David Sullivan has been reported as confirming that he hopes to sign Matt Upson to a new contract. Upson has a year remaining on his current contract and has not exactly shown any urgent compulsion to agree an extension.
The interesting point arising from the story (if true) is that the club are prepared to grant him a contract extension on his existing (alleged) terms of £65,000 a week wage. Moreover, Sullivan has supposedly expressed the hope that Upson will sign to return the favour that he granted him in allowing Upson to move from Birmingham City to West Ham in January 2007!
Will he sign again? It all depends what offers his agent receives from other clubs? Especially if the offer is from the likes of Arsenal, Liverpool or Man City, who are candidates to compete in the Champions League next season. One thing is certain, Gold & Sullivan will not hesitate to sell him in the close season if the club’s overtures fail. They certainly will not allow him to run down his existing contract and just walk away, at the end of next season, without receiving a fee. Nor should they, if Upson will not play ball then the club must get the best deal that they can for the player.
Personally, I would probably favour Upson staying. We will be hard pressed to find another player of similar quality and at 30 years of age he is at his peak as a central defender. Certainly, if Upson goes then we will most certainly have find another experienced defender (probably two if Gabbidon also moves on) to provide the know-how to assist Tomkins and the likes of Spence, Ngala, Fry and Eyolfsson to develop as first teamers.
Yes, Upson has not had the best of seasons for us so far. But it should not be forgotten just how consistent he had been over the previous two seasons. He did it before and he can do it again next season. Gabbidon’s injury record indicates that he is likely to exit in the summer, so lets get in another old head to cover Upson and give our stable of outstanding young central defenders the chance to compete to play alongside him.
Good luck to Green, Upson and Cole with England tonight. Here’s hoping for successful international appearances for all three Hammers players, but no injuries, please!!!!
SJ. Chandos.
I'm glad WH have started the ball rolling now. Hopefully Sullivan has given Upson a deadline to act by.
I'm sure Upson would like to wait until deep into the summer after the WC is done and dusted. But we can't have him holding us to ransom, screwing up our chances of getting a decent replacement if he walks.
Agreed, SJ. This has not been his finest season, but on balance I'd rather sign him up for another three years than have to gamble on a new face.
I have no preference either way on this one … Upson staying would be a positive vibe for the club, however if the money is on the table then it needs to be looked at … the only downside is who would we like to see replace him ..
At 30 plus years he is going to get slower and truly he does think he is better than our club but I have not seen any offers from the big4 for him so just sell him.
Upson allows Zidan to score for Egypt they reckon a bus can turn quicker than Upson.Zola dont forget Tommy Oar of Brisbane Roar the nextAussie superstar 18 years old and a left winger and he is free!
FOR SALE…One airline ticket to Cape Town in June.
I have lost my job after a shoddy piece of work.
My Governor has told me carry on impersonating a London Bus and to book my holidays in Benidorm rather than S Africa.
All enquiries to M. Upson, London (East)
Upson nightmare!!!!
England same problem we had no width,also Barry Lampard central pairing,no way!!!! Gerrard wasted.
Had a score on Eygpt at 8 1 looks good.
I hope Upson stays but if we get a good price for him around about 8-10million then I think the club will cash him in. But the worry is who do they get in. Maybe there is a replacement on the cards. Just wait and see!!!!!!!!!
Firewall…8-10 million. Never in a month of Sundays.
We'll be lucky to get £3m with only a year left on his contract.
Peter Crouch on at half time. How thoroughly depressing. What does Carlton have to do? We ALL know he is far better than crazy-legs crane. Just embarrassing that the likes of Baines, Brown and Crouch can get in the England team.
andy we dont need another injury im glad!
Changed the game, andy.
thats my score down the drain.
Lampard found out as usual.
Had you backed them on Betfair, chris, you could have laid them at 1-0 and been guaranteed of a profit.
thats 2 bad touches carlton.
my guess is Upson will stay with us. Simply because none of the top clubs will be interested. Unless he gets mercenary and goes for a weaker club that is desperate, at least that way we would get a decent fee. Relieving him of the captaincy will be the interesting thing. Parker is a different story on all levels, HAVE to keep him.
I'm as big a cynic as anybody BUT i do get tired of reading the Upson thinks he is too big for us type story. Where is there any evidence – not opiniion, EVIDENCE?
I completely disagree that we have to get experienced (i.e. old) defenders if/when Gabbidon and Upson leave. Why do people perpetuate the myth that a team cannot be made of a majority of younger players? Why is it that young players are required to "learn their craft" from older players? Isn't that what coaches are for? Teaching young players how to reach the top level. The only need for an experienced player is the captain and that's a role that Parker is more than capable of filling.
A great current example of a team of mostly youngsters having great success is in the Bundesliga. Bayer Leverkusen are fighting with Bayern Munich for the title with a squad that is mostly comprised of young players. It should be about a player's talent, not their age.
Get your point about youngsters but you do need to be coached on the pitch by experience just look how tomkins has come on alongside upson which is why sully wants a year or so more from him and for sure tomkins is the real deal oh and what are you doing watching german league football when you have most leagues which are far superior to them you wont learn much there but hey each to there own
I'd be tempted to go back in for Anton Ferdinand, he'd be available at a cut price as he's out of favour at Sunderland. Although it has stalled, he showed real potential while he was at West Ham. He's young, talented, has a good deal of experience and never wanted to leave in the first place….. Might be a perfect fit for G&S at the moment.
He never wanted to leave as he knew he was on to a good thing.
Anton Ferdinand will never fulfill his potential. He was part of the bling bling culture at the club under Pardew's stewardship.
I lost count of the number of times that boy switched off in games, and how many headers he was beaten to. He can't even get into Sunderland's team. That should tell you all you need to know.
Ferdinand is rubbish.
Zola please get a Dvd of 18 year old Tommy Oar of Brisbane Roar a talented left winger a la Harry Kewell,please he is free to move,sod Anton Ferdinand he is firmly in the past, we only march forward not back!
We should definitely cash in on Upson in the summer. He had a poor game but will still go to the World cup. I think Cahill might join him as the other centre back, along with Rio and Terry as starters.
I also think there is still time for Mycah Richards to go as cover for Glen Johnson. God only knows he is a thousand times better than Wes Brown.
We will be able to get in the region of £8Million upwards for Upson, or face getting nothing a year later. WIth that money we can buy two more centre backs. A couple of mid experienced players of 26-28 would do the trick but with good character, no injury problems and solidity.
We have enough young centre backs with real potential. One in Tomkins who is already doing a great job and two in N'Gala and Spence. We should also try to get a million or so for Gabbidon.
I would keep Green and Cole and Parker. I think Behrami and Upson will be off in the summer- and that could bring in £23Million or so.
No chance of £8m with just a year left on his contract. £3 or 4m at best.
Once again last night, Upson proved that his excellence as a player is self promoting. Poor in almost everything he did, his continued unclusions illustrates the dearth of real talent we have at centre back. I would take a crocked King ahead of him and Terry.
Green looked confident last night, although his composure when he receives a back pass is still in question. Handling good and distribution OK.
Capello started with Defoe citing that he knew what Rooney could do with Heskey & Cole. I can't recall Cole having much time on the pitch with Rooney?
It now looks a straight choice between Cole & Heskey for the 4th spot, so CC will have to finish the season strong to get on the plane.
I reckon he might take 5 strikers, Devo, as he has got players – particularly Milner and Barry in midfield – who can play in more than one position. In the end, strikers win you games and if we only take four and get a couple of injuries – and England's record says we probably will – we will be stuffed.
I agree Roy, but I think Cole is disputing 4th spot. If he takes Cole, then Heskey is surplus to requirements, which brings Agbo or possibly Young into the equation.
Defoe proved what I have said before; Defoe is an impact player at international level and doesn't gel well with Rooney.
Capello now has to make the same choice as his predecessors; Lampard or Gerrard. Milner should start left and Gerrard can't play there, so one of them has to sit on the bench.
From a comfortable qualifying period I now think we are in a bit of a mess. It will be difficult for both Ashley Cole and Aaron Lennon to get back fully fit with enough games under their belts, we will have more injuries for sure and there are several key positions which are not nailed down.
I agree that Defoe will be more of an impact player and you could say the same for Crouch. I think he has made up his mind about Heskey and he will still be first choice alongside Rooney, which is why he didn't use him last night. Although Wright-Phillips did OK when he came on I'm not sure he is international class and, if Lennon is not fit, I'd play Milner on the right. I don't think Ashley Young is even in Capello's thoughts now.
However it pans out it leaves the left as a problem – hasn't it always been that way – unless Joe Cole has a good run of form in the next few games.
Gerrard concerns me as he has never really done it for England but he obviously has to play and I think he will end up on the left which will expose the full back – particularly if it's Baines- when he drifts inside.
Overall, I'm pretty pessimistic at the moment.
Devo, I am of the thinking we might do a Zola and go 4-3-3 … the back four picks itself, but the midle three of Lumpard – Barry/Carrick – Gerrard with the likes of Lenon/Wright-Phillps/Walcott – Rooney – Cole? would suit how all the top teams are playing this season … we have the chance to go with several different formations that only bode to a succesful tornament ?
To answer the question, yes, I would sell him. Culpable for many goals conceded this season, distribution poor. Cash in and either promote a youth player or spend on a decent centre back from abroad.
Must stays: Green (unless we get Hart as replacement), Berhami, Parker, Cole. The rest are all expendable although I would like to retain Faubert, Tomkins, Daprela, Collison.
Devo, would you retain LBM on a lower wage?
Yes, Tom. Much missed this season.
Agree with your 'must stays' Devo, I would also swap Green for Hart (didn't think I'd be saying that a year ago) and pleased someone else sees Behrami as someone we HAVE to keep hold of (although the reported £15m might be an offer we can't refuse), I think when he's match-fit he wins matches.
Not seen enough of Daprela to stick him on the retain list. Swap him for Hines on my list, I think he lacks fear in front of goal and next year could be a better option than a 33 yo Benni.
I agree, Munky, Hines could be anything and should be retained – pace is a potent weapon.
I really think we should keep Upson as long as the club is nor held to ransom (which I am sure Sullivan will not let it be). We won't get an enormous fee for him with only one year left on his contract and as long as he stays fit he could have another 2 or 3 years at the top level.
For those who think he should go, please remember the games he missed this year and how our performances have improved since he came back from injury.
Tomkins is still learning, Gabbidon is unlikely, in my view, to ever cut it in the Premier League again and Da Costa has yet to prove he is the real deal.
OK, he's not had the best of seasons himself but we would have to pay considerably more for a good replacement than we would get for him.
Slightly off subject, but I notice we are now talking of £100m conversion costs to the Olympic stadium should we take it over post Olympics.
Now call me stupid (and I'm sure some will and do) but conversion £100m + lease + maintenance of a stadium like that is surely a ridiculous sum of money when we are told that we are still the favoured option to develop the post office site. At least this this would be to the specification of a football stadium close to the roots of the club and ultimately a cheaper option.
Roshi, call me a simply squaddie but I don't think any real truths about costs and designs will come out until after the games. The only cast iron garanttee is that the tax payer won't foot the bill for any unviable Option and the current goverment and Olympic committee have yet to come up with anything but conempt for the national game. the East end is synominous with West Ham United … the legacy reads itself … however only time will see
As fantastic as the Olympic stadium is, iI do not think for one minute it would be ideal for football. Unlike Man City where the stadium was designed from the start to be easily converted to football the Olympic stadium is not. For a start it is round not oval so how do you put a pitch in so that it is equally distant from a four sides?
There will be life after matty upson, if the man thinks he can go to a top 6 club and do a job then so be it ive said it before and i will say it again our best centre back who we sold to villa made upson look good , matty upson completly lost me as a bit od a fan after the man u match when he was not marking rooney and left it to tonka who is not experianced to deal with the most inform striker in the prem . i know the manager sets the tactics and marking systems but he should of stood up and asked the question ( dont care anymore). on a another note cappello must now play two wingers and scrap this attitude of trying to fit in lampard and gerrard in the same team gerrard, bary in the middle lennon if fit and milner on the other wing . is cappello gunna break the mold of evry single manager and drop either gerrard or lampard
Has anyone heard from Celtic lately ? I am worried … did he over do the rugby celebrations ? or is he still writing on the state of the accounts ? …
Guys,you think England would not be better off adopting a 4-3-3 that the top six teams are going with … Lampard – Carrick/Barry – Gerard with Walcott/Lennon/Wright-Phillips – Rooney – J Cole/Milner … would it give us better optins than taking a squad to play 4-4-2 ?
Tom – I think we are too weak at the back to play 4-3-3. Capello has to decide who he plays out of Lampard & Gerrard. They can't play together in the middle and Gerrard on the left doesn't work. 3 managers have tried to make it work and ir doesn't. To Capello's credit, he makes the big decisions well, so we shall see?
Devo, fair point about the back four … but if Johnson-Terry-Rio-Cole are fit I think it is a better option .. just my own opinion tho … however throughout the qualifiers capello only had one of Gerrard or Lampard has that made his mind up … I do feel one has to sit on the bench if he goes 4-4-2 … and I think he is big enough to do it … however I think he might play Gerrard in behind Rooney ahead of Heskey ?
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/8539585….
Thanks for the link, Claret. Excellent read and super memories of BM.
Pearce speaks with such passion and fondness of the great man, it is very emotional stuff.
I have a signed photograph from Mooro wishing me Happy 18th Birthday. Still one of the treasured memories from a lifetime supporting WHU.
In later years, I met Mooro once in a business situation and he introduced himself as: Hi, my name's Bobby.
Bloody hell, how cool was that? World's greatest ever defender introducing himself as just Bobby. No larging it, no ego…just a regular guy.
My answer to the great man was: Hi, Bobby…you are my hero.
Not the greatest anecdote…but it's all I could come out with.
Long live the memory of No6.
Completely off topic, but just read this story from last week on the BBC website:
"Two football teams relegated from China's Super League
By Damian Grammaticas
BBC News, Beijing
China's Football Association has decided to relegate two teams from the country's Super League to its second division in a corruption scandal.
The teams are accused of being involved in match-fixing and gambling, according to official Chinese media.
One of the teams, the Chengdu Blades, is owned by the English Championship side Sheffield United."
And in the same week as the FA brought charges against Kevin Blackwell and Neil Warnock… what a thoroughly honest bunch of …..
Hopefully their good friend Dave Whelan at Wigan will soon be joining them in the championship.
Hear hear to all of that.
Shadenfreud rules!
Not Schadenfreude Lofty, it's my 'Campaign for Justice'
Good to see Karma at work. Lets not forget, if it wasn't for those mentioned above, our financial situation wouldn't be quite so precarious
Warnock is nearly as loathesome as Redcrap in my book. Anyone notice the slimeball leave the sinking ship this week? No doubt Tevez is to blame for the plight of Crystal Palace too?
Sorry Rangers fans but I wish him nothing but ignominious failure and retirement. How he was able to relegate Sheffield Utd and get the world and his wife to buy into his 'woe is me' sob story anout how that evil West Ham had robbed him of his premiership dream will always, for me, remain one of the great mysteries of modern times. And believe me, he still bangs on about it to this very day and no doubt will continue to do so
Sorry to go off piste a little but what does everyone think about the proposal for a champions league playoff? I think its a great idea but tend to agree with David Gold's opinion that it could not be possible due to fixture restraints such as if one of the teams were to be involved in the FA and/or Champions League Cup finals.
This however got me thinking… Does anyone else think that the "CHAMPIONS" League should be just that? Why are there so many teams in it that haven't won sweet FA for years (see 'Arse', 'Arsenal' or 'Arsene "I'm afraid I didn't see it" Wenger'). I think we should see teams thathave won a trophy represent our country. And how better to do that than give one of the spots to the FA Cup winners??
Teams have 38 games to make the top 4. Football has been ruined by the saturated coverage we have to endure these days because of the whim of broadcasters. Personally, I would prefer a return to the old knock out competitions instead of these ludicrously extended borefests that masquerade as competitions.
So, it's a no for me.
We could sit back and watch the oldest cup competition in the world become great again… we could also watch the league improve as Champions League money becomes available for a club outside the top 4. The knock on effect will be that the big clubs do not budget so highly, with ECL money a guarentee, and competition improves.
What does everyone think? What do you think Iain, SJ???
Upson? if he dosent want to wear the shirt, ship him out to the highest bidder in the summer and get in someone that does want to be at the club. you would have thought he would have learned something from the Lucas Neil debacle in the summer. As for England, the midfield were far more balenced and creative when Carrick replaced fat arse at half time. would not be building my hopes up in Africa if the best defence we can muster is Wes Brown at right back which is not his natural position and I have serious reservations about Terry/Upson as a pairing, two defenders that turn like oil tankers. As for Celtic, do you think his cyber stalker has found him?
I like many peered through my fingers over my eyes when Upson slipped up last night. Blame the pitch Matt, or anything/anyone else other than yourself. He was simply caught out by a decent ball in and couldn't turn quickly enough, so lost his footing. What was even worse for me was seeing how Terry got roasted like he was running through treacle. It was embarrassing to watch. I do hope Rio gets fit in time, and forgive me but I'd take Ledley King to the WC and wrap him up in cotton wool between games!
Rob Green played well though, and I do wish the commentators would start accepting that he is probably our best hope now between the sticks. He will not go into the tournament with much confidence if he feels he could be replaced following the slightest error. I suspect Capello has already told him he's first choice, but it would be nice for once for the pundits & 'experts' to stop pushing Calamity forward, as if you want to guarantee a major mis-hap at the greatest stage you could put your mortgage on Jamo supplying it with one of his hideous hair-cuts taking centre-stage!
I'm ambivalent as to whether we keep Upson, for many of the reasons mentioned, but mainly the fact that we have seen the best of him. However, quite concerned to read we have withdrawn the offer of a new contract to midfielder Valon Behrami, with co-owner David Sullivan keen to cash in on the Switzerland international in the summer – much to boss Gianfranco Zola's despair, in The Telegraph today. Wouldn't agree with that step, unless he has made his intention to leave clear perhaps.
I've just seen two reports in theTelegraph & Irish Independent that tensions are rising between GZ and mighty mouth Sullivan due to West Ham having withdrawn a new 5 year contract offer to Valon Behrami that he was due to sign. It went on to say that Sullivan wants to sell him in the summer.
I'm hoping that this is all speculation and without foundation, but I suspect I might find it turns out to be the truth. The only thing I'm clinging to is that securing Valon on a new contract would not stop a sale in the summer, so why withdraw an offer of one ? Any thoughts anyone?
scalyback,just read it and cant believe a word of it ! theres no way we can get rid of all our best players,maybe 1 or 2 but not diamanti or biriani !!!! i hope its just paper talk and their usual sticking the boot in at upton park nonsence!!! trouble is its been to quiet lately so they just make things up to fill papers!!!
its definitely worth a try to change my hairst today, nice post.