After a long absence, Matthew Etherington is the latest first-teamer to make their playing return this summer
29.07.2008
Matthew Etherington is glad to be back in action after coming through his first taste of first-team football for more than five months.
The left winger got a scheduled 45 minutes in the 3-2 defeat by the MLS All-Stars last Thursday night on the state of the art Fieldturf surface in Toronto although it remains to be seen whether he will play again against his former club Peterborough United on Tuesday. "It was my first bit of action since the start of February so I was just pleased to be out there to be honest," Etherington said, having been declared fit to play after his groin troubles.
"With the current injury I have had, it was probably not the best surface for me to have my first game on but it was good to be out there and I got 45 minutes under my belt. It was always the plan for me just to play a half. I am looking forward to the remainder of the pre-season games. I am sure Peterborough will be a tough game, Darren Ferguson has done very well there."
The midweek contest will be a far cry from the high-profile match against the MLS All-Stars and Etherington was left upbeat by the experience. "It was a good game to be involved in. It was only our third game back and they are in the middle of their pre-season but it was good to be involved and they are games you want to play in. They are a lot more into their season than we are but the atmosphere was great and it was enjoyable."
The first-half run-out for the 26-year-old Etherington was followed by Luis Boa Morte in the second half. In both players' absence against Columbus Crew the previous weekend, Kyel Reid occupied the left flank and turned in a solid performance. After the Peterborough fixture, a West Ham United XI will go to Cambridge United on Wednesday evening.
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Bellamy at the double again - WHUFC
The Wales captain scored his third and fourth goals of the summer in a fine win at Peterborough
29.07.2008
Peterborough United 0-2 West Ham United
Craig Bellamy was on target twice as West Ham United won with a strong performance at Peterborough tonight.
The striker showed his growing sharpness by grabbing his second brace of the pre-season so far. He put West Ham United into the lead at London Road after just three minutes and then followed it up with a second just before half-time. The match marked the debut in West Ham United colours for new signing Valon Behrami who put in a strong performance at right-back in a defence which saw Matthew Upson in his second game in three days, partnering Anton Ferdinand in the centre. Captain Lucas Neill switched to left -back.
West Ham United got off to a perfect start, when Bellamy picked up on a good ball from Scott Parker. He made a good run before rounding Posh keeper Joe Lewis and sliding the ball into the back of the net. Julien Faubert was linking up well in a bustling midfield alongside Parker, Mark Noble and Kyel Reid, while Behrami was not afraid to get into the mix with a number of tackles to win the ball.
Peterborough had chances and tested visiting keeper Robert Green in the first half, but the robust Green was in no mood to let the home side in, as he made a one-handed save to deny an acrobatic shot by Aaron Mclean and a finger-tip save to deny Peterborough on the half-hour mark. Craig Mackail-Smith and Posh captain Craig Morgan then had near chances before West Ham United went further ahead.
The goal came in the 42nd minute in a move started at the back by Neill who sent over a good ball which was met perfectly by the forward-running Bellamy. The Welsh international simply lifted the ball over the keeper and into the net. There were no changes at the start of the second half for Alan Curbishley's men and it was an equally good start as Behrami and Noble tried shots which went wide.
Peterborough were in determined mood still and were trying to force West Ham United back as much as possible - getting into the box and sending the ball just wide, with McLean and Mackail-Smith testing the defence. Behrami was replaced on 66 minutes - to rapturous applause from the visiting fans who he acknowledged by clapping his hands in their direction - by Joe Widdowson who was making his first appearance since returning home from the successful tour of the US and Canada.
Peterborough came within an inch of grabbing something only for George Boyd's shot to hit the post and come bouncing back out. Curbishley made a double substitution on 69 minutes with Green replaced by young goalkeeper Marek Stech and Bellamy making way for Freddie Sears. Alfie Potter gave Stech his first real test on 74 minutes but the upcoming keeper got down well to save.
At the other end, Sears ran on to a ball on the right-hand side sending a good cross over only for it to sail just wide. Junior Stanislas came on for Reid on 82 minutes followed by Jack Collison who replace Anton Ferdinand minutes later. Sears again tested the home defence with a swinging shot that went wide of the post. It proved to be another good work-out for Curbishley's men who finished the game as strongly as they had started.
Peterborough United: Joe Lewis, Russell Martin, Shane Blackett, Craig Morgan, (capt), Charlie Lee, Aaron McLean, George Boyd, Dean Keates, Craig Mackail-Smith, Chris Whelpdale, Tom Williams.
Subs: Chris Westwood, Scott Rendell, Micah Hyde, James McKeown, Kieran Charnock, Alfie Potter, Paul Coutts, Shaun Batt.
West Ham United: Robert Green, Lucas Neill (Capt), Anton Ferdinand, Matthew Upson, Valon Behrami, Scott Parker, Julien Faubert, Craig Bellamy, Kyel Reid, Carlton Cole, Mark Noble.
Subs: Marek Stech, Joe Widdowson, Calum Davenport, Tony Stokes, Jack Collison, Hayden Mullins, Junior Stanislas, Freddie Sears.
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West Ham United 2-0 Peterborough FT - WHUFC
All the action as it happens from Tuesday night's contest which features Valon Behrami's debut
29.07.2008
Pre-season friendly
London Road
Kick-off: 7.45pm
90min - Upson does well again to get the ball away.
88min - It looks like being another good result for Curbishley's men. Parker and Noble have been particularly impressive.
87min - Sears goes close. The young striker always looks a threat.
86min - The match sponsors have just named Peterborough's George Boyd as their man of the match. The No10 did play well. Meanwhile, Anton Ferdinand is coming off for Jack Collison. The No5 has played well and claps the travelling fans.
84min - Smart stop by Stech at his near-post from Potter.
82min - Cole has been tireless and just goes close with a snap-shot. Off comes Kyel Reid for Junior Stanislas.
81min - Sears flashes one wide. The game has become a bit disjointed since all the changes.
76min - 5,352 fans have witnessed what has been a competitive contest,
74min - Cole goes close with a shot on the turn before the 18-year-old Stech makes a smart stop at the other end.
70min - Green goes off to a good reception with Marek Stech entering in his place. Bellamy goes off with Freddie Sears arriving. Posh have taken off Morgan for Charnock and Boyd makes way for Alfie Potter.
69min - Peterborough have not given up this contest. The changes made by Darren Ferguson have energised the side. To sum that up, Boyd smashes a low drive against the post.
66min - Widdowson is on for Behrami. It has been a good first appearance for the Swiss international. Curbishley gives him a pat on the back. ANother change for Posh as Charlie Lee makes way for Micah Hyde. With Widdowson on, Neill has reverted to right-back.
64min - Outstanding tackle by Upson on Batt. Joe Widdowson is getting ready to come on.
63min - Good play by Boyd ends with a shot at goal that Upson clears. He worked his way well into the area on the left-hand side.
60min - Four changes for Peterborough. Chris Westwood, Paul Coutts, Scott Rendell and Shaun Batt are on for Shane Blackett, Aaron Mclean, Dean Keates and Chris Whelpdale.
60min - Upson then gets in the way of Reid's shot from the resulting corner. Nothing the England defender could do about it.
59min - Posh free-kick just outside the area comes to nothing. Parker sets Bellamy away on the counterattack and Bellamy tees up Reid, only for the left-winger to be denied by a last-ditch block.
58min - Bellamy nearly sets Cole on goal but the pass is just too strong and it runs through to Lewis.
56min - Noble lofts one just wide after being picked out by Parker. The two have combined well in midfield.
54min - Behrami flashes a shot wide of the post. It came at the end of a sweeping move.
53min - Dean Keates goes close with a half-volley after more good approach play. Green had it covered though.
51min - Noble shoots for goal but Lewis was never worried. Boyd breaks at the other end but Behrami and Ferdinand close well. Peterborough retain possession and Boyd should have scored with a free header from Martin's cross.
49min - Upson has looked comfortable on only his second game this summer. He played 75 minutes at Thurrock on Saturday.
47min - Neill nearly gets Cole away. He has looked comfortable at left-back, a position he knows well from his time at Blackburn Rovers.
46min - We are under way with no half-time changes.
Half-time - 0-2
45min - Cole turns well after receiving the ball with his back to goal. His shot just flashes wide.
44min - Neill is back defending now and does well to shepherd the ball back to Green. Bellamy now has four goals in his three games this pre-season.
42min - GOAL! - Another delightful goal by Bellamy. He got in behind and chipped the keeper superbly after a long pass forward from Neill.
40min - The refere is talking to Faubert and Williams. No cards are issued though.
38min - Behrami goes down in the box after neat build-up involving Bellamy and Parker. Only a corner is given though. From it, Reid flashes a shot that is not too far from Lewis's right-hand post.
34min - Behrami is penalised for a foul on George Boyd just outside the penalty area. Moments earlier, Boyd had forced another good save from Green. Russell Martin's free-kick is too long.
31min - Peterborough are not giving the visitors an inch. There is lots of pressure on the ball and Alan Curbishley's side are having to be on their toes. A good game.
29min - Behrami is enjoying this. He gets the better of two men before laying the ball off. When forced into a defensive clearance seconds later, he denies Mclean with a timely challenge.
28min - Bellamy's free-kick goes straight into the wall. After his follow-up is blocked, Peterborough break and Behrami is penalised for a foul.
27min - The temperature is rising. Cole back on does well after Faubert leaves two defenders in his wake. However, the West Ham United striker is fouled 25 yards from goal.
25min - Noble is penalised for a foul. Peterborough have the chance to cause trouble in the area but Neill clears and then Ferdinand puts pressure on the ball to deny a shot on goal.
23min - A lovely flick by Behrami nearly creates an opening in the penalty area. Bellamy is then flagged for offside.
21min - Green tips over from Peterborough captain Craig Morgan's header.
19min - Cole is off the field getting treatment after appearing to be winded by the ball. Faubert meanwhile crosses again but the danger is cleared.
18min - A fantastic one-handed save by Robert Green denies Aaron McLean after the Peterborough No9 was able to acrobatically connect with a cross into the box,
15min - Good tracking by Cole to deny Tom Williams. Alan Curbishley will be pleased with the efforts this evening.
12min - Kyel Reid does well to find space on the left before fizzing a cross into the area. It just eludes the away attackers though.
10min - Faubert wins a corner and takes it himself from the right. Cole flicks on but no one is able to meet it.
9min - West Ham United are dominating the play with Carlton Cole and Bellamy seeing lots of the ball and Noble and Parker lively behind.
7min - Lucas Neill lofts a pass forward for Noble but Lewis is just able to claim.
5min - Faubert strides clear through the middle. He gets 30 yards from goal and then tries his luck from range. The play is quickly switched and a good sliding tackle by Parker clears the danger.
5min - Valon Behrami plays a neat pass inside to Parker. The play is switched to the left flank but Peterborough gain possession.
3min - GOAL! 0-1 Craig Bellamy races away from the defence after Scott Parker's pass and slots the ball in after roundig Joe Lewis.
1min - Peterborough get us under way. However, the ball is won quickly by the visitors and Julien Faubert races away on the right before a strong tackle.
Kick-off delayed until 7.55pm
Welcome to the London Road home of Peterborough United for the club's fourth pre-season friendly. Valon Behrami will make his debut for the club at right-back with Lucas Neill at left-back. Craig Bellamy, who missed out against the MLS All-Stars, and Mark Noble are both back. Bellamy will be partnered by Carlton Cole with Dean Ashton, who has been feeling unwell this week, sitting out following his good form on the club's tour to North America. It is hoped he will return to feature at Southampton.
Peterborough United: Lewis, Martin, Morgan, Lee, Blackett, McLean, Boyd, Keates, Mackail-Smith, Whelpdale, WIlliams
Subs: Westwood, Rendell, Hyde, McKeown, Charnock, Potter, Coutts, Batt
West Ham United: Green, Behrami, Ferdinand, Upson, Neill, Faubert, Parker, Noble, Reid, Cole, Bellamy
Subs: Stech, Widdowson, Davenport, Mullins, Collison, Stokes, Stanislas, Sears
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Ladies cruise to Lewes win - WHUFC
Tony Marshall's side are looking good for the new season after an impressive weekend performance
29.07.2008
West Ham United 8-1 Lewes
West Ham United Ladies have enjoyed a tremendous start to their pre-season campaign with a fine victory against Lewes following last week's 2-0 against Aston Villa.
The win against Lewes on Sunday was the first game played by Tony Marshall's side at the Ship Lane home of Thurrock FC, their new home for the 2008/09 campaign. The impressive stadium has a fitting surface for the Ladies' passing game. It was also significant because it was away to Lewes last year that Marshall and assistant Alex Bonner's Southern Premier League hopefuls began the previous pre-season - going down 3-1 on a disappointing day.
What a difference a year makes with a side that included five new signings and without both first choice strikers, it was a performance full of pace and power with the goals spread between six players. The match included full debuts for striker Leah Cowan, who joins from Arsenal, and also Rosey Sullivan an England U-17 centre back signed from Leyton Orient.
The temperatures were in the 80's but after the hard work put in to date on fitness the girls begun the game at full speed with Jess Barling opening the scoring with a 25 yarder placed into the top corner after five minutes quickly followed by a Sam Pittuck cross shot and a very neat left foot finish from Claire Rogers - both from outside the box.
Some very good one-touch play led to new signing Cowans receiving the ball at her feet on the penalty spot who turned sharply and side stepped two defenders and placed the ball in the bottom corner. Finally a sweet passing move ended with a superb cross field ball from Claire Rogers met by Natalie Grafton at the far post. Other positives were Toni Munro not having to make a save and vice-captain Carly Roache leading by example.
After the break, Lewes struck a consolation but normal service was resumed when Natalie Grafton beat the defence to score before Pittuck added a second. The final goal of the night came when Dani Hoy tapped in from a Natalie Grafton cross. The pre-season games continue thick and fast with Chelsea, of the Northern Premier League, on Thursday before a match away to another team from that division in Broxbourne FC on Sunday.
The pre-season had begun on 22 July with a 2-0 win at Aston Villa after five weeks of intensive fitness and conditioning work at Chadwell Heath. It was a chance for a first look at most of the season's new signings and also allowed Marshall to give some Under-16s, treble winners last season, knowledge of a higher level of football. A towering header from Julia Stepford and a close-range nod from Pittuck did the damage just before half-time.
Much of the good progress can be pointed to the summer programme. Marshall said: "After a great end to last season which highlighted we have the ability to push for promotion we decided that we would commence pre-season early on 17 June. This was a week of testing and planning for the senior squad as last season we highlighted a couple of weaknesses in our fitness levels and also squad size.
"We have brought in the expertise of an outside fitness trainer Roy Nixon who has been focusing on core strength, stamina and speed and the girls have been working very hard. We have also utilised the services of Craig Smith who works at the WHU academy as a conditioning coach helping the girls on their diet and stretching and recovery techniques." Praise has also been given to Academy coach Paul Heffer for his support.
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Bellamy brace beats Boro'... - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 29th July 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer
Two first half goals from Craig Bellamy were enough to give United victory over Peterborough United at London Road this evening. Bellamy made a welcome return to the first XI having been spared the trials of Toronto's plastic pitch against the MLS All Stars. The match also marked the first appearance of Valeron Behrami following his move from Lazio. A notable absentee was Dean Ashton though the striker is expected to return for Friday's trip to Southampton. Hammers took the lead in the 4th minute as Bellamy latched onto a Scott Parker pass and rounded the 'keeper before slotting into an empty net. The Welsh striker doubled the lead on 42 minutes breaking clear following a long pass from Lucas Neill - who was playing at left back to accommodate Behrami on the right. Bellamy's clever lob left Lewis in the home goal no chance. The second half remained scoreless as the usual pre-season round of substitutions altered the flow of the game, though Behrami, Cole and Sears all went close in front of a crowd in excess of 5,000.
Next up is a trip to Southampton where the crowd will be bolstered by the better part of 3,000 Hammers for Friday night's friendly at St Mary's. See you there!
West Ham United: Green (Stech 70), Neill (capt), Ferdinand (Collison 86), Upson, Behrami (Widdowson 66), Parker, Faubert, Bellamy (Sears 70), Reid (Stanislas 82), Cole, Noble.
Subs not used: Davenport, Stokes, Mullins.
Peterborough United: Lewis, Martin, Blackett (Westwood 60), Morgan (Charnock 70), Lee (Hyde 66), McLean (Coutts 60), Boyd (Potter 70), Keates (Rendell 60), Mackail-Smith, Whelpdale (Batt 60), Williams.
Subs not used: McKeown.
Attendance: 5,352
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Curbishley praises Bellamy graft - BBC
Alan Curbishley says Craig Bellamy was "like a new signing" after the West Ham striker's double beat Peterborough United in Tuesday night's friendly.
The Wales captain played nine games for West Ham last term in an injury-ravaged first season at Upton Park blighted by abdominal and groin problems.
Bellamy scored twice in a 2-0 win at Peterborough and boss Curbishley said: "It's terrific to have him back. "He has worked extremely hard to return to full fitness and is a great asset." Bellamy endured a nightmare first season in East London following his £7.5m move from Liverpool last summer. But the fiery forward, who underwent a second abdominal operation in February, returned for Wales during their end-of-season friendly double header. The 51-times capped Wales star enjoyed cameo performances for his country against both Iceland and The Netherlands. Bellamy even vowed to sacrifice his summer holidays to embark on a gruelling schedule to regain his fitness for the 2008/09 season and show West Ham "the real Craig Bellamy." Curbishley appreciates his hard work and following Bellamy's brace against League One new boys Peterborough, the West Ham manager admitted: "Craig has been working hard through the summer to get his fitness back. "He is a little bit further down the line towards full fitness than some of the other lads and it's great for us to have him back - he's like a new signing. "Dean Ashton played and scored in our game against The Major League all-stars the other day and he was missing against Peterborough. "Now Craig Bellamy has come back and scored twice - it's terrific for us."
Curbishley hopes his Bellamy and England striker Ashton double-act can fire West Ham into Europe this season. Both of Bellamy's first-half goals at London Road on Tuesday night were superbly-taken. He broke the off-side trap to score his first in the third minute as Bellamy sprinted onto Scott Parker's long ball before rounding goalkeeper Joe Lewis to slide home. Then just before the break, Bellamy raced onto Lucas Neill's long punt up field to chip Lewis and seal a comfortable West Ham win. West Ham have three remaining friendlies - the next is at Southampton on Friday, 1 August - before their Premier League campaign starts against Wigan Athletic at home on 16 August.
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Posh beaten by Bellamy brace - SSN
Welshman hits a double as Behrami makes his debut
Last updated: 29th July 2008
Craig Bellamy netted a brace as West Ham United defeated Peterborough United in their pre-season friendly at London Road. The Wales international struck early on in the fixture before putting the result out of The Posh's reach with his second just before the break. Summer signing Valon Behrami from Lazio made his Hammers bow and looked lively before he was replaced on 66 minutes. Bellamy's opener came in the third minute when he latched on to Scott Parker's pass before rounding shot-stopper Joe Lewis to tap home. On 42 minutes, Bellamy, who endured an injury-plagued campaign last term, doubled West Ham's lead via an expertly taken lob over Lewis. Peterborough came closest late in the second half when George Boyd's effort beat goalkeeper Robert Green but came back off the post.
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Cavani happy at Palermo - SSN
Striker not looking for move to Premier League
Last updated: 29th July 2008
Edison Cavani's agent says the reported Premier League target is happy to stay at Palermo. West Ham United are among the clubs to have been linked with a bid for the Uruguayan striker over the summer. Cavani has spent the past 18 months with Palermo and is on a long-term contract with the Serie A club. The 21-year-old's representative Pierpaolo Triulzi admits the forward is content to continue with Palermo, rather than look for another club. "Cavani is a Palermo player," said Triulzi. "There are no negotiations in place. "He has four years left on his contract and he is happy to stay at Palermo."
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Exclusive: Benayoun in line for shock return to West Ham after just one season at Liverpool - Daily Mail
By Dan Francis
Last updated at 7:16 PM on 29th July 2008
Yossi Benayoun could make a shock return to West Ham - just a year after leaving Upton Park to join Liverpool. The Hammers have enquired about the 28-year-old midfielder's availability - and price - as boss Alan Curbishley looks to strengthen his squad. Liverpool are desperate for cash to fund their protracted attempts to capture Gareth Barry from Aston Villa, having already splashed out £19million on Robbie Keane this week, while Curbishley is keen to appease disgruntled Hammers fans by making Benayoun a returning hero. The Israel playmaker became a crowd favourite at Upton Park after joining from Spanish side Racing Santander for £2.5million in July 2005, following West Ham's promotion to the Premier League. His first season in east London ended with an impressive display against Liverpool in the the FA Cup Final, and just 12 months later Rafa Benitez swooped with a £4.5million bid to lure him to Anfield. Benayoun has scored four goals in 30 appearances for the Reds and would become Curbishley's second summer signing, following the arrival of Swiss international defender Valon Behrami, who has made a £5m move from Lazio.
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Behrami handed Posh debut, while Irons dismiss Ashton injury rumours - Echo News
8:32pm Tuesday 29th July 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
SWITZERLAND international Valon Behrami was handed his West Ham United debut in tonight's pre-season friendly at League One newboys Peterborough United. The £5million player, who arrived from SS Lazio last week, was handed the right-back berth at London Road. Also in Alan Curbishley's starting line-up was Wales captain Craig Bellamy, who returned to action after missing the Irons' 3-2 defeat to the MLS All-Stars in Toronto last Thursday, and fit-again England defender Matthew Upson. Upson, 29, made a successful comeback from the calf injury that had kept him out of action since April in Saturday's 3-0 win at Thurrock. Meanwhile, the Irons have moved to dismiss internet speculation that Dean Ashton has suffered a serious knee injury in training. Ashton missed the whole of the 2006/07 season after breaking his ankle while away with the senior England squad in August 2006. However, a statement on the club's official website claimed the striker was "feeling unwell" and should return to the first team squad for Friday's warm-up fixture at Championship side Southampton.
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Hammers Return For Benayoun? - Goal.com
Liverpool's Yossi Benayoun is being linked with a return to former club West Ham, according to a report in the Echo. The Israeli joined Liverpool from West Ham last year in a deal thought to be worth £5 million but has struggled to become a regular at Anfield. Benayoun managed only 15 Premier League starts and 4 goals in his first season at Anfield which has led to speculation he may be surplus to requirements at the club. The former West Ham man was a popular figure at Upton Park and a return would certainly be warmly welcomed by the fans who have fond memories of his time in East London. Benayoun managed 8 goals in 63 appearances for West Ham and helped carry them to an FA Cup final with Liverpool which they eventually lost on penalties. However, the Israeli's flair and creativity were as important as his goals and ensured he is still highly thought of by the Hammers. The Echo reports that West Ham have contacted Liverpool to discuss the possibility of a move for Benayoun as they hope to be reunited with their former player.
Rafael Benitez has been widely quoted this week as saying he needs to sell players in order to finance more moves and it is possible Benayoun could potentially be sold as Liverpool look to strength their squad further. Peter Crouch, John Arne Riise and Harry Kewell have already left Anfield this summer whilst Cavalieri, Degen, Dossena and Robbie Keane have all arrived. Liverpool are also still thought to be chasing Gareth Barry, although any further signings may be impossible until further funds are raised.
Gill Clark
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HAMMERS TALK: Irons plan shock swoop for former hero - Guardian Series
12:39am Wednesday 30th July 2008
WEST Ham have enquired about bringing playmaker Yossi Benayoun back to Upton Park. The 28-year-old spent two successful seasons with the Hammers before joining Liverpool in a £5million deal a year ago. However, with Reds manager Rafa Benitez desperate to raise funds to sign Aston Villa and England midfielder Gareth Barry, the former Racing Santander player may be considered surplus to requirements on Merseyside. And the east Londoners have reportedly contacted the five-times European Cup winners to ask if Benayoun is available for transfer and, if so, at what price. Benayoun - who scored eight goals in 72 league and cup appearances for the Irons between 2005 and 2007 - has enjoyed a mixed first year at Anfield. The Israeli international scored two hat-tricks - against Besiktas in the Champions League and Havant and Waterlooville in the FA Cup - but struggled to hold down a regular starting place in the Premier League. In total, Benayoun has made 30 league - 15 as a substitute - and 17 cup appearances for the club, scoring 11 goals. Should he return to the Boleyn Ground, Benayoun would join a host of right-sided midfielders, including Freddie Ljungberg, Julien Faubert and Kieron Dyer.
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Peterborough United 0 West Ham United 2 - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Wed Jul 30 2008
West Ham returned to home shores to continue their build up to the new season against Darren Ferguson's Peterborough United.
In front of over 5300 fans, with what must have been half in support of the visitors, I'm sure the players from each side were glad the temperatures and humidity had dropped from the previous few evenings and conditions were perfect for football.
West Ham gave a debut to £5m signing Valon Behrami at right back, with Captain Lucas Neill looking like a man who had just collected his cards switching to left back in the continued absence of George McCartney. Matthew Upson returned to the first team to partner Anton Ferdinand in the centre of defence.
In midfield Kyel Reid started on the left, Mark Noble partnered Scott Parker in the centre and Julian Faubert started on the right wing.
In attack Craig Bellamy come back in to the starting 11 in place of Dean Ashton who was subject to much rumour and gossip over his absence to partner Carlton Cole.
And West Ham got off to the very best of starts, just minutes into the delayed kick off, Scott Parker played a ball into the path of Craig Bellamy who controlled the ball, beat his defender, rounded the keeper and slotted the ball into the empty net to put the visitor's one up.
West Ham were well on top in the opening exchanges, new boy Behrami showing just why West Ham paid Lazio for his services. But without being able to find the final ball,
Posh who are amongst the favourites in League One gained a foot hold in the game and started to look the more dangerous, Green pulled off an outstanding save from the Boro number 9 and then was called upon repeatedly to keep his side in the lead.
The just before half time and somewhat against the of play, Lucas Neill launched a hopeful ball out of defensive, Bellamy used his outstanding pace to race onto the ball and lob the keeper to make it two. Carlton Cole nearly added a third, smashing a chance wide on the half time whistle.
West Ham started the second half in confident style, Noble went close a couple of times and Behrami dragged a chance wide in what was an outstanding first game.
Then as these games tend to go, plenty of changes were made and the game lost some of its fizz.
Cole went close late on with a half volley over the bar; Sears fired wide and then saw a shot saved by the Posh keeper.
Robert Green 8 – Some questioned the fans reaction to him after his outburst in the papers but the fans were 100% behind the England number 6, chanting repeatedly for him in the first half. He's really such an important part of the first team and showed he's in good form with a string of quality saves in the first half.
Lucas Neill 5 – Poor old Lucas, shifted to left back whatever way it's dressed up, it's just not is position.
Matthew Upson 6 – Good in the air as you would expect but a little ring rusty on the floor, this run out will have done him the world of good.
Anton Ferdinand 6 – No idea why people want rid of him, put in another half decent pre-season performance.
Valon Behrami 8 – Impressed is the word I'm looking for. I questioned why people put him straight in their starting 11's but now I see why. He defended well, he's strong in the challenge, very, very quick, plays the ball well and got forward.
Kyel Reid 5 – Quite first half, is it me or do the other just not pass to him much? Got more involved in the secord half but not the answer to the left side.
Scott Parker 6 – Does the man know it was a friendly? Got stuck in, played a delightful ball for the opening goal and worked hard.
Mark Noble 6 – Plenty of effort if a little lacking on end product, Nobes really needs to start grabbing games by the scruff of the neck and dominating.
Julian Faubert 6 – Not really sure what to make of him, looks very hit and miss. Put a few decent crosses in but needs to offer much, much more.
Carlton Cole 6 – He works his socks off but doesn't score enough and is slow when the chances fall to him.
Craig Bellamy 8 MOTM – Two well taken goals and like Parker, doesn't seem to know or care it's a friendly and puts it all in. He's a menace, thankfully our menace.
Joe Widdowson 6 For Behrami – Slotted in at left back allowing Neill to convert back to his normal position. A tidy if nothing else cameo.
Marek Stech 6 For Green – Not a great deal to do as Posh didn't threaten as they did in the first half.
Freddie Sears 6 For Bellamy – Not sure why people don't think he's ready, came on, tried to make things happen and unlucky not to score. He's a constant threat.
Junior Stanislas 5 For Reid – Not time to make an impact.
Jake Collison 5 for Ferdinand – Neill moved again with just a few minutes left into the centre and Collison slotted in at right back.
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Newcastle and Sunderland Battle for £7m Ferdinand - Cmon Yu Irons
Sunderland boss Roy Keane is reportedly interested in Anton Ferdinand. The West Ham United defender has been linked with a move away from the club for over two months; the Black Cats are set to make a last ditch effort to bring the England Under-21 defender to Wearside. Sunderland will be expected to pay in the region of around £7 million for Ferdinand, who had been hotly tipped to join Tottenham earlier in the summer. It does now appear that Sunderland have jumped to the head of the queue, after Spurs apparently opted to sign midfielders as opposed to defensive signings. Newcastle's Keegan will also be monitoring Ferdinand's position very closely, and are expected to make an offer for the player very soon which may outbid the Black Cats.
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Sunderland may land Ferdinand - Soccerway.com
Written by: Dave Cohen
2008-07-30 06:37:42
Defender Anton Ferdinand has been linked with a move from West Ham United to either Sunderland or Tottenham Hotspur with Newcastle United ready to pounce if the deals should hit any snags. Sunderland's boss Roy Keane is likely to make an effort to bring Ferdinand to the Stadium Of Light, who are seen to be in pole position to sign the young defender. The asking fee is expected to be in the region of ₤7 million.
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Alan Curbishley fears burn out at West Ham - The Mirror
30/07/2008
Peterborough 0-2 West Ham
Alan Curbishley says his West Ham players are already facing the prospect of burn-out. The east London club, who returned from their two match tour of the USA and Canada on Friday, eased to victory at London Road. But Curbishley, who saw Craig Bellamy score twice in an entertaining first-half, admits he is worried by his stars' heavy schedule. "We were all feeling a bit rough from the America trip but hopefully we got that out of our system with this win," said the West Ham boss. "I wanted to rotate my side a bit more but I can't because I've got quite a few out already with little niggles and blisters like Luis Boa Morte and Matthew Etherington. "That means that some of the players are getting flogged and playing more than usual, which should not be the way during pre-season."
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Manchester City set to outbid Hammers for Liverpool's Israel midfielder Benayoun - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 8:15 AM on 30th July 2008
Manchester City have made a £6m offer for Yossi Benayoun, all but ending West Ham's hopes of re-signing the Israel midfielder. Liverpool boss Rafael Benitez must sell before making another bid for Aston Villa midfielder Gareth Barry, and the opportunity of a £1m profit on Benayoun could be too good to reject. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley asked about Benayoun but is unlikely to match City's bid. City are considering a move for Fulham's 36-year-old goalkeeper Antti Niemi to complement Joe Hart and Kasper Schmeichel, while defender Tal Ben Haim's £5m move from Chelsea, first revealed by Sportsmail earlier this month, will go through on Wednesday.
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Friendly: Posh 0, West Ham 2 - PeterboroughToday.com
Aaron Mclean was denied a spectacular goal by West Ham keeper Robert Green and George Boyd hit the post as Posh went down 2-0 in tonight's friendly against the Premier League side. The Hammers took the lead inside three minutes through Welsh striker Craig Bellamy who raced on to a Scott Parker pass. Posh's best effort came from an acrobatic Mclean shot which forced a superb one-handed save from Green midway though the half, before Bellamy grabbed his second just before the interval. Sponsors' man of the match Boyd almost pulled one back for Posh in the second half lashing a shot against the post.
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Hammers boss reveals concern over gruelling pre-season schedule - Guardian Series
9:13am Wednesday 30th July 2008
WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley fears his players could burn-out during a gruelling pre-season schedule. The Irons beat Peterborough United in a friendly at London Road last night, just three days after returning from a nine-day tour of North America, which included games against Colombus Crew and the MLS All-Stars. But - while conceding that, as a Premier League club, West Ham are expected to take part in commercial ventures across the globe during the close season - Curbishley admits he would prefer to rotate his squad more, particularly with another friendly away at Southampton on Friday in mind.
"We're pleased with what has happened so far, but the America trip was tough and we're all feeling a bit rough because of it," he said. "We really appreciated being invited out there, especially the MLS game, and accepted the invitation immediately. "But there's still a lot of names missing from the squad and I just can't rotate it at the moment. "Some players are being flogged a bit and that's not what you want in pre-season." A first-half brace from Craig Bellamy was enough to secure a hard-fought win over Posh. But it was by far from an easy ride for the east Londoners as they were given a sterm examination by the League One outfit - much to the pleasure of Curbishley. "I think the first half was as quick a game as I've seen for a long while and it is a great credit to Peterborough," he said. "We got a great start, obviously, scoring early but for 45 minutes it was really competitive with some great tackles going in. "It had everything there for both teams - Robert Green has had to make some saves and we looked dangerous when we attacked. I was pleased with the game." West Ham travel to St Mary's Stadium to play Championship outfit Southampton on Friday.
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Curbishley delighted with new Hammers signing - Guardian Series
11:20am Wednesday 30th July 2008
ALAN Curbishley was delighted with the performance of Valon Behrami on his West Ham debut. The 23-year-old Swiss international joined the east Londoners in a £5million deal from Italian giants Lazio last week. And he managed a successful 66-minute run-out during his first taste of the action, before being replaced by youngster Joe Widdowson in last night's friendly win over Peterborough. "Valon obviously hasn't been doing too much, that's his first game in a while," said Irons boss Curbishley. "So we told him to play well within himself. But he's a great athlete, got involved and kept streaking up and down the line." Curbishley also backed his latest signing to be a hit at Upton Park, adding: "We're pleased to have got him. "He's a versatile player - he can play right back, wide on the right or in the centre midfield. He has also played wide left. "He is one of those sort of boys - great athlete and great attitude. He could be a great asset to our squad."
Behrami's energetic display against Posh also got the thumbs-up from team-mate Anton Ferdinand. "He looks very good, very sharp," said Ferdinand.
"He is willing to get forward and create things and I'm looking forward to playing with him. "It was only his first day yesterday and to come in and play like he has with a new set of lads shows what a good player and good professional he is."
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West Ham's Hines fancies loan move
tribalfootball.com - July 29, 2008
West Ham striker Zavon Hines admits he may seek a loan move away to continue his progress this season. The 19 year-old told whufc.com: "Part of my aim is to make sure I am a regular in the reserves and do well there, but I also want to be more regular as part of the first-team squad. It might be that I would need to go on loan again, if only to get more experience and then be able to come back and get into the first-team squad."
Last season, Hines went on loan to struggling Championship side Coventry and came on as substitute in seven games - one of which saw him score a very important goal against Sheffield Wednesday. "I scored the goal that earned them a point to stay up." He said. "I got a lot out of being at Coventry at loan. When you are young, you have to work hard so the manager will give you that chance and I knew that if I could do my best that it would help when I came back to West Ham."
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Sears happy with goal on West Ham comeback
tribalfooball.com - July 29, 2008
Freddie Sears was happy with his goal for West Ham in their friendly victory over Thurrock. It was the England U19 international's first appearance this preseason and he told whufc.com: "It was good to get on the scoresheet in my first game back for West Ham. "The match was a good run-out for me, I was able to play out a full 90 minutes. I am feeling good - I played three games in a week for England so another match now has helped me out and with just a few weeks to go before the start of the season, I just want to be involved as much as I can. We have some more pre-season friendlies coming up - so if I can play a part in those games, that means I can work to be as sharp as I can for the start."
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Special night for Hammers old boy Williams - PeterboroughToday.co.uk
Posh v West Ham, Tuesday, July 29, kick-off 7.45pm
FORMER Hammer Tom Williams is relishing the chance tonight to take on the club where 'his football story began'. Williams spent 18 months at West Ham as a teenager alongside former London Road favourite Jimmy Bullard in the late nineties before being handed the chance of first team football at Posh by then manager Barry Fry. Since then the Surrey-born 28-year-old has bounced up and down the league's with spells at Birmingham and QPR followed by a brief return to Posh five years ago before heading off again to Barnsley, Gillingham and Swansea City. Now having returned to the club which gave him his big break in the game, Williams admits to being desperate for a chance against the East London club where it all began. "I will not deny that playing against West Ham does have a special feeling for me," he said. "To now be playing for the club that launched my career as a first teamer against the club which put me in the shop window as a kid is a special thing for me in some ways. "I have many fond memories of my time at West Ham alongside Jimmy Bullard and a very young Anton Ferdinand, who at that time was still a youngster in the club's academy. "In fact I think Anton is the only guy still there from my time at the club and he has really come on leaps and bounds in recent years so I will look forward to seeing him again."
But tonight's friendly won't just be a trip down memory lane for Williams, who is desperate to establish himself as a first team regular. He added: "Obviously with Jamie Day out at the moment I am keen to take as many chances as I can get to impress the gaffer and the game against West Ham will hopefully be one of those opportunities. "I am no fool and realise the quality at this club means I will have a fight on my hands to stay in the side but that is not a problem and I look forward to the challenge. "Tonight is another opportunity for me to show what I can do. It should be a cracking attacking game between two teams who like to play passing football which suits me as I do like to get forward when I can. "It is another important step for us in our pre-season build-up and will provide us with a good guide as to where we are in our preparations for next season."
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Hammers look in good shape ahead of the new campaign - ThisIsTotalEssex.co.uk
09:27 - 29-July-2008
WEST Ham United manager Alan Curbishley said his side is in better shape ahead of the new season than they were at the same time last term and the club has taken action to ensure it stays that way. Curbishley took his team to the salubrious surroundings of Peterborough United's London Road ground last night (Tuesday) as they continued their pre-season preparations. Last week West Ham were defeated 3-2 by a Major League Soccer All-Star 11 – which included LA Galaxy's David Beckham. However, Curbishley is content with where his team is after just two full weeks back at the club. He said: "We are two weeks into a six-week programme of pre-season and we needed the fitness work. We certainly got that. It was good and I think everybody can be pleased with their efforts.
"We are looking that much sharper than we did this time last year when we were doing pre-season." Another plus for the West Ham boss was the distinct lack of pre-season injuries – ahead of last night's clash with Darren Ferguson's side. A number of Hammers players are rejoining training this week – including Kieron Dyer and Matthew Upson – who even played 75 minutes of a friendly at Thurrock at the weekend. Another player who had Curbishley purring with his performances state-side was Craig Bellamy, as the Welsh international is also nearing full fitness. In a bid to maintain the fitness of the club's star players money has been invested in new medical staff and facilities.
The club has appointed experts including new chief medical officer Nikos Tzouroudis, who has worked for several leading European clubs including Panathinakos in his native Greece, Fiorentina, Verona and Steaua Bucharest. He will work alongside leading Serie-A osteopath in Marco Cesarini, and rehabilitation physiotherapist Giorgio Gasparini, who is used to working one-on-one with World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and Filippo Inzaghi. The club has also spent money on training facilities and is looking to invest in a completely new training ground. West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "The Board and manager have taken these decisive steps to ensure the club has the very best support in place for the entire coaching and playing staff.
"We sought the best independent advice and over recent months have been looking at home and across the continent for the leading experts in the field."
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HAMMERS TALK: Black Cats line up £3m Irons winger - Guardian Series
9:08am Tuesday 29th July 2008
WEST HAM winger Luis Boa Morte has emerged as a top target for Sunderland boss Roy Keane, according to reports. And the big-spending Black Cats boss is apparently willing to offer £3million to land the former Arsenal, Southampton and Fulham man. Boa Morte has struggled to get things right at Upton Park following his £5million from Craven Cottage in January last year. The Portugal star made 32 appearances in all competitions last season but failed to register a goal. And a move could be on the cards with the player voicing his concerns at being subjected to the Upton Park boo-boys towards the end of last term.
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