The arrival of a new England manager has left Alan Curbishley hopeful for a
few of his regular players
07.01.2008
Alan Curbishley has suggested Fabio Capello makes a trip to the City of
Manchester next week to see his West Ham United take on Manchester City in
the FA Cup
"Perhaps he should come and watch the replay," the manager said, in response
to a question about the Italian coach starting work today in charge of
England's footballing fortunes. As illustrated by the 0-0 third-round draw
against Sven-Goran Eriksson's side at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday,
Curbishley felt Capello would do well to take notice of the defensive
resilience within both teams.
"For all the expansive stuff that Man City are playing, their two
centre-halves are very strong and Micah Richards is playing ever so well,"
said a gracious Curbishley about the visitors' strength. He was equally
praiseworthy about his own back five, revealing he had taken Robert Green
and his defenders aside last week to commend them on their role in "where we
are at the moment".
He added: "I pulled them in and said 'you have stood firm'. I have been
delighted with what they have done. We probably look at it and think we need
a little bit more going the other way - we all know that. The fans are
appreciating what we are trying to do - it is a bit difficult at the moment.
We knew [City] was going to be a tough one. I have been delighted with what
we have done all season. I keep saying it, especially defensively."
The new England manager is regarded for getting strong rearguard
performances from his sides, and Curbishley expects him to give fair
consideration to the likes of Green - who was watched by FA goalkeeping
coach Ray Clemence on Saturday - and Matthew Upson. "We have got a clean
slate with Capello coming in. Everybody should be looking and thinking if 'I
play well, i've got a chance' We are in a situation now where he goes on
what he sees. That's what Sven did and perhaps that's what Capello will do
regarding all the positions.
"If you have just landed and started watching the Premier League for a
couple of weeks, you pick the players you have seen doing well. It is an
interesting time for everybody connected with England. Player wise, they
should be looking forward to the games and trying to impress." As well as
Green and Upson, Curbishley believed the likes of Scott Parker, Kieron Dyer
and Dean Ashton will harbour legitimate aspirations in future.
Speaking of the No9, Ashton, who competed well against the form partnership
of Richards and Richard Dunne, demonstrated his willingness with a late
header against City that very nearly won it for the home side. "I was
desperate for him to score with the header because whatever situation he
finds himself in he's scored more goals than most - even with the football
he's played," the manager added.
"The problem I have got with all these players coming back is they are
trying to get fit in the Premier League. That's my problem at the moment and
Deano is in a similar situation. It is very difficult and you have got to
try and get results as well. But we will soldier on, we can't do anything
else - as I said we did put out our strongest side again and that's what we
will do on Saturday [in the league] against Fulham and again at Man City -
because that's what we have got."
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Bellamy and Zamora working hard - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora are both battling away to return to fitness
for West Ham United
07.01.2008
Alan Curbishley has updated on the progress of Craig Bellamy and Bobby
Zamora as the injury situation begins to clear at the Boleyn Ground.
With the likes of James Collins, Lee Bowyer, Luis Boa Morte and Julien
Faubert all hopeful of featuring for the reserves away to Aston Villa on
Monday evening, the manager revealed the two forwards who started the season
at the head of the West Ham United attack were getting closer. "Slowly they
are coming back which is great for us but we need everyone back now," he
said.
"Bellamy is running," Curbishley added, when asked about his 28-year-old
summer signing, who scored four goals in eight games before being sidelined
at the end of October with an abdominal injury. "We are hopeful he is going
to be not too long. The first game of the season against Manchester City,
Bellamy and Zamora started up front. They both look as if they are going to
start full training together."
In an exclusive interview with the matchday programme on Saturday, Zamora
revealed his desire to return from his knee injury as soon as possible -
having been out since 28 August. "I thought I would be back playing by now
and I have already missed half a season so I am just desperate to get back.
If getting in early and doing a bit extra means that, then I am happy to do
it.
The 26-year-old, who reiterated his commitment to his boyhood club, added:
"It is has been very frustrating but it is part and parcel of football so
you take it on the chin, work and hard and get back as soon as you can.
That's what I am working on and will hopefully be back playing soon. I am
jogging and strengthening at the moment so hopefully I am not too far off
joining in full training."
While a number are on their way back, right-back John Pantsil and forward
Henri Camara have gone off to represent Ghana and Senegal respectively at
the African Cup of Nations. Both players will hope to be away until the
middle of next month - with the final of the continental championship due to
be played on 10 February.
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Upson hoping to earn Capello call - WHUFC
Matthew Upson is banking on his continued progress for West Ham United
attracting Fabio Capello's interest
06.01.2008
Matthew Upson is eager for his good form to attract the attention of Fabio
Capello with the England manager starting his new role on Monday.
"I hope so," the central defender said in an exclusive interview with WHUTV.
"I like to think that everyone's coming from a clean sheet and that he makes
his opinion on everyone on how they are playing and what their form is.
That's all you can ask for. I will keep doing my best - working hard,
looking to improve - and see how far it takes me."
The 28-year-old, who won the last of his seven caps as a substitute against
Spain in November 2004, is also backing Robert Green to earn a recall in the
squad to face Switzerland at Wembley on 6 February. "Greeny has been pretty
safe all season. Everyone was commenting on how he wasn't in the squad when
Steve McClaren was manager and he had quite a lot of backing from the public
and the media. Robert is due a call-up and is one of our top three
goalkeepers in the country."
Upson, fast approaching a year in east London, is the only outfield player
at the club who has not missed a minute of the league campaign. The West Ham
United defender was imperious again on Saturday, this time in FA Cup
third-round action, and even took the captain's armband in the second half
of the 0-0 home draw against Manchester City when Lucas Neill limped off
with a tight hamstring.
"If you look at the two defensive records, a draw was quite likely," he
said, reflecting on a tight weekend contest in which chances were at a
premium and means the sides will do battle again on 16 January. "We probably
didn't create as many chances as we'd like. They play on the break quite a
lot and with a lot of pace so we have to be aware of that. It was two good
defensive performances from both teams.
The towering display came on the back of a busy week that saw three games
against all but one of the top four sides in the country. As last week, when
Upson's headed winner ensured a 2-1 home league victory against Manchester
United, the club more than held their own. "A draw was a fair result,
looking at the overall game. We pressurised them a lot and possibly in the
last 15 minutes it looked like we were the most likely to score but we are
still in the cup."
With both teams involved in Mondays' fourth-round draw before the replay on
Wednesday week, Upson is well aware that pundits may be tipping City to go
through - given their strong home form at the City of Manchester Stadium.
"It is going to be difficult away but we will look forward to it. It is a
big cup tie for both teams so early on [in the competition]. We both want to
go through and go as far as we can so it is a very important game."
The replay will be followed by a league meeting at the same venue four days
later, something that Upson acknowledges will be tricky for both sides, and
the fans, to deal with. "It's not ideal to have to go up there twice in four
days but that's life," he said. "We have to go there, give a good account of
ourselves and deal with it."
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FA Cup draw this afternoon - WHUFC
whufc.com will have full coverage of the FA Cup fourth-round draw from
1.30pm
07.01.2008
West Ham United will learn their potential FA Cup fourth-round opponents
from 1.30pm today.
With the club facing a third-round replay against Manchester City at the
City of Manchester Stadium on Wednesday 16 January - click here for ticket
details - all concerned will be aware of the need to focus on the task at
hand before contemplating the next stage. The two sides drew 0-0 at the
Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
Hammers legend Sir Trevor Brooking will oversee the draw from FA
headquarters at Soho Square, London. The fourth-round matches are due to be
played on the weekend of 26/27 January. Return here from 1.30pm to learn our
draw fate.
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West Ham 0-0 Manchester City - West Ham Online
Biscuits - Sun Jan 6 2008
This wasn't exactly a rip-roaring classic the FA Cup might have required
from two Premier League teams, but despite the lack of goals, it was by no
means drab. West Ham and Manchester City could probably do without the
replay in ten days time back on City's patch, but stout defensive displays
from each team rendered their hopes valueless.
Both sides could have won it. Both could have lost it. A draw was a fair
result. Anything else would perhaps have been harsh on defences which
featured excellent performances from Matthew Upson and Anton Ferdinand and
Richard Dunne and Micah Richards at either end of the pitch. Backed up by
two England goalkeeping hopefuls in Robert Green and Joe Hart, a goal was
never forthcoming.
City won 2-0 here back on the opening day of the season, one of two league
victories away from home this season. Inspired by Elano, West Ham had no
answer, but the Brazilian was struck down by flu yesterday and his absence
from Sven Goran Eriksson's line-up was met with welcome relief by all with
West Ham's best interests at heart.
Even without their talisman however, City just about edged the opening
exchanges. Martin Petrov gave the Hammers captain Lucas Neill such a torrid
time on the left, the Australian full back was withdrawn at half-time. His
withdrawal was put down to a tight hamstring, something the more cynical may
take issue with.
Petrov ought to have been awarded a penalty after 17 minutes when tripped by
Ferdinand but Rob Styles saw nothing wrong with the challenge. The Hammers
faithful drew in a large intake of breath. Then the Bulgarian's deep cross
found Stephen Ireland, whose fierce volley was superbly turned over by
Green.
Hart was busy too, Etherington producing a volley of his own which was
parried at the near post. George McCartney curled a free kick into the
stanchion, before Mark Noble tried his luck, Hart proving equal to the
youngster's cheeky curler. Up the other end, Petrov caused havoc again, and
when debutant Nery Castillo appeared certain to give City the lead,
Ferdinand's last ditch tackle prompted grateful applause.
West Ham grew in the second half though. Despite missing so many injured
players, driven by the tireless Noble they threatened to overpower City's
five man midfield at times. Each attack, however, was met with clearance
after clearance by City's stern defence. All the hosts lacked was that
killer touch in the final third, as for all their pressure, they created
little. A clutch midfielders may return for the replay, and will make a
difference.
City's threat came here and there, Green again denying Ireland's volley-
eventually there won't be enough superlatives- and Petrov, quieter, sent a
cross on to the bar. By then, the visitors were offering precious little.
For West Ham, if only Dean Ashton was fitter. He and Carlton Cole linked up
well to trouble Dunne and Richards, and when Ashton was twice played in by
Cole, he was too slow to turn and reach the ball. He retains predatory
instincts however, and with seven minutes remaining, he was nearly the hero,
heading Kyel Reid's cross at goal. Hart tipped over. It was the best chance
of the match. In stoppage time, West Ham forced one last set piece. Noble
delivered, Cole headed on and Vedran Corluka's arm appeared to get in the
way. Penalty? A replay suggests otherwise.
Green- He made two excellent saves from Ireland and was generally sound
plucking crosses out of the air. 8
Neill- Given a torrid time by Petrov. He wanted to deal with the winger by
pushing him off the pitch, but he was too slow to catch him and his
substitution was correct. 5
Ferdinand- Lucky to escape for his 'foul' on Petrov, he was otherwise
assured and produced one moment of outstanding defending. 8
Upson- After a poor game at Arsenal, he showed his true colours yesterday. 8
McCartney- He misjudged the flight on one cross to allow Ireland in, yet was
rarely at fault again and supported Etherington well. 7
Pantsil- A cult hero and loads of effort, but he didn't have the same impact
as against United. 6
Mullins- He won't win you a game, but he helped to ensure the midfield
battle was closely fought. 7
Noble- After a spell out of the team, he has his place back. He buzzed about
the pitch all the time, snapped into tackles and made decent passes, but he
was just unable to create that one good chance. 8 MOM
Etherington- It was good to see him back in the team offering width. Should
have scored and eventually tired. 6
Ashton- He can perform acts other strikers can't, and his touch remains on
song. He's too heavy though. Whether it's bulk or fat, he needs to lose it
because otherwise he just won't be able to move or turn like a striker
should be able to. Capello wouldn't give him the time of day. 6
Cole- He got better as the game went on after initially struggling and
became so confident he was pulling off flicks and tricks. 7
Spector- Nearly one back header of doom but slotted well into the right back
position, handling Petrov well. 7
Reid- Short on confidence and reluctant to take his man on, but produced a
few dangerous crosses. 6
Bowyer- Back from injury, he had little time to get involved. 6
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Hammers in for Hungarian Under-21 star - FansFC
09:09 January, 7, 2008
Zsolt Korcsmar is poised for a move to Upton Park. The Ujpest Dosza
centre-half impressed manager Alan Curbishley in a recent trial and will
complete his move during January.He could be joined in East London by
highly-rated Argentine youngster Nicolas Mazzola.
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West Ham 0-0 Man City - The Mirror
By Neil McLeman 07/01/2008
Alan Curbishley has urged Fabio Capello to watch West Ham's replay against
Manchester City next week to size up potential England players from outside
the Big Four. The Hammers boss was the Charlton manager when Sven Goran
Eriksson named left-back Chris Powell in his first squad in 2001.
Sunderland's Gavin McCann and Middlesbrough's Ugo Ehiogu also received
surprise call-ups in the debut 31-man party for a foreign manager. Now
Curbishley reckons another new England boss from overseas has the chance to
bring a fresh perspective and pick players on performances and not their
reputations or clubs. And the two goalkeepers which ensured this third round
tie remained goalless, Robert Green and Joe Hart, will have to be high on
the list of candidates on their current form. "He should come and have a
look at the replay," said Curbishley after a game featuring 12 English
starters. "though given our injury problems, he should ring us first and see
who we have got playing! "But I think that there is a clean slate with
Capello coming in. "What we had until last Saturday was a bit of a spine of
English players with Scott Parker in central midfield. "The players should
be looking forward to the games and trying to impress. I know that (England
scout) Ray Clemence was here today. "It is like when Sven came in, in his
first squad, he picked Chris Powell. It was because of all the games he
watched, he was one of the best left backs. "Perhaps you get a situation
where he goes on what he sees - that is what Sven did. "Sven looked at all
the unfashionable teams. He just landed and was watching the league for a
couple of weeks and you pick the players that you have seen doing well.
"Perhaps that is what Capello will do regarding all the positions. It is an
interesting time for everyone connected with England."
In a game of honest endeavour but lacking true class in the final third -
Elano was sick and Dean Ashton offcolour - the two goalkeepers stood out.
Green, who won his only England cap as a sub against Colombia in 2005, kept
out two efforts from Stephen Ireland to keep West Ham's first clean sheet
for six games.
Along with Matthew Upson, Curbishley praised his consistency for playing
every second of every game this season. Hart, the England Under-21
international who has won the race to be the City No 1, made fine firsthalf
stops from Matt Etherington and Mark Noble and tipped away a late Ashton
header. But after his first experience of FA Cup football, Eriksson was less
keen to push Hart's case for immediate inclusion - or offer Capello any
advice. "I will not be naming any squad," he smiled. "Micah Richards has
been playing regularly lately and I suppose he will be picked. "I have not
been travelling to watch the others. I have always said Joe Hart one day
will be picked for the first team but it is not my job. "And I am not saying
he should be picked now because it is too early. I think he will be better
and better. But please, ask Capello who he will pick."
City's little Mexican striker Nery Castillo made a bright opening to his
debut but faded while the stalemate was emphasised by two good penalty
shouts being denied by referee Rob Styles. Anton Ferdinand appeared to upend
City winger Martin Petrov midway through the first half while in the last
action of the game, Hammers Carlton Cole's goalbound header struck Vedran
Corluka's raised hands.
ATTENDANCE: 33,806
Man Of The Match: Hart
RATINGS
West Ham: Green 9, Neill 6 (Spector 46,6), Ferdinand 6 Upson 8, McCartney 7,
Pantsil 6, Noble 7, Mullins 7 (Bowyer 75, 3) Etherington 7 (Reid 69, 4)
Ashton 6, Cole 6.
Man City: Hart 9, Onuoha 7, Dunne 8, Richards 8, Ball 6, Ireland 7 (Etuhu
66, 4), Corluka 6, Hamann 7, Petrov 8, Castillo 7 (Gelson 72, 6), Vassell 6
(Bianchi 79).
Referee: ROB STYLES
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West Ham turn to Portsmouth striker Nugent
tribalfootball.com - January 06, 2008
West Ham are considering a move for Portsmouth striker David Nugent. Manager
Alan Curbishley was keen to persuade Darren Bent to join on loan from Spurs,
but that is likely to be blocked. However, taking Nugent away from
Portsmouth may not be straightforward as Harry Redknapp needs cover for the
strikers he will lose to the Africa Nations Cup.
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West Ham wrapping up signing of Argie whiz Mazzola
tribalfooball.com - January 06, 2008
Argentine teenage wonder striker Nicolas Mazzola is wanted by West Ham
United boss Alan Curbishley. The People says the Independiente kid, who
played for his country in the Under-17 World Youth Cup in Korea earlier this
campaign, has already been over for secret talks. Now Hammers, who loved
and lost Carlos Tevez last season, could have found a player of similar
South American style and swagger. And Curbishley may be able to land him
for a knockdown fee of around £1million up front. Sources in Argentina
reveal that Mazzola, who has already cracked the first team at
Independiente, was first spotted by the Hammers in the Korean tournament by
Trevor Brooking, who tipped them off about his ability. Mazzola, 18 later
this month, was approached and gladly came for a look at the facilities in
East London, with a move now likely to be sorted out before the end of the
window.
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West Ham to land defender Korcsmar
tribalfootball.com - January 06, 2008
Hungarian Under-21 defender Zsolt Korcsmar is interesting West Ham United.
The tall Ujpest Dosza centre half has been in for a 'test' and has been
asked back soon, with a view to a full-time capture.
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Everton, West Ham go for Ipswich starlet Haynes
tribalfootball.com - January 06, 2008
A host of Premiership clubs are chasing Ipswich Town winger Danny Haynes.
Ipswich's £2million-rated midfield sensation Haynes, 19, is heading for the
Premier League - with Everton, West Ham and Wigan set to spark a bidding
war.
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Spurs fight Hammers and Boro for Portuguese stars
Last updated at 13:47pm on 6th January 2008
Spurs and West Ham are locked in a fight to bring Tiago Mendes back to the
Premier League. The Portugal midfielder spent a season at Chelsea but things
have not worked out for the 26-year-old after moving to Juventus from Lyon
for £9.5million this season. Spurs are also in a battle with Middlesbrough
for Portuguese star Maniche. Boro boss Gareth Southgate has equired about
the Athletico Madrid midfielder, who has slipped down the pecking order this
season, but Tottenham have also been monitoring the situation for the last
couple of months, according to na report in the News Of The World.
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Haynes Off? - Singing The Blues
By Aston January 6 2008
Today's tabloid newspapers are linking Town striker Danny Haynes with a move
to either Everton, West Ham or Wigan on the cards. Haynes is reportedly
worth around £2million by the three sides as he still has 2 and a half year
left to run on his contract at Town. Wigan are also reportedly interested in
signing Jon Walters. Gary Roberts is reportedly a target of Swansea and
Leeds after fell down the pecking order at Town. Town are reportedly keen on
signing Luton's David Bell, the 23-year-old has scored 4 goals for Luton
this season, he could be joined at Portman Road by Andy Gray but Charlton
look to be front runners to sign him after reportedly making a £1 million
bid for the striker. Cardiff's Paul Parry is also reported to be a target of
Town.
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