*THREAD UTK TEAM SAYUR IS BACK* Beckford sends Leeds up

ShadowChaser · Post time 7-9-2006 11:22 AM

Baros admits Villa speculation

Czech Republic striker Milan Baros has returned to action for Aston Villa and confirmed he was close to leaving the club this summer.

The 24-year-old hit-man has been sidelined since picking up a foot injury for his country at the World Cup in Germany.

But he enjoyed an hour of action in the Premiership side's friendly run-out against Lincoln City on Tuesday and has confirmed his commitment to the cause following the arrival of Martin O'Neill and Randy Lerner at Villa Park.

"This is an exciting time for the club. It looked like I was going to move this summer, but we have a new owner and a new manager," he told the club's website.

"I can see this club is showing ambition and I decided to stay because I want to play a part in the exciting times at Villa."

Midfielder Patrik Berger and defenders Martin Laursen and Wilfred Bouma also came through the match against the League Two side unscathed.

But Danish goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen has warned his team-mate Laursen that he faces a battle to earn a place at the heart of the Villans' defence.

The 29-year-old £3 million signing from Milan has returned to the fold after being dogged by a knee problem for nearly two years.

But with the Birmingham side earning seven points from a possible nine so far, including an impressive 1-1 draw away at Arsenal, Sorensen believes his colleague may have to be content with a place on the bench for now.

"Martin is really doing well and now he needs some games. It is a big victory for him just to be on the bench," Sorensen explained.

"Three or four months ago it looked like he was heading for January before he could return.

"He is well ahead of schedule. With a few more reserve games under his belt, Martin will be ready to play in the first team - but it will be hard for him to get in with the way we are playing at the moment.

"Olof Mellberg and Liam Ridgewell have done really well and Gary Cahill is still to come back. In a couple of months' time there will be a real battle for those places in the team."

Both Laursen and Baros could well feature as substitutes in Villa's next Premiership test away at West Ham United live on Sky Sports 1 on Sunday.

epitome · Post time 8-9-2006 10:37 AM

Blowing bigger bubbles

FOR many a season now, Arsenal and Chelsea have been the dominant London teams in the Premier League. And much of that has been down to sound club structures and some serious financial muscle.

Arsenal just last month moved to their new 60,000-seater Emirates Stadium. They reached the Champions League final for the first time last season and over the last 10 years, while Arsene Wenger has been in charge, have finished outside the top two just once.

With the arrival Russian billionaire Roman Abramovich three seasons or so ago, Chelsea have transformed the shape of things at the top of the league and spent more money on players than any other club in the world. They?e also won the last two Premiership titles, and did so with a lot more to spare than others would have liked.

In effect, all this has left Tottenham Hotspur to pick up the scraps and lay claim to being London? ?hird best? team. But even this is about to change, or at least that is what some at Upton Park are touting.

There is air of immense anticipation at West Ham? home ground that hasn? been felt since the days Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters donned the claret and blue of the Hammers, and helped England win the World Cup.

That is just how hyped up things are at Upton park right now.

West Ham was roundly lauded as the team of the season last term. After gaining promotion from the Coca-Cola Championship Division and predicted to go straight down again, they finished seventh in the Premiership (Tottenham finished fifth) and came agonisingly close to beating Liverpool in the FA Cup final in May where they twice took the lead, only to fall short in a penalty shootout.

Alan Pardew's side registered 55 points last season (16 wins, 7 draws, 15 losses). Now the Hammers can dream of improving on their fifth spot Premiership finish in season 1998/99 under Harry Redknapp.

Thus far this season, they have played three league fixtures, won one, drew one and lost the other. And they?e also been on a shopping spree and pulled off a major coup by signing two of the world? best young talents; even if the arrival of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano from Corinthians in Brazil have been somewhat smeared by allegations of dodgy dealings.

Even without the Argentine duo, the return of midfielder Lee Bowyer from Newcastle and striker Carlton Cole ? a ?2mil buy from Chelsea, as well as Jonathan Spector? ?500,000 switch from Manchester United, and six other new recruits have also given the Upton Park faithful much reason to be optimistic.

But the signing of Tevez and Mascherano is really what has stirred the motions, and not only of those who support the Hammers, but soccer fans in general.

Excited by the two new faces in his squad, West Ham boss Alan Pardew went out of his way to say that they were now in a position to mix it up with the best in Europe. The Londoners engage Italian side Palermo in a UEFA Cup first round first leg tie at Upton Park next Thursday and meet a fortnight later in the return leg in Sicily.

These two Argentine lads, both 22 years of age, featured at the World Cup finals in Germany and despite their youth, know what its takes to play at the top level. They were also in the Argentina line-up that crashed 3-0 to Brazil in an international friendly at the Emirates Stadium on Sunday, allowing them to take their bow on England soil.

Of the two, Tevez, or better known as ?ort Apache? in his Argentine barrio days, comes into the Premiership with a bigger reputation. He cost Corinthians some US$22.6mil in December 2004 following his move from Boca Juniors. He helped his club side to the Brazilian championship last year and was appointed captain. In 2003 and 2004 he was voted Footballer of the Year by Argentina? football writers and also picked up the Sportsman of the Year award in 2004, after securing the Argentine championship for Boca and also featuring in the winning side of the Copa Libertadores.

Mascherano is a highly rated midfielder with excellent defensive qualities. He moved from River Plate to Corinthians in 2004 for US$15mil and also played a crucial role their title triumph.

West Ham boss Pardew went on: ?ot only am I excited by the arrivals of Carlos and Javier, but the entire squad is too, and I am sure our supporters feel the same. I have no doubt that this deal will give us a real chance to compete with the very best teams in the Premiership and in Europe. It is a massive coup for us. I've said all along that, while signing young English players remains very important to our transfer policy, I want to take this club forward and will get talent from wherever it is available. I want nothing to stand in the way of doing everything we can to win a trophy for this great club.?

Pardew added: ? went out to the World Cup finals and watched the Argentina v Serbia game. Tevez came on as a substitute and I was quite simply blown away by his talent.

I know West Ham fans will take to him straight away. He brings charisma, high skill and excitement to the game.?

Likening Tevez to England? star centre-forward Wayne Rooney, Pardew said: ?evez is the one who is a special talent and, hopefully, he will take us to another level ? like Rooney does when he plays for Manchester United.

?ascherano is a different player ? he brings a calming influence in possession and is an intelligent player on the pitch, controlling the tempo of the game in a more formidable way than we could last year.?

Tevez, who is expected to make his debut for the Hammers against Aston Villa on Sunday, will be in the company of Teddy Sheringham, Dean Ashton (now injured), Marlon Harewood, Cole and Bobby Zamora up front. Zamora in particular has looked sharp this season, co-leads on the goal-scorers? charts.

That quintet, regardless of the combinations, has the potential to bother almost all the defences in the Premiership, and Pardew will be demanding nothing less.

Bowyer, Matthew Etherington, Yossi Benayoun and captain Nigel Reo-Coker will welcome the addition of Mascherano as his presence will no doubt strengthen their engine room and give them a few more options.

How the new-look Hammers fare against Martin O?eill? resurgent Aston Villa Park in their home game on Sunday should give us some idea as to just how potent they can be. For me, this team should do much better than last season and maybe even a shade better than Tottenham in their run-in for who follows London? big two giants.

ShadowChaser · Post time 9-9-2006 09:42 AM

West Ham new boys 'not finished articles'
By Alex Lowe
Published: 09 September 2006

Alan Pardew has cautioned West Ham fans not to expect Argentina internationals Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano to produce miracles the moment they step out at Upton Park.

West Ham's new arrivals may make their debuts against Aston Villa tomorrow and both can expect a rapturous welcome from the Upton Park crowd. Pardew has huge expectations for the pair - but he said they need time to adapt.

"A point that's been missed is that this isn't Ruud Van Nistelrooy or Claude Makelele who's come over, these are two 22-year-olds," he said. "They've had success at international level, but limited success I would say. They are not honed international players, these are young players.

"One of the reasons that perhaps Carlos and Javier have selected us is for our record with young players and, in particular, my own record. I'm hoping that is taken on board in terms of what they will achieve here.

"Don't think they will be the finished article and change this team around completely. We won't know until they step out in the Premier League hurly burly and see how they will adapt."

carrie_connie · Post time 9-9-2006 09:46 AM

Aston Villa offer deal to Agathe

Agathe had a trial with Blackburn in the summer
Aston Villa have offered a short-term deal to defender Didier Agathe.
The 31-year-old Frenchman - who had a trial at Blackburn in July - played under Villa boss Martin O'Neill during his five-year reign at Celtic.

O'Neill said: "I'm hoping Didier will take up a short-term contract offer we've given him.

"I've seen a hunger in Didier to get back to his best and I'm hoping he might see this as an opportunity to secure a longer term deal here."

ShadowChaser · Post time 9-9-2006 10:45 AM

Originally posted by carrie_connie at 9-9-2006 09:46 AM
Aston Villa offer deal to Agathe

Agathe had a trial with Blackburn in the summer
Aston Villa have offered a short-term deal to defender Didier Agathe.
The 31-year-old Frenchman - who had ...

ado kau pagi nih

carrie_connie · Post time 9-9-2006 10:57 AM

Originally posted by ShadowChaser at 9-9-2006 10:45 AM

ado kau pagi nih

kau pon ader..

ShadowChaser · Post time 9-9-2006 12:23 PM

Originally posted by carrie_connie at 9-9-2006 10:57 AM

kau pon ader..

aku kojo shari ari nih

stats · Post time 9-9-2006 06:26 PM

malam nih mintak2 west ham lehh ketuk aston villa:pmuka:

carrie_connie · Post time 10-9-2006 12:10 AM

Originally posted by stats at 9-9-2006 06:26 PM
malam nih mintak2 west ham lehh ketuk aston villa:pmuka:

seton villa terer woo..takotttttttt tau..:ting:

ameer · Post time 10-9-2006 02:27 AM

ait aston villa pun bleh tumpang dalm nie ahahhaha..

Ax · Post time 10-9-2006 02:37 AM

Originally posted by stats at 9-9-2006 06:26 PM
malam nih mintak2 west ham lehh ketuk aston villa:pmuka:

skali lwn super sunday daaa

Show all posts · Post time 10-9-2006 03:24 AM

x sabar nak tgk tevez dan member dia main....
tranfer bunyi gempak.. aku takut jadi mcm veron je...
langsung x menjadi di MU

ShadowChaser · Post time 10-9-2006 09:23 AM

Originally posted by stats at 9-9-2006 06:26 PM
malam nih mintak2 west ham lehh ketuk aston villa:pmuka:

oi jangan kau, seton villa tgh mengamok nih

[ Last edited by ShadowChaser at 10-9-2006 10:51 AM ]

ShadowChaser · Post time 10-9-2006 10:53 AM

West Ham United v Aston Villa Fri, Sep 08 2006 14:54

West Ham may be without new signing Carlos Tevez against a Villa side boosted by Patrik Berger and Milan Baros' return to fitness.
Alan Pardew has cast doubts over whether Tevez will feature, but fellow Argentina international Javier Mascherano looks a definite starter.

Despite the clamour to see both players pull on Hammers shirts for the first time, the boss insists he is loath to rush Tevez in to match action as he struggles for fitness.

Pardew said: "We have taken a good look at both players and they are shaping up well. "My gut feeling is that Carlos won't be able to catch up in time for this weekend's game and therefore I won't risk him if he's not ready. I don't want him stretched until he is fully fit. But I have to say his attitude and desire are 100 per cent. Javier is a couple of weeks ahead and is looking in great shape."

England international keeper Robert Green could also make his first appearance since arriving from Norwich City as Roy Carroll battles to overcome a groin problem. Defender John Paintsil (knee) is also a worry, meaning Tyrone Mears stands by to deputise.

In the other camp, Stilian Petrov is expected to make his debut at Upton Park having clinched a move from Celtic last week.

Villa boss Martin O'Neill is also boosted by the return to fitness of Berger and Baros following calf and foot problems respectively. However, both players may be forced to settle for a place on the bench due to the Villans' impressive start to the campaign.

ShadowChaser · Post time 10-9-2006 10:55 AM

Swedes eye Teddy swoop Sat, Sep 09 2006 14:54
Swedish outfit Djurgardens are reportedly set to make a swoop for West Ham striker Teddy Sheringham.
The 40-year-old faces tough competition for a starting berth at Upton Park with manager Alan Pardew's recent acquisitions and it may well be that the former England hit-man fancies a new challenge in Scandinavia.

The former Spurs man actually spent time on loan with Djurgardens in 1985 and the club's director Bo Anderson told Fotboldirekt that the playmaker would be welcomed back with open arms.

"It's not a long-term solution, but it would be a spectacular transfer," he said. "He knows us; there are people at the club who were here when he played for us."

Despite his advancing years Sheringham can still make an impact at the top level as he has never been blessed with a great deal of place and he uses his brain to make the right runs and be in the right place at the right time.

Whether or not the Manchester United treble winner would be willing to uproot and move to Sweden is open to question but it seems the club are keen to bring him back after 21 years.

ShadowChaser · Post time 10-9-2006 10:56 AM

Striker jets in for Hammers switch talks Fri, Sep 08 2006 10:13

Ex-Spain international Diego Tristan is heading to England for transfer talks with West Ham, Charlton, Newcastle and Bolton.

The 30-year-old striker is currently a free agent after having his contract at Deportivo La Coruna unceremoniously cancelled. Tristan revealed his desire to remain in Spain having rejected a move to Bolton while still contracted to Depor earlier in the summer, but has now been forced to reconsider his options.

The former Real Mallorca ace first caught the eye five years ago when he hit two goals in a starring role in Depor's 3-2 Champions League win over Manchester United at Old Trafford.

ShadowChaser · Post time 10-9-2006 10:56 AM

Sven in frame for Hammers role Thu, Sep 07 2006 13:30

Ex-England coach Sven-Goran Eriksson has emerged as a possible successor to Alan Pardew, should new owners seize control at West Ham.

With Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian entering preliminary takeover talks with Hammers officials, it is claimed he has identified the Swedish coach as the man to lead the club's fortunes on the pitch. Eriksson is a close confidante of self-styled Israeli ?super agent' Pini Zahavi, who brokered the deadline day arrivals of Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. With Zahavi having dealt with Joorabchian directly in the purchase of the Argentine duo, a link is clearly evident.

Current Hammers boss Alan Pardew has impressed greatly with his achievements at Upton Park. However, doubts remain as to whether he is capable of guiding the club to greater success.