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I sincerely doubt that, subsequent to the end of the 2006/07 Premiership campaign, any footballing subject has absorbed more column inches than the seemingly never ending saga surrounding the ownership of Carlos Tevez. At the time of writing, the matter looks set be resolved without the need for a high-court hearing and the Argentina striker appears poised to join champions Manchester United.
It's all rather bizarre. Tevez must be feeling like a child being pulled from pillar to post by divorced parents embroiled in a custody battle, as the club, and the companies that claim that they own the player, Just Sports Inc and MSI, argue the toss. And then there's Sheffield United threatening legal action, feeling that they should be reinstated at the Hammers' expense, citing that the east London club should have points deducted over the Tevez affair.
However, West Ham's Premier League status is very much intact and while the spotlight has been shining brightly on the ensuing controversy and conflict, behind the scenes Alan Curbishley has been, with the help of chairman Eggert Magnusson's hard-earned, been doing some good business in the transfer market. The gaffer has let the likes of Marlon Harewood and the wantaway Nigel Reo-Coker fly the nest, but in turn has made some very good signings.
Indeed, 'Curbs' has lured a proven goalscorer in Craig Bellamy, who will be an excellent addition to the striking ranks which already include Bobby Zamora and Dean Ashton, while Scott Parker and Julien Faubert, a �6.1million signing from Bordeaux, will bolster the midfield, an area which will be augmented greatly by the rather surprising capture of Frederik Ljungberg from Arsenal. And, If the rumour mill isn't mistaken, classy Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen could be a target for the east Londoners.
Furthermore, Kieron Dyer could be unveiled as a new signing at Upton Park before the start of the season. Dyer has been told by his current employers, Newcastle, that he can leave, as he's keen to move south to be closer to his family. Despite Spurs being mooted as potential suitors, West Ham appear the more proactive in their bid to prize Dyer and all the vibes suggest that they are favourites to get their man.
Ironically, Lee Bowyer, whom Dyer had that unforgettable on-field fracas with during Newcastle's 3-0 home defeat against Aston Villa in April 2005, has been instrumental in the Hammers' bid to acquire the midfielder. This could end up as an ex Magpies reunion, with Bellamy and Parker also having plied their trade at St James' in recent seasons. It has to be said that Dyer has had his fair share of problems, be it with injury or with the demons within, but as he's demonstrated during Newcastle's pre-season matches, he is a class act.
The consistent theme with all West Ham's signings - and I include Dyer in this statement, assuming he joins - is that they all still have a point to prove for varying reasons. Harry Redknapp at Portsmouth and Sam Allardyce when at Bolton employed what appeared to be a policy of recruiting players in this situation, and it worked a treat. Some will question the manager's record in that he had long been on a plateau at Charlton, establishing them as a mid-table side, and some may expect West Ham to be just that, a mid-table side.
However, this would be most unfair since Curbishley had to constantly rob Peter to pay Paul when in charge of the south east London outfit. Conversely, with Magnusson's millions to play with - and having secured good fees for Harweood and Reo-Coker - he's finally got the opportunity to prove that, with the right financial backing, he can take a club like West Ham forward.
I'm not for one moment suggesting that West Ham will win the Premier League. And not for one moment do I think they'll finish as a top-four club. But I do feel that, at 11/2 with bet365, they're a cracking bet to finish in the top six. Admittedly, they looked all at sea at times last term - appearing as though the fight had been sucked out of them - but, to their credit, they responded well to Curbishley after he took over from Pardew, and I reckon we'll see an altogether different side this term.
Dean Ashton was absent for the entire 2006/07 campaign, which was a major loss for West Ham, especially with Harewood misfiring, Sherringham often sidelined and for all that Tevez was brilliant, he understandably took a bit of time to settle in at Upton Park. Bobby Zamora struck with 11 goals in 27 league fixtures, ending the season as the club's leading striker. In contrast, they start this season with a strong compliment of injury-free forwards and high class attacking midfielders. Things are looking up.
It's difficult to envisage Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool not fighting out the first three places. While Arsenal are in what appears to be something of a transitional phase, with Wenger seemingly keen to break up the old rearguard at the Emirates and allow the new kids on the block to come to the fore and prove their worth. Spurs have made some good signings and look sure to take high rank, but otherwise, with all due respect, the others are much of a muchness.
Newcastle, Everton, Aston Villa, Blackburn and Portsmouth are all sure to have their moments during the forthcoming campaign, but I am confident that West Ham will prove to be a better side than each of the aforementioned quintet. When on song, the Hammers are capable of playing very attractive football and it was no fluke that they did the double on both Arsenal and Manchester United last term. In my opinion, they will step up this season and equal the ambition of the club's hierarchy. A top six finish is certainly attainable.
Dylan Jenear, readaBet.com
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