All the team news, background and ticket information for Wednesday night
11.12.2007
Carling Cup fifth round
West Ham United v Everton
Boleyn Ground
Wednesday 12 December
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Mark Halsey
WHUTV - Full match commentary. See Alan Curbishley later on Tuesday and hear
the views of Lucas Neill, Tony Gale and Ray Winstone. Click here to login or
register. The match will not be broadcast live on television in the UK.
Team news
Freddie Ljungberg comes back into contention for Alan Curbishley after being
rested for Sunday's 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers. The manager was mindful
that fellow right-sided midfielder Nolberto Solano is cup-tied alongside
Henri Camara. Carlton Cole is eligible to play despite his five cautions
this season, with his one-match ban coming against Middlesbrough on 22
December.
Dean Ashton will be pushing for a starting role after his winning goal off
the bench at the weekend. The manager has also reported positive news on
Bobby Zamora, who is back running again at Chadwell Heath. Julien Faubert is
also running with the manager pleased and hopeful he is only a couple of
weeks away from full training.
A decision will be made on the groin strain picked up by Matthew Etherington
against Blackburn - a match James Collins missed out on for similar reasons
but both could be in contention. Anton Ferdinand (hamstring) and Craig
Bellamy (stomach) are still out although the former is closing on a return.
The manager also said he has a decision to make in goal with Richard Wright,
who has played in the three previous Carling Cup games, vying with Robert
Green.
Everton are without Leighton Baines for six weeks because of a hamstring
injury suffered in Saturday's 3-0 home win against Fulham. It is expected
that Joleon Lescott will fill in at left-back, a position he knows well for
club and country. Tim Cahill is fully fit again while there is plenty of
competition for places with Andrew Johnson and James McFadden both on the
bench at the weekend. Alan Stubbs remains out with a calf problem.
Background
This is the first of the four Carling Cup quarter-finals, with the rest to
be played next week. It has to be decided on the night, with extra time and,
potentially, penalties waiting should the scores be level after 90 minutes.
The tie was brought forward because of Everton's UEFA Cup commitments. The
remaining fixtures will be Blackburn Rovers receiving Arsenal and Tottenham
Hotspur's trip to Manchester City on 18 December, the day before Chelsea
take on Liverpool at Stamford Bridge.
The semi-finals are scheduled to be played on 9 and 23 January, with the
final set for Wembley Stadium on Sunday 24 February. Only the winners can
earn a place in the 2008/09 UEFA Cup - provided they do not qualify for the
Champions League via their league position.
West Ham United go into the game with just one defeat in their last eight
games, that reverse at Chelsea that most neutrals felt was harsh on the
visitors. The club have not conceded more than two goals in a game since the
3-1 defeat at Newcastle United on 23 September. Curbishley's men have still
not lost this season in any match where they have taken the lead.
In terms of league positions, West Ham United are in tenth place, three
places and five points behind Everton with a game in hand. The sides will
meet again in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday. While the club have
the best defensive record after Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool in
the top-flight, Everton are also doing well at the back with six
clean-sheets in their last ten unbeaten games.
George McCartney is bidding to make his 19th appearance this season in all
competitions - and is the only West Ham United player who has featured in
every game to date, starting in each one. In terms of the Barclays Premier
League, only Robert Green and Matthew Upson have played every minute of the
15 matches. Bowyer and Ashton are the club's top scorers with four goals.
Head to head (Last six Premier League meetings)
21 April 2007 - West Ham United 1-0 Everton
3 December 2006 - Everton 2-0 West Ham United
4 March 2006 - West Ham United 2-2 Everton
14 December 2005 - Everton 1-2 West Ham United
15 March 2003 - Everton 0-0 West Ham United
27 October 2002 - West Ham United 0-1 Everton
All-time record v Everton (all competitions) - W 36, D 23 L 56
The teams have been paired together once before in the League Cup. In the
1983/84 fourth round, the sides drew 2-2 at the Boleyn Ground before Everton
won the replay 2-0 at home. Everton went all the way to the 1984 final,
losing a replay 1-0 to Liverpool after a 0-0 draw in the first match. It was
their second final defeat, having also lost the 1977 showpiece to Aston
Villa. Apart from Bolton Wanderers, West Ham United - in 1966 and 1981 to
West Bromwich Albion and Liverpool respectively - are the only other team to
twice reach the final and not triumph.
Story so far
West Ham United
Fourth round - 30 October 2007 - Coventry City 1-2 West Ham United
(Hall og 71, Cole 90)
Third round - 26 September 2007 - West Ham United 1-0 Plymouth Argyle
(Ashton 90)
Second round - 28 August 2007 - Bristol Rovers 1-2 West Ham United
(Bellamy 31, 45)
Everton
Fourth round - 31 October 2007 - Luton Town 0-1 Everton
(Cahill 101)
Third round - 26 September 2007 - Sheffield Wednesday 0-3 Everton
(McFadden 59, 84, Yakubu 85)
Second round - bye
Ticket information
Supporters that have yet to purchase match tickets are advised that pay
turnstiles will be available from 6.30pm onwards.
Pay turnstiles will be available from the following areas and turnstile
numbers shown below. Seating costs either £43 or £45 for adults and £21.50
or £22.50 for Under-16s
Dr Martens Stand upper - 16/17/18 (Situated in the north-west corner) 28/29
(Situated in Castle Street)
Bobby Moore Stand upper - 46/49 (Enter via either Priory Rd or Castle St)
East Stand upper tier - 59/69 (Situated in Priory Rd)
Advance sales are high and we would therefore recommend that anyone
attending on the night arrives as close to turnstiles opening as possible.
Large numbers of supporters arriving late can cause congestion and, in the
past, delays have been experienced entering the stadium.
General information
For more information on getting to the Boleyn Ground, click here
Weather: The forecast for is for a clear but chilly evening. The temperature
is expected to be around the 1C mark.
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'Anything is possible' for Gabbidon - WHUFC
Despite the difficulties posed by Everton, Danny Gabbidon is confident
11.12.2007
Danny Gabbidon says there is "no reason why we can't go all the way" as West
Ham United prepare for the Carling Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday night.
The Welsh defender has been outstanding of late, forming a superb
centre-back partnership with Matthew Upson. That said the duo are set for
another tricky task against Everton, with the visitors boasting the in-form
Yakubu along with the variation offered by fellow forwards Andrew Johnson,
Victor Anichebe and James McFadden - not forgetting a talented midfield.
"It will be a tough game, Everton are doing really well and having to play
them twice in a week isn't ideal," said Gabbidon, mindful the same
opposition will also arrive for a league game at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday. "They have a lot of good players who I will be keeping an eye on
as a defender.
"Mikel Arteta, in particular, is in great form, as is Tim Cahill who is very
good in the air, Yakubu as well - they are all ones to watch but as a
defensive back five we have been very solid of late so will not be planning
to let that slip."
The club has always seen the Carling Cup as a winnable competition this
season, and Gabbidon has had the belief since the participation began with a
2-1 victory at Bristol Rovers. "A lot of the bigger teams do still put out
weaker teams in the early rounds of the competition because they have a
strong enough squad to do so, so you could argue they still don't take it as
serious until the later stages.
"It is definitely a competition we have attacked since the first round at
Bristol and seen as a serious opportunity to win a trophy and get a European
spot. If we win on Wednesday night then there is no reason why we can't go
all the way.
"The competition will obviously be even tougher in the next round but we
surprised everyone with how far we went in the FA Cup two seasons ago and
very nearly won it so it shows anything is possible. There is 90 minutes of
football to play first, or possibly more if it goes to extra time, so we
need to get through that before we can think about the semi-finals."
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Green reigns supreme again - WHUFC
The season just gets better and better for England hopeful Robert Green
11.12.2007
Robert Green is relishing the defensive dominance shown by West Ham United
of late after yet another clean sheet at the weekend.
Only Manchester United, Chelsea and Liverpool have conceded fewer goals than
the Hammers' rearguard this season - with the 12 goals against from 15
top-flight matches a testament to the strength of Green and the back four in
front of him. As was the case in Sunday's 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers, six
of those matches have finished with clean sheets - much to the No1's
satisfaction.
"It's pleasing to keep clean sheets," he said. "As a keeper you're judged on
that and as a back four we're judged on that. In that respect we're doing OK
at the moment. Away from home it's that little bit easier. The game plans
are a bit easier for us. We know teams are going to come and attack us
because they fancy themselves at home."
Green is well aware the club need to reproduce some of their awayday
resilience at the Boleyn Ground - and with cup and league home contests
against Everton on Wednesday and Saturday, this week would be an ideal place
to start. "At home it proves a little bit more difficult because we have to
go and break teams down," he explained.
A strong defensive display begins with the forward line and Green believed
the return of Dean Ashton - potentially alongside Carlton Cole - could only
help, and not just in the goals he provides. "He's a big player. He's a
focal point of the side. Coley's worked ever so well for the past few games
while he's been in.
"Dean's another player you can work off and if I'm taking goal-kicks I know
if I hit him he's going to bring it down and deal with the physical
challenge of the players around him. He's a massive player and he's always
going to make a big impact."
The words "massive player" and "big impact" would be well used as to
describe Green himself, not that the modest 27-year-old would ever say so
himself. A perfect illustration would be the thrilling save from Tugay on
Sunday, just as the Blackburn Rovers midfielder seemed certain to turn an
away victory into a draw.
"I didn't really see him hit it," Green said. "I knew it was going to my
right and my thought process took a matter of seconds just saying 'dive,
deal with it where it is when you're in midair' and thankfully I managed to
do that. If it had swerved any more I was probably in trouble but it was a
key moment in the game. It was just rewards for our defensive effort."
"It's a tough place to go but we put in a good performance in the first
half. We got the goal and possibly sat back a bit too deep after that but
away from home we've been defending well and that goal in football seems to
just give you that bit of a edge in front of the back four and the midfield.
It just gives them that extra yard to run."
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Expectation high for 'big game' - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley is ready to take the next step with West Ham United on
Wednesday
12.12.2007
Alan Curbishley is ready for stage two of his "massive week" for West Ham
United after coming through part one with flying colours.
"It is a one-off," said Curbishley, before Everton's visit in the Carling
Cup quarter-finals. "A big game for everybody and we will see if we can come
out of it the right side after Wednesday night. I think we have demonstrated
this year that we have attacked the Carling Cup
"A Premiership side is going to win the League Cup and why not us? I have
attacked it as much as I could with the teams I have put out and hopefully
we can carry on." The manager added that Everton had set an example for West
Ham United to follow in recent years, with good league positions and
European football becoming the norm at Goodison Park.
A trophy would certainly see the club make a giant leap towards emulating
such achievements but it will not be easy. "All the ties are going to be
difficult. Cup runs keep everything bubbling along and certainly here at
West Ham they enjoy a cup run. I am sure Everton will have something to say
about that and it is going to be an interesting night."
Team selection will be equally interesting with Matthew Etherington, who
came off in the 1-0 win at Blackburn Rovers for match-winner Dean Ashton,
and James Collins both troubled by groin problems but in contention. Freddie
Ljungberg, deliberately rested at the weekend because Nolberto Solano is
cup-tied, is in line to play, while Mark Noble and Lee Bowyer may come into
the midfield thinking as well.
There is also a choice to be made in goal between Robert Green and Richard
Wright, with the latter playing all three previous matches in the
competition. Two who definitely will not figure are Bobby Zamora (knee) and
Craig Bellamy (stomach) but there is particularly good news on the former
while it is very much a 'wait and see' situation for the latter.
Curbishley said: "Bobby Zamora is running at the moment. We have got to get
him through that before we can introduce him back." On Craig Bellamy, a
decision will be made soon about whether he requires further surgery.
The return of Ashton and the tremendous form of Carlton Cole and Luis Boa
Morte has meant forward areas have not been a problem, with Henri Camara,
also cup-tied for Everton, another option. On Ashton, Curbishley felt his
return had been handled well. "We have done it right, introduced him slowly
again and, hopefully when he gets in there and gets a full game, that's the
start and he can stay there."
There was also upbeat news on France winger Julien Faubert. "It is great to
see him out there running," said the manager. "Hopefully if he continues the
way he has done in the last week he will be a couple of weeks away from
joining in with us which is a big boost." There have been plenty of such
positives at the club lately and success on Wednesday would only add to the
feelgood factor.
With the same opposition arriving on Saturday for a league fixture,
Curbishley said he was simply targeting two victories when asked to name
which was the most important to the club. "I would like to win both games,"
he claimed, before adding "ask the fans - I am sure they would give you a
view on it."
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Curbs ponders Wright choice - WHUFC
Robert Green or Richard Wright? Alan Curbishley has a nice selection
headache
12.12.2007
Alan Curbishley is spoilt for choice when it comes to deciding who to play
in goal against Everton.
No other Premier League manager would be able to choose from two England
goalkeepers, but it is a 'problem' that will force the manager to "make a
decision". Established first-choice Robert Green has been one of the
division's star performers this season, helping the side to a goals against
record bettered by only three of the top four clubs. With penalties possible
as well on Wednesday, his three spot-kick saves this campaign may also come
into play.
However, Richard Wright has featured in all three of the previous Carling
Cup games this season - the 2-1 victory at Bristol Rovers, the 1-0 home win
against Plymouth Argyle and the 2-1 success at Coventry City that made sure
of the place in Wednesday night's quarter-final. He has also impressed
whenever called upon for reserve duty.
The 30-year-old Wright, capped twice by his country, would relish the chance
of taking on his former club but in 27-year-old Green he finds himself vying
with a goalkeeper many feel is the best in England. "I have got to make a
decision," admitted Curbishley. "I have got a couple of things to think
about and that's one of them."
Wright has won plenty of admirers since his move to the Boleyn Ground on a
free transfer from Goodison Park in the summer. "We really rate Richard,"
added Curbishley. "We think he is a top keeper and are delighted to have him
here. Greeny has been playing so well but you need to keep him on his toes.
"Richard needs to be involved as much as he can but I'll have to see," he
added, before making it clear he did not think it would be a risk to put the
former Arsenal shot-stopper in. "I have no hesitation putting Richard in the
team if we have to for whatever reason. He has come into the club and really
been a success in the way he has attacked it."
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West Ham v Everton - BBC
West Ham's Freddie Ljungberg is set to replace the cup-tied Nolberto Solano,
while Dean Ashton will be looking to start after scoring against Blackburn.
Henri Camara is also cup-tied while winger Matthew Etherington is a doubt
after suffering a groin injury.
Everton's Leighton Baines is out after a scan showed a hamstring tear
suffered during the 3-0 win against Fulham. Phil Jagielka could take Baines'
place while Tony Hibbert (back) and Nuno Valente (hamstring) are in
contention.
West Ham (from): Green, Wright, McCarthy, Gabbidon, Upson, Collins, Neill,
Spector, Etherington, Boa Morte, Parker, Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg, Cole,
Ashton.
Everton (from): Howard, Hibbert, Neville, Lescott, Jagielka, Yobo, Arteta,
Pienaar, Carsley, Cahill, Osman, Gravesen, Valente, Yakubu, Johnson,
McFadden, Anichebe, Vaughan, Wessels.
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Bellamy may need second operation - BBC
West Ham will decide over the next few days if striker Craig Bellamy needs a
second operation on his persistent abdominal injury. The 28-year-old Wales
captain had surgery in Germany in October but it failed to cure the problem
which has kept him out for the last six weeks. And Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley admits surgery may be the only answer if the club's medics cannot
find a solution. "We have to decide this week where we are going to go with
Craig," he said. "We have to decide whether to continue with the route we
are going down which, if it is successful, will result in a shorter route.
"Or we may have to go down the surgery route which will be a longer one. "If
that is the case I can't put a time-frame on it."
Surgery would almost certainly rule Bellamy out of the club's hectic
Christmas schedule, with a run of eight games in a month starting with
Wednesday night's Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton. West Ham also
face Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup and six Premier League
fixtures including Manchester United and Arsenal. Foot supports Bellamy
inserted into his boots during pre-season are believed to be the cause of
the injury, according to the club. The problem first flared up in West Ham's
Carling Cup win over Bristol Rovers in August. Bellamy has made just eight
starts since his club record £7.5m move to Upton Park from Liverpool in the
summer.
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Craig's Christmas woe - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 12th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Craig Bellamy could be out until the New Year after it was revealed that he
requires a second operation to cure a persistent muscle injury. The Welsh
international, who has made just a handful of appearances for the Hammers
since moving from Liverpool in the summer had a first operation to cure the
troublesome abdominal strain six weeks ago. However he has been plagued with
problems since, necessitating a second operation. Alan Curbishley, who may
now be forced to look for another striker in the forthcoming January
transfer window, said: "We have to decide this week whether to continue with
the route we are going down which, if it is successful, will result in a
shorter route. "We may have to go down the surgery route which will be a
longer one. If that is the case I can't put a time-frame on it." Although
Curbishley refused to state how long he believes he will be without Bellamy
for it is estimated that he would be out of action until late January at the
earliest.
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Hammers to decide on Bellamy - SSN
Welshman may have second operation
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 11th December 2007
West Ham are pondering whether to send Craig Bellamy for a second operation
on his persistent groin injury. The Welshman has already spent six weeks on
the sidelines after the original surgery failed to cure the problem. The
Upton Park medics are working to find a solution and manager Alan Curbishley
remains hopeful that Bellamy will be able to play some part in the hectic
Christmas schedule. "We have to decide this week where we are going to go
with Craig," said the Hammers boss. "We have to decide whether to continue
with the route we are going down which, if it is successful, will result in
a shorter route. "We may have to go down the surgery route which will be a
longer one. If that is the case I can't put a time-frame on it."
West Ham's next game is a Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton and
Curbishley is confident his side can make it to the last four after an
encouraging performance in the 1-0 victory over Blackburn on Sunday. "We got
a great start to the week at Blackburn," he said. "We feel the Caring Cup is
a competition we should attack. A Premier League side will win the Carling
Cup and we thought 'why not us?' "Certainly here at West Ham we enjoy a good
cup run and it keeps everything bubbling along."
Captain Lucas Neill is determined to lead West Ham to glory after being
cup-tied when Blackburn won the competition in 2002. The Australian said:
"We can see an opportunity to be in a cup final, in front of 80,00 people
now back at Wembley. You play the game to get into a position to experience
that kind of thing. "You want to have cup finals, to give yourself the
chance to win medals. I have had three or four semi-finals in my career and
lost them all. "Everton will be very tough but a slight edge we might have
is that we are at home and I know Tim Cahill very well. Maybe I'll try and
poison him!"
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Curbs happy with Ashton handling - SSN
Hammers boss again stresses there is no rift with striker
Last updated: 11th December 2007
Alan Curbishley is confident West Ham United's handling of striker Dean
Ashton has been 'absolutely first class'. Reports have suggested that there
has been a rift between Ashton and Curbishley regarding the forward's return
to the West Ham team. Ashton missed all of last season with an ankle injury
and has only just returned to fitness after six weeks out with a knee
injury. He came on as a substitute to score the winner at Blackburn Rovers
on Sunday and Curbishley is happy with the approach he has taken with the
former Norwich man. "I think we've handled Dean absolutely first class,"
Curbishley told Sky Sports News.
"He came back pre-season and he'd been out for a year. He got through
pre-season, which was a big bonus. "What we had to do then was introduce him
at the right time after four or five games. He then needed the football and
got a run of games. Unfortunately he got an injury and was out again, so we
brought him back slowly again. "Everybody wants to play, but I knew with
three games coming up in a week I felt if he started on Sunday, this game on
Wednesday (against Everton) may have come a little quick for him. "We're
doing what we think is right. He came on on Sunday, looked very sharp and
got his goal, and everyone is happy. "I think when you've been out for so
long, you need to be playing, but I've also got the team to consider, I've
also got the selection to consider and other things going on. "I know what
I'm doing."
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West Ham v Everton: Preview - Soccernet
Freddie Ljungberg is set to replace the cup-tied Nolberto Solano in the West
Ham squad for the Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton. Henri Camara is
also cup-tied while winger Matthew Etherington is touch and go after
suffering a groin injury in Sunday's 1-0 league win at Blackburn. Dean
Ashton pressed his case for a return to the starting line-up by coming off
the bench to score the match-winner. Fellow striker Carlton Cole collected
his fifth booking of the season against Blackburn but is available to play.
Richard Wright has started in goal throughout West Ham's Carling Cup
campaign and manager Alan Curbishley must decide whether to stick by that
policy or retain the in-form Robert Green between the sticks.
Meanwhile, Everton manager David Moyes believes he will be able to call on
top scorer Ayegbeni Yakubu and defender Joseph Yobo until the start of the
African Nations Cup. The duo were named in a 31-man squad by Nigeria manager
Berti Vogts and are due to report to a training camp in Malaga, which will
run from January 4. But Moyes understands Yakubu and Yobo will be given
leave to carry out domestic duties before the three-week competition begins
on January 20. He said: ``I do not have the information yet but I believe
Nigeria are going to let players come back right up to the start of the
tournament.'' That would be a boost for Everton, given that Yakubu is on a
superb run of scoring form after his £11million move from Middlesbrough and
Yobo has been impressive at the back. Yakubu is looking to improve on his
nine-goal tally, going into the quarter-final against the Hammers. He feels
he can hit the 20 mark this season, and Moyes said: ``It is great that he
shows that confidence and belief. ``We just need to keep providing him with
the ammunition to get those goals.''
However, 19-year-old striker Victor Anichebe - who says his native Nigeria
is the nation he wants to represent - has been overlooked by Vogts. Moyes
said: ``I think Nigeria have a fantastic array of centre-forwards. ``That is
probably the reason why Victor is not in the squad. ``We are disappointed he
has not been included - but in the same breath we are glad he will be here
with us.'' Anichebe could get a run-out at Upton Park, with Everton aiming
to stretch their unbeaten run to 11 games. Moyes is spoiled for choice up
front - with Andrew Johnson, James McFadden and James Vaughan also pushing
for places. With a nine-match schedule in December, the Everton boss is
prepared to mix things up. He said: ``We have been giving each of them time.
We had Andrew Johnson and James McFadden starting last week. ``We have also
used Victor Anichebe and James Vaughan from the bench. ``They will all get
chances, because there is plenty of football to be played.'' Defender Phil
Jagielka looks set to return to the side, because Leighton Baines is ruled
out with a hamstring problem.
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Alan Curbishley pulls through - Telegraph
By James Masters
Last Updated: 1:35am GMT 12/12/2007
Alan Curbishley admits West Ham's perilous flirtation with relegation last
season left him doubting whether he could cope with managing at a big club
in the Premier League. The former Charlton manager, who celebrates his first
anniversary at Upton Park tomorrow struggled to make an initial impact at
his boyhood club, failing to halt a 12-match winless streak which left West
Ham on the brink of relegation. With the supporters on his back and
suggestions of him being a future England manager ridiculed, Curbishley
admits that he hit rock bottom after a heartwrenching defeat by his former
employers. "Losing 4-0 at Charlton was the lowest point. I never thought I
would go back to The Valley with my team bottom of the table in a relegation
battle against Charlton. Tonight, with a different atmosphere surrounding
Upton Park, Curbishley leads his side into a Carling Cup quarter-final tie
against Everton, with the club desperate to end a trophy drought stretching
back all the way to an FA Cup triumph in 1980. Everton have gone on to enjoy
steady progress in the Premier League under manager David Moyes yet the
manager remains irritated that the club has made little impact in domestic
cup competitions under his leadership. It is something Moyes is eager to put
right. "The League will always be my priority, but I would like to win a
cup," said Moyes as his side prepared to put a 10-match unbeaten run on the
line in east London.
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West Ham to lose Bellamy for two months - Telegraph
By Richard Morgan
Last Updated: 8:19am GMT 12/12/2007
West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy faces the prospect of another two
months on the sidelines after his manager revealed that he may need another
operation to cure his ongoing stomach and groin injuries. The Wales
international striker, 28, last appearred for the East End club on Oct 27th,
but it had been hoped that he would be back in action in time for this
evening's crucial Carling Cup quarter-final tie at home to Everton. However,
despite going to Munich to see the same surgeon (Dr Ulrike Muschaweck) that
Michael Owen recently went to to cure his thigh strain, the forward has
still not cured the problem, meaning surgery may again be needed. "We have
to decide this week on what we're going to do about Craig," said manager
Alan Curbishley. "We might have to go down the surgery route. "It's more of
a stomach muscle problem than anything else. I doubt he'll go back to
Germany, though, because it's not that sort of injury." All of which would
be a bitter blow to the forward, who has made just eight appearances for
West Ham since his £7.5 million club-record move from Liverpool during the
summer, as well for Curbishely, who only saw England international front man
Dean Ashton return to full fitness at Ewood Park last Saturday.
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Curbishley's Hammers anguish - crushing defeat to former club Charlton was
'low point of my career' - Daily Mail
Last updated at 08:06am on 12th December 2007
Alan Curbishley admits the 4-0 defeat to former club Charlton was the lowest
point of the nightmare start to his reign at West Ham. Curbishley, who
celebrates his first anniversary at Upton Park tomorrow, found himself
unable to halt a 12-match winless streak which left the club flirting with
relegation. But after the loss at The Valley and a 4-3 home defeat to Spurs,
his players won seven of their final nine matches to save themselves and
possibly their manager. "Losing 4-0 at Charlton was the lowest point," he
said. "I never thought I would go back to The Valley with my team bottom of
the table in a relegation battle against Charlton." Tonight's home Carling
Cup quarter-final against Everton gives them hope of lifting their first
trophy since 1980 but Curbishley had nothing but praise for David Moyes's
side, saying: "What Everton have done over the past couple of seasons has
been admirable." Everton are equally determined to progress and Moyes
believes his side — who are in their first quarter-final for six years — are
due a good run in a cup competition. He said: "The League will always be the
priority for me, but I have to say cup competitions are something we have
not had a great record in. Hopefully we're due one."
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Neill the perennial loser eyes first cup - The Independent
By Alex Lowe
Published: 12 December 2007
Lucas Neill is desperate to end a frustrating 12-year hunt for major honours
by leading West Ham to glory in the Carling Cup. The only piece of
silverware currently on Neill's mantelpiece dates back to Millwall's
promotion to the old First Division in 2001. Otherwise, the rugged
Australian defender has experienced a series of frustrating near misses
during his time in English football. Neill lost a play-off semi-final and
Auto Windscreen Shield final while at Millwall and was then cup-tied when
Blackburn won the Carling Cup in 2002. Over the next five years at Ewood
Park he lost semi-finals to Arsenal in the FA Cup and Manchester United in
the Carling Cup.
Fed up with being the nearly man, Neill is ready to do whatever it takes to
secure victory in tomorrow night's Carling Cup quarter-final against
Everton.
"We can see an opportunity to be in a cup final, in front of 80,00 people at
Wembley. You play the game to get into a position to experience that kind of
thing," said Neill.
"You want to have cup finals, to give yourself the chance to win medals. I
have had three or four semi-finals in my career and lost them all. Everton
will be very tough but a slight edge we might have is that we are at home
and I know Tim Cahill very well. Maybe I'll try and poison him!"
West Ham will be without the cup-tied Nolberto Solano for tomorrow night's
meeting but they head into the game on the back of an impressive run of
form, with just one defeat in eight games. And the West Ham manager, Alan
Curbishley, who will celebrate a year in charge of the club on Thursday, is
in bullish mood following Sunday's 1-0 League win over Blackburn.
"We got a great start to the week at Blackburn," he said. "We feel the
Carling Cup is a competition we should attack. A Premier League side will
win the Carling Cup and we thought 'why not us?'
"Certainly here at West Ham we enjoy a good cup run and it keeps everything
bubbling along. It will be an interesting night tomorrow. The crowd are up
for it, we are up for it and Everton are going well. Something has got to
give."
Curbishley holds Everton in the highest regard and his immediate aim at
Upton Park is to emulate their recent achievements and establish West Ham as
regular European contenders.
Only then, Curbishley believes, will West Ham be in a position to deliver
the Champions League football demanded within five years by the club's new
owners.
"Everton and Blackburn are two sides who have really demonstrated you can
get in and around that top six with a lot of hard work and talented players.
It shows it can be done," said Curbishley.
"In some respects, Everton and Blackburn have been the successes of the
Premiership over the last four years. The top four is always difficult to
break into. But that doesn't stop you trying. Everton have always been there
and thereabouts.
"That is what we are able to do. We need to lay some foundations to build
the club and that is what we are trying to do."
Freddie Ljungberg is set to replace Solano in the squad and, while Matthew
Etherington is doubtful, Dean Ashton is pushing for a place in the starting
line-up after scoring the winning goal at Blackburn.
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One year on, Curbishley has Hammers on even keel
Sachin Nakrani
Wednesday December 12, 2007
The Guardian
During his second season as joint-manager of Charlton, Alan Curbishley was
sent to the stands during a match at Southend for haranguing the referee. He
climbed the stairs and, still fuming, took a seat next to the home team's
manager, David Webb. "What are you doing all that for?" Webb asked the
rookie manager. "You'll drive yourself mad if you react every time something
goes against your team." Webb took Curbishley into the club lounge and the
pair had a cup of tea, allowing the match to unfold without them.
"It was then I decided I won't have my highs too high and my lows too low,
because if you do you're in trouble," Curbishley said. "My managerial style
isn't sexy but it allows me to deal with everything that comes with this
job."
In his first year in charge at West Ham - an anniversary he marks tomorrow
with a Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton - Curbishley has had to
deal with a relegation battle, boos from supporters, the fear of the sack
and even the threat of court action for fielding a player he had not signed.
The 50-year-old would have been forgiven for blowing his top and abandoning
the lesson learnt at Southend 15 years ago, but he remained calm and now
enters a second year at the club he supported as a boy and played for in his
teens stronger. The scars of last season remain raw, however.
"The way we survived took a lot out of me. I was relieved when it was over,"
Curbishley said. "The aim now is to have a solid season. That may seem
unambitious but it's what this club needs."
Curbishley joined West Ham two days after his predecessor, Alan Pardew, was
sacked. The Hammers were 18th in the Premier League and stuck on 14 points.
The players had lost their form while the two big arrivals from Argentina
appeared lost in their new claret and blue kit.
Javier Mascherano soon left but Carlos Tevez stayed and while he eventually
showed his class - culminating in a crucial winner at Old Trafford on the
last day of the season - the 23-year-old's very presence threatened to
undermine the stuttering progress Curbishley was making.
West Ham were fined £5.5m in April for breaching Premier League rules when
signing Tevez and Mascherano and were threatened with legal action by fellow
strugglers Sheffield United, Fulham and Wigan, all of whom were furious that
the club had been spared a points deduction.
"When I first came we beat Man United and I was thinking 'where's the
problem?'" he said. "But then we went on a bad run, confidence disappeared
and the performances were getting worse. I couldn't work out what was going
wrong."
West Ham did not win a league match between Boxing Day and March 4, a run
that included a 6-0 drubbing at Reading on January 1. For Curbishley,
however, the low point was the 4-0 loss at Charlton on February 24. Both
sides were in the relegation zone and the sight of Pardew and Curbishley in
the dug-outs only added to the occasion. Having spent 15 years at The
Valley, the West Ham manager expected a warm reception but was hit by a wave
of boos, and not just from the home end.
"The Charlton fans were singing for Alan [Pardew] and against me, and the
West Ham fans were doing the same," he said. "It wasn't nice but I refused
to let it affect what I was trying to achieve."
The turning point was the 2-1 win at Blackburn a month later and suddenly a
lost cause gained life. West Ham won six of their last eight games, ending
with the victory against Manchester United. That run kept the club up and
Curbishley in a job.
"I knew if the bad run carried on it would become difficult for me.
Thankfully we turned things around," he said. "As we left Old Trafford I
told the squad that we must never get into this situation again."
West Ham are now 10th in the Premier League and with the list of injured
payers shortening by the week. Should this season be one of success,
however, do not expect to see Curbishley leaping in delight. He is more
likely to have a cup of tea.
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West Ham boss delighted with Faubert return
tribalfooball.com - December 11, 2007
Big summer signing Julien Faubert has begun running at West Ham training
after recovering from knee surgery. "It is great to see him out there
running," said Hammers manager Alan Curbishley. "Hopefully if he continues
the way he has done in the last week he will be a couple of weeks away from
joining in with us which is a big boost."
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West Ham boss Curbishley: We're happy with Wright
tribalfootball.com - December 11, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley insists goalkeeper Richard Wright has a
future at Upton Park. Wright has struggled to displace No1 Robert Green at
the Hammers this season, but Curbishley told whufc.com: "We really rate
Richard. "We think he is a top keeper and are delighted to have him here.
Greeny has been playing so well but you need to keep him on his toes.
"Richard needs to be involved as much as he can but I'll have to see," he
added, before making it clear he did not think it would be a risk to put the
former Arsenal shot-stopper in against Everton tonight. "I have no
hesitation putting Richard in the team if we have to for whatever reason. He
has come into the club and really been a success in the way he has attacked
it."
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West Ham keeper Green welcomes Ashton return
tribalfooball.com - December 11, 2007
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is pleased at the return of Dean
Ashton, the striker. "If I'm taking goal kicks," the goalkeeper said, "I
know that if I hit him, he's going to bring it down and deal with the
physical challenge of the players around him."
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CURBS: I'M NOT SEXY - The Mirror
By Steve Rogers 12/12/2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley reckons his lack of swagger saw him miss out
on the plaudits for keeping the club up last season. "I didn't really get a
lot of credit," he said on the eve of his first anniversary at the club.
"Perhaps my way of managing is not sexy, or obnoxious enough. I think about
how we managed to stay up and what credit can I get from it? My name was all
over the whole situation. "I guess I was involved as much as anyone in
getting us into this position." West Ham take on Everton at Upton Park
tonight in the Carling Cup quarter-final and Curbs (left) believes his side
should be copying the Everton blueprint for success. "What Everton have done
has been admirable," he added. "I think we have the aspiration to follow
their example."
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Curbs' credit crisis - The Mirror
CARLING CUP West Ham v Everton QUARTER-FINAL, TONIGHT, 7.45PM I never got
any for staying up says Curbs
By Steve Rogers 12/12/2007
Alan Curbishley says his lack of style and swagger could be responsible for
him missing out on the plaudits for West Ham's great escape last season.
Curbishley, who celebrates a year in charge at Upton Park tomorrow, believes
his team's miraculous run of seven victories in their final nine games will
go down in West Ham folklore. But the former Charlton boss claims his
achievement has not been widely recognised. "I didn't really get a lot of
credit," he said. "Perhaps my way of managing is not sexy or obnoxious
enough. "I think about how we managed to stay up sometimes and what credit I
got from it? My name was all over the whole situation. I was involved as
much as anyone in getting us into this position. "I came into a tricky
situation but I was just relieved as soon as we had won at Manchester
United. As soon as the full-time whistle went I was already thinking about
next season. "To win seven out of nine is a fantastic achievement and it
will probably never be repeated - you can never legislate for going to Old
Trafford and needing a win to stay up." After arriving last December with
West Ham having taken a paltry 14 points from 17 games, Curbishley's task
was made near impossible after a horrendous 12-match winless streak,
including an embarrassing 4-0 thrashing by former club Charlton. "Losing at
Charlton was the lowest point," he said. "I never thought I would go back to
The Valley with my team bottom of the table in a relegation battle against
Charlton. I never expected to be on the receiving end of a thrashing like
that.
"I questioned my own abilities and looked at everything. I couldn't work out
why I wasn't getting what I wanted from the players."
But Curbishley did turn it round and now he's looking forward to the
possibility of a Carling Cup semi-final should they defeat Everton at Upton
Park tonight.
And he believes his side should be gearing up to copy Everton's blueprint
for success under David Moyes. "What Everton have done over the past couple
of seasons has been admirable," added Curbishley. "I know David had a
difficult start but they've always been up there. "And I think we have the
aspiration to follow their example. I did say we need to lay down some
foundations and start trying to build up the club. "If we can get a result
against Everton then it will keep everything bubbling along. The fans love a
cup run here at Upton Park."
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Favourite Capello has West Ham boss Curbishley's respect - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:59pm on 11th December 2007
Alan Curbishley believes Fabio Capello would enjoy the instant respect of
Premier League managers. Curbishley, who was interviewed for the England
coach's job the last time it became available but ruled himself out of the
running this time, also believes the language barrier would not cause a
problem. Capello has won nine club titles in Italy and Spain, and West Ham
manger Curbishley said: "You can't argue with his CV. He's similar to Sven
Goran Eriksson in terms of what he has done at club level. "I think he'll
learn the language quite quickly once he gets here and I'm sure he will
bring someone in to soften the blow in that respect. "If the FA are going
down a foreign route then they have to bring in someone of stature. I
believe he would get the respect of us English managers because he's been
there and done it."
Curbishley also believes the job could be more suited to someone of
experience. "There's been talk about it being better for someone in the
later part of his career and that may well be right," he said. "Glenn Hoddle
and Steve McClaren took it on while still relatively young. It's difficult
then."
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WEST HAM v Everton: Curbishley set to recall Ljungberg and Wright - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 12:43pm on 11th December 2007
Freddie Ljungberg is set to replace the cup-tied Nolberto Solano in the West
Ham squad for tomorrow night's Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton.
Henri Camara is also cup-tied while winger Matthew Etherington is touch and
go after suffering a groin injury in Sunday's 1-0 league win at Blackburn.
Dean Ashton pressed his case for a return to the starting side by coming off
the bench to score the match-winner. Fellow striker Carlton Cole collected
his fifth booking of the season against Blackburn but is available to play
tomorrow. Richard Wright has started in goal throughout West Ham's Carling
Cup campaign and manager Alan Curbishley must decide whether to stick by
that policy or retain the in-form Robert Green between the sticks.
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Stop talking and show me what you've got, West Ham boss tells Ferdinand -
Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:02pm on 11th December 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is backing Anton Ferdinand to put his
injury and off-field problems behind him when he returns to training next
week.
The boss said: "Anton's ability could take him wherever he wants to go. But
it's all right talking about it, you've got to get out there and do it."
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Chelsea's rising Stoch goes closest in draw with Hammers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:42pm on 11th December 2007
Chelsea reserves were involved in a goalless draw with West Ham at Bishop's
Stortford last night. Slovakian Under-18 international Miroslav Stoch came
closest to breaking the deadlock for the Blues when he rattled the bar with
a 30-yard shot in the 70th minute.
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Freddie ready for Hammers return - TeamTalk
Freddie Ljungberg is set to replace the cup-tied Nolberto Solano in
Wednesday's Carling Cup quarter-final against Everton. Henri Camara is also
cup-tied while winger Matthew Etherington is touch and go after suffering a
groin injury in Sunday's 1-0 league win at Blackburn. Dean Ashton pressed
his case for a return to the starting side by coming off the bench to score
the match-winner. Fellow striker Carlton Cole collected his fifth booking of
the season against Blackburn but is available to play. Richard Wright has
started in goal throughout West Ham's Carling Cup campaign and manager Alan
Curbishley must decide whether to stick by that policy or retain the in-form
Robert Green between the sticks.
West Ham (from): Green, Wright, McCarthy, Gabbidon, Upson, Collins, Neill,
Spector, Etherington, Boa Morte, Parker, Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg, Cole,
Ashton
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