Tuesday, June 30, 2009

Kelvin Davis Having Medical

Sky Sports News understands (becoming my four most hated words) that Southampton goalkeeper Kelvin Davis is undergoing a medical with West Ham. Davis is available on a free.

Jan Lastuvka is returning to Shakhtar Donetsk after his year long loan at West Ham, so Davis should provide cheap back-up for Robert Green.

West Ham Shooting for Moon

Sky Sports understands (although they seem to misunderstand a lot) that West Ham have made an approach for Panathinaikos defender Bryce Moon. Sky say West Ham have had an offer of £1.5 million turned down and that Panathinaikos are holding out for £2 million.

The Mail repeat the same rumour and add that goalkeeper Kelvin Davis is joining West Ham on a free after waiting two months for cash strapped Southampton to make him a new offer.

Monday, June 29, 2009

Scott Duxbury on KUMB

KUMB have published in full their interview with Scott Duxbury and it does make for an interesting read, especially if you are interested in the last couple of turbulent years at West Ham and what the club's plans are for the future.

The interview seems to underline the fact that West Ham are becoming a little more open with the fans and that they are becoming better at promoting West Ham in the media. Key to this better PR seems to be the Duxbury inspired 'Project'.

Some fans of West Ham are a little cynical of the 'Project', seeing it as an excuse to sell off fringe players and to then not re-invest the money in the squad. In the KUMB interview Duxbury does a very good job of explaining the reality behind the off-loading of players in January and helps to underline the importance of the 'Project' for the club.

Duxbury admits that the 'Project' is partly spin,

"... it might be seen as spin - and to a certain degree, it is. Because what we're trying to do is create a message to the fans and to the media of what we're trying to do."

Duxbury calls the 'Project' a 'message'. In essence the Project creates a simple narrative for the club, not only for the fans and the media but also for the players and the non-playing staff at the club. This narrative explains the ambitions of West Ham and tries to explain how they will be achieved. It is a narrative that is simple to understand and gives the club focus from top to bottom.


West Ham Till I Die has just posted part three of its interview with Scott Duxbury.

Sunday, June 28, 2009

West Ham Gossip on Sunday

Scott Dubury in an interview with KUMB says that West Ham have more or less agreed a deal with Inter for Mancini but that the player has other offers. It seems it all comes down to whether Zola can convince Mancini that West Ham should be his new home.

The News of the World say West Ham want to bring Anton Ferdinand back to the club. Ferdinand is unwanted at Sunderland.

Lee Bowyer seems set to join Birmingham City on a free transfer - various.

The Star claim that Eidur Gudjohnsen want to return to the Premier League and that West Ham is his preferred destination.

Friday, June 26, 2009

Ashton Out, Mancini In - According to the Press

The Daily Mail say that Stoke are confident they can get Dean Ashton for £6 million. The Sun also think West Ham are ready to sell the injury prone striker.

The Mirror say West Ham's loan move for Mancini was held up because the player was on honeymoon. They say West Ham are hopeful of progress on the move early next week.

Thursday, June 25, 2009

Ashton Out for £10m, Mancini Coming

The Telegraph have published a report this afternoon claiming that West Ham will sell Dean Ashton to Stoke, if they are willing to pay £10 million. However, the Telegraph say, that West Ham insist that there is no pressure to sell, and Ashton will only go if the terms are right.

The same article claims that West Ham have agreed terms with Inter to take Mancini on loan for a season. They say Scott Duxbury will return to Italy this weekend to meet Mancini to discuss his own personal demands.

Stoke Not in Talks With West Ham Shocker

OK, mea culpa, I got sucked in by Sky Sports News there.

Peter Coates, the Stoke City chairman, has now apparently explained that he never told Sky Sports News that Stoke were in talks with West Ham, merely that they have made enquiries about the player.

Stoke in Talks with West Ham Over Ashton

Sky Sports News are reporting that Stoke are in discussions with West Ham over Dean Ashton. Sky say that Stoke City chairman Peter Coates has told them that he is currently in talks with West Ham about signing the stiker.

Neill to Stay at West Ham

The Times are reporting that Lucas Neill is set to sign a new one year deal with West Ham. Given the club's previous stance on his wages, if true it means that Neill must be taking a big pay cut to stay at the club.

The Mirror claims that West Ham are interested in signing Newcastle defender Steven Taylor.

Rumours, Rumours, Rumours

Jonathan Spector helped the USA defeat Spain in the Confederations Cup, whilst Julien Faubert has been moaning to the French media that West Ham want to sell him.

Dean Ashton is Stoke's top target of the summer, Tyrone Mears has signed for Burnley and the papers think we want to sign Manchester City striker Felipe Caicedo.

Tuesday, June 23, 2009

West Ham Confirm Jimenez Loan

West Ham have now confirmed the signing of Chilean forward Luis Jimenez from Inter on a season-long loan, with a view to a possible permanent transfer. Jimenez will now undergo a medical with the club before officially signing on the 1st July.

Jimenez said of his latest move,

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

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

West Ham Sign Luis Jimenez

Luis Jimenez's agent has told the Italian press that "everything is in place. Luis will play next season in England." This seems to suggest that Jimenez's year long loan to West Ham has been finalised.

Sky are reporting that West Ham will also have the option to buy Jimenez outright next summer should they wish to do so.

Gudjohnsen Link Resurrected

The Daily Mirror claim that West Ham, Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham are all in the running to sign former Chelsea striker Eidur Gudjohnsen. However I think most of the rumours of 'interest' from clubs is being generated by the player himself.

Sunday, June 21, 2009

West Ham After Nancy Striker?

The People claim today that West Ham have made a bid for Nancy striker Marc-Antoine Fortune. Hull have allegedly had a bid agreed for the player but West Ham are, according to The People, trying to hijack the deal.

Sears Loaned to Palace

Freddie Sears' season long loan to Crystal Palace has been finalised.

This leaves West Ham a little short of backup in attack. Here's hoping West Ham are poised to make an announcement about an incoming striker soon.

Saturday, June 20, 2009

West Ham Gossip on Saturday

The Sun says that Boa Morte has pledged to stay at West Ham and fight for his place in the first team squad. The Sun also claim that Scott Parker took a club physio on holiday with him in order to help in his rehabilitation from his groin injury.

The Sun say that West Ham will struggle to sign Mancini, who has offers from other European clubs who can offer Champions League football. They say that the deal for Jimenez is almost done but that West Ham will have to wait until next week to see if Mancini will also join him at the club.

The Mirror report that West Ham are keen to loan Inter Milan striker Mario Balotelli. The Times report that Tottenham are also now keen on Balotelli, after West Ham failed to agree a fee for the player.

The Daily Star claim that West Ham are keen on Man City's Felipe Caicedo. Man City want £8 million for the striker.

Friday, June 19, 2009

Zola Keen on Jimenez & Balotelli

Gianfranco Zola has told La Gazzetta dello Sport that West Ham are keen on signing on loan Jimenez and Italy Under-21 striker Mario Balotelli from Inter (no mention of Mancini).

"Let's hope (we can sign Jimenez). He is one of those lads who play the way I like. It's not easy to sign non-EU players in England but I think these problems can be solved.

"I have done everything I can to sign Mario (Balotelli) and it would be both in our interests and his.

"There is no place for him at Inter and he is a natural talent. He is very extroverted and he knows his attitude sometimes upsets people, but he is intelligent and is still learning to handle situations.

"He is bold and brazen and that's an attribute.
"


Radoslav Kovac has said that he hopes West Ham can still come to an agreement with Spartak Moscow. West Ham have refused to pay £4 million for the player.

Thursday, June 18, 2009

Straumur Given Six Months

Kyel Reid has signed for Sheffield United. Reid was out of contract at West Ham and has now joined the Blades on a two-year deal.


Icelandic bank Straumur, who have a 70% stake in the new owners of West Ham United, have been given a six-month reprieve by the Icelandic courts. This means the bank have another six months suspension of payments to creditors.

The Guardian say that should Straumur be wound up it would have serious implications for West Ham. So, it looks like we have about six month's breathing space for now.

Wednesday, June 17, 2009

West Ham Face Wolves in Opener

West Ham start the season away to newly promoted Wolves on Saturday 15 August.

West Ham's first home game is on Saturday 22 August against relegation favourites T#ttenham Hotspur (the official site shows us at home to Aston Villa on the previous Tuesday, but this game will be rearranged due to Villa's European commitments).

West Ham's last two games of the season are away to Fulham and then at home to Man City.

The fixture list can be seen here in full.

West Ham to Sign Mancini

It seems West Ham Till I Die was right when he said that Duxbury and Nani were in Milan not just to loan Jimenez but to also land a player with the 'wow' factor. Today a number of newspapers are reporting that West Ham are also close to signing 28 year-old Brazilian winger Mancini from Inter as well.

It is likely that Mancini would be another year long loan.

Tuesday, June 16, 2009

Sears to Crystal Palace

The Daily Mail says that Freddie Sears has rejected loan moves to Peterborough and Sheffield Wednesday. Instead he will be joining Crystal Palace on a year long loan.

The Telegraph say that Man City have made a 'firm enquiry' for West Ham's Matthew Upson.

The Daily Record claim that Nigel Quashie will join Cardiff this summer.

Next season's fixture list is out tomorrow!

Jimenez About to Land at West Ham

The Telegraph and The Guardian both seem to think West Ham have all but secured the loan signing of Chile midfielder Luis Jiménez from Inter. Both papers say that the deal will be a one year loan with an option to buy (£7 million seems to be the price to sign Jiménez permanently).

A certain well known Conservative West Ham fan claims that Duxbury and Nani have been in Milan today (Monday) to also try and sign a second player from the Italian league. A player with a certain 'wow' factor.

Monday, June 15, 2009

Jimenez Loan to Be Completed this Week

KUMB are reporting that Lucas Neill is set to re-enter negotiations with West Ham.


Man City striker, Felipe Caicedo, claims he has received an offer from West Ham but that Man City still want him.

"There are several offers - not just Sporting. There's a number of clubs in Portugal, Spain and also England. The only English club I can name is West Ham. I've been told that I'm going to stay here, plus I have a contract with more than three years remaining at City."


The Times report that West Ham have been given the green light to obtain a work permit for Luis Jiménez. They say West Ham hope to agree the loan signing of the Chilean striker this week.

Sunday, June 14, 2009

Transfer Speculation Season Starts

The People claim that West Ham's new owners are prepared to sell Matthew Upson. They say Villa are keen to buy.


'Not so', says the News of the World. They claim Upson is off to Man City, with Dean Sturridge coming the other way. The NoW also claim West Ham are confident of clinching the signing of Inter Milan's attacking midfield Luis Jiminez for around £3.5 and that club officials met with the FA on Friday to lobby for a 'special case' work permit for the Chilean.

The News of the World also say West Ham are among a number of clubs to have received a 34-page brochure from Michael Owen's agents, highlighting his goal scoring skills.


The Mirror claim that West Ham are after Juventus midfielder Tiago. Tiago has talked about his desire of leaving Italy.


The People say that Robert Green has rejected a new contract with West Ham but that he says he wants to stay at the club.

West Ham Transfer Targets

The Independent has printed a list of players they claim West Ham are interested in signing. It does seem to be a comprehensive list of players West Ham have been linked with so far this summer. Here's a quick run down of the players the paper claims we are after.

Newcastle defender Stephen Taylor. The paper claim Zola is hoping to sign him for £4 million.

Out of contract, ex Boro right back Matthew Bates.

Rod Fanni, French defender, whose agent has confirmed contact with West Ham.

Luis Jimenez, attacking midfielder looking for a move to the Premier League. Nani has made no secret of his admiration for the player.

Sam Dalla Bona, midfielder, had trials with West Ham this season which came to nothing. The Independent claim he is still hopeful. Free agent.

Yossi Benayoun. The paper claims that West ham have shown interest but will never land him.

Daniel Sturridge. Has rejected a new contract at Man City. Chelsea have shown an interest but all reports suggest he would rather move to West ham.

Mario Balotelli could be put up for loan by Inter Milan this season. The Independent say West ham lead the chase if he becomes available. Worked with Zola when he was manager of the Italian Under 21 squad.

Carlos Vela. The Independent think that Wenger may be keen on Vela going out on loan this season.

Sergio Floccari. The paper claim that the Atalanta striker has been earmarked to lead the line at West Ham. However West Ham will need to pay around £9 million to sign the player.

Saturday, June 13, 2009

West Ham News on Saturday

The Guardian today report that West Ham's non-executive chairman, Andrew Bernhardt has yet to visit West Ham. They say he is busy ensuring the long-term security of Straumur, where he is a senior director.

The bank has applied to the district court of Reykjavik for a six-month extension to its existing three-month moratorium, with a decision to be announced by the judge on Tuesday. A failure to get an extension could see the bank declared insolvent and asset-stripped.


The Daily Mail claim that Wolves are interested in buying West Ham's Calum Davenport.

The Daily Star say that Man City want to offer Micah Richards in exchange for Matthew Upson.

Friday, June 12, 2009

Prudence from the New Owners

West Ham have today released an official statement by the new Non-Executive Chairman Andrew Bernhardt. The statement says that the club does not need to sell players but emphasises that West Ham must be self-financing,

"The wage bill has been reduced and the settlement agreed with Sheffield United is budgeted for.

"I can assure fans that Gianfranco absolutely does not have to sell any players for financial reasons and new players will be arriving in the summer to augment what is already a strong playing staff.

"We totally support his philosophy of following the West Ham tradition of bringing young players through, as well as investing in new talent where appropriate.

"But we also believe the club should not spend more than it earns and thus increase the debt. It simply isn't necessary when you have such a talented management team and pool of up-and-coming young players. It seems pointless to invest in West Ham United's world famous academy if you are then not going to use the players you have nurtured and developed."

West Ham Want Green to Sign New Deal

The Sun are reporting Scott Duxbury as saying that West Ham are keen for Robert Green to sign a new contract with West Ham,

"I anticipate new contract talks will start again," said managing director Scott Duxbury.

Elsewhere Robert Green has been widely reported as being pleased with his appearances for England.

"It's a proud moment coming out and singing the national anthem. I was not at all frustrated at not having to do more. Two clean sheets is two clean sheets and I'm happy with that."

Thursday, June 11, 2009

Sturridge Linked with West Ham

Not much West Ham transfer news around today, except for The Daily Mail, who say that the club are making a bid to tempt Daniel Sturridge into joining them instead of Chelsea.

Stuart Pearce has praised James Tomkins for his England Under-21 debut performance,

"Tomkins, for his first cap, was outstanding I thought," said Pearce. "Right across the group, not just the West Ham players, there were players without a great deal of experience - the likes of Arsenal's Kieran Gibbs and Everton's Jack Rodwell, the next generation if you like - who did very well for us."

Wednesday, June 10, 2009

West Ham to Play Tottenham in China

The fixtures for the Barclays Asia Trophy in Beijing have been released. West Ham United, Tottenham, Hull City and Beijing Guoan will take part in the competition.

West Ham will play Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday 29 July (11am London time) before Hull City take on local side Beijing Guoan later that same day (1.30pm). The two winners will then meet in the final on Friday 31 July (11am) after a third-place play-off (1.30pm) between the two losing sides from the opening matches.

Tuesday, June 09, 2009

West Ham to Sign Three Players

Scott Duxbury, speaking to Sky, says that West Ham are looking to purchase three players soon. You can view the interview in the video below.

Jimenez & Upson

West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani has told The Daily Mirror that West Ham are definitely interested in Inter midfielder Luis Jimenez,

"He is a great player, one that we have always followed. He is a possibility but nothing is certain. He is also a non-EU player and it is not easy to get a permit for those players in England."


Many of the newspapers are saying that Matthew Upson's comments that he would like to play in the Champions League means he wants to leave West Ham. They have decided to wilfully ignore this part of his recent interview,

"My future is there (West Ham). I'm enjoying my football. I'm enjoying working under Gianfranco Zola."

New Owners Good News & Bad News

The national newspapers can't make up their mind whether West Ham's takeover yesterday is good or bad news for the club.

The Sun claim that the takeover means that 'Zola has hit the jackpot'. They claim having new owners means that Zola 'can press ahead with a £15m raid for Inter Milan's attacking midfielder Jimenez'.

The Independent however say that the new owners may be forced into bankruptcy within 72 hours. The paper say that Straumur, who have a 70% share in CB Holding, 'is effectively bust, has a moratorium over its liabilities and must apply on Thursday to the District Court of Reykjavik for a six-month extension to that agreement.'

The Times claim that despite CB Holding claims that they are not looking to sell immediately, 'representatives have held talks with interested parties in the past week and a takeover could occur sooner rather than later.'

Monday, June 08, 2009

West Ham Changes Owners

West Ham United have confirmed that ownership of the club has been passed to CB Holding. The Independent claim that the club has been sold ' in a deal understood to be worth just over £100m.'

A statement issued by the club says,

"CB Holding, the majority of which is owned by Straumur-Burdaras Investment bank, has completed the purchase of West Ham United and its subsidiaries. As a result, Owner and Chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and his Vice-Chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson have stood down with the club's best wishes.

The new Non-Executive Club Chairman will be Andrew Bernhardt, a senior director with Straumur Bank who is the majority shareholder in CB Holding, an asset management group."

CB Holding say that they will that they will invest in new players "within the parameters of sensible budgeting based on revenues generated by West Ham."

Saturday, June 06, 2009

West Ham Takeover?

According to The Daily Mail West Ham will be taken over by the start of the new season by a £70million American buyout brokered by, Keith Harris. They claim that Harris is talking with an American corporation to bring together a financial package to buy out West Ham's owners.


Elsewhere Kumb say they have heard rumours that West Ham have made a firm bid this weekend for Cardiff City's Joe Ledley. Kumb suggest that Danny Gabbidon could be involved, heading the other way as part of the deal.

They also say that Freddie Sears' year long loan to Sheffield Wednesday could see defenders Mark Beevers and Tommy Spurr coming to West Ham.

West Ham Keen on Jiménez

The Times say West Ham are chasing Inter Milan's Luis Jiménez. The 24 year old Chilean forward is apparently unhappy with his lack of first team chances at his current club. Jiménez can play in several positions up front, including as a second striker or as part of a three-pronged attack.

The Times also claim that Man City are keen on Matthew Upson, who has yet to sign a new contract with West ham.

Friday, June 05, 2009

Replacing Lucas Neill

The Mirror claim that West Ham are keen on Boro's Matthew Bates as a replacement for Lucas Neill. Bates is out of contract at the end of the month so there could be a few teams interested in taking him on a free.

Elsewhere a few websites continue to link West Ham with Rennes full-back Rod Fanni.

Thursday, June 04, 2009

Freddie Sears to Sheff Wed

The BBC are reporting that Sheffield Wednesday are close to singing Freddie Sears on a one year loan.

Peterborough were apparently close to a deal to take Sears on loan but Posh director of football Barry Fry has said that Sears has been told by West Ham that he must join Wednesday.

West Ham Seek Neill Replacement

The Times and The Mirror both say that West Ham are looking at the 6ft Rennes right-back Rod Fanni, as a replacement for Lucas Neill.

Fanni made his debut for France this week and was included in this seasons Ligue 1 Team-of-the-Year. Fanni can play anywhere on the right or in midfield.

West Ham Lose Nine Players

Lucas Neill is one of nine players the official West Ham site claims have today left the club. Neill refused West Ham's recent offer of a new deal and the club say he is now 'pursuing other opportunities'.

Diego Tristan, Lee Bowyer, Walter Lopez, Kyel Reid, Tony Stokes and Jimmy Walker were all also released by West Ham today. Jan Lastuvka, Radoslav Kovac and David Di Michele have completed their loan spells and have returned to their clubs.

Callum Davenport and Julien Faubert are still out on loan but it is likely that West Ham will be also be looking to offload both these players during the summer.

Wednesday, June 03, 2009

West Ham Sign Keeper

West Ham have confirmed the signing of Hungary Under-21 goalkeeper Peter Kurucz from Ujpest FC.

Kurucz, who has been on loan at the club since February, has signed a four year contract with West Ham.

Green to Get Full England Debut

The Daily Mail claim that Robert Green will be given his full England debut against Kazakhstan on Saturday. The paper claims that Green is Capello's first choice to replace the injured David James.

Matthew Upson, who The Mail claim is not a 'top class international', should also play as he seems to be Capello's first choice when Terry or Ferdinand are injured.


The Guardian yesterday ran an interesting report on the finances of Premier League clubs. Here's their analysis of West Ham's turnover.

Turnover £57m (down from £60.1m in 2006, a drop of 5.2%)

Gate and match-day £17m

TV and broadcasting £24m

Catering and corporate hospitality £5m

Commercial activities £9m

Retail and Merchandising £2m

Wage bill £44.2m (up from 31.2m in 2006, an increase of 41%)

Wages as proportion of turnover 76%

Loss before tax £22m

Debts £36m

Interest payable £2m

West Ham's debt of £36 million is actually quite small compared to many other Premier League clubs and pales into insignificance next to the huge debts of the so called 'big four' (although so does the club's turnover).

Tuesday, June 02, 2009

Neill May Stay at West Ham

Lucas Neill's agent claims that talks are still going on between the West Ham captain and the club despite Neill refusing West Ham's latest offer,

"The last offer was declined because Lucas didn't feel it reflected his value as a player and captain. Negotiations have been amicable and we hope we can still reach an agreement.

"The door remains open for West Ham and Lucas. Obviously the longer it goes on, the more likely it's not going to happen. There has been other interest from clubs in England and in Europe but it's still very early stages. Lucas is hopeful something can be agreed with West Ham."


The Guardian today has a round-up of the transfer market plans of clubs in the Premier League.

The paper says that Zola has suggested he will have funds to buy players this summer. The paper also lists Matthew Upson as a possible departure from the club.

Possible departures: Walter López, Lucas Neill, Diego Tristán, Luis Boa Morte (all out of contract), David Di Michele , Jan Lastuvka (both end of loan), Lee Bowyer, Nigel Quashie, Kyel Reid, Jimmy Walker, Freddie Sears (loan), Matthew Upson

Possible arrivals: Radoslav Kovac (Spartak Moscow), Matthew Bates (Middlesbrough), Eric Djemba-Djemba (Odense), Djibril Cisse (Marseille)

Monday, June 01, 2009

Green & Neill Turn Down West Ham Contracts

Lucas Neill has refused a new one year contract from West Ham, said to be worth more than £2 million. Neill seems to have turned down the new offer from the club because it represented a cut in his weekly wages.

Neill will now almost inevitably leave the club.

Various reports are suggesting that Robert Green has also rejected a new contract offer from West Ham. Green's current deal still has two years left to run.

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