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Charlton Athletic
Watford
Liverpool
Aston Villa
Palermo (Italy)
Newcastle United
Manchester City
Palermo (Italy)
Reading
Portsmouth
Tottenham Hotspur
Chesterfield
Blackburn Rovers
Arsenal
Middlesbrough
Chelsea
Sheffield United
Everton
Wigan Athletic
Bolton Wanderers
Manchester United
Fulham
Portsmouth
Manchester City
Reading
Brighton & Hove Albion
Fulham
Newcastle United
Watford
Liverpool
Aston Villa
Watford
Charlton Athletic
Tottenham Hotspur
Blackburn Rovers
Middlesbrough
Arsenal
Sheffield United
Chelsea
Everton
Wigan Athletic
Bolton Wanderers
Manchester United
H 3-1
A 1-1
A 2-1
H 1-1
H 0-1
H 0-2
A 0-2
A 0-3
H 0-1
A 0-2
A 0-1
A 1-2
H 2-1
H 1-0
A 0-1
A 0-1
H 1-0
A 0-2
H 0-2
A 0-4
H 1-0
A 0-0
H 1-2
H 0-1
A 0-6
H 3-0
H 3-3
A 2-2
H 0-1
H 1-2
A 0-1
H 0-1
A 0-4
H 3-4
A 2-1
H 2-0
A 1-0
A 0-3
H 1-4
H 1-0
A 3-0
H 3-1
A 1-0
Preston North End - July 2006 : £1m
Blackburn Rovers - January 2007 : Undisclosed fee
Sunderland - August 2006 : £600,000 + Clive Clarke
Chelsea - July 2006 : Undisclosed fee
Loan
Fulham - January 2007 : Undisclosed fee
Israel club Hapoel Tel Aviv - August 2006 : £1m
Argentina club side Corinthians - August 2006
Manchester United - June 2006 : £500,000
Norwich City - Augut 2006 : £2m
(Loan to Brighton for 1 month)
Loan to Ipswich Town for 3 months
Newcastle United - June 2006 : Undisclosed fee
Argentina club side Corinthians - August 2006
West Bromwich Albion - January 2007 : £1m
Birmingham City - January 2007 : £6m+
Loan from Spanish club Seville - January 2007
UEFA 1st Round - 1st Leg
UEFA 1st Round - 2nd Leg
Carling Cup Third Round:
Alan Curbishley Manager:
F.A. Cup Third Round:
F.A. Cup Fourth Round:
Dearly Departed
Stephen Bywater - joins Derby County on Free transfer - August 2006
Tyrone Mears loan to Derby County made permanent January 2007
Javier Mascherano joins Liverpool initially on loan January 2007
Shaun Newton - joins Leicester City Loan/Permanent March 2007
Kepa Blanco rejoins Seville after loan period May 2007
Paul Konchesky - joins Fulham - July 2007 £3.2m
Yossi Benayoun - joins Liverpool - July 2007 £5m
Roy Carroll released at end of season - July 2007
Marlon Harewood - joins Aston Villa - July 2007 £4.5m
Nigel Reo-Coker - joins Aston Villa - August 2007 £8.5m
Carlos Tevez - joins Manchester United - August 2007 £2m
Pre-Season Friendlies
F.C. Trollhattan (Sweden)
20th July 2006
2-0 trollhattan
IFK Gotenborg (Sweden)
22nd July 2006
1-2 Gothenburg
Ljungskile (Sweden)
25th July 2006
3-2 Ljungskile
International Festival Football
27th - 30th July 2006
Watford & London
Bayer Leverkusen
International Youth Tournament
4th - 6th August 2006
New Douglas Park
Gillingham
Andy Hessenthaler Testimonial
29th July 2006
2-1 Priestfield Stadium
Cambridge United
1st August 2006
4-0 Abbey Stadium
Bishops Stortford
28th July 2006
5-3 Woodside Park
Boys of 86 v.
Witham Town Select
20th August 2006
Boys of 86 v.
Football Careers Centre XI
13th August 2006
56th ADO Den Haag
International Tournament
11th - 13th August 2006
NO PROGRAMMES ISSUED:
4th August - Aris FC (Geece) 2-2
6th August - PAOK FC (Greece) 1-2
Ticket & Team Sheet images for the POAK game in Greece courtesy of Paul Sturton
Two second-half goals from Bobby Zamora made it a disappointing return to Upton Park for new Charlton manager Iain Dowie. Dowie, who enjoyed two spells at West Ham as a player, saw his side take a 14th-minute lead with a controversial penalty from Darren Bent. But his hopes of getting off to a winning start were made virtually impossible by the dismissal of debutant left-back Djimi Traore in the 26th minute. Traore, a £2million signing from Liverpool, was booked for a foul on Lee Bowyer in the 23rd minute and shown the red card three minutes later when he prevented the home side from taking a quick free-kick. Down to 10 men Charlton understandably struggled to contain a vibrant West Ham side which went on to dominate. Indeed, they were unlucky not to have been in front long before Danny Gabbidon was adjudged to have handled the ball for Bent's penalty. Bowyer, clearly intent on making an impression against one of his former clubs, created a shooting opportunity within the opening minute for the lively Zamora. The striker, getting a first team chance due to the enforced absence of the injured Dean Ashton, unleashed a 20-yard volley that flew just inches over. Two minutes later they should have opened the scoring when Nigel Reo-Coker fed the marauding Paul Konchesky on the left flank.
The former Charlton defender's cross was met by the head of the new Israel captain Yossi Benayoun but he was unable to direct his effort on target from six yards. Charlton found it difficult to settle as a result of the home side's ferocious opening salvo. But in the 14th minute Bent put them in front from the penalty spot after Gabbidon was controversially adjudged to have handled by referee Howard Webb. Webb initially gave a corner but after consulting his assistant the official pointed to the spot to the anger of the West Ham fans and players. Bent kept his cool to beat Roy Carroll with a firmly-hit penalty that went in off the right-hand upright. Traore, booked for a foul on Bowyer in the 23rd minute, lasted another three minutes on his Charlton debut before being sent off. The former Liverpool defender could have no complaints with Webb's decision after he prevented West Ham from taking a quick free-kick. Dowie immediately replaced Darren Ambrose with defender Gonzalo Sorondo. In the 28th minute, Charlton had a lucky escape when Marlon Harewood appeared to have equalised but Webb disallowed the goal for an infringement. West Ham began to make the most of their extra man but Zamora was guilty of failing to make the most of a fine cross from Reo-Coker in the 37th minute. A minute later Harewood and Benayoun combined down the right flank but again Zamora failed to make his presence tell as Charlton's defence scrambled the ball clear. Harewood then brought a fine save from Scott Carson with a 20-yard drive in the 40th minute, the keeper diving low to his right in order to prevent it sneaking in the bottom corner. West Ham boss Alan Pardew replaced right-back Tyrone Mears with John Pantsil at the start of the second half and the home side picked up where they left off before the break. Their sustained pressure brought them an equaliser in the 51st minute through Zamora. He capitalised on Charlton's failure to cut out a low right-wing cross from Bowyer to poke the ball home at the far post. Charlton's response was immediate with Talal El Karkouri forcing Carroll into a fine save with a 30-yard free-kick. The West Ham keeper then dived to his right to keep out Bent's effort from the rebound. But West Ham deservedly went in front in the 65th minute, although Zamora's second of the match had a touch of comedy about it. The build-up was elegant enough with Konchesky feeding Bowyer on the left but the former Charlton player's cross appeared to have eluded Zamora at the far post. But the West Ham striker somehow managed to hook the ball against the inside of the left-hand upright and beyond El Karkouri's attempted goalline clearance for his second. West Ham completed the scoring in the last seconds of injury when substitute Carlton Cole finished superbly with his first touch of the ball after replacing Harewood.
Watford claimed their first point in the Barclays Premiership this season - but they were desperately unlucky not to claim all three against West Ham. Marlon King - who also hit the post in the first half - put the home side in front with a tremendous strike in the 63rd minute, but Bobby Zamora equalised for the Hammers barely a minute later to preserve an unbeaten record against Watford that stretches 21 years and as many matches. Zamora could have won it for West Ham in the 71st minute - but that would have been tough on Adrian Boothroyd's hard-running, committed team, who went close through Ashley Young, Dan Shittu and Darius Henderson. Alan Pardew's West Ham side were technically superior to their hosts, but at times they struggled to cope with Watford's physical strength and with the power and pace of King, who had an inspired match. The Hornets face their toughest test so far when Manchester United come to Vicarage Road on Saturday - but this display will have filled Boothroyd and his players with confidence. Watford brought in Hameur Bouazza and the fit-again Jay DeMerit for James Chambers and Adrian Mariappa, while West Ham also made two changes, with John Pantsil - making his full debut - and James Collins replacing Tyrone Mears and Yossi Benayoun.
Watford began the match using the direct, purposeful style that served them so well in winning promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship last season - but posed the visitors few alarms. The home side looked secure at the back in the early stages - until West Ham threatened seriously for the first time in the 17th minute. Marlon Harewood robbed his former team-mate Chris Powell - making his home debut - and headed for goal, but DeMerit did superbly to force the powerful striker wide and block his eventual shot. Watford came much closer in the 26th minute, though, when Bouazza made a 60-yard run down the left and crossed for King to steer a right-foot volley against Roy Carroll's left post. The game opened up after that near miss. DeMerit produced another terrific intervention to deny Nigel Reo-Coker in the 29th minute after Young had mis-kicked inside his own penalty area, and two minutes later Young showed the brighter side of his game when he sent an overhead kick narrowly wide of the right post from 12 yards. In the 33rd minute, Zamora out-jumped Powell at the far post to reach Paul Konchesky's left-wing cross but his header drifted tamely wide of Ben Foster's goal. Early in the second half, Bouazza for Watford and Konchesky for West Ham both went close as the home side continued to hold their own
against the team that finished ninth in the Premiership last season. But it was the home side who took the lead in breathtaking fashion in the 63rd minute when King, facing away from goal, collected Young's lay-off from the edge of the area and powered a magnificent 30-yard shot into Carroll's top-right corner.
Watford's lead lasted barely 60 seconds, however. Konchesky crossed from the left and the unmarked Zamora reacted the quickest to volley in off the bar from eight yards. Immediately after the goal, West Ham sent on Teddy Sheringham and Benayoun for Harewood and Danny Gabbidon as the visitors switched from 3-5-2 to 4-4-2. But it was Boothroyd's team who went close to regaining the lead when Shittu headed Bouazza's corner just over the bar - seconds after Pantsil nearly headed into his own net. Watford came even closer in the 70th minute when Carroll's remarkable one-handed save prevented Anton Ferdinand turning King's cross into his own net. The match, relatively quiet in the first half, was now compelling. Zamora should have scored a second in the 71st minute, but shot wide from 10 yards after Sheringham had taken advantage of a rare Foster fumble to set up his strike partner. Watford's aerial threat continued to pose problems for West Ham, and Henderson was just off target after meeting Young's right-wing cross with a firm header with 12 minutes remaining. The home side continued to create chances and in the 80th minute, King found himself free inside the area but his volley was wild and flew well wide.
LIVERPOOL : Barclays Premiership
Anfield
1-2 (Zamora)
26th August 2006
Att: 43,965
Referee: A. Wiley
Two goals in the final minutes of the first half gave Liverpool victory at Anfield on the day the Kop celebrated its 100th birthday. Both goals were scored in front of one of the most famous edifices in football, the first from Daniel Agger - a cracker from 35 yards - and then Peter Crouch from a close range. West Ham led early on through Bobby Zamora's fourth strike of the season and although they contributed to another excellent game - maybe not as good as the FA Cup final - they could not fashion an equaliser, although Lee Bowyer hit a post. The Hammers came forward after the break, always inviting the sucker punch, while Lee Bowyer hit a post. But with new boy Dirk Kuyt buzzing up front, Liverpool just about hung on to their victory - a 17th game unbeaten. Steven Gerrard returned to the starting Liverpool line-up to lead the side in a re-run of last season's memorable FA Cup final. Gerrard only appeared as a late substitute in the midweek Champions League game in Kiev, having suffered with a stomach upset. Mohamed Sissoko (knee) and Stephen Warnock (ankle) were out from that side, with Gerrard and Fabio Aurelio coming into the team. Craig Bellamy also returned with Mark Gonzalez dropping to the bench. West Ham, who have not won at Anfield since 1963 and have not beaten Liverpool anywhere in their last eight meetings, recalled midfielder Yossi Benayoun as they returned to a four-man backline with James Collins reverting to the bench, having figured in a five-strong defence in the midweek draw at Watford. The energy and movement of Liverpool's opening had West Ham on the back foot, Gerrard saw a shot fizz wide from 25 yards and Peter Crouch's header from Jermaine Pennant's cross bounced just wide. Then Luis Garcia shot wide following a poor Danny Gabbidon clearance from Aurelio's cross. The Brazilian fullback went close himself on 10 minutes when his curling free-kick was headed off the line by Paul Konchesky. But West Ham stunned the home crowd on 12 minutes with another freakish goal, the Hammers making a habit of such things after Konchesky's cross-cum-shot in the cup final. Then the fullback saw his effort curl over Reina, and it was the Spanish keeper who was at fault again today. He was too far from his near post as Bobby Zamora snapped up a Benayoun pass and fired the ball goalwards from the right. Reina plunged back but could not stop the ball going in. A minute later Marlon Harewood was put through by Benayoun, but pulled a shot wide of the far post as the goal seemed to open up for him.
Liverpool's pressure was relentless after West Ham's shock goal, but not particularly co-ordinated. Bellamy and
Aurelio both had angled shots that flashed across goal and West Ham conceded too much possession to make their life more difficult. One Pennant break down the right produced a cross that Luis Garcia volleyed straight at Roy Carroll. The Ulsterman was then in the right place to clutch an Xabi Alonso drive. West Ham were trying to hit on the break and, on 41 minutes, Harewood muscled his way past Aurelio to slip the ball home, only to be penalised for pushing. But a minute later, Liverpool were level when Agger advanced from half-way to launch a staggering 35-yard shot into the top corner. And seconds from the break, Gerrard and Luis Garcia combined to send Crouch in, the big striker waltzing around Carroll to slide the ball home. Six minutes into the second half, Kuyt came on for his debut, and within minutes had seen a effort from just outside the box flash wide and a towering header drop wide. But West Ham were attacking in more numbers than the first period, and Benayoun twisted in the box on to a Harewood backheel, but Agger blocked the shot. Bellamy then surged into the box to chip Carroll from a Kuyt flick, but was given offside. Replays suggested the decision was right. West Ham sent on Carlton Cole for Harewood on 73 minutes, but it was the speed, movement and running of Kuyt that now grabbed the eye as the Dutchman sought desperately to make an impression on his first appearance at Anfield. On 78 minutes, he surged forward to test Carroll from 20 yards. Gonzalez did the same a minute later from similar range. Bowyer hit the outside of a post from three yards on 80 minutes when he should have buried the chance.
CREWE ALEXANDRA Under-18 : F.A. Premier Academy League
West Ham United have pulled off the biggest transfer coup of the summer with the double signing of Argentina striker Carlos Tevez and his international and club team-mate Javier Mascherano on permanent contracts from Brazilian club Corinthians. A statement from West Ham read: "West Ham United are delighted to announce the double signing of Argentinian World Cup stars Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Brazilian club Corinthians. "The pair have been signed for an undisclosed fee and put pen to paper on permanent contracts with the Club this afternoon. All other aspects of the transfers will remain confidential and undisclosed. "The transfers represent a massive coup for the Hammers, who have beaten off some of Europe's biggest clubs to secure the services of the duo - both of whom played a key role for Argentina as they reached the World Cup quarter-finals in Germany this summer before losing to the hosts in a penalty shoot-out." Tevez, 22, who has 25 caps and four goals for Argentina, earlier announced the deal on his personal website having signalled his intention to leave Sao Paulo-based Corinthians following a dispute with the club's supporters.
Mascherano, who is also 22, was similarly unsettled after being sent off last weekend and then missing a training session. Corinthians sent a delegation of officials to London earlier this week to meet with investment group Media Sports Investment, who own the players' rights, to negotiate a deal with West Ham. It is thought London-based MSI, who were linked with a takeover of West Ham last season, felt Upton Park was the most suitable destination for the players despite reported interest from the likes of Manchester United, Chelsea, Arsenal, Real Madrid and Bayern Munich. Tevez and Mascherano are currently in London preparing for Argentina's friendly against Brazil at Arsenal's Emirates Stadium on Sunday and will be available for West Ham's Premiership clash with Aston Villa next week.
West Ham have also signed Czech Republic Under-17 international goalkeeper Marek Stech from Sparta Prague for an undisclosed fee.
WATFORD Under-18 : F.A. Premier Academy League
(Away)
3-1
2nd September 2006
ASTON VILLA Under-18 : F.A. Premier Academy League
Little Heath
2-1
9th September 2006
ASTON VILLA : Barclays Premiership
Upton Park
1-1 (Zamora)
10th September 2006
Att: 34,576
Referee: S. Bennett
Argentina striker Carlos Tevez came off the bench for his West Ham debut as his new club fought back to earn a point against Aston Villa at Upton Park. Liam Ridgewell's fourth-minute strike had earned Villa the lead and the Hammers were fortunate not to be further behind at half-time after two Juan Pablo Angel headers hit the crossbar. West Ham had lacked their usual fizz and were indecisive at the back - but they burst into life after the interval and were level within six minutes. Bobby Zamora deflected Paul Konchesky's header past Thomas Sorensen for his fifth goal of the season. The Argentinian national flag was hoisted above Newham Town Hall to greet the arrival of Tevez and international team-mate Javier Mascherano, who joined West Ham on transfer deadline day. These are exciting, if uncertain times at Upton Park with a potential takeover in the pipeline - which is understood to have prompted the departure of financial director Nick Igoe from the board - coupled with the mysterious manner in which Tevez and Mascherano arrived at the club. In an address to the fans before kick-off, Alan Pardew vowed he would "protect the integrity and the traditions" of West Ham but urged supporters to embrace what is "perhaps the start of a new era". Pardew could have dropped Hayden Mullins and Zamora to make way for the newcomers but he wanted to send a message that both remain an integral part of West Ham. "These boys (Tevez and Mascherano) wouldn't be here without the likes of Bobby Zamora and Hayden Mullins," said Pardew. The moment all West Ham supporters had been waiting for arrived after an hour when Tevez replaced Marlon Harewood. When Pardew first saw Tevez play live, he said "I saw enough in 10 minutes to know he will be a star for 10 years." Little did Pardew realise during the World Cup that Tevez would be pulling on the claret and blue within two months. There were immediate flashes of what West Ham and the Premiership can expect this season. At one stage Tevez left Martin Laursen for dead inside the Villa box. He could not conjure up the winner - but after the way West Ham started, they will surely be grateful for a point. They struggled to contain Villa at the back, especially in the air, and fell behind after just four minutes. Roy Carroll produced a superb reaction save after Gabriel Agbonlahor had risen to meet Gareth Barry's inswinging corner - but Ridgewell reacted quickest to pounce on the loose ball and put Villa ahead. West Ham responded positively, Yossi Benayoun feeding a clever pass through to Zamora in the box, though the angle was too tight for a decent shot. Sorensen then presented Harewood with a golden
opportunity after scuffing a clearance straight to the Hammers striker. But Harewood, who scored a hat-trick in his fixture last season, could not dig the ball out from under his feet and stabbed his effort wide of the post. West Ham remained unconvincing at the back and were lucky to escape when Angel rose unchallenged to crash his header against the bar from another dangerous Barry corner. Luke Moore easily got the better of Tyrone Mears and the home side once again struggled to clear a corner as the ball bounced around the box six-yard box. West Ham had little width and, despite some nice interplay between Zamora, Benayoun and Lee Bowyer, lacked a cutting edge. Villa, on the other hand, continued to cause problems to the home defence. When Barry curled in a deep cross, Angel beat Danny Gabbidon to win a magnificent header which just skimmed the top of Carroll's bar. Nigel Reo-Coker tried to stamp his authority on proceedings with a typically barn-storming run from the halfway line but his 20-yard shot was a yard wide of Sorensen's right post. Immediately after half-time, Harewood got round the outside of Barry and lashed a shot into the side-netting. It was a statement of intent from West Ham and within minutes they had drawn level. Bowyer's corner picked out Konchesky on the edge of the box and his powerful header bounced deflected in off Zamora's thigh. The game had come alive. Stilian Petrov lobbed Carroll but Mears cleared his lines with a flying overheard clearance. Barely a minute later, Anton Ferdinand hacked the ball off his own line after Carroll had produced another top-class save, this time to deny Barry's swerving strike. With the momentum on West Ham's side, Pardew replaced Harewood with Tevez. He was followed by Matthew Etherington and Carlton Cole but they could not create a winner.
PALERMO : UEFA Cup (First Round ~ 1st leg)
Upton Park
0-1
14th September 2006
Att: 32,222
Referee: S. Johannesson
West Ham need to climb football's own version of Mount Etna if they are to reach the group stages of the UEFA Cup after losing the home leg of their first-round tie to Palermo. The Sicilian side snatched the priceless away goal in the last minute of the first half - and in controversial circumstances. West Ham claimed the ball had gone out of play but Palermo played on and Aimo Diana picked out Andrea Caracciolo to slot his shot past Roy Carroll. West Ham dominated possession and Carlos Tevez enjoyed their best chance with a volley from Bobby Zamora's cross. But the Hammers will need to be much sharper in front of goal in a fortnight's time - they must score at least twice to keep alive their hopes of a European campaign. Less than three years ago, when Alan Pardew took over a side struggling in the Championship, it seemed unthinkable West Ham would be back in European competition. Pardew has built a whole new generation at Upton Park, which he has supplemented with overseas stars like Yossi Benayoun and now Tevez and Javier Mascherano. But Pardew was concerned about their relative inexperience and despite dominating possession West Ham were outsmarted tonight. Palermo have plenty of European experience. They reached the knockout stages of the UEFA Cup last year and finished eighth in Serie A last season. Pardew changed things and employed a 4-4-3 formation early on with Tevez and Benayoun to the right of Zamora while Mascherano swept very deep just in front of the back four. But as Palermo worked their way into the game Pardew switched to his usual 4-4-2, with Tevez through the middle. The Argentinian was effective in both positions but could not fashion the opening West Ham's early dominance deserved. Pardew's men had rediscovered a pace and rhythm to their play that was missing in the 1-1 draw with Aston Villa on Sunday but they wasted three early corners and Tevez could not pick out Lee Bowyer's charging run into the box. The Italians hardly enjoyed any notable possession in the opening 15 minutes - but still came closest to scoring when David Di Michele turned Anton Ferdinand in the box only to scuff his shot wide. Palermo began to enjoy more time on the ball and it took both Danny Gabbidon and Paul Konchesky to halt a dangerous run from the influential Marco Bresciano. West Ham switched to 4-4-2 and Tevez continued to show flashes of class, turning into space and spreading play well for West Ham. But they still could not find the breakthrough. Konchesky's long-distance free-kick, won by Tevez,
deflected wide and from the corner Ferdinand was unmarked but headed past the far post. Nigel Reo-Coker sent two drives over the bar before West Ham worked their best chance of the half. Zamora latched on to Bowyer's ball down the left and picked out Tevez with a pin-point cross. The Argentinian's low volley was saved brilliantly by keeper Alberto Fontana. Then, just a minute before the interval West Ham were stung when Diana found Caracciola to give Palermo the lead. West Ham stuck with their 4-4-2 formation after the break and kept the pressure on but Palermo's swarming defence prevented them from getting any decent shots on target. Carroll saved West Ham from falling further behind when he rushed off his line quickly to block Caracciola, who had escaped the offside trap to latch on to a long ball. Matthew Etherington came on for Bowyer and pulled back a neat ball into the box - but it was agonisingly just behind Tevez and Zamora. Benayoun tried to fashion a shooting chance but was closed down quickly. Tempers frayed when Palermo keeper Alberto Fontana through-ball behind claiming he had been fouled by Benayoun - only for the referee to award a corner. Zamora became involved in a shoving match and though no cards were shown for the incident the game was at boiling point. Di Michele had two swipes at Zamora and was booked. Pardew then made a double substitution with 15 minutes remaining - swapping Tevez and Zamora for Marlon Harewood and Carlton Cole. Harewood hit the post with his first touch of the ball from Benayoun's cross. Etherington kept the attack alive but was booked for diving in the box. West Ham pelted balls forward but nothing fell right for them in the box and they now face a major challenge to turn the result around in a fortnight's time.
CARDIFF CITY Under-18 : F.A. Premier Academy League
University of Glamorgan Playing Fields, Treforest
1-0
16th September 2006
NEWCASTLE UNITED : Barclays Premiership
Upton Park
0-2
17th September 2006
Att: 34,938
Referee: R. Styles
Second-half goals from big-money summer buys Damien Duff and Obafemi Martins allowed Newcastle manager Glenn Roeder to make a winning return to West Ham, the club he left three years ago. A brain operation, relegation and an Upton Park exit were the setbacks Roeder had to endure in 2003 and this time he needed pitch-side protection from the wrath of angry Hammers fans amid chants of "You're the reason we went down". It was a poisonous end to the afternoon but Roeder's current crop of players had thoroughly deserved their victory, with the Hammers' much-hyped Argentinian duo Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano making minimal contributions. Roeder's side dominated after taking the lead through Duff early in the second half. Martins' influence grew and grew in the second period although he should have done better than nod an early header straight at Roy Carroll. The game's first real let-off came in the ninth minute at the other end however when Tevez curled a free-kick over the wall and back off the crossbar. That ignited home fans and players alike as Roeder's side had to soak up a barrage of intense pressure that was eventually punctured by another Martins miss. Again the Upton Park faithful had a loud opinion as the former Inter Milan man fired across goal and wide with no challenger present as they were convinced play should have been stopped first for handball by Shola Ameobi and then when Danny Gabbidon was hurt challenging. At the other end, Tevez fired another free-kick, from a similar position, past a nervous black and white wall but this time Shay Given was able to make a comfortable save low down. West Ham were on top at this point but Newcastle were trying their luck from distance whenever possible with Ameobi, following two weaker Emre efforts, winning a corner off Gabbidon's back. Again Carroll had to make a save with little time to adjust as Craig Moore met Duff's flag-kick delivery but this was merely the prelude to the half's most extraordinary moment, which arrived in the 33rd minute. Lee Bowyer, who had left Newcastle to rejoin the Hammers in the summer, was inches away from recording a goal to remember when he lobbed Given from all of 50 yards near the right touchline. The goalkeeper back-tracked frantically but was powerless to do anything but watch the ball drop just beyond his far post. The fit-again Celestine Babayaro - one of three changes from the side that had won 1-0 at Levadia Tallinn in midweek, was booked in the 41st minute for a foul on Bobby Zamora, with Hammers defender Tyrone Mears
following him into the book for clipping Duff just before the half-time whistle. Tevez had contributed little apart from his two free-kicks and was replaced at the break by Marlon Harewood. Midfielder Mascherano, who was at fault when Newcastle took the lead through Duff five minutes into the second half, stayed on. He came off second best as Martins powered through the middle to set up the Irishman, who fired coolly across Carroll from a position on the left of the box. It was Duff's first Newcastle goal and the team's first in the Premiership away from St James' Park. The setback seemed to deflate Alan Pardew's side as only the away fans could be heard for long spells. Stephen Carr burst forward to see an effort deflected over following a one-two with Martins. The situation was now becoming desperate for the home side and changes were inevitable, with Yossi Benayoun and Hayden Mullins, two stalwarts of last season's successes, replacing new boys Mears and Mascherano with 23 minutes remaining. Newcastle replaced Ameobi not long after with new recruit Antoine Sibierski, who had been dropped despite netting a UEFA Cup winner in Estonia on his debut on Thursday night. That night had also seen West Ham beaten 1-0 at home by Palermo in the same competition and a miserable week for the Londoners was complete when Martins found the net for the first time in a Newcastle shirt, accepting the invitation to canter forward unchallenged and slot past Carroll in the 75th minute. The points were Newcastle's from that moment but there was still a setback in store for them late on however when Given suffered a head injury in a collision with Harewood's boot as the striker slid in and had to be replaced for the final few minutes by Stephen Harper.
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Premiership Reserve League
(Away)
1-3
20th September 2006
MANCHESTER CITY : Barclays Premiership
City of Manchester Stadium
0-2
23rd September 2006
Att: 41,073
Referee: C. Foy
Stuart Pearce's biggest investment as a manager paid off at exactly the right time as Georgios Samaras' brace eased the pressure on the beleaguered Blues boss. Despite his midweek goal at Chesterfield, there are plenty of City supporters who are still mystified at the £6million Pearce paid to snap him up from Heerenveen in January. Capable of maddening inconsistency, the 21-year-old has flattered to deceive, yet Pearce has always insisted, given time, the Greece international will come good. And, just when Pearce needed him to, Samaras delivered the goods, lashing home a superb second-half volley before chipping Roy Carroll to give City only their third win in 17 games and take them into the relative comfort of mid-table. The result will do nothing for morale at the Hammers, who are still coming to terms with the stunning arrivals of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. Despite their lofty reputations, neither Argentinian has made a discernible impact at Upton Park so far, with Tevez starting this game on the bench. Indeed, Mascherano was partly culpable for City's opener, opting to let the ball drop when Christian Dailly blocked Ishmael Miller's initial effort, a decision that allowed Samaras to nip in front of him and send a tremendous volley flying into the top corner. Presumably, a battle against relegation was not exactly what Tevez and Mascherano had in mind when they were handed a chance to try their luck in the Premiership. With potential new owners lurking in the wings, a fight to avoid the drop is the last thing the Hammers need, although, even given this result, City still seem far more likely to become embroiled in trouble at the bottom than their visitors. Having seen his team capitulate so badly at Chesterfield, Pearce opted to take the flak himself rather than letting any criticism seep through to his players. Certainly, no-one could accuse the former England skipper of lacking bravery. With results going against him and his squad decimated by injuries and suspensions, the former England skipper opted to place his trust in youth, handing 19-year-old Miller his Premiership debut. And what an impact the youngster made too. His energy and enthusiasm set the tone for an industrious team performance and the run which took him into the West Ham area in the build-up to Samaras' opener was truly awesome, far too much for Hayden Mullins, who gave up the chase long before Miller struck the fateful shot that bounced up off Dailly's outstretched leg. In Micah Richards, Pearce had another teenager willing to run himself into the ground for the
Blues cause too, although the full-back did waste an excellent headed opportunity just before the break and inexplicably opted to try to square to Bernardo Corradi after showing an electric burst of pace to charge into the area. Yet, even he took his tally to three goals in two games, it was Samaras who was the most eye-catching City player on view. Only fleetingly has the striker looked like justifying the cash Pearce spent on him, a mammoth sum by present-day Blues standards. He could hardly be criticised for the precise shot he sent bouncing inches wide midway through the opening period, having cut in off the left flank, raced into the area then attempted to beat Carroll at the far post. Samaras had Carroll in trouble again later, with a cross-shot the Hammers keeper seemed willing to let go, only to realise, just in time, it would probably creep into the far corner. But the striker's willingness to try his luck paid off spectacularly. There was a definite touch of class about his volley, but so too the coolness that accompanied his second finish, after he beat Carroll to Corradi's through-ball. City were denied a third when Carroll got across to push Barton's free-kick away from the bottom corner. In response, West Ham mustered nothing and, as they made their way home, still without a win since the opening day, the visiting fans must be wondering whether the influx of South Americans is a good thing after all.
FULHAM Under-18 : F.A. Premier Academy League
Little Heath
2-1
23rd September 2006
PALERMO : UEFA Cup (First Round ~ 2nd leg)
Stadio Renzo Barbera
0-3
28th September 2006
Referee: G. Kasnaferis
Att: 19,284
West Ham's disappointing start to the season continued as they bowed out of the UEFA Cup at the Renzo Barbera Stadium. Palermo midfielder Fabio Simplicio struck either side of half-time before David Di Michele added his team's third goal in the 67th minute to see the Italians advance through to the group stages. Alan Pardew's men controlled the opening half and had plenty of chances to overcome the 1-0 first leg deficit. However, Palermo goalkeeper Alberto Fontana had an outstanding night to deny the Londoners on numerous occasions. Alan Pardew's surprising decision to leave striker Bobby Zamora out of his starting XI in favour of Carlton Cole proved a shrewd move, with the latter creating plenty of goalscoring opportunities. But the West Ham boss was left disappointed as his team's hopes of reaching the group stages of the competition were extinguished. The Hammers began in confident fashion and almost took the lead with five minutes played. Carlos Tevez got past his marker, surged inside the area and fired in a dipping volley which Fontana palmed away for a corner. Shortly after, Cole headed wide from Paul Konchesky's free-kick as West Ham continued to push forward. At the other end, Di Michele tried his luck from the distance but his shot did not trouble Roy Carroll. Carroll did well to save Fabio Simplicio's powerful effort as Palermo applied more pressure in midfield. Midway through the first half, a defensive misunderstanding between James Collins and Danny Gabbidon could have cost the Hammers dearly, as Di Michele intercepted the pass and shot from inside the area - but Carroll denied him. West Ham had plenty of chances to take the lead before the break but found in in-form Fontana their worst enemy. The Palermo keeper stood strong to deny Cole's effort on target and his next save proved all the more impressive as he palmed away Harewood's acrobatic shot from inside the area. One minute later, West Ham fans could not believe their luck as Fontana palmed Collins' header over the crossbar. Just when West Ham were playing at their best, Palermo scored just before the interval. Eugenio Corini's free-kick from the left found Simplicio, whose right footed effort towards the far post surprised Carroll. Palermo picked up were they left off after the break and could have extended their lead in the 53rd minute had Carroll not made a fantastic save from Cristian Zaccardo's powerful strike. West Ham replied with Cole latching onto Lee Bowyer's cross but his header going inches wide of the far post. West Ham's hopes of a comeback were crushed shortly after the hour mark with Simplicio striking his second of the evening. Di Michele got easily past Gabbidon and served an unmarked Simplicio inside the area, who lobbed the ball past Carroll and into the back of the net. Five minutes later, Palermo struck again with a fast break catching West Ham's defence off-guard. There was little Carroll could do to save Di Michele's bullet from close range. Andrea Caracciolo could have completed a wonderful night for the hosts with a minute remaining but his right-footed effort fizzed wide, much to the relief of a dejected Carroll.
PIRATE PROGRAMMES
NORWICH CITY Under-18 : F.A. Premier Academy League
Reading heaped the pressure on former manager Alan Pardew after inflicting a fifth straight defeat on struggling West Ham at Upton Park. Pardew will dismiss as paper talk suggestions he could be replaced by Portugal manager Luiz Felipe Scolari if a takeover of the club does go ahead. But the statistics do not make pleasant reading for him. West Ham have not won since the opening day of the season, they have not scored in 488 minutes of football and are yet to keep clean sheet all campaign. Any hopes of rectifying that record were dashed after just one minute and 19 seconds when Seol Ki-Hyeon turned Yossi Benayoun inside out and beat Roy Carroll with a drive from 25 yards. For newly-promoted Reading, victory meant a fourth successive Premiership game unbeaten - the kind of record Pardew enjoyed with West Ham last season. Pardew's decision to leave Reading for West Ham in 2003 reached the door of the High Court before a compensation deal was settled. He transformed the club's fortunes and led them into Europe by reaching last year's FA Cup final. But things have gone sour at Upton Park. West Ham are beset by injuries - they only have four fit defenders in the squad - and were dumped out of the UEFA Cup in midweek. They dominated the game but were largely restricted to long-range efforts from Carlos Tevez, Jonathan Spector and Hayden Mullins. Tevez created plenty of opportunities from deep but West Ham were impotent in front of goal. Even when Pardew made changes for the last 20 minutes luck abandoned them. Matthew Etherington's low cross from the left flew inches ahead of Bobby Zamora's despairing dive and Benayoun's looped effort was cleared off the line by Reading's impressive midfielder Steve Sidwell. The Hammers were up against it after just 79 seconds. Hayden Mullins, recalled to a reshaped midfield, fouled Kevin Doyle. It seemed as if the opportunity had gone. Seol dithered after receiving the ball from Bobby Convey. But he jinked left and then cut back inside to beat Benayoun and drive an unstoppable shot inside Carroll's near post. Seol later planted a header wide from Convey's cross, but otherwise Reading had few chances and it was West Ham, hungry for a goal, who looked the greater threat. Benayoun came close to making amends with a tricky run of his own to beat Sidwell and close in on the Reading box but the ball got stuck under his feet before he could get a shot away. Tevez was a class apart and seems to be adapting well to the pace and rigours of Premiership football. He caused problems in the
Reading defence with driving runs from deep and tested Marcus Hahnemann with an early low drive which bounced just in front of the Reading keeper, who did excellently to hold on. Tevez was working West Ham into promising positions but he needed the likes of Etherington and Carlton Cole to apply the killer ball or the finishing touch. The crossing was poor in the first half and Cole wasted two chances with a first touch about as deft as a knocking ball. The conditions were not helpful but West Ham's confidence is rock bottom. When Nigel Reo-Coker picked up a loose ball in space inside the Reading box he slid the ball across goal instead of testing Hahenemann from barely seven yards on the angle. When Reo-Coker bundled his way through the Reading defence and slid the ball wide, Etherington's cross sailed high over Cole's head. Cole almost got his head to Tevez's floated cross and his snapshot was deflected wide just before the interval. West Ham continued in the same vein after the interval. Etherington nutmegged Ulises De la Cruz and held off Seol to reach the byline, only for Hahenemann to pluck his cross out of the air just ahead of Cole. Gabbidon rose to head clear a testing cross from Convey and Dailly conceded a corner from a speculative long ball forward when he might have been better advised to let it go out for a goal kick. Mullins' swirling drive forced Hahnemann into a smart save but Tevez wasted a promising opportunity inside the Reading box after Etherington had picked him out with a neat through-ball and then skewed two efforts wide. Pardew sent on Teddy Sheringham and Zamora for Tevez and Cole but it was Benayoun who came closest to rescuing a point. But Sidwell cleared the Israeli's looped effort from under his own bar.
ARSENAL : Premiership Reserve League
Bishop's Stortford
1-2
3rd October 2006
IPSWICH TOWN Under-18: F.A. Premier Academy League
Little Heath
3-2
7th October 2006
PORTSMOUTH : Barclays Premiership
Fratton Park
0-2
14th October 2006
Att: 20,142
Referee: G. Poll
Portsmouth piled on the agony for West Ham as Kanu's sixth goal in seven games and a late strike by Andy Cole subjected Alan Pardew's team to a sixth consecutive defeat. The goals enabled Pompey's former West Ham boss to maintain an unbeaten record against his old club since leaving Upton Park in 2001. Veteran striker Cole's goal, the day before his 35th birthday, made the points safe as he spun on a fine cross by fellow substitute Lomana LuaLua to drill past Roy Carroll for his first Pompey goal just six minutes after coming on for Benjani Mwaruwari. Pardew sent out a side shorn of injured Argentinian striker Carlos Tevez, while compatriot Javier Mascherano sat on the bench until the last few minutes. The under-fire Hammers chief gave 40-year-old Teddy Sheringham his first start of the campaign but replaced both his strikers in the second half. But it was Kanu who had Hammers reeling with a 24th minute strike, his sixth of the season, in a passionate game which produced eight bookings by referee Graham Poll - four for each side. Pardew's team faced a tough prospect trying to beat former goalkeeper David James - making his 165th consecutive Premiership appearance. But it was another former West Ham man, Glen Johnson, who had the first shot for Portsmouth, set up by Gary O'Neil. The full back, on loan from Chelsea, ended a determined run with a shot from 20 yards which went just wide. Fratton Park had the "full-house" notices up for the first time this season, with West Ham taking their full allocation of tickets among the 20,000 capacity. Paul Konchesky tried his luck from 30 yards after a throw by fellow full-back Jon Spector in the ninth minute - but his drive was well off target. James had to move smartly to come off his line and grab the ball at the feet of Bobby Zamora after Sheringham's cross two minutes later. But within a minute Pedro Mendes had released a trademark 30-yard
blast at the other end which took a deflection wide. O'Neil and Nigel Reo-Coker both appeared to be harshly booked by Poll, as the rhythm of a game which flowed with competitiveness and skill was interrupted. But West Ham left a gaping gap in defence when Kanu rose virtually unchallenged to head home the game's opening goal from Johnson's cross in the 24th minute. The visitors were left complaining about the Nigerian holding down Anton Ferdinand as he delivered his close-range strike - but they should have looked instead at their shoddy defending. Twice more they left big holes for Kanu before the break - and he really should have added a second goal six minutes after the first instead of slicing wide left-footed after O'Neil set him up. Four minutes later the former Arsenal, Inter Milan and Ajax ace was again horribly off target after Benjani supplied the service. West Ham had plenty of possession in the first half and their fighting spirit also earned bookings for captain Matthew Etherington and Sheringham - who steered a back-flick just wide in their best scoring opportunity before the break. Manuel Fernandes, making his first Premiership start in an all-Portuguese midfield with Mendes, almost doubled Pompey's lead early in the second half when he finished a fine move by shooting just wide. And Sol Campbell's header plus Mendes' follow-up shot also tested the visitors after Kanu volleyed powerfully over. Hayden Mullins hit the outside of a post, clipping a shot off James' body, before the former England goalkeeper got down well to hold Konchesky's long-range drive. But Cole secured a much-deserved victory for the home side in the 82nd minute.
CRYSTAL PALACE Under-18: F.A. Premier Academy League
Little Heath
2-1
14th October 2006
ASTON VILLA : Premiership Reserve League
Upton Park
2-3
17th October 2006
TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR : Barclays Premiership
White Hart Lane
0-1
21st October 2006
Att: 36,162
Referee: S. Bennett
Green
Ferdinand
Gabbidon
Konchesky
Mullins
Pantsil
Benayoun (Cole)
Mascherano (Tevez)
Reo-Coker
Harewood (Dailly)
Zamora
Tottenham heaped more misery on woeful West Ham thanks to a first-half strike from Egyptian striker Mido. The former Roma hitman scored his first goal for the club since he returned to White Hart Lane on a permanent basis in the summer. Mido struck seconds from the end of the first half when he collected a low cross from Edgar Davids and turned Anton Ferdinand before firing the ball home via the far post. The victory was belated revenge for Tottenham's defeat to West Ham on the final day of last season when, amid suggestions of a food-poisoning outbreak, they missed out on a place in the Champions League. West Ham have much more pressing concerns though. They had been hoping to end a run of six straight defeats in order to relieve some of the pressure on their under-fire manager Alan Pardew. But the hapless Hammers stretched their dismal run to seven matches and they have failed to score in any of them since the arrival of Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez. The Hammers continue to plummet towards the foot of the table amid speculation over Pardew's future and lingering talk of a takeover bid. Not surprisingly, with the club enveloped by such uneasiness, the Upton Park crisis showed no signs of easing against a dominant Spurs outfit that has now gone five games unbeaten in all competitions. The home side, spurred by success against Besiktas in the UEFA Cup in midweek, should have taken the lead as early as the seventh minute. Former West Ham favourite Jermain Defoe put his England team-mate Aaron Lennon in the clear but the teenager sidefooted wide of Green's left post from 18 yards. Green, making his debut in goal for West Ham, then pulled off a superb save to deny Defoe an opener in the 20th minute. Lennon, whose pace caused Paul Konchesky problems all afternoon, turned supplier this time with a fine run and cross into the penalty area. Defoe looked certain to score until Green deflected his shot on to the roof of the net. Two minutes later Tottenham goalkeeper Paul Robinson was forced into action for the only time in the first 45 minutes. Robinson dived to his right to stop Marlon Harewood's drive after the West Ham player had evaded Michael Dawson's weak challenge. But despite Tottenham's possession, they laboured where it mattered and, Lennon apart, they struggled to find the definitive final ball when it was required. West Ham, as their goalscoring form suggested, offered little ingenuity in attack. Their impotence in that department was further underlined in the 35th minute when Robinson punched the ball straight to Mascherano from a free-kick. However, instead of troubling
the England goalkeeper, his subsequent volley left a lot to be desired as it spiralled into crowd from 18 yards. In the 41st minute Mascherano and Defoe were involved in a scuffle which then escalated into a scrum involving all 22 players. Mascherano had fouled Defoe but the Spurs striker retaliated by appearing to lightly headbutt the West Ham midfielder. Players from both sides then became involved before Bennett restored order and booked both Defoe and Mascherano. Seconds later Harewood followed them into Bennett's bad books by not retreating the full 10 yards as Spurs attempted to restart the game with a free-kick. Mido put Spurs in front in the 45th minute when he collected a cross from Davids and turned to fire home off the far post only to receive a yellow card from Bennett for removing his shirt in celebration. In the 48th minute, Spurs forced Green into another fine save when Jermaine Jenas sent his free-kick towards the top corner. The West Ham keeper managed to push the ball to safety as Spurs continued to probe for a second goal. In the 59th minute, the hard-working Mido was inches away from his second of the afternoon. A clever curling cross from Huddlestone was met by the Egyptian's outstretched boot but he could only divert the ball just wide of the far post. Spurs continued to look the more likely to score and in the 74th minute Defoe squandered a great chance to put the game beyond doubt when his shot was saved by Green at the near post. But his wastefulness went unpunished as Spurs left West Ham entrenched in a deepening crisis that may ultimately cost Pardew his job.
CHARLTON ATHLETIC Under-18: F.A. Premier Academy League
Sparrows Lane
4-2
21st October 2006
IN THE NEWS - 21st November 2006
West Ham accept £85m takeover bid
Eggert Magnusson's consortium have secured agreements to buy 83% of shares and the Hammers' board have recommended the offer to remaining shareholders. Magnusson will replace Terry Brown as West Ham chairman, although Brown will stay on at Upton Park as a director. Brown said: "The offer reflects fair value considering our history, recent performance and prospects."
Brown added: "Eggert Magnusson is fully committed to ensuring the club can continue its great tradition of success both on and off the field, to the benefit of supporters and the wider community." Magnusson said: "I am both delighted and honoured that Terry Brown and his colleagues wish to support our offer for West Ham. "We can now end the uncertainty of recent weeks and move forward into the next phase of development of this great club, with Alan Pardew leading our efforts on the pitch. "I fully appreciate the personal responsibility that will come with becoming chairman of West Ham and pledge to the staff, the players and the fans that I am here to serve and to do all that I can to deliver genuine success on and off the field."
Magnusson's consortium is backed by Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, a financier worth $1bn and chairman of Icelandic bank Landsbanki. It is thought to have taken on the club's £22.5m debt, although there is no mention in the club's announcement. Gudmundsson will assume the position of honorary life president of West Ham, while Brown will be appointed honorary life vice-president. "Mr Gudmundsson's commitment to the club is vital and he also believes that we can build something very special here at West Ham."
IN THE NEWS - 11th December 2006
Pardew sacked as West Ham manager
The Hammers are in 18th place in the Premiership following a run of three straight defeats that culminated in Saturday's 4-0 thrashing at Bolton. "Alan has made an important contribution since joining in September 2003 but this season's results have been disappointing," said a club statement. "Chairman Eggert Magnusson and the board feel it is the right time to make a change in the club's best interests." The statement continued: "The search for a successor is now under way in order that a new manager can be in place ahead of the January transfer window. "First-team coach Kevin Keen will take temporary charge of team affairs until a new appointment has been made.
Former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley, who played for the Hammers from 1975 to 1979, has been installed as the early favourite to take over as manager. Pardew told the club website he was proud of his achievements with the club. "In two consecutive seasons we qualified for the play-offs, ultimately achieving the Premiership status the club so richly deserve,I am also proud of our first season back in the top flight in which we finished ninth and came so close to winning the FA Cup".
"The supporters have stood by me and I will always cherish memories of their support and loyalty during the difficulties of this season. Following a disappointing start to the season, the Hammers were briefly boosted when a consortium led by Magnusson completed a £85m takeover, with the team winning their next match against Sheffield United. Magnusson initially vowed to keep faith with Pardew, promising funds for the January transfer window. However, the club's subsequent slide into the bottom three forced the Icelander's hand. After a shaky start, Pardew became a firm favourite at Upton Park as he steered them to promotion to the Premiership in 2005 and then cemented their position in the top flight by guiding them to the FA Cup final and a UEFA Cup place. However, it has been an entirely different scenario this term, with the Hammers finding points hard to come by - despite the high-profile signings of Argentine internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
IN THE NEWS - 13th December 2006
Alan Curbishley named West Ham manager
Chairman Eggert Magnusson moved quickly to appoint the former Charlton manager after sacking Alan Pardew on Monday. "I'm deeply delighted," said Curbishley. "It's a privilege to be here and I'm looking forward to lifting us out of the position we're in." Curbishley and his assistant Mervyn Day, both former West Ham players, take charge for the first time against Manchester United on Sunday. Chairman Magnusson said: "I am absolutely delighted that Alan has agreed to join us. He is a manager with a proven track record and real love for this club. "He did a fantastic job at Charlton and I know how highly regarded he is throughout the football world. "This is indeed a great day for West Ham United and I am sure that we now have the right management team in place to take the club forward." Curbishley played for West Ham between 1975 and 1979. "If you'd said to me when I was at West Ham at the age of 16 that one day I'd be manager I would have thought it impossible," said the 49-year-old.
A poor run of results saw the struggling Hammers slide into the relegation zone and the 4-0 defeat to Bolton prompted Magnusson to sack Pardew. Curbishley added: "I feel disappointed for Alan Pardew, he is someone I know very well. But this is the world we live in at the moment."
Hammers chairman Eggert Magnusson said he had taken the decision after being shocked by the players' "lack of motivation" in the defeats against Wigan and Bolton. The Icelander added: "It was a tough decision but it was in the club's best interests." The new manager is likely to have funds available for new players in the January transfer window, but Curbishley said his first priority was to lift spirits in the current squad.
"If I think we need to spend, we'll do it, but first I've got to meet the players," he said. "Everyone needs a lift. The players who enjoyed such a good season last year, it's the same bunch and they are better than what they are producing. "This club has the opportunity to be in the top half of table."
IN THE NEWS - 31st January 2007
Mascherano cleared to join Liverpool
Argentina midfielder Javier Mascherano has been given the green light by FIFA to join Liverpool from West Ham United. Under FIFA rules governing the status and transfer of players, a footballer cannot play competitively for more than two clubs between 1 July and 30 June the following year, and Mascherano has already appeared for both Corinthians in Brazil and West Ham in England during that period. FIFA have ruled, however, that the 22-year-old - who only completed two full matches for West Ham in a total of just seven appearances - was an exceptional case.
In a statement, football's world governing body explained their ruling was determined partly because the South American and European seasons overlap. FIFA said: "The FIFA Single Judge took a decision on 29 January 2007, which subsequently was notified to the parties involved late yesterday, 30 January." The Single Judge's ruling was that 'upon registration for Liverpool FC during the present registration period, the player Javier Mascherano is eligible to play in official matches with the said club with immediate effect.' After careful study of the case put forward by the Anfield club, the conclusion was reached that it would not be justifiable to prevent Mascherano from moving to Merseyside during the current transfer window and being eligible to play in official matches. Particular emphasis was given to the safeguarding of sporting integrity and the crucial element of overlapping seasons between the relevant associations.
The Single Judge made it clear, however, that such permission can only be granted under very strict preconditions. In particular, he stressed that, "a series of elements related, on the one hand, to the duration and the positioning of the relevant sports seasons as well as to the respect of the registration periods and, on the other hand, to the duration and respect of the employment contracts concerned, need to be cumulatively met."
IN THE NEWS - 20th February 2007
Mascherano free to join Liverpool
Javier Mascherano has been cleared to play for Liverpool this season after the Premier League accepted the club's request to register him at Anfield. The Argentine midfielder, 22, agreed to join the Reds before the close of the transfer window last month. The deal was held up as the Premier League wanted to assess whether the relationship between club and player was "subject to third-party influence". But the Premier League is now satisfied the move does not breach its rules.
If you really want to understand how English football works, then I recommend the official response of the Premier League to the inquiry into recent capers at Upton Park. "Now that the issue has been concluded," says the statement, "the Premier League looks forward to continuing the otherwise good relationship we have always enjoyed with West Ham United."
The invincible complacency of that reaction conjures images of bottles being opened, sandwiches produced, holiday venues discussed and family chit-chat exchanged. A minor unpleasantness has been satisfactorily settled, a little local difficulty overcome.
Normal smugness is resumed.
True,West Ham have been fined £5.5 million for their cavalier disregard of League rules. It is a great deal of money, although only marginally more than they paid for Luis Boa Morte in the last transfer window.
But the size of the fine merely reflects the gravity of the offences.
West Ham executives cheated and lied, deliberately and systematically, over the circumstances surrounding the signings of the Argentine players Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano.
The judgment of the independent panel speaks of "exceedingly serious allegations . . . not only an obvious and deliberate breach of the rules, but a grave breach of trust . . . dishonesty and deceit".
So the case is proven. Indeed, it is admitted.
West Ham concede that they are as guilty as hell and they throw themselves on the mercy of the court. And the court, almost unbelievably, has shown them mercy. There was no points deduction and, therefore, no automatic relegation.
IN THE NEWS - 3rd May 2007
Whelan on the warpath over West Ham fine
Angry Wigan chairman Dave Whelan has said that his club is considering taking legal action after the Premier League declined to dock West Ham points for fielding ineligible players. Whelan is adamant that the £5.5m fine imposed on the Hammers for breaking league rules when signing Javier Mascherano and Carlos Tevez is not sufficient punishment.
"This is a very serious offence West Ham committed," said Whelan. "They broke the law, told blatant lies and should have got a 10-point penalty. "If we can sue West Ham or the Premier League, I am sure that will happen."
West Ham beat Wigan 3-0 last weekend to drag themselves closer to safety and plunge Wigan into serious danger of relegation with only two matches left in the season. Whelan says that if West Ham do not finish in the bottom three, clubs around them may join forces to demand they be demoted.
"Justice would be West Ham being one of the two clubs that still has to go down, but justice has so far not been served in this case," he said. "If there was any action taken by the bottom six clubs that are in danger of going down, I'd be a big supporter of that action. I think the bottom six will stick together and take action together whichever two clubs go down, if West Ham aren't one of them. If any action is taken I think it'll be in the next 14 days and I'll support any action that the clubs want to take. The chairmen and chief executives have all spoken and two, maybe three clubs are in the process of taking legal advice, Wigan being one of them. Would we sue the league? We don't know whether we could. Would we sue West Ham? Again, we need to find out whether we can."
Whelan also let rip against the Premier League's handling of the controversy, railing: "The Premier League is in a bit of turmoil because the officials and the clubs all know what happened was not right. They have handled this in a very poor manner and I think it should have been passed on to the FA for them to sort it out."
