Daily WHUFC News - 19th August 2009

Faubert shaping up well
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert told WHUTV he was in an upbeat mood after a strong performance at Wolves
18.08.2009

A lean Julien Faubert was happy to be back in a West Ham United shirt for the first time in six months in Saturday's opening-day win at Wolverhampton Wanderers. After spending the second half of last season on loan at Real Madrid, the 26-year-old returned to the Hammers in superb physical condition, having put himself through a strenuous personal fitness programme during the close-season. The France international put in a strong performance at right-back, defending stoutly and getting forward to good effect. Having made his last competitive appearance in claret and blue against Hull City in January, Faubert told WHUTV he is now eager to make up for lost time and establish himself in Gianfranco Zola's starting eleven. "It was good. It was the beginning of the season and we played well and got two goals, so everyone is happy. "I think it was a strong performance from the whole team, but I felt good on the pitch. I can run and I can defend so I was happy for my own game and I was happy to win for the team."

The Le Havre-born player revealed that he had taken the decision to shape up after making just two La Liga appearances during his time in Madrid. "I was careful about my food and what I ate. I did some big work and worked hard. I knew I had too much weight and I had to lose some. I have done some big work and come back strong and I felt good on the pitch. "I went to the gym and I pushed some weights, I went running and did some weights."

Having got the season off to a flying start at Molineux, Faubert is hoping for big things in 2008/09. "I think we are ready for the season. I know it is a long season and this was just the first game so we can't say it is done, but we can work to maybe finish in the top eight or seven teams. We have to work and be aware of the next game and we can do well. "I am here and I am happy to be playing a lot of games and playing well. I hope to be back in the national team, so I need to do this. I went to Real Madrid, which was a different experience, but now I am back in London and I am ready to work for West Ham."

While the Barclays Premier League is Faubert and West Ham's priority, the full-back is also acutely aware of the importance of beating Millwall in the Carling Cup second round a week on Tuesday. "I was talking with some players about this game and we are ready. We have to win. We are happy because we will be at home and we will have the fans with us, so we can win."

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Millwall date excites Zola
WHUFC.com
The significance of the chance to take on Millwall next week is not lost on Gianfranco Zola
18.08.2009

West Ham United welcome Millwall in the Carling Cup second round next Tuesday and Gianfranco Zola is well aware of the rivalry between the clubs. "There is a very strong connection with Millwall," he said. "It is funny. Last year in October when things weren't going very well for us, I stopped at a petrol station and this big bloke came up to me. "He was huge. It was two degrees outside and he was in short sleeves. He came to me and said 'Franco, you are my hero!' I thought, this man must be a West Ham supporter or maybe a Chelsea supporter. "He said: 'Look, I am Millwall. I am very pleased because you are taking West Ham down!' I realised then about the relationship between the two clubs…."

Zola, who had the last laugh in the end over that supporter, is certain the fans will relish the experience. "It is a competition we would like to stay in until the end and also it gives you the opportunity to play European football. We are going to be up for it."

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Ladies open with draw
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Ladies began the new season with a 2-2 draw with Keynsham Town Ladies
18.08.2009

West Ham United Ladies kicked off their 2009/10 FA Tesco Women's Premier League South season with a 2-2 with Keynsham Ladies. The Hammers began the campaign with an impressive performance and were unlucky not to leave the West Country with all three points. Tony Marshall's side raced into an early two goal lead before the break through goals from Gemma Shepherd and Jess Barling, only to see the hosts hit back with two goals of their own after the break. West Ham had their chances to win the game late on, but in the end had to be content with taking a point back down the M4. The Hammers are next in action when they host Queen's Park Rangers at Thurrock on Sunday.

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Hammers accept Stoke Collins bid
BBC.co.uk

Stoke City have had a bid of about £3.5m accepted by Premier League rivals West Ham United for defender James Collins, reports BBC Radio Stoke. The 25-year-old Wales international was at the Britannia Stadium on Tuesday discussing personal terms on a deal that could rise to £5m. "He's one of a number of players I'm looking at," said manager Tony Pulis. "If we do any business, we'll do it through the football clubs and not through the media." Collins has spent four seasons at Upton Park, although injuries have limited him to only 49 league starts for the Hammers. He played the full 90 minutes as Gianfranco Zola's side won their opening Premier League of the season 2-0 against promoted Wolves at Molineux on Saturday. Meanwhile, Pulis wants to keep defender Ryan Shawcross at the Britannia Stadium, despite reports linking him with Manchester United, Liverpool and Tottenham Hotspur. "Ryan's done fantastically well for us and we want to keep him at Stoke City," stated the manager. "He's one of the younger players that we've got in the group and he's a big asset to us. "This club is looking to push on and you don't do that by selling your best players."
Stoke, who won their opening game of the season against Burnley on Saturday, travel to Anfield on Wednesday to take on Liverpool.

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Collins rejects Stoke
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

James Collins has turned down a move to Stoke City, according to reports. The 25-year-old centre half held talks with the Potters after the Hammers accepted a bid - worth around £5million with clauses - for the Welsh international yesterday. However a number of sources are reporting this morning that negotiations have broken down after Collins failed to agree personal terms.

Newport-born Collins was signed for £1million by Alan Pardew in July 2005 as the Hammers prepared for their first season back in the Premiership. Having impressed during his first two seasons he signed an extended contract in 2007 tieing him to West Ham until summer 2011.

Despite playing a major role in United's 'Great Escape' at the end of the 2006/07 season the popular Collins failed to cement a place in the first team - not through poor form, but as a result of a series of both minor and major injuries; the most serious of which occured in January 2008 when cruciate ligament damage resulted in seven months on the sidelines.

West Ham - who have made it clear that for this summer, any transfer funds must be generated by player sales - are understood to have rejected rumours that the proposed purchase of Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh from Bordeaux is dependent on the sale of Collins.

Despite the breakdown in talks, Stoke are understood to remain optimistic of reaching an agreement with Collins ahead of the transfer window deadline.

James Collins - stats

Signed: July 5th 2005 (£1m, Cardiff City)

2005/06: 19 appearances; 1 yellow card; 2 goals.

2006/07: 17 appearances; 4 yellow cards.

2007/08: 5 appearances; 2 yellow cards.

2008/09: 21 appearances; 4 yellow cards.

2009/10: 1 appearances.

Total appearances: 63

Average games per season: 16

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Baptista Hammers talk rejected
Former Arsenal forward staying at Roma
Last updated: 18th August 2009
SSN

Julio Baptista's agent has rejected reports linking the Roma forward with a possible move to West Ham. Reports in England have claimed West Ham are lining up a move for the former Arsenal loanee as they look to bolster their attacking options. Baptista's representative, Herminio Menendez, insists there have been no enquiries for the player and that the South American will stay at the Stadio Olimpico. "There is a lot of talk about nothing," Menendez told Romanews.eu. "There are no negotiations surrounding Julio. As a result, we should all expect Baptista to remain in Giallorosso. "At this moment in time, I can confirm that Julio Baptista will 100 per cent stay with Roma. "I have no news about Julio. I haven't spoken to anyone and I don't understand why so much is being discussed about Julio leaving Roma. "I've heard from nobody, not even Inter."

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Forest weigh up Davenport bid
Davies remains keen to strengthen squad
Last updated: 18th August 2009
SSN

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has confirmed he is considering a move for West Ham United defender Calum Davenport. The 26-year-old, who spent the second half of last season on loan at Sunderland, is currently out of favour at West Ham and was not in the squad for Saturday's opening game at Wolves. He has been linked with a £1.5million move to Forest, although reports suggest Davies will initially try to sign the centre-half on loan. Davies is still keen to strengthen his squad before the close of the transfer window and admits Davenport is among the Championship club's targets. "It is a possibility," Davies told the Nottingham Evening Post. "Davenport is a name we have thought about. "I am sitting down with my staff and putting together names to put to the board to recommend we should bring in. "Let me say again, we will make sure that we are getting good value and that we are getting the right type of player. "We are not going to bring players in for the sake of it."

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Hammers submit second Chamakh bid
442 Staff - Yesterday, 21:55
FourFourTwo.com

West Ham United are reportedly closing in on the signing of in-demand Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh, after making an improved bid for the front-man. The Moroccan international, who has netted 15 times for his country, has been linked with a move to the Premier League throughout the close-season. His 13 goals last term helped secure a first league title in 10 years for les Girondins, but Chamakh has made no secret of his desire to leave the Stade Chaban Delmas. He has previously claimed to have agreed terms with Sunderland, Fulham, Blackburn Rovers and Tottenham Hotspur, while Arsenal are now believed to have withdrawn their interest in the striker after refusing to up their offer of £5 million. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has already been linked with several high-profile forwards this summer, including Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen, Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli and Bayern Munich talisman Luca Toni, as he bids to bolster his front-line.

And according to the Telegraph, Bordeaux will accept an €8.2 million offer from the Hammers for Chamakh, with the French champions keen to receive a respectable fee for his services after the striker hinted that he will depart for free next summer when his contract expires. The report claims that West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury is due to fly to France to finalise an agreement with both the club and player, who has already netted three times in his opening two Ligue 1 fixtures this season. James Collins' expected switch from West Ham to Stoke City for around £3.5 million will help finance the deal.

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West Ham star rejects Stoke move due to pay demands
Last modified 23:23 18/08/09 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is reeling after missing out on West Ham centre half James Collins - who walked out on talks over personal terms yesterday. Welsh international Collins was at the Britannia Stadium after a £5 million fee was agreed but he could not sort out a wage deal and left the Potteries without signing. Pulis is stunned as Collins's move - along with a swoop for Middlesbrough's Robert Huth - are key to his planning for the season ahead. The Stoke chief wants the pair, but financial restictions are hurting him, with Collins joining Cameroon star Stephane M'Bia in failing to agree terms. Frustrated Pulis has had no problem agreeing prices for his targets but Stoke are reluctant to pay the wages being demanded by the men they want and that is leaving them with a lost of transfer failures.

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James Snubs Stoke Switch
The Sun

Published: Today

JAMES COLLINS has rejected a £5million move from West Ham to Stoke. The Hammers agreed a fee with their Premier League rivals and sent the Wales international centre-back to the Britannia Stadium to discuss personal terms. But Collins, who is 26 on Sunday, could not agree terms and rejected the deal. West Ham insist their improved £6.5m bid for Bordeaux's Morocco striker Marouane Chamakh is not dependent on selling Collins.

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Toni agent lambasts imposter
442 Staff - Today, 01:00
Four FourTwo.com

The genuine agent of Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni has threatened to take legal action against an imposter who has been speaking to the media regarding the Italian front-man's future at the Allianz Arena. The 32-year-old has netted 38 league goals in just 56 outings for the German giants since arriving in 2007, having bagged 47 and 50 league goals for previous clubs Fiorentina and Palermo respectively. However, the prolific Italian is believed to be concerned about his first-team opportunities at the Allianz Arena in 2009/10 following the arrival of new coach Louis van Gaal and strikers Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic. And as a result, Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have been linked with a move for the front-man, with Hammers' boss Gianfranco Zola desperate to bolster his forward line before the end of the month. Jose Alberti, claiming to be Toni's agent, recently revealed that the striker was close to sealing a return to his homeland by signing for Roma.
However, Tullio Tinti has since announced that he is Toni's one and only representative, and that there have been no negotiations regarding a transfer for the Italian.
"I don't know Jose Alberti. The player's affairs are managed only by me," he said. "Alberti's words are untrue and I distrust this person, who I don't know, to talk about a situation which does not concern him. "Should he continue, I'll use legal action. A person who presents himself as a manager of a person who they don't represent damages their credibility. "At this moment, there are no negotiations. "Luca is a Bayern Munich player and he's currently recovering from an inflamed tendon."

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West Ham legend Dicks hits out at Lucas Neill
By DANNY GRIFFITHS - Tuesday, August 18, 2009
Metro.co.uk

West Ham legend Julian Dicks has launched a scathing attack on current Hammers defender Lucas Neill for his lack of loyalty to his old club. Neill has been linked with a move away from Upton Park with Sunderland interested in signing the Australia international although it is possible he will stay with the East Enders. But Dicks is fuming that Neill even considered quitting Gianfranco Zola's team and said: 'Lucas Neill looks like he will re-sign for West Ham after seemingly ending his stay at the club in a row over money. Is it me, or am I missing something here? He's 31. Hardly in his prime but he does a job at right back. 'He gives the team a bit of steel. He's an uncompromising figure and knows the Premier League very well. But he's 31! I am told he was offered a two or three-year deal with the Hammers on about £40,000 a week. The word is that he was on £75,000 a week and was obviously unhappy at the reduced wages. But, come on, £40,000 a week! It's time he showed the club a little loyalty. I can understand that every player must look out for himself financially and I know only too well that a career can be a short one but £40,000 a week for the next couple of years ain't bad, is it?' And Dicks, who has been linked with the manager's job at Cambridge United as he seeks to further his young career as a boss, added: 'I used to earn £650 a week and thought I was rich! 'Mr Neill needs to get a reality check. As I have said, he is 31 not 35. Presumably he has come round to the idea as I am told he will re-sign and he is a solid right-back and will do a job for us. And we certainly need players who can do their jobs if we are to better the ninth spot in the league last season.' Dicks believes Zola is the right man to keep the Hammers afloat while they suffer during their current financial difficulties. 'With clubs such as Manchester City throwing money around like confetti, Everton, Villa and Spurs all in the race for higher league placings, it is going to be tough for Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke but, believe me, they are up for the job,' the former Liverpool star insisted. 'I like what they are doing down at Upton Park and enjoy the style of play they insist upon.'

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West Ham and Zola are not heading for a parting of the ways because they each need the other
By Darren Lewis
The Mirror
Last modified 13:16 18/08/09

Fortunately Gianfranco Zola is keeping his head while all about him are losing theirs. Somewhere, at some stage, the myth has been perpetuated that the West Ham boss is on a short fuse, seething as the club sell players from under him. Burning with rage as the West Ham hierarchy plot behind his back like Duke and Duke in Trading Places.
Ready to stamp his feet and stomp out in a hissy fit, fighting back tears at having the rug pulled from under him. Yet nothing could be further from the truth.

The banks do indeed need to be kept happy but Straumur, who have a 70 per cent stake in West Ham's parent company CB Holding, have a moratorium on debt payments in place until December and are under no obligation to hand over funds to their creditors. The West Ham team, however, are in desperate need of a striker, so Stoke being willing to stump up the £5million for defender James Collins keeps everybody happy. Zola desperately needs a new striker with Dean Ashton's injury seemingly never-ending and Carlton Cole the only fit forward at the club. There are grave doubts about the ability of African striker Savio to cope with the intensity of Premier League football, while Junior Stanislas is seen very much as one for the future along with the exciting young ex-Chelsea star, Frank Nouble. But the Bordeaux striker Maroune Chamakh is a different prospect altogether, as is Eidur Gudjohnsen and also Bayern's Luca Toni, who is still scoring goals for Italy at 32.

More to the point, if Zola is to succeed as a Premier League manager, these are the choppy waters through which he has to navigate the West Ham ship. When another Italian, Gianluca Vialli, tasted the realities of English football at Watford, away from the riches of the Champions League at Chelsea, he couldn't cope. Yet Zola has gone into the situation at West Ham with his eyes wide open. But knowing that it could be the making of him as a top-flight manager. For him it is a benefit that he is working with hungry young players rather than at a club top-loaded with expensive has-been mercenaries. For him it is a benefit that the club are sensibly working on loan deals for players with mileage on the clock and points to prove, rather than much-vaunted misfits whose lack of talent is disguised by their exploits in inferior leagues. For Zola it is a huge benefit that his most significant acquisition is someone else hungry to eventually make a name for himself in management - Steve Clarke. Because between them, they know that if they make this work, it will enhance their managerial CV's to such a degree that their stock will go through the roof. In short, while the talk has been about fears that Zola will walk, the much-loved Italian is well aware that he needs West Ham as much West Ham needs him.

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Cascarino: He reminds me a little of Paul Scholes
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:18 August 2009 - 14:09

The former Aston Villa and Chelsea striker Tony Cascarino believes West Ham star Mark Noble could be called up to Fabio Capello's squad before long, as he reminds the Republic of Ireland legend as Manchester United's Paul Scholes. The colourful football pundit suggests Noble would offer a different option from others already in the squad.
Cascarino told the Times: "Mark Noble could get an England call-up before long." "He's a talented lad who's just that bit different from England's other midfield options." He added: "He reminds me a little of Paul Scholes, but he needs to emulate Scholes's ability to come up with important goals." "Saturday's strike against Wolves was a good start."

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West Ham won't up contract offer to Neill
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United have returned to talks with Australia captain Lucas Neill.The Sun says West Ham still hope to re-sign last season's captain Neill but are refusing to improve the personal terms recently offered to the out-of-contract right-back. The Australia international's delay in sorting out a new club would suggest he would prefer to stay at Upton Park but neither side is backing down in negotiations so far.

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West Ham willing to go to £7M for Bordeaux's Chamakh
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United will up their bid to £7 million for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The Sun says the Moroccan, 25, was a target of Arsenal this summer but Gunners boss Arsene Wenger has refused to budge over the £5m mark for a player in the final year of his contract. A move could be tied up later today after West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury travelled to France to meet representatives of the player and the Ligue 1 champions. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is having to make some tough decisions about his existing squad in order to bring in new faces.

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West Ham turn to Roma attacker Baptista
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United are eyeing Roma attacking midfielder Julio Baptista. The Mirror says the powerful Brazilian is just 12 months into a four-year contract at the Italian club but the club are willing to sacrifice him to free up some cash to strengthen their squad. West Ham's striker crisis means they are scouring Europe for reinforcements up front but their cash crisis means they could only afford a loan deal. Roma are more interested in a straight cash deal rather than a loan deal for the 27-year-old who moved to the club for £8million last summer.

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Forest boss Davies confirms interest for West Ham's Davenport
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Nottingham Forest boss Billy Davies has confirmed interest in West Ham United defender Calum Davenport. It is a possibility," Davies told the Nottingham Evening Post. "Davenport is a name we have thought about. "I am sitting down with my staff and putting together names to put to the board to recommend we should bring in. "Let me say again, we will make sure that we are getting good value and that we are getting the right type of player. "We are not going to bring players in for the sake of it."

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West Ham's Boa Morte fears missing season
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United midfielder Luis Boa Morte fears he's out for the season. He suffered cruciate knee ligament damage playing against Spurs during the Asia Trophy in Beijing last month. Boa Morte, 32, had originally hoped to be back in the New Year. But he revealed: "I believe this season has completely gone for me. "I thought it was a serious injury as I have never felt such pain in my entire life."

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Barcelona's Gudjohnsen pricing himself out of West Ham move
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen is pricing himself out of a move to West Ham United. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has confirmed a push to reunite himself with his former Chelsea teammate. But the Daily Mail says for Gudjohnsen, who is available for about £5m, matching his £60,000-a-week wages would prove difficult.

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West Ham board confident Zola happy
18.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United insist manager Gianfranco Zola is happy at the club. The Daily Mail says reports have been dismissed that Zola was on the brink of quitting after being told he must sell key players to ease the financial worries of West Ham's majority stake holder, Straumur. Zola met West Ham's board two weeks ago and accepted that any recruitment would have to be funded by player sales. At present it would seem unlikely that Matthew Upson will be one such sale but a bid in excess of £15m would be hard to resist. Any cash from transfers would be reinvested in the team as Straumur, who have a 70 per cent stake in West Ham's parent company CB Holding, have a moratorium on debt payments in place until December and are under no obligation to hand over funds to their creditors.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 18th August 2009

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Having started the season in perfect fashion, Gianfranco Zola is looking
forward to a good week
17.08.2009

Gianfranco Zola is well aware that a long season lies ahead but he was
understandably buoyed by West Ham United picking up three points at the
first time of asking.
His squad report back for training on Monday knowing that two huge London
derbies at home are up next - a league date with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday
and Millwall in the League Cup on Tuesday week. As such there will be an
extra intensity to training but the weekend win at Wolverhampton Wanderers
has given everyone a lift that bodes well for the whole campaign.

"Nobody knows what lies ahead," said the manager. "We have a lot of
positives. We think it could be a big season for us. We could do big things.
We are working hard to make it happen."

With Herita Ilunga expected to recover from the facial injury he suffered at
Molineux, the manager will have Fabio Daprela, Radoslav Kovac and Savio
among others pushing hard to force their way into the matchday 18. He is
keen to add more competition with Zola reiterating his intention to provide
more firepower. "I am sure that it would not do us any harm if we had some
more striking force," he said. "I am sure that the club is doing everything
they can to fulfil that space for a striker. I rely on them and we'll see
what happens."

Reflecting on his current personnel, Zola picked out France defender Julien
Faubert after his "best game for West Ham". The flying full-back has worked
hard since his loan to Real Madrid at the end of last season. The manager
added: "He defended very well and attacked very well. I told him that
afterwards and congratulated him in the dressing room. He can definitely do
this every week."

His captain Matthew Upson - a 2010 World Cup hopeful - also stood out and
not just for his header that sealed the win after Mark Noble's first-half
stunner. "We are very pleased to have him here," the manager added. "He is
enjoying his football and he's looking forward to this season because it's
going to be vital for his career.

England goalkeeper Robert Green was singled out by Wolves manager Mick
McCarthy and Zola agreed, labelling his No1 as simply "excellent". Noble
also showed his "quality" and the manager said there was always a chance he
could force his way into the senior international set-up. "He is a
competitive guy. He gives everything and is very bright. It all depends on
him."

Moving further forward, Zola acknowledged the effort of Kieron Dyer who was
tireless in support of Cole and behind many of the best moves. "I was very
pleased with him. He had a very positive game and caused them so many
problems. We know that when Kieron's fit he can make the difference and that
was the case. I am looking forward to seeing him playing regularly."

Zola finished with fulsome praise for the team as a whole. Going into the
match, many neutrals had felt West Ham would find it hard to cope with the
passion of a newly-promoted team. Especially a club that paraded the
Championship trophy before the game but - as was the case with the fantastic
travelling fans - the Hammers were up for it. "I have every respect for
Wolves because the teams that have just come up always have a lot of
enthusiasm but, to be honest, I knew when I saw us play about Napoli [last
week] that I really saw some good things from my team. I was very pleased
and impressed and that made me very positive."

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Access card update
WHUFC.com
Season ticket holders will be able to enter the ground using their 2008/09
accces cards this Sunday
17.08.2009

The ticket office has reminded all season ticket holders who have renewed
that last season's access cards will still be in force for the 2009/10
campaign. With under a week to go until the opening home fixture of the new
campaign against Tottenham Hotspur at 1.30pm on Sunday 23 August, supporters
should check they still have their access cards to hand. Anyone who has lost
or misplaced cards should contact the ticket office on 0871 222 2700 and
select option 2 as soon as possible to request a replacement. Calls to 0871
numbers cost 10p per minute plus network extras. To minimise any
inconvenience on the day of the match itself we would ask that you contact
the club no later then Thursday 20 August - allowing sufficient time for
these to be posted to you Should you have any further queries relating to
the purchase of your season ticket please do not hesitate to contact the
club on the number quoted above. On behalf of all at West Ham United we
thank you for your continued loyal support and look forward to seeing you on
Sunday.

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Spence off to Scunthorpe
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence is to join Freddie Sears out on loan as he swaps the Irons for
the Iron
17.08.2009

Jordan Spence is to further his development with a month-long loan switch to
Championship club Scunthorpe United.

The 19-year-old defender could make his debut for the Iron at home against
Middlesbrough on Tuesday night having been in the stands to watch their 3-2
win against Derby County at Glanford Park on Saturday. Highly rated by all
at West Ham but yet to make his senior debut, Spence has captained England
at every youth level up to the Under-20s.

Spence will hope to impress Scunthorpe manager Nigel Adkins as he did during
a temporary spell at Leyton Orient last season, playing 20 games for the
League One outfit. He returned to West Ham in the summer and was taken on
the first team's pre-season training camp in Austria and subsequent tour of
China.

Freddie Sears, also 19, is the only other West Ham player out on loan. The
striker is at Championship club Crystal Palace and had the misfortune of
seeing a seemingly good goal disallowed at the weekend. Sears had the ball
in the net in the first half against Bristol City only for all the match
officials to miss it and continue play. Palace went on to lose 1-0.

Spence and Sears could face each other on Saturday 12 September when
Scunthorpe make the long trip down to London to take on Palace. Before then,
Hammers fans will be able to see Sears in action against Manchester City in
a televised Carling Cup tie on Thursday 27 August.

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Zola vows to keep West Ham stars
BBC.co.uk

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has insisted that the club does not need to
sell key players before the transfer window shuts at the end of August. Zola
was thought to be under pressure from CB Holding, the club's Icelandic
owners, to cash in on the squad. Stoke are reported to be interested in
signing James Collins for £5m, while fellow centre-back Matthew Upson has
also been linked with a big-money move. But Zola told the club's website:
"We are looking to buy not sell players."
Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa have all been linked with Upson in
recent weeks. And the England defender, who scored in West Ham's 2-0 win at
Wolves on the opening day of the Premier League season, has admitted he
would leave to help the Hammers financially. However, Zola is keen to bring
another striker to Upton Park with former Chelsea team-mate Eidur
Gudjohnsen, currently at Barcelona, thought to be a leading target. The
Hammers have already brought in Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac and Congo
defender Herita Ilunga on permanent deals as well as Chilean forward Luis
Jimenez on loan from Inter Milan. And chief executive Scott Duxbury says the
club will continue to back Zola if he wants to add to the squad. "The club's
position remains the same as it was last week or as it was in January: there
is no question of [Icelandic bank] Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in
fact we are actively looking for new players," he said. "The papers are
unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of year, but the situation
is clear - the only way a player would be allowed to leave is if Gianfranco
thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a whole and it is right
for the club."
West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "We fully support
Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their continued efforts in strengthening
the squad as quickly as possible, with a new striker their top priority."
CB Holding, which is owned largely by Icelandic investment bank
Straumur-Burdaras assumed ownership of the Hammers from previous chairman
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson in June.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa: season over
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Luis Boa Morte may never play for West Ham again after he admitted that his
recent injury could keep him out for the rest of the season. The Portuguese
winger - who is in the final year of a three-and-a-half year contract -
sustained cruciate ligament damage during the pre-season friendly with
Tottenham in China. And the 31-year-old has revealed that he is unlikely to
feature again this season - meaning that he may well have played his final
game for United. "I believe that this season has completely gone for me,"
Boa Morte told the London Paper. "Since the moment I got injured I thought
it was a serious injury, as I have never felt such pain in my entire life.
My cruciate ligament and the outer side of my knee have been affected. "It
was hard for me to take because I had high hopes for West Ham during the
summer. In the best-case scenario, I will only be fit for the final two
games of the season next May."
The injury has dealt the former Arsenal player a double blow, for it has not
only curtailed his Premier League season but almost certainly his chances of
playing in next summer's World Cup Finals in South Africa. "I had many hopes
this season, including the World Cup," he continued. "But this injury has
made things very difficult for Carlos Queiroz to call me up for the final
squad if we qualify."
Boa Morte was the first player to arrive during the January 2007 transfer
window and played a vital role in the club's 'Great Escape'. Following some
poor performances he became the target of the boo-boys before winning the
fans around again towards the end of last season with a string of spirited
displays.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fred denied
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 16th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

Freddie Sears was at the centre of the weekend's most controversial moment
after his goal for Crystal Palace in their Championship clash with Bristol
City was ruled out.
Sears, pouncing on a loose ball in the City penalty box steered the ball
beyond the keeper into the net where it hit a ground-level net post and
rebounded out. The on-loan Hammers youngster turned away to celebrate with
his team mates but was gobsmacked to see referee Rob Shoebridge wave play on
despite everyone in the ground bar the match official and his unfortunate
assistant noticing that the ball had crossed the line. To add insult to
injury, Palace went on to lose the game courtesy of an 89th minute winner
from City's Nicky Maynard

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ins and outs - latest
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 17th August 2009
By: Staff Writer

James Collins could be on his way to Stoke City according to a report in
this morning's Sun. The Welsh centre-half is being linked with a £5million
move to the Potters who have money to spend having survived their first
season in the Premier League last term.

* Morrocan striker Marouane Chamakh has hinted that he may remain at
Bordeaux for the final year of his contract in order to land a free transfer
next summer. The 25-year-old striker, who has been heavily linked with
Arsenal all summer was rumoured to have been the subject of a £5million bid
from the Hammers who are desperate for additional firepower. However Chamakh
was quoted in this morning's press as saying: "We will try to sort out a
transfer. Maybe I will stay, but for me there is no question of signing an
extension."

* Stories linking Matthew Upson with a move to Manchester City gathered
apace after the England defender refused to rule out a move at the weekend.
Talking about United's purported precarious financial position following the
2-0 win at Wolves, the 30-year-old said: "Whether or not that means someone
will have to be sold, I don't know, but I don't think the outlook is great
financially. It hasn't been mentioned to me that we need to sell but, if
there was a situation where they accepted an offer and it was down to me
whether I wanted to move, I would have to look at the club in question and
make a decision."

* Hammers target Luca Toni is reportedly interesting Serie A outfit Roma.
The 32-year-old striker, who is considering his future with current club
Bayern is on West Ham's hit-list but could be tempted by a return to his
homeland. "At the moment, there is no negotiation - only an interest on
Roma's part", said football agent Jose Alberti. "Both the club and the
player have been informed and Roma are awaiting a response from Bayern
Munich. Toni is very willing to return to Italy."

* Going the whole hog today is the Mirror's Paul Smith, who claims that the
Hammers are being forced to sell up to six first team players in order to
appease owners CB Holdings who Smith claims have ordered the sales. However
Smith's rather far-fetched offering has already been dismissed by an unnamed
Straumur spokesman, who is reported to have told the Mail that the story is
'nonsense'. Who'd have thought it.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Potters poised to land Collins
Defender set to join Stoke
Last updated: 17th August 2009
SSN

Skysports.com understands that Stoke are closing in on West Ham defender
James Collins. Potters manager Tony Pulis has declared his intention to make
five more signings before the transfer window shuts at the end of August.
25-year-old Welshman Collins looks likely to be the next arrival after the
two clubs agreed a fee. It is believed that Stoke even want to push the move
through before Wednesday's game away to Liverpool. Collins has become a
regular member of the West Ham side in recent times and started the 2-0
victory over Wolves on the opening day of the season. The Hammers are
understood to have spoken to Stoke about the possibility of taking Ryan
Shawcross to Upton Park in part-exchange but this part of the deal is not
expected to go ahead

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola rules out Upson sale
Hammers boss has no intention of parting with centre-half
By Chris Burton Last updated: 17th August 2009
SSN

Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham are still looking to strengthen their
squad, not deplete it. Reports continue to suggest that highly-rated
centre-half Matthew Upson could be on the move before the transfer window
slams shut. Manchester City, Arsenal and Aston Villa have all been linked
with a move for the England international at some stage. No formal approach
has been lodged, but that has done little to stop the ongoing rumours. Upson
himself has admitted that he would be willing to move on in order to ease
the financial difficulties currently being experienced by the Hammers. Zola,
though, claims he is under no pressure to sell and has instead signalled his
intention to bring further fresh faces on board before the end of the month.
"As far as I'm concerned, we're looking to buy players not sell them," said
the Italian tactician in the Daily Mirror following West Ham's 2-0 victory
at Wolves on Saturday. "We've had no offers for Matthew and want to keep
him. "I think he's enjoying his football and looking forward to this season
as it's going to be vital for his career."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham poised to seal £7 million deal for Bordeaux striker Marouane
Chamakh
West Ham hope to secure the permanent transfer of the highly-rated Bordeaux
striker Marouane Chamakh in a deal thought to be worth around £7 million.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:31AM BST 18 Aug 2009

Chief executive Scott Duxbury will fly to France to try to secure a move for
the 25 year-old, who remains of interest to Arsenal. If West Ham sign
Chamakh it will come as a huge relief to manager Gianfranco Zola, who has
made no secret of his desire to bring in at least one new striker this
summer. West Ham will partly finance the deal with the expected sale of
defender James Collins, who is interesting Stoke City and is available for
around £5 million. Talks between the two clubs are ongoing. Upson opens door
to City move One concern for West Ham is that Chamakh may carry out his
threat to see out the final year of his contract at Bordeaux and then agree
a free transfer next summer to Arsenal, who had a £5 million bid for the
Moroccan international rejected earlier this summer. Understandably the
French club are keen to avoid that scenario and want to conclude a swift
deal with West Ham, who are confident that negotiations will be successfully
concluded on Tuesday. Chamakh scored twice in Bordeaux's 3-2 win at Sochaux
on Saturday to take his total to three goals in two French league games.
West Ham had an initial offer of £4 million rejected and although club
sources will not confirm the scale of their new bid, sources in France have
indicated it could amount to around £7 million. Contrary to suggestions,
there is no sell-on clause involved in the deal.
West Ham have been in talks with Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Bayern
Munich's Luca Toni, but Chamakh would appear to represent a younger, quicker
option than either player. However West Ham will continue to look to add to
their squad before the transfer window closes at the end of this month,
having already signed Luis Jiménez from Inter Milan on a season-long loan
and agreed permanent deals for Radoslav Kovac and Herita Ilunga, plus the
promising young former Chelsea striker Frank Nouble.
The club have continued to fiercely deny suggestions that they have to
conduct a fire-sale to balance the books and have also dismissed out-of-hand
claims that Zola is unhappy and considering his position.
On the contrary, it is understood that the manager is comfortable with the
club's current transfer policy and is working closely with Duxbury and
technical director Gianluca Nani to re-shape the squad. West Ham have made
no secret of the fact that they want to move on several fringe players such
as Calum Davenport and Nigel Quashie, and would consider offers for others
such as Julien Faubert and Collins, even though both are currently involved
in the first-team. Duxbury has to continue to try and balance the books and
it is a case of West Ham having to sell to finance any purchases.
Manchester City have shown interest in Matthew Upson but West Ham will not
sell their captain unless they receive an offer of at least £15 million.
Even then the bid will be put to Zola to make a final decision but he may
decide that such a fee, for a 30 year-old, represents good value as long as
he is given funds to invest in his first-team squad.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers not looking to sell
West Ham trying to strengthen squad
Last updated: 17th August 2009
SSN

West Ham have insisted they are trying to strengthen their squad and do not
need to sell off their best players. Reports have suggested that Gianfranco
Zola was under pressure from the club's Icelandic owners to cash in on as
many of the squad as possible before the transfer window closes at the end
of August. Zola stressed earlier on Monday that he had no intention of
letting Matthew Upson leave Upton Park, while James Collins has been linked
with a move to Stoke. Chief executive Scott Duxbury has now given his
backing to Zola and assured supporters there is no fresh cause for concern.
In a statement on the club's official website, Duxbury said: "The club's
position remains the same as it was last week or as it was in January: there
is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in fact we are
actively looking for new players.
"The papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of year, but
the situation is clear - the only way a player would be allowed to leave is
if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a whole and
it is right for the club. West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt
added: "As I said earlier in the summer, the club is on a sound financial
footing and Straumur creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of
West Ham United. This remains unchanged. "We fully support Scott and
Gianfranco and endorse their continued efforts in strengthening the squad as
quickly as possible, with a new striker their top priority."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola NOT resigning say West Ham as club is forced to react to
player exodus reports
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:51 AM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham have been forced to deny that manager Gianfranco Zola is
contemplating resigning due to the club's uncertain financial position. The
club's Icelandic owners were also adamant that there will be no mass exodus
of the club's star players before the summer transfer window ends. A report
over the weekend suggested that CB Holding, owned largely by Icelandic
investment bank Straumur-Burdaras, have told Zola to sell many of his main
players before the end of August transfer deadline, prompting he and his
assistant Steve Clarke to seriously consider their futures.
A Straumur spokesman today however described the report as 'nonsense' and
emphasised there was no change to the club's financial situation from that
in June, when the bank assumed ownership of the club from previous chairman
and owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. It is understood though that Zola, who
watched his side beat Premier League newcomers Wolves 2-0 at Molineux on
Saturday, is becoming increasingly frustrated by the club's inability to
bring in strikers, such as Barcelona's former Chelsea star Eidur Gudjohnsen,
to boost his threadbare forward line.
Straumur, who themselves have been hit hard by the global recession, have
consistently maintained that the club need to be self-financing. That
effectively means that chief executive Scott Duxbury, who has been working
hard on trying to bring in new talent during the summer, has to sell before
he can buy. Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani have made just one
major signing this summer, Chilean Luis Jimenez on loan from Inter Milan and
may have to finance other transfers by selling England defender Matthew
Upson, who has himself talked about the 'difficult financial climate' at the
club. And the Hammers admit that they would find it hard to turn down a
£15million offer for the 30-year-old. Fellow centre-back James Collins could
also be set for a move away from the club, with Stoke City set to land the
defender for £5million.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Forest target Davenport to shore up defence
Tuesday, August 18, 2009, 07:00
ThisIsNottinghamForest.co.uk

NOTTINGHAM Forest have targeted West Ham defender Calum Davenport as the man
to solve their defensive crisis. Manager Billy Davies confirmed the Reds are
looking to secure a loan deal for the former Spurs man, with a view to a
permanent move. The 26-year-old is currently out of favour at Upton Park,
where manager Gianfranco Zola is insisting he trains with the youth team.
Davies believes the central defender, who finished last season on loan at
Sunderland, can help bolster a back four that has been ravaged by injury and
suspension. But, while Forest are likely to agree a future potential fee of
around £1.5m, they will initially look to take Davenport, who cost the
Hammers £3m in January 2007, on loan. "It is a possibility," said Davies.
"Davenport is a name we have thought about. "I am sitting down with my staff
and putting together names to put to the board to recommend we should bring
in. "Let me say again, we will make sure that we are getting good value and
that we are getting the right type of player. "We are not going to bring
players in for the sake of it." Davies is still not a massive fan of the
loan market, but hinted that it may be the best option now.
"The loan market is a wonderful option when you pick up an injury in
January, when you want to give yourself a final push," he said. "It is not
ideal at the start of the season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola happy to fight on without £5m James Collins as West Ham move
for Marouane Chamakh
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 11:58 PM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail

Gianfranco Zola has rubber-stamped the sale of James Collins to Stoke for
£5million to fund a move for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh. The West Ham
manager knows he must sell before he can buy and, given the surfeit of
centre backs at Upton Park, is prepared to lose Collins. Calum Davenport
could also move to Nottingham Forest. Zola's priority remains a striker and,
with Arsenal's interest in Chamakh on the wane, he is keen to tie up a deal
for the forward as soon as possible. West Ham are preparing a second offer
of around £5.2m, with possible add-ons which could increase the figure by
£1.4m. Bordeaux have lowered the asking price to £10m but may be required to
bend rather than risk losing Chamakh for nothing when his contract expires
next summer. Another option for Zola remains Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen,
who is available for about £5m, although matching his £60,000-a-week wages
would prove difficult. Reports have been dismissed that Zola was on the
brink of quitting after being told he must sell key players to ease the
financial worries of West Ham's majority stake holder, Straumur. Zola met
West Ham's board two weeks ago and accepted that any recruitment would have
to be funded by player sales. At present it would seem unlikely that Matthew
Upson will be one such sale but a bid in excess of £15m would be hard to
resist.
Any cash from transfers would be reinvested in the team as Straumur, who
have a 70 per cent stake in West Ham's parent company CB Holding, have a
moratorium on debt payments in place until December and are under no
obligation to hand over funds to their creditors. The process of converting
Straumur into an asset management company is ongoing, with their creditors
expected to ratify the proposal next month. If approved, Straumur will
retain their stake in West Ham via CB Holding. If not, their share will be
sold to the highest bidder.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham join hunt for Roma ace Julio Baptista
Last modified 23:01 17/08/09 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

West Ham are among a clutch of clubs interested in Roma's ex-Arsenal striker
Julio Baptista. The powerful Brazillian is just 12 months into a four-year
contract at the Italian club but the club are willing to sacrifice him to
free up some cash to strengthen their squad. West Ham's striker crisis means
they are scouring Europe for reinforcements up front but their cash crisis
means they could only afford a loan deal. Roma are more interested in a
straight cash deal rather than a loan deal for the 27-year-old who moved to
the club for £8million last summer. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is busy
trying to persuade Barcelona hitman Eidur Gudjohnsen to quit Champions
League winners Barcelona for Upton Park. He is also interested in Bayern
Munich marksman Luca Toni and Bordeaux contract rebel Marouane Chamakh.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham warn clubs - including Manchester City - that they don't need to
sell
Aug 17 2009
BirminghamMail.net

West Ham have no need to sell off their key players, as manager Gianfranco
Zola looks forwards to a positive campaign. Reports have suggested the
Hammers boss was under pressure from the club's Icelandic owners to cash in
on as many of the squad as possible before the transfer window closes at the
end of August. England defender Matthew Upson is one player linked with a
possible big-money departure from Upton Park, while Stoke are said to be
ready to launch a £5million bid for his fellow centre-back James Collins.
Zola, however, maintained following West Ham's 2-0 opening-day win at
Wolves: "As far as I am concerned, we are looking to buy players not sell
them."
While CB Holding, owned largely by Icelandic investment bank
Straumur-Burdaras, are not immune to the global financial recession, there
has been no change to their stance of when the group first assumed ownership
of the Barclays Premier League club from previous chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson in June.
Zola is keen to bring another striker to Upton Park, with his former Chelsea
team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen, currently at Barcelona, a leading target. While
the Hammers may not have invested as heavily as some of their rivals this
summer, there has still been money spent on a permanent deals for Czech
midfielder Radoslav Kovac and Congo defender Herita Ilunga as well a loan
move for Chilean forward Luis Jimenez from Inter Milan. Chief executive
Scott Duxbury and technical director Gianluca Nani continue to assist Zola
in the pursuit of further additions. In a statement on the club's official
website, www.whufc.com, ahead of the new campaign, Duxbury said: "The club's
position remains the same as it was last week or as it was in January: there
is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone - in fact we are
actively looking for new players. "The papers are unsurprisingly full of
speculation at this time of year, but the situation is clear - the only way
a player would be allowed to leave is if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best
interests of the squad as a whole and it is right for the club. It is as
simple as that."
West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "As I said earlier
in the summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur
creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This
remains unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority."

West Ham's midweek Premier League match has been postponed because of Aston
Villa's Europa League qualifier, and so will next be in action when
Tottenham head to Upton Park on Sunday before they host Coca-Cola League One
side Millwall in the Carling Cup on August 25.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte out for the season through injury
The Portugal international has revealed he will not be back in action until
May after sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage during West Ham's
pre-season game against Tottenham in the Asia Trophy
by: thelondonpaper
17 August 2009

WEST HAM have suffered a major injury blow after Luis Boa Morte revealed he
expects to be ruled out for the rest of the season. Boa Morte sustained
anterior cruciate ligament damage during West Ham's pre-season game against
Tottenham in the Asia Trophy in Beijing. The Portuguese winger was expected
to be ruled out until the New Year following his challenge with Benoit
Assou-Ekotto. But Boa Morte admits he cannot see himself making a first-team
return until May and knows he faces a long journey to regain full fitness.
Boa Morte said: "I believe that this season has completely gone for me.
Since the moment I got injured I thought it was a serious injury, as I have
never felt such pain in my entire life. My cruciate ligament and the outer
side of my knee have been affected. "It was hard for me to take because I
had high hopes for West Ham during the summer. In the best-case scenario, I
will only be fit for the final two games of the season next May." Boa Morte
was also hoping to play for Portugal at the World Cup next summer - but
feels his lack of games will cost him a place in Carlos Queiroz squad. The
Hammers winger added: "I had many hopes this season, including the World Cup
in South Africa at the end of the season. "But this injury has made things
very difficult for Queiroz to call me up for the final squad if we qualify."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola insists West Ham plan to buy not sell
Club officials deny there is pressure to offload
Eidur Gudjohnsen remains a target
guardian.co.uk, Monday 17 August 2009 15.32 BST

The West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola says the club will seek to strengthen
before the end of the transfer window.

West Ham United have insisted they do not need to sell off their leading
players despite recent uncertainty over the club's financial position.
Reports have suggested that the manager, Gianfranco Zola, was under pressure
from the club's Icelandic owners to cash in on as many of the squad as
possible before the transfer window closes at the end of this month.

England defender Matthew Upson is one player linked with a possible
departure from Upton Park, while Stoke City are said to be ready to make a
£5m offer for his fellow centre-back James Collins.

Zola, however, maintained following West Ham's 2-0 opening-day win at
Wolverhampton Wanderers: "As far as I am concerned, we are looking to buy
players not sell them."

While CB Holding, which is owned largely by Icelandic investment bank
Straumur-Burdaras, is not immune to the global recession, there has been no
change to the stance the group first assumed when it gained ownership of the
club from the previous chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson in June.

Zola is keen to bring another striker to Upton Park, with his former Chelsea
team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen, currently at Barcelona, a leading target.

West Ham have also spent money in the summer on permanent deals for the
Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac and the Congo defender Herita Ilunga as well
a loan move for the Chilean forward Luis Jimenez from Internazionale. The
club's chief executive, Scott Duxbury, and technical director, Gianluca
Nani, continue to assist Zola in the pursuit of further additions.

In a statement on the club's website ahead of the new campaign, Duxbury
said: "The club's position remains the same as it was last week or as it was
in January: there is no question of Straumur forcing us to sell anyone – in
fact we are actively looking for new players.

"The papers are unsurprisingly full of speculation at this time of year, but
the situation is clear - the only way a player would be allowed to leave is
if Gianfranco thinks it is in the best interests of the squad as a whole and
it is right for the club. It is as simple as that."

West Ham's non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt added: "As I said earlier
in the summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur
creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This
remains unchanged."

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Daily WHUFC News - 17th August 2009

'I just want to play'
WHUFC.com
Kieron Dyer is back but will be eased in carefully as West Ham United look
to challenge in 2009/10
16.08.2009

Kieron Dyer is on a high again after playing his part in the win at
Wolverhampton Wanderers but knows patience is the key. His impressive
contribution in the 2-0 opening-day success at Molineux on Saturday came on
only his tenth league appearance for West Ham United. As such, Dyer is
focused on adding to that tally of games above anything else and is already
looking forward to the next match against Tottenham Hotspur this coming
Sunday. "Since the new manager has come in, he has been great for me," the
30-year-old said. "He has given me the confidence and told me is part of his
plans and I just can't wait to get the season going."

Adding to his 33 international caps is certainly not on his mind, as he
feels he has a job to do first with the club in terms of form and fitness.
"I have had the question numerous times and I haven't even played 90 minutes
in two years so to be even labelled with England is ludicrous. "My job is to
just get on the pitch with West Ham. They employ me and they haven't seen me
on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on the pitch so I just want to play
for West Ham. England doesn't even come into it - I don't even think about
England. I just want to play for West Ham."

Tellingly the 73 minutes he played at Wolves before Gianfranco Zola replaced
him with Junior Stanislas was his longest run-out in a competitive match
since a tackle by Bristol Rovers' Joe Jacobson on 28 August 2007 saw his leg
broken in two places. His recovery was hampered by setbacks out of his
control that delayed his return more than once. "To think to not play 90
minutes in two years and it was a new move for me [from Newcastle United]
and a new start and to have my leg broken was hard to take," he said. "Touch
wood, I am due a bit of luck now. I have got a big season to look forward
to."

"I haven't played 90 minutes in two years so it is just easing me back into
it and trying to keep me fit. The plan was always to play 60 minutes and I
thoroughly enjoyed it out there. To come off when it was 2-0 was perfect.
"We really enjoyed it apart from the first five minutes of the second half
when Wolves gave it a good go and Greenie, all credit to him pulled off a
couple of saves. We were trying a new formation with a diamond and it seemed
to go really well. We are pleased with it."

In fact, Sunday was exactly two years since he joined the club from
Newcastle United and the midfielder is feeling good about his prospects of
showing West Ham United fans what he can do. The club's tough summer in
Austria and China will be positive to his hopes of staying fit.

"We have done a really hard pre-season and I think you see the benefits of
that. I think a lot of the Wolves players were cramping up and we looked
fresh and raring to go and that is a good sign. "It is the best I have felt
for a while but I haven't played 90 minutes yet so that the manager and
Clarkie are going to ease me in and play 60 minutes here, 65 minutes there
and maybe do that for the first six or seven games of the season. "They
maybe even take me out of a game and give me a whole weekend off and ease me
in back like that. Obviously I would be frustrated and I don't want to miss
any football but it is the right way to go. "You have seen with [Arsenal
pair] Eduardo and Tomas Rosicky who now has pulled another muscle,
especially when you have been out for so long, you get loads of muscle
strains and stuff. You have to be sensible with injuries like this. Two
years is a long time."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Roma make Toni approach
Agent confirms Roma interest in Italy forward
Last updated: 16th August 2009
SSN

Bayern Munich striker Luca Toni could be set to seal a switch to Roma,
according to the player's agent. The 32-year-old Italy international is
understood to be surplus to requirements at the Allianz Arena following the
arrivals of Mario Gomez and Ivica Olic, and he has been strongly linked with
West Ham and Monaco. However, it now appears he is closing in on a return to
his homeland after agent Jose Alberti revealed he expected Toni to complete
a move to Roma. "It's a situation that is 80 per cent likely to be concluded
successfully," he told Roma Giallo Rossa. "At the moment, there is no
negotiation - only an interest on Roma's part. "Both the club and the player
have been informed and Roma are awaiting a response from Bayern Munich.
"Toni is very willing to return to Italy, particularly because he played in
the World Cup in Germany alongside [Francesco] Totti, so that would be an
extra incentive for him." He added: "He wants to regain the faith of those
who didn't believe in him in Germany."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Chamakh ready to run down deal
Girondins star could wait for Bosman switch
Last updated: 16th August 2009
SSN

Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh has hinted that he is prepared to run down
the final year of his contract if he is not allowed a summer move to
England. The Morocco striker, 25, has been strongly linked with a move to
the Premier League, with Arsenal, Sunderland and West Ham having shown
interest. However, no deal has yet been agreed and, with Arsene Wenger
having suggested he is unwilling to pay over the odds for a player who will
soon be out of contract, Chamakh has warned his employers that he will
consider moving on a Bosman next year. "We will try to sort out a transfer,"
he told Canal Plus. "Maybe I will stay, but for me there is no question of
signing an extension."
Bordeaux boss Laurent Blanc has already stated that he is happy to allow
Chamakh to leave for a top English side, but he insists that they have yet
to receive any offers that he would consider suitable. "This is not about
whether we let him go or not but about where we let him go," he said in
L'Equipe. "We had a deal - if a large English club really wanted him, we
would find an agreement, but the large English club is not there."
Blanc previously caused offence when he said Chamakh would not be allowed to
join Sunderland as he 'deserved better', leading Steve Bruce to accuse Blanc
of being 'disrespectful'. Bruce highlighted the relative attendances of the
two clubs in his response, but Blanc has apologised and said his comments
were misunderstood. "I certainly did not communicate my thoughts well at
all," he said. "My remarks were misunderstood by the people of Sunderland.
"When I say he deserves better, it is in sporting terms - and only in terms
of sport. "I am not here to discuss the size of a club. All the clubs, I
respect them."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Wolves Report
Vinny - Sun Aug 16 2009
West Ham Online

Wolverhampton Wanderers 0 West Ham United 2

It is always a joyous occasion when football comes back after months of
being away. With the withdrawal symptoms just beginning to ease August comes
back around and we are back in the swing of things yet again.

What is even better is when your team surprises you with a comfortable
victory as we achieved against Wolves at Molineux with Mark Noble and
Matthew Upson getting the goals.

There has been much doom and gloom over the last few weeks due to a tepid
pre season which saw a few indifferent performances with weaknesses in the
team there for everyone to see. It is odd because as last season ended there
was much positive vibes coming from the club and the supporters with season
2009/10 being one to look forward to.

But as it became apparent that we could not sign any players for substantial
amount of moneys with only season long loans being a option the negativity
started to grow and getting beat by Tottenham in a Pre Season friendly in
China only added to the frustration.

This is why getting a victory on the opening day was so important and
despite Wolves being a recently promoted team no one would have seen this as
an easy game so to win with relative ease was very pleasing.

The team saw Robert Green in goal with Julien Faubert at right back after
the summer departure of Lucas Neill. This saw Matthew Upson take the
Captains armband as he lined up at Centre half alongside James Collins with
Herita Ilunga at left back.

In midfield there was Scott Parker, Jack Collison and Mark Noble with Kieron
Dyer and summer signing Luis Jimenez playing more as attacking midfielders
with Carlton Cole up front on his own.

The Wolves supporters would have thought West Ham at home was a very good
game to start the season and there was a definite sense of confidence coming
from their supporters, but for me it was clear from the first ten minutes
that we had that bit extra especially in our midfield which if I may add is
looking as good as it has looked in many a season.

Both sides looked confident in the early stages but as the half went on we
began to get on top. Our best play was coming down the right hand side with
the full back Faubert putting in two superb crosses which Cole failed to
connect with.

It was clear that Zola has instructed the players to get more shots off as
their were many more than an average game from last season. Of course a few
of them went wild and a pass to Dyer from Noble saw the midfielder hit a hot
high and wide to the amusement of the Wolves support.

It wouldn't be long until we did manage to take the lead and the goal was
quite brilliant. It came out to Cole on the left and he crossed to the edge
of the area to Noble where it looked as though he would simply play Jimenez
in on goal but instead he took a shot and scored a quite stunning goal. It
was wonderful technique from a player who we all expect more goals from this
season.

Wolves tried to hit back straight away with Jarvis having a half chance
after good work from the tireless Keogh but we took over from then on and
really should have managed to double our lead with chances falling multiple
times.

One of these chances saw Carlton Cole springing the offside trap only for
his shot to be kept out by Hennessey. The rebound then came out to Dyer who
shot low but it was cleared off the line by Craddock. Thinking back on it
now, Dyer should have done better as a proper blast of the ball would have
likely to seen a second goal.

How we didn't manage to score a few moments later was quite remarkable as a
corner swung in was met by Ilunga but the header was blocked on the goal
line and the ball eventually made its way to Dyer who from a few yards out
with his back to goal tried to back heel it but again it was cleared off the
line and eventually away for a corner.
We had Wolves on the ropes and this is exactly what we want to see more of
this season and what we lacked last season - spells of dominance and not
just catching teams on the break.

The home side had moments where they looked decent and they exploited the
defensive frailties of Julien Faubert at right back but they did not manage
to significantly test Green in the first period and we went in at half time
pretty please at what we had just seen.

In Typical West Ham style we failed to come out for the opening ten minutes
of the first half as Wolves lay siege on our goal and were unfortunate not
to have had more success with Robert Green (who had virtually been a
spectator for most of the game) being called into action.

It was the Wolves player Milijas who saw an excellent strike tipped over the
bar by Green and from the resulting corner Green was again equal to the
attempt which this time came from Jody Craddock.

As the West Ham supporters shifted uncomfortably the players managed to get
themselves together and a terrible mistake from Craddock let Collison in on
goal and the midfielder rounded the goal keeper but somehow his shot was
saved on the line by Foley when Collison just had to knock it either side of
the defender. That really should have been a goal and I was beginning to
become concerned that the golden chances that we had created had not been
taken and with Wolves looking marginally better we may be made to pay.

The hosts did have a good chance to equalise when a pass was played through
to Ebanks-Blake with Collins being caught out by the pass. The striker saw
his shot well saved by Green.

The Wolves resurgence began to wane and we started play the flowing passing
football that we saw at times last season and it wouldn't be long until we
finally found that all important second goal. It came from a corner which
was drifted in by Noble. The cross was played quite high in the air and it
was a surprise that neither the Wolves keeper or defender got to the ball
first because Matthew Upson easily rose to head past the static keeper.

Wolves were obviously knocked back by this goal and the game began to slow
down which suited us and we maybe should have added a third when a superb
break which was all down to Parker's interception and the pass was played
through to Jimenez but he decided to take the shot early and it was easily
kept out.

We continued to press forward and we never really looked like letting the
lead slip and when Wolves had to take off Ebanks-Blake despite having
already used their three allocated subs it became an exhibition for us as we
knocked the ball about frustrating the home crowd but this just made the day
even more enjoyable.

This was a thoroughly professional performance with many positives and yes
of course we need another striker but I urge everyone to take the positives
out of this game because there were quite a few and that midfield we have
really is something. Parker, Collison, Noble, Dyer and Jimenez for me is a
real classy midfield which is capable of taking on the best the Premiership
has to offer.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
England's Number One showed why he is just that as he put in another top
performance which Mick McCarthy has even commented on as being excellent.
Green made some really good saves and when Wolves got on top in the early
stages of the second half his stops kept us from conceding a equaliser which
would have changed the game completely. It is reassuring to know that we
have a goal keeper like him.

Julien Faubert
The return of the forgotten man - or at least someone who many have tried to
forget. Back at the club and in at right back with Lucas Neill having
departed. I was a little surprised that Spector had not been chosen ahead of
him but Faubert put in a decent shift and when he got forward he looked
quite good. But once again his defensive frailties were exposed at it is not
so much his tackling but the fact that he seems to have no idea where to
position himself. He is clearly not a defender but then again we worked that
out last season. Better teams will punish us for this weak link in defence.

James Collinsbr>A solid performance from Collins who was starting with James
Tomkins out injured. It remains to be seen who will be the first choice when
Tomkins is available but Collins will be happy to have been part of the
defence which kept the first clean sheet of the season. Apart from one
mistake in the second half which nearly led to Ebanks-Blake scoring Collins
will be pleased enough with his performance.

Matthew Upson
The speculation regarding his future still ongoing a performance like this
shows us just what we will be missing if he does leave. This was a top
defensive performance where he made things look easy which quality defenders
have the ability to do. Of course he capped the performance with a goal
which will only add to the disappointment if he leaves.

Herita Ilunga
Last seasons WHO player of the year started the season well with another
solid if unspectacular performance. He was rarely trouble and it was a shame
his day ended early when a nasty clash of heads forced him to come off.

Mark Noble
Scoring a great goal is always something I feel Noble is capable of
(Blackburn away last season) but it wasn't just the goal which was excellent
but his whole display was very classy. He looked comfortable on the ball and
some of his passing was quite fantastic. The pass through to Cole in the
first half which ended with a Dyer shot being cleared off the line is just
an example of how much technical quality he possess. The task for young
Noble is doing it consistently.

Scott Parker
We simply have to keep this man fit if we are to do well this season. He is
vital to everything in our midfield because he breaks everything up and
starts moves. His cross field passing isn't great but his low accurate
passes into feet to Cole seem to start everything. This was a quality
display.

Jack Collison
Collison was in and out of this game and never really managed to get a real
foothold on proceedings. He did have two attempts on goal with the second
one being a pretty bad miss as he rounded the keeper but could not manage to
miss the defender on the line. Collison doesn't look out of place though and
he is always eager to get forward.

Luis Jimenez
A good game to make your debut in as he got a lot of space and time when he
had the ball. Wasn't as easily brushed off the ball and played some nice
passes. I would think as the match fitness builds up we will see more and
more from our main summer signing.

Kieron Dyer
Wolves struggled at times to cope with him as his running both on and off
the ball caused the hosts to lose him time and time again. He was clever in
possession and should have scored in the first half. I don't want to sound
clichéd (but I'm going to) but if he can stay fit he is like a… well you
know the rest.

Carlton Cole
There weren't many chances for him to be able to convert and only one in the
first half when he was played in by Noble sticks out. Still, Cole worked
very hard despite having two men marking him whenever the ball came near
him. His control as he showed for England a few nights ago is getting better
and better and he looks a real threat. He is going to be a big player for us
this season with many of our hopes riding on him.

Subs Used

Jonathan Spector (on for Ilunga 65 mins)
Made a few early mistakes but after the second goal any tempo Wolves had
soon faded and Spector saw his afternoon get much easier.

Junior Stanislas (on for Dyer 73 mins)
Looked sharp when he came on and saw quite a bit of the ball. Despite having
many attempts he was unable at every attempt to beat his man and for a right
footed player I cannot understand his persistence with going outside the
player when cutting inside would give him a chance to shoot.

Frank Nouble (on for Cole 90 mins)
Seems to take an age for a break in the play so he could come on

Subs Not Used

Kurucz, Hines, Gabbidon, Payne

Bookings - None

Wolverhampton Wanderers: Hennessey, Foley (Vokes 75), Mancienne (Stearman
67), Craddock, Ward, Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards 80), Jarvis,
Ebanks-Blake, Keogh
Subs: Hahnemann, Elokobi, Surman, Jone

Overall

There were not too many optimistic views about this game being thrown around
and I think because of the lack of signings and a very uneventful Pre Season
there was a worry that like previous seasons when we did not strengthen the
team that we might struggle.

Hopefully this has eases some of those fears and although it is just one
game we have to take some confidence from a hard working performance which
saw our quality shine through. Wolves were not that bad and on another day
may have found that equaliser in the opening stages of the second half.

It is clear that we need another option up front as our bench saw two young
strikers who have never started a Premiership game. Faubert's performance
did not exactly fill me with too much hope but he did look quite decent
going forward which of course is what we purchased him for.

I have to mention the upcoming League Cup tie against Millwall. I like many
others was delighted that we were drawn against our oldest and most bitter
rivals. Millwall should always be considered our main rivals and this game
is one I really cannot wait for.

It seems that Millwall are also very excited about the game and no doubt the
caravan convoy will come rolling into east London very soon.

Millwall fans are incensed about only being given 1500 tickets despite being
in a stand which holds 7000! But then again, you always have to confine
animals.

Next Game

Tottenham Hotspur (h) Sunday 23rd

Our recent record against Spurs is pretty awful. We haven't even taken a
point off them the last three times we have played and this is surely time
for change.

If we play the football I know we are capable of I am sure this time we can
get a result.

Most West Ham fans will be dreaming of beating both Spurs and Millwall in a
space of three days but I wouldn't count it out because Tottenham for all
the money they spend are not unbeatable.

So another season begins. With West Ham you really can never predict what is
going to happen as this club never do things simply.

The Thoughts of Gianfranco

It was a good game for us. We conceded some chances to them but, on the
other hand, we created so many opportunities to score. The team looked in
control of the game but when you're winning 1-0, you fear that something
could happen but, fortunately, the team was focused and we kept our
composure, when they were coming at us.

"I'm pleased, it's been a good performance. It was the perfect way to start
the season.

"I am pleased for Matthew's performance and his goal. It's quite funny
because we were talking during the week and he said to me: 'I would like to
score more goals this year.' Now, he has just said to me: 'We have to talk
more often.' I told him: 'Any time!"

"We can produce good football this year but we just need to make sure that
the goals come from players other than Carlton Cole. Today has been good.
Two goals - one from a defender and one from midfield.

"I'm looking forward to seeing more goals in the future from other
midfielders. That's a part of the game upon which we need to improve."

"We have to assess Herita Ilunga - he took a knock on the jaw but I don't
think that it's going to be too bad,"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kieron Dyer hands West Ham cutting edge
Wolves were not the only ones trying to make up for lost time at Molineux.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Phil Shaw
Published: 7:00AM BST 17 Aug 2009

In only his fourth start since West Ham ventured £6 million on his lavish
talents two years ago, Kieron Dyer showed why he could yet make an
extraordinary and timely return to the global stage. At 30, Dyer is
England's forgotten man. Capped 33 times by Kevin Keegan, Sven-Goran
Eriksson and Steve McClaren, yet restricted by injury to 10 appearances
overall for West Ham, he sparkled in the Black Country sunshine like the
diamond ear-studs he once left in an away dressing-room before imploring Sir
Bobby Robson to turn the Newcastle bus around. The 73 minutes Dyer played as
the apex of a midfield diamond was his longest time on the pitch since he
had a leg shattered in two places by a Bristol Rovers player's challenge 12
days after joining West Ham. Asked whether a problem-free Dyer could make
next year's World Cup, manager Gianfranco Zola replied: "I'm sure Fabio
Capello is aware of Kieron and will keep an eye on him. "If he plays
consistently throughout the season, he can be as good as anybody."
Goals by Mark Noble – curled in as defenders stood off – and Matthew Upson,
from a free header, ensured Wolves' Premier League comeback was less
auspicious. However, in Serbia's Nenad Milijas, manager Mick McCarthy may
have found a midfielder as talented as Dyer. "His technique is very good,"
McCarthy said. "He can play in behind the striker or sit in; he's an
intelligent footballer."
The agility of England's Robert Green kept the £2.6m Milijas off the
scoresheet. But for McCarthy, who lost Sylvan Ebanks-Blake to a hamstring
strain and may not be able to give striker Kevin Doyle his debut until
Saturday due to a groin injury, it was scant consolation. "We don't want to
be saying 'we created chances'," he sighed. "We want to be saying 'we've
won'."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
I Don't Even Think About England - West Ham's Kieron Dyer
The attacker believes that playing for the Three Lions is not his priority
at the moment...
17 Aug 2009 07:00:49

Kieron Dyer insists that playing for England is far from his thoughts, and
is looking to concentrate on his West Ham United career for now. Speaking
after the game against Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 30-year-old pledged his
allegiance to Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola. "Since the new manager has come
in, he has been great for me," Dyer told the club's official website. "He
has given me the confidence and told me [I am] part of his plans and I just
can't wait to get the season going." The attacking midfielder then turned
his gaze to the question of his international future, and proclaimed that he
is currently concentrating on playing well for the Irons. "I have had the
question numerous times and I haven't even played 90 minutes in two years,
so to be even labelled with England is ludicrous," he said. "My job is to
just get on the pitch with West Ham. "They employ me and they haven't seen
me on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on the pitch, so I just want to
play for West Ham. "England doesn't even come into it - I don't even think
about England. I just want to play for West Ham." Dyer moved Upton Park in
2007, but has made only a handful of appearances for the club due to
persistent injuries.

Adithya Ananth, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson admits he may be on his way
Wolverhampton W 0 West Ham United 2
By Ian Edwards
Indelendent.co.uk
Monday, 17 August 2009

Gianfranco Zola never seems to have a smile far away from his face.
Predictably he was beaming after this, but inwardly he will be ticking off
the days of August on the calendar in his West Ham office in the hope that
the financial situation the club is in does not mean there will be further
departures before 1 September.

Zola has been a pauper in the transfer market this summer, only able to
bring in Luis Jimenez on loan from Internazionale, while rumours continue
about the club's Icelandic owners and the necessity to sell more players to
raise funds in the region of £10m.

The most likely candidate for such an exercise would be Matthew Upson.
Manchester City have him firmly installed as plan B, if their aggressive
pursuit of Joleon Lescott cannot break through the brickwall that is David
Moyes.

Zola is not of a mind to sell and there was the usual rhetoric from the
Italian about Upson being happy as a West Ham United player. Apparently he
is unaware of the need to generate money through the transfer market,
saying: "I have not been told that players have to leave."

Upson scored West Ham's second goal as Wolves were given a swift and painful
lesson in how crucial it is to accept opportunites at this level following
their elevation as Championship champions in May. If Zola is unaware of the
full financial situation, the England defender does not seem to be as
ignorant.

He readily concedes there is a worry and that he would have to decide his
best option should a For Sale sign be hung around his neck any time soon. He
said: "West Ham's financial predicament is quite well noted. Whether or not
that means someone will have to be sold, I don't know, but I don't think the
outlook is great financially. It hasn't been mentioned to me that we need to
sell but if there was a situation where they accepted an offer and it was
down to me whether I wanted to move, I would have to look at the club in
question and make a decision."

Eastlands would be his preferred destination, although Aston Villa are also
keeping a close watch on developments as their need for central defensive
reinforcements was exposed by Wigan on the opening day.

For now, Upson will have to sit and wait and reflect on the satisfaction of
only his second goal in 77 appearances for West Ham, which doubled the
advantage provided by Mark Noble's wonderful effort from the edge of the
area and rewarded the industry of Kieron Dyer, who rekindled memories of his
early days at Ipswich and Newcastle with his direct running and quicksilver
feet.

Dyer has been the victim of some terrible injuries so it was a relief to see
him relishing his new found rude health, even if the lungs gave out after 65
minutes.

Zola now has the task of keeping him fit and he would not presume to "step
on the toes of [Fabio] Capello", as a fit Dyer in this mood "would be an
asset to an England squad this summer. When Kieron plays consistently, he
can be as good as anyone."

In two seasons at Sunderland, Mick McCarthy finished bottom of the Premier
League on both occasions. If he was, by his own admission, naïve there, his
players were guilty of a similar charge here. They more than played their
part and were a little unfortunate to run into Robert Green in true England
form. "He is the England goalkeeper in waiting and he showed why," said
McCarthy.

Wolverhampton Wanderers (4-4-2): Hennessey; Foley (Vokes, 74), Craddock,
Mancienne (Stearman, 66), Ward; Halford, Henry, Milijas (Edwards, 80),
Jarvis; Keogh, Ebanks-Blake. Substitutes not used: Hahnemann (gk), Elokobi,
Surman, Jones.

West Ham United (4-1-2-1-2): Green; Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga
(Spector, 65); Parker; Collison, Noble; Dyer (Stanislas, 72); Jiminez, Cole
(Nouble, 89). Substitutes not used: Kurucz (gk), Gabbidon, Payne, Hines.

Referee: C Foy (Merseyside).

Man of the Match: Dyer.

Attendance: 28,674.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
EXCLUSIVE: Hammers to lose James Collins to Stoke in £5m deal
By Simon Jones
Last updated at 12:15 AM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail

West Ham are preparing to sell central defender James Collins to Stoke for
£5million as fears grew among fans that the club are being plunged back into
a financial crisis.
Though they are not short of central defenders — manager Gianfranco Zola can
call on internationals Matthew Upson and Danny Gabbidon and top prospect
James Tomkins — a sale will once again expose their fragile financial
underbelly. Collins, a towering Wales international, has been first choice
under Zola.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Wolves 0 West Ham 2: Kieron Dyer back in the groove as Hammers cruise
By Laura Williamson
Last updated at 1:32 AM on 17th August 2009
Daily Mail

Remember Kieron Dyer? A talented prospect at Ipswich, inconsistent at
Newcastle and a former England international with 33 caps to his name, Dyer
was back in West Ham's starting line up. The midfielder has not played 90
minutes since breaking the fibula and tibia in his right leg in a 2-1
Carling Cup victory against Bristol Rovers in August 2007 — in just his
third appearance after a £6million move south. 'I was told at first that I'd
be back within nine months to a year, so to be out for nearly two years was
hard to take,' he said. 'There was a lot of things that went wrong with the
operations — wrong pins being put in my legs and stuff that's out of your
hands. It's very hard when somebody breaks your leg to be called
injury-prone, but I suppose that's life.'
The 31-year-old, who represented England at the 2002 World Cup and Euro
2004, will have watched West Ham team-mates Robert Green, Matthew Upson and
Carlton Cole return from England duty last week, but insists an
international comeback is the last thing on his mind. 'I haven't played 90
minutes for two years so to even be labelled with England is ludicrous,' he
said.
'My job is just to get on the pitch with West Ham. England doesn't even come
into it. I don't even think about England — I just want to play for West
Ham.' Dyer certainly seemed intent to show Hammers fans what they've been
missing as he enjoyed a seemingly free role in West Ham's midfield diamond,
but was denied the chance to score on his return when Wolves captain Jody
Craddock cleared off the line on the half-hour mark.

Match facts

WOLVES (4-4-2): Hennessey 6, Foley 6 (Vokes 75min, 6), Craddock 7, Mancienne
6 (Stearman 66, 6), Ward 6, Halford 6, Henry 7, Milijas 8 (Edwards 80),
Jarvis 7, Ebanks-Blake 6, Keogh 6.

WEST HAM (4-4-2): Green 7, Faubert 6, Collins 6, Upson 6, Ilunga (Spector
65, 6) 6, Collison 6, Parker 7, Dyer 6 (Stanislas 73, 6), Noble 8, Jimenez
6, Cole 6 (Nouble 90+3).

Man of the Match: Mark Noble

Referee: Chris Foy

West Ham had gone ahead after 22 minutes through the exquisite touch of Mark
Noble, the England Under 21 international sending a dipping right-footed
shot into the top left-hand corner to show Wolves just how daunting their
task will be this season. The goal certainly seemed to rock the 2009
Championship winners and the enthusiastic 28,000 Molineux crowd as they
realised the folly of failing to capitalise on early possession and chances
for Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Andy Keogh. New signing Nenad Milijas was denied
twice by West Ham goalkeeper Green after the re-start and, although Wolves
always looked threatening on the break, Matthew Upson was allowed to head
home Noble's corner at the far post on 69 minutes to seal three points for
the Hammers. Manager Mick McCarthy took scant consolation from the positives
of his team's performance, saying: 'I just said to the players, I don't want
to be stood here saying we played well and created chances, I want to be
stood here saying we won.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: I don't want to sell Matthew Upson
Last modified 19:16 16/08/09 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror

Gianfranco Zola has insisted West Ham are a buying and not a selling club -
and told Matthew Upson he should stay at Upton Park to realise his World Cup
ambitions.
The England defender admitted yesterday he would be willing to move to "the
right club" to help the Hammers' financial plight. Craig Bellamy was sold to
Manchester City in January to help West Ham's cash flow with the manager's
approval. But Zola, who saw Upson score the second goal in their opening win
at Wolves, is opposed to the further sale of key players in a squad which is
already paper thin. And Zola and chief executive Scott Duxbury are trying to
wheel-and-deal to bring in at least one more striker before the transfer
window closes. With England Under 21 international James Tomkins highly
rated by the club, selling Upson could release funds to bring more depth to
the squad and help pay debts. But Zola reiterated today that he wants the
30-year-old, who has established himself as a regular in the England squad,
to stay and push West Ham forward. How much influence the manager has over
transfer policy will be revealed over the next fortnight.
"Matthew Upson realises that he is a good player and that there might be
teams who are looking at him," said the Italian. "We have had no offers for
him and we are very pleased that he is here. We want to keep him. I think he
is enjoying his football and he's looking forward to this season because
it's going to be vital for his career. "As far as I'm concerned we are
looking to buy some players not to sell them." After previous heavy
spending, the club has been told to be self-financing by new Icelandic
owners Straumur. West Ham have made bids or held talks with Eidur
Gudjohnsen, Luca Toni and Marouane Chamakh without closing a deal leaving
Zola's side over-reliant on England striker Carlton Cole. "I am sure that it
would not do us any harm if we had some more striking force," said Zola. "I
am sure that the club is doing everything they can to fill that space for a
striker. I rely on them and we'll see what happens."
Last week, non-executive chairman Andrew Bernhardt said: "As I said earlier
in the summer, the club is on a sound financial footing and Straumur
creditor meetings have no bearing on the operations of West Ham United. This
remains unchanged. "We fully support Scott and Gianfranco and endorse their
continued efforts in strengthening the squad as quickly as possible, with a
new striker their top priority. We are looking forward to a great season."

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West Ham star Kieron Dyer says he deserves some luck after all his injury
woes
Last modified 16:35 16/08/09 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror

Wolves 0-2West Ham

West Ham are off to a lightning-fast start but Kieron Dyer wants to take it
slow. Next week marks the second anniversary of the tackle by Bristol City's
Joe Jacobson which left the England midfielder's right leg shattered in two
places. Dyer, now 30, has not played a full match since as he finds his way
back to the form and fitness which saw him play in two major championships
and gain the last of his 33 caps the week before his career-threatening
injury. At Molineux, the former Ipswich and Newcastle star shone at the tip
of a midfield diamond in a Hammers team which had too much class for Wolves.
And his tireless running for 73 minutes suggested he will be an important
addition to a squad which badly needs extra firepower to complement Carlton
Cole. But after making his 10th appearance since joining for £6m two years
ago - and only his second start since his injury - Dyer is not ready to be
rushed back as a goalscoring saviour. "It is the best I have felt for a
while but I haven't played 90 minutes yet so that the manager and Steve
Clarke are going to ease me in," he said. "To think it was a new start for
me at West Ham and to have my leg broken was hard to take. Touch wood, I am
due a bit of luck now. I have got a big season to look forward to. "But it
is about doing what is best for me. When you have been out for so long you
get loads of muscle strains and stuff. You have to be sensible with injuries
like this. Two years is a long time."
Dyer had been ruled out for a year but his injury had further complications.
"There were a lot of things that went wrong," he explained. "The operation
was wrong, pins being put in my legs and stuff that is out of your hands. I
was told I would be back in nine months to a year so then to be out for
nearly two years is hard to take. "Then you get labelled injury prone and
that is very hard when someone breaks your leg to be called injury prone.
But I suppose that is life. "Since the new manager has come in, he has been
great for me and he has given confidence and told me I'm part of his plans
and I just can't wait to get the season going. We were trying a new
formation with a diamond and it went really well. To come off when it was
2-0 was perfect."
As long as West Ham keep a starting team including ten full internationals
and former England U21 captain Mark Noble on the pitch, they will be fine
this season. Their problem is a lack of depth, especially in the striking
department. Zola was delighted that Noble and captain Matthew Upson scored
in each half against Wolves to take the goalscoring burden shouldered by
Carlton Cole. And with the performance of Dyer. "Kieron is doing very well
and I'm sure that Fabio Capello is aware of everyone and that he'll keep an
eye on him," said the Italian. "If Kieron can find that consistency then it
will be up to him. But Dyer insisted his priorities are closer to home. "I
haven't even played 90 minutes in two years so to talk about England is
ludicrous," he said. "My job is to just get on the pitch with West Ham. They
employ me and they haven't seen me on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on
the pitch so I just want to play for West Ham. England doesn't even come
into it - I don't even think about England. I just want to play for West
Ham."

Wolverhampton: Hennessey 7, Foley 6 (Vokes 75,4), Mancienne 6 (Stearman 66,
5), Craddock 7, Ward 6, Halford 6, Henry 5, Milijas 6 (Edwards 80,4), Jarvis
5, Keogh 6, Ebanks-Blake 6

West Ham: Green 8, Faubert 6, Collins 6, Upson 7, Ilunga 6 (Spector, 65,6),
Collison 7, Parker 7, Noble 8, Dyer 8 (Stanislas 73,5), Jimenez 7, Cole 7
(Nouble 90,2)

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Calum Davenport Becomes New Forest Target
Vital Football

West Ham United central defender Calum Davenport is the new target for
Nottingham Forest, as manager Billy Davies attempts to bolster the defence.
Davies has been thwarted in his efforts to bring in the quality needed to
strengthen the backline, after failing at the death to sign Matt Mills from
Doncaster. Davenport is 26 years old and was signed from Spurs in 2007. The
6ft, 3ins defender spent the end of last season on loan at Sunderland and is
stuggling to get in the current Hammers side. He has a year and a half to
go on his current contract with the Londoners and would command a fee, but
with his chances of getting into the side slim at present, a move away
should appeal. Forest also have an interest in Jon Harley at Watford, but
the Hornets aren't too keen on him moving to us, despite the players desire
to do so. The Reds' are still keen on Millwall's Zac Whitbread, but are
being outbid at the moment by Championship rivals Swansea. Coventry City's
Elliott Ward is also on the radar, although he's currently out with an
injury at present. Billy Davies apparently wants all his signings done and
dusted well in advance of the game with the Sheep on August 29.

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West Ham, Wolves chasing Newcastle striker Carroll
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Newcastle United are ready to cash in on centre-forward Andy Carroll. The
News of the World says Toon are ready to offload several players, including
Carroll.
Wolves and West Ham United are chasing the big Geordie striker.

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West Ham in talks with Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United have opened talks with Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen.
The Observer says the Hammers have entered negotiations with Gudjohnsen
about a return to London. The former Chelsea striker knows he has little
chance of regular football at Barca this season.

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Fiorentina eyeing West Ham defender Spector
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Fiorentina are eyeing West Ham United fullback Jonathan Spector. Viola
scouts have tipped off sports director Pantaleo Corvino about Spector after
watching the USA international over the summer in World Cup qualifying
action. West Ham could be ready to sell with concerns that the club's
owners need to raise cash quickly to cover debts.

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West Ham ready to sell Collins to Stoke
17.08.09 | Andrew Slevison

West Ham defender James Collins is on the verge of becoming a Stoke City
player according to recent reports. Fears continue to grow that the Hammers
are again in financial trouble and may be forced to sell the central
defender for £5million. The Wales international has been first-choice under
Gianfranco Zola but it seems he is about to be lost to the Potters who have
also been linked to Middlesbrough centre-half Robert Huth.

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Neill holds out for more
Brought to you by
17 August 2009 | 12:25 - SBS EXCLUSIVE
Sbs.com.au

The future of Lucas Neill remains clouded with the Socceroo skipper's
refusal to accept a $A60,000-a-week deal at West Ham, narrowing his options
to Sunderland and Galatasaray - unless he has a late change of heart. West
Ham's technical director and chief negotiator, Gianluca Nani, is playing
hardball with the 31-year-old defender by declining to budge on an offer
still considered generous by a club operating under the strict financial
guidelines of new owners, the asset management group CB Holding.
It is believed former Upton Park skipper Neill, rested by Pim Verbeek from
the Socceroos' 3-0 thumping of Ireland in Limerick, is holding out for
$A100,000-a-week.
Sources close to West Ham claim that Nani is no longer willing to talk to
Neill's agent, Darren Jackson, over wages and conditions and has simply left
him with the take-it or leave-it offer. Sunderland boss Steve Bruce, who has
had preliminary discussions with Neill, has tabled a similar offer to the
player who commanded $A140,000-a-week during the heady days of Icelandic
sugar daddies Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and Asgeir Fridgeirsson before the
banking crisis forced them to depart the scene. Even Neill's other prime
option, Galatasary, who had been offering a $A7million-a-season deal six
weeks ago, have recently shaved $A1 million from the carrot as their
patience wares thin with the procrastinating free agent.
"Coach Gianfranco Zola wants Lucas back and he has a lot of sway. But the
offer is simple: $A60,000-a-week and $A10,000 per-match appearance money.
They are not willing to budge an inch," the West Ham source explained.
"Lucas can still be a West Ham player again but he must accept that the
financial landscape has changed at the club, and elsewhere."
The offer appears healthy, especially when contrasted with the wage
structure at London rivals Tottenham, whose best paid player Robbie Keane
earns $A100,000-a-week and the best paid defender, Ledley King, commands
$A60,000-a-week. With no pre-season behind him, Neill will be struggling to
push himself into contention for Australia's next World Cup warm-up against
South Korea in Seoul on September 5, even if his future is resolved in the
coming days.

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Blanc says West Ham target Chamakh will only leave Bordeaux for major club
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Bordeaux coach Laurent Blanc has called on interested Premiership clubs to
make a serious offer for Marouane Chamakh. West Ham and Arsenal have both
failed with bids for the Morocco international and Blanc says: "This is not
about whether we let him go or not but about where we let him go. "We had a
deal - if a large English club really wanted him, we would find an
agreement, but the large English club is not there."

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Dyer delighted to see West Ham action in Wolves win
17.08.09 | tribalfootball.com

Kieron Dyer was delighted with his contribution for West Ham United in their
victory over Wolves. "Since the new manager has come in, he has been great
for me," the 30-year-old told whufc.com. "He has given me the confidence and
told me is part of his plans and I just can't wait to get the season going."
Adding to his 33 international caps is certainly not on his mind, as he
feels he has a job to do first with the club in terms of form and fitness.
"I have had the question numerous times and I haven't even played 90 minutes
in two years so to be even labelled with England is ludicrous. "My job is to
just get on the pitch with West Ham. They employ me and they haven't seen me
on the pitch, the fans haven't seen me on the pitch so I just want to play
for West Ham. England doesn't even come into it - I don't even think about
England. I just want to play for West Ham."

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Neill holds out for improved West Ham offer
17.08.09 | Andrew Slevison

Lucas Neill is holding out for an improved offer from West Ham United,
according to reports. The Australian international's future at the club is
still in doubt after he refused a $AUD60,000-per-week deal and is believed
to be holding out for $AUD100,000. Sources close to the club say that
Hammers techncial director, Gianluca Nani, is no longer willing to negotiate
over wages meaning Neill could still have to find himself another club.
"Coach Gianfranco Zola wants Lucas back and he has a lot of sway. But the
offer is simple: $A60,000-a-week and $A10,000 per-match appearance money.
They are not willing to budge an inch," the West Ham source said. "Lucas
can still be a West Ham player again but he must accept that the financial
landscape has changed at the club, and elsewhere." Sunderland are still
believed to be interested as are Turkish club Galatasaray.

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