him, I just simply haven't said
it," added Coates. "I have not said it because it's simply not true. I have
been misunderstood."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 25th June 2009

Austria training camp confirmed
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola's team will head to Austria for a two-week training camp
including up to four matches
24.06.2009

West Ham United can confirm provisional details of the club's summer
training camp in Austria.

Gianfranco Zola will take his squad to Bad Radkersburg following the
pre-season friendly against Grays Athletic on Sunday 12 July.

Following their arrival, the first friendly match is set to see the Hammers
take on local side SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld on Wednesday 15 July before
tackling German giants Werder Bremen in Bad Waltersdorf on Saturday 18 July.

West Ham could return to Bad Radkersberg to face Turkish outfit Bursaspor on
Wednesday 22 July before finishing up on Thursday 23 July with the potential
of a short trip across the border to the Slovenian town of Murska Sobota to
take on ND Mura 05. Both these matches are still to be finalised, with any
changes to be communicated via whufc.com as soon as possible.

Zola believes the trip will act as perfect pre-season preparation for his
players. "I am looking forward to the pre-season camp and it should be very
good for us," he said. "It is an important part of the season and it will be
good to get everyone together and preparing in the right way. We are
determined to improve next season and this will help us a lot."

The manager and his squad will then return to England ahead of the trip to
China for the Barclays Asia Trophy the following week when they will take on
Tottenham Hotspur in the semi-finals on Wednesday 29 July. Hull City and
Chinese Super League team Beijing Guoan will meet in the other semi-final,
with the final being held on Friday 31 July.

Summer training camp opponents

SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld

SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld compete in the regional Styrian League, the fourth
tier of Austrian football. The club finished third last season, just a point
behind champions Flavia Solva.

Formed in May 1929, the club has spent the entirety of its 80-year history
in the regional leagues. In 2004, the club took on Glasgow Rangers to mark
its 75th anniversary, going down 4-0 to the Scottish club.

Werder Bremen

Werder Bremen enjoyed a successful 2008/09 season, beating Bayer Leverkusen
to win the German Cup and reaching the final UEFA Cup final before going
down to Ukranians Shakhtar Donetsk.

At domestic level, Werder finished tenth in the Bundesliga under
long-serving coach Tomas Schaaf. Bremen's squad contains a host of
well-known players including Germany defenders Clemens Fritz and Per
Mertesacker, playmaker Torsten Frings and Under-21 star Mesut Ozil, as well
as Sweden striker Marcus Rosenberg and Portugal forward Hugo Almeida.

Bursaspor (provisional)

Bursaspor, from the Turkish city of Bursa, finished their 2008/09 campaign
sixth in the Turkcell Superlig. Formed in 1963, the club lifted the Turkish
Cup in 1986 and has been coached in the past by former West Ham player Ralph
Milne and Romania legend Gheorghe Hagi.

Coached by Ibrahim Yazici, Bursaspor's squad is made up almost exclusively
of Turkish players, including wonderkid Sercan Yildrim. Bulgaria goalkeeper
Dimitar Ivankov, South Korea forward Shin Young-Rok and Brazilian striker
Tadeu add international flavour.

ND Mura 05 (provisional)

Coached by Slobodan Djuric, Nogometno Drustvo Mura 05 hail from the
Slovenian town of Murska Sobota. The town is situated on the banks of the
river Mura in the north west of the country, hence the club's name.

ND Mura 05 was formed in 2005 following the demise of the town's former
Slovenian 1.SNL Liga club NK Mura earlier the same year. In their previous
guise, Mura lifted the Slovenian Cup in 1995.

Pre-season schedule (including reserves)

Sunday 12 July, 3pm - Grays Athletic v West Ham United

Wednesday 15 July, 5.30pm (6.30pm local) - SC Raiffeisen Furstenfeld v West
Ham United (Furstenfeld, Austria)

Saturday 18 July, 5pm (6pm local) - Werder Bremen v West Ham United (Bad
Waltersdorf, Austria)

Saturday 18 July , 3pm - Cambridge United v West Ham United XI

Wednesday 22 July, 5pm (6pm local) - Bursaspor v West Ham United (Bad
Rakersburg, Austria) TBC

Thursday 23 July, 5pm (6pm local) - ND Mura 05 v West Ham United (Murska
Sobota, Slovenia) TBC

Friday 24 July, 7.45pm - Thurrock FC v West Ham United XI

Wednesday 29 July, 6pm (11am London)- West Ham United v Tottenham Hotspur
(Barclays Asia Trophy, Beijing, China)

Friday 31 July - (West Ham United v Hull City/Beijing Guoan (Barclays Asia
Trophy, Beijing, China)

Friday 31 July, 7.45pm - Kingstonian v West Ham United XI

Saturday 8 August, 3pm - West Ham United v SSC Napoli (Bobby Moore Cup)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spain in sight for Specs
WHUFC.com
Having played a major part in their push to the last four, Jonathan
Spector's US have the trickiest of tests on Wednesday
24.06.2009

Jonathan Spector's United States will have to do something no other team has
done since November 15 2006 if they are to reach the FIFA Confederations Cup
final in South Africa on Wednesday - beat Spain.

The reigning European champions have not lost since going down to a 1-0
friendly defeat by Romania more than two-and-a-half years ago. Since then,
Spain have not been beaten in 35 matches.

Among those 35 games was a friendly international between the Spanish and
the US in Santander on 4 June 2008, which the Spanish won 1-0 ahead of their
success at UEFA Euro 2008.

At this summer's tournament, which pits the winners of FIFA's various
continental competitions against one another, Spain have yet to concede a
goal in the three matches they have contested so far. The Spanish cruised
through Group A, beating New Zealand 5-0, Iraq 1-0 and South Africa 2-0.

However, the 16-times capped West Ham United defender Spector and his fellow
Americans will go into the semi-final in confident mood, having already
upset the odds once to reach the last four.

After losing their opening two Group B matches, Bob Bradley's team needed to
overcome Egypt and hope Brazil beat Italy in the final round of group
matches, complete with a six-goal swing in their favour, to advance.
Brazil's 3-0 victory and the Americans identical success against the
Africans - capped by Spector's pinpoint cross for his nation's third goal
scored by Clint Dempsey - saw Bradley's side move into the knockout stages.

The West Ham right-back is likely to be marking a familiar foe at the Free
State Stadium in Mangaung/Bloemfontein in Liverpool left-winger Albert
Riera, while Vicente Del Bosque's team could also include Spector's former
Manchester United team-mate Gerard Pique, who he played alongside in the Red
Devils' Barclays Premier Reserve League title-winning side in 2004/05.

Team-mate Dempsey, who also plies his trade in London with Fulham, has been
impressed with the form of 23-year-old Spector, who has played every minute
of the Americans' campaign.

"Spector hit a great ball in and I happened to be on the right side of the
defender," said Dempsey. "I used my body to get a little bit of space and
tried to get my head on it. I put it towards goal, kept it low and it found
the back of the net."

Brazil take on hosts South Africa in the other semi-final in Johannesburg on
Thursday, with the winners meeting in the final on Sunday 28 June in
Johannesburg. A third-place match will be held the same day in Rustenburg.

The US have reached the Confederations Cup semi-finals once before in their
history, losing to Mexico in 1999. The Americans also finished third in
Saudi Arabia in 1992, but the competition included only four teams that
year.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Specs success with US
WHUFC.com
Against all the odds, Jonathan Spector's United States are to play in the
FIFA Confederations Cup final
24.06.2009

Jonathan Spector has helped the United States to the FIFA Confederations Cup
final after a stunning 2-0 victory against European champions Spain.

The West Ham United defender has played every minute of the US's campaign in
South Africa and turned in a professional display in Wednesday night's
success in Bloemfontein. The Americans had lost 3-1 and 3-0 to Italy and
Brazil respectively in their first two group games of a tournament held for
FIFA's continental champions - but a 3-0 defeat of Egypt in their final
fixture booked their place in the semi-finals.

Few had given them a chance though against Spain, with the Euro 2008 winners
having won a record-breaking 15 straight games and been unbeaten for a total
of 35 matches. Yet the US coped admirably with the predictable Spanish
pressure and then took the lead in the 27th minute through Josy Altidore's
good turn and shot. Clint Dempsey doubled the advantage in the 74th minute
after a quick US counterattack.

The US had to survive the late scare of having the outstanding Michael
Bradley sent off as Spain searched for a way back into the contest. However,
the back-four - with the 23-year-old Spector a key part at right-back on his
17th international appearance - stood firm to book a place in Sunday night's
final against either Brazil or South Africa, who meet on Thursday night.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola sharing his experience
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was on hand share his footballing philosophy with Fleetwood
Town's manager
24.06.2009

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola could play an unlikely role in
helping non-league Fleetwood Town gain promotion this season.

Fleetwood, who will line up in the Blue Square North in 2009/10, are managed
by former Blackpool, Burnley and Tranmere Rovers midfielder Micky Mellon,
who recently joined Hammers boss Zola on a UEFA A licence coaching course at
Lilleshall.

There, Mellon admitted to spending the two-week course speaking to Zola
about his footballing philosophy and coaching methods.

"There were 42 ex-professional footballers on the course, including Zola and
[former Netherlands striker] Jimmy-Floyd Hasselbaink," said the Fleetwood
manager. "There were lots of interesting guys and lots of interesting ideas.
We picked each others' brains in the evenings."

Whether it is down to Zola's influence or not, Fleetwood have been placed
among the Blue Square North promotion favourites alongside Southport and AFC
Telford.

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Specs' Spanish archer
Kumb.COM
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Jonathan Spector starred for the USA tonight as they
overcame the odds to send Spain tumbling out of the Confederations Cup. The
unfancied Americans defied the pre-match odds to win 2-0 through goals from
Jozy Altidore and Clint Dempsey, and put themselves into this weekend's
final where they should face South American champions Brazil (they face host
nation South Africa in tomorrow night's second semi-final). Despite having
sent world champions Italy packing in the Group stage the US remained a
massive underdog for this evening's encounter, with most pundits expecting
this first semi-final to be a walk in the park for the reigning European
champions. However the Spaniards had no answer to a stubborn defensive
performance in which the 23-year-old Hammer more than played his part.
Despite raining 29 shots down on Tim Howard's goal the Spanish somehow
failed to convert a single opportunity. Iker Casillas faced just nine
efforts at the opposite end but saw his goal breached twice - first by
Altidore on 27 minutes and then by Dempsey, who wrapped up an unlikely win
16 minutes from time after pouncing on an error by the unfortunate Sergio
Ramos. Spector, who started the tournament quietly has impressed in the US's
two most recent games. With Lucas Neill still to make a decision over his
immediate future, the likeable American is doing his chances of first team
football under Gianfranco Zola next season no harm at all.

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Potters eye Ashton
Stoke consider bid for England star
Last updated: 24th June 2009
Ssn

Stoke City are ready to move for England striker Dean Ashton, Sky Sports
News understands. The Potters are looking to add to their squad and build on
their successful first season in the Premier League. City boss Tony Pulis
has already confirmed he would love to bring Michael Owen to The Britannia
Stadium - but a move for Ashton could be more viable. Ashton missed most of
last season through injury, but Pulis is keen to make a move for the former
Crewe man, and it is believed West Ham would consider selling. Ashton has
stated that he is ready to return to pre-season training early to ensure he
is fully fit for the new Premier League season.

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Chase on for Caicedo
City forward to consider offers
Last updated: 24th June 2009
SSN

Skysports.com understands a host of clubs are stepping up their interest in
Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo. A number of clubs are monitoring
Caicedo's situation at Eastlands with the arrival of Roque Santa Cruz and
the possible signing of Carlos Tevez expected to push the Ecuador
international further down the pecking order. The Ecuador international
impressed for Mark Hughes' side at the back end of last season after getting
a run in the side, scoring nine goals in 14 starts. His performances have
not gone unnoticed with West Ham, Wigan and Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon
all credited with an interest in him in recent weeks Caicedo's agent Saif
Rubie admits interest is growing in the player and that the 20-year-old will
weigh up his options when he returns from holiday. "There is a huge amount
of interest in Felipe across the world," Rubie told skysports.com. "There
are offers on the table and we will look at all the scenarios when Felipe
returns from holiday in Ecuador. "At this point of his career Felipe wants
to be playing regularly and he did very well when he was given the
opportunity last season. "Everyone knows Sporting Lisbon are ready to take
Felipe as are other clubs in the Premier League and elsewhere in Europe and
we will look at all options open to us before a decision. "If a suitable
offer arrives we will look at it, but if Manchester City want to keep him
and offer Felipe a new deal he would consider that also. "We will sit down
and try and resolve Felipe's future very soon."

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Julien Faubert Anticipates West Ham Exit
After a disappointing loan spell in Spain, the Frenchman now expects to
leave Upton Park...
24 Jun 2009 19:45:58
GOAL.COM

Julien Faubert has claimed that he is unwanted at West Ham United and he
expects the club to sell him this summer, after he spent a deflating
half-season spell on loan at Real Madrid last campaign. He played just 52
minutes for los Blancos, after a move that qualified as one of the more
surprising of the winter transfer window. He also seems to be surplus to
requirements at Upton Park now, as manager Gianfranco Zola continues
building a side in his own image, with the latest addition being Luis
Jimenez, signed from Inter on a season-long loan yesterday. "I don't think
the bosses at West Ham want to keep me," he told France Football. "I learnt
that the club have been looking for right-wingers, and that is the position
I want to fill. But I want to settle down somewhere, become established and
stop moving continuously, for me and my family."
And Faubert insisted that he just wanted to play regularly, with his lack of
first-team opportunities at the Bernabeu baffling him. "I don't want to lose
any more time. I want to get the taste back for football because for a
moment I had lost it," he added. "It was complicated because I never had any
explanation for my lack of game time at Real Madrid. "It was necessary to
be patient, but it was so much easier to attack me, the Frenchman who never
played. I was made the scapegoat."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

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Valon Behrami To Miss Start Of West Ham United's Season - Report
The Swiss international is recovering well from injury, but will still not
be fit for August's big kick-off, it appears...
24 Jun 2009 17:28:40
Gola.com

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami's knee ligament injury will not
have recovered sufficiently in time for him to begin the Hammers' Premier
League campaign on August 15, but he does expect to be back in full training
by that date, if not match fit.
Currently back home in Switzerland undergoing rehabilitation, the player has
been using the swimming pool and exercise bike to build his fitness, and has
had close personal attention from a member of the Hammers' medical staff
during his time away from east London. "My work is going very well and if I
continue like this on 10 August I will start back with the team, try to kick
the ball and join in with my team-mates," the player told West Ham's
official website. "After two or three weeks working at a high intensity, in
the last week of August I hope to be back in the team for a game."
As for his prospects of returning to the international fold, Behrami
insisted that his priority was still returning for his club side, and the
Swiss team was something to think about once he was back fit and firing in
claret and blue. "The first thing is to make a proper return with West Ham
and only then can I think about the national team," the 24-year-old added.
"I have to thank West Ham because they said I can go home and someone will
come to work with me. They are a good club and this shows that."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sibling rivalry
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 24th June 2009
By: Graeme Howlett

West Ham United have long been known as a family club - so it's no surprise
to find out that so many brothers have worn the famous claret and blue.

Whilst names like Anton and Rio will be familiar to most of us, how many can
say they've heard of David and Norman Corbett? Read on as we take a look at
those siblings who have featured for West Ham United.

George & Jack Hilsdon

George - whose nickname 'Gatling-Gun George' came from a 1906 club programme
(and was attributed to his shooting prowess) - enjoyed two spells with the
Hammers between 1904-06 and 1912-16. Fearsome on his day, George hit four
goals in his first seven games (including one on his debut) before
sustaining an injury which kept him out for the rest of the season.

Despite returning briefly at the start of the 1905/06 campaign he was soon
replaced and made just one more appearance before joining Chelsea on a free
transfer at the end of the season. Having enjoyed the best years of his
career at Stamford Bridge (a spell that led to him being immortalised in a
weather vane that can still be seen at the Bridge today, see left) he
returned to Upton Park following Chelsea's relegation from Division One
amidst rumours of a serious drink problem, something that led to him being
one of the first Hammers to be booed by a less-than-impressed Boleyn crowd!

Despite enjoying something of a renaissance at the Boleyn over the next four
years the outbreak of war halted George's career; a mustard gas attack at
Arras in 1917 that left him with irrepairably damaged lungs permanently
ended it.

Brother Jack, also a striker, made a single appearance for the Irons against
former club Luton in 1903.

Albert & Frank Denyer

Albert Denyer, a centre forward by trade was snapped up by then-manager Syd
King in 1912 having been spotted playing amateur football. Despite only
spending two years with the club he managed 17 goals from 50 appearances -
including 12 in the 1912/13 season which helped the Hammers to third in the
Southern League, the club's highest ever finish at the time.

Brother Fred (more commonly known as 'Frank'), a defender by trade, joined
the Hammers a year later - his arrival assisted no doubt by the success of
his younger brother (born three years after Albert in 1894). However he
failed to impress manager King and after just two games returned to
footballing obscurity.

Ted & Benny Fenton

The Forest Gate-born Fentons' influence loomed large over West Ham United
for much of the mid-20th century. Ted, whose playing career at the Boleyn
lasted 14 years between 1932-1946 briefly left the club for a player/manager
role with the now defunct Colchester Town before returning to Upton Park in
1950 to succeed his former boss, Charlie Paynter.

Fenton (pictured left) - who always maintained that he failed to get the
credit he deserved for leading the Hammers back to the top flight for the
first time in 25 years - oversaw United's return to Division One in 1959 but
was replaced by Ron Greenwood less than 18 months later.

Ted's far-less-known sibling Benny played up front for the Hammers during
the Second World War. Upon the end of hostilities he moved across the river
to join Millwall before later joining Charlton and Colchester. Like Ted he
too moved into management and enjoyed spells at the final three clubs he had
previously played for.

Benny died in Dorset aged 81 in 2000; Ted, 78, had been killed in a car
crash eight years earlier.

David, Willie & Norman Corbett

Norman 'Norrie' Corbett was a no-nonsense Scottish right-half who spent 14
years with the Hammers between 1936-1950. Signed from Hearts for whom he
made his debut at the age of just 15, Corbett donned the claret and blue
shirt on 166 occasions and was briefly appointed first team coach.once his
playing career ended.

David Corbett, also a right half made four first team appearances in the
1936/37 season whilst third brother Willie made a couple of guest
appearances for the club during the Second World War.

Andy & Bill Nelson

Andy Nelson, a midfielder, made just 15 first team appearances under Ted
Fenton between 1957-59. He was to prove more successful at Ipswich Town,
with whom he won the First Division in 1962. Yet another ex-Hammer who
turned to management, Nelson later enjoyed great success

in the lower leagues with Gillingham and, most notably, Charlton.

Older brother Bill was a full-back who made just two appearances in the
1954/55 season. He later joined QPR.

John & Clive Charles

John (pictured left), the first black player to appear in West Ham United's
first team was born in 1951 and starred for the Hammers between 1962-1970.
He went on to make 142 appearances, scoring two goals before being forced to
retire at the age of just 26.

Younger brother Clive, born seven years after John in 1951 made just 15
appearances under Ron Greenwood between 1971-1974 before joining Cardiff
City and later moving to the USA. His management career was rather more
successful and he spent three years as assistant head coach to the American
national team.

John, who remained in or around the East End all his life died in 2002.
Clive, who remained in the USA died in Portland less than a year later.

Rio & Anton Ferdinand

Some 30 years after the Charles brothers had played their last game for the
club Anton Ferdinand became the most recent sibling to feature for West Ham
United. Some three years prior to his debut, elder brother Rio had joined
Leeds United for £18million - a then-world record fee for a defender.

Anton, like Rio featured in West Ham's first team for four years before
moving on; the former England under 21 is currently at Sunderland following
an £8million switch last year, whilst Rio regularly features for both
Manchester Utd and England.

* Several other brothers - including Hugh & George Mills and Michael &
Graeme Carrick - have been on West Ham's books, but only one has featured
for the first team.

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Former Hammer Kovac keen on Black Cats
3:26pm Wednesday 24th June 2009
Guardian Series

RADOSLAV Kovac admits he would be interested in joining Sunderland after
getting a taste of English football with West Ham United. The Czech
Republic midfielder enjoyed a successful loan spell at West Ham last season
and is determined to move back to England. However, a move to the north
east is not certain because it is unclear if Sunderland will want or be able
to meet the £4m asking price his current club Spartak Moscow has set. Black
Cats boss Steve Bruce has not yet made an official offer for the 29-year-old
but is said to be monitoring the situation. Agent Viktor Kola told the
Newcastle Journal: "Radoslav would be interested in a move. It would
certainly be a solution that he would welcome. He knows the history of the
club so I believe that from his perspective there would certainly be
interest if Sunderland did make a bid.
"He realised that he can handle the level of English football and could make
an impact in the Premier League. He enjoyed his time in England and ideally
wants to come back - if Sunderland made an offer of course he'd be
interested."
Kovac joined West Ham on-loan last season for an undisclosed fee with a view
to the transfer becoming permanent but the Hammers decided against keeping
him. Kola added: "The contract with West Ham has run out so Radoslav will
return to pre-season training with Spartak Moscow if nothing else happens.
But England would be his preferred place to play." Kovac played nine time
for the Hammers and scored one goal during his spell in east London. The
midfielder made his international debut against Romania in October 2004 and
has since played in the World Cup in 2006. He has won more than 25 caps for
his country.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wizard's West Ham Spell
The Sun
Published: Today

WEST HAM have landed Inter Milan striker Luis Jimenez on loan for a year.
The Chilean, 25, is nicknamed The Wizard for his playmaking skills and may
stay permanently if all goes well. He will join Gianfranco Zola's Hammers on
July 1 if he passes a medical. Jimenez said: "I am very happy, very excited
and very determined to show what I can do. I am a player who loves to play
football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and
also score goals. "I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything
possible to do a good job for the club. "I know West Ham are a fantastic
club who have had a lot of great players. I had options to join other clubs
but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot.
"Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me to West Ham — I can
identify with the type of football he wants to play."
Jimenez has not played for Chile since March 2008, meaning he did not
immediately meet FA work permit rules. But Hammers chief executive Scott
Duxbury talked the FA round earlier this month. Duxbury then flew to Milan
to begin the negotiations last week alongside technical director Gianluca
Nani, before the deal was finalised. Duxbury said: "I am pleased we have
been able to secure the services of Luis. "Many clubs were after him, so we
have had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done, because
Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next
season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Luis Jimenez to join West Ham from Inter Milan
This Is London

24.06.09 West Ham have completed the signing of forward Luis Jimenez from
Inter Milan on a season-long loan, with a view to a possible permanent
transfer. The Hammers moved quickly to fend off interest from other teams
for the player, who will officially join on July 1 provided he passes a
medical. Jimenez told the club's official website, www.whufc.co.uk: "I am
very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do." The
25-year-old Chilean, nicknamed El Mago (The Wizard) for his playmaking
abilities, continued: "I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a
team that keeps the b all, to create opportunities and also score goals. "I
can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good
job for the club. "I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot
of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's
last game of the season and I liked it a lot. "(Manager) Gianfranco Zola was
one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can identify with the type of
football he wants to play."
Jimenez has not played for his country since March 2008, meaning he did not
immediately meet Football Association work permit rules. However, Hammers
chief executive Scott Duxbury led a successful delegation, including Zola,
to the FA earlier this month. Duxbury then flew to Milan to begin the
negotiations last week alongside technical director Gianluca Nani, before
the deal was finalised this afternoon. He said: "I am pleased we have been
able to secure the services of Luis. "Many clubs were after him, so we have
had to work quickly. We were determined to get the deal done, because
Gianfranco sees him as a player that can add much to our attack next
season."

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Everton, West Ham following Rennes fullback Fanni
( surely that should read Everton, West Ham chasing Fanni :) - Peter R )
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Everton are tracking Rennes fullback Rod Fanni. Blues boss David Moyes is in
the market for a new right-back and 28 year-old Fanni is on his shortlist.
West Ham United, Bayern Munich and Olympique Marseille are also keen on
Fanni.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No West Ham return for Di Michele
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Davide di Michele is set to leave West Ham United. Tutto Mercato Web says
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola won't be offering Di Michele a permanent deal
at Upton Park.
Di Michele could now start next season in Serie B with parent club Torino.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 24th June 2009

Jimenez signs
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola has his first summer signing with Luis Jimenez joining from
Italian champions Inter
23.06.2009

West Ham United are delighted to announce the signing of Chile forward Luis
Jimenez from Serie A champions Internazionale on a season-long loan with a
view to a possible permanent transfer.

With fierce competition for Jimenez's services at home and abroad, West Ham
moved quickly to seal the deal with the player, who will have a medical when
he arrives in England next month, joining officially from 1 July. The
25-year-old is nicknamed 'El Mago' - The Wizard - for his playmaking
abilities and is a former team-mate of Valon Behrami at SS Lazio.

Speaking to whufc.com, Jimenez said: "I am very happy, very excited and very
determined to show what I can do. I am a player who loves to play football,
to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and also score
goals. I can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to
do a good job for the club.

"I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot of great players. I
had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the
season and I liked it a lot. I preferred this option because I really admire
the way they try to play. Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me
to West Ham - I can identify with the type of football he wants to play."

A past Chile player of the year - winning in 2006 ahead of compatriot Matias
Fernandez, voted South American's top player that same season - Jimenez has
not played for his country since March 2008 in order to focus fully on his
club career.

As such, he did not immediately meet Football Association work permit rules
but CEO Scott Duxbury led a successful Hammers delegation including
Gianfranco Zola to the FA earlier this month to ensure Jimenez was free to
play - with Inter coach Jose Mourinho lending his support. With vast
competition in attacking positions at Inter, the Italian champions for the
past four seasons agreed to his move to London.

Duxbury then flew to Milan to begin the negotiations last week alongside
technical director Gianluca Nani before the deal was finalised on Tuesday
afternoon. The CEO said: "I am pleased we have been able to secure Luis's
services. Many clubs were after him so we have had to work quickly. We were
determined to get the deal done as Gianfranco sees him as a player that can
add much to our attack next season."

Jimenez who first came to attention at Paolo Di Canio's former club Ternana
in Serie B and has also featured for ACF Fiorentina, is considered one of
the brightest talents in South America. After starting his career at Club
Deportivo Palestino in his homeland, the Santiago-born player moved to Italy
at the age of 18, making 88 league appearances for Ternana between 2002 and
2007, scoring 25 goals.

He moved to ACF Fiorentina for the second half of the 2005/06 season,
scoring three goals in 19 Serie A appearances. That season also saw him
voted as his country's finest and he was soon off to Lazio in January 2007.
The South American netted two goals in 16 loan appearances for the
Biancocelesti.

He joined Inter on loan at the start of the 2007/08 season and enjoyed a
successful first campaign at the Giuseppe Meazza stadium, scoring three
goals in 15 Serie A appearances and also netting in the 3-0 UEFA Champions
League victory over Fenerbahce in November 2007.

The Nerazzurri made Jimenez's move to Milan permanent in the summer of 2008,
with Inter claiming the title in his first campaign. With the likes of
Zlatan Ibrahimovic, Dejan Stankovic, Mario Balotelli and Mancini already at
Mourinho's disposal and Diego Milito arriving, Inter are going for a fifth
straight success in 2009/10.

At international level, Jimenez made his full debut for Chile against Peru
on 28 April 2004, going on to be named in his country's squad for the 2004
Copa America in Peru. To date, he has scored twice in 20 matches.

He went on to appear in five of his country's qualifying matches for the
2006 FIFA World Cup, scoring in the 2-1 home win over Venezuela, and became
national team captain at the age of 22. He has appeared in two 2010
qualifiers so far. Marcelo Bielsa's side are riding high in third in the
South American qualifying standings, a point behind second-placed Brazil and
four points adrift of leaders Paraguay. The top five teams qualify
automatically for next summer's finals in South Africa.

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Sweden in duo's way
WHUFC.com
Stuart Pearce's England will take on the host nation in the semi-finals of
the 2009 UEFA Under-21 Euro
23.06.2009

Mark Noble and James Tomkins will hope to figure when England take on hosts
Sweden in the semi-finals of the UEFA European Under-21 Championship on
Friday.

The conclusion of Group A on Tuesday night saw the home nation - with
free-scoring Marcus Berg scoring twice - confirm second spot behind section
winners Italy with a 3-1 defeat of Serbia as the Azzurrini were winning 2-1
against Belarus. Group B winners England will be the home team for the match
which gets under way at 5pm London time, before Italy take on Germany, Group
B's runners-up, at 7.45pm in Helsingborg.

Noble captained England to their 2-1 and 2-0 wins against Finland and Spain
before sitting out Monday night's Group B decider against Germany with the
Young Lions already through to the last four. James Tomkins, a late
substitute against the Finns, played the whole 90 minutes of the 1-1 draw
with Germany and impressed enough to give Stuart Pearce plenty of food for
thought in the knockout stages.

One of four England players who figured in the 2007 edition, Noble will be
hoping to go one better than last time when Pearce's side missed out on the
final after losing to the Netherlands - also the host nation - with a 13-12
penalty shoot-out defeat. Nigel Reo-Coker was the captain for that
tournament - meaning the second successive finals where a West Ham player
has worn the armband.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tomkins targets semi start
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is eager to keep his place in the England U21 side for their
UEFA Euro 2009 semi-final
23.06.2009

England Under-21 defender James Tomkins has stated his intention to hold on
to his starting place after making his competitive debut for Stuart Pearce's
side.

Tomkins, who made his U21 debut in the 7-0 friendly win over Azerbaijan in
Milton Keynes earlier this month, started England's 1-1 UEFA European U21
Championship Group B draw with Germany in Halmstad on Monday.

Having already secured their semi-final place, former Hammers favourite
Pearce made ten changes to the team that beat Spain 2-0 in their second
fixture, with captain Mark Noble among those given a rest.

Tomkins and Chelsea's Michael Mancienne were drafted in to replace
Manchester City duo Nedum Onuoha and Micah Richards, and the 20-year-old is
now aiming to keep his place when England take on host nation Sweden on
Friday.

"There are a lot of youngsters here and they're doing really well for
themselves and I think everyone is pushing for their place at the moment
because the whole team is performing well," Tomkins told theFA.com. "We're
just looking forward to the next game, the semi-final. It's a massive game
and it's going to be a great experience."

Looking back on the Germany match, the result of which saw England top their
group, Tomkins was happy with his own performance. However, he knows he must
maintain a high level if he is to keep the likes of Richards, Onuoha and
Mancienne out of Pearce's starting eleven.

"I think it was a good experience for myself and the other lads who hadn't
started [the previous games]. So it was good to get the game under our belts
and now look forward to the next game," said Tomkins. "I think I got better
as the game went on. It was my first competitive start so it was a good
experience. It was brilliant to come out and sing the national anthem and
hopefully [the experience] will stand me in good stead for years to come."

Whether he is picked for the semi-final or not, Tomkins believes England
have all the tools needed to win the European Championship for the third
time in the nation's history. Noble is expected to return to the side on
Friday as England seek their first U21 crown since 1984.

"The 23-man squad we've got here has a lot of quality in it," Tomkins added.
"The lads who started [the first two games] have had a little rest and given
the other lads the chance to show what they can do.

"I think it was a good tester for us because you don't get much bigger than
Germany. I think all the lads did themselves justice. The way we're playing
at the moment we're full of confidence and obviously having not lost a game
yet we're not fearing anyone. Whoever we get next, we're all looking forward
to it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Behrami working hard
WHUFC.com
He may be back at home in Lugano, but Valon Behrami's thoughts are never far
away from the club
23.06.2009

Valon Behrami arrived back in Switzerland this week from holiday but is
continuing to work hard on his recovery from a cruciate knee ligament
injury.

The hugely popular midfielder has identified mid-August for a potential
return, having been hurt back on 1 March during the 1-0 home win against
Manchester City. Behrami is almost certain to miss the big Barclays Premier
League kick-off on 15 August but will hope to be in advanced training by
that point.

To date, he has been working hard in the swimming pool and pushing himself
as much as possible on rehabilitation machines and exercise bikes. As was
the case with Terry Dixon and Scott Parker, the club's two other sidelined
first-teamers who are building up their fitness after respective knee and
groin injuries, the club has made sure Behrami has close personal attention
from a member of the medical staff while away from Chadwell Heath.

He said: "My work is going very well and if I continue like this on 10
August I will start back with the team, try to kick the ball and join in
with my team-mates. After two or three weeks working at a high intensity, in
the last week of August I hope to be back in the team for a game."

Behrami also has an eye on being back for his country's meeting with Greece
in FIFA World Cup qualifying on 5 September. The Basel contest sees the top
two teams in Group 2 - level on 13 points - go head to head but all that
concerns him is pulling on the claret and blue shirt again.

"The first thing is to make a proper return with West Ham and only then can
I think about the national team," added the 24-year-old.

"I have to thank West Ham because they said I can go home and someone will
come to work with me. They are a good club and this shows that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham sign Jimenez from Inter
BBC.co.uk

West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has made Inter Milan striker Luis Jimenez his
first signing of the summer. The Chilean, 25, joins the Hammers on a
season-long loan with a view to a possible permanent move. Jimenez,
nicknamed the Wizard, will officially join the Premier League club on 1 July
pending a successful medical. "I can't promise anything but I am going to
everything possible to do a good job for the club," Jimenez told West Ham's
website. Jimenez has won 20 international caps, but last played for his
country in March 2008 as he concentrated on winning a place in Inter's
attack. Although this meant he failed to meet the necessary quota of
international appearances to pass work permit rules, the case put forward by
the Hammers - with the support of Inter manager Jose Mourinho - to the
Football Association secured his switch. Jimenez made his name in Italy at
Serie B side Ternana, where he scored 25 goals in 88 league appearances
between 2002 and 2007. Short spells at Fiorentina and Lazio followed before
a loan spell at the Nerazzurri was made permanent in the summer of 2008.
Jimenez will have to prove himself in a Hammers front line that already
includes Carlton Cole, Dean Ashton, Savio Nsereko and Diego Tristan if he is
to extend his stay at Upton Park. Manager Gianfranco Zola has converted last
season's loan signings of defender Herita Ilunga and goalkeeper Peter Kurucz
into permanent deals.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chim Jimenez
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United have confirmed the loan signing of Luis Jiminez from Inter.
The Chilean international captain's arrival was confirmed this evening on
whufc.com. Jimenez - who leaves the San Siro after two seasons with Inter -
said: "I am very happy, very excited and determined to show what I can do. I
am a player who loves to play football, to be in a team that keeps the ball,
to create opportunities and also score goals. I can't promise anything but I
am going to do everything possible to do a good job for the club. "I know
West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot of great players. I had
options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the season
and I liked it a lot. I preferred this option because I really admire the
way they try to play. "Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me
to West Ham - I can identify with the type of football he wants to play."
The deal was finally tied up earlier this afternoon following weeks of
speculation. A work permit for Jimenez was secured earlier this month, as
previously reported here on KUMB.com. Jimenez becomes West Ham's second
Chilean player following centre half Javier Margas, who played under Harry
Redknapp in the late 1990s.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers miss out
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer

Chelsea are reported to have signed Hammers target Daniel Sturridge. The
19-year-old striker is out of contract at Manchester City this summer and
had been linked with Aston Villa along with West Ham and Chelsea. However
Sky Sports report this afternoon that the West London club have won the race
to sign the England under 21, who is currently on duty with Stuart Pearce's
squad at the European Championships in Sweden. Despite being a free agent
following the culmination of his contract at Eastlands, Sturridge will cost
his potential buyers around £4million in compensation due to the player
being under the age of 24. Manchester City are reported to be holding out
for at least double that figure; the final fee will be decided by tribunal
later this year. The Citizens opted not to renew the teenager's contract
due to what were considered to be unreasonable demands (with one source
suggesting that Sturridge had requested upwards of £50,000 per week). The
Hammers are thought to have spoken with Sturridge - who scored four goals in
16 appearances for City last season - about a potential move, but the lure
of sitting on Chelsea's bench clearly proved too much of a temptation.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert: I lost it
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer

Julien Faubert says he wants to rediscover his appetite for football at West
Ham. The 25-yeard-old French winger, who spent the second half of last
season on loan at Real Madrid is back at West Ham after the Spanish giants
not unsurprisingly failed to take up the option to exercise their option to
buy. With his future still uncertain, Faubert admitted that he had become
disillusioned with life at West Ham having been out of the first team
picture - but says he is now ready to ressurect his career in London having
spent the majority of his spell in Spain kicking his heels on the bench. "I
don't want to waste any more time," he said. "I want to recapture the taste
for football because for a moment I had lost it. "It has been difficult
because I never received an explanation about my [lack of] playing time. I
had to be patient, but it was easy to attack me - the Frenchman who never
played. I was the scapegoat. "[But] I sense a great willingness from the
management to keep me. I know that the club are looking for a right winger
and I see myself in that position. I especially want to settle down, to stop
endlessly moving, for me and my family."
Faubert - who was linked in the French media with a move to Tottenham last
week - also said that he enjoyed his spell at Real Madrid, even though he
made just two appearances during his four months on loan. "I have the taste
on incompleteness in my mouth, but I still enjoyed Real Madrid," he added.
"A great club with great players.
"When I realised I would not be playing I concentrated on myself. Now I move
on to something else." Despite Faubert's apparent change of heart West Ham
are still thought to be willing to listen to offers for the former Bordeaux
player, who cost United just over £6million in the summer of 2007.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tour date confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd June 2009
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United will face local outfit side Fürstenfeld on their Austrian
tour. The town - boasting a population of just 7,000 - will host the Hammers
and their travelling contingent when the sides meet in Fürstenfeld on
Wednesday, 15th July. Fürstenfeld currently play in Austria's Sparkassen
Landesliga and narrowly missed out on winning the title last season,
eventually finishing in third place behind Favia Solva and Kalsdorf. The
fixture is the second confirmed game of the tour with the Hammers already
set to meet Werder Bremen in Bad Waltersdorf on Saturday, 18th July. KUMB
understands that Gianfranco Zola's side could be playing up to four games on
the tour; dates of the remaining fixtures are expected to follow soon.

Current pre-season dates

Grays Athletic (a): July 12th

Austrian Tour (confirmed dates): Fürstenfeld (15th July), Werder Bremen
(18th July)

Asia Cup (Beijing): Tottenham (29th July), Final v Hull/Beijing (31st July)

Kingstonian (a): July 31st

Napoli (h): Saturday, August 8th

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Hammers seal Jimenez deal
Chilean agrees season-long loan deal at Upton Park
By Chris Burton Last updated: 23rd June 2009
SSN

West Ham have completed their first piece of summer transfer business by
signing Luis Jimenez on a season-long loan from Inter Milan. The deal taking
the Chilean to Upton Park includes a clause allowing the Hammers to make the
move permanent next summer. The 25-year-old will officially join the club on
1st July, when he is also due to undergo a medical in England. Jimenez is
delighted to have completed the deal, having struggled to make an impact at
Inter last term, and is looking forward to testing himself in the Premier
League. "I am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I
can do," he told the club's official website. "I am a player who loves to
play football, to be in a team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities
and also score goals. I can't promise anything but I am going to do
everything possible to do a good job for the club. "I know West Ham are a
fantastic club who have a lot of great players. I had options to join other
clubs but I watched West Ham's last game of the season and I liked it a lot.
"I preferred this option because I really admire the way they try to play.
Gianfranco Zola was one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can
identify with the type of football he wants to play."
Meanwhile, West Ham technical director Ginaluca Nani has also spoken of his
delight at sealing the deal. "I am pleased we have been able to secure
Luis's services," he said. "Many clubs were after him so we have had to work
quickly. We were determined to get the deal done as Gianfranco sees him as a
player that can add much to our attack next season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gudjohnsen on his way to Upton Park?
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 23rd June 2009
By: Thomas Rooney

Barcelona strike Eidur Gudjohnsen is set to quit the Spanish club after
being told by Pep Guardiola that he doesn't figure in his plans at the Nou
Camp for next season.

With his future up in the air, it is being reported that the former Chelsea
striker is keen on a return to the Premier League. Despite being contracted
for another year, it is thought that his price tag could be as little as £5m
as well.

This figure has alerted several Premier League clubs – including, according
to reports, West Ham. Gianfranco Zola is apparently interested in the
striker as he looks to build a squad capable of pushing for a top six finish
next year.

The Italian faces competition from Blackburn and Tottenham though who are
both keen to monitor Gudjohnsen's progress. The player himself admitted last
month that there has been 'a lot of interest' from clubs in England.

As for the prospect of returning to England, he says that he had a 'great
time' in the Premier League last time and that he 'enjoyed great success'
for Chelsea in particular. Gudjohnsen proved himself time and time again
before moving to Spain, so he would surely be a good signing for West Ham
United?

The only question mark is whether he still has the ability and determination
that he had back in 2006 when he was last playing in England. Has the lack
of games at Barcelona slowed down his progress as a player? Has his
confidence taken a knock having been overlooked more often than not by
Guardiola?

Personally, I think it would be worth the risk – especially at just £5m. He
believes he will 'easily adapt' back to the English game, so the confidence
is still there on his part. Zola is the type of manager to get the best out
of him as well.

The West Ham boss would have played with Gudjohnsen at Stamford Bridge as
well, so there is a connection there. There is something to convince the
striker to choose Upton Park over White Hart Lane or Ewood Park.

This is something we will have to wait and see on though. I just wanted to
gather opinion. Would you take the opportunity to sign the 30-year-old? Do
you think he is the type of striker that West Ham need? What could he add to
the team?

To give my short answers to these three questions – Yes, West Ham should try
and sign him. Yes, he could add an extra dimension to the attack. He would
add creativity and goals, attributes which could help take the Hammers to
the next level.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sunderland, West Ham and Everton eye Newcastle star Beye
Sunderland Echo
SAFC latest
23 June 2009
By Miles Starforth

A trio of clubs - including Tyne-Wear rivals Sunderland - are ready to test
Newcastle United's resolve to hold on to Habib Beye. An emotional Beye
pledged his allegiance to Newcastle in the wake of the club's relegation to
the Championship at the end of last season. However, the experienced
defender - a contender to take the captain's armband next season - is said
to be growing disillusioned with the continued turmoil at mangerless United,
having hoped Alan Shearer would be quickly installed to guide the club back
into the Premier League. And Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, Everton and West
Ham are all understood to be weighing up moves for the 31-year-old, who has
one year left on his St James's Park contract. Shearer, should he take
charge on a permanent basis, has made it clear he would want to hold on to
Beye, who has proved an influential figure since joining from Olympique
Marseille in the summer of 2007. However, he is also one of the club's most
saleable assets, with the club acutely aware he could leave on a free
transfer in a year's time.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton top of Stoke's shopping list
TeamTalk

Stoke boss Tony Pulis has stepped up his efforts to get his transfer
activity underway, with West Ham striker Dean Ashton his new top target. The
Potters are yet to begin their predicted summer spending spree but Pulis is
now back at the club after three weeks off and he is believed to be in talks
with a number of players and their agents.
Pulis is looking for additions in every area but he is particularly keen to
add quality in the final third and TEAMtalk understands England hitman
Ashton has jumped to the top of his shopping list. The Potters boss
enquired about Portsmouth's Peter Crouch before the season finished, while
an offer is believed to have been lodged for Marseille's Djibril Cisse who
wants a move back to the Premier League. However, Pulis has been alerted to
the surprise availability of Ashton and is ready to take a risk on luring
him back to the North-West. Stoke are happy to meet West Ham's asking price
for the former Crewe star, while wages will not be a problem, but the move
rests on the injury-plagued 25-year-old passing a medical. Ashton actually
started his career with Stoke, playing for one of their youth teams Stone
Dominoes, but it was with local rivals Crewe where he really made his name.
Sixty one goals in five years at Gresty Road earned Ashton a £3million move
to Norwich and further success for the Canaries saw West Ham pay £7million
to take him to Upton Park. An impressive start to life with the Hammers then
saw Ashton called up by England, but he suffered a broken ankle away with
the national side that saw him ruled out for the entire 2006/07 season. He
scored 11 goals the following season and looked set to be a key part of
Gianfranco Zola's plans when the Italian took over in East London in
September last year. However Zola saw Ashton pick up another ankle injury in
his first ever training session and is willing to cash in on the player
rather than risk him suffering a further setback and missing more action.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs target Julien Faubert determined to fight for his West Ham future
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:41 PM on 23rd June 2009
Daily Mail

Julien Faubert insists he has no regrets over his loan move to Real Madrid -
despite being made a scapegoat by Bernabeu fans for their disappointing
season. And with reported interest from Tottenham Hotspur, the France winger
says he is only concentrating on improving his game back at West Ham United.
Faubert played just 52 minutes after signing for Madrid in January and was
criticised for seeming to fall asleep when on the bench at Villarreal last
month. 'I have the taste on incompleteness in my mouth, but I still enjoyed
Real Madrid: a great club with great players,' said Faubert. 'When I
realised I would not be playing I concentrated on myself. Now I move on to
something else. 'I don't want to waste any more time. I want to recapture
the taste for football because for a moment I had lost it. 'It has been
difficult because I never received an explanation about my (lack of) playing
time. I had to be patient, but it was easy to attack me - the Frenchman who
never played. I was the scapegoat.' French radio station RMC last week
reported that Tottenham Hotspur were looking at the former Bordeaux player.
But the 25-year-old has three years left on his West Ham contract and is
determined to force his way into Gianfranco Zola's team after previously
falling out of favour at Upton Park. 'I sense a great willingness from the
management to keep me,' said Faubert. 'I know that the club are looking for
a right winger and I see myself in that position. 'I especially want to
settle down, to stop endlessly moving, for me and my family.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer Behrami back in business
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 23 June 2009 - 7:34 PM

West Ham star Valon Behrami reckons he could be back in first-team action by
the end of August after stepping up his recovery from his nightmare knee
injury. The Swiss international has been sidelined since March after
suffering a cruciate ligament injury and will also miss the first three
games of next season.But after undergoing a strenuous rehabilitation
programme at the club's training ground, Behrami has set his sights on
returning to the fold by the time West Ham take on Blackburn on August 29.
He said: "My work is going very well and if I continue like this on 10
August I will start back with the team, try to kick the ball and join in
with my team-mates. "After two or three weeks working at a high intensity,
in the last week of August I hope to be back in the team for a game."
Behrami is also hoping to play a part in Switzerland's World Cup qualifiers
in early September but says he is only concentrating on making sure he is
fit enough to start for Gianfranco Zola's side. He told the club's official
website: "The first thing is to make a proper return with West Ham and only
then can I think about the national team. "I have to thank West Ham because
they said I can go home and someone will come to work with me. They are a
good club and this shows that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goal.com Italy: Luis Jimenez Could Flourish With West Ham
Goal.com

Having secured the services of Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez on a
season-long loan, West Ham look forward to unveiling their catch officially
on July 1, provided the Chile international passes a medical. However, with
Gianfranco Zola believing that he has made a shrewd move in borrowing the
25-year-old, we opted to ask Goal.com Italy's chief editor Sergio Stanco for
his professional opinion on the matter. Quizzing him on the matter of where
the attack-minded Chilean would be deployed, he replied, "Jimenez can play
anywhere in the midfield area as well as a deep lying striker - or as a
'trequartista' as we call it over here. "He plays wonderfully on either side
of the pitch, whether it be in a 4-3-3 or 4-4-2. He's a talented young man."
Stanco also commented on how well Jimenez might perform in England, stating
that he could reach his peak - if he approaches the Premier League with the
right attitude. "As with all technical players who have played in Serie A
before moving to England - [Paulo] Di Canio, Zola and [Benito] Carbone, for
example - he definitely has the potential to be a great. "However, he will
need to show heart and a strong will if he plans to succeed. "We have been
talking about Jimenez over here since he was 19 and we're still waiting for
him to explode. Perhaps England will be the place that he really opens up."
Left somewhat dumbfounded by the switch, Signore Stanco feels that Jose
Mourinho could have made a mistake in loaning out a player who is ready to
shine. "Personally, I don't understand the move. I think this could be his
season, but clearly Mourinho doesn't agree with me. "From what I can tell,
Inter don't have a lot of faith in his ability, so I reckon it's possible
that he could stay in England. "But in the end, it all depends on his
performances."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs linked but Faubert wants West Ham stay
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert hopes to stay at Upton Park.
French radio RMC says Faubert is attracting interest from Tottenham. But he
says: "I sense a great willingness from the management to keep me. I know
that the club are looking for a right winger and I see myself in that
position. "I especially want to settle down, to stop endlessly moving, for
me and my family."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Inter Milan's Jimenez "happy, excited" about West Ham move
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Inter Milan midfielder Luis Jimenez is delighted with his loan switch to
West Ham United. Jimenez told the club's official website, whufc.co.uk: "I
am very happy, very excited and very determined to show what I can do." The
25-year-old Chilean, nicknamed El Mago (The Wizard) for his playmaking
abilities, continued: "I am a player who loves to play football, to be in a
team that keeps the ball, to create opportunities and also score goals. "I
can't promise anything but I am going to do everything possible to do a good
job for the club. "I know West Ham are a fantastic club who have had a lot
of great players. I had options to join other clubs but I watched West Ham's
last game of the season and I liked it a lot. "(Manager) Gianfranco Zola was
one of the things that drew me to West Ham - I can identify with the type of
football he wants to play."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Behrami targets August return
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United midfielder Valon Behrami aims to be back in action for
mid-August. He told whufc.com: "My work is going very well and if I continue
like this on 10 August I will start back with the team, try to kick the ball
and join in with my team-mates. "After two or three weeks working at a high
intensity, in the last week of August I hope to be back in the team for a
game."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chief Duxbury: Many clubs wanted Jimenez
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United have clinched a work permit for new loan signing Luis
Jimenez. Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury led a successful delegation,
including manager Gianfranco Zola, to the FA earlier this month. Duxbury
then flew to Milan to begin the negotiations last week alongside technical
director Gianluca Nani, before the deal was finalised yesterday afternoon.
He said: "I am pleased we have been able to secure the services of Luis.
"Many clubs were after him, so we have had to work quickly. We were
determined to get the deal done, because Gianfranco sees him as a player
that can add much to our attack next season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Faubert has no Real Madrid regrets
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United midfielder Julien Faubert has no regrets over his six months
at Real Madrid. "I have the taste on incompleteness in my mouth, but I still
enjoyed Real Madrid: a great club with great players," said Faubert. "When I
realised I would not be playing I concentrated on myself. Now I move on to
something else. "I don't want to waste any more time. I want to recapture
the taste for football because for a moment I had lost it. "It has been
difficult because I never received an explanation about my (lack of) playing
time. I had to be patient, but it was easy to attack me - the Frenchman who
never played. I was the scapegoat."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Tomkins: U21 Euros great experience
24.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United defender James Tomkins is hopeful of a starting spot for
England U21 in the Euros semifinal. "There are a lot of youngsters here and
they're doing really well for themselves and I think everyone is pushing for
their place at the moment because the whole team is performing well,"
Tomkins told theFA.com. "We're just looking forward to the next game, the
semi-final. It's a massive game and it's going to be a great experience."
Looking back on the Germany match, the result of which saw England top their
group, Tomkins was happy with his own performance. However, he knows he must
maintain a high level if he is to keep the likes of Richards, Onuoha and
Mancienne out of Pearce's starting eleven. "I think it was a good experience
for myself and the other lads who hadn't started [the previous games]. So it
was good to get the game under our belts and now look forward to the next
game," said Tomkins. "I think I got better as the game went on. It was my
first competitive start so it was a good experience. It was brilliant to
come out and sing the national anthem and hopefully [the experience] will
stand me in good stead for years to come."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Everton, West Ham move for unsettled Newcastle defender Taylor
23.06.09 | tribalfootball.com

Everton and West Ham United are being linked with unsettled Newcastle United
defender Steven Taylor. The Daily Star says the Geordie has become
increasingly disillusioned with the lack of activity at St James's Park, not
least the fact that Alan Shearer still doesn't know if he will be in charge
next season.

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