The Premier League are ready to side with West Ham over a key aspect of the claim for substantial damages by Sheffield United against the East London club. Sheffield United suspect West Ham of failing to disclose a "critically important" additional third-party agreement - which was dated Dec 1 2006 - from the Premier League and the original independent disciplinary commission who took the decision to fine the Hammers for breaking League rules. Yet an article in today's Telegraph claims that the League will say they received a copy of the document in January and that it was subsequently available to the disciplinary commission. The Premier League, therefore, are satisfied that the new West Ham board did provide them with the relevant documentation and it is thought their evidence will form a central part of West Ham's defence.
Sheffield United remain confident of their position and are expected to question why the existence of the new third-party agreement publicly came to light during a hearing at the High Court between West Ham and the companies who brought Carlos Tevez to English football. Having followed the original disciplinary commission and then taken the matter to arbitration, they will want to know why they were not previously aware of this agreement. Sheffield United believe they would have a strong case for damages following their relegation even without the Dec 1 document, given West Ham's admission of breaking rules over third-party influence and not acting in good faith. West Ham have made clear their intention to defend themselves and have 14 days to formally respond to the proceedings which were launched against them on Thursday. They say that the Premier League were aware of the Dec 1 document and the disciplinary commission knew of its existence.
Elsewhere, hopeless recidivist Craig Bellamy has had a 'spectacular fall-out' with Alan Curbishley only a month into his West Ham career. It is gleefully reported in the Mail that Bellamy slipped back into his old ways in the wake of West Ham's opening day defeat to Manchester City and exchanged harsh words with his new manager. Curbishley, it is claimed, is said to be infuriated by his £7.5million striker's show of petulance, having earlier insisted the time had come for Bellamy to do his talking on the pitch. There are no further details in what is an empty shell of a story. Bellamy has obviously not infuriated Curbishley enough to be dropped from the side for today's game, while the bigger concern is how these dressing room stories continue to get leaked to the press.
Finally, Jason Burt in The Independent claims West Ham United have rekindled their interest in Nicolas Anelka and are preparing to submit a bid of around £10m for the Bolton Wanderers striker. The Hammers have turned to Anelka despite having an offer of £6.8million accepted by Barcelona for their No 1 target, Eidur Gudjohnsen. Burt states West Ham first inquired about Anelka last month but, at that time, decided against a bid. They also considered a move for Middlesbrough's Aiyegbeni Yakubu but believe he is worth half the £11million being demanded. Instead Yakubu, who is not expected to feature for Boro today against Fulham following the signing of Mido, is expected to move to Everton. Although Portsmouth remain interested in Anelka, they will not be able to meet the salary that will be offered by West Ham who, claims the article, will pay up to £80,000-a-week. If Anelka is signed it will take West Ham's spending to almost £40million this summer although the club has also recouped £21million in sales. West Ham would also be the 28-year-old's eighth major club and his fifth in English football.
Sheffield United remain confident of their position and are expected to question why the existence of the new third-party agreement publicly came to light during a hearing at the High Court between West Ham and the companies who brought Carlos Tevez to English football. Having followed the original disciplinary commission and then taken the matter to arbitration, they will want to know why they were not previously aware of this agreement. Sheffield United believe they would have a strong case for damages following their relegation even without the Dec 1 document, given West Ham's admission of breaking rules over third-party influence and not acting in good faith. West Ham have made clear their intention to defend themselves and have 14 days to formally respond to the proceedings which were launched against them on Thursday. They say that the Premier League were aware of the Dec 1 document and the disciplinary commission knew of its existence.
Elsewhere, hopeless recidivist Craig Bellamy has had a 'spectacular fall-out' with Alan Curbishley only a month into his West Ham career. It is gleefully reported in the Mail that Bellamy slipped back into his old ways in the wake of West Ham's opening day defeat to Manchester City and exchanged harsh words with his new manager. Curbishley, it is claimed, is said to be infuriated by his £7.5million striker's show of petulance, having earlier insisted the time had come for Bellamy to do his talking on the pitch. There are no further details in what is an empty shell of a story. Bellamy has obviously not infuriated Curbishley enough to be dropped from the side for today's game, while the bigger concern is how these dressing room stories continue to get leaked to the press.
Finally, Jason Burt in The Independent claims West Ham United have rekindled their interest in Nicolas Anelka and are preparing to submit a bid of around £10m for the Bolton Wanderers striker. The Hammers have turned to Anelka despite having an offer of £6.8million accepted by Barcelona for their No 1 target, Eidur Gudjohnsen. Burt states West Ham first inquired about Anelka last month but, at that time, decided against a bid. They also considered a move for Middlesbrough's Aiyegbeni Yakubu but believe he is worth half the £11million being demanded. Instead Yakubu, who is not expected to feature for Boro today against Fulham following the signing of Mido, is expected to move to Everton. Although Portsmouth remain interested in Anelka, they will not be able to meet the salary that will be offered by West Ham who, claims the article, will pay up to £80,000-a-week. If Anelka is signed it will take West Ham's spending to almost £40million this summer although the club has also recouped £21million in sales. West Ham would also be the 28-year-old's eighth major club and his fifth in English football.
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