Alan Curbishley has upbeat news about Carlton Cole after his midweek knock
14.12.2007
Alan Curbishley has revealed positive news about Carlton Cole ahead of the
return to league action against Everton on Saturday afternoon.
The in-form striker scored the opening goal in the 2-1 Carling Cup defeat by
the same opposition on Wednesday night but then had to come off in the
closing stages after a knock. However, the manager is confident the
24-year-old will be back in action, along with a couple of other welcome
returns in Henri Camara and Nolberto Solano.
"We are very similar to the squad that was available on Wednesday, but we
have Camara and Solano back from being cup-tied. Carlton Cole has been
training the last couple of days so he has recovered fine from the slight
problem he had after the match." Also hoping to get another start will be
Cole's strike partner Dean Ashton and midfielder Freddie Ljungberg.
Reflecting on Wednesday night's quarter-final exit, Curbishley said: "After
viewing the game again it was a very even game. We had the best of the first
half and they had the best of the second but the whole game was very even
and it was the misunderstanding that decided the game. It is a big game for
us this weekend. The cup's gone so we are now looking to push on in the
league.
"I though that Wednesday was a one-off in some respects so we attacked it
accordingly. This is a league game so we will approach it a bit differently,
both teams will know what to expect from each other after playing each other
only three days before so it will be a tight game. We are all aware we need
to do a bit more at Upton Park in terms of the results so that is what we
will be looking to do."
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Everton match preview - WHUFC
All the team news and background for Saturday's league game
14.12.2007
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Everton
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 15 December
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Steve Tanner (Somerset)
WHUTV - Full match commentary plus all the pre-match views of Robert Green,
Dean Ashton and Freddie Ljungberg. Click here to login or register.
Team news
Nolberto Solano and Henri Camara come back into contention after being
cup-tied for the midweek defeat by the same opponents, when Carlton Cole
(hip) and Luis Boa Morte (thigh) both had to come off. The match will be
Cole's last before a one-match ban in the club's next game against
Middlesbrough on 22 December.
Freddie Ljungberg and Dean Ashton could continue in the starting eleven,
while young Kyel Reid will be hoping to at least retain his place on the
bench. Mark Noble will be pushing for a start, after being an unused
replacement in the first match. James Collins and Matthew Etherington are
both battling to overcome groin problems while Lee Bowyer (hernia) is also
hoping to return. Julien Faubert (achilles) and Bobby Zamora (knee) are on
the comeback trail but a little way off.
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 again fill in at left-back, while Tony Hibbert and
Nuno Valente are fit. There is plenty of competition for places with Andrew
Johnson, Victor Anichebe and James McFadden all pushing hard for a place.
Alan Stubbs remains out with a calf problem.
Background
West Ham United go into the game on the back of strong league away form -
and only one defeat in seven fixtures. An outstanding display at Chelsea,
when they were hard done by in a 1-0 defeat, was followed by a 1-0 victory
at Blackburn Rovers last Sunday. Curbishley's men have not lost in all eight
league games this season 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. While the club
(12 goals against) have the best defensive record after Manchester United
(eight), Chelsea and Liverpool (both nine) in the top flight, Everton are
also doing well at the back with six clean-sheets in their last eleven
unbeaten games.
George McCartney is bidding to make his 20th 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. Craig Bellamy, Bowyer, Ashton and Cole are the club's top
scorers with four goals.
Yakubu, the midweek match-winner for Everton, is the club's top scorer with
ten goals - eight of those have come in the top flight. Were the visitors to
triumph, they could potentially move into fourth place - and a Champions
League qualifying position. Everton are next in action on Thursday in a UEFA
Cup group game at AZ Alkmaar although they have already qualified for the
knockout phase.
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 57
General information
All tickets for this match have now SOLD OUT.
Weather: The forecast for is for a clear but chilly afternoon. The
temperature is expected to be around the 5C mark.
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Captain's Blog - Everton again - WHUFC
The skipper shares his latest views in his regular whufc.com column
14.12.2007
Lucas Neill reflects on a fine away win at Blackburn Rovers, with Robert
Green and Dean Ashton particularly impressive, and the disappointment of the
midweek cup exit to Everton. He touches on the determination on Saturday to
avenge Wednesday's loss and also has positive words for the changes behind
the scenes.
We all knew it was going to be a tough trip to Ewood Park and credit must go
to the boys for being fully focused and executing the game plan perfectly.
The boys not only wanted to win to prove a point to themselves but there
seemed to be added incentive to get the win from me which I am very thankful
of.
A special mention again must go to my fellow defenders and I include Greenie
in that, for another solid display and clean sheet, to my midfielders for
winning the hard-fought battle and for the forwards who worked tirelessly
and in particular Dean Ashton who had a huge impact coming off the bench.
The games are coming thick and fast, and it's unfortunate that we came up
against a strong Everton team with a squad that is very thin at the moment
due to cup-tied players, niggly injuries and long-term injuries. Having said
that I am disappointed at the manner we exited the competition, in a game
that was very much in the balance. It wasn't the prettiest of games but I
thought we had done enough, without being at our best, to take the game into
extra time.
It's great to have Everton again so quickly so we can exact some revenge for
the hurt that we are feeling from Wednesday night. It is also about time we
put some wins on the board at home to capitalise on the impressive away form
we are showing. It is imperative that we win this weekend to build on last
week's result and keep ourselves firmly in the hunt for the European places.
There is a gap opening up between the top half and bottom half and we need
to put pressure on ourselves and the teams around us to stay in that top
half.
We and in particular I am sorry to see Eggert Magnusson move on from his
post as Chairman of West Ham. He was a very influential part of me signing
here at the club and I am sad to see him go. He has left the club in a much
better position than he found it and he must be recognised for that and
everybody down here at the training ground wishes him all the best for the
future and the dressing room door is always open.
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, known to most people as BG, has taken up the role of
Chairman and for those that don't know him he is the driving force behind
everything that has taken place at West Ham in the last year and believe me
when I say this he is a man looking to do great things for this club. We
look forward to seeing more of him in and around Upton Park.
I welcome the fans, players and staff of Everton for the second time this
week, I am sure they will be looking to do the double over us of course but
we are fired up and ready to ensure that does not happen.
Thank you for everybody's support during the week and a special mention to
those who travelled to Blackburn on Sunday. As this is the last home game
before Christmas, let's hope the boys can give your loyal support its just
rewards in the lead up to the intensive festive period.
Lucas Neill
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West Ham v Everton - BBC
Upton Park
Saturday, 15 December
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
BBC coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match
of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.
Dean Ashton could be West Ham's only fit recognised striker as Carlton Cole
struggles to overcome a hip injury.
Luis Boa Morte (thigh) is doubtful, but Lee Bowyer could return after
undergoing a hernia operation.
Forwards James McFadden and James Vaughan, are back in contention for
Everton's return to Upton Park.
David Moyes has also restored defender Nuno Valente to his squad but hinted
that he might name the same starting line-up that won in midweek.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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West Ham (from): Green, Wright, McCarthy, Gabbidon, Upson, Collins, Neill,
Spector, Pantsil, Etherington, Boa Morte, Parker, Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg,
Reid, Solano, Cole, Ashton.
Everton (from): Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Carsley, Arteta,
Cahill, Osman, Pienaar, Yakubu, Wessels, Hibbert, Johnson, Gravesen,
Anichebe, McFadden, Vaughan, Valente.
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West Ham manager Alan Curbishley:
"Everton are a very strong side and they make it difficult and work ever so
hard.
"They were sharper and more physical than us and we know what we are up
against when they come back here.
"That is something we have got to think about for the weekend, because they
were definitely better at that than us."
Everton manager David Moyes:
"We are going into a period where a lot of things will be decided and we
need to hang on to the shirt-tails of the teams above us and not get too far
away.
"If we are in the next round of the Uefa Cup and the Carling Cup we have to
also make sure we maintain our league form.
"The reason we are in the Uefa Cup this year is because we finished sixth
last year and we have to try and do it again."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
West Ham get an early opportunity to avenge Wednesday's 1-2 Carling Cup
quarter-final defeat by Everton, with the equivalent league fixture.
Alan Curbishley sets out on his second year in charge of West Ham, a side
that has lost just one of their last seven league games, and that away to
Chelsea.
Everton go into their 300th Premier League match away from home, undefeated
in 11 league and cup games, going strongly in the Uefa and Carling Cups, and
well set to challenge for a European place next season.
West Ham have drawn their last two league games at home; Everton their last
two away from home.
Everton have gained more wins (12) and secured more points against West Ham
(42) than any other club in the Premier League.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 10th
Lowest could fall: 11th
1. Beaten in five of their 15 Premier League fixtures to date.
2. Eager to add to their 49 Premier League points under Curbishley.
3. Two goals shy of conceding 5,000 in League football, but four goals short
of scoring 3,000 in top-flight football.
4. On the joint longest run with Chelsea of nine matches since conceding
more than one goal in a Premier League match; the latest being the 3-1 loss
to Newcastle at St James' Park on 23 September.
5. Conceded 12 times in this Premier League campaign; only Manchester United
(eight) and Liverpool and Chelsea (nine each) have shipped fewer.
6. Their 15 Premier League matches have produced just 32 goals (20 for, 12
against); at 2.13 goals per game, it's only a slightly better return than
the lowest in this league of 2.06 from Chelsea.
7. A stronger second half side, with 14 of their 20 league goals scored
after the break (70%).
8. Picked up just two of their six league victories at home; v Middlesbrough
and Sunderland.
9. Managed just one league clean sheet at Upton Park; the 3-0 eclipse of
Middlesbrough on 15 September.
10. The remaining matches this year include a trip to Middlesbrough, and
then they do not move out of London for the holiday programme with a home
clash against Reading on Boxing Day, and another against Manchester United,
before the New Year's Day fixture at Arsenal.
EVERTON
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest mathematically achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th
Lowest could fall: 9th
1. Won the last three in league and cup, and undefeated in 11 (nine wins,
two draws).
2. Unbeaten in six Premier League games; won four and drawn two since the
1-2 loss, home to Liverpool on 20 October.
3. Scored 29 Premier League goals; only Arsenal have netted more (33).
4. The best behaved Premier League club with just 16 cards shown (two red,
14 yellow).
5. The most lethal side in stoppage time of Premier League matches when an
unequalled five goals have been scored.
6. Second in the Premier League's last six "Current Form" table with 14
points, trailing Chelsea by two points.
7. Leaked only four goals in 15 hours 35 minutes of league and cup soccer.
8. Scored 10 goals in the last three league games; even though they failing
to score in one of the three.
9. Away to AZ Alkmaar in their final Uefa Cup group match next Thursday, a
largely academic affair as they've already qualified for the knock-out
stages as group winners. Then, the remaining matches this year involve a
trip to Manchester United, a home clash with Bolton on Boxing Day, and
another against Arsenal, before the New Year's Day game at Middlesbrough.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON, Craig BELLAMY, Lee BOWYER and Carlton COLE are West Ham's joint
top scorers with four goals each.
BOWYER is the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen as all four of his goals
were in the league.
Robert GREEN has saved all three penalties awarded against the Hammers in
the Premier League this season.
Matthew UPSON and GREEN are the only remaining players to have been on the
field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches
this season.
BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds, Newcastle
and West Ham).
If selected:-
Richard WRIGHT will be facing a former club. The 30 year old goalkeeper made
71 appearances (60 in the league) for Everton between July 2002 and his free
transfer to Upton Park in July 2007.
If on the field from the outset:-
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career club start (Cardiff and West
Ham).
Suspended:-
Carlton COLE (one match)
EVERTON
YAKUBU is Everton's top scorer with 10 goals.
YAKUBU is also the clubs' top Premier League marksman with eight.
YAKUBU is one of 12 players contributing to the Everton Premier League goal
tally. It is the joint longest goalscorers list in the highest league,
alongside Tottenham's.
James McFADDEN is now just one shy of 50 club career goals.
If on the field from the outset:-
Leon OSMAN will be making his 100th Premier League start in an Everton
shirt.
Joseph YOBO will be making his 150th Premier League start for the Toffees.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham have a 25% win record against Everton in the Premier League (six of
24).
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 32 wins, Everton 51, Draws 21
Prem: West Ham 6 wins, Everton 12, Draws 6
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 22 wins, Everton 17, Draws 13
Prem: West Ham 4 wins, Everton 4, Draws 4
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 1-0 Everton
21 April 2007 - Ref: Mark Clattenburg
West Ham scorer: Zamora 13
REFEREE
Steve Tanner (Somerset)
Premier League referees' table
Steve Tanner's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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West Ham v Everton: Preview - Soccernet
Alan Curbishley is demanding an immediate improvement as West Ham prepare to
tackle their Carling Cup conquerors Everton for the second time in three
days. West Ham were off the pace in Wednesday night's quarter-final - and
when the late mix-up between Robert Green and Danny Gabiddon allowed Yakubu
to steal in to score the winner, it was nothing more than Everton deserved.
Curbishley was frustrated by Everton's physical approach and
``professional'' tactics - but vowed to match them all the way in the
Barclays Premier League. ``Everton are a very strong side. They make it
difficult and work ever so hard. They were sharper and more physical than
us,'' the Hammers boss reported. ``We know what we are up against when they
come back here. Their players were going up with their arms, getting us off
balance, getting their bodies across us. ``That is something we have got to
think about for the weekend, because they were definitely better at that
than us.''
Everton sit one spot outside of the UEFA Cup qualification places - and West
Ham, with a game in hand, are just five points behind. ``We have spoken all
season about establishing ourselves in the top half and we have an
opportunity to do that,'' Curbishley added. Striker Carlton Cole insists
West Ham will go after Everton ``with all guns blazing''. Cole gave West Ham
an early lead in the cup tie before Everton, now unbeaten in 11 games in all
competitions, assumed control. ``The boys are disappointed - but we will
come back firing,'' Cole predicted. `We have great heart and spirit in the
club, and that epitomises what we are about. ``We will come back to get the
result we felt we deserved in the cup. ``It is lucky we have got the chance
to respond straightaway, instead of waiting and holding the hurt in our
hearts.''``We will go out all guns blazing, and this result will give us
more inspiration to do the job and give the fans what they need.''
Cole could be the latest addition to a lengthening injury list at Upton Park
that denied Curbishley the chance to put a replacement striker on the bench
against Everton. Nolberto Solano will return from being cup-tied but losing
Cole. who has been in the best form of his career this season, would be
another blow for the Hammers.
Tim Cahill has warned Everton should not get too carried away with their cup
success. The Australian said: ``I can't emphasise how much we need to keep
our feet on the floor. There is no way we will think just because we won
Wednesday night, we will win at the weekend - because they are a good
football club.
``The cup is a competition we want to do well in - and we are in the
semi-final now. We enjoyed that the other night but now we have to
concentrate on West Ham at the weekend, because they will come back
firing.''
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West Ham Classics on ESPN Over Xmas - West Ham Till I Die
December 14, 2007
Regualr readers will remember THIS post where I explained I had just been
interviewed by ESPN where I gave them my views on some memorable West Ham
matches. The series is called HAPPY ENDINGS and will be broadcast between
Christmas and the New Year. Here are the dates and timings…
Manchester 0 United West Ham 1 30/12/2007 11pm
West Ham 5 Bradford City 4 30/12/2007 11.30pm
West Ham 4 Aston Villa 0 31/12/2007 11pm
Arsenal 0 West Ham 1 31/12/2007 11.30pm
Fulham 0 West Ham 2 01/01/2008 11pm
West Ham 1 Arsenal 0 01/01/2008 11pm
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Cahill issues Hammers warning - SSN
Midfielder expects Hammers to target cup revenge
Last updated: 14th December 2007
Tim Cahill has warned Everton that West Ham will want revenge after their
midweek Carling Cup defeat. Yakubu Ayegbeni struck a late winner at Upton
Park on Wednesday to put Everton through to the Carling Cup semi-finals for
the first time since 1988. And Toffees midfielder Cahill expects West Ham to
come roaring back when the sides meet at Upton Park again, this time in the
Premier League, on Saturday. "I can't emphasise how much we need to keep our
feet on the floor," said Cahill. "There is no way in hell that we will think
that, just because we won on Wednesday night, we will win at the weekend
because they are a good football club. "The cup is a competition we want to
do well in - and we are in the semi-final now. We enjoyed that the other
night but now we have to concentrate on West Ham at the weekend, because
they will come back firing. "We are definitely wary there will be backlash
but we have to prepare in the same way. "It is a quick turnaround for us,
and we have to make sure we are in the right shape to take on an in-form
West Ham team on Saturday." Cahill also had high praise for Nigeria forward
Yakubu, who has now scored 10 goals in all competitions since joining
Everton in the summer. "He is very important for us," Cahill added. "He is a
big boy, he holds the ball up, brings people into play and causes some
trouble. "You saw that at the end, where he got into West Ham's faces - and
fortunately the ball fell to him. He is an opportunist. "Yak's form is
priceless, and his goal statistics speak for themselves."
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West Ham v EVERTON: McFadden and Vaughan back for Toffees - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:44pm on 14th December 2007
Forwards James McFadden and James Vaughan, who both missed Everton's 2-1
Carling Cup victory over West Ham on Wednesday through injury, are back in
contention for tomorrow's return to Upton Park for their Barclays Premier
League meeting. Manager David Moyes has also restored defender Nuno Valente
to his squad but hinted that he might name the same starting line-up for the
second time in four days. "We've a couple of minor injury niggles to look at
before I finalise the side," Moyes said.
Team (from): Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Carsley, Arteta,
Cahill, Osman, Pienaar, Yakubu, Wessels, Hibbert, Johnson, Gravesen,
Anichebe, McFadden, Vaughan, Valente.
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WEST HAM v Everton: Solano returns for Hammers against Toffees - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:30pm on 14th December 2007
Nolberto Solano will return to the West Ham side against Everton after being
cup-tied for the Carling Cup quarter-final defeat to the same opponents.
Carlton Cole is struggling with a hip problem, meaning the Hammers could be
down to just one fit recognised striker in Dean Ashton. Luis Boa Morte is
doubtful after suffering a thigh injury on Wednesday night, while Craig
Bellamy (abdominal) and Bobby Zamora (knee) are already long-term absentees.
Matthew Etherington and centre-back James Collins are both battling to
overcome groin injuries but Lee Bowyer could return after undergoing a
hernia operation.
Provisional squad: Green, Wright, McCarthy, Gabbidon, Upson, Collins, Neill,
Spector, Pantsil, Etherington, Boa Morte, Parker, Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg,
Reid, Solano, Cole, Ashton.
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Is West Ham's Forgotten Star Just Like A New Signing? - caughtoffside.com
December 14, 2007
Picture the scene. You have just shelled out £6 million for a 24-year old
French winger and he goes and knackers his achilles. Guttingly horrendous
news at the time, but it now gives every journalist in the land the excuse
to trot out the hackneyed cruddy phrase: "He's as good as a new signing" and
blather on about that for a paragraph or so. So, being inveterate copycats
at CaughtOffside, we decided to do exactly the same.
That Julien Flaubert, he'll be as good as a new signing, won't he? Setanta
Sports reports that Flaubert, who hasn't even played a competitive game for
West Ham, is now back 'running' again - which is surely a good sign that
things are going in the right direction. And what of the man himself?
Flaubert said: "It's great to be back with my team-mates. It was important
to recover in the right environment and it was a shame to pick up the injury
so soon into my West Ham career. I am now focusing on getting back to full
fitness."
Ahhh, that Julien Flaubert, he'll be as good as a new signing, won't he?
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Hammers so bitterDec 14 2007
by David Prentice, Liverpool Echo
WHAT is it with West Ham managers and Everton? Alan Pardew infuriated David
Moyes with his over zealous claim that "we played them off the park"
following a streaky 2-1 win the season before last. Then on Wednesday Alan
Curbishley accuses Everton of "the professional stuff". He moaned: "They
have a very established side. They were a bit sharper and more physical." I
think the word poor Alan was searching for is "better".
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Cole ready to get one over Toffees - Guardian Series
By Daniel Barden
CARLTON Cole insists West Ham will come out all-guns-blazing against Everton
tomorrow to banish the memory of their midweek cup heartache. A defensive
mix up between Danny Gabbidon and Robert Green allowed Everton striker
Aiyegbeni Yakubu to grab a late winner at Upton Park to send the delighted
Toffees into the Carling Cup semi finals. The Hammers now face Everton at
Upton Park again in the Premier League tomorrow, and Cole said: "We're
obviously disappointed but we're going to come back firing. "It's lucky that
we've got a chance straight away instead of waiting and holding it in our
hearts how hurt we are. "If anything it has perhaps given us more
inspiration (for Saturday) to do a good job and give fans what they need.
"We're professional football players and there is no game we go into
thinking we can't win it - we'll try our utmost to get the right result.
There is great heart and spirit in the club - it's what we're all about."
Cole grabbed the opener for West Ham after only 12 minutes with a
confidently taken goal before Leon Osman equalised for Everton shortly
before half time. Those chances aside, it was a lacklustre display by both
sides, with neither looking likely to fashion a winner. That was until
Yakubu stole in in the 88th minute to end the Hammers cup dream. "It was
just one of those games," Cole said. "We were trying to fashion a chance but
we'll be first to admit we weren't on our game. "One mistake cost us a goal
and that happens in football."
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ASHTON LOOKING FOR REACTION - evertonfc.com
by Claire Boden | Published: Friday, 14 December 2007, 11:00
Dean Ashton says West Ham are determined to put the Carling Cup defeat to
Everton behind them. Yakubu's 88th minute winner dumped the East London
outfit out of the competition on Wednesday evening and earned the Toffees a
place in the semi-finals. But with a Premier League encounter with the Blues
arriving just 72 hours after the midweek defeat – Ashton is looking for a
positive reaction from the Hammers. He said: "We have got to react now in a
positive way coming here on Saturday and put on a better performance for the
fans."We have got to try and get a result to, at least a little bit, rectify
the disappointment of going out in the quarter-final of a cup."
The striker, who has only recently returned to the first team fray after a
knee ligament injury, admits he was slightly disappointed with his
performance against the Blues in midweek. "After getting 45 minutes on
Sunday, and feeling like I did well, I was really looking forward to the
game and hopefully putting in a good performance," Ashton explained. "I am
one of those that has got to hold my hands up and say my touch wasn't good
enough, bringing people into play wasn't good enough and I have got to
compete more."
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Solano returns, but Cole doubtful - TeamTalk
Nolberto Solano will return to the West Ham side at home to Everton after
being cup-tied for the Carling Cup defeat to the same opponents. Carlton
Cole is struggling with a hip problem, meaning the Hammers could be down to
just one fit recognised striker in Dean Ashton. Luis Boa Morte is doubtful
after suffering a thigh injury on Wednesday night, while Craig Bellamy
(abdominal) and Bobby Zamora (knee) are already long-term absentees.
Matthew Etherington and centre-back James Collins are both battling to
overcome groin injuries but Lee Bowyer could return after undergoing a
hernia operation.
West Ham (from): Green, Wright, McCarthy, Gabbidon, Upson, Collins, Neill,
Spector, Pantsil, Etherington, Boa Morte, Parker, Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg,
Reid, Solano, Cole, Ashton.
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Bob deal no MoraDec 14 2007 - icSouthLondon
By Rob Kelly
CHARLTON have been priced out of a January swoop for West Ham United striker
Bobby Zamora. The Addicks were rumoured to be looking at the 26-year-old
hitman, who has only made four appearances for the Hammers this season.
Zamora enjoyed one of the most fruitful spells of his career at Upton Park
under the tutelage of current Charlton boss Alan Pardew. It is understood
that the Valley supremo had earmarked Zamora as a possible January signing,
but the club have been put off by the £5million price tag. The Addicks are
being linked with a host of forwards since Svetoslav Todorov was ruled out
for the rest of the season after damaging cruciate knee ligaments in
October.
Forest Green Rovers striker Stuart Fleetwood and Reading frontman Leroy Lita
have also been linked. Meanwhile, Chris Powell is expected to be fit for
tomorrow's top-of-the-table clash at West Bromwich Albion after sufferning
mild concussion last weekend against Ipswich. However, the Addicks are
without Jon Fortune, Lloyd Sam and Danny Mills (all suspended), while Grant
Basey (hernia) and Ben Thatcher (knee) also miss out.
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GUDMUNDSSON PLANS HAMMERS INVESTMENT - Football365
Posted 14/12/07 09:36EmailPrintSave
West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson outlined his immediate ambitions after
assuming full control of the club in a parting of the ways with chairman
Eggert Magnusson. Magnusson, the club's figurehead in the year since the
£108million takeover by an Icelandic consortium, has sold his five per cent
shareholding to Gudmundsson - who also takes over as chairman. Gudmundsson,
a banker and businessman known as 'BG', is rated among the world's richest
800 people. He becomes the sole owner of West Ham and will now pursue his
aims to move to a new £250million stadium and for the club to break into the
Premier League's top four. He is investing a further £30.5million in the
club, but the cash will not be used for transfers after the summer spending
spree.
Gudmundsson wants to push ahead with a move to a new 60,000-seater stadium -
a site has been identified at an old Parcelforce depot next to West Ham tube
station. He said: "We are seeking to build some truly solid foundations for
the future ambitions of West Ham United. This is a great football club with
tremendous heritage and tradition and the most wonderful set of supporters.
"My job as owner is to help plan for the future and create the right
conditions off the field to help Alan Curbishley and the playing squad
deliver success on the field. "I am particularly delighted that we have been
able to take the first real step in our plans for a new stadium, which is
crucial to the long-term ambitions of the club."
Gudmundsson also paid tribute to Magnusson who oversaw the Hammers' unlikely
top-flight survival and the Carlos Tevez affair, still not entirely
resolved.
"Eggert Magnusson has done a tremendous job as chairman, often in difficult
circumstances, since our consortium bought the club 12 months ago,"
Gudmundsson said. "Eggert has decided to move on to new pastures and to
pursue his other interests. We wish him well for the future and express our
thanks for all that he has done for West Ham."
Magnusson, expected to take up committee work on UEFA and FIFA, admits there
have been tough challenges. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here at West
Ham. From the moment that Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and I formed the consortium
to bid for the club, it has been an honour to be involved," he said.
"Now that I have sold my financial stake in the club and I need to focus a
little more on my interests overseas, I think it is the right time to stand
down as chairman. "The last 12 months have not been without their
challenges, but I feel that we have emerged stronger and fitter as a club."
Gudmundsson has appointed his trusted aide Asgeir Fridgeirsson as
vice-chairman and Mike Lee, the former Premier League, UEFA and London 2012
Olympic bid communications director, to be a board member. The new board
will comprise Gudmundsson (chairman), Fridgeirsson (vice-chairman), Mike
Lee, Thor Kristjansson, Gudmundur Oddsson - with executive directors Scott
Duxbury (chief executive) and Nick Igoe (finance director).
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Cahill: Hammers out to get Toffees revenge - Daily Mail
Last updated at 09:34am on 14th December 2007
Everton midfield star Tim Cahill expects a West Ham backlash tomorrow when
the two sides meet for the second time in three days. Cahill, a good friend
and Australian international team-mate of West Ham captain Lucas Neill, was
a member of the Everton team which won 2-1 in Wednesday night's Carling Cup
quarter-final. Tomorrow he is back at Upton Park for a Premier League clash
and said: "West Ham are a very good side and getting better. The cup win
over them was very Everton but we have to be on our guard tomorrow because I
fully expect a backlash. "It was a tough game and you expect that when you
come to Upton Park. I don't expect the second match to be any different."
West Ham striker Carlton Cole could play his last match tomorrow before a
one-game suspension but is struggling with a hip injury. Nobby Solano and
Henri Camara, both cup-tied for Wednesday's night's quarter-final, look
certain to be back in the squad while Matthew Etherington, who missed the
match with a groin injury, could also be included.
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West Ham assure Curbishley technical chief won't interfere
tribalfootball.com - December 14, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has been assured the club's new
technical director won't interfere in first team matters.
The Times says Curbishley will be consulted at every stage and, with a
shortlist of candidates drawn up, he will make the final decision in
conjunction with the board. Interviews are expected to take place "in the
next few weeks".
With West Ham keen to avoid conflict, Curbishley has been assured that the
technical director will have no responsibility for the first team. The new
man will oversee development of the academy, the training ground and
scouting system.
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THE LOWDOWN: WEST HAM V EVERTON - Evertonfc.com
by Claire Boden | Published: Friday, 14 December 2007, 8:16
This is the 53rd league between the clubs at Upton Park in the league, past
record is:
P52 W17 D13 L22 F71 A82
In the Premier League we have the following head-to-head record:
P W D L
Home 12 8 2 2
Away 12 4 4 4
Total 24 12 6 6
Last season we were defeated 1-0 in April at West Ham in the Premier League
after winning 2-0 at Goodison when Leon Osman and James Vaughan found the
net. Our last league win on the ground was 1-0 in October 2002 with Lee
Carsley scoring the only goal.
We have beaten the Hammers 6-0 (in May 1999) and 5-0 at Goodison in the
Premier League and our 4-0 win at Upton Park in Feb 2000 is our best away
win since 1992.
David Moyes and Alan Curbishley have met 11 times as managers with the Blues
boss winning four and drawing two.
The Goals
The last hat-trick in the fixture was the three scored by Nick Barmby at
Upton Park in February 2000 and the last at Goodison was Kevin Campbell in
May 1999 – West Ham are the only side we have scored two hat-tricks against
in the Premier League. No West Ham player has scored three since Jimmy
Ruffell in 1931.
James McFadden remains on 49 career goals at club level.
The Players
The last Everton player sent-off was Alan Irvine at Upton Park in 1982 with
the last Hammers player dismissed being Stuart Pearce in March 2001.
It will be Leon Osman's 100th league start and Joseph Yobo's 150th league
start (both for Everton) should they begin on Saturday.
General
This is our 300th away fixture in the Premier League, our record so far is:
P299 W71 D79 L149 F299 A460
If we avoid defeat on Saturday it will be our longest unbeaten run under
David Moyes, a total of 12 matches, and our best since 18 matches without
defeat between December 1985 – March 1986.
The last team we played in consecutive fixtures before West Ham was Chelsea
in the League Cup and then the league in December 2002.
Everton are unbeaten in their last six away matches in all competitions and
last six Premier League matches. Only Arsenal can beat our total of 29
league goals this season.
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WE HAVE TO FOCUS - evertonfc.com
by Scott McLeod | Published: Friday, 14 December 2007, 8:43
Leon Osman has warned that complacency could prove Everton's undoing when
the Blues take on West Ham at Upton Park for the second time in 72 hours on
Saturday. The midfielder netted the first of Everton's two goals in
Wednesday night's 2-1 victory over the Hammers in the Carling Cup
quarter-final. It means Everton are now preparing for their first cup
semi-final for 13 years - and the famous FA Cup triumph over Tottenham. But
the thrill of that forthcoming challenge should not be allowed to deflect
Everton's attentions from the return to Premier League action at Upton Park
. He told evertonTV: "We have to put this right behind us now. It was great
to have won here to put us into the semi-finals of the cup but that game is
done now. There is no point in dwelling on it – we have got to prepare for
Saturday now and hopefully come away with the same result."
Wednesday's result means Everton are now unbeaten for 11 games since the
derby defeat to Liverpool at Goodison. Osman is quick to point out, however,
that such a fine run of form, which has included nine victories, does not
guarantee any player a place in the side. He adds: "We have brought a squad
of about 20 down with us. There were some great players that did not make
the bench which is disappointing for them. "This run has been enjoyable. It
has been a lot of hard work but we are all happy to put the work in – the
results have been good so far."
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Tim issues West Ham warning - TeamTalk
Tim Cahill has warned Everton should not get too carried away with their cup
success - because West Ham will come roaring back this weekend. Aiyegbeni
Yakubu struck a late winner at Upton Park on Wednesday to put the Toffees
through to the Carling Cup semi-finals for the first time since 1988. Cahill
hailed it as "a very big moment for Everton Football Club". But attention
has already turned to the sides' rematch at the same venue, in the Premier
League, on Saturday. The Australian said: "I can't emphasise how much we
need to keep our feet on the floor. There is no way in hell that we will
think that, just because we won Wednesday night, we will win at the weekend
- because they are a good football club. "The cup is a competition we want
to do well in - and we are in the semi-final now. We enjoyed that the other
night but now we have to concentrate on West Ham at the weekend, because
they will come back firing. "We are definitely wary there will be backlash
but we have to prepare in the same way. "It is a quick turnaround for us,
and we have to make sure we are in the right shape to take on an in-form
West Ham team on Saturday."
Nevertheless, Everton realise what an excellent opportunity they now have to
win their first silverware since beating Manchester United in the 1995 FA
Cup final.
They had trailed to a Carlton Cole goal on Wednesday, but Leon Osman
levelled before Yakubu scrambled in his 88th-minute clincher. "The gaffer
said to every single player and the staff how much it meant to everyone,"
Cahill, 28, added. "It is good to have this success. "We talked before the
game how important this was to us and how hard it would be to go to a place
like that."
"We went down in the first half. But you could see we were playing a lot of
football and trying to penetrate West Ham, and we got the rewards." Cahill
also had high praise for Nigeria forward Yakubu, who has now scored 10 goals
in all competitions. "He is very important for us," he said. "He is a big
boy; he holds the ball up, brings people into play and causes some trouble.
"You saw that at the end, where he got into West Ham's faces - and
fortunately the ball fell to him. He is an opportunist. "Yak's form is
priceless, and his goal statistics speak for themselves."
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