WHUFC.com
West Ham United were represented by Zavon Hines when England Under-21s drew 0-0 in Lithuania
17.11.2009
Zavon Hines won his second England Under-21 cap as the Young Lions recorded a creditable goalless draw away to Lithuania. The fixture came four days after the 1-0 home win against Portugal at Wembley on Saturday when Hines was an unused substitute. On Tuesday night in Vilnius, Hines appeared as a 66th-minute substitute for Fabrice Muamba but was unable to help break the deadlock. Last month, he had scored twice on his debut as England won 6-3 in FYR Macedonia. Stuart Pearce's England have eleven points from their first five fixtures in 2011 UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifying to sit in second place in Group Nine. They trail leaders Greece but are above third-placed Portugal, with those two nations playing each other on Tuesday.
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Dyer proud of youngsters
WHUFC.com
Reserve-team manager Alex Dyer was pleased with his young side's efforts at Norwich City on Monday
17.11.2009
It is not often that a manager admits to being 'ecstatic' after his team has lost, but Alex Dyer was justifiably delighted following Monday's reserve-team friendly fixture at Norwich City. Dyer's West Ham United, featuring ten teenagers in the starting XI, pushed an experienced Canaries side all the way before falling to an entertaining 2-1 defeat. The Hammers youngsters were a joy to watch, playing an intricate passing game that left their older opponents chasing shadows at times. Norwich took the lead within a minute through Cody McDonald before Paul McVeigh doubled the hosts' advantage with a 65th-minute penalty. Dyer's charges refused to give up, though, reducing the deficit through substitute Jack Werndly's deft header and creating a host of chances to snatch a deserved draw. "I am ecstatic, that's the best way I can describe it," said Dyer. "After going a goal down in under a minute, which was a lack of experience, we settled down and we reacted well for the rest of the game. "I thought we were good in the first half. We got straight back in the game and passed the ball well. The lads created chances and I was disappointed not to go in at half-time level. "I asked for the same again at half-time. We went over a few things and we started bright again. "They got their penalty, which I thought was very soft, but apart from that the lads created chances, young Jack came on and scored his goal and overall I am very pleased with the performance. "I am disappointed sometimes with the end product by delivering better crosses and getting some shots off, but our general play, passing and moving, is very good."
The reserves have been impressive in recent weeks, securing a fine friendly draw with Polish top-flight side Arka Gdynia before sharing the spoils in their most recent Barclays Premier Reserve League South fixture at Fulham. The likes of first-year professionals Anthony Edgar and Danny Kearns, as well as Iceland Under-21 defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, all put in fine displays at Norwich and are likely to feature again when the Hammers host Stoke City next week. "We've got a few players in that side who can move the ball and pass it well. We know they are a young bunch coming to a place like Norwich and it was great opportunity for them in front of a decent crowd on a lovely pitch.
"It was nice for them to taste that experience. Some of the lads stepped up from the youth team and came on and showed what they could do. As a coach, I'm well pleased."
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Nouble helps England win
WHUFC.com
Frank Nouble played again with England Under-19s on Tuesday after getting a late call-up
17.11.2009
Frank Nouble won another England Under-19 cap in a 3-1 win against Turkey in Scunthorpe on Tuesday night. The 18-year-old striker was a late call-up after overcoming a recent knock. The match at Glanford Park, home of Scunthorpe United, was free to the public and saw the visitors take the lead through Ozgur Cek just before half-time. Dean Parrett, Gary Gardner and Nathan Delfouneso were on target for the Young Lions as they battled back after the interval. It was a vital warm-up for next spring's Elite round for the 2010 UEFA European Under-19 Championship after Nouble helped the Young Lions to reach that stage with three wins from three in the first qualifying round.
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Dressed for success
WHUFC.com
Katy Perry's claret and blue outfit worn at the MTV awards continues to prove a hit with fans
17.11.2009
West Ham United have been making waves around the world recently because of a unique outfit worn by American singer Katy Perry - and the club has responded to huge demand by commissioning a limited run for sale to fans. The 25-year-old hosted the MTV Europe Music Awards ceremony on 5 November and stole the show in Berlin by sporting a revealing claret and blue outfit made from three West Ham replica home shirts. Perry's basque featured two club crests, while her hot pants were adorned with the name 'Rusty' in honour of her Hammers-supporting boyfriend, Russell Brand.
The woman responsible for dressing Perry in such an unforgettable outfit, which was seen by millions of TV viewers around the world, was freelance celebrity stylist and costume designer Siobhan Dillon. She had the kits supplied to her by the club. "I thought it would be cool to try and make the shirt as football-oriented as possible," she said.
"So, I used the collars along the top of the brassiere and used the two badges on the front. I had a team of three girls working with me on the outfit. It was made entirely from the three shirts, but we had to take the Airtex out and replace it with some lining."
Dillon is set to produce a limited range for West Ham United fans. An initial run of 50 will be made and sold through the club stores. They will cost £300 each and will be available by pre-order only. Size and payment will need to be confirmed in advance. Anyone pre-ordering before 20 November will be guaranteed delivery in time for Christmas. Anyone wanting to pre-order for Valentine's Day will have to do so before the end of December.
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Spector revels in new role
WHUFc.com
With a friendly international in Denmark on Wednesday, Jonathan Spector has given the US plenty to ponder
17.11.2009
Jonathan Spector could get another major test with the United States on Wednesday evening when they take on fellow FIFA World Cup finalists Denmark. The West Ham United defender is in line to win his 23rd cap and may yet again figure at centre-back after impressing in that position against Slovakia on Saturday, another nation that will be taking part in South Africa next summer. US coach Bob Bradley singled Spector out for special praise for his weekend performance. Spector's partnered US captain Carlos Bocanegra in what proved a competitive friendly with Marek Hamsik settling matters in Slovakia's favour with the only goal of the game from the penalty spot. Bradley wanted to see Spector in that position with the long-term absence of first-choice AC Milan defender Oguchi Onyewu. Bradley, mindful that it was at centre-back that Spector first came to prominence before being signed by Manchester United as a teenager, said: "Jonathan Spector and Carlos Bocanegra played well together and both showed good understanding. It's the first time we've used Spector as a centre-back and he was good."
All of that said, Spector may revert to right-back, his usual national-team position in Aarhus on Wednesday. He has no qualms about playing in the middle. Indeed, he would like to settle into that position in future. "I'm used to being back there. I played in that position throughout my career with youth national teams and club teams. "I was comfortable back there and playing next to Carlos [Bocanegra] and Steve [Cherundolo] made it easy. They're two experienced players and we had a lot of communication so that made it easier for me."
Of his performance against Slovakia at the weekend, Spector said it was a positive display before taking on the Danes. "We gave up a goal fairly early in the game unfortunately and I thought we were playing well up to that point, connecting passes and getting in behind their defense to create chance. They went ahead and their game plan was pretty clear. "They sat back and countered from there and made it difficult for us to break them down. Taking away from it we played some good soccer at times and passed the ball really well. They're a good team in Europe and I thought we had the better of the game, to be honest."
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Hammers rewarded
WHUFC.com
Tony Gale joined hundreds of graduates to collect a special award for West Ham United
17.11.2009
Tony Gale joined more than 600 graduates from UEL's Royal Docks Business School at a special ceremony to collect West Ham United's Award of Honorary Fellow . The accolade was given to club in recognition of the vital role it plays in the community, nurturing outstanding local footballing talent and offering youngsters the opportunity to stay fit and healthy. After collecting the award, Gale addressed the graduates, saying: "Congratulations to all, and with hard work and self belief you're bound to reach the top. As for West Ham just in 1966 when we provided three players in England's victorious squad you'll see in the World Cup next year just how many wonderful players have either come through our club or our Academy of football.
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Norwich City 2-1 Reserves FT
WHUFC.com
16.11.2009
Norwich City reserves v West Ham United reserves
Friendly
Carrow Road
Monday 16 November 2009
Kick-off: 7.30pm
Full-time - Norwich City reserves 2-1 West Ham United reserves
Defeat was very harsh on Alex Dyer's young reserve team, who could easily nicked a draw or even a win from a game high on entertainment and chances. Dyer will have been pleased with his whole squad, but the likes of Danny Kearns, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson and Anthony Edgar particularly caught the eye. All in all, the fixture was a very worthwhile exercise for the Hammers youngsters.
93 mins - Purdy wins a very late corner. Everyone bar Smith and Stech are in the Norwich box. The home side clear and it is two-on-one. Smith attempts to cover both the rampaging Hughes and McDonald. Hughes shoots and Stech makes a fine block before referee George brings proceedings to a close.
91 mins - We're into the first of three added minutes and Werndly forces a late corner, but West Ham waste the chance as the ball goes out for a goal kick.
90 mins - The superb Kearns is replaced by Republic of Ireland U17 forward Danny Purdy for the remaining few minutes. Seconds earlier, Werndly had the ball in the net, only to be denied by the offside flag.
89 mins - McDonald goes close, only to be denied by a fine save by Stech. From the resulting corner, Cureton loops a volley narrowly wide.
87 mins - Can West Ham create one last opening and snatch the draw they so richly deserve? Considering the gap in experience between the two teams, this has been a very impressive display from Dyer's youngsters.
86 mins - Edgar skins two Norwich defenders with lightning pace, but can only smash his shot wide of the target from a difficult angle. West Ham have been very good tonight. Norwich make their second and final change, as they've only named two substitutes. Wiggins is off, with Alex Stephens taking his place.
85 mins - Brilliant again from Kearns, who fires in a low cross that Turner can only slice behind for a corner. Kearns takes, but Lampe can only divert his header high and wide of the far post.
83 mins - West Ham are giving this a right go. A crowd of 1,890 have turned out to watch them do it, and this is friendly! They certainly love their football in this part of the world.
81 mins - GOAL! More fine work from Kearns sees him spread the ball wide right to Brookes. The right-back floats the ball into the penalty area and Werndly gambles, gets away from his marker and deftly flicks the ball past Theoklitos. Game on!
80 mins - Edgar picks up a loose clearance and runs at the Norwich defence. He creates a yard of space by dropping his shoulder, but can only fire over the crossbar with his left foot. That was a decent chance.
79 mins - Stech makes another acrobatic stop, this time to deny McDonald.
77 mins - That was a real save for the cameras by Stech! The Czech Republic stopper flung himself high to his right to pluck Dumic's rising 25-yard shot out of the sky.
76 mins - A change for both sides. Zola is replaced by Miles Smith, while Norwich's first swap sees McVeigh make way for Matthew Ball.
75 mins - It's turned into a bit of an end-to-end contest now. Stech thwarts McVeigh with his toe to end one Norwich attack, while neat footwork from Kearns almost sees Werndly get in behind the Canaries rearguard.
72 mins - They'll have some bruises to show for their efforts tonight, will West Ham. Edgar is clattered just outside the Norwich box and physiotherapist Tom Smith is called into action again.
71 mins - Finally, McVeigh is booked. A lunging tackle on Kearns proves to be the final straw for referee George.
69 mins - Theoklitos shows safe hands after an Edgar free-kick was allowed to bounce into his crowded six-yard box.
68 mins - Werndly is on, with Dixon the man to make way.
67 mins - This will be a proper test of character for Dyer's youngsters now. Youth-team striker Jack Werndly looks set to be the second West Ham substitute used this evening.
65 mins - GOAL! That is very harsh on the Hammers. McVeigh smashes the penalty straight down the middle to put Norwich two goals up.
64 mins - Stech's first job is going to be to face a penalty! McDonald got through and went down under a challenge from Eyjolfsson. It looked like shoulder-to-shoulder, but the referee pointed straight to the spot.
62 mins - Kurucz gathers a weak shot from Cureton and that is his night complete. No18 Stech comes on to replace the Hungarian, who is likely to be on first-team duty at Hull City on Saturday.
61 mins - This is a bit like watching the Arsenal first team!. West Ham are playing some beautiful football up to the final 18 yards or so, but so far they have not worked Theoklitos as much as they would have liked.
60 mins - As soon as they lost it, West Ham have rediscovered their passing rhythm. On the bench, it looks like substitute goalkeeper Marek Stech is going to get a run out.
58 mins - For the first time all evening, West Ham look a little hurried in possession. Eyjolfsson's hurried clearance hits Brookes and bounces into Kurucz's arms. It could have gone anywhere!
55 mins - McVeigh catches Kearns again, but the referee doesn't see it. Kearns is not at all impressed with his fellow countryman.
54 mins - Kearns does well again. He runs at the Norwich defence and threads the ball through to Dixon, but the forward is caught on his heels and Norwich scramble it clear.
53 mins - Another half-chance for Cureton, but he cannot direct his header from Dumic's right-wing cross anywhere near the target.
51 mins - West Ham have picked up where they left off before half-time. Fine skill again from Kearns wins a corner for his side. Kearns takes the corner himself, but it is headed clear.
48 mins - McVeigh clatters into Grasser and leaves the Austrian on his backside. The referee calls over Norwich captain Lathrope and tells him that McVeigh is on a last warning. This might be a friendly, but surely McVeigh would have been booked had this been a competitive fixture.
47 mins - West Ham keep the ball well and win a free-kick 30 yards from the Norwich goal. Grasser curls it over and the ball breaks to Edgar, but his shot is blocked and Dumic clears.
46 mins - No changes at half-time and West Ham get us back underway...
Half-time - Norwich City reserves 1-0 West Ham United reserves
46 mins - The half-time whistle blows.
45 mins - Edgar's trickery wins another free-kick deep inside Norwich territory. Kearns curls over the free-kick, but it is too high and Theoklitos claims. We're going to have at least one added minute of what has been a hugely entertaining first half.
44 mins - Good again from Kurucz, who raced off his line to clear the ball as McDonald attempted to latch on to a through ball.
42 mins - That really should have been 2-0. Kelly was left unmarked from a corner, but could only direct his header straight into the turf and Kurucz was able to catch with ease. Kelly was only six yards out and will feel he should have scored from there.
41 mins - Breathtaking skill from Kearns takes him past three Norwich defenders. He crosses low across the six-yard box, but there is nobody there to apply the finishing touch.
39 mins - Brookes brings down the speedy McDonald within shooting range. Lathrope and Cureton stand over the set piece before the latter curls a low shot around the wall and into Kurucz's arms.
37 mins - Kurucz is called into action again, but this time it is to make a routine save from Damon Lathrope down low to his right.
36 mins - Norwich have definitely got the upper hand back now. A spell of possession around the Hammers penalty area ends with Cureton curling a first-time shot wide of the far post.
33 mins - McVeigh gets a stern telling off from referee George after clipping Edgar's heels. It is not the first offence the former Tottenham Hotspur trainee has committed.
29 mins - Norwich appear to have weathered the West Ham storm for now and it takes a good piece of goalkeeping from Kurucz to prevent McDonald from doubling his tally. The stopper came out well to block the 23-year-old's shot with his legs before Andrea Zola completed the clearance.
27 mins - Edgar has switched flanks. His next victim could well be Norwich left-back Wiggins! Norwich finally keep the ball for a period of time before Hughes flicks the ball to Cureton, but the veteran's sidefoot effort is poor and thuds into the advertising hoarding well wide of the target.
25 mins - Norwich break and Kurucz does well to claim the ball off the toe of McDonald. That was brave from the Hungarian.
24 mins - Dixon looks mean out there. He is working his socks off. West Ham win a free-kick 25 yards from the Norwich goal. Edgar takes it short and Norwich clear. Maybe he should have taken a pop there?
22 mins - Just when West Ham look odds-on to score themselves, Norwich break again and Cureton plays in McDonald. The striker outstrips Jack Lampe and then stabs his shot miles wide of the target from 18 yards.
21 mins - Some of West Ham's quick passing is fantastic to watch. They are dominating possession and spending a lot of time in Norwich territory. Now it is just a case of creating a clear opportunity to level the scores.
18 mins - Good defending there from Eyjolfsson, who nipped in just when it looked as Cureton was going to burst on to McDonald's clever flick. The Iceland man took matters into his own hands, or rather feet, there and it was the right decision.
15 mins - Norwich almost hit West Ham with a sucker-punch. McVeigh crosses and only alert defending from Brookes sees him deflect Turner's header behind for a corner. Kurucz claims the resulting set piece.
14 mins - Superb football again from the visitors sees Dixon released down the inside-left channel. He beats one defender and only a last-ditch tackle from Nelson stops him from bearing down on the Canaries goal.
13 mins - Edgar is giving Norwich's young Danish right-back Dario Dumic a torrid time. The winger enjoyed his time on loan at League Two high-fliers Bournemouth and looks full of confidence.
11 mins - West Ham's youngsters are really warming to the task here. They play some very neat one-touch stuff inside the Norwich half before Edgar again beats his man, only to screw his shot well wide.
9 mins - Norwich look dangerous on the counter-attack, with Cureton ending one raid by curling a shot well over the top.
7 mins - To be fair to Dyer's young team, they are playing the better football now. Edgar looks particularly lively, beating his marker with an audacious double step-over.
5 mins - Oooh! Close to an equaliser for Dixon. The young forward beat the Norwich offside trap and cut inside Kelly before letting fly with his left foot from 20 yards, only for the ball to drift wide of the post.
4 mins - Well, that wasn't in the script. West Ham have responded well, though, and Dixon nearly benefits from a backward header from Kelly, only for Theoklitos to claim the loose ball.
1 min - GOAL! And we're off. Norwich spend the opening seconds passing the ball along their back-four. Danny Kelly launches a long ball out to Cureton wide on the left. He lays it back to left-back Rhys Wiggins, who picks out the unmarked Cody McDonald. The former Dartford man sends a looping header over Peter Kurucz and Norwich are ahead before West Ham have touched the ball!
7.32pm - The referee, a Mr George, speaks to captains Eyjolfsson and Cureton, and Norwich will kick-off.
7.29pm - To the strains of Blur's 'Song 2', the two teams emerge from the tunnel and on to the immaculate-looking Carrow Road pitch. West Ham are in claret and blue, while Norwich are in yellow and green, as you might have expected. There must be a few hundred fans here to watch tonight's friendly.
7.26pm - In goal for Norwich tonight is Michael Theoklitos, who famously began the present season by letting in seven goals in an opening-day thrashing at the hands of Colchester United. Theoklitos has not played for the Norwich first-team since that day, which just happened to be his debut.
7.23pm - West Ham's players follow their Norwich counterparts down the tunnel following their respective pre-match warm-ups. Opposite me in the Jarrold Stand - the only part of the ground open to the public - the younger home fans are singing 'Yellow Army'. Academy Director Tony Carr, who has overseen the development of the majority of the West Ham players on display this evening, is here to watch them in action.
7.20pm - Tonight's game is being played in front of a decent number of supporters. As well as the local Norwich fans, a small smattering of Hammers have turned out to support their club. I know this for sure as I met one family of Norfolk-based West Ham fans in the supermarket across the road about an hour-and-a-half ago!
7.15pm - Another player named in Norwich's starting XI is experienced defender Michael Nelson. West Ham fans with good memories will remember that Nelson was Hartlepool United's captain when they took on the Hammers in last season's FA Cup fourth round. Nelson gave away a penalty in that game, which ended in a 2-0 West Ham victory. A repeat would be most welcome this evening!
Good evening and welcome to Carrow Road for a specially-arranged reserve-team friendly between Norwich City and Alex Dyer's West Ham United.
Dyer has a youthful squad at his disposal on what is a cold, still night in Norfolk. The likes of Hungary Under-21 goalkeeper Peter Kurucz, Iceland U21 defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Austria U20 midfielder Georg Grasser and former Republic of Ireland youth international forward Terry Dixon will be eager to impress.
Also turning out for the Hammers are the likes of Northern Ireland U19 midfielder Danny Kearns, exciting forward Anthony Edgar and right-back Tony Brookes, all of whom signed their first full professional contracts in the summer.
In contrast, Norwich manager Ian Crook has an experienced selection of his players available.
With the Canaries involved in FA Youth Cup action against Torquay on Tuesday evening, former City midfielder Crook has a number of first-team fringe players in his squad.
Vastly-experienced forward Jamie Cureton, former Rangers midfielder Stephen Hughes and Northern Ireland winger Paul McVeigh are all in the Norwich squad.
Dyer will be keen for his young charges to continue the good work they have done in recent matches, earning creditable draws in the recent friendly with Polish outfit Arka Gdynia and Barclays Premier Academy League South fixture at Fulham.
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West Ham to sell Perry lingerie
BBc.co.uk
Katy Perry's appearance in West Ham lingerie at the MTV Awards ceremony has inspired the club to create a special limited edition range of underwear. The American singer, who is going out with comedian and Hammers fan Russell Brand, modelled the outfit made of West Ham shirts at the 5 November ceremony. Designer Siobhan Dillon's creation was seen by millions of viewers around the world and is now on sale at the club. An initial limited edition run of 50 will be made, priced at £300 each. Size and payment must be confirmed in advance, and any orders placed by 20 November are guaranteed to be delivered in time for Christmas. Anyone wanting to order one for Valentine's Day must get their order in by Christmas.
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Man admits footballer stab attack
BBc.co.uk
A man has admitted stabbing Premier League footballer Calum Davenport in the legs in an attack in Bedfordshire. Worrell Whitehurst, 25, from Derby, pleaded guilty at Luton Crown Court to causing grievous bodily harm. The West Ham player, 26, needed surgery after being stabbed in both legs at his mother's home in Kempston on 22 August. Whitehurst, who is the boyfriend of Mr Davenport's sister, also admitted wounding Mr Davenport's mother, Kim Stupple, 49. Sentencing was adjourned. Whitehurst faces a substantial prison sentence, Judge John Bevan QC told the court. Mr Davenport was left with a 15-inch scar on his leg after the attack but has recently returned to light training after surgery.
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Upson committed to Hammers
West Ham defender has no plans to jump ship
Last updated: 16th November 2009
SSN
Matthew Upson insists he has no plans to quit West Ham to join a more successful Premier League club. England international Upson is currently helping the Hammers battle against relegation from England's top flight. Gianfranco Zola's team have won just two of their 12 Premier League outings to date, although Upson insists his confidence remains high. While the former Birmingham defender admits it would probably be beneficial to win more matches at club level, he is committed to the cause. Upson insists he is not worrying about his future or his England place and that he will only consider his long-term plans should an offer arrive on his table. "Losing at West Ham is not affecting my performance," explained Upson. "You take pride in that no matter where the team is. "It is not easy and it probably is better to be somewhere where you are winning matches, but West Ham is where I am at. I have a job to do for them. "I don't think I have made that many mistakes individually this season but we have conceded a lot of goals. That is a problem and something we need to get better at. "I won't let that affect my international aspirations. I am at West Ham. That is my club."
As regards his future, Upson said: "If something is put in front of me, and I have to make a decision about my future, then I will. "At the moment it is not something I am thinking about. I am a West Ham player. Unless something happens, I am fully concentrated on them."
Upson played the full 90 minutes of England's 1-0 defeat to Brazil and the 30-year-old insists the friendly in Doha was a worthwhile exercise. Although the display from Fabio Capello's fringe players was largely disappointing Upson is taking the positives from the match in Qatar. "It was a difficult game," he continued. "They slowed it down when it suited them. It was a fantastic game. It is great to pit ourselves against the best side in the world. "We were missing a lot of players but that just gives others an opportunity. With the right game plan in the right situation, we can do well against them. We need to bear that in mind when we go into the World Cup. "Brazil are different because of the situations they are in when they receive the ball. In the Premier League the balls come down the sides. Brazil play short passes to feet and there is good movement off you.
"It is a different-paced game. Tactically it is different. It was a really good test. You have to be careful how tight you get to people because you can get turned. "You have to make good decisions about where you are going to put your body to try and intercept it."
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Hammers set for New Year hearing
Teletext.co.uk
The Football Association hearing relating to charges issued against West Ham and Millwall is now expected to be held in early 2010. The Hammers were hit with four charges following the Carling Cup tie against Millwall at Upton Park in August, while the Lions face three charges. Both clubs are alleged to have taken insufficient action to stop missile throwing and violent, threatening and racist behaviour. They were given extra time to respond to the charges last month and are understood to have co-operated fully with the ongoing police investigation into the chaotic scenes which surrounded the fixture. As a result, the FA hearing is set to go ahead in January 2010, later than originally planned. West Ham are expected to be handed a heavy fine and could be ordered to play one or more matches behind closed doors as punishment
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Disciplinary hearing scheduled for January
Newham Recorder
17 November 2009
WEST HAM will not have to face the wrath of the Football Association until the new year. Both the Hammers and Millwall were hit with a series of charges following their Carling Cup showdown at Upton Park back in August. But after being given extra time to answer the offences, the hearing will not now be scheduled until sometime in January. With West Ham fully co-operating with the ongoing police investigation into the events of that night, the club will be hoping that, as well as the length of time between the charge and the hearing, will lead to a more considered judgement. Even so, the Hammers still face a heavy fine and the possibility of having to play a game behind closed doors, though the club have constantly argued that they carried out every requirement laid down by the Metropolitan Police on the day of the match.
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Alessandro Diamanti Finding It Tough Adjusting To English Football - Livorno President Aldo Spinelli
Goal.com
Nov 17, 2009 12:22:50 PM
According to his former president, the Italian is finding the English style of football a little difficult to get used to... One of West Ham United's summer signings, Alessandro Diamanti, 26, is struggling to adapt to the different style of football that exists in England, according to Livorno president Aldo Spinelli. Spinelli sold Diamanti to the Hammers. The player penned a five-year deal; pocketing a cool annual sum of €1 million. While the wage he receives has been described by Spinelli as "great", the Premier League still requires some adjusting. Spinelli told Radio Kiss Kiss: "Diamanti rang me last night, admitting that it is hard to get into the style of English football." He continued: "He earns so much money and is happy with the choice he made. "Alessandro is a guy who three years ago was playing in the park and now is earning five million Euros in five years, for him, it is really great stuff." Diamanti has returned two goals from seven top flight appearances since his switch in August.
Alan Dawson, Goal.com UK
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West Ham's Jonathan Spector giving Gianfranco Zola fresh hope for optimism
Gianfranco Zola has been given a boost by the performance of Jonathan Spector, particularly as the United States international impressed in central defence rather than full-back against Slovakia at the weekend.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 8:36AM GMT 17 Nov 2009
With West Ham still in the relegation zone and with a busy winter programme sure to bring injuries and suspensions, the appearance of right-back Spector in the centre of defence will give the manager more options. Spector will win his 23rd cap for the USA against Denmark tomorrow and could again partner former Fulham defender Carlos Bocanegra in the centre. John Terry: Brazil nothing to worry about Bob Bradley, the US coach, said: "Jonathan and Carlos played well together and showed good understanding. It's the first time we've used Spector as a centre-back and he was good." Spector added: "I'm used to being back there. I played in that position throughout my career with youth national teams and club teams." The ability of Spector to play a more central role could prove interesting if West Ham were to lose England defender Matthew Upson in the January transfer window. Zola has insisted he is keeping Upson, despite interest in the summer and expected offers in the New Year. And Upson has insisted he is "fully concentrated" on West Ham ahead of the World Cup finals in the summer. Upson added: "I don't think I have made many mistakes individually this season but we have conceded a lot of goals. "That is a problem and something we need to get better at. But I won't let it affect my international aspirations. I am at West Ham, that is my club."
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Sven Goran Eriksson chases former West Ham defender
Published 08:30 17/11/09 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Sven Goran Eriksson has launched a £700,000 bid to sign Coventry defender Elliot Ward. Eriksson will make an ambitious attempt to land Ward, 24, in the New Year and bring him to Meadow Lane. Notts County's director of football want the former West Ham centre-half to drop down to League Two and boost the Magpies' promotion push. Ward is out of contract this summer and County are prepared to splash the cash to bolster Hans Backe's squad.
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Loyalty and Ambition!
West Ham Till I Die
As predicted, the media retain an unhealthy obsession with the alleged departure of our key players for other clubs!
In the headlines at the weekend, there was a report about Valon Behrami allegedly speculating on one day playing for a bigger club! I would suggest that the original quote from Behrami be scrutinised before any Hammers fans take hard and fast view on this. The quote printed in the UK press looked a tad clipped and manufactured for my tastes! Also, I doubt that Behrami is unaware that in today's world a comment made in Geneva will be reported in the UK the very same day! As such, I would expect that those comments need to be firmly put back in to the right context!
Next up is Matt Upson, who appears to have been questioned post-match on Saturday about the effect of West Ham's current position upon his world cup ambitions. The bottom line appears to be that he said he is a West Ham player and that he is happy at the club. He concedes that it is better to be in a team doing well, but the situation will not effect his England chances one way or the other!
He must have also been asked about the prospects of moving club, because he stated that a choice has not been put on the table and as such was not worthy of consideration. In other words, no move is in the offing, so why talk about it? All very reasonable and commendable from a senior professional and our club captain!
Finally, there is the whole issue about Liverpool and Man Utd eyeing up Carlton Cole for £20m! The club have now come out and stated that he will not be sold at any price. No doubt the media will ignore that and carry on speculating regardless. I am surprised that they have not also floated a 'Green to Spurs' story in response to Cudicini's unfortunate motor accident. However, I guess there is still plenty of time for that to emerge as a headline?
Still, on one hand, West Ham should arguably expect loyalty from these players. Why? Well, because when West Ham signed them, Green (Norwich City), Upson (Birmingham City) and Cole (Chelski) they did not arguably have the reputation or profile that they do now; and I do not actually remember anyone seriously competing with us for Behrami's signature before we signed him!
Now Green, Upson and Cole are all England regulars and the big boys of Italian football are interested in Behrami! Not a bad transformation in fortunes for any of them at 'little old' West Ham Utd FC, is it?
On the other hand, I guess that international players do have a right to expect their clubs to show some sort of ambition to compete regularly in Europen competitions! Until we make that transition as a club we are always going to have players becoming discontent or unsettled.
It is probably too much to ask for loyalty in the modern game, but at the same time we should not condemn players on the back of spun news stories. Hopefully all four players will contribute to rectifying the current situation at West Ham and stay to build something worthwhile in the longer term. Who knows, with an alleged impending change of ownership, we may even get to see the injection of ambition that players of their class are entitled to expect from their club!
Fingers firmly crossed!
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Another takeover bid for West Ham United emerges
SportsProMedia.com
16 November 2009 | By Adam Fraser
Former Birmingham City co-owner David Gold has once again been linked with a bid to buy Premier League soccer club West Ham United. The Daily Express says that Gold, who sold his stake in Birmingham to Carson Yeung, will make an £80 million bid for the club. Gold and his former Birmingham co-owner David Sullivan are former shareholders in West Ham, and Gold was a West Ham youth player. "All of my young life I spent there, so I'll always have an affiliation with West Ham until the day I die - I can't not have that," he said earlier this year.
The newspaper adds that Gold has rejected the chance to buy into Crystal Palace, another London club, and claims talks have already begun with CB Holdings, the company that runs West Ham for Icelandic bank Straumur. The club is currently in the hands of the Icelandic bank after former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson lost his wealth in the collapse of Iceland's economy.
The news follows a claim last week from The Intermarket Group that it has already delivered a proof of funds to the club. "Some people were dismissing us as not being serious bidders but we are. We have satisfied them that we have proof of funds," David Byrne, Intermarket's company secretary, told the Daily Telegraph newspaper.
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West Ham want £5M from FA over Ashton retirement
16.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are chasing £5 million in compensation from Dean Ashton's retirement. The Daily Star Sunday says Ashton will finally admit his career is over through injury this week and that will spark a multi-million pound compensation battle. The West Ham striker's career has ended less than a fortnight short of his 26th birthday – after he failed to recover from an ankle injury he suffered while training with England three years ago. Now the hard-up Hammers will seek up to £5million compensation from the FA for the loss of his services.
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Liverpool chasing West Ham pair Ilunga, Upson
17.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
Liverpool boss Rafa Benitez is planning a January raid on West Ham United. The Daily Star says Liverpool are planning a £15m double swoop for West Ham pair Matt Upson and Herita Ilunga. Benitez is already eyeing a £12m move for Hammers striker Carlton Cole, 26. But the Londoners are holding out for around £20m for the England star which is likely to stretch the Reds' budget too far. Benitez will go back to the East End for Upson, 30, and Ilunga, 27, if he fails to prise Cole away.
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Ex-Everton keeper Martyn tells Green to quit West Ham
17.11.09 | tribalfootball.com
Former Everton and Leeds United goalkeeper Nigel Martyn says Robert Green should leave West Ham United. Martyn says Green would benefit from a move to a bigger club.
He told the Daily Star: "West Ham fans won't be happy but if he can move to a top four or five club and hold a regular place in the team then he can make that England shirt his own. "But as Richard Wright showed when he left Ipswich for Arsenal, it doesn't always work out the way you plan."
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