~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
Upson up for Arsenal - WHUFC
Matthew Upson has every reason to believe the team can produce another
memorable result on Tuesday
30.12.2007
Matthew Upson sees no reason why West Ham United cannot replicate their
outstanding victory against Manchester United when they arrive at Arsenal on
New Year's Day.
The seven-times capped England defender was the hero of Saturday's 2-1
victory, rising above the United defence to power in a headed winner from
Mark Noble's corner with just eight minutes left to play. It left the club
with seven points from a potential nine in the last three games - and secure
in tenth place at the turn of the year.
"We are going to go and give a good account of ourselves," Upson told WHUTV.
"We will take confidence to Arsenal and it has relieved a bit of pressure
because our points tally over the Christmas period is looking quite healthy
now and again we haven't got too much to lose."
Upson, who played for Arsenal between 1997 and January 2003, said there was
"not really" any extra incentive for him to do well at his former club. "I
have been back a few times now so it is the same as every week," he added.
That consistency of focus regardless of the opposition is something the
28-year-old has been keen to stress this campaign, with the key to treat
every match as if it was a major encounter.
"It is something we need to learn from and apply that same level of focus
and determination every week, regardless of whether it is Manchester United
or Reading or whoever comes to Upton Park. We need to set about them in the
same fashion."
Thinking back to last season's double victories against both United and
Arsenal, as well as strong showings this campaign against the same teams, he
added "in these games we have applied ourselves really well". Never was that
more in evidence than on Saturday though, when the home team had to come
from behind to win. "We really earned the result. Everybody worked really
hard. We played well and on the day I think we deserved it."
While Upson, who is closing in on a year in east London after his switch
from Birmingham City, got the glory at the end, a pivotal moment was
Cristiano Ronaldo's missed penalty with the visitors looking to double their
advantage. Upson said the resulting roar from the Boleyn Ground faithful
spurred the team on. "It gave us a lift. It kept us in the game. Two-nil
down at that stage would have been really hard to come back from but it kept
us in the game with a fighting chance and we took advantage."
That it was Upson who claimed the decisive strike would have surprised many,
with the club's only outfield player to have featured in every minute in the
top flight this season having been frustrated in front of goal on numerous
occasions. "It has been long enough now," he said. "I have been dying for a
goal and it has come on a great day and a great occasion. I can't ask for
more really."
Were Upson to ask for more though, it would surely be another positive
result at the Emirates to go with last season's 1-0 away win. While few
neutrals would perhaps back West Ham United against the league leaders,
Upson is thinking otherwise. "I am sure there will be more upsets. Every
week they are expected to win - it is part of the pressure - and results
like this happen."
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Team comes first for Cole - WHUFC
The hard-working Carlton Cole is not just about scoring goals, but setting
the tone from the front
30.12.2007
Carlton Cole has reiterated that "I am here for the team" after another
tireless performance at the head of the West Ham United attack.
The 24-year-old, favoured over the rested Dean Ashton in the Hammers attack
against Manchester United, was up against the Premier League's leading
centre-back partnership in Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic, but kept
plugging away all afternoon in what proved a famous 2-1 victory. "It is a
hard position to play when you are up front alone on your own," he said.
"You have got to work hard and graft. You have got to make sure the two
defenders are occupied at all times and at least try and nick a goal or try
and do something to create a goal." Cole's commitment to the cause was
underlined by a brilliant chase back and tackle on Carlos Tevez - such
moments help lift the crowd and set the tone.
"I am here for the team," said Cole, well aware of the expectations of the
Boleyn Ground faithful and how they demand desire as much as dynamism. "The
team also needs players like Mark Noble, Hayden Mullins and Scott Parker in
the midfield just tearing into it. We are not scared of anybody that we play
and that is the whole spirit of the side."
He added that it was not just the starting eleven who gave their all, but
also those emerging from the bench. "We have got great players to come in
and do jobs. John Pantsil come in and done brilliant, Dean Ashton come in
and done brilliant. The subs were fantastic and that's what we need in the
side.
"It showed the spirit of the side when we went one-nil down to come back out
and get two goals in reply. That's just brilliant and that's what we are
about. It was a great feeling. Our home form has not been great and for Man
United to come down here and us get the result - we are all over the moon.
"We worked hard to get the result and I felt we were the better team all
game." Cole felt he could have scored early in the first half, when picked
out superbly by Mark Noble, only to put his header over the bar. "Those are
the chances that if you can convert them, you can win games," admitted Cole.
"I am working on my finishing in training so it will come eventually."
It was Cole's close friend Anton Ferdinand who eventually opened the Hammers
scoring and he could not have been happier to see the homegrown centre-back
celebrating after two months out. "Anton is a brilliant player, we all know
it. He has had a turbulent time and I am so happy for him. It hurts to be
injured. I have been with him every step of the way.
"We have been together a lot so I know how much this goal meant to him. I am
so happy for him that he got the goal and when he came on, he didn't give
[Louis] Saha or their frontmen a sniff. That's what he's about and when he's
at his best" Such resolute defending will surely be needed on Tuesday when
Alan Curbishley's side make the short trip to north London, but Cole is
confident.
"Why not do the same again to Arsenal? That's what we are about. We are a
hard-working team and when you work hard, most of the times you get the
result. We have been unlucky in a few games as well. Hopefully we will get
what we need in the next game, we just need to go out with the same
work-rate."
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West Ham 2-1 Manchester United - West Ham Online
Biscuits - Sun Dec 30 2007
Funny game, football. West Ham, injury ravaged and without a home win since
21st October against struggling Sunderland. Manchester United, League
Champions and current leaders. You'd have thought there could only be one
result, but sometimes these matches don't play out as expected. Cristiano
Ronaldo miss a penalty? One for the collector's book, as were two late
headed goals from Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson which proved decisive.
It was an emotional day at Upton Park, thanks to the presence of returning
hero Carlos Tevez, who moved to Old Trafford in the summer, but whose goals
at the end of last season helped West Ham beat the drop. He was afforded a
standing ovation when his name was read out, and the moment became so highly
strung that matchday announcer Jeremy Nicholas nearly forgot to read out the
United substitutes.
The rest of us had barely caught our breath either after a whirlwind start
by West Ham which had caught the visitors napping, Nobby Solano denied by
Patrice Evra's last ditch challenge, and Lucas Neill curling a shot just
wide.
Most present had assumed Alan Curbishley's 4-5-1 formation belied defensive
intent, yet West Ham attacked their opponents from the off. Indeed they
should have opened the scoring on eight minutes, but Hayden Mullins directed
Carlton Cole's cute flick on to the bar, and Mark Noble blazed the rebound
over the gaping net.
That proved costly, with United so adept at soaking up the pressure before
breaking at will, and their opener fourteen minutes in was counter-attacking
football at its best. Interplay between Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez released
Ryan Giggs on the left, and his cross on to the hurtling Ronaldo's head was
perfect. Robert Green had no chance.
West Ham were stung, but kept at it impressively. Their midfield harried and
pressed, yet were capable of playing some neat stuff through Solano and he
nearly equalised with a stunning long effort which Tomas Kusczack just
tipped over. Then Cole, in space, headed Noble's chipped centre over.
United were rattled, yet still possessed bite and Ronaldo shot into the side
netting at the end of the half. Even so, they badly missed Wayne Rooney's
power in attack and Michael Carrick's midfield fluidity. Both missed out
with a virus. In the middle, Owen Hargreaves and Darren Fletcher failed to
stamp any authority on proceedings.
The second half began with a spate of substitutions, as West Ham's injury
woes continued. Scott Parker and Solano, who had just curled a free kick
wide, limped off to be replaced by Anton Ferdinand and John Pantsil. Now
West Ham truly were down to the bare bones. Somehow they still competed.
They shouldn't have been allowed to though, after they gifted Manchester
United the chance to double their lead, Jonathan Spector needlessly handling
in the area. Remarkably Ronaldo sent his spot kick yards wide of the post.
By then Tevez, clearly uncomfortable, had been withdrawn and the miss was
the cue for Curbishley to send on Dean Ashton in a bid to bolster his attack
and renew East End hopes. Sure enough, they were level with thirteen minutes
left, a goal made in the Academy as Ferdinand headed Noble's corner down and
past Kusczack.
Upton Park roared its approval and their team forward again. Evra fouled
Pantsil, a persistent nuisance on the right on 82 minutes. Again Noble
crossed, and this time it was Upson who rose highest and sent his header
into the top corner of the goal. Perhaps it wasn't altogether too surprising
though. After all, it was only West Ham's third win in a row against United.
Funny game, football.
Green- It's hard to think of too much he faced apart from Ronaldo's goal and
penalty. Incidentally he has faced four of those this season alone, and has
conceded none. 7
Neill- His form has been sketchy of late, and although he lost Giggs for the
goal, he denied him anything else and supported the attack when he could. 7
Spector- A foolish moment for the handball, but he performed well in a
number of positions throughout the match. 8
Upson- His first goal for the club, and what a time to get it. More
importantly he was again outstanding at the back- against the best attack in
the country. 9 MOM
McCartney- He couldn't keep up with Ronaldo when he scored, but defended
against him well otherwise. He also showed initiative to attack at every
opportunity. 8
Solano- What a shame he had to go off injured. Until then his intelligent
promptings were perhaps the best thing about the game. 8
Mullins- He should have scored early on, but his game was more about
harrying the opposition into mistakes. 7
Parker- Similar to Mullins although he was encouraged to drive more. He
picked up an unfortunate injury however when tackling Ronaldo. 7
Noble- He has been out of the side lately and with good reason some may
argue, but he probed diligently throughout and created two goals. 8
Ljungberg- Better than of late, he was always buzzing in and around the
area. However he tired in the second half and struggled to involve himself.
7
Cole- He linked well on his own up front, ran after every ball and won his
fair share in the air- but his header was poor and he still needs to work on
his finishing. 8
Pantsil- Against the attacking Evra, he did all he could to keep him back.
He holds on to the ball well even if he doesn't seem to know where he's
going, and this was a real surprise of a game from him. 8
Ferdinand- Although Spector played well, the defence did look more solid
with him there and he took his goal well. 8
Ashton- He didn't appear to do much but his introduction gave the team more
attacking thrust at a time when the game seemed to be slipping away.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ferguson fumes as West Ham open title race - Telegraph
By Clive Tyldesley
Last Updated: 12:12am GMT 31/12/2007
West Ham United (0) 2 Manchester United (1) 1
What on earth next? Just when you thought you knew how it was all going to
end, the title plot takes another unexpected turn. The star on top of the
Premier League Christmas tree came crashing down on Saturday night, leaving
Manchester United with a sore head to nurse even before New Years Eve. Sir
Alex Ferguson had to have more words with his party-goers.
It was maybe just as well he was serving a touchline ban for his reaction to
United's last defeat at Bolton in November or the champions might have been
heading into the second half of the season with a few more bumps and
bruises. Ferguson had to sit and stew at a safe distance while his team
contrived to turn a poor performance into an even poorer result. "I can't
pick out a player who played well for us today and that tells the story,"
said Ferguson. Wayne Rooney was missing because he was under the weather. He
wasn't the only one.
West Ham, and particularly Alan Curbishley, deserve great credit for
capitalising fully. The Premier League's biggest global selling point is
that anyone can beat anyone else, and Curbishley's third successive win over
Ferguson's team illustrated that point perfectly. It was a triumph of mind
and matter. The West Ham manager found a tactical solution for his
patched-up team to close the gap in financial clout and class, and they
responded heroically to a man.
Curbishley left out his leading goalscorer, Dean Ashton, in favour of an
extra midfield player, sending out a pre-match message that not every West
Ham fan wanted to hear. When Cristiano Ronaldo rounded off a devastating
break to score from United's first attack, the plan appeared to be quickly
unravelling. Mark Noble and Carlton Cole proceeded to squander precious
first-half chances, and if Ronaldo hadn't lashed a 67th minute penalty two
yards wide, the game would probably have been up.
But West Ham stayed in the match long enough to give themselves a chance,
and when it eventually came, they deservedly took it. Ferguson felt it was
symptomatic of his team's ills that they conceded two goals from simple
set-pieces, but Anton Ferdinand and especially Matthew Upson produced
Olympian leaps to head in Noble's dead-ball kicks in the frenzied five
minutes when the game and maybe the title race turned. Both, quite
literally, rose to the challenge.
They may prove turning points for Curbishley too. The warmth of the fans'
reaction to his first year in charge has been on a low heat despite last
season's relegation escape, but nobody wanted to leave the bouncing Boleyn
Ground at the end of Saturday's win. The victory was more Alvin Martin than
Bobby Moore, but injuries to half-a-dozen of the more gifted and pacy
players in Curbishley's squad dictated the terms of conflict.
"We've seen the character and capability of the team here. It's coming
together but we need to be more settled," said Upson. "It's clear to see
that when everyone is fit we have a good chance of being a top six side. It
could go either way from here so it's something we need to build on."
Easier said than done starting at Arsenal tomorrow with Nolberto Solano and
Scott Parker added to the casualty list. But results like this one and West
Ham's victory at the Emirates last season keep alive the theory that
England's top division remains as competitive as any. "Every game is
contested. There are no gimmes," Curbishley maintained.
Ferguson will be expecting his team to challenge that by avoiding defeat for
the next month or two. "I think we need to go on a long run now because
you're coming to the crucial part of the season. In many ways it starts on
January 1st," he added. Too often, the title race has been nearly run by the
turn of the year. This time, it is only just beginning.
Man of the match
Mark Noble (West Ham) 8
• Set up West Ham's two goals
• Won 100 per cent of tackles
• Completed 84 per cent passes
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 2 - KUMB
Manchester United 1
By Jacob Steinberg
Funny game, football. West Ham, injury ravaged and without a home win since
21st October against struggling Sunderland. Manchester United, League
Champions and current leaders. You'd have thought there could only be one
result, but sometimes these matches don't play out as expected. Cristiano
Ronaldo miss a penalty? One for the collector's book, as were two late
headed goals from Anton Ferdinand and Matthew Upson which proved decisive.
It was an emotional day at Upton Park, thanks to the presence of returning
hero Carlos Tevez, who moved to Old Trafford in the summer, but whose goals
at the end of last season helped West Ham beat the drop. He was afforded a
standing ovation when his name was read out, and the moment became so highly
strung that matchday announcer Jeremy Nicholas nearly forgot to read out the
United substitutes.
The rest of us had barely caught our breath either after a whirlwind start
by West Ham which had caught the visitors napping, Nobby Solano denied by
Patrice Evra's last ditch challenge, and Lucas Neill curling a shot just
wide.
Most present had assumed Alan Curbishley's 4-5-1 formation belied defensive
intent, yet West Ham attacked their opponents from the off. Indeed they
should have opened the scoring on eight minutes, but Hayden Mullins directed
Carlton Cole's cute flick on to the bar, and Mark Noble blazed the rebound
over the gaping net.
That proved costly, with United so adept at soaking up the pressure before
breaking at will, and their opener fourteen minutes in was counter-attacking
football at its best. Interplay between Louis Saha and Carlos Tevez released
Ryan Giggs on the left, and his cross on to the hurtling Ronaldo's head was
perfect. Robert Green had no chance.
West Ham were stung, but kept at it impressively. Their midfield harried and
pressed, yet were capable of playing some neat stuff through Solano and he
nearly equalised with a stunning long effort which Tomas Kusczack just
tipped over. Then Cole, in space, headed Noble's chipped centre over.
United were rattled, yet still possessed bite and Ronaldo shot into the side
netting at the end of the half. Even so, they badly missed Wayne Rooney's
power in attack and Michael Carrick's midfield fluidity. Both missed out
with a virus. In the middle, Owen Hargreaves and Darren Fletcher failed to
stamp any authority on proceedings.
The second half began with a spate of substitutions, as West Ham's injury
woes continued. Scott Parker and Solano, who had just curled a free kick
wide, limped off to be replaced by Anton Ferdinand and John Pantsil. Now
West Ham truly were down to the bare bones. Somehow they still competed.
They shouldn't have been allowed to though, after they gifted Manchester
United the chance to double their lead, Jonathan Spector needlessly handling
in the area. Remarkably Ronaldo sent his spot kick yards wide of the post.
By then Tevez, clearly uncomfortable, had been withdrawn and the miss was
the cue for Curbishley to send on Dean Ashton in a bid to bolster his attack
and renew East End hopes. Sure enough, they were level with thirteen minutes
left, a goal made in the Academy as Ferdinand headed Noble's corner down and
past Kusczack.
Upton Park roared its approval and their team forward again. Evra fouled
Pantsil, a persistent nuisance on the right on 82 minutes. Again Noble
crossed, and this time it was Upson who rose highest and sent his header
into the top corner of the goal. Perhaps it wasn't altogether too surprising
though. After all, it was only West Ham's third win in a row against United.
Funny game, football.
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An emotional return to Upton Park for Tevez but no happy ending - Daily Mail
By MATT BARLOW - More by this author »
Last updated at 20:20pm on 30th December 2007
The mane of thick, black, greased-back hair and the No 32 on his shirt were
familiar to Hammers fans but the performance of Carlos Tevez was not. Tevez
acknowledged an incredible pre-match ovation from the Upton Park crowd with
a crossed arm salute, in homage to the two hammers on the West Ham badge, a
gesture which sparked a chorus of 'There's Only One Carlos Tevez'. It was an
emotional scene as the Argentina striker made his first return to the club
he helped save from relegation with seven goals in the final 10 games of
last season. But there was no sentiment as Alan Curbishley's men inflicted a
defeat which cost United their place at the top of the Premier League. Tevez
was muted. He had a hand in the move for Cristiano Ronaldo's opener but was
replaced by Anderson in the 64th minute and watched as his old team came
back to win.
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Anton the winner as United's 'Big Bruv' Rio feels heat - This Is London
Last updated at 08:43am on 31.12.07
Rio Ferdinand stormed out of Upton Park with a look on his face that
suggested Sir Alex Ferguson had found a new turbo switch for his hairdryer,
but his brother Anton was unable to contain his glee. Back after two months
out with a hamstring injury, Ferdinand the younger was celebrating his first
goal against Manchester United and his first ever against a team featuring
his more illustrious sibling Rio, seven years his senior. The pair exchanged
a handshake at the final whistle but United were in no mood for idle chatter
after surrendering the lead in the Barclays Premier League to Arsenal, just
three days after overtaking the Gunners at the top.
"I didn't get the chance to speak to Rio after but I'm sure I will," said
Anton. "He wants to win all the time and that's how it is. I'm the same.
When I lose games I don't want to talk to anyone and that's the way he is.
I'm not going to taunt him about it. He's big brother, isn't he?"
Rio felt the full force of Ferguson's rage after helping to organise the
players' Christmas party which ended in rape allegations and the United boss
was on the warpath again after watching from the stands, where he was
serving a touchline ban, as his team missed a penalty and threw away the
lead to two late goals from set pieces.
"He had a go at some of the players," said United striker Louis Saha. "We
let ourselves be put under pressure by West Ham. We had the lead and we
threw it away and everyone is very disappointed."
Anton changed the game after Cristiano Ronaldo had headed United into a
first-half lead with his 17th goal of the season but then squandered the
chance to put the result beyond doubt when he pulled a penalty wide in the
second half.
The West Ham substitute was on the field because Scott Parker had jarred his
knee but he gave the Hammers an edge at set-pieces and drifted behind Darren
Fletcher to connect with a Mark Noble corner in the 77th minute.
In front of his family and friends, the goal was a special moment for a
player who has endured a difficult 2007 - appearing in court to face an
assault charge and testing the patience of manager Alan Curbishley with a
jaunt to the United States to celebrate his 22nd birthday when he was given
the weekend off to rest.
"Everyone makes mistakes, everyone does wrong things but if you don't learn
from them you're a fool," said Ferdinand. "That's how I was brought up. They
make you stronger and you realise who your true friends are.
"I've got a great family behind me, a very strong one and nothing will ever
break us. Rio has been one of the main parts of me getting through it
because he's been through things in his life, not to the same extreme but
he's got experience of things like that. He definitely helped me a lot.
"You learn things about yourself. No one can ever say I've shied away from
anything. I'm still playing my football. I didn't have a great year last
year but the stats show I didn't have a bad one. That's all in the past and
that's where I want to keep it. I'm looking forward to a brighter 2008."
The equaliser rattled United and West Ham pounced. Curbishley's five-man
midfield dominated the game and their aerial superiority paid off as the
visitors lost discipline and composure and began to concede late corners and
dangerous free-kicks.
When Noble produced another perfect delivery from the right after a foul by
Patrice Evra, Matthew Upson soared above Nemanja Vidic to head home his
first goal for the club.
Upson has played every minute of West Ham's Premier League campaign after
beating a nagging calf injury with the help of Ron Holder, a South African
foot specialist who often works with high jumpers and seems to have given
the defender extra spring.
Vidic and Rio Ferdinand have been solid for 18 months but as two West Ham
centre halves scored the goals to win the game, their United counterparts
must shoulder some responsibility for their team's third league defeat of
the season.
"I don't think the penalty miss cost us the game," said Vidic. "We were
still leading 1- 0 and we needed to keep our resolve. We lost the game
because we lost concentration on set-pieces. You cannot afford to be that
bad with set pieces."
Ferguson, 66 today, who should have flu victims Wayne Rooney and Michael
Carrick back to face Birmingham tomorrow, told his team he expects an
improvement.
"We just didn't perform," he said. "It's a rare disappointment. To lose two
goals from set-pieces tells you everything. We need to go on a long run now
because we're coming to the crucial part of the season. In many ways the
season starts on January 1."
WEST HAM (4-5-1): Green 7; Neill 7, Spector 7, Upson 9, McCartney 7; Solano
7 (Pantsil 49min, 7), Mullins 8, Parker 7 (Ferdinand 55, 7), Noble 8,
Ljungberg 7 (Ashton 70, 7); Cole 8.
Booked: Mullins, Pantsil.
MANCHESTER UTD (4-4-2): Kuszczak 6; Brown 6 (O'Shea 89), Ferdinand 5, Vidic
5, Evra 5; Ronaldo 6, Fletcher 7, Hargreaves 6 (Nani 80), Giggs 6; Tevez 5
(Anderson 64, 5), Saha 5.
Man of the match: Matthew Upson.
Referee: Mike Dean.
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Curbishley delighted with West Ham attitude in Man Utd win
tribalfooball.com - December 30, 2007
Alan Curbishley was delighted with the up-and-at-'em approach of West Ham
for their victory over Manchester United. He said: "You have to give us some
credit: their exceptional players didn't cause us too much damage because
everyone was putting so much effort in. When you play the top teams, sides
sometimes stand off and allow the game to become a passive game. If you do
that, they will destroy you. "I had to remind myself that we had only lost
two in the last 10 games and they were against very good teams. Sometimes
you end up worrying too much about the opposition and forget about examining
how your own side can cause problems."
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Man Utd's Saha: Ferguson had go at players after West Ham loss
tribalfootball.com - December 30, 2007
Louis Saha admits Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson "had a go" at his
players after their defeat to West Ham. "He had a go at some of the
players," said Saha. "We let ourselves be put under pressure by West Ham. We
had the lead and we threw it away and everyone is very disappointed."
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Upson: West Ham full of confidence for Arsenal clash
tribalfootball.com - December 30, 2007
Matthew Upson says West Ham can go into their clash with Arsenal full of
confidence after Saturday's victory over Manchester United. "We are going to
go and give a good account of ourselves," Upson told WHUTV. "We will take
confidence to Arsenal and it has relieved a bit of pressure because our
points tally over the Christmas period is looking quite healthy now and
again we haven't got too much to lose." Upson, who played for Arsenal
between 1997 and January 2003, said there was "not really" any extra
incentive for him to do well at his former club. "I have been back a few
times now so it is the same as every week," he added. That consistency of
focus regardless of the opposition is something the 28-year-old has been
keen to stress this campaign, with the key to treat every match as if it was
a major encounter. "It is something we need to learn from and apply that
same level of focus and determination every week, regardless of whether it
is Manchester United or Reading or whoever comes to Upton Park. We need to
set about them in the same fashion."
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West Ham to offer £12M for Tottenham's Bent
tribalfootball.com - December 30, 2007
West Ham United are ready to make an offer for Tottenham striker Darren
Bent. The People says West Ham still hope to tempt Tottenham with a
£12million bid for Bent. Last month England striker Bent regretted his
decision not to join the Hammers in the summer after going to White Hart
Lane for £16.5m.
Now Upton Park chief Curbishley is ready to make a move for Bent, a player
he signed while Charlton manager. Manchester City and Aston Villa are also
monitoring developments.
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Portsmouth seek loan deal for West Ham's Zamora
tribalfootball.com - December 30, 2007
Portsmouth are moving for West Ham striker Bobby Zamora. The People says
Harry Redknapp will end Bobby Zamora's West Ham pain by taking the striker
on loan. Portsmouth boss Redknapp is desperate for reinforcements up front.
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Redknapp: Futre wanted to pay £100,000 to wear West Ham No10
tribalfooball.com - December 30, 2007
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has revealed how Portuguese legend Paulo
Futre was willing to cough up £100,000 in order to wear West Ham's No10
shirt.
He took up the story with the People: "'... Futre,' he said, pointing to his
chest. 'Futre No.10.' "I explained to him that he had to wear No.16, that it
was FA rules that players were allocated a squad number and were stuck with
it. But I may as well have recited a nursery rhyme. 'Futre,' he shouted,
jabbing his chest again. "'Future Eusebio No.10. Futre No.10.' "'Yeah, I
understand all that,' I said. "'But there's nothing we can do. Moncur is
No.10. You are No.16. We can't change it now.' "'No f*****g way 16,' Futre
shouted. 'F***ing No.10.' "'Look,' I said. 'Just wear the 16 shirt and we'll
talk about it later.' "But he wouldn't have it. He told me to eff off and
next minute he was in a cab on his way home. "The following Monday I hauled
him in to my office. He had his lawyer and agent with him and started going
on again about wearing No.10. I told him that in England kids buy football
shirts with the name and number of their favourite player. John Moncur was
No.10. It couldn't be changed. Too many shirts had been sold. "'How many?'
Futre asked. 'How much money?'
"'A hundred thousand pounds' worth,' I said. "In truth we'd probably sold
about six. "'I pay,' he said. 'I pay. I give £100,000 and you take the
shirts back. Give them the money back.' "I couldn't believe it. He wanted to
fork out 100 grand just to wear the No.10. I suppose in a way you had to
admire his principles. "Futre owned one of the most luxurious villas in
Portugal and offered Moncur a fortnight there free if he handed over his
No.10 shirt. "I don't think Moncur gave a monkey's what number he wore, but
he took the free holiday and all we had to do was square the change of
number with the FA."
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WE CAN BE A EURO HIT NOW, SAYS HERO UPSON - The Mirror
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
By OLIVER HOLT 31/12/2007
MATCH-WINNER Matthew Upson has urged West Ham to build on beating Manchester
United by pressing for a place in Europe. The Hammers, who had only beaten
Middlesbrough and Sunderland at home all season before Saturday's win, are
still crippled by injuries. But Upson said: "On balance we are capable of
achieving a top-six finish. It could go either way from here so this is
something we need to build on. "It's clear to see that when everyone is fit
we have a good chance of being a top side. We're not too far away from that
at the moment, but a couple of results can change things. "We've seen the
character and capability this team actually have on Saturday. It's coming
together but we need to be more settled. If we can get a regular starting 11
it will help. "We are getting good results, but I think we can get very good
results with a more settled structure. This win should give us a lot more
confidence and belief and help us climb the table." Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley said: "The team have given everything every single week."
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TRANSFER RUMOURS : West Ham, Newcastle, Fulham, Wigan, Portsmouth, Villa,
Sunderland - Soccerblog.com
12.31.2007 by Amaresh in Premiership
BENT TO WEST HAM…AGAIN
It matters not that Darren Bent says that he wants to stay at Tottenham, the
Sunday Express still reckons he is heading to West Ham to be reunited with
his former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley. Bent did say he wants to stay and
fight for his place, but he might change his mind after being left out of
the 16 for the game against Reading on Saturday.
AND THE REST
Luka Modric will stay in Croatia rather than join Man City or Chelsea…Robbie
Savage and Jason Roberts can leave Blackburn, with Savage linked with Wigan
and Roberts with Derby…Jermain Defoe is a target for Portsmouth, Aston
Villa, Chelsea and Manchester City…Celtic defender Bobo Balde and Portsmouth
midfielder Matt Taylor are Sunderland targets…Derby's Tyrone Mears is a
target for Wigan…Anthony Gardner is being linked with Birmingham.
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Sunday's Transfer Rumours Part 1 - caughtoffside.com
December 30, 2007
West Ham's Alan Curbishly will, as has been predicted for weeks now, splash
£16.5m on Tottenham striker Darren Bent. (Sunday Express)
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West Ham after Taylor - Sportigo
Sun, Dec 30, 07 14:16
Mark Apostolou
Then there's Darren Bent who, depending on what paper you read, wants to
stick it out at Spurs, or can't wait to leave and join former boss Alan
Curbishley at West Ham (Various)
The former Charlton man is reported as saying "People are always going to
pick out someone who cost a lot of money and, so far, it's fair to say
Tottenham haven't seen the best of me, but it's only been six months. Some
people go on like I've been here for two years and it simply hasn't worked,
but it will work, and I will turn it around." (Sunday Mirror). However the
ever-reliable Star on Sunday says that Bent cannot wait to move to East
London and become a happy Hammer.
Clearly the biggest stumbling block to any move will come when Daniel Levy
decides how much of a loss he is willing to take on Martin Jol's £16.5m
signing. Reports suggest that Ramos wants at least £10m to help pay for a
reliable centre-back.
West Ham are the latest side to be after Newcastle defender Steven Taylor
(Newcastle Evening Chronicle). Alan Curbishey and many other managers have
been monitoring the young defender's contract talks with his employers
closely. So far the discussions seem to have gone nowhere and even though
the Greenwich-born centre-back says he wants to stay at St James' Park, he
must be flattered by the attention he is attracting from the likes of
Arsenal, Man United, Liverpool and now the Hammers.
Taylor is a more than competent defender who, at 21, has already managed
nearly 100 top-flight games and may be available fairly cheaply. This is one
potential signing to keep an eye on in the coming weeks – I fancy he may
well be leaving the north east very soon.
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The All-New Gossip - Football365
Posted 30/12/07 10:29
BENT TO WEST HAM...AGAIN
It matters not that Darren Bent says that he wants to stay at Tottenham, the
Sunday Express still reckons he is heading to West Ham to be reunited with
his former Charlton boss Alan Curbishley. Bent did say he wants to stay and
fight for his place, but he might change his mind after being left out of
the 16 for the game against Reading on Saturday.
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