Freddie back in the goals
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer was pleased to see Freddie Sears bag a brace for the reserves on
Tuesday evening
12.01.2010
Alex Dyer believes Freddie Sears will take great confidence from scoring
twice in Tuesday's 4-2 Barclays Premier Reserve League South defeat by
Arsenal. The 20-year-old marked his first start since returning from a loan
spell at Coca-Cola Championship outfit Crystal Palace by blasting two
penalties past Gunners goalkeeper Vito Mannone. Sears, who did not hit the
net in 18 games for the Eagles, many of which saw him playing out of
position on the wing, showed no signs of rust in confidently converting both
spot-kicks.
Manager Dyer, who was slightly disappointed to see his side lose after
battling back from a two-goal half-time deficit, was pleased with the
contribution of the Hornchurch-based hitman. "I watched him at Palace a few
times and kept an eye on him and his performances were good at times. He
just couldn't get on the end of things and hit the back of the net. "Every
time he has played in the reserves, he has been excellent. He started doing
the things he knows he can do, running the channels and putting defenders
under pressure. That's his game. He was also quick to grab the ball and
score two penalties, so it was a good night for him."
Dyer was also pleased with the reaction of his young side after they were
stunned by two Jay Thomas goals within the space of 60 first-half seconds.
Sears brought the Hammers level, only for substitute Emmanuel Frimpong and
Thomas to settle matters within the final eleven minutes. "Before half-time
they were better than us, but we passed the ball well. We had a few words at
half-time and ironed out a couple of things and came out in the second half
and started doing the things that we do in training. We passed and moved and
put people under pressure. We had two penalties but we could have had three.
"The lads did well and showed character. They dug in and we were
disappointed to concede two late goals at the end."
Dyer believes his players - in particular forwards Sears and Cristian
Montano - would also take something positive from the experience of coming
up against former England defender Sol Campbell. The 35-year-old turned out
for former club Arsenal with the view to signing a short-term deal with
Arsene Wenger's side, and showed glimpses of his international class with an
assured 45-minute display. "When good players come to play at West Ham it
inspires the lads. Sol Campbell is a name and has had a great career. He's
gone back to where it all started [in the reserves] and it made my teamtalk
easy before the game. I told them there would be a lot of people and media
there and they would be on Sky all day so they should go out and give a good
account of themselves, which they certainly did do. "In the second half they
worked very hard and I'm disappointed for them that they didn't come out of
the game with at least a point."
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Reserves 2-4 Arsenal
WHUFC.com
12.01.2010
West Ham United v Arsenal
FA Premier Reserve League South
Boleyn Ground
Tuesday 12 January 2010
Kick-off: 7pm
Two Freddie Sears penalties were not enough for West Ham United as they fell
to a 4-2 Barclays Premier Reserve League South defeat by Arsenal at the
Boleyn Ground.
Jay Thomas had given the Gunners a two-goal half-time lead before the
20-year-old blasted home two spot-kicks, the first after he had been fouled
and the second after strike partner Cristian Montano was felled.
However, the Hammers were unable to hold on to their point as substitute
Emmanuel Frimpong and Thomas struck late on to secure all three for the
visitors.
Alex Dyer's side will return to action next Tuesday evening, when they host
Portsmouth.
Full-time score - West Ham United reserves 2-4 Arsenal reserves
94 mins - Frimpong lets fly from 25 yards, but it flies well wide. Stech
boots the ball clear and the referee blows for full time.
93 mins - GOAL! Thomas completes his hat-trick with a precise finish from
Frimpong's pass. Unfortunately, West Ham's hopes of a dramatic late comeback
have disappeared.
91 mins - The Arsenal physio is on again, this time to treat Coquelin.
90 mins - We're going to have at least three added minutes.
89 mins - Abdulla is shown the yellow card after a lunging challenge on
Sunu.
86 mins - West Ham are working hard to come from behind a second time, but
the minutes are running out. Indeed, Arsenal come close to a fourth through
Merida, only for Stech to produce a superb stop to push aside the former
Barcelona player's effort.
82 mins - GOAL! That wasn't in the script. Frimpong is allowed too much
space 25 yards from goal and rifles a low shot past Stech's out-stretched
right hand.
80 mins - A second substitution for the Hammers. Payne is replaced by Ahmed
Abdulla. The Saudi Arabian was at Arsenal until he was 16 and would surely
love to score the winner against his old club.
79 mins - GOAL! Yes he can! The 20-year-old slams his penalty past Mannone,
smashing it into the bottom-right hand corner.
78 mins - You couldn't make it up! West Ham have a penalty! Bartley
challenges Montano and the referee gives a second spot-kick. Can Sears do a
Diamanti?
76 mins - Famous last words... Merida clips the ball through for Thomas to
chase. N'Gala knocks it back to Stech, who hurriedly hacks the ball clear.
75 mins - A quarter of an hour remains for the reserves to emulate the
first-team and overcome a two-goal half-time deficit to snatch a draw.
Arsenal's attacking threat has all but disappeared.
73 mins - Kearns' second corner is headed clear to Barrett just outside the
box. The Under-18 midfielder takes a touch on his chest, but his half volley
flies over the crossbar.
72 mins - Sears latches on to Kearns' pass before winning a corner. West
Ham's players congregate on the edge of the box to receive the Northern
Irishman's kick. Daprela gets to the delivery first, but his hooked shot is
deflected over the top.
70 mins - West Ham have changed their personnel. Spence is at right-back,
Ferrari at left-back and Daprela is now partnering N'Gala in the centre of
defence.
68 mins - Thomas is back on the touchline changing his boots again. It
appears a second white pair has been brought out for him to try on for size.
66 mins - Kearns is epitomising West Ham's approach, winning a free-kick
down the right wing. Before the set piece can be taken, Barrett is on for
the returning Lee.
64 mins - It has also made Jay Thomas's boots turn white. The Arsenal
striker has changed his footwear from a fetching lime green pair to plain
white. Stylish.
63 mins - Dyer will be pleased with the reaction of his players after half
time. They have really taken the game to Arsenal since the break and
thoroughly deserve to be right back in this game. Andrea Zola, Peter Loveday
and Nicky Barrett are warming up on the touchline, and I don't blame them!
It is one of those nights that makes your hands turn purple.
62 mins - Interesting effort from Frimpong, who swings a white boot at the
ball and slices it high and not very handsome into the Sir Trevor Brooking
Stand.
61 mins - West Ham really fancy this now. Daprela wins a crunching challenge
in the midfield before running 30 yards with the ball before being
unceremoniously brought down by Frimpong. That was not a very good tackle.
60 mins - Sears did really well to win the penalty that was given. He was
second favourite when Mannone pushed aside Lee's shot, but he rocketed past
his marker to get to the ball first.
57 mins - Shouts for another penalty. Edgar volleyed a cross in from the
left and Thomas Cruise appeared to kick the ball on to his own arm. Dyer is
convinced, but the referee is not. No spot-kick this time.
56 mins - GOAL! Sears strikes low to Mannone's right. That's the second
penalty he has had to pick out of that net this season following Alessandro
Diamanti's effort in the league game between the two sides.
55 mins - West Ham have a penalty! Edgar tricked his way past Gilbert before
crossing low. The ball was half-cleared to Lee, who poked goalwards. Mannone
saved but could only push the ball towards Sears, who was brought down as he
tried to apply the finish.
54 mins - Ferrari concedes a free-kick right on the corner of the home
penalty area. Merida tries an audacious shot, but it is well wide of the
near post.
53 mins - All the national newspaper reporters and radio commentators who
were sat in the Press Box before half time have disappeared back downstairs.
I can't think why!
52 mins - Arsenal win a free-kick 30 yards out. Merida shoots with his left
foot and Stech holds on diving low to his left.
49 mins - The Gunners have Evina at centre-back and Frimpong in central
midfield. Meanwhile, Montano attempts to batter his way through the Arsenal
defence, but Mannone is out bravely to dive for the ball at his feet.
48 mins - Strong handball claims against Evina as Montano attempted to flick
the ball over him inside the Arsenal penalty area.
46 mins - West Ham get us back underway. Can they force their way back into
the match?
A couple of half-time substitutions for Arsenal. Campbell is replaced by
Cedric Evina, while Emmanuel Frimpong is on for Randall.
46 mins - Sunu slaloms into the box, but Ferrari slows his progress. He
finds Merida, but Daprela nips in to steal the ball at the vital moment.
45 mins - We are going to have just one added minute,,.
42 mins - The ball breaks to Olly Lee 30 yards from goal, but his first-time
shot is too high to trouble Mannone. The midfielder has just returned from a
bout of glandular fever and will be eager to get back into regular action.
41 mins - Edgar sets up another attack, but his ball finds Daprela slightly
offside. The Swiss is unaware of the flag and crosses to Sears, who shoots
wide of the near post. Obviously it would not have counted, anyway.
38 mins - Another half chance for the Hammers. Sears wins a tackle in
midfield and Edgar picks up possession. He runs 25 yards before shooting
from the same distance, but the ball rolls wide.
37 mins - Good football from West Ham sees Kearns spread the play wide to
Ferrari. The Italian right-back crosses for Montano, who brings the ball
down before it is hacked clear by Bartley.
32 mins - Dyer is out on the edge of his technical area urging on his young
team. They are trying hard to get back into the game, with Daprela going on
another marauding run forward before losing the ball to Bartley.
30 mins - Stech earns a cheer after booting a clearance on to the roof of
the East Stand, where it stubbornly stays.
28 mins - GOAL! Thomas again. This time the forward picked up a neat pass
from Gilbert before cutting inside on his left foot and firing a low shot
that appeared to hit Edgar and loop past Stech.
27 mins - GOAL! Arsenal take the lead through Thomas. The 19-year-old got in
front of his marker to flick Merida's corner inside the far post.
26 mins - Another half chance for Arsenal, but N'Gala does well to get back
and block Coquelin's shot behind for a corner.
25 mins - Gilbert gets on to the ball from Thomas' pass before forcing
Daprela into conceding a corner. Merida curls the flag kick miles over Stech
and behind for a goal kick.
24 mins - A bit of space for Thomas just outside the box, but the 2009 FA
Youth Cup-winning captain cannot keep his shot down and it flies miles over
the top.
20 mins - West Ham force a corner down the right. Kearns lofts the ball in,
but it is too close to Mannone and the former Atalanta man claims it.
18 mins - Payne wins a challenge in midfield before finding Edgar, who
passes on to Sears. The 20-year-old gets the ball on to his left foot before
curling a shot into the hands of Mannone. Incidentally, the Italian has not
played a first-team game for the Gunners since the 2-2 Barclays Premier
League draw here in October.
16 mins - Sears turns superbly inside the Arsenal half before streaking
towards the Arsenal area, only to be clipped from behind by Coquelin. Kearns
rolls the free-kick to Edgar, who sees his shot blocked.
13 mins - Campbell is right in the centre of the action again, rising high
to head a long Stech clearance, only to connect with the back of team-mate
Craig Eastmond's head. The 18-year-old, who has made three first-team
appearances this season, needs treatment.
11 mins - Campbell almost fashions a chance for Gilles Sunu. The big
defender wins a towering header which bounces to the Frenchman, but he
cannot find the target with a low shot from 25 yards. The former Chateauroux
player was not best pleased with his effort there.
9 mins - Campbell has his first piece of real defending to do, heading a
Ferrari cross clear of danger.
8 mins - Jay Thomas latches on to a pass from Fran Merida, but can only
slice his shot miles into the stand from an acute angle. Both teams are
playing some neat football on what is a freezing night.
6 mins - First chance for Arsenal. Mark Randall shoots from 20 yards and
Stech gathers at the second attempt.
5 mins - Tonight's game is a big chance for Sears and Montano to show what
they can do. Sky Sports have their cameras here to track Campbell's
movements, so any chances taken by the forwards are likely to be granted a
national television audience. Daprela is also keen to shine, making 60 yards
with the ball before being crowded out on the edge of the Arsenal box.
3 mins - A lovely flick from Edgar sends Montano clear down the left. He
finds Sears, but the forward is tracked down by Gilbert before fouling the
full-back. The challenge earns a loud cheer from the stands.
1 min - Arsenal threaten early through Francis Coquelin but Daprela is alert
and snuffs out the danger inside the penalty area.
7pm - We're underway...
6.59pm - Both sets of players are running around trying to keep warm as the
two captains meet with the referee. We're going to stay as we are, with
Arsenal kicking off towards the Bobby Moore Stand end.
6.57pm - There is a quite a decent crowd in tonight, which I suppose is no
surprise considering the presence of a certain centre-back. Among the
interested spectators are Gianfranco Zola and Arsene Wenger. Here come the
two teams led by Bondz N'Gala and Kyle Barkley.
6.55pm - Both teams have completed their exercises and have made their way
back down the tunnel. Freddie Sears looked particularly sharp during
shooting practice, so Campbell could be in for a busy night.
6.30pm - Arsenal, led by Sol Campbell, are the second team to take to the
pitch for their pre-match warm-up on a cold, slightly breezy night in east
London. West Ham are already being put through their paces on the far side
in front of the East Stand. In the goal in front of the Bobby Moore Stand,
Marek Stech and Peter Loveday are being put through their paces by
goalkeeper coach Jerome John.
Alex Dyer has named a youthful West Ham United lineup for the FA Premier
Reserve League South visit of Arsenal to the Boleyn Ground.
Five players who have appeared for the Hammers first-team this season have
been included in the starting XI - Bondz N'Gala, Josh Payne, Fabio Daprela,
Freddie Sears, Anthony Edgar. Forward Terry Dixon is missing with a minor
leg injury and should be back in full training later this week.
For Arsenal, England defender Sol Campbell will make his first appearance
for the club since the 2006 UEFA Champions League final defeat by FC
Barcelona. The 35-year-old has been training with Arsene Wenger's squad
since leaving Notts County in September and is believed to be close to
re-joining the club on a short-term contract. The former Tottenham Hotspur
player scored eleven goals in 197 appearances for Arsenal between 2001 and
2006.
Aside from Campbell, the Gunners have also named a young team, with
goalkeeper Vito Mannone and full-back Kerrea Gilbert the only other players
over the age of 20 in Neil Banfield's team. Arsenal include eight members of
their 2009 FA Youth Cup-winning squad in their matchday 16.
West Ham United reserves: Stech, Ferrari, N'Gala, Spence, Daprela, Kearns,
Payne (Abdulla 80), Lee (Barrett 66), Edgar, Montano, Sears
Subs: Loveday, Grasser, Zola, McNaughton
Arsenal reserves: Mannone, Gilbert, Bartley, Campbell (Evina 46), Cruise,
Randall (Frimpong 46), Eastmond, Merida, Thomas, Coquelin, Sunu
Subs: Shea, Freeman, Hajrovic
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Wolves match rearranged
WHUFC.com
The club have confirmed the date for the rearranged fixture with
Wolverhampton Wanderers
12.01.2010
West Ham United can confirm the rearranged Barclays Premier League match
with Wolverhampton Wanderers will provisionally take place on Tuesday 2
February at 7.45pm.
The fixture was originally due to be played last Sunday but was called off
in the wake of health and safety concerns after the severe weather
conditions in east London. Tickets for the original date remain valid but
anyone wanting a refund can do so by contacting the ticket office. Click
here for more information. This match, due to be screened live by Sky
Sports, is subject to change, should Wolves be involved in an FA Cup
fourth-round replay against Crystal Palace.
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Death of Intermarket CEO hits West Ham takeover bid
By John Sinnott
BBC.co.uk
Finance company Intermarket's proposed takeover of West Ham has been hit by
the death of their chief executive officer Jim Bowe at the weekend. The
59-year-old Bowe launched his company's bid for West Ham in October.
Intermarket owner David Byrne admitted the tragedy could have an impact on
efforts to meet Rothschilds Bank's Wednesday "close of business" deadline.
"I believe we're offering the best package as well as guaranteed funds for
this transfer window," said Byrne. "We are the only party prepared to sign a
10-year commitment to stay at the club. "We will do all we can to take West
Ham into a prosperous future off the pitch and a successful one on it."
Former Birmingham City owners David Sullivan and David Gold are also
interested in the Premier League strugglers, who are said to be worth about
£100m. Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes, boss of the revived Lotus F1
team, has also been linked with a takeover of the club. The club are
currently owned by CB holding who say West Ham are £38m in debt. The main
shareholder in CB Holding is Icelandic bank Straumur, which has previously
said that it is in no hurry to sell the club. Bowe had only just taken on
the role of CEO at the invitation of Byrne when the company launched a bid
to buy the Hammers. The New Yorker was previously the president of the New
York Board of Trade. "Jim had been my friend for two decades," said Byrne.
"We worked on deals together and it had always been my ambition to work with
him in the same company. "We had many plans for the future. West Ham was the
first of them. His death is a terrible blow, but he would have wanted us to
carry on and give it our all. "If we win this race (to buy West Ham), it
will all be because of, and for, Jim."
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The revolution will be televised
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 12th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's postponed match against Wolves has been re-scheduled for early
February - and will once again be broadcast live. United - who may well have
new owners in place before the game - will now face Wanderers on Tuesday,
2nd February with the game kicking off at 7:45pm. The match will be screened
by Sky on the basis that Wolves' fourth round FA Cup tie with Crystal Palace
does not go to a replay.
The original fixture was postponed on Sunday due to adverse weather
conditions - despite the ground and surrounding streets being clear of snow,
and Arsenal having played in the worst of the weekend's weather 24 hours
earlier, just a few miles north. Arsenal, who were also pressured to cancel
their fixture with Everton by the local council are understood to have held
a two-hour meeting with officials to persuade them that the fixture should
go ahead.
West Ham - who would have been forced to play the game without a single fit
first team striker, due to last week's injury to Guillermo Franco - accepted
and acted on the advice of Newham Council and the Met Police in cancelling
the game, although this has not prevented some commentators from questioning
the decision.
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Hammers bidder suffer blow
But potential buyers hope to meet Wednesday's deadline
Last updated: 12th January 2010
SSN
Prospective West Ham owners Intermarket have been rocked by the death of the
chief executive Jim Bowe. Bowe launched his company's bid for the Hammers in
October but the untimely death of the 59-year-old over the weekend leaves
Intermarket's potential investment hanging in the balance. "Jim had been my
friend for two decades," said owner David Byrne, who admitted the tragedy
could have an impact on efforts to meet Rothschilds Bank's Wednesday "close
of business" deadline. "We worked on deals together and it had always been
my ambition to work with him in the same company. "We had many plans for the
future. West Ham was the first of them. His death is a terrible blow, but he
would have wanted us to carry on and give it our all. "If we win this race
(to buy West Ham), it will all be because of, and for, Jim."
Former Birmingham City owners David Sullivan and David Gold are also
interested in the Premier League strugglers who are said to be worth about
£100m. Malaysian entrepreneur Tony Fernandes is a third party linked with a
takeover of the Upton Park club which are currently owned by CB holding -
who say West Ham are £38m in debt.
The main shareholder in CB Holding is Icelandic bank Straumur, who have
previously claimed that it is in no hurry to sell the club, but Byrne is
confident they have the offer to tempt the current owners to do business. "I
believe we're offering the best package as well as guaranteed funds for this
transfer window," he added. "We are the only party prepared to sign a
10-year commitment to stay at the club. Jim Bowe's death is a terrible blow,
but he would have wanted us to carry on and give it our all "We will do all
we can to take West Ham into a prosperous future off the pitch and a
successful one on it."
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Rangers eye Quashie return
Midfielder could make Loftus Road return
Last updated: 12th January 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands Queens Park Rangers are lining up a move to bring
Nigel Quashie back to Loftus Road. Quashie has just returned to West Ham
after a successful loan spell at MK Dons, but he looks set to leave Upton
Park. The 31-year-old is out of the picture at West Ham and does not feature
in Gianfranco Zola's long-term plans. MK Dons are keen to bring Quashie back
on loan, but QPR are ready to scupper their bid by offering him a chance to
return to his first club. Quashie began his career at QPR staying for three
years before moving to Nottingham Forest and he could be tempted to return
to return Paul Hart's side.
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Tony Fernandes emerges as clear favourite to take over West Ham
Tony Fernandes has emerged as the clear favourite to take control of West
Ham United. The Malaysian entrepreneur is hoping to fly to London on
Wednesday to conclude a deal and would be a popular owner of the Premier
League club.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 7:00AM GMT 13 Jan 2010
Intensive talks have taken place for the past two days with the five banks
who have loaned money to West Ham — in a refinancing deal that was agreed
last autumn — and who have met Fernandes representatives and representatives
of the former Birmingham City co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold. A
third party, the Intermarket Group, has continued to register its interest
in buying West Ham and although it has not been ruled out it has struggled
to prove it has the necessary funding.
Sport on television Fernandes has not been at the meetings for the past two
days but was, it is understood, involved in a detailed conference call on
Tuesday with Rothschild, who have been appointed to handle potential
investors, and a possible takeover, by CB Holdings, the company that owns
West Ham. Also involved in the calls were Sullivan and Gold and the five
banks – Glitnir, Standard Bank, Lloyds-TSB, Royal Bank of Scotland and
Straumur, who negotiated the £30 million of debt last autumn.
On Monday Sullivan and Fernandes presented their separate plans to take
control of West Ham with the banks then going away and returning to the
table on Tuesday to discuss whether they found the plans acceptable and
whether they would agree to a change of ownership. The banks have the power
of veto.
The terms under which the club's debt was renegotiated have, it is also
understood, been a sticking point with the banks insisting that they begin
to see a greater return for their money. Fernandes, in particular, however
has explained that he will not countenance a fire sale of the club's players
while it is also understood that manager Gianfranco Zola is fully supportive
of his bid and would prefer to see the entrepreneur take charge than
Sullivan.
Both parties have carried out due diligence into West Ham. The problem for
the club, who are fighting a relegation battle, is that until a resolution
is found to their finances and ownership there is little prospect of any
transfer deals being concluded.
At present Zola has to sell before he can buy although, it is hoped, that
will change if a new owner is brought in who can achieve greater stability.
Time is of the essence, with the transfer window closing at the end of this
month. It may be that a deal is not concluded until the middle of next week
although if a resolution is found today it may mean that the club can begin
to move forward.
Fernandes would be a committed, driven owner of West Ham and is believed to
have drawn up exciting plans for the club's future. However he will also not
make any rash promises and wants the club to grow sensibly with the right
investment.
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WEST HAM OWNERS SCRAP BID DEADLINE
Daily Express
Tuesday January 12,2010
WEST HAM'S Icelandic owners scrapped last night's putative deadline for bids
for the club but will decide between the three offers only Sullivan and Gold
were thought to have funds cleared in the bank, having tabled a £46million
offer for half of the club. However, Straumur, thenationalised Icelandic
investment bank that owns 70 per cent of CB Holdings, are believed to want
to give Intermarket another 48 hours to come up with the money to back their
bid of £100m.
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Chief executive of prospective West Ham buyers dies
Intermarket's owner says takeover bid will continue
'Jim Bowe's death is a blow, but he would want us to carry on'
Jacob Steinberg guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 12 January 2010 23.30 GMT
Intermarket's proposed takeover of West Ham United has been dealt a blow by
the death of its chief executive, Jim Bowe, at the weekend. The 59-year-old
Bowe launched the finance company's attempt to buy West Ham last October.
But the owner of Intermarket, David Byrne, said the death would not stop the
company's efforts to meet Rothschilds Bank's deadline of tomorrow's close of
business. "Jim Bowe's death is a terrible blow, but he would have wanted us
to carry on and give it our all," Byrne told the BBC. "We had many plans for
the future. West Ham was the first of them. "I believe we're offering the
best package as well as guaranteed funds for this transfer window," said
Byrne. "We are the only party prepared to sign a 10-year commitment to stay
at the club. The former Birmingham City owners David Sullivan and David Gold
are also interested in the Premier League club, said to be worth about
£100m.
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West Ham United Reserves 2-4 Arsenal Reserves: Sol Campbell's Triumphant
Return To Arsenal
Defender plays first-half of reserve match on Gunners' return...
Jan 12, 2010 10:54:15 PM
Goal.com
Sol Campbell completed 45 minutes for a victorious Arsenal reserve side
against West Ham United reserves on Tuesday night. The Gunners second string
comfortably dispatched their hosts thanks to a hat-trick from Jay
Emmanuel-Thomas and an Emmanuel Frimpong strike. Freddie Sears scored both
West Ham goals via two penalty kicks. The return of Sol Campbell to Arsenal
after a three-and-a-half-year absence was very much the focus of attention.
The ex-England star last pulled on a Gunners' shirt back in May 2006 and, as
earlier revealed by Goal.com UK, the defender is on the verge of signing a
permanent deal with Arsene Wenger's side. Campbell was called into action
early on in this game too, using his experience to prevent West Ham attacks
from both Freddie Sears and Fabio Daprela. The visitors took the lead midway
through the first half with Emmanuel-Thomas heading in a Fran Merida corner.
Arsenal doubled their tally moments later, again through Emmanuel-Thomas.
Campbell was withdrawn at half-time and within 10 minutes of the restart,
the Hammers hit back through a Sears penalty. A second spot-kick from the
West Ham forward leveled matters, but Arsenal restored their lead when
Frimpong struck from 20-yards. The match was sealed in stoppage time as
Emmanuel-Thomas completed his hat-trick with a well placed left-foot drive.
The victory sees Arsenal reserves sitting in second spot in the Premier
Reserve League South, two points behind leaders Aston Villa.
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West Ham deal still on despite Jim Bowe's death: Consortium look to seal
£100m deal, fending off David Sullivan, David Gold and Tony Fernandes
By Simon Cass
Last updated at 1:46 AM on 13th January 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham could be sold for £100million by the end of the week despite the
sudden death of the prospective buyer's chief executive, InterMarket's Jim
Bowe. The consortium, understood to be made up of West Ham fans and backed
by a division of Deutsche Bank, say they will have funds to complete the
deal by tomorrow and head off rival bids by ex-Birmingham owners David
Sullivan and David Gold and Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes.
InterMarket have asked for extra time to finalise the buyout following the
death of Bowe, 59, at his home in North Carolina on Sunday. West Ham and
Millwall expect to find out today what action the FA will take over the
crowd violence which marred their Carling Cup tie in August.
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Collison flattered by Arsenal but happy at the Hammers
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on:12 January 2010 - 12:53
West Ham United midfielder and Welsh international Jack Collison has
admitted for the first time that he was flattered to be linked with Arsenal
on a "personal" level, but made clear that he is committed to helping
manager Gianfranco Zola beat relegation. In an exclusive interview with
Sport.co.uk Collison talked about fighting relegation, being linked with the
Gunners and the longest in the shower at Upton Park. Collison has been
linked in the last eighteen months with a move to Arsenal, with manager
Arsene Wenger reportedly earmarking the Welsh international for a bright
future. The dynamic midfielder has become a mainstay in the Hammer's
midfield under boss Gianfranco Zola while also breaking into the
international set up at the tender age of 21 with six appearances to his
name. Collison revealed he was happy on a personal level to be linked with
Arsenal, but made it clear he only had West Ham on his mind. He told
Sport.co.uk: "Rumours happen all the time in football. I don't think anyone
takes any real notice of it to be honest.
"At the moment I am concentrating on West Ham. Trying to improve as a player
and get us out of a relegation dog-fight. It is obviously nice to have been
linked with Arsenal personally, but I am very happy where I am at the
moment, and I want to help the club and the manager."
The graduate of West Ham's famed academy also went onto say that he was
genuinely proud to wear the claret and blue shirt and will play wherever
manager Gianfranco Zola wants him to play: "I will play anywhere West Ham
want me. Wherever the manager wants me to play. I have played a number of
positions since I broke into the first team but to be honest I just enjoy
playing football week in week out."I would probably prefer playing centrally
as I like to be in the thick of the action, but I will play anywhere
Gianfranco tells me. To be honest it is just a complete honour to put the
shirt on every week. "
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