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Bentham, Mill, Curbs
2008-02-08 11:12:00
The said truth is that it is the greatest happiness of the greatest number that is the measure of right and wrong.Jeremy BenthamThe Daily Mail have become the first newspaper to pick up on the Craig Bellamy injury rumour posted here a few days ago. They claim the striker could be out for the rest of the season after suffering a recurrence of the abdominal problems which have plagued him all season. It looked as though Bellamy- who has made just seven Premier League appearances this season following his £7.5million signing from Liverpool last summer- was finally on the way back after coming on as a substitute against Wigan last Saturday and then playing in a midweek reserve-team match. However, the article claims he again felt some discomfort in the same area of the abdomen and now an operation is a distinct possibility. If that was to happen, it is reported, then he would likely miss the rest of the season. In the only quote attributed to Alan Curbishley, the West Ham manager said...
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Bouncing Back
2008-02-08 01:44:00
Barclays Premier LeagueWest Ham United v Birmingham CityBoleyn GroundSaturday 9 February3pmReferee: Mark ClattenburgInfo: SOLD OUTWeather: The forecast is for a sunny afternoon with the temperature is set to peak at around 11C.Tenth-placed West Ham United will look to bounce back from the 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic last Saturday with a fourth home league win in a row. The club have dispatched Manchester United (2-1), Fulham (2-1) and Liverpool (1-0) and have lost just one of the last seven at the Boleyn Ground since mid December. The Irons are also seeking a fourth successive Premier League victory over Birmingham City, and a second double over them in as many seasons. Victory could potentially move the club up to eighth place- depending on Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth, who begin the weekend three and two points ahead respectively. This is the first of a trio of Premier League fixtures against London clubs for Birmingham City, and their record against teams from the capital in...
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Lost In Translation (Revisited)
2008-02-07 17:05:00
Julien Faubert has today refuted comments suggesting he has been unhappy with the training methods at West Ham United since joining the club last summer from Bordeaux. The under-fire winger gave a candid interview to French radio channel RNC a few days ago in which he discussed his experiences of living and playing in English football. Subsequently, certain aspects of that discussion- which was reproduced in detail here on Tuesday- were taken out context by the English media and subverted into a scathing criticism by the player of the club and his team-mates. Speaking on the official site this afternoon, Faubert reiterated: "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and I am really enjoying every minute. Everything here is very professional and my team-mates are all top-class players who have been totally supportive. I hope between now and the end of the season to make a big impact and help the club finish as high as possible." Elsewhere, The Independent has rehashed the stor...
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Mixed Reviews
2008-02-07 09:52:00
There were mixed fortunes for West Ham United players involved in internationals yesterday and in the case of Matthew Upson, who won his eighth cap for England in their 2-1 win over Switzerland at Wembley, there were mixed reviews. The Guardian labelled the defender a 'playground bully' who was plodding but solid in the air, even against the burly Blaise Nkufo. He was said to be a threat at the other end too, showing some overall nice touches, but ultimately his dream World Cup would only come as John Terry's understudy. In The Times, Matt Hughes remarked that Upson had not played for England since the infamous friendly in Spain when several black players were racially abused in November 2004, and in the early stages it was easy to see why. He observed that the West Ham United defender was beaten in the air by Philippe Senderos at a corner and gave the ball away more than is permissible, concluding that John Terry is unlikely to be worried about losing his place.There was a more ...
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Bellyache For Curbs?
2008-02-06 17:18:00
There is a rumour circulating this afternoon that Craig Bellamy has been ruled out for the rest of the season. Firstly, I should say that I do not as a rule pass on every little piece of gossip that I hear and read. That said, I thought I would mention this because I know the source has been generally accurate in the past. Anyway, the story is that the Wales striker has had a recurrence of his stomach injury and the plan is to operate as soon as possible; at the same time removing some scar tissue from his knee. Like I said, this is only a rumour at the minute and the veracity of its content cannot as yet be substantiated or negated by any official news source. If it does prove to be true then Alan Curbishley's decision not to invest in the January transfer window will look very unfortunate indeed.
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Upson Gets The Nod
2008-02-06 11:52:00
Matthew Upson is heavily tipped to start for England against Switzerland tonight according to the morning papers. Several of today's tabloids are claiming that new England boss Fabio Capello has opted to start with the Hammers centre-half, who is set to win his eighth cap alongside Manchester United's Rio Ferdinand. The pair went through an extensive work out as a partnership in training yesterday and will likely be flanked by Wes Brown and Ashley Cole in a new look back four. Capello is thought to have opted for Upson ahead of Tottenham's newest recruit Jonathon Woodgate and fellow central defenders Curtis Davies and Ledley King. The 28 year old defender last played for England in a 1-0 defeat to Spain in 2004, and is now setting his sights on the World Cup after his recall. "I?ve never been to a major championship," he said. "I?ve got a huge hunger to do that. If I perform at the level which I know I can, then I want to start putting myself in a position where, hopefully, th...
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New Legal Challenge
2008-02-06 01:52:00
West Ham United say they are prepared to go to court to fight a new legal challenge from the owners of Carlos Tevez over £7 million in 'unpaid' fees relating to his one-year spell at Upton Park. According to article in The Telegraph, Kia Joorabchian, the player's agent and front man for the two offshore companies which own the Manchester United striker, filed a writ in the Chancery Division of the High Court last week. It is claimed his lawyers are due to lodge the particulars of their claim at the court today and, according to the writ, Joorabchian is seeking an outstanding sum of £4.5 million, plus a further £2.6 million which, he alleges, was due to be paid to him by West Ham on Jan 31.The Iranian born businessman is understood to be claiming he has documentary and taped evidence to back up his claims while West Ham United insist they do not owe any money pertaining to this matter, adding that they are ready to go to court to prove it. A club spokesman is quoted as saying: "We...
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Julien Opens His Trap
2008-02-05 13:59:00
Julien Faubert has claimed in an interview that Giovanni Trap attoni could still be on his way to West Ham United. The former Italian manager is thought to be in the frame for the Republic of Ireland national job and was briefly linked with the Hammers' vacant 'Director of Football' role last month. The speculation was largely dismissed at the time. However Faubert - speaking in an interview with RMC - claimed that the 68-year-old could indeed be on his way to East London. "His arrival is possible, it is up in the air," said Faubert. "I don?t know if it will happen or not. I have a person at the club - he is Italian - who speaks French and helps me with the translation who told me about [it]. He [Trapattoni] would be a huge boost for our tactics because we have gaps in that area of the game, on the defending and positioning aspects."With comments that are sure to be an eye-opener for Alan Curbishley, Faubert stated he was surprised by the lack of tactical training sessions and rev...
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Seeing Stars
2008-02-05 11:30:00
When it is dark enough, you can see the stars.Ralph Waldo EmersonWhen the Japanese mend broken objects, they aggrandize the damage by filling the cracks with gold. They believe that when something has suffered damage then it becomes more beautiful. It is in this spirit that Calum Davenport has been speaking to the media for the first time since breaking a bone in his neck in the first game of his recent loan spell at Watford. The defender joined The Hornets as cover for Danny Shittu, who has been on international duty at the Africa Cup of Nations. However, disaster struck for the West Ham man after team-mate Darius Henderson landed awkwardly on him in the game against Charlton. Talking to Sky Sports News, Davenport said that he believed the injury is going to make him a better person and that he is just thankful his football career is not over."I'm definitely going to have a different aspect on everything that I'm doing to be honest," he stated. "I think there was a lot of swell...
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Capo Di Tutti Capi
2008-02-04 16:41:00
Paolo Di Canio has revealed that his dream job is to be manager of West Ham one day. The flamboyant Italian, who spent four tempestuous years with the Hammers between 1999 and 2003 is set to hang up his boots at the end of this season, but intends to go straight into management - with the Hammers very much in his sights."I'm a little too old to carry on playing so I will take up managing next year. I hope to have the same success as a coach that I did as a player," he told the Daily Mail. "My dream would be to manage in the Premier League because English football is the best in the world and my dream in particular would be to manage at West Ham - that would be perfect. I spent four seasons there and I would love to go back and win something with them. The fans are fantastic there and the atmosphere at Upton Park was always so special. Every weekend I watch all the English games on TV but I always look out for the West Ham score, I have a special place for them in my heart. When I w...
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Youth On The Rise
2008-02-04 12:56:00
There was at least some good news this weekend when the U 18's recorded an impressive away victory against their Arsenal counterparts. Goals from Daniel Kearns and Freddie Sears helped West Ham United to a 2-0 victory against a strong Arsenal side on Saturday morning, thereby avenging a 6-1 home defeat in the previous meeting of the two clubs earlier this campaign. After a slow start from both sides in the first 20 minutes, West Ham United broke the deadlock through Kearns. The young Northern Irishman cut inside from the left flank before scoring with a fierce low shot that was deflected past the home goalkeeper. Buoyed by the goal, the Hammers kept going and Kearns found himself well-placed with another opportunity - only for the keeper to save with his legs. Ollie Lee then had a good shot deflected wide for a corner as Carr's side finished the half strongly. The second half was barely a minute old when West Ham United carved their way through the middle. Jack Jeffery burst into ...
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Wigan Athletic 1 West Ham United 0
2008-02-04 12:02:00
Pitch Battles Show Wigan An Obvious Route To Safety by David HoppsFrom the primordial swamp otherwise known as the JJB Stadium pitch, comes the signs of stirring. Wigan Athletic might not be the highest evolutionary form known to the Premier League, but on this evidence they are certainly one of the most combative... GuardianHeskey Injury Takes Gloss Off Wigan Win by Peter KeelingWigan's joy at gaining the three points that took them out of the relegation zone was tempered somewhat by their striker Emile Heskey limping out of the match and out of Wednesday's international friendly with Switzerland... ObserverWigan Revival Continues Under Steve Bruce by Neil Johnston Considering the drama in his private life, Wilson Palacios could be excused for not having the appetite for a relegation battle. After all, the ?King of Honduras? has more pressing matters on his mind, such as whether he will see his 15-year-old brother again... TimesHeskey Ruled Out But Wigan Battle On by Pete Oliver ...
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J'Accuse Jeff Vetere
2008-02-03 20:23:00
Another Sunday tabloid round-up and another round of spurious rumours. It is the People's turn this week to feature a negative story about the Irons, this time concerning the club being hit with a £7million writ for unpaid fees pertaining to Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano. Kia Joorabchian, the man who took the Argentinian stars to Upton Park last season, has launched the lawsuit in the High Court. The People 'understand' Joorabchian has written and taped evidence which will support his claim, which covers insurance and loan fees, plus other services. According to the article, the writ is another 'massive' blow to the Hammers, who are also facing a claim for damages from Sheffield United, who were relegated from the Premier League last term. The Blades launched their own action after the decision by an independent commission to issue a £5.5m fine - instead of a points penalty - against West Ham United for irregularities over the signing of Tevez and Mascherano.In the same pa...
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Curbs On Sunday
2008-02-03 19:39:00
Alan Curbishley was in relaxed mood when he guested on Goals on Sunday this morning. West Ham are currently sitting comfortably in mid-table, which is in stark contrast to this time last season when they were embroiled in a desperate relegation dogfight and off-field legal wranglings. Looking back over his time since taking over as manager before Christmas in 2006, Curbishley said: "It's been an eventful year for all sorts of reasons. We went in all guns blazing and beat Man United first game and this time last year we was on 20 points, in the bottom three and we went on a losing streak of about eight games. We just couldn't win a game, we found ourselves rock bottom and it looked as if it was all over with that run in. It was just a fantastic achievement to stay up. Carlos Tevez was one of the players that was instrumental but I think people tend to forget what happened in that run-in. We kept the same side for the first time and there were big performances especially from Carlos...
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Hairdos And Hoodoos
2008-02-02 12:59:00
Scott Parker will miss the rest of West Ham United's season with a knee injury according to a report in the Mail. The former Newcastle midfielder, who has made just 10 appearances since joining in a £7million deal last summer, was hurt in a tackle with Cristiano Ronaldo during the Hammers' 2-1 victory over Manchester United in December. He had only just returned from a lengthy lay off. At the time Alan Curbishley said: "It's a different injury. It's the same knee, but it's a different injury, he's hurt his knee cap this time. He's a resilient boy, he's been through it a little bit, and he'll come out stronger because of it. If it was similar injury, or the same injury, then I think we'd all be a bit disappointed, but it's a new injury, so we've just got to get on with it." It should be mentioned that the story is at odds with the party line from yesterday when it was stated on the official site that the player was a month away from a first team return. The Mirror claims ...
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The Road To Wigan Tears
2008-02-01 16:08:00
The atom bombs are piling up in the factories, the police are prowling through the cities, the lies are streaming from the loudspeakers, but the earth is still going round the sunGeorge Orwell It is a strange world where the prospect of a football fixture against Wigan Athletic can elicit a response beyond apathy. Yet so hopelessly entwined have our paths become over the last few seasons, so antagonistic have the feelings grown between the clubs, that a trip into darkest Lancashire now enters into the realms of the mildly interesting. Indeed, not only have both parties steadfastly refused to bury the hatchet from last season's Tevezgate fiasco, but 'Honest' Dave Whelan has decided to ratchet the hostility even further by purposely seeking the services of the one Premiership manager designed to irritate West Ham fans above all others. I can think of no other reason for the employment of Steve Bruce. Yet strip away the recent history, the odious manager, the squealing Wigan 'hord...
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New Cap, Tight Belt
2008-01-31 19:09:00
Matthew Upson has been one of the big beneficiaries of the new England shake-up after being called up for Fabio Capello's first England squad. On a sour note, Robert Green and Dean Ashton have been overlooked once again. The Hammers defender, who has four caps to his name has been included in the provisional 30-man squad for the friendly against Switzerland next week. The only two new caps in what is a surprisingly unadventurous selection are Aston Villa's Curtis Davies and Gabriel Agbonlahor.Other inclusions of interest are Villa winger Ashley Young, who made his England debut against Austria in November, and Blackburn's David Bentley, who profits from Beckham's absence. Capello said: "I know there has been a lot of discussion about David Beckham. The reason that David is not in the squad is because he has not had any real match practice since playing in November. When I spoke with David on the phone yesterday I advised him that he is still part of my plans and once he is playi...
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Card Of Nonentity
2008-01-31 17:48:00
Formerly, he thinks to himself, an artist took real people and transformed them into painted ones: how much finer and more satisfying is the modern method of assuming that people are not real at all, only self-painted, and of proceeding to make them real by giving them new selves based on the best-available theories of human nature. . . . it is incredible to think how well the open ear responds to a little love and chronological falsificationNigel Dennis, Card s of IdentityIt is the last day of the transfer window and so far the only signing we have to show for it is a forty-plus journeyman from Lincoln City. To be fair to Nigel Dennis, our new Facilities Manager and Deputy Safety Officer, he does seem to be a well respected figure in the field of Operations & Safety. I just have my doubts he will prove adequate cover for our paper-thin left back area or injury ravaged central defence; not to mention boost our perpetually ailing strike force or add creative flair to our ponderous...
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Reflections On Liverpool
2008-01-31 13:35:00
Alan Curbishley could not hide his elation after West Ham United once again showed their tremendous form with a superb 1-0 triumph against Liverpool . It was the first time in 12 meetings that the club had got the better of the Reds, and the manager had plenty of words of praise for the way his team - from Robert Green at the back to Carlton Cole in attack - stuck to the task before deservedly taking the points with a late Mark Noble penalty."It was a fantastic result for us," he said. "We have had to keep it tight, work ever so hard. Everybody played their part, Greeny made the saves when he needed to and the back four once again have stood really firm. We've got a terrific defensive record and we needed it. I am delighted for the players. It was mentioned yesterday that West Ham have had a turbulent record against Liverpool. I wasn't fully aware of it. As they have shown all season, they gave everything. We are chopping and changing a lot of the time but they have given everythin...
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West Ham United 1 Liverpool 0
2008-01-31 10:45:00
"It's tremendous - if you're going to get a penalty and score then it's a great time to do it. Week in and week out we've put in a lot of effort - the squad have a fantastic attitude and full credit goes to them. We've lost three games in the last 16 and that's gone unnoticed."~ Alan CurbishleyNoble Penalty Plunges Liverpool Into Seventh Hell by Dominic FifieldLiverpool's plod in the Premier League has juddered to a halt. A side who had expected to challenge for the title back in autumn gasp in seventh place this morning, their season steadily unravelling around a bewildered Rafael Benítez... GuardianBenitez Put On The Spot As Noble Penalty Adds To Misery by Tom DartIs this the way it will end for Rafael Benítez, with a bang and a whimper? The bang was Jamie Carragher?s crass connection with Fredrik Ljungberg that gave Mark Noble an opportunity to score the winning penalty that he embraced with aplomb. The whimper was Liverpool?s performance... TimesNoble On Spot To Punish Li...
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A Return To Action
2008-01-30 10:33:00
Barclays Premier LeagueWest Ham United v LiverpoolBoleyn GroundWednesday 30 January7.45pmReferee: Alan WileyInfo: SOLD OUTWeather: The forecast is for a chilly evening, with the threat of rain. The temperature is set to peak at around 6C.Tenth-placed West Ham United return to league action against Liverpool tonight, seven points ahead in sixth, having not played since the 1-1 draw at Manchester City on Sunday 20 January. Curbishley's side are in fine league form, with six wins and five draws from the last 14 fixtures. The only three reverses came against strong opposition in the form of Chelsea, Everton and Arsenal. With ninth-placed Portsmouth going to Manchester United on the same night, the Hammers will know there is the possibility that a victory could move them to within a point of Pompey with a game in hand. Blackburn Rovers are in eighth, five points in front of the Hammers but have played two games more.Depending on results Liverpool could jump to fourth place in the table ...
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Vagaries Of Football Ownership
2008-01-30 09:59:00
Alan Curbishley believes Liverpool?s American owners have harmed the club?s chances of silverware by their inability to keep quiet off the pitch. The West Ham United manager has had plenty to say ahead of tonight's clash with Rafael Benitez?s side, who arrive at Upton Park tonight well adrift of Manchester United and Arsenal in the battle for Premier League glory. Curbishley admitted he had been astonished by the constant stream of stories emanating from Anfield this season, including the revelation that Jurgen Klinsmann had been approached about succeeding the Spaniard. Speculation about a buy-out and reports that co-owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett have differing ideas about how the club should be run have also helped turn the current campaign into a soap opera. And Curbishley is convinced that it is a betrayal of Liverpool?s golden era of the 1970s and ?80s when an absence of controversy behind the scenes was the key to glory on the pitch.Speaking to Sky News, Curbishley st...
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The Treasure Within
2008-01-29 18:49:00
A more cynical man than me could suspect a subliminal subtext behind the current rash of upbeat stories featuring our youth team and reserve players on the official site. The message from the West Ham hierarchy is ostensibly that our future is in safe hands. Yet the judicious timing of such statements, released at the point that media transfer speculation is at its most rife, seems intended to convince the fans that no new players are needed in the current transfer window.So Tony Carr is apparently delighted with young goalkeeper Marek Stech who celebrated his 18th birthday yesterday. The shot-stopper has won many admirers at the club already - not only for his imposing physique and obvious talent, but also for his work ethic and modest nature off the pitch, and is getting the best possible guidance about how to conduct himself both on and off the pitch - especially with compatriot Ludek Miklosko around as goalkeeping coach. Of the Prague-born teenager, who joined West Ham United in...
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Obama The Hammer
2008-01-28 22:52:00
West Ham United may soon have a fan in the West Wing ? White House contender Barack Obama . Writing in The Sun, Bizarre Editor Gordon Smart claims US Presidential hopeful Mr Obama, 46, has been following the Hammer s ever since a visit to Britain five years ago. He keeps in touch with the fortunes of his team through his relatives in England ? who are all Hammers fanatics. The Kent-based clan now hope Mr Obama will be singing the club?s anthem 'I?m Forever Blowing Bubbles' all the way to the President's office.The US senator, whose sister married an Englishman, scored a crucial weekend victory when he trounced Hillary Clinton in the South Carolina Democratic primary. His campaign team recently revealed he is a massive soccer fan and a nifty player himself while a student at Harvard Law School. Mr Obama watches Premier League games whenever his schedule allows. A campaign source said last night: "Obama is a big sports nut and loves his soccer. He never really followed it, ...
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Wage Rows And Expensive Rounds
2008-01-28 00:07:00
The Sunday paper round-up of lies, speculation and half-truths is as unedifying as always. The News of the World claim Dean Ashton is heading for a major showdown with the club after being left behind in the salary stakes. It is reported that Ashton wants to double his current £23,000- a-week wage following the arrival of Freddie Ljungberg, Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer whose wages dwarf the striker's. Now, with Arsenal and Newcastle United supposedly showing interest in him, Ashton wants to renegotiate his contract.In addition, Upton Park captain Lucas Neill will not be far behind Ashton when it comes to knocking on the door over money. The article states both are upset that they are now way down the club's pay scale following the influx of big names during the summer. Ljungberg, 30, arrived from Arsenal on a free transfer and his deal and image rights is worth a staggering £80,000 a week. Bellamy, Dyer and Scott Parker are not that far behind and that has created simmering tens...
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Morrissey Talks The Language Of West Ham
2008-01-26 13:53:00
Is Morrissey talking the language of West Ham? By Russell BrandIs it insanely narcissistic for me to contemplate that Morrissey is trying to communicate with me through the wearing of replica West Ham tops? The answer is, of course, "Yes". "Yes it is. Why would you even need to ask?" Well, because I've been courting Morrissey, of whom I'm a lifelong fan (if that life is about 18 years), for several months with the intention of persuading him to commit to a documentary where I interview him, follow him about and analyse his legacy.He is aware of my devotion to the Hammers and seems rather fond of me; recently on stage at a handful of gigs that I was unfortunately unable to attend he introduced the members of his band before saying "and I'm Russell Brand". When I heard tell of this I became all queasy and loopy and reckoned it to be the start of a beautiful friendship with a beloved icon. The knowledge of this name-check dramatically impaired my enjoyment of the performance I atten...
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Deano- A Toon Target?
2008-01-23 01:30:00
Kevin Keegan has earmarked West Ham United striker Dean Ashton as a potential transfer target, according to the latest transfer rumour in the Telegraph. Vicki Hodges insists the Newcastle manager is yet to make an official bid for the 24-year-old but is set to test the waters with an opening offer of £7 million. West Ham are likely to reject such an approach for Ashton who remains one of their most valuable assets (so why offer less than the club paid for him then?!) despite being beset by injury problems over the past two seasons. Ashton has been frustrated at his limited time spent on the pitch when he has been fit and has led to Alan Curbishley denying rumours of a fall out between the two earlier this month. Curbishley has erred on the side of caution with Ashton and allowed the former Norwich striker time to recover from a knee injury which saw him sidelined for six weeks of the season. He also missed the 1-1 Premier League draw at Manchester City on Sunday, with a back injury ...
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The Wordsmith Keeper
2008-01-20 22:34:00
The Sunday Times has a nice interview with Robert Green in which the cultured goalkeeper reveals his journalism ambitions...He writes for a national newspaper but doesn?t read any, plays football at the highest level but prefers cricket and rugby. Goalkeepers have always been a breed apart, but Robert Green, of West Ham and England, is more singular than most suggests Joe Lovejoy. This 28-year-old son of a retired hospital consultant gained 10 GCSEs, studied law and psychology and thought twice before giving up his studies for the professional career that started at Norwich City a decade ago. Green is blessed [some managers would say cursed] with an inquiring mind, and has a thirst for knowledge that extends well beyond the confines of his 18-yard box. The success of the articles he writes for The Independent [without the aid of a ?ghost?] has encouraged him to believe that he could contribute more on a broader range of subjects, and Eamon Dunphy may soon have a serious rival as foo...
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The Cockney Moses
2008-01-19 14:24:00
If Keegan's a messiah I want the cockney Moses By Russell BrandThe Dionysian versus the Apollonian, romanticism versus pragmatism, forever we oscillate and vie between these two contrasting ideas. A wise man once remarked to me that the Third Reich was an example of what happens when you put an artist in a position of power; although many of Hitler's atrocities were committed as a result of him being a right bastard as opposed to an artist - there's nothing in pointillism that suggests that genocide would be worthwhile.I suppose what he was saying was that a personality whose mind is governed by poetic ideas like Bavarian myth and the operas of Wagner oughtn't be put in charge of foreign policy and defence because they'll pursue impractical objectives to achieve, in this case misguided, romantic ends.Kevin Keegan's reappointment as Geordie messiah made me reflect on this theory. Now, I'm right behind any second coming, it appeals to me, a Geordie messiah, why stop there? Let'...

Dailly Dallies
2008-01-18 01:58:00
Christian Dailly will spend the next 24 hours weighing up a loan move to Rangers but he has indicated to the club that he is loath to uproot his family from their London home in order to come back to Scotland. Rangers, in the meantime, have told the West Ham United defender that their intention is purely to make the arrangement a four-month deal, and that the club does not wish him to organise a full-scale relocation out of London. "A lot of this talk about Christian is premature," Walter Smith, the Rangers manager, said yesterday. "Really, we?ve embarked on a sounding-out exercise with Christian, but no offer has been put to him yet. If nothing comes of it, fine, we?ll go with what we?ve got." Smith sees Dailly as one of a number of possible options to cover for Ugo Ehiogu, who has completed a move to Sheffield United.
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