Matthew Upson was proud to play his part in a momentous day that recognised Bobby Moore's career
10.08.2008
Matthew Upson has said goodbye to the No6 shirt with "a bit of sadness" but plenty of pride at being the last to follow in the footsteps of the legendary Bobby Moore.
The defender wore the six for the last time in the first half of Saturday's 1-1 draw with Villarreal at the Boleyn Ground before it was permanently substituted forever by West Ham United in honour of Moore's legacy. With a look over his shoulder and a wave, Upson descended down the tunnel wearing the prized digit for the final time. He then reappeared wearing the No15 with Bobby's widow Stephanie Moore MBE just before the second half before handing over the now retired number.
"It was good," Upson told WHUTV of a day that marked 50 years since Moore's debut and began with a minute's applause in his honour. "I enjoyed the first half and handed the shirt over at half-time and I feel very proud to do so." When asked whether he had the occasion on his mind as he focused on the first half, he added: "I had a sense that the crowd were here to show their appreciation for Bobby Moore and to see the shirt get retired in his name. Everybody showed a lot of respect and came to support him."
Upson was in good form in that first half, weighing in with plenty of strong tackles and some defensive headers. After one season wearing the No6, he admitted to a little bit of sentimentality at parting with it. "There is definitely a bit of sadness at handing it over. I will miss wearing the number. It has been a great honour but we move on. We have retired the shirt and quite rightly so in honour of Bobby Moore. We move on and let's make sure No15 is a good number for me."
The 29-year-old England international also reminded of the great work done by the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research and his manager Alan Curbishley, a previous wearer of the famed No6, summed up the importance of the day. "It is great recognition for perhaps for the most famous player connected with West Ham. The Bobby Moore Fund is getting stronger every year and we hope today's game has pushed it on a little further."
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Curbishley ponders Thatcher deal - BBC
By Chris Bevan
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is unsure whether he will sign former Wales international full-back Ben Thatcher. Thatcher, 32, is on trial with the Hammers after being released by Charlton but was booed by fans during Saturday's 1-1 draw with Villarreal. "We've a few injury niggles at the back and I am looking for some experienced cover," Curbishley told BBC Sport. "Ben is steady but he has a couple of clubs interested in him and I will have to have a think about it." Thatcher, who began his career at Millwall before stints with Wimbledon, Tottenham, Leicester City and Manchester City, has also been on trial with Ipswich and Wolves this summer. Curbishley is facing starting the season without a recognised left-back because of injuries to George McCartney and Jonathan Spector and says he is looking to make new signings. Craig Bellamy will miss the start of the season with a hamstring injury and Kieron Dyer's comeback is on hold after he suffered a stress fracture to the same leg he broke in August 2007. "Over the summer I have had one or two players come back from long-term injury but have had another two go out," Curbishley explained. "I am looking to try to add to the squad. I think I need to try to strengthen."
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Bellamy poised to miss qualifiers - BBC
Wales coach John Toshack says Craig Bellamy has only an "outside chance" of playing in his side's opening 2010 World Cup qualifiers next month. The West Ham striker could be out for up to six weeks with a hamstring injury picked up in a pre-season friendly. Wales play Azerbaijan and Russia on 6 and 10 September respectively and Toshack admits Bellamy is struggling. "Craig is very doubtful for that double header, he has an outside chance at best," said Toshack. Bellamy has not played a full 90 minute of competitive football since scoring in West Ham United's 3-1 victory against Sunderland at Upton Park on 21 October last year. The injury-prone 29-year-old has struggled with abdominal problems and last played for The Hammers in a competitive game on 2 February at Wigan when he made a 22-minute cameo appearance. Bellamy recovered to make fleeting substitute appearances for Wales in their friendly double-header against Iceland and The Netherlands at the end of last season. But this new injury for Bellamy, who will definitely miss Wales' friendly with Georgia on 20 August, is a huge blow to club and country at the start of a new season. "Craig really needs to play competitive games," said Toshack. "He has gone almost a year without any competitive football which is very disappointing for us. "Hamstring injuries normally need about four to six weeks to recover so whether he plays for us in our World Cup qualifiers is in the hands of West Ham."
Bellamy has vowed to bounce back from his injury that has robbed him from starting the new Premier League season. "It's gutting for me not to be able to start the season, especially as I have had a great pre-season," said Bellamy. "I wanted to hit the ground running and make an immediate impact."
Bellamy scored five pre-season goals and was relishing the start of the new campaign. He picked up the injury soon after scoring in West Ham's 5-3 friendly win over Ipswich at Portman Road on Monday. It means he will miss the games against Wigan, Manchester City and Blackburn but could be back for Alan Curbishley's side for the trip to West Brom on 13 September. That also means a race against time for Wales' qualifiers. Bellamy played only nine games for the Hammers last term in an injury-ravaged first season at Upton Park that was blighted by abdominal and groin problems. But he said: "I have probably had the best pre-season ever and I think I have shown that I proved my point in that I totally recovered from my injury last year and have returned fitter and stronger like I said I would. But it won't affect me too much in terms of working through the rehabilitation for this injury and to get back better than before again."
Only last week, manager Curbishley praised the Welshman, who has been capped 51 times for his country, after scoring a brace in a 2-0 win over Peterborough. "He has worked extremely hard to return to full fitness and is a great asset," stated Curbishley.
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Bellamy injury leaves Curbishley with a distinct lack of fire-power - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 10th August 2008
By: Thomas Rooney
First of all, let me just say how disappointed I am for Craig Bellamy. The striker picked up a hamstring injury in a pre-season game against Ipswich Town and is set to miss the start of the Premier League season after being informed that he will be on the sidelines for at least a month.
Such an injury is the story of Bellamy's career really. Just as he is looking good and feeling sharp – there's the niggling injury that keeps him out of action for a few weeks. It's always one step forward, two steps back and that's why I feel sorry for him. He has said himself that he is 'gutted' to be missing the start of the season especially after what he describes as the 'best pre-season ever'.
I guess that's why it is all the more frustrating. Bellamy was looking sharp. He followed two goals at Peterborough with an early strike against Ipswich before limping off with this hamstring injury. Potentially, there is an argument that he should have been wrapped up in cotton wool during these warm-up games to avoid such an injury, but having said that he needs games under his belt to help with match fitness. Overall, it's just disappointing that this injury has occurred, but there is nothing anyone can do about it.
The most hurtful factor for Bellamy and West Ham though, is that if Bellamy started the season looking as good as he did in pre-season, then I would have like to have seen the football odds on him being the Premier League's leading scorer in the early weeks. Instead of scoring though he will be watching from the sidelines as West Ham take on Wigan, Manchester City and Blackburn. Hopefully he will be back to face West Brom on the 13th September. Although with hamstring injuries – you never know.
Pushing Bellamy's personal anguish to one side, it is important to look at how West Ham will cope without him. Going into the new season, Alan Curbishley now only has two senior strikers at his disposal – Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole. The latter is hardly considered to be a consistent performer in the Premier League either. Then there are the potential injuries Ashton could obtain – he is, after all, rather injury prone himself. Should this happen, then youngsters Zavon Hines and Freddie Sears will have far more responsibility than they should do at this stage of their careers.
This could of course be a good thing – they could excel. However, in reality, West Ham go into the new campaign with a distinct lack of fire-power up front. To have Bellamy and Ashton as your first choice front two is certainly a risk. They have both had their injury problems in the past and you have to question how often they will actually play together. Hopefully Ashton can have a relatively injury fee season like he did last year and Bellamy will return stronger, but like I said, it is a risk having these two as first choice.
All of this highlights the sale of Bobby Zamora to Premier League rivals Fulham. Zamora was a player that would often deliver if called upon. He would be valuable in the current situation. I'm not saying there is no way he should have been sold, but the fact he hasn't been replaced is rather irresponsible of Curbishley. Just take a look at Fulham's choice of strikers – Zamora, Andy Johnson, Diomansy Kamara, Erik Nevland, David Healy and Collins John. Now, I'm not suggesting that these players are more talented than the likes of Bellamy and Ashton, but they certainly provide Roy Hodgson with more choice than Curbishley has right now. Especially after Bellamy's injury.
After what has been a relatively positive pre-season, the injury to Bellamy and the departure of Freddie Ljungberg haven't exactly done much for the optimism of the West Ham fans. One thing I would suggest in order for people not to get too down-hearted, is that Ljungberg's departure could free up some wages for another striker to come into the club. I'm aware he was paid off, but his £85,000 a week was making a rather large indent into clubs finances and this can now be used to tempt a new player to the club. Hopefully it will be someone that is proven at this level, has no history of injury problems, can replace the gap left by Craig Bellamy in the opening few games and provide Curbishley with an extra option up front. Where can we find someone like this? In all honesty, your guess is as good as mine.
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Thatcher Is Not Good Enough - West Ham Till I Die
Now there's a headline I would most certainly never write on my political blog!
I have so far kept my counsel on the subject of Ben Thatcher. I suppose I couldn't quite believe that Alan Curbishley was serious about taking him on. But since he played yesterday it's quite clear that he intends to offer him a contract. So I'm going to have my twopennyworth.
His personal history is just that. History. The fact that he's an unpleasant thug should not automatically bar him from playing for West Ham. After all, we have had a few of them in the past…
What should disbar him from being even considered is the fact that he is well past his best. He was discarded by Spurs, couldn't keep his place at Man City and is now being hunted by the likes of Ipswich. And yet Alan Curbishley thinks he is good enough for West Ham. He is wrong.
West Ham are not Charlton. We should be building for the future. Yes, we need a left back to cover George McCartney, but is Ben Thatcher really the best we can do?
He's not good enough. Simple as that. If we need a left back let's look at a young player from the Championship. Joe Mattock of Leicester has been mentioned. Surely he's got to be a better bet.
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Curbishley In For Thatcher: Barton To Follow - The West Ham Process
08.10.08 | 11 Comments
So, it's Sunday. And as a rule of thumb, I try not to post on Sundays. But Ben Thatcher playing yesterday against Villareal has really ruffled my proverbial feathers. Seriously Curbishley, is this a wind-up? I thought that when he played against Bishop's Stortford that would be it. He would just be another unwanted trialist who was out of the door before you could say 'malicious elbow to the face'.
But no.
West Ham do not need to be associated with players like Ben Thatcher. (I would just like to emphasise my use of the word 'player' there. I don't know him personally to judge what he is like as a human but from what I know of him from the football field he is of a somewhat thuggish nature)
I think that yesterday when he played, the fans who made it clear he wasn't welcome at Upton Park were well within their rights. And I think that Curbs has spoken out to defend him is a complete mockery.
Incase you missed it, he said this: I was disappointed with their reaction and didn't really understand it.
How on Earth can he not understand it?
Curbishley, here is a small clip to whet your viewing appetite and maybe open your eyes to why we infact are considerably against the signing of Thatcher (and if you care to read a few of the more finer details as to this masterclass in thuggery, CLICK HERE): <q video of Thatcher trying to amputate Mendes from his body >
So there you have it…what a shining example of a true professional.
And being completely honest this guy could be as good as Kaka for all I care, I still wouldn't welcome him to Upton Park.
In a brief conclusion, it is apparant that Curbishley has absolutely zero ability in attracting any decent players to our club. Shorey (not that I wanted him in the first place) has ended up at Villa. And if you remember, Darren Bent chose Spurs over us also. Just to name a couple.
We are in clear need of a replacement left-back and all Curbishley and his team of superstar talent spotters can muster up is a has-been thug who has no place in the game of football let alone a West Ham shirt.
So while your at it Curbs, I'm sure Barton would welcome a new home…apparently he's a nice boy when you get to know him.
I really could go on with this rant as I am genuinely annoyed. But I'll stop now before I go and say something like "as for Curb's PR ability….or, is Curbishley pursuing a team wholly made up of ex-Charlton players?"
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Mane attracts Hammers interest - Setanta
by Adam Marshall, 10 August 2008
West Ham are showing an interest in Mane but face competition from Real Betis, Villarreal and PSV Eindhoven. The Almeria left back has emerged as an attractive option on the transfer market and, although George McCartney has resisted overtures from former club Sunderland to stay at Upton Park, sources in Spain claim Alan Curbishley and sporting director Gianluca Nani have been alerted. Mane can also play in midfield and could be a useful signing for any of the interested parties with Almeria ready to do business if the price is right. The Hammers are looking for fresh blood and already have new recruit Valon Behrami to play on the other flank, again either in defence or midfield. Villarreal had previously been expected to wrap up a deal for the 26-year-old but there are fresh offers on the table with Betis trying to do a double deal involving Bruno, the 27-year-old defender.
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HAMMERS TALK: Irons linked with a new midfield target - Guardian Series
1:32pm Sunday 10th August 2008
WEST HAM manager Alan Curbishley is believed to be weighing up a £6million move for Ghana skipper Stephen Appiah. Media reports suggest the 27-year-old could be a target for the Upton park club after the news that Kieron Dyer has suffered an injury setback. Also with Freddie Ljungberg off the books, Curbishley may look to strengthen his engine-room with the signature of the Fenerbache man. The Hammers would however clearly want to give Appiah a stringent medical after he missed this year's African Cup of Nations, because of a blood clot on the knee.
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Nani eyes South American Super Striker - Cmon Yu Irons
Gianluca Nani is keeping an eye on Chilean Super-Striker Sebastian Pinto and is willing to pay the £5m asking price from Brazilian club Santos according to The People.
The deal will only happen if Dean Ashton decides to leave, which really looks unlikely, as he just signed a 5 year deal with the Hammers worth £13m, but contracts in football mean nothing anymore, if a player wants to leave then more than likely the club will allow the move to happen if the fee is suitable, and in Ashtons case, rumours have it that a couple of clubs are willing to pay a heavy transfer fee.
Pinto (The Tank) would definitley be a suitable replacement for Ashton and he is keen to move to the Premier League.
The West Ham scouts have been working overtime to check out Pinto.
An ideal solution would be to buy him anyway and put him alongside Ashton. Curbs has yet to give his blessing on any deal made with the Striker.
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Hammers Eye Mane Man - Goal.com
West Ham are reportedly interested in signing Almeria defender Mane, according to Setanta Sports. Alan Curbishley, who is the bookies favourite to be the first Premier League manager to be sacked this season, is keen to strengthen his defence before the start of the season and has reportedly set his sights on Mane.
Mane who currently plays for La Liga side Almeria is predominantly a left back however he can also play in midfield. With George McCartney likely to miss the start of the season through injury, Curbishley is eager to find a replacement before the season commences.
The Hammers suffered a difficult campaign last season with a catalogue of injuries halting their progress and have already been rocked in pre-season with the news that Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and McCartney will miss the start of the new season.
Yet the Irons are likely to face competition for the highly-rated left back with both Villareal and Real Betis reportedly also interested in signing the 26-year old.
While Mane is certainly one option for the left back slot, Alan Curbishley is also reportedly pondering a move for Ben Thatcher who has been on trial at Upton Park this week.
West Ham have been quiet in the transfer market this summer with only goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka, signing as back up to Robert Green, and Valon Behrami joined from Lazio for £5 million.
Gill Clark
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Curbs hails his young stars - teamTalk
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley hailed the impact of young trio Kyel Reid, Zavon Hines and Freddie Sears in his side's 1-1 draw with Villarreal. Carlton Cole struck after just 53 seconds, but that early strike was cancelled out by Santi Carzola nine minutes before half-time of an entertaining contest. Curbishley said: "As the game wore on, especially in the first half, they got comfortable and knocked it about. In the end, I was really pleased with the young boys that came on and give us a bit of a lift. "They have been playing a bit of the pre-season. I just wanted to give one or two of them a bit more out there in front of a big home crowd. I was delighted." The result meant the Bobby Moore Cup was shared by both sides, the game having been preceded by a ceremony to 'retire' the Hammers and England legend's number six shirt.
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West Ham To Beat Spurs To Ghanaian International Appiah?
Submitted by Jake Briggs on Sun, 2008-08-10 14:08. West Ham United, Tottenham Hotspur Premiership Transfer News
West Ham United are reportedly considering a £6million (€7.7m) offer for Ghanaian International Stephen Appiah at Fenerbahce, with Tottenham Hotspur also being linked to the midfielder, according to reports. 27-year-old Appiah joined Fenerbahce from Serie A giants Juventus for £6.25million (€8m) in 2005, but a long injury lay-off with a knee problem has restricted Appiah to just 64 appearances for the Sari Kanaryalar. Appiah has expressed a desire to leave the Turkish side before in 2007, before his knee injury prevented him from playing. With it believed now that Fenerbahce are ready to cash in on the Ghana captain, who would be available for £6million (€7.7m). The board at Upton Park are reportedly willing to sanction a bid to bring Appiah to the East London club. Now that Freddie Ljungberg has left and Kieron Dyer is on the treatment table once again. Spurs boss Juande Ramos is a known admirer of the Ghanaian and is reported to be monitoring the situation as he continues to add to his squad at White Hart Lane.
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Curbishley rejects sack talk - Setanta
by Robin Hackett, 10 August 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admits he is frustrated at being made favourite for the sack but insists he has 'the full backing of the club, the board and the players'. Despite guiding the club from the relegation zone to mid-table safety since taking over in December 2006, Curbishley has come under fire as a number of his high-profile signings have failed to impress and he has now been installed as the bookies' favourite to lose his job. It has been difficult for the former Charlton boss as he has had to contend with a number of injuries at Upton Park and, with the likes of Craig Bellamy, Anton Ferdinand and Kieron Dyer on the treatment table for Saturday's opening game against Wigan, life is unlikely to get much easier in the near future. However, Curbishley says he will ignore the speculation and focus on making sure the team gets off to the right start. I've got the full backing of the club, the board and the players," he said. "I feel a bit miffed because we stayed up the year before and got mid-table last year, but nothing surprises me in football anymore.
"We tried so hard for people not to have pot-shots at us last season, but it looks as if they are back. "I wanted to be on the back pages for the right reasons last season, but it doesn't concern me. The players are behind me. "It's so important that we have a good start and, after the first eight games, I'll be able to make a judgement."
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Curbishley Ignoring Speculation - Goal.com
West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley insists that he will not allow the speculation surrounding his future at the club to disturb the side's preparations for the start of the Premier League season. Bookmakers have installed the former Charlton Athletic manager as the odds-on favourite to be the first managerial casualty of the new campaign, despite the fact that the 50-year old has turned The Hammers' fortunes around in the last two seasons.
With the likes of Keiron Dyer, Anton Ferdinand and Craig Bellamy still struggling for fitness, Curbishley has yet to have a full squad of players to pick from, a factor that may not aid his cause as he looks to build on last season's tenth-place finish. "I've got the full backing of the club, the board and the players."
"I feel a bit miffed because we stayed up the year before and got mid-table last year, but nothing surprises me in football anymore. "We tried so hard for people not to have pot-shots at us last season, but it looks as if they are back. "I wanted to be on the back pages for the right reasons last season, but it doesn't concern me. The players are behind me. "It's so important that we have a good start and, after the first eight games, I'll be able to make a judgement."
Will Wood
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West Ham boss unimpressed at being favourite for sack
By Ian Ferris - August 10, 2008
Being favourite for the sack is frustrating for West Ham boss Alan Curbishley but he is unconcerned as the former Charlton chief claims to have the full backing of the club and players. "I've got the full backing of the club, the board and the players," he said. "I feel a bit miffed because we stayed up the year before and got mid-table last year, but nothing surprises me in football anymore. "We tried so hard for people not to have pot-shots at us last season, but it looks as if they are back. "I wanted to be on the back pages for the right reasons last season, but it doesn't concern me. The players are behind me.
"It's so important that we have a good start and, after the first eight games, I'll be able to make a judgement."
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