Tuesday, March 31, 2009

Cole to Undergo Further Tests

The West Ham official website say that Carlton Cole is due to have more tests on the groin injury suffered while on international duty with England. Cole is due to have a further scan to assess the extent of the problem.

It therefore looks like Cole will be out for at least two weeks and possibly longer.

West Ham Forced to Settle

The Guardian today claim that West Ham were forced to agree a compensation package with Sheffield Utd by their auditors Deloittes, who refused to agree West Ham's annual accounts otherwise. If Deloitte did not sign off on the accounts West Ham would have probably been forced into administration.

The paper also claim that West Ham only managed to stay solvent by selling off a number of players in the January transfer window.

Monday, March 30, 2009

Barcelona - The Italian Club

There doesn't seem to be much West Ham related news around today. So instead here are a few pearls of wisdom from those who play the beautiful game.

"My parents have always been there for me, ever since I was about 7."
David Beckham

"I would not be bothered if we lost every game as long as we won the league."
Mark Viduka

"Alex Ferguson is the best manager I've ever had at this level. Well, he's the only manager I've actually had at this level. But he's the best manager I've ever had."
David Beckham

"If you don't believe you can win, there is no point in getting out of bed at the end of the day."
Neville Southall

"I've had 14 bookings this season - 8 of which were my fault, but 7 of which were disputable."
Paul Gascoigne

"I've never wanted to leave. I'm here for the rest of my life, and hopefully after that as well."
Alan Shearer

"I'd like to play for an Italian club, like Barcelona."
Mark Draper

"You've got to believe that you're going to win, and I believe we'll win the World Cup until the final whistle blows and we're knocked out."
Peter Shilton

"I faxed a transfer request to the club at the beginning of the week, but let me state that I don't want to leave Leicester "
Stan Collymore

"I was watching the Blackburn game on TV on Sunday when it flashed on the screen that George (Ndah) had scored in the first minute at Birmingham .. My first reaction was to ring him up. Then I remembered he was out there playing."
Ade Akinbiyi

"Without being too harsh on David Beckham, he cost us the match."
Ian Wright

"I'm as happy as I can be - but I have been happier."
Ugo Ehiogu

"Leeds is a great club and it's been my home for years, even though I live in Middlesbrough ."
Jonathan Woodgate

"I can see the carrot at the end of the tunnel."
Stuart Pearce

"I took a whack on my left ankle, but something told me it was my right."
Lee Hendrie

"I couldn't settle in Italy - it was like living in a foreign country."
Ian Rush

"Germany are a very difficult team to play…they had 11 internationals out there today."
Steve Lomas

"I always used to put my right boot on first, and then obviously my right sock."
Barry Venison

"I definitely want Brooklyn to be christened, but I don't know into what religion yet."
David Beckham

"The Brazilians were South American, and the Ukrainians will be more European."
Phil Neville

"All that remains is for a few dots and commas to be crossed."
Mitchell Thomas

"One accusation you can't throw at me is that I've always done my best."
Alan Shearer

"I'd rather play in front of a full house than an empty crowd."
Johnny Giles

"Sometimes in football you have to score goals."
Thierry Henry

Sunday, March 29, 2009

Stanislas Hat Trick

Here is the Stanislas hat-trick and a great goal from Savio from West Ham reserves game against Chelsea.

West Ham in the Sunday Papers

The Sunday Mirror say that West Ham's refusal to negotiate with eighteen Sheffield United ambulance chasers means that the case will now go to a tribunal, and Lord Griffiths, the High Court judge who chaired the original inquiry that found in the Blades' favour back in September, may again be called in to arbitrate given his intimate knowledge of the case.

The Sunday Mirror also say that West Ham United teenager Robert Hall continues to impress. Just 15 years of age, the England U16 striker Hall struck twice for the Hammers' U18s in their 3-0 victory over MK Dons last week. West Ham also had Colombian-born midfielder Cristian Montano and Spaniard Sergio Sanchez featuring.


Injured West Ham player Valon Behrami says he will return from injury a better player.

"I know with this support I can do my rehab work even better," Behrami told the club's official website. "It is always a pleasure to see and hear the West Ham fans.

They have been fantastic to me since I arrived and I want them to know I want to come back stronger and give my all for the team when I can. I feel this is my home now. I like the mentality here, the club and the people. I won't rush anything as I want to come back stronger and give much more to the team again.
"

Saturday, March 28, 2009

Cole Goes for Scan

Carlton Cole says he is unsure whether he will be fit for England's qualifier on Wednesday. Cole was forced to leave the pitch injured today after only twenty minutes.

I’m going for a scan and hopefully I can get the result straight away. I’m not sure for Wednesday, hopefully they can analyse it.

“It’s disappointing because their defence caved in at the end and me and Crouchy were disappointed we couldn’t be involved.

After the game Fabio Capello said that Cole would not be fit for the midweek game with a hamstring injury and would be returning to West Ham.

It looks like Cole is a major doubt for West Ham's game against Sunderland next weekend.

Stanislas Hits a Hat-Trick

Junior Stanislas scored a hat-trick in a behind-closed doors reserves friendly win against Chelsea on Friday. The West Ham side included Kieron Dyer, who got an extended run-out.

West Ham won the game 4-2.

Friday, March 27, 2009

Season Ticket Prices Cut

The West Ham official website have announced that fans purchasing season tickets for next season "will be able to save up to eight per cent compared to this season's prices. Furthermore, the club can also confirm that season ticket prices for the 2010/11 season will be frozen, subject to VAT staying at the same level."

Also, as "a reward long-term loyalty, any season ticket holder who renews for the fifth consecutive season (including this renewal season) will receive a 20 per cent discount on the cost of their season ticket for season 2012/13."

I've got to say that the club do seem to be getting a lot of things right this season.

West Ham Linked With Floccari

West Ham are being linked with Atalanta striker Sergio Floccari. Floccari has scored 12 goals in 27 games in Serie A this season.

Atalanta sporting director Carlo Osti said in the Daily Mirror,

"Sergio has now reached his full potential as a footballer in this league.

"We have an agreement with the player and his agent that he will be sold at the end of the season if someone is interested."

Newcastle, Juventus, Roma, Villarreal, Wolfsburg and Zenit St Petersburg are also said to be keen on the striker.

Thursday, March 26, 2009

Injuries are an Opportunity For Young Player

West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has been talking about the opportunities available to some of the younger players by the recent injuries to players like Behrami and Collison. Zola also thinks European qualification is still possible.

"In January we had something like 24 players," said Zola.

"Players were not playing and I don't like having players that were not playing regularly, especially if they are important players. That's why we decided to sell some players and give some players the opportunity to play.

"But then I didn't plan that I was going to have Behrami injured or Collison injured, that is part of the football. I believe that the team is good enough and the squad is good enough to end the season and achieve our objectives.

"We are still there and have a few problems but we will see how they cope. It is an opportunity for me to see some young players and plan for the future. It is a good opportunity for me.
"

Wednesday, March 25, 2009

Bellamy is a Maniac

Radoslav Kovac has been talking of his desire to sign a permanent deal with West Ham,

"When I spoke with the club's chairman, he told me that they would be willing to have me stay," he told deniksport.cz.

"But the clause is not the most convenient one so I hope we will come to an agreement somehow in the summer."

One reason why Kovac seems eager to sign for West Ham is the departure of Craig Bellamy. Kovac never played with Bellamy but seems to think the squad are happier without him,

"They are glad he is not in the team. They say he is a maniac. He shouted at everyone who did not pass the ball to him in training, it was crazy. His departure has been a positive thing for the players."


Meanwhile Dean Ashton has been talking about his recovery from injury. Ashton has started jogging on a treadmill, after undergoing ankle surgery, and could resume running next month. Ashton will not return to playing until next season,

"The ultimate aim is to get back running and feel completely comfortable doing this so I do everything one step at a time. It is good to have this as part of my programme now and I will continue to work hard to take it further.

"I want to come back when everything is right, not return prematurely and end up getting another injury, because all the hard work will be for nothing. If it means continuing to be patient and let things take as long as they need to, then that's what I will do."

Horsfield Admits to Being a Mug

Geoff Horsfield has admitted that he has no pride by revealing that he is one of the twenty Sheffield United players looking to sue West Ham United for compensation.

Horsfield did not play one game for Sheffield Utd during their last season in the Premier League and spent most of the year on loan to Championship sides Leeds and Leicester. Somehow he thinks that makes him eligible for compensation from West Ham.

Tuesday, March 24, 2009

Why More People Should Sue West Ham

Dan Silver has a good piece in today's Mirror, called 'Why Even More People Should Sue West Ham'. The article ridicules those lining up to sue the club and suggests that Iain Hulme and Crystal Palace fans should jump on the bandwagon,

"Iain Hulme: if Carlos Tevez hadn’t single-handedly relegated Sheffield United, then the Barnsley midfielder almost certainly wouldn’t have been hospitalised with a fractured skull inflicted by a horrific challenge by Blades midfielder Chris Morgan.

Crystal Palace fans: if Neil Warnock had remained at Sheffield United then Eagles fans wouldn’t have had to put up with the misery of watching him turn their promotion play-off contenders into inconsistent Championship also-rans."

In fact Silver seems to have taken a particular dislike to Warnock,

"Neil (Warnock), I hate to break it to you, but they reason you aren’t managing in the Premier League is almost certainly because you aren’t considered good enough to. Even Joe Kinnear managed to get a gig in the top flight since you lost yours, for crying out loud."

Fat Sam is Anorexic

Kevin Blackwell, the manager of Sheffield United, seems to have warned his players that if any of them are involved in court action against West Ham then they will be dropped from his team,

"If somebody wants to get embroiled in a court case then they will lose their form. If they lose their form then they will lose their place."


The Blackburn Rovers official website today has a long article hilariously arguing that Blackburn didn't play long ball football against West Ham. Their main argument seems to be that,

"Sam Allardyce's side forced their way into the opposition penalty box a staggering 79 times - compared to West Ham's 15."

If they mean by 'forced' that they 'hoofed the ball from their own half or lobbed long throws into the area' then they are correct. Tomorrow the Blackburn website will be arguing that Fat Sam is anorexic.

Monday, March 23, 2009

West Ham on Monday

The Mirror quote Mark Noble this morning as saying West Ham need to get back to winning ways if they want to qualify for Europe. They also say that Zola is bucking the trend of modern managers in seeing the importance of playing in Europe.

Ex-West Ham players Steve Lomas and Michael Hughes have been appointed as managers of St Neots Town, who play in the United Counties Football League Premier Division.

Reports from Africa are saying that Young Africans player Mrisho Ngassa has been offered a trial at West Ham. Ngassa will join the team on April 13.

Sunday, March 22, 2009

West Ham Trio For England

Matthew Upson, Carlton Cole and Robert Green have all retained their places in the England squad for the matches on 28 March and 1 April. Fabio Capello picked the trio for his squad to face Slovakia in a friendly at Wembley on Saturday and then the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine a week on Wednesday.

Mark Noble has been called into the England Under-21 squad for their upcoming friendlies. Tomkins and Sears have been named in the England Under-20 squad for a friendly against Italy at Loftus Road home on Tuesday 31 March.

Jordan Spence is in the Under-19 squad for the friendly international against Czech Republic at Walsall on Wednesday 25 March. Youth team striker Robert Hall is in the Under-16 squad for the prestigious Montaigu Tournament in France in early April.

Blackburn vs West Ham - The Reviews

Most of the papers concentrate on Fat Sam's endless moaning about referees but where they do give a mention to West Ham most were impressed by West Ham's defensive abilities and Noble's goal.

The Mail were impressed with West Ham's goal, "the goal was created with a classic series of one-touch passes, completed when Noble tucked away Diego Tristan's pass with the outside of his boot". However they were more impressed with West Ham's defending,

"West Ham's escape from Ewood Park owed more to heroic defending than the beautiful game Zola is known for. Ex-Rovers defender Lucas Neill, booed throughout by home fans on his return, will be battered and bruised this morning having got so many blocks in."

The Telegraph called West Ham's performance 'a display of real grit.

The Times called Noble's goal 'spectacular'. The Times were overall very impressed with West Ham's first half performance, "With a handful of their senior players missing through injury and suspension, they counter-attacked sweetly throughout the first half."

The Independent felt "West Ham would have taken the lead (earlier) if Diego Tristan could move faster than an statue." However they were impressed with his assist for the goal, "Tristan played a pass to Noble who curled an exquisite low shot with the outside of his right foot past Robinson and in off the post."

The Guardian call West Ham's defending 'heroic'. The paper also say West Ham's goal was "high quality ... Noble started and finished the attack that led to the opener, his pass allowing Boa Morte and Diego Tristán to flick the ball between each other before their team-mate arrived and delivered a superb shot."

West Ham Sunday Gossip

The People claim that, now the compensation saga with The Blades is over, Zola will have money to spend in the summer (they are obviously unaware that this is all depending on whether new owners are found and whether they have a transfer kitty).

Anyway, The People claim Zola wants to transform West Ham's midfield by buying Fulham's Danny Murphy and Sporting Lisbon midfield star Joao Moutinho.

At 32 years of age Murphy sounds exactly like the young talent that West Ham are targeting (not that I'm claiming The People are talking rubbish).

And that's about it for West Ham gossip in the papers today. I can't believe a day has gone past without someone new revealing their intent to sue West Ham.

Saturday, March 21, 2009

Blackburn 1 West Ham 1

Blackburn made this a good game in the first half (especially for West Ham) by pushing forward relentlessly and leaving their defence completely exposed. Despite their continued attacks they never looked like scoring and West Ham looked very dangerous on the break.

Blackburn had a couple of warnings of the danger they were leaving themselves open to. In the 18th minute Di Michele played Tristan clean through on goal and Robinson was forced to rush out of his area to clear. In the 24th minute a mix up between Robinson and a defender saw the ball fall to Tristan with an open goal, but the ball caught Tristan by surprise and he didn't manage to react fast enough.

In the 34th minute Noble slid in and won the ball just outside the West Ham area. He then got to his feet and ran the length of the pitch, with the ball, unchallenged before passing to Boa Morte on the left of the Blackburn area. Boa Morte pulled the ball back for Tristan on the edge of the box, who then passed the ball back to Noble running into the area from the left wing. Noble then passed the ball into the back of the net, across the six yard box.


Blackburn started the second half strongly. In the 49th minute Neill blocked a Roberts' shot. The ball went out for a throw. Blackburn threw the ball long into the West Ham area, West Ham only managed to clear it to the right of the goal, where Andrews ran onto the ball and smashed the ball low across the 6 yard box and into the back of the net.

For the rest of the game Blackburn relentlessly pumped the ball long into West Ham's area and West Ham, sadly, were not as effective on the break as they were in the first half. In the 79th minute Dyer was brought on for Di Michele. Within a couple of minutes of coming on Dyer was dragged down in the box by Samba but the ref pretended it wasn't a foul when it looked a definite penalty.

In the end West Ham were probably lucky to hold on for a point here. I just hope the pundits don't start lauding Fat Sam for playing shite football and getting a point at home against a decimated West Ham side. A result that could see them in the bottom three by tonight.

Blackburn vs West Ham - Live Streaming

I don't know of any radio commentary of today's game. A couple of sites have links to supposed live streams, however I'm not a 100% confident that any of these will work today.

Watch Live Football Free seem to have a couple of links for today's game (both Flash player links).

LiveFooty has a link to a Flash player stream and a SPVOD stream.

There do seem to be a handful of satellite stations showing today's game (C+ Sport EXTRA, Hi Sports 2, Show Comedy Extra, SuperSport 5 (ZA)) so the above streams may work.

West Ham Saturday Gossip

The Express claim that West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is hoping to tie defender Lucas Neill to a new deal, although the Australian international may be asked to take a wage cut.

The Mirror say West Ham have snapped up a graduate from Portsmouth defender Glen Johnson's soccer school. The Portsmouth defender has confirmed that nine-year-old Jake Eggleton has just been recruited by West Ham.

The Mirror also say that Marlon Harewood will complete a loan move to Championship leaders Wolves on Monday.

The Sun say that West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola insists that four more wins will earn a European spot for the club. "I believe 52 points should get you into seventh spot and Europe. So we are 12 points short. We have achieved our first target of 40 points, so now there’s a new one. My team has shown it is strong, mentally strong."

The Daily Star claim that, as well as the agreed compensation, West Ham have also agreed to pay a large contribution towards Sheffield United's legal fees. So West Ham have in effect paid Sheffield United for suing them.

Friday, March 20, 2009

Blackburn vs West Ham - The Predictions

West Ham will be without Carlton Cole, who sits out the second game of his two match suspension. The calf injury picked up by Matthew Upson on Monday may keep him out of the game but he has not been ruled out yet.

Roque Santa Cruz and Vince Grella are out for Blackburn, whilst Gael Givet and Ryan Nelsen could be available again.


Lawro is back to his usual trick of predicting West Ham losses. He says West Ham have been in decent form lately but feels we have picked up too many injuries lately. Blackburn on the other hand will be fighting for the points.

Lawro predicts a 0-2 West Ham loss

Sky say that Blackburn have lost only three of their 12 fixtures since Sam Allardyce took charge at Ewood Park. They say West Ham have kept five clean sheets in seven outings, including in their last three games, and then predict Blackburn to score. Sky also say West Ham have struggled to score of late and then predict we will score twice.

Sky predict a 1-2 West Ham win

Setanta to follow

Fulham Make Themselves A Laughing Stock

It seems that Fulham have lodged a formal legal claim against West Ham for £700,00. They argue that they lost this amount because West Ham finished one place above them in the league and that it is not fair that West Ham are a better football team than them.

Premier League rules quite clearly say that teams can not take legal action against another team in the Premiership so I do hope they are thrown out of the league for this.

Wigan Athletic showed Fulham up yesterday by making clear that do not intend to seek compensation for West Ham. However they obviously don't know about West Ham's pact with the Royal Family and MI6.

Thursday, March 19, 2009

The Boleyn in Street View

In case you hadn't heard the news Google Maps Street View is now available in the UK.

Upton Park

View Larger Map

West Ham Winning the World Cup

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Check out my blog Google Maps Mania for other UK Street Views

West Ham News on Thursday

As the world increasingly turns against the ambulance chasers of Sheffield The Guardian today wonders when the hot dog seller outside Bramall Lane is going to submit his claim against West Ham.

The Mirror say Junior Stanislas, having got his first taste of first team football, is now desperate to start a game, "To start a game would be nice. I just want to get some more game time under my belt."

Setanta are reporting that West Ham have been keeping tabs on Galway United winger Jay O'Shea. The Republic of Ireland Under-21 international is 20 years old.

The Mail - Now West Ham's Greatest Supporter

It is confirmed The Mail has now done a complete about face and seems to only publish articles in support of West Ham. The latest article from The Mail warns that Sheffield Utd may be inundated by legal claims against them.

The Mail say that Sunderland, West Bromwich Albion and Preston are understood to have taken legal advice about launching compensation claims against Sheffield United. All three clubs believe they are owed a slice of the money the Yorkshire club blackmailed from West Ham.

The clubs would have earned bonus payments for players sold if Sheffield Utd stayed in the Premier League. Now that the Blades have tricked their way into a windfall from West Ham the fleas are about to get their own parasites.

Wednesday, March 18, 2009

Curbishley Puts the Case For West Ham

I think The Daily Mail are trying to win back some West Ham fans to their dwindling readership. This morning they published an article by Martin Samuels (see below) that pointed out numerous reasons why Sheffield United were not good enough to avoid relegation.

Now The Daily Mail have printed comments by Alan Curbishley in which he eloquently points out that West Ham were not saved from relegation by Carlos Tevez.

'It's fundamentally flawed, I think, the argument that Carlos Tevez kept West Ham up. When you think about what goes on in a whole season for the judgement to say that Tevez kept us up, or was the main reason we stayed up, is wrong.

'Cast your mind back, Tevez didn't score for 20 games. In the run in in the last nine games we used 13 players which we never had the opportunity to do before because of injuries.

'People forget we scored a winning goal at Blackburn that didn't cross the line - so are they going to sue the linesman and the referee?

'We kept a lot of clean sheets. I don't think any West Ham fans will ever forget the game at Arsenal when Rob Green made about a dozen saves. Bobby Zamora scored two winning goals at home to Everton and away to Arsenal.

'Bobby Zamora had been out injured and came in for the run-in and was nice and fresh. James Collins came in and was nice and fresh. We brought Mark Noble in and suddenly we had a different team. We managed to keep it together in terms of consistent team selection.'

Can Sheffield Utd Answer the Important Questions?

In The Daily Mail today Martin Samuels rightly castigates Sheffield Utd for opening up football to a future of endless legal wrangling.

He also asks some important questions that I think Sheffield Utd now need to answer. For two years the Yorkshire club have been arguing that they were relegated because of Carlos Tevez. We now have Neill Warnock and a number of ex-Sheffield Utd players moaning to the world and his dog that they are good enough for the Premier League.

So Sheffield Utd if you were good enough for the Premier League:

Why did you have the worst away record in the Premier League?
Why did you lose to 16 of the 19 teams in the Premier League that year?
Why did you field a weakened team against Man Utd?

Can you tell us if it was Carlos Tevez's fault that you lost to Tottenham Hotspur and Fulham before he had even joined West Ham, plus Reading (twice), Everton, Birmingham (in the Carling Cup), Chelsea (twice), Manchester United (twice), West Ham (Tevez did not score and stormed away from Upton Park after being substituted on 66 minutes), Portsmouth, Manchester City, Middlesbrough, Swansea (in the FA Cup), Blackburn, Liverpool, Bolton, Newcastle, Aston Villa and Wigan that season.

Tuesday, March 17, 2009

West Ham to Fight Legal Anarchy

West Ham have issued an official statement saying they will 'strongly resist' any attempts by other parties attempting to ambulance chase on the back of the club's settlement this week with Sheffield United.

"Despite the extensive media coverage, West Ham United have received no formal legal claims from Sheffield United players or their previous manager relating to the so-called Tevez affair.

"The club have settled the matter of compensation, as ruled upon by Lord Griffiths, with Sheffield United and can see no basis for claims being brought outside of the arbitration process, established by the Football Association, which has now been brought to a close.

"However, it is now becoming clear that the ruling by Lord Griffiths has encouraged a potentially endless legal chain of claims and counter claims, which can only be damaging to English football. As a club we will strongly resist any attempts to prolong this matter through the courts both to protect our interests and those of the wider game.

"There is a lot more at stake than the finances of West Ham United and we will do all we can to stop this matter ending in a form of legal anarchy."

Carr to Get Testimonial

Yesterday the West Ham official website announced that Tony Carr is to be given a testimonial.

Tony Carr is director of the Academy at West Ham and has given 36 years of long and outstanding service to the club. Carr began as an apprentice at the club in the 1960s.

West Ham CEO, Scott Dubury said,

"Tony Carr fully deserves to have a testimonial and I am sure all of our fans would agree that this is long overdue. He is an institution at West Ham United and rightly holds a special place in the club's history."

A golf day is to be held in May with further events including a special match and gala evening in his honour in the pipeline for the coming months.

Tony Carr said of the news,

"This is a really fantastic award and I would like to thank the board and especially Scott Duxbury and Nick Igoe for granting me this testimonial. I have spent nearly all my working life at West Ham United and I am very pleased that they have rewarded me for my service to the club.

"I have many targets still to achieve at West Ham but this testimonial will be a welcome distraction during this coming year."

April Fools Day Comes Early

According to KUMB Leeds United are the latest in a long line of ambulance chasers to consider suing West Ham.

The Leeds United website claim that they 'missed out on payments in relation to Premiership survival for the transfers of Rob Hulse, Matthew Kilgallon, and Ian Bennett'

Ken Bates speaking on Yorkshire Radio this morning added,

"We sold a number of players to Sheffield United with contingencies. When they got relegated on the last day of the season we missed out on a substantial sum. That's what we lost and if they are being compensated for their loss we believe we should be compensated for our loss.

"There are other clubs in the same boat who have similar claims. Ours is the biggest claim and it would be nice to collect that and strengthen our squad. We are currently taking advice on it and won't be commenting further at this time.
"

For our younger readers, who might not have heard of Leeds United, they were once a proud football team. Now unfortunately they are a joke of the highest order determined to ruin what last self -respect they might have had.

Ken Bates, on the other hand, has never had any pride and whilst chairman of Chelsea thought that it would be a good idea to electrocute the inhabitants of Stamford Bridge.

Upson Should Be Fine

Gianfranco Zola has revealed that Matthew Upson had a problem with his calf before the WBA game and should not be out for long,

Matthew Upson shouldn’t be too bad. He had a problem with his calf before he went on the pitch, but it’s nothing major.


Meanwhile The Mail have taken their daily pop at West Ham by talking about "West Ham's deceitful third party ownership rule-breaking in the Carlos Tevez saga."

However there are signs that even the morons at The Mail may finally be turning against the Sheffield Utd players and Neill Warnock who are trying to wring more money out of West Ham. The Mail call them 'opportunists' and claim that "somebody should put an end to this embarrassing episode once and for all."

The Mail also say today that West Ham are considering making a move for 23 year old Siena full-back Juan Zuniga.

No End to the Money Grabbing Scum

The Independent are running an article by Neil Warnock in which he tries to delude himself that he is good enough to be a football manager. If it wasn't for Carlos Tevez Warnock seems to believe he would now be managing the Brazilian national side (or something like that).

And to prove that he has the necessary talent to manage a Premier League club Neil Warnock is going to do his talking on the football pitch. No, only joking- he is of course going to sue West Ham.

"One thing I do know, now the case between the clubs has been settled, I'll be taking legal advice myself."

cough*tosser*cough

Monday, March 16, 2009

West Ham 0 WBA 0

In a very poor and strangely muted first-half West Ham spent the first half hour trying to work out which end they were attacking. While West Ham couldn't manage a single shot in anger WBA managed a few efforts on goal. In the 17th minute Fortune shot into the side of the net.

In the 26th minute Morrison was able to stroll ten yards with the ball into the West Ham penalty area and was only denied by Green coming out and making a good save low down. Somehow, in the build up, Upson managed to get injured and became the third West Ham player in three games to be stretchered off.

This at least seemed to wake West Ham up and after that West Ham managed a few half hearted shots on goal. In the 32nd minute Noble pulled the ball back for Sears but his shot was blocked. A minute later Di Michele saw his shot from just outside the area go out for a throw. In the 38th minute Parker shot from a long way out and the ball flew high and wide. In the 39th minute Savio just beat Zuiverloon to a Sears cross but his shot from seven yards was a weak effort straight at the keeper.

If the first-half was poor the second-half was dire. West Ham did start the half quite brightly and within a couple of minutes of the restart a good move between Noble, Sears and Di Michele ended with the Italian shooting over from the edge of the box.

The best chance of the half fell to Greening, when he was played clear in the penalty area. For some strange reason Greening decided not to shoot but to run the ball to the line and then try to chip Green and put the ball over the bar.

In the 67th minute Stanislas came on for Savio. It was a Stanislas cross that created West Ham's best chance of the half but Di Michele headed wide from 8 yards.

In the end West Ham deserved to lose this game and against any other opposition in the Premier League probably would have done so.

West Ham vs West Brom - Live Streaming

Tonight's game is live on Setanta Sports 1, which means there are a number of streams available.

FSi have a lot of links to streams of tonight's game on all the major streaming formats.

Full radio commentary is on BBC London 94.9 & BBC London DAB, and BBC WM 95.6FM and DAB. Full commentary is also on BBC Radio 5 Live.

West Ham & Sheffield Utd Come to a Settlement

This morning it has been confirmed that West Ham and Sheffield Utd have come to an agreement over the amount of compensation West Ham will pay to the 'we play our football in the courts', club from the north.

The exact figure remains undisclosed, but ranges from anywhere between £15-£25 million, depending on who you believe.

The clubs issued this joint statement,

"Both clubs are pleased to announce that a satisfactory settlement for compensation has been reached which brings the dispute between Sheffield United and West Ham United to an end. The tribunal will not be resuming."

The dispute may well have been brought to an end but Sheffield United have probably opened the floodgates now to enless litigation in football. Presumably any team now who are too useless to win on the pitch will try to win in the courts.

This dispute may be over but Sheffield United will forever now be known as the club that destroyed football.

Sunday, March 15, 2009

Sears to Get the Nod

The Times say that Diego Tristán could be given his first start against WBA, as replacement for the suspended Carlton Cole. However, The Sun think that the honour will go to young Freddie Sears.

The Sun could actually be right. They quote Zola as saying,

"Carlton is an important player for us and I don’t think that he deserved to get sent off last week. It’s a big miss for us as he is a reference for everybody.

"But Freddie Sears has worked very hard in the last few weeks. He knows this is a big opportunity for him and I am very confident he will take it."

Compensation Puts Off Potential Buyers

The Observer claim that an English-led group are thinking of buying West Ham for £100m. The group intends to provide manager Gianfranco Zola with a "serious" ­transfer fund of £30m, while rolling over club debts now approaching £50m. However, with the cost of paying off ­Sheffield United set to take up a quarter of the total investment, sources close to the potential buyers are not confident they will complete the deal.

West Ham say they do not expect the club to change hands until the summer and that the Sheffield United settlement is for £15m over five years, with an ­additional bond of £5m to be met by any new owner.


The News of the World claim that Kevin McCabe has been in contact with one of West Ham's potential buyers but doesn't say why. Presumably it would be to talk about how the new owners would want to stage the compensation payments. The News of the World say a bond has also been lodged, which means West Ham will pay out a sum to Sheffield United on a sliding scale between £5 and £10m when the club is sold.


The Sunday Mirror claim West Ham have been given until the end of the week to settle a £3.5m compensation claim by Sheffield United players. Lawyers, acting on behalf of the 18 Sheffield United players demanding compensation for lost earnings, have told West Ham that they have until Friday to settle the matter or face another High Court battle.

Saturday, March 14, 2009

West Ham vs WBA - The Predictions

First there was the news that West Ham are going to just hand over £25 million to a bunch of northern whippet owning monkeys now Lawro is predicting that West Ham are going to win a game of football.

My mind can't take the strain, I'm going back to bed.


West Ham will be stetched for this game without the injured Collison and Behrami and the suspended Carlton Cole. The good news however is, according to the BBC, that Boa Morte has recovered from his injury and is back in contention.

WBA, on the other hand, have three players back in contention. Defender Jonas Olsson is fit after being out since January with a knee injury. Forwards Jay Simpson and Roman Bednar are also back in contention.


Lawro says that West Ham scored one of the goals of the season last week, that "the training and the coaching is outstanding" and that "the players are working really hard and well together." The only mystery here then is why Lawro has been predicting us to lose on a weekly basis.

Lawro predicts a 2-0 West Ham win

Sky predict a 2-0 West Ham win

Friday, March 13, 2009

West Ham to Pay Blades £25 million

The Mail and The Times are now reporting that West Ham are to pay Sheffield Utd £25 million in supposed compensation for the Blades being one of the worst football teams to ever grace the Premier League.

The Times say, "West Ham have agreed to pay the Yorkshire club compensation of £10 million, with a further £15 million in the form of a bond that is payable over the next five years."

I can't fully explain how angry I am about this. Yesterday I was irritated about West Ham agreeing to pay Sheffield Utd £10 million, but justified it to myself by thinking at least this was the end of the whole affair.

But £25 million! That means that the 32,000 odd average fans who regularly attend West Ham games will be paying in the region of £780 out of their own pockets to Sheffield United simply for being an awful football team.

After this affair has finally been put to bed Terence Brown will be a significantly richer man, Gudmundsson will be poorer but will probably have made tens of million pounds out of his temporary ownership of the club and Scott Duxbury will have pulled in a considerable salary. It seems that the only people getting screwed here are the fans.

Surely it must be nearly time for the club to announce their yearly 10% hike in ticket prices.

Hansa Get Moratorium

An Icelandic court announced today that Hansa, West Ham's holding company, has been given a further three month moratorium on its debts. The extension for Hansa will last until June 8.

West Ham Vice Chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson said today that Hansa is in the process of finding bids for West Ham,

We just continue the process we’ve been working on the last four months,” Fridgeirsson said today. “We’re engaged in conversation with 5 and 10 parties. We still don’t have any binding offers. There is a growing interest.


West Ham Agree to Pay £10 Million Compensation

According to The Independent West Ham have agreed to pay Sheffield United £10 million in compensation for their inability to stay in the Premier League (various news sources are now saying the figure will be between £10-£15 million). The paper say an announcement may be made today but that the finer details of the deal are still being decided upon.

The Independent says the final details of the deal will remain confidential but the £10 million is to be paid over the next five years and not as a lump sum. The damages hearing which was scheduled for Monday will now be cancelled.

The deal was apparently worked out in Brussels between Kevin McCabe and Scott Duxbury. Now that the amount of compensation has been finalised potential buyers of West Ham know the extent of the club's liabilities, which hopefully will speed up any future sale.

The Independent also say that the West Ham squad have been in Spain this week ahead of the game with West Bromwich Albion on Monday.

Thursday, March 12, 2009

Collison Out for Six Weeks

The West Ham official website has revealed that Jack Collison will be out for six to seven weeks with a dislocated kneecap.

With Valon Behrami also having been recently ruled out for six months Zola has been dealt quite a blow to his ambitions of achieving a UEFA qualifying spot this year.

West Ham have almost jumped back to the top of the PhysioRoom table of injuries. Newcastle are currently top but with Owen rumoured to be fit again West Ham should be joint leaders.

Here is PhysioRoom's assessment of the current injuries at West Ham:

D Tristan, Groin Strain, 21st Mar 09
J Collison, Knee Injury, no return date
V Behrami, ACL Knee Injury, Sep 09
J Collins, Calf Muscle Strain, 21st Mar 09
L Boa Morte, Groin Strain, 16th Mar 09
K Dyer, Calf Muscle Strain, 21st Mar 09
D Ashton, Os Trigonum Syndrome, Jun 09
D Gabbidon, Groin/Pelvis Injury, Jun 09

West Ham Will Pay Blades Nothing

The Daily Mirror claim that West Ham will propose paying nothing in compensation to Sheffield United when the FA tribunal reconvenes on Monday to consider the size of damages.

Sheffield United want £46million, but The Mirror say, "West Ham's legal team aim to prove the cost of salaries in the top flight mean the Blades would not have been better off if they had stayed up."

Wednesday, March 11, 2009

West Ham to Get Three Month Reprieve

The Guardian say that West Ham's owners are about to earn a further three months' protection from bankruptcy, giving them until the summer to negotiate the club's sale.

Although the decision hasn't been announced the fact that the only only major creditor who was asking for a sale of its assets has now changed its position should allow for the sale of the club in an orderly fashion.

Tuesday, March 10, 2009

Behrami Out for Half a Year

The West Ham Official website has revealed tonight that Valon Behrami will be out for six months with an anterior cruciate ligament injury in his left knee. West Ham are still waiting for more news on fellow midfielder Jack Collison.

The official site also has news on some other West Ham injured players,

"Luis Boa Morte is back in full training after a groin injury and Kieron Dyer is taking part in some sessions with the rest of the squad after overcoming his calf trouble. James Collins (hamstring) and Diego Tristan (groin) are both running and are thought to be close to joining in fully as well."

West Ham Trial Appiah

A couple of football websites are claiming that West Ham are considering a move for Stephen Appiah, who, they say, has already taken part in a trial at Upton Park.

The sites claim a second trial is due to take place before West Ham make any decision on whether to offer him a deal. Appiah has been a free agent since leaving Fenerbahce last year, and has been on trial with Sp@rs and Russian champions Rubin Kazan, while Arsenal are also said to have considered offering the player a deal.

Appiah's prolonged status as a free agent has been variously attributed to his fitness and his wage demands.

West Ham News

David Silver in The Daily Mirror seems to have begun a campaign to name Carlton Cole's goal against Wigan as the goal of the season.


David Di Michele has been talking to the Italian media about his desite to stay at West Ham,

'Now I'm at West Ham and it is right not to speak of the market,' Di Michele told Melito Online. 'I am doing well and it is certainly the will for me to stay here at the end of the season.'


The Independent feature Di Canio and Fabio Capello in a piece called When Footballers Fall Out.

Sp#rs Fail

I can't find any interesting West Ham news this evening, so instead: T#ttenham H@tspur Fail

Monday, March 09, 2009

Arsenal Reserves 0 West Ham Reserves 1

The first half was very even, with both sides playing attractive football but neither side really creating much in the way of goalscoring opportunities. The left wingers for each side were the best players on the pitch. Jack Wilshere's touch and vision for Arsenal looked their best outlet, whereas West Ham's attacks came mainly from the pace of Anthony Edgar on the left.

As the half progressed Arsenal began to look the more comfortable side and in the last ten minutes of the half dominated possession. However, against the run of play, it was West Ham who created the best chance of the half when Kearns beat a couple of defenders and weaved his way into the box, only to see his shot cannon back off the crossbar.

In the second half Arsenal dominated the possession but West Ham defended well and Arsenal never looked like scoring. In the 71st minute West Ham made a rare attack and managed a flurry of shots on goal. Eventually the ball fell to Montano, whose shot was knocked out by the keeper to Miller who scored from 7 yards.

A minute after that Kearns had a good chance from ten yards but his chipped shot was well saved. After that West Ham defended well and held on for the lead. This win means West Ham move to third in the league.

West Ham Reserves vs Arsenal Reserves

West Ham Reserves face Arsenal tonight at Barnet's Underhill ground. West Ham are fielding a young team with no one with any first team experience. Kick-off is at 7pm.

Anyone who has Sky or Setanta should be able to watch the game live (for free I think) on Arsenal TV.

Sunday, March 08, 2009

West Ham Stats Make Good Reading

The News of the World says that even if Hansa get a three month stay of execution club owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson will have to sell the club by the summer.

The paper says that although the club have had five indicative bids, there are only two serious contenders. One is believed to be Indian tycoon Anil Ambani.

There is some interesting reading in the latest Opta statistics:
  • West Ham have the second highest shot accuracy in the Premier League, after Man Utd.
  • We are fifth highest in the number of completed passes, after the 'big four'.
  • Robert Green is third in the number of shots saved, with one of the highest shots/saves ratios.
  • Parker has made the fourth most tackles in the league, with one of the highest tackle success rates.
  • Parker is the fifth most highest passer

Saturday, March 07, 2009

West Ham Gossip

The Daily Express say that West Ham's Valon Behrami will find out this week the extent of the damage to his knee.

In The Guardian West Ham's vice chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson insists a court case in Iceland over the future of Hansa will have no effect on West Ham's status.

The Sun say West Ham United defender Matthew Upson is targeting European qualification.

"It is massively in our mind. It is a target of ours".

Friday, March 06, 2009

West Ham's Day in Court

A court in Iceland today will decide if West Ham's owner will be given more time to sell the club. The club's holding company Hansa are asking for another three months before they have to pay off creditors. If agreed that will give Gudmundsson around 90 days to find a new buyer for West Ham.

West Ham is believed to have signed five non-disclosure agreements with interested buyers but none has yet progressed to full due diligence. The problem for Gudmundsson, even if he gets another three months leeway is that prospective buyers know he will have to drop the price as the deadline approaches.

Asgeir Fridgeirsson, West Ham's vice-chairman, says that the court hearing will have no impact on the club.

Good News for West Ham & Collison

According to The Independent Jack Collison could be back in action in two weeks, after being stretchered off on Wednesday with what looked like an horrendous injury. The Independent say that Collison had a scan yesterday which shows he only suffered a slight strain.

Which means Collison may miss just one match, the West Bromwich Albion game on Monday 16 March.

Fleet Street this morning seems confused about the future of referee Stuart Attwell, whose performance on Wednesday caused a lot of controversy. According to The Mail he "will not be in charge of another Premier League game for the foreseeable future and could even have officiated in the top flight for the last time this season."

However The Guardian say that the Premier League has no plans to remove Stuart Attwell from its elite group of referees. Although he is the fourth official for Rochdale's visit to Bury in League Two on Saturday he was assigned this fixture long before Wednesday's game.

Thursday, March 05, 2009

West Ham Goal of the Season?



Higher quality highlights (featuring David Noble) are available at Virgin Media.

Wednesday, March 04, 2009

Wigan 0 West Ham 1

West Ham seemed to have this game sewn up in the 33rd minute when Carlton Cole scored West Ham's goal of the season. The goal came at the end of a lovely move from West Ham, which ended with a Di Michele one-two with Noble on the edge of the box before Di Michele passed to Cole and Cole from the edge of the area curled the ball past Kirkland.

However three minutes later the game changed when the ref gave Cole his second yellow card of the game for raising his foot when he jumped for the ball. Before the sending off Wigan had been restricted to just a couple of long range efforts from free-kicks. From one of them Green was forced into a good save from Mido but Wigan had looked largely ineffective.

After Cole's sending off Wigan came to life. Mido hit the post with a four yard flicked header and in the 41st minute Catterrmole came close with a 30 yards drive that just missed wide of the right hand post.

Wigan started the second half well and caused West Ham enough problems to make it look like it would be a long half for the Irons. Then in the 51st minute Catermole came through the back of Scott Parker and was duly sent off.

Now that the number of players were even again West Ham began to dominate possession. In the 76th minute Collison went down unchallenged and seemed to twist his knee. For the second game running West Ham then had a player stretchered off.

Wigan never looked like they would get the equaliser and even after six minutes of added time they were unable to score. Given the excellence of West Ham's goal and their dominance of possession it was a well deserved win.

Wigan vs West Ham - Live Streams

MYP2P have links to TVAnts and Windows Media Player streams.

LiveFooty has a TVAnts link.

Fsi have links to a TVAnts stream and what looks like a Flash player stream.

Full radio commentary is on BBC London 94.9 FM

Kovac Wants Permanent West Ham Deal

Radoslav Kovac has spoken of his desire to sign a permanent contract with West Ham.

Hopefully West Ham will take up the option to buy me," Kovac told Sovetsky Sport.

"Perhaps in my career it is time that something changed. The English Premier League is a step forward. At first I felt like an inexperienced newcomer, I did not know the characteristics of the game. But now I am myself, I am comfortable.

Valon's Season Over for West Ham

Valon Behrami has told the Swiss media that he will not play again this season.

"The season has gone for me," he told Swiss newspaper Blick. "I must now wait 48 hours until I know whether or not cruciate ligament surgery is required. It is very bad."


The Daily Mail say that West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson has held talk with five potential buyers ahead of his court date in Iceland on Friday when the club’s holding company, Hansa, could be put into insolvency.

Gumundsson will ask for a three month extension from the courts. No decision from the court is expected until next week. According to The Mail, "Club sources insist any ruling will not affect the sale although negotiations with interested parties are believed to have been stepped up in recent weeks."

Parker for England

Gianfranco Zola says that West Ham midfielder Scott parker is good enough to play for England,

"If he performs the way he has been performing week in week out with the same intelligence and determination then he can get a more regular place in the international side.

"It's like Robert Green, who kept performing well until he got back in. I'm sure the same thing can happen with Scott Parker. Capello picked three West Ham players (against Spain) so it means he is keeping an eye on West Ham
"


Jimmy Walker is being forced to return to West Ham later this week. Colchester United wished to extend his loan at the club but failed to submit the necessary paperwork on time to the Football League. The League are therefore insisting that he can't play for Colchester.

Tuesday, March 03, 2009

Wigan vs West Ham - The Predictions

Behrami is out so presumably that will mean a straight return for Mark Noble. Savio has been doing really well coming off the bench for West Ham but Zola seems keen to protect the young player, so Noble will presumably get the nod ahead of his younger team mate. Ben Watson returns for Wigan again after a ban. Winger Antonio Valencia (hamstring) and striker Mido (groin) both also look set to return to the squad


Can anyone remember the last time Lawro predicted a West Ham win? It must be quite embarrassing for him to have to keep writing about how good West Ham have been doing and then predicting us to lose. This week he says that West Ham "look a very well coached side and play really good football." Which is presumably why he then predicts us to lose.

Lawro predicts a 2-0 West Ham loss

Sky point out that Steve Bruce's side have not won in seven league games, however at home they are hard to beat, suffering only three defeats in the league at the JJB Stadium all season.

Sky predict a 1-0 West Ham loss


Setanta also point to Wigan's impressive home form. They say they haven't lost in eight games at home and have won five of those. Despite West Ham winning on their last trip to the JJB they can't see West Ham doing it this season.

Setanta predict a 2-1 West Ham loss

Behrami Due for Second Scan Today

The Sun has a large story today about Josh Payne, who made West Ham's bench on Sunday. The paper say Payne is in the squad again for tomorrow’s match at Wigan. He obviously has a very good media agent!

The Sun also say that Valon Behrami will have a further scan on his left knee today to check for suspected ligament damage.

The West Ham official site has revealed that Jack Jeffrey has joined non-league Eastbourne Borough on loan for the rest of the season.

Monday, March 02, 2009

West Ham Scout Italian Duo

Sky Sports are reporting that West Ham are interested in two young players currently plying their trade in Italy. The players are Ayub Daud of Juventus and Andrea Mei of Inter Milan.

Daud has yet to sign a professional contract with Juventus and is presumably just entering into negotiations with the club. The source of West Ham's interest is Daud's agent Ulisse Savini.

"About West Ham, this situation is this - I am linked with the sporting director Nani, they have told they are interested in Daud and in Inter defender Andrea Mei"

Savini of course has no interest in making Juve think that another club are also eager to sign his player, especially when he is just about to enter negotiations with the club.

(I wonder if Sky get any commission on helping to broker these deals - if not they should.)

West Ham Gossip on Monday

The Manchester Evening News have been forced to apologise to Gianfranco Zola for saying he broke Premier League rules by telephoning Manchester City's Bulgarian striker Valeri Bojinov and asking him to play for West Ham. The paper now admit that Zola did no such thing.

The Telegraph have a column about Savio today, Savio heading for cult status at Upton Park. The article includes this quote from Zola,

Savio came on and did very well and I am pleased for him because he came here followed by a lot of expectation and, to be honest, he was under pressure a little bit because he knows that everybody is waiting to see something special from him."

The Star has an interview with Alan Curbishley who seems to think West Ham will be stretched if they suffer a couple of injuries.

I don’t think they could have really let any more players go,”said Curbs. “A lot of the fringe players have left and I think that’s left them a little bit short. But they seem to be having the luck I never had regarding injuries.

“They don’t want injuries now because they have a settled side playing well but a couple of injuries can change that. I didn’t have the luxury of playing the same side twice.I never had a fully fit James Collins or Scott Parker but that’s the way it goes.

“But the squad I left there was decent.

Sunday, March 01, 2009

Behrami Injury

The West Ham official site say that an MRI scan on Valon Behrami's leg has shown that he has not fractured or broken his leg. Further tests will be required to assess the extent of the injury in the next few days once the swelling has subsided.

Zola has paid tribute to the West Ham midfielder,

"Hopefully it is not going to be too bad as the boy is a really important player for us - on the pitch and off pitch as well. I think his studs got caught and he fell on his knee. He was in pain so he needed some oxygen."

West Ham 1 Man City 0

Despite dominating possession in the first half West Ham were probably lucky not to go into the break two goals down again. Robinho had two golden opportunities to score for City.

In the 14th minute Robinho was left completely unmarked 7 yards from goal but his flicked shot was gloriously saved by Green. In the 21st minute Robinho missed another sitter when a cross found him on the far post but from 5 yards out he put it wide.

West Ham were not so lucky when it came to injuries. In the 37th minute Behrami went in for a tackle and caught his foot in the turf and seemed to twist his knee. Behrami looked in serious pain and was given oxygen before being stretchered off. He was replaced by Savio.

West Ham had a number of shooting chances but, as we have come to expect in recent weeks, the shots were either high and wide or hit tamely at Given in goal.


In the second half it was all one way traffic for West Ham. Before the 70th minute City managed one shot on goal in the half and that was a wild effort from a 35 yard free-kick by Robinho. In the 49th minute Richard Dunne flew into a tackle with his studs showing and took away both Cole's legs from under him in the penalty area, only for the referee to completely ignore it.

However West Ham got justice in the 70th minute when Savio cut in from the left wing and shot from the edge of the area. His shot was punched out by Given to Collison who then chipped the ball into the back of the net from ten yards.

After West Ham's goal City started to attack and in the next six minutes Robinho, Company and Caicedo all had shots that flew high or wide but which they should have done better from. After that initial flurry West Ham defended well and only really looked nervous at the back in the four minutes of extra time at the end of the half.

In the end you have to feel sorry for Bellamy. He seemed to be under the impression that he had joined an ambitious club. There was only one club showing any ambition today and they were wearing claret & blue.

West Ham vs Man City - Live Streaming

LiveFooty TV have a SopCast link and a TVUPLayer link of today's game.

FSi have links for most of the streaming formats.

BBC Radio 5 Live have live radio commentary of the match.

West Ham Close to Being Sold

The Daily Mirror claim West Ham could be sold to a group of Asian investors this week. The paper claims the group is close to a £90 million deal to buy the club.

However the fact that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is this week in danger of losing control over West Ham may have something to do with this rumour. If Gudmundsson can persuade the Icelandic financial authorities that he is close to selling the club he may be able to retain control.

The News of the World say West Ham are willing to make an out of court settlement with Sheffield Utd but contend the genuine costs of the Yorkshire club's relegation are around £5 million not the the £45.5 million they are claiming.

The Mirror claim that former West Ham manager Alan Pardew is a leading contender to fill the vacant position at League One Brighton.

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