Alan Curbishley has told Robert Green his chance with England will come
again
21.11.2007
Alan Curbishley has paid tribute to Robert Green and said he just has to
"keep doing what he does" to earn international recognition.
The West Ham United No1 has been among the top-flight's leading goalkeepers
this season but has yet to add to the one England cap he earned back in
2005. Paul Robinson, Scott Carson and David James are all ahead of him in
the current pecking order - meaning Green was not involved in England's 3-2
home defeat by Croatia on Wednesday that confirmed their absence from EURO
2008.
In an interview featured on WHUTV, Curbishley said the 27-year-old just had
to bide his time. "He is not far off that England squad," he said. "I think
everybody knows that. He has got to just keep doing what he does. He can't
do any more." At club level, Green has been instrumental in the run of five
matches unbeaten, memorably saving a last-gasp penalty to earn a 0-0 draw at
Portsmouth and producing heroics in the 3-1 home win against Sunderland
Despite regularly stealing the spotlight with his matchday contributions,
Curbishley said Green, who moved to east London from Norwich City in January
2006, was not one for personal glory. "He is a big character in terms of
size and stature," the manager said. "But he is quiet, he gets on with it
and I have never seen someone work as hard in training. He is totally
dedicated to becoming the best he can be."
Curbishley added that Green was a major factor in the survival fight last
season, acknowledging that, upon taking charge in December, he had first to
give him and his then rival Roy Carroll a chance to impress. "After about
four or five games I bought Rob back and he has been there ever since. His
performances not just in that run-in but since he came back into the side
and this season have been superb." Green will get the chance to underline
his credentials again this Sunday, when Tottenham Hotspur - featuring
Robinson in goal - come to the Boleyn Ground.
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Ljungberg helps Sweden to finals - WHUFC
Sweden will be captained at EURO 2008 by Freddie Ljungberg
21.11.2007
Freddie Ljungberg is to captain Sweden to the finals of EURO 2008 after the
Scandinavian nation secured their spot on Wednesday night.
Ljungberg had a key role in a 2-1 home victory against Latvia, making the
decisive goal for Kim Kallstrom to score the winner just before the hour
mark. Sweden's progress came at the expense of George McCartney's Northern
Ireland, although their 1-0 defeat in Spain dashed any hopes they had.
England will also not be at the finals after a 3-2 defeat by Croatia at
Wembley confirmed their elimination.
While Sweden will rightly celebrate, Ljungberg will quickly switch his focus
to playing his part for West Ham United against Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday.
He will hope that two full international matches in four days - he also
figured in the 3-0 defeat in Spain on Saturday - will have added to the
fitness gained at Chadwell Heath in recent weeks.
"I am looking forward to coming back, after the international games, to West
Ham," Ljungberg said. "Our next game is a local derby against Spurs and
important to both clubs in a number of ways." Meanwhile, James Collins and
Danny Gabbidon both played their part in a creditable 0-0 draw for
already-eliminated Wales against Germany in Frankfurt.
Elsewhere, it was a disappointing evening for striker Henri Camara's Senegal
after they went down 3-0 to Morocco in a friendly while right-back John
Pantsil was on the bench as hosts Ghana won a four-team tournament with a
4-2 defeat of Benin.
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Curbs cheered by fit-again duo - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley has positive news on the progress of Scott Parker and Dean
Ashton
21.11.2007
Alan Curbishley has revealed that Scott Parker and Dean Ashton are
continuing to make great progress.
The pair each scored in a training ground practice match against Southampton
reserves on Wednesday, with young midfielder Tony Stokes hitting a hat-trick
in a 5-0 victory that also featured Richard Wright and Nigel Quashie.
Curbishley, who is preparing for the visit of Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday,
said: "We are really pleased. It looks like one or two of them are coming
back.
"Deano has got back a little bit quicker than we thought but he has come
back strong enough to play a full 90 minutes. He scored and got through it
OK and Scott Parker, who has worked so hard that he is now on the right
track, is looking strong again and he played the whole 90 minutes and
scored.
"We know how much work they have put into it. I am hopeful that one more
game next week will be enough for them to really be considered but by this
weekend one of them might be involved or even both of them." Striker Ashton
has not played since picking up a knee strain in the 1-0 defeat at Aston
Villa, although the club has since embarked on a five-match unbeaten run,
while midfielder Parker has not figured because of his own knee problem
suffered on 29 September.
To add to the positive news, Curbishley added that midfielders Hayden
Mullins and Mark Noble were both getting closer. "Hayden came off against
Bolton [on 4 November] with a bruised foot and never made the Derby game [on
10 November] but he is back in full training and Mark, who had a hernia
operation on the Friday before we played Derby, was back in and running a
week after. He has managed to get the last two days in."
The manager was also keen to remind of the achievement of those who had done
the job in recent weeks, emphasising the contribution of players like
Jonathan Spector and Carlton Cole, along with the general resilience in the
camp. He added: "Players have played out of position and also we have had to
change during games. I am delighted with what the players have done -
absolutely delighted. For me the players deserve a lot of credit for the
points total we have taken and to get to the quarter-final of a cup. The
squad has stood firm."
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Duo return - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 21st November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Scott Parker and Dean Ashton are both in contention for this weekend's clash
with Tottenham. The duo played in a behind-closed-doors friendly against
Southampton this afternoon - won 5-0 by the Hammers - and emerged unscathed.
Also playing in the game was Nigel Quashie, who has been out of action since
March. West Ham face Tottenham at the Boleyn Ground this Sunday, with Alan
Curbishley's side seeking to break into the top eight of the Premier League.
Tottenham are currently four points behind United in 14th place, just three
points ahead of the drop-zone.
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Williams eyes Ephraim capture - SSN
Colchester boss keen on Hammers youngster
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 21st November 2007
Colchester boss Geraint Williams has admitted he is considering a move for
Hogan Ephraim in the January transfer window. Ephraim spent last season on
loan at Layer Road but is now back at West Ham. He is out of contract in the
summer and has been linked with a £500,000 switch to Colchester. "Hogan was
with us last year and he is a player we liked a lot," said Williams. "We're
always looking to improve the squad and Hogan is a player who could do that.
He's certainly one we are looking at." Colchester defender John White is
focused on breaking back into the team but admits he may have to leave if
opportunities do not arise. The 21-year-old has made just three appearances
this season due to the emergence of George Elokobi. "I haven't been in this
situation much before and I'm learning as I go along," he told the
Colchester Gazette. I just want to play football and if it's not happening
here then eventually I would have to think about moving on. My main aim is
to carry on playing for Colchester and if I can't get there then maybe it
will time to move on. But for now, I'm working to get back into that first
team."
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Curbishley - Green is close - SSN
Hammers boss believes stopper is close to England recall
By James Dall Last updated: 21st November 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley does not believe Robert Green is far
off earning himself a recall to the England side. Green has earned just a
single cap for his country - back in 2005 against Colombia - despite
demonstrating some impressive form at club level. Furthermore, questions
have been asked of Paul Robinson's recent shaky displays, with many calling
for Green to be used by boss Steve McClaren. But McClaren chose to overlook
the 27-year-old for England's recent set of qualifiers, opting to go with
Robinson, Scott Carson and David James as his trio of shot-stoppers.
Curbishley, though, is confident the former Norwich City keeper is close to
securing a recall. "He is not far off that England squad. I think everybody
knows that. He has got to just keep doing what he does. He can't do any
more," he told the club's official website. The Hammers manager also praised
Green's character, while hailing his impressive recent form. "He is a big
character in terms of size and stature. But he is quiet, he gets on with it
and I have never seen someone work as hard in training. He is totally
dedicated to becoming the best he can be," Curbishley added. "His
performances since he came back into the side this season have been superb."
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Graham Paddon Remembered - West Ham Online
Billy Blagg - Wed Nov 21 2007
Norwich City players will be wearing black armbands and dedicating a
minute's silence in their next home game to commemorate the life of Graham
Paddon, who passed away suddenly at the criminally low age of 57 on November
19th. Paddon played 340 games, scoring 37 goals for the Canaries in two
periods with the club.
However, its not just East Anglians who will be mourning this week. In 1975
and 1976, Graham Paddon was a lynchpin of the Hammers side that won the FA
Cup before progressing to the final of the Cup Winner's Cup at the Heysel
Stadium, Brussels. In fact, Paddon's contribution to the final in Belgium
was crucial as he struck a stunning goal in Frankfurt in the semi-final to
give West Ham a crucial away advantage that they were able to build on back
at Upton Park, eventually sending out the much-fancied German side 4-3 on
aggregate to progress to the final.
In the 1975 FA Cup final at Wembley, against Bobby Moore's Fulham side, it
was Paddon's rasping shot that Peter Mellor fumbled to allow Alan Taylor to
score one of his brace that day.
Paddon's contribution to the cup-winning side side was probably more than
the sum of its parts; the fact of the matter was a midfield with Paddon,
Bonds and Brooking (supplemented by the underrated Pat Holland) was
beautifully balanced on all sides of the pitch. Paddon's lethal left foot
being responsible for setting up or scoring many fine goals. In fact,
Paddon's arrival from Norwich - in a swap deal that rid us of the useless
Ted McDougall - had helped save West Ham from relegation in the 1973 / 74
season so his dedication to the cause of his adopted club probably goes even
beyond his celebrated cup exploits.
But any eulogy to Graham Paddon cannot go without mention of the cultured
midfielder's addition to the buccaneering spirit of any 1970's side. Flowing
locks and a fearsome beard with socks rolled down - no shinpads - cemented
Paddon's status as a tireless worker and committed club man.
At a time when left-footed players are rare - let alone ones of Graham
Paddon's calibre - this is a sad lost to the history of the game. Also, when
'heroes' are made and broken on the back of one or two good or bad games it
serves us well to remember a player who was an invaluable member of a side
that really won something.
The thoughts of West Ham fans will be with Graham's family this week and, if
it is any consolation, may of us will be wiping a tear away at the memory of
a stunning 30 yard shot - still one of my favourite ever goals - in
Frankfurt in 1976.
RIP Graham.
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Reserves beaten - SaintsFC.co.uk
Reserves beaten England odds Reserves preview Surman sits out Bon Jovi
hospitality FA Youth Cup tie Claus ahead of schedule Bennett call-up Road
trips Welcome banners Saints Yth 2 Ipswich Yth 1 International round-up
Saints in Europe Christmas lights Academy Preview - Ipswich Town
Southampton Official Online Store
Saints Reserves took a Hammering as they went down 5-0 in today's closed
doors friendly at West Ham.
Stewart Henderson was not totally unhappy with the display though as his
young side played well between the two penalty areas.
However the much more experienced Hammers were stronger in both boxes as
they defended well and had a greater cutting edge in attack.
The home side included four full internationals in Richard Wright, Dean
Ashton, Scott Parker and former Saints midfielder Nigel Quashie.
Adam Lallana hit a post for Saints in the opening minute before Ashton
scored the opener with a towering header.
Henderson said: "We fixed up this game hoping Darren Powell and Alex Ostlund
might be fit and get a run-out - but it was not to be.
"We lacked a bit of experience and they had plenty of it - but it was still
a very useful exercise for our young lads.
"We probably had 65 per cent of possession and knocked the ball around very
nicely at times in midfield.
"But they had more threat than we did in front of goal and took their
chances well against a young defence.
"I was very pleased with the way we passed the ball but we gave some soft
goals away and lacked a sense of danger. But it was a very good work-out."
Saints Res: Poke, Hatch, James, Gillett, Lancashire, Davies, Thomson,
Lallana, Paterson (McLaggon 70), Giallombardo, Dutton-Black (White 80).
Subs: Rondos, Jones.
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Hammers boss Curbishley tells Green: You'll be back in the England frame
soon - Daily Mail
Last updated at 16:40pm on 21st November 2007
Alan Curbishley has paid tribute to Robert Green and said he just has to
"keep doing what he does" to earn international recognition. The West Ham
United keeper has been among the top-flight's leading players this season
but has yet to add to the one England cap he earned back in 2005. Paul
Robinson, Scott Carson and David James are all ahead of him in Steve
McClaren's thoughts - meaning Green will not be involved this evening when
England take on Croatia at Wembley. In an interview on WHUTV, Curbishley
said the 27-year-old just had to bide his time. "He is not far off that
England squad," he said. "I think everybody knows that. He has got to just
keep doing what he does. He can't do any more."
At club level, Green has been instrumental in the run of five matches
unbeaten, memorably saving a last-gasp penalty to earn a 0-0 draw at
Portsmouth and producing heroics in the 3-1 home win against Sunderland.
Despite regularly stealing the spotlight with his matchday contributions,
Curbishley said Green, who moved to east London from Norwich City in January
2006, was not one for personal glory.
"He is a big character in terms of size and stature," the manager said. "But
he is quiet, he gets on with it and I have never seen someone work as hard
in training. He is totally dedicated to becoming the best he can be."
Curbishley added that Green was a major factor in the survival fight last
season, acknowledging that, upon taking charge in December, he had first to
give him and his then rival Roy Carroll a chance to impress.
"After about four or five games I bought Rob back and he has been there ever
since. His performances not just in that run-in but since he came back into
the side and this season have been superb."
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Injury list easing for Spurs meeting - Newham Recorder
21 November 2007
AFTER four months of unmitigated disaster with injuries at Upton Park, there
finally seems to be some light at the end of the tunnel.
Not for the likes of Julien Faubert and Kieron Dyer of course. They will be
spending Christmas with their feet up and beginning their comeback plans in
the new year.
But for the rest of the squad, fitness beckons, and that means one or two
selection headaches for manager Alan Curbishley going into Sunday's showdown
with near neighbours Spurs at Upton Park.
Striker Dean Ashton is set for a return on Sunday. So is Swedish
international winger Freddie Ljungberg as well as midfielders Hayden Mullins
and Mark Noble.
Scott Parker, who has played just 45 minutes of Premier League football for
the Hammers, is back in training after his frustrating knee injury problems,
while striker Bobby Zamora, who has missed the last 11 games since injuring
his knee at Bristol Rovers in the Carling Cup, is also looking for a return
in the next two or three weeks.
Former Arsenal star Ljungberg is desperate to return to action, not least
because Sunday's game is against Spurs.
He has the small matter of helping Sweden to get the point they need against
Latvia tonight (Wednesday) to qualify for Euro 2008 at the expense of George
McCartney's Northern Ireland, but then he is looking towards the weekend.
"I am happy to be back to full strength. I feel strong and have had lots of
time to recover," he said. The last week at West Ham felt good and I have
had great support from our rehab staff.
"I am looking forward to coming back, especially with the next game being a
local derby against Tottenham, which is very important to both teams."
With Lee Bowyer suspended, Curbishley must decide between Ljungberg and
Nolberto Solano for the right winger's spot.
The Peruvian has been in South America on World Cup duty, playing in their
excellent 1-1 draw with Brazil in Lima, and it will depend on how quickly he
recovers from the flight, as to whether Curbishley gives him a starting
berth.
McCartney was expected to begin training today (Wednesday) as he prepares
for Sunday's game. The manager is keen to have the Northern Irishman back
and fit, as he has so little cover in the left back position.
Another player vying for a spot against Spurs is defender James Collins, who
revealed his frustration at the lack of chances he has had for the Hammers
this term.
After playing alongside Danny Gabbidon in Wales' 2-2 draw with the Republic
of Ireland on Saturday, he said: "This season has been a nightmare for me.
"At the end of last season I was playing the best football of my career and
now I have kept getting niggly injuries that have kept me out for weeks at a
time."
Collins seems to have slipped behind Gabbidon in the pecking order at Upton
Park, but with Anton Ferdinand currently otherwise engaged, as well as
having a hamstring injury, he is still an important member of the squad.
Curbishley must decide whether to stick with the bulk of the players who did
so superbly at Derby County two weeks ago, or restore his more experienced
players to the starting line-up.
The answer he is likely to come up with, will be a mixture of the two.
Ashton should start in place of the unlucky Luis Boa Morte, while Mullins
should also return, but it might be too soon for Noble and that may mean a
call-up for Parker or a move for Solano into central midfield, with
Ljungberg out on on the right.
We shall see.
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West Ham boss Curbishley delighted as injury list clears
tribalfooball.com - November 21, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is delighted to have Scott Parker and
Dean Ashton returning from injury.
He told whufc.com: "Deano has got back a little bit quicker than we thought
but he has come back strong enough to play a full 90 minutes. He scored and
got through it OK and Scott Parker, who has worked so hard that he is now on
the right track, is looking strong again and he played the whole 90 minutes
and scored. "We know how much work they have put into it. I am hopeful that
one more game next week will be enough for them to really be considered but
by this weekend one of them might be involved or even both of them."
Curbs added: "Hayden (Mullins) came off against Bolton [on 4 November] with
a bruised foot and never made the Derby game [on 10 November] but he is back
in full training and Mark (Noble), who had a hernia operation on the Friday
before we played Derby, was back in and running a week after. He has managed
to get the last two days in."
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