Upson to Upton Park

The latest rumour is that West Ham are keen to sign Birmingham City defender Matthew Upson. At the moment the 27-year-old defender is out with a ruptured achilles and isn't expected back until October. Apparently Pardew has long been a fan of the player and the relegated club may find it hard to hold onto the player once he is fit.

West Ham Takeover Bid?

The only news today is a far fetched rumour that John Magnier and Michael Tabor are trying to take over West Ham. Magnier's wife part owned Irish Derby winner Galileo with former bookie and West Ham fan Michael Tabor. Magnier sold his shares in Mannure to the Glazers and Tabor has been involved in previous attempts to buy out West Ham.

Still seems far fetched.

England Goals
Terry Goal


Gerrard Goal

Modeste M'Bami for West Ham

West Ham United are reportedly interested in Paris St Germain midfielder Modeste M'Bami. The 23-year-old Cameroon international almost moved to Wolves three seasons ago but rejected a deal at the last minute. M'Bami made 34 appearances for the Paris club last season and is under contract until 2008.

A member of Cameroon's Olympic winning team of 2000, M'Bami is described as being a strong tackler and a player who relishes getting forward at every opportunity.

No News - So More West Ham HIghlights

Rebrov Eyes West Ham Return

Sergei Rebrov, speaking to Sky Sports claims to have spoken to Pardew about returning to West Ham,

"Everything is possible, when I left West Ham I was happy that I had the support. I tried to do everything for my club, it did not matter that I had not played, and it is possible that I can come back. I spoke before with Alan Pardew and he said he will be watching at the World Cup and we will see after that."

Sounds like a fairly non-committal response from Pardew then.

Another rumour doing the rounds claims that West Ham have spoken to Bayern Munich about buying Owen Hargreves. "Salt" and "pinch of" are three words that come to mind.

Even More West Ham Transfer Rumours

Nineteen year old West Ham midfielder Chris Cohen seems to be angling for a transfer to League One club Yeovil. Cohen was Yeovil's player of the season whilst on loan with the club last year and the club appear keen to sign him. The player said,

"I have not really spoken to West Ham about my future yet, but I'm pretty sure I'll either be going on loan somewhere or leaving. West Ham are in Europe next season and I think they will use that extra money to bring in some more big-name players, making it harder for the likes of me to get into the side.

But I wouldn't rule out a return to Yeovil. They have been in contact and they're waiting. I had a brilliant time down there so it is definitely a possibility."


Supposed West Ham transfer target Kim Kallström has signed for French side Lyon.

West Ham After Arca

West Ham are believed to be one of a number of clubs keen to sign Julio Arca. Alan Pardew might try to head off interest from Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and Portsmouth by making the first move for the left-sided Argentinian.

Whilst Sunderland's finances are secure and they do not need to sell players it is understood they would not stand in Arca's way if he decides to leave. The 24-year-old is keen to break into the Argentinian squad and is not keen on the physical nature of the Championship.

Scaloni Looking for New Club

It appears that Lionel Scaloni wished to stay at West Ham as he has criticised the management of Deportivo. The Argentine fullback signed for West Ham on-loan in January, but will be released by the club at the end of the deal.

Scaloni has one year left on his contract at Depor, but said:

"I do not want to stay at Deportivo. I am on a list of players that they want to get rid of. This club does not want strong characters inside the dressing room. If they want me to leave, I will seek another European club. I want another two or three years in Europe."

West Ham linked With Duscher & Bowyer Again

Deportivo La Coruna midfielder Aldo Duscher looks like he will be sold if a club can meet the £4million asking price. With Mannure seemingly having lost interest in the player and Deportiva keen to cash in on a player in the last year of his contract West Ham have emerged as favourite to sign the midfielder.

Bowyer is again being linked with West Ham with the Geordies seemingly keen to sell a problem player if someone can match their £2million asking place.

Luke Young Upset at Lack of Contract

West Ham target Luke Young has hinted he could leave the Addicks after revealing he was "disappointed" by their failure to offer him a new deal. Pardew has made no secret of his desire to sign the England defender and with Scaloni's departure a new right back is top of West Ham's wanted list.

Scaloni Released

West Ham have announced that Argentine defender Lionel Scaloni will not be offered a contract with the club. The Deportivo La Coruna club captain will be released at the end of his temporary loan contract, along with five other players.

Also axed are defenders Sekou Baradji, Darren Blewitt, Trent McClenahan, goalkeeper Matthew Reed and Czech striker Petr Mikolanda.

Norwich City have confirmed that they have made an enquiry about West Ham defender Clive Clarke.

Liverpool Football club have voted West Ham fans the Fans of the Season on their official website. West Ham received 60% of the overall poll to become far and away the most voted club. This is no doubt largely due to the way West Ham fans responded to the defeat in Cardiff.

Reo-Coker Removed from Standby List

Nigel Reo-Coker has been removed from the standby list for the England squad after a recurrance of a long standing back problem. He has been replaced on the list by Phil Neville.

West Ham are believed to be in the hunt for St Etienne defender Fousseni Diawarra, with the future of Scaloni still looking doubtful. Diawarra failed to impress when he played for Bolton in the Premiership but it is reported that the player has developed in his three years playing in France.

Fair Play Awards

West Ham have finished joint second with Arsenal in the official Barclaycard Premiership 2005-06 Fair Play table. The winners were Charlton.

West Ham received only two red cards this season and one of them was later rescinded. Marks however are also awarded for positive play, respect towards opponents, respect towards the referee and the behaviour of club officials.

West Ham also finished fourth in the table for Best Behaved supporters.

Bowyer and Southgate Rumours

Today West Ham are linked with Gareth Southgate and Lee Bowyer. Pardew played with Southgate at Crystal Palace and apparently sees the experienced 35-year-old as the ideal signing to guide his young side through their Uefa Cup campaign next year.

Lee Bowyer is apparently keen for a return to London and with Newcastle well served in midfield may be allowed to leave the club. The ex-Hammer has a history of causing trouble off the pitch and has never really fulfilled his potential as a player.

Transfer Rumours

West Ham have again been linked with ex-Hammer Glen Johnson. Glen Johnson is amongst a handful of frustrated Chelsea players that Mourinho has given permission to leave. Wigan and West Ham United are rumoured to be chasing St Etienne defender Fousseni Diawarra. In the opposite direction, Norwich are reportedly keen to sign West Ham's Clive Clarke.

Newcastle are today reported to be after ex-West Ham forward Defoe. This seems to be more realistic than their reported bid for Ashton. Defoe has been spent much of the season on the bench this season and with Tottenham's signing of Berbatov this week and Defoe missing out on the world cup it seems that a move would be welcomed by both club and player.

West Ham Season Highlights

Magpies Attempt to Steal Ashton

Reports today suggest that Newcastle will offer West Ham £12 million for Dean Ashton. Apparently Ashton is seen as the natural successor to Alan Shearer. It is highly unlikely however that West Ham would even consider such a low offer, especially as 15% would immediately go to the Canaries, because of a sell on clause in the player's contract.

The other question is whether Ashton himself would want to leave a club playing in Europe for one that will be battling against relegation.

Rodolph Douala

A number of sites today report that West Ham are keen to sign Cameroon striker Rodolph Douala from Sporting Lisbon this summer.

Douala has said that the club is now willing to let him leave at the right price. In the past they have turned down two bids from Boro but reports in Portugal now claim it is West Ham who are most interested in the player

Katan to Leave, Scaloni to Stay

Yaniv Katan may have played his last game for West Ham. The striker, visiting Israel, told the local press that Alan Pardew, had told him he was not in the club's plans for next season.

"I am a West Ham player at the moment, and I have a contract with the club for another three seasons, but the manager has told me that I do not figure in his plans. So unless something changes and I am told that I can fight for a place on the team, I am finished with West Ham," Katan said.

"At the moment, things aren't clear, and I need a few days to think things over before making a decision. Without a doubt, my first choice is to return to Maccabi Haifa, the club where I grew up and the club that I love," added Katan, who left Haifa for the English Premier League side in January.

Lionel Scaloni on the other hand has said he is confident he will secure a permanent deal with West Ham. According to The Mirror reports in Spain suggest West Ham will offer Scaloni a two-year deal. He said, "I'd like to stay. The final decision will depend on Deportivo."

Transfer Rumours

Both West Ham and Tottenham are said to be after Swedish international Kim Kallstrom. The midfielder currently plays for French side Rennes but is apparently keen on a move to the Premiership.

The Reds are said to have been so impressed by Yossi Benayoun in the cup final that they are prepared to make a large bid for the Israeli. Meanwhile Yossi has been talking of the Hammer's need to strengthen their squad for next year's European campaign. So it seems Yossi plans to stay.

West Ham Plan For The Future

West Ham commercial director, Scott Duxbury outlined the club's plans on Saturday. The good news is that the club wants success and it seems that they are prepared to invest to achieve that.

"We've clearly got to invest in the playing squad and keep pushing the Club forward, but there is no reason why we can't move on from here and enjoy regular UEFA Cup football, and have a long-term target - if not medium-term - of playing in the Champions League.

"I don't think anyone should be ridiculed for aiming to reach the top and, in my opinion, that is where this Club is heading. Everything about this Club is geared towards success. People talk about how quickly we have gained success this season and, yes, it is fairly unusual for it to happen so quickly, but our position shouldn't be an unusual situation for a Club like West Ham United.

"We should be in the top 10 of the Premiership, we should be in FA Cup finals, and we should be playing European football. Going forward, they should be regular targets for us and we are committed to providing the supporters with more of the wonderful occasions they will experience at the Millennium Stadium today."

We have a young, ambitious manager and team. The performance on Saturday proved that on our day we are as good as anyone in the Premiership. So as long as West Ham can strengthen the squad in a few areas next season should be even more successful.

Ashton vs. Gerrard

Before the game Alan Pardew had argued that if you put Steven Gerrard in the West Ham side then the Hammers would be the favourites. Pardew as usual was proved right. Most of the Sunday papers report that West Ham were the better side, even ex-Red Alan Hansen claims that "West Ham were the better side and should have won." It was only an outstanding performance from Gerrard that saved Liverpool, and in the end his two stunning goals snatched the man of the match award from Dean Ashton.

Before this game I still had doubts about Ashton, particularly his lack of pace, and thought that West Ham should have started with Bobby Zamora. However Ashton yesterday showed what an awesome player he is, and the watching England manager must have realised the mistake he has made in not including the player in his world cup squad.

Pardew started the game with Harewood up front and Ashton playing a little deeper. This was an outstanding tactical decision, Ashton not only proved effective in disrupting the Red's passing game by playing Alonso out of the game, but established Ashton as West Ham's own playmaker. The forward was instrumental in West Ham's opening goals. His superb pass to Scaloni led to the first goal and his header to Etherington proved decisive in his own goal. His marking of Alonso effectively led to the Liverpool player being substituted early in the second half.

If Ashton can remain fit then the future looks rosy for the Hammers. His skill on the ball seems particularly suited to the European game and should ensure West Ham have a decent run in the EUFA cup next season. And who knows he may even make possible West Ham director Scott Duxbury's stated ambition that West Ham challenge for the Champion's League.

FA Cup Highlights

West Ham 3 Liverpool 3

Having never been in the lead in this game the poorer team robbed West Ham of the FA Cup by winning the penalty shoot out.

The first half was the Dean Ashton show. In the first 20 minutes both sides played cat and mouse, with neither side managing to create a clear cut chance. However on 21 minutes Ashton knocked a lovely ball inside the Liverpool defence to Scaloni on the right wing. Scaloni fired his cross in hard and low and Carragher, trying to stop the ball reaching Harewood, put the ball into his own net on the near post.

Seven minutes later Ashton flicked a header from a Benayoun cross onto Etherington. The winger then managed to avoid the attentions of three defenders to fire in a low shot from the edge of the box. Jose Reina spilled the ball and Ashton was there to fire in West Ham's second.

On 32 minutes Gerrard knocked a long cross, from deep, into the box. Cisse outpaced Ferdinand and Scaloni and fired his shot home to make it 2-1.

Straight from the break Ashton won the ball near the halfway line passed the ball inside the right back to Etherington. Etherington crossed for Harewood, who one-on-one with the keeper, fired straight at Reina. Benayoun was the first to the rebound, he beat one defender but also fired his shot straight at the keeper.

On 54 minutes Crouch headed back a cross to an on-rushing Gerrard who smashed the ball into the back of the net. Ten minutes later however Konchesky restored the lead. Konchesky flew down the left wing and his mishit cross floated over a despairing Reina.

With the game seemingly won, on 90 minutes Gerrard received the ball about 30 yards out and fired an astonishing shot past Hislop to take the game into extra-time.

The best chance in extra-time came seconds before the final whistle. Reo-Coker won a header which Reina just managed to divert against the post. The ball fell to an injured Harewood who mishit his shot to miss an open game.

With West Ham's penalty record there was only going to be one winner of the penalty shoot out, so the better team lost.

Win or Lose - I'm Claret and Blue

Coming Home

FA Cup Final Preview

The Reds go into this game clear favourites. With eleven straight wins in all competitions they are on their best run for seventeen years. The Anfield club are unbeaten in eight against West Ham, winning the last four. West Ham have not beaten the Reds since a 1-0 win at Upton Park on 27 November 1999, when Trevor Sinclair scored the winner. In the league this season they beat West Ham home and away, although West Ham ran them close at Upton Park in a game in which both sides withheld players.

West Ham seem to have returned to some form themselves, having won two successive league games. Alan Pardew is eager to become the first English manager to win the FA Cup since Joe Royle did it with Everton in 1995. With the recent deaths of Ron Greenwood and John Lyall West Ham will be hoping that their memorial is a FA Cup win.

The key to this game could be in midfield. Steven Gerrard, Momo Sissoko and Xabi Alonso often control games for LIverpool in midfield, and with Mullins missing for West Ham it is important that Reo-Coker and who ever partners him are at the top of their game.

Prediction 1-0 to West Ham.

West Ham this season have looked strong late on in games. West Ham will restrict Liverpool in the first half and Harewood will score a late winner.

Transfer Rumours

With Brown again hinting that there will be money available to Pardew, the long summer of transfer rumours has begun.

This week West Ham are linked with Sunderland leftback/winger Julio Arca, who is said to fancy a £1.5 million move to West Ham because of the opportunity to play in Europe.

Barcelona midfielder Gabri is also once again being linked with West Ham. The former Spanish international, who rejected the chance to join the Hammers in January, is coming to the end of his contract, and is seeking a move away from the Camp Nou.

"I must recognise that I would like to have an experience outside our country," said Gabri. The leagues outside are very attractive, mainly the English that has changed a lot, this is shown ny the fact there are very important people playing there."

In the opposite directions, there are rumours that Katan is set to return to his old club Maccabi having failed to break into the West Ham first team.

Other News
The Newham Council website have announced that there will be a victory parade on Monday should West Ham win the FA Cup.

"The parade is expected to take place on Monday 15 May, starting at Newham Town Hall at 6.30pm and proceed via Barking Road and Green Street to the club stadium, arriving at approximately 7.30pm."

Injury News

West Ham are saying that Dean Ashton has a 60-40 chance to be fit for the final. The club now seem more worried about Mathew Etherington. Alan Pardew reports that,

"We've still got a fair bit of time left and Matthew Etherington seems to have given himself more of a chance. The swelling that could restrict his movement has gone down and, apart from Deano and Matty, everyone else is now fit."

The Reds' main worry is Spanish midfielder Xabi Alonso who is battling to recover from ankle ligament damage picked up in their weekend win at Portsmouth.

West Ham Won't Have to Replay Game

Tottenham, having already been thrashed once by West Ham at Upton Park, have been desparate for another footballing lesson from the Academy. However the Premier League have reacted quickly to the request for their game against West Ham to be replayed by stating that the result will stand.

A replay always looked unlikely. Because of the World Cup Fifa will not allow any domestic games after this weekend and West Ham were never going to agree to a replay of this match before the FA Cup final.

Benayoun Scores

Some of the Highlights 05-06

West Ham 2 Spurs 1

Carl Fletcher's first Premiership goal and a late winner from Benayoun ended Spurs' Champions League dreams. Some of the Spurs players had apparently been struck down with food poisoning before the game and it showed in the opening minutes as the Hammers went close twice. Both Reo-Coker and Benayoun had good chances to open the scoring before Flethcher's stunning 30 yard goal in the tenth minute.

Defoe equalised for Spurs before the break, beating Danny Gabbidon and firing inside the far post. Six minutes after the restart Tainio brought down Zamora in the box but Sheringham scuffed the penalty to keep the Spuds' hopes alive. However their hopes were soon dashd when Harewood's backheel found Benayoun, who sidestepped Michael Dawson and fired into the top corner.

With Arsenal winning 4-2 at Wigan the Spurs fans then had to face the taunts of the West Ham fans for the rest of the game.

I'm now off to the Football Mad boards to continue the taunting.

West Ham vs Spurs

Zamora should be the West Ham player to watch today. Zamora playing against one of his old clubs and attempting to secure a place in the cup final team will be playing to impress.

We will also probably get another look at young Kyle Reid because of Etherington's injury. Reid looked a good crosser of the ball on his debut last week, and he also has an outside chance of making the cup final squad.

Spurs still have doubts over a number of key players but will obviously be giving it their all today. The Spurs should be able to beat the Hammers reserve team today but the West Ham fans will be desparate for them to lose. There should be a party mood at Upton Park today, so expect the fans to be egging the Hammers on and there is always the chance that the pressure will get to the Spuds.

Boris Johnson Goes for the Tackle

There is nothing better than seeing a German player taking it in the nuts.

Etherington Doubtful For Final

Mathew Etherington has apparently suffered an ankle injury in a training session today and is not only out of the Tottenham game but reportedly doubtful for the final. Alan Pardew said today,

"Unfortunately Matty has taken a really bad knock on Friday and I think he is doubtful, not just for Sunday but for the cup final. That is a really bad blow. The whole squad is disappointed that Matty has this injury."

West Ham are claiming a number of players are doubtful for the final, so let's hope this is all just kidology to head off the inevitable backlash if West Ham put out the reserve team against Tottenham.

West Ham vs Spurs

With Arsenal's win against Man City last night this is a must win game for Spurs. The Hammers fans will be desperate for West Ham to stop Spurs achieving fourth place in the league and for the team to finish the season with a good home win. However Alan Pardew and the players will probably be most concerned with avoiding any injuries in this match.

Both teams look like they will be missing first choice strikers in this game, with Ashton and Keane both suffering from injuries. Spurs also have a number of other injuries, Ledley King (metatarsal) and Jermaine Jenas (shin) are out while Mido, Paul Stalteri and Michael Carrick are major doubts.

Hopefully the pressure on Spurs will prove too much for their players and a more relaxed West Ham can teach them a footballing lesson.

Gabbidon Hammer of the Year

Danny Gabbidon has been named as the Hammer of the Year for 2005-06, with Marlon Harewood finishing as runner-up.

Since arriving from Cardiff City last summer, the 26-year-old has been a key member of Alan Pardew's team, stepping up to the top flight with ease and appearing in 31 of 36 Premiership matches. His calm and positive influence on the Hammers defence has been a vital factor behind West Ham's success this season. It is no coincidence that the team's most difficult run came when Danny was sidelined with injury at the end of December.

Marlon, meanwhile, finished a close second after an explosive campaign of his own that has seen him fire 16 league and cup goals already this season, including the memorable winner in our FA Cup semi-final victory over Middlesbrough.

Rudi Skacel for West Ham?

West Ham are being linked with Hearts midfielder Rudi Skacel. According to Hearts owner Vladimir Romanov the Czech player is considering a move to England. The owner added,

"His agent has asked us to terminate his contract to allow him to go to another club for £1million. I've spoken to Rudi and asked him why he wasn't playing as well as he had been and scoring goals and he said he was thinking about moving to England.

I said to him to play well because it would be better for both sides as we would get money for him and he would get a good contract, but he said he was afraid of getting an injury."

Skacel is an attacking midfielder, who likes to get forward and averages a goal about every over game.

You can see him in action for Hearts here. He looks a promising player.

Ashton Will Recover for Final

According to The Times West Ham striker Dean Ashton should be fit in time for the FA Cup Final on Saturday week.

"A scan yesterday afternoon revealed that the damage to Ashton's hamstring was far less serious than was feared. Ashton has suffered a grade-one strain that usually takes about ten days to heal and although he will miss the final Barclays Premiership match of the season, against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday, he is expected to be back in the starting line-up for the Cup Final at the Millennium Stadium in Cardiff six days later.

Ashton has been carrying a groin injury since joining from Norwich City in January, but he felt sufficiently fit to play on Monday. If the latest injury does not heal as expected, Alan Pardew, the manager, is likely to pair Bobby Zamora and Marlon Harewood in attack."

Matthew Etherington, who was withdrawn as a precaution from the team shortly before the West Bromwich match because of a groin injury, is also expected to recover for the Cup Final. Anton Ferdinand, Yossi Benayoun and James Collins, who are also carrying groin injuries, should be fit, but may be rested for part of the Tottenham match.

Ashton Out of Spurs Game

Dean Ashton, who was replaced in yesterday's game after falling awkwardly in an aerial challenge with Albion's Curtis Davies, is out of Sunday's game. Alan Pardew, speaking after the win against the Baggies reports that,

"He felt a twinge in his hamstring and that could be anything. Potentially, he could be doubtful for the FA Cup final. After being without Hayden Mullins, that would be a big blow because we just can't afford to lose any more of our big players and Deano certainly fits into that category.

He's our biggest worry now, he certainly won't be available for Sunday's game against Tottenham Hotspur, and that will now give somebody else a chance up front."

Pardew also hinted that he would not be playing a full strength squad against Spurs because a number of other players have minor injuries.

West Brom 0 West Ham 1

West Ham started the game without Etherington, Konchesky, Ferdinand and Harewood but within 20 minutes the inevitable happened and Ashton looked to pull a hamstring. He was immediately replaced by Sheringham.

Kyle Reid got his first senior start for West Ham on the left wing and managed a couple of decent crosses in what was a disjointed first half. With the Baggies already relegated and the Hammers trying to avoid injuries the half lacked any really passion.

West Brom's best chance fell to Kanu when Dailly under no pressure in the right back position decided to roll a ball square to Kanu, who then only had Hislop to beat but smashed the ball over the bar from just outside the box.

West Ham scored four minutes before the break when Zamora received the ball on the left touch line and ran straight at the West Brom defence. He managed to dribble into the box before finally being tackled, however the ball fell to Reo-Coker who scored from eight yards out.

West Brom tried a little harder in the second half and managed to pressure the West Ham box. Their best chances however came from penalty appeals. On 64 minutes Kanu had a good shout when Dailly decided that having set him up for an open goal in the first half he would give him a penalty chance in the second. Luckily for the Hammers Graham Poll pretended not to see Dailly's foul. Two minutes later Kanu again seemed to be fouled in the box, this time by Ward, but Poll again sided with West Ham.

West Brom continued to look productive getting the ball in the box, especially from corners and from a number of Greening crosses, but never looked like they could finish their chances. West Ham managed to defend most of these crosses well. On 78 muinutes however, from a left wing Greening cross, Ellington had a good chance with his head but unchallenged put the ball way over the bar.

On 85 minutes Harewood also had a good chance with his head, from a Reo-Coker cross, but headed straight at the keeper. Two minutes later the Baggies finally got the ball in the back of the net, but only after Wallwork had controlled the ball with his hand, and the goal was disallowed.

West Ham didn't really break a sweat in the second half, they seemed content to sit back and soak up West Brom's blunt attack. On 90 minutes West Ham did break forward with pace but Harewood's smashed shot was well saved. That was the last of any real action and West Ham came away with a deserved win.

West Brom vs West Ham

Christian Dailly could make a return for the Hammers, as replacement for Mullins. Dailly had a midweek reserve game and, with Pardew likely to rest players, should at least feature in the squad.

The Baggie's were relegated on Saturday because of the Portsmouth result and presumably will be hoping to give their disappointed fans a long overdue home win.
The West Ham players on the otherhand will be playing for a cup final place so should also be looking to impress. One player who could stake a claim today is Bobby Zamora. With Ashton nursing a groin strain, Bobby could well start the game and should be desparate to make a mark.