In-form attacker Matthew Etherington has been voted as player of the month
for September
08.10.2008
Matthew Etherington has been voted of the player of the month for September
by users of whufc.com.
The winger has been in inspired form recently and scored crucial goals
against Newcastle United and Fulham in September. The No11's fine run also
set up Carlton Cole's opener against the side from west London. Etherington
took 46 per cent of the vote, with the impressive Cole the closest behind
with 18 per cent.
West Ham United's longest serving player spoke to the matchday programme for
Sunday's game against Bolton Wanderers and admitted that he is enjoying life
at the Boleyn Ground as much as ever. "There has always been a good
atmosphere here. We have a good bunch of lads who all get on and we all want
the same things this year and there is a great sense of what we can achieve
this year if everyone can stay fit.
"I honestly believe that we can be a top-eight side this season, that's
certainly our aim. There are a lot of goals I want to achieve here at West
Ham and if we maintain the great start we have had, there's no reason why we
can't go on and up from here," he said.
Gianfranco Zola has deployed Etherington in a more advanced role since his
arrival as part of a new formation and the former Hammer of the Year says he
has been enjoying it. "The new manager has come in and has been brilliant
for me. He and Steve Clarke have been great. They are bringing all sorts of
things to my game - individual tips to help me and the other lads, and it
all goes to improving what you do. You enjoy coming to training every
morning which is a good thing.
"The manager is playing me in a role just behind the front two - which gives
me the chance to go either side. This has given me a lot more chances to
score goals, which is great," he added.
Zola seems equally pleased with Etherington's new role. Zola said: "The
first day we played some possession ball and I saw him and asked him to play
more in the middle and he was actually one of the best. It is something that
he knows how to do and he has always known how to do that. Maybe in the past
a manager has asked him to do something different but he can do that job and
I can assure he will get much better."
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Latest odds from Jaxx - WHUFC
Check out these West Ham United specials from JAXX, our official online
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08.10.2008
After the first league defeat of Gianfranco Zola's managerial career, West
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There promises to be plenty of intrigue for the trip to Hull Sunday 19
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Spence on England duty - WHUFC
Young central defender Jordan Spence is with England Under-19s for the start
of their latest qualifiers
08.10.2008
Jordan Spence will hope to be in action for England Under-19s tonight when
they kick off their qualifying campaign for the 2009 European Championship.
Still only 18, Spence has represented his country at U16, U17 and U18 level
but is now established at the higher level. England have been drawn in Group
9, a four-nation mini-tournament being hosted by Northern Ireland. The Young
Lions get under way against Albania tonight in Ballymena before taking on
the hosts on Friday. The section will conclude with a fixture against Serbia
next Monday. The top two in the group will go through to the Elite round
stage.
Spence said: "I've got a silver medial from the [2007] Under-17 Euros and we
are looking to go one better this time around. It starts with the qualifiers
first. It will be good to meet up and get some minutes under my belt." The
young defender is also focused on his club ambitions and his aim is to make
his first-team debut soon, adding: "That's been my goal as a young kid."
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Fulham too strong for reserves - WHUFC
A young West Ham United reserve side were beaten by a strong Fulham side on
Tuesday evening
08.10.2008
Fulham reserves 4-1 West Ham United reserves
West Ham United reserves were beaten a strong Fulham side at Motspur Park on
Tuesday night.
Fulham took the lead just before half-time through Erik Nevland. Two more
quickfire goals after the break from Seol Ki-Hyeon and Julian Gray put the
home side three goals up. The visitors did pull one back through Holmar Orn
Eyjolsson but Wayne Brown ensured the win for Fulham with a spectacular
fourth.
Alex Dyer took charge of the side again following last week's 4-3 win over
West Bromwich Albion and had to select from a youthful squad. Tony Stokes,
the most senior player at 21, was named as captain with the remainder of the
team all under 20. Fulham, in contrast, had five internationals in their
ranks including an experienced strike force of Nevland and Seol.
The visitors started the brightest and Junior Stanislas, who was deployed in
a role just behind a front two of Balint Bajner and Anthony Edgar, had two
superb free-kicks turned over the bar by Swiss international goalkeeper
Pascal Zuberbhuler. Bondz N'Gala then headed over from a Stanislas corner as
the visitors looked to score their first away goal of the season.
Ten minutes before the interval Fulham thought they had taken the lead only
for Nevland's effort to be ruled out for handball, with the striker being
shown a yellow card for appearing to punch the ball into the net. A minute
later though the hosts did take get on the scoresheet as Nevland slid in to
convert a Seol cross.
The hosts, who had gone into the match bottom of the Barclays Premier
Reserve League, put the game out of reach of their visitors with two goals
within three minutes of the restart. A minute after half-time, Seol picked
the ball up just inside the edge of the area, side-stepped his marker and
beat Stech with a low, left-footed drive. Gray added a fourth a minute later
when he slid in to convert a Seol cross.
The youngsters did not let their heads drop though and, buoyed by the
ever-vocal N'Gala, rallied to try and get back into the game. Their attitude
was rewarded when Stanislas played a short corner to Ryan O'Neill. The
right-back's cross was inch-perfect and Eyjolfsson stooped to power a header
in.
If Fulham's third goal was routine the fourth was anything but as Brown
picked the ball up on the halfway line and drove forward into the West Ham
United half. With one look, he unleashed a fierce 30-yard drive that bounced
once before finding the far left-hand corner of the goal.
The fourth goal put the hosts out of sight, but again United's youngsters
were not perturbed and continued to press forward in search of their second.
It was to be in vain though as Fulham's extra experience saw them hold on to
their lead. Dyer will take heart from this young side's efforts though,
knowing it will have given them valuable experience to take into the rest of
the season.
West Ham United: Stech, O' Neill, Miller, N'Gala, Eyjolfsson, Lee (Fry 54),
Stokes, Grasser (Montano 72), Bajner, Stanislas, Edgar (Kearns 72),
Subs not used: Street, Brown, Abdulla
Fulham: Zuberbuhler, Cumber, Anderson, Leijer, Smalling, Milsom, Brown,
Andranik (Saunders 20), Nevland (Smith 76 mins), Seol (Hoesen 76), Gray
Subs not used: Foderingham, Laribi
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As he giveth, so shall he taketh away - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 8th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury has revealed that West Ham will have to sell
before they can buy - just a month after promising new manager Gianfranco
Zola new funds with which to strengthen his squad. Duxbury, speaking in a
statement via whufc.com last night told supporters that the current owners
are not looking to sell - despite the horrific losses incurred by Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson in the last month.
However he backed up an earlier statement from vice chairman Asgeir
Fridgeirsson by stating that the current board will not be in a position to
invest in the squad this coming January should they remain in control of the
club - a statement in direct contrast to one made last month in the wake of
Zola's appointment in which he claimed that "it's about building a team
around him and that's what we will do."
"The position of Landsbanki has absolutely no effect on West Ham United and
Mr Gudmundsson's ownership of the club," claimed Duxbury. "Mr Gudmundsson is
an investor with a large portfolio, of which Landsbanki was just part. He
remains as committed as ever to West Ham United and is not looking to sell
the club.
"Since his appointment, Gianfranco Zola has made it quite clear that his
first-team squad is too large and needs to be reduced so he can effectively
coach the team. Once this has happened and if the manager requires further
players, then the club will acquire them.
"Mr Gudmundsson remains fully committed to the success of this football club
and building on the excellent start made by Gianfranco Zola."
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Winging it - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 8th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Etherington has been voted September's player of the month by
members of KUMB.com. The winger put in two excellent performances against
Newcastle and Fulham to become the first player of the month nominated since
Gianfranco Zola succeeded Alan Curbiushley in the Hammers hotseat.
Etherington polled just over one in every three votes in this month's poll,
with striker Carlton Cole narrowly beaten into second place with 31% of
votes. New signing Herita Ilunga narrowly beat Scott Parker and Valon
behrami to claim third place.
KUMB.com members' Player of the Month for September
1. Matthew Etherington 36%
2. Carlton Cole 31%
3. Herita Ilunga 8%
KUMB.com members' Player of the Month for August
1. Calum Davenport 32%
2. Julien Faubert 14%
3. Robert Green 12%
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Decision deferred on Spanish striker - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 8th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Former Spanish international Diego Tristan is to extend his trial period
with the Hammers until the end of this week. Gianfranco Zola and Steve
Clarke are understood to have offered the 32-year-old another week at
Chadwell Heath in order to prove his value to the team. Whilst his ability
is in no doubt, Tristan's fitness is thought to be the main issue currently
preventing the Hammers management duo from offering him a contract. The
former Deportivo striker made 15 international appearances for Spain and has
plenty of Champions League experience. However he has barely kicked a ball
since being released by Italian outfit Livorno in the summer.
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Wishful thinking - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 8th October 2008
By: Paul Turner
The course of true love never did run smooth and the same can be said for
West Ham's recent history. If it's not a claim for £30 million without
admitting your part in your own failure it's a shirt sponsor going belly up.
Today the news is Landisbank, Iceland's second biggest bank has been
privatised. Why should that matter? Well our chairman owns a group that
controlled 41% of the bank and was its chairman until being kicked off the
board.
Reports have been wide-ranging trying to pinpoint how much of an affect this
will have on West Ham's financial clout. The Times, within twenty minutes
via the magic of newsnow.co.uk had one story saying there were troubles
ahead to an all-must-go fire sale. With the way things are at the moment and
the financial institutions that are teetering on the edge or have gone over
it's no surprise things are changing by the second.
West Ham released a statement through CEO Scott Duxbury outlining that we do
have money and that we will sell before we buy due to a large squad. That I
can believe - but I thought the sales in the summer were meant to bring
about a more streamlined playing squad? Packing Quashie off to Birmingham on
loan won't cut the mustard.
I always did wonder about our billionaire takeover compared to other clubs.
How could it be that so much money was being pumped into the likes of Aston
Villa and
Portsmouth with regards to playing staff and you could see a progression
while we muddled along? Yes Faubert, Ljungberg, Bellamy, and Parker all in
one summer did
look excessive but that balanced with Reo-Coker, Harewood and Benayoun going
for a fair bit of money.
Some with hindsight might point to the fact that BG's money was spread
widely and he was protecting his own backside in case the world financial
crisis tightened its grip, but I think the obvious answer is a safety first
approach. Much akin to some of Curbishley's tactics on the pitch during his
reign, the 4-5-1 of the boardroom you might say.
So what of the future? No matter the noises being made by the vice chairman
on Sky Sports I can see us being sold on. How can West Ham make a big enough
turnover and profit to satisfy the current regime and to keep owning the
club a viable option? Unless there is a pot of gold buried under the Chicken
Run then I doubt it.
The money is now to be made from selling the club on and to make a profit on
the original outlay when the club was bought from Terrance Brown (out!). The
TV deals, both internationally and domestic plus the potential to move to a
new ground and sell the property and land owned by the club is what will
raise the asking price. I can see a bid of between £150 to £200 million
being around the mark needed to make the Icelandic consortium sit up and
take notice.
So who has the money? DIC? Mukesh Ambani? Bill Gates? Personally I don't
care so long as the fans are not treated as an afterthought. But as I stated
before in another article after any takeover prices will always go up to
recoup the money laid out to buy the club in the first place. I'd like to
think, with the current climate, that prices would be frozen - or more
worthwhile concessions would be offered.
But that, I feel, would just be wishful thinking.
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Vultures in the air circling West Ham - theaustraliannews.com.au
Gary Jacob | October 09, 2008
FEARS grew yesterday that West Ham United is on the brink of a financial
crisis after Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, the club's owner, was dragged into the
global credit crisis. The collapse of Landsbanki, the Icelandic bank of
which Gudmundsson was chairman and a major shareholder, raised fears he
would need to sell the club. While shares of the bank are suspended after it
was nationalised yesterday, Gudmundsson's stake in it is notionally
worthless. Gudmundsson has said there are no plans to sell the Premier
League club, but he could not rule out the possibility if his other
investments are affected by the turmoil in the markets. He has refused to
consider interest from at least one serious potential buyer in recent weeks,
but is bound to find more vultures circling over coming days. The club is
worth nearly three times the pound stg. 85million ($214m) that Gudmundsson
paid two years ago - taking on pound stg. 20m in debt. He has since injected
pound stg. 30m into the club.
Asgeir Fridgeirsson, the West Ham vice-chairman, said Gudmundsson's
ownership of the club is a personal investment not linked to Landsbanki and
his wealth is built on a diverse portfolio that includes construction,
brewing, shipping, seafood production, property and media investments. The
portfolio was estimated to be worth more than pound stg. 1billion last week,
but considerably less after the plunge in share prices this week. "It is, of
course, a blow for him and his financial strength, but he has a number of
other investments that are doing quite well ... so there is no reason to
fear that he will not honour his commitment to West Ham," Fridgeirsson said
yesterday. Gianfranco Zola has been told he will not receive transfer funds
in January and the West Ham manager will have to trim the squad of 34 by
about 10 players to raise money for signings.
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Tristan set for Hammers exit despite boss Zola hoping for another week to
run rule over Spanish forward - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:37 PM on 08th October 2008
Diego Tristan has been offered another week's trial at West Ham but reports
suggest the former Spanish international forward will not further his stay
at Upton Park.
The Hammers are seeking a temporary solution to the striking gap left by the
injury to Dean Ashton who was ruled out until at least January after having
surgery on his ankle earlier this month. The ex-Livorno striker has
impressed Gianfranco Zola but there is a question mark over his fitness and
stamina and it was expected for Tristan to be given another week to impress
the Italian. However sentantasports.com suggests that the Spanish forward is
unlikely to continue his time in the east end of London after negotiations
over his stay failed.
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Gudmundsson refuses to panic despite Icelandic bank collapse - Daily Mail
By Ben Hunt Last updated at 11:48 AM on 08th October 2008
West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson insists the club's finances are
secure, despite Iceland's second-largest bank going into administration.
Gudmundsson is a major shareholder in Landsbanki and chaired the company
until he was sacked yesterday (Tuesday) when the government took control to
stop it collapsing. Landsbanki is a victim of the worldwide credit crunch
but West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury is confident of the club's
future. 'The position of Landsbanki has absolutely no effect on West Ham and
Mr Gudmundsson's ownership of the club,' he said. However, the financial
situation means new manager Gianfranco Zola will have his hands tied come
the January transfer window and the Italian has be told he must sell players
before he buys. It could even lead to the departure of England striker Dean
Ashton and Wales international Craig Bellamy, who may be sold to make way
for fresh blood. Asgeir Fridgeirsson, the club's vice-chairman, admitted:
'We have a big squad. Our manager feels it is not necessary to be that size,
so if further transfers are needed, money would need to be generated from
sales. 'There is no reason to be too pessimistic. It is a blow for him
[Gudmundsson] and his financial strength but he has numerous other
investments which are doing well, so there is no reason to fear he will not
fulfil his commitment to West Ham. 'Mr Gudmundsson has already put
£30million into the club and that money is still there. He has invested in
creating a squad capable of challenging for the top half of the Premier
League. 'One thing he is sure of is that this will have no implications on
the other investments of him and his family.'
By chance, that is precisely the figure Sheffield United are pushing for as
part of their compensation from the Carlos Tevez transfer affair. Despite
the financial pressures imposed on the billionaire, Gudmundsson has no
intention of selling the club - for now. Fridgeirsson added: 'There is
enormous interest in the club but at the moment we are not actively in the
process of selling. There is not a need. 'There have been agents all around
the club trying to get out attention but we have turned them away.'
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Hammers safe, says Icelandic chairman
Ben Hunt, Evening Standard
West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson insists the club's finances are
secure, despite Iceland's second-largest bank going into administration.
Gudmundsson is a major shareholder in Landsbanki and chaired the company
until he was sacked yesterday when the government took control to stop it
collapsing. Landsbanki is a victim of the worldwide credit crunch but West
Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury is confident of the club's future. "The
position of Landsbanki has absolutely no effect on West Ham and Mr
Gudmundsson's ownership of the club," he said, However, the financial
situation means new manager Gianfranco Zola will have his hands tied come
the January transfer window and the Italian has be told he must sell players
before he buys. It could even lead to the departure of England striker Dean
Ashton and Wales international Craig Bellamy, who may be sold to make way
for fresh blood. Asgeir Fridgeirsson, the club's vice-chairman, admitted:
"We have a big squad. Our manager feels it is not necessary to be that size,
so if further transfers are needed, money would need to be generated from
sales. "There is no reason to be too pessimistic. It is a blow for him
[Gudmundsson] and his financial strength but he has numerous other
investments which are doing well, so there is no reason to fear he will not
fulfil his commitment to West Ham. "Mr Gudmundsson has already put
£30million into the club and that money is still there. He has invested in
creating a squad capable of challenging for the top half of the Premier
League. "One thing he is sure of is that this will have no implications on
the other investments of him and his family." By chance, that is precisely
the figure Sheffield United are pushing for as part of their compensation
from the Carlos Tevez transfer affair. Despite the financial pressures
imposed on the billionaire, Gudmundsson has no intention of selling the club
- for now. Fridgeirsson added: "There is enormous interest in the club but
at the moment we are not actively in the process of selling. There is not a
need. "There have been agents all around the club trying to get our
attention but we have turned them away."
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No Hammers deal for striker - Setanta
by Laurent Picard, 08 October 2008
Setantasports.com understands Spanish striker Diego Tristan will not commit
his short-term future to West Ham United after negotiations over an
immediate engagement stalled. The 32-year-old free agent was handed a trial
by Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola and is believed to have impressed the
Italian tactician.
Nevertheless, the former Deportivo La Coruna goal-machine will not secure a
move to The Premier League and remains on the market. The turmoil
surrounding West Ham in light of the collapse of Landsbanki bank is not
believed to have had a bearing on the decision to rule out a move for
Tristan. Tristan was released by Serie A side Livorno after they were
relegated to the second tier of Italian football last term, and will not be
playing at Upton Park this season.
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Great News for The Hammers! - CmonYUIrons
8 October 2008
There is no getting away from the fact that apart from our position in the
Premier League September and October 2008 will be months we will all want
to forget.
Landsbanki Bank being taken over by the Icelandic Government in a bid to
stop the economy spiralling into further turmoil, Sheffield United winning
its arbitration hearing which could cost West Ham upto £30m.
The good news is that the CAS are willing to hold a hearing on the Tevez
case originally only if Sheffield Utd agree and if they do not agree then
the CAS will want specific reasons why not! in the mean time West Ham will
audit the books of Sheffield Utd to find the exact validation of its loss in
being relegated to the CCC
The other good news is that, the West Ham legal boffs are seeking possible
permission from FIFA to take the case to the High Courts in a bid to reverse
the decision of the FA arbitration panel with its findings that Tevez alone
is the cause of Sheffield Utd's relegation.
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West Ham Must Sell Before Buying In January – With Mass Exodus Expected At
Upton Park - Premiership Latest
Submitted by Jake Briggs on Wed, 2008-10-08 09:11.
New West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola is set to trim the size of the
squad at Upton Park in January, with any prospective transfers in to the
East London side to be funded by sales. Hammers Vice-chairman Asgeir
Fridgeirsson has revealed that the former Chelsea player is in agreement
that the squad is too large and has insisted that the "club is standing
strong", with no need for further investment at the moment in the Premier
League side. "Our manager agrees it is not necessary for the squad to be
that size so for further transfers the money would need to be generated from
sales," said Fridgeirsson. "There is no intention for him to invest further
in the club at the moment. The club is standing strong, it is generating
revenue and Mr Gudmundsson is not going to take money out of the club."
West Ham currently have 38 players on the books and a mass cull in January
could see up to 15 players leave the Hammers as former Italian International
Zola looks to put his own mark on the Irons. With England International Dean
Ashton along with Craig Bellamy possibly part of the shake up after links
with other Premiership sides over the summer. This comes in the light of the
Icelandic Government's takeover of major bank Landsbanski to stop it
collapsing, which Hammers chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson was chairman until
his sacking on Tuesday and major shareholder. However, Fridgeirsson has
insisted that West Ham will not be affected by the events in Iceland and
that Gudmundsson will honour his commitments at Upton Park. "The government
has claimed shares in the company which means that the government has
claimed control. That means basically that we have lost it," Fridgeirsson
told Sky Sports News. "I don't think there's any reason to be too
pessimistic. West Ham United is a wonderful club and a well run company.
"This investment was very important for him, but not his only one. "It is,
of course, a blow for him and his financial strength, but he himself has a
number of other investments that are doing quite well at the moment so there
is no reason to fear that he will not honour his commitment to West Ham
football club. "He (Gudmundsson) is not absolutely sure how this will
directly affect him, but one thing he is sure of is that this will have no
implications on the other investments of him and his family."
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Hammers handed Tevez appeal boost - Echo
8:42am Wednesday 8th October 2008
WEST Ham United have received a boost in their attempts to overturn an
independent tribunal's decision to award Sheffield United £30million in
compensation over the Carlos Tevez affair. The Irons have appealed to the
Swiss-based Court of Arbitration in Sport (CAS) to try and reverse the
award, which was made after the tribunal ruled that Tevez - who had been
signed on an illegal "third-party" contract - played an influential role in
keeping the club in the Premier League at the Blades' expense in 2006/07.
Originally, it was reported that the Yorkshire club would have to agree to
any such appeal, but it now appears that the Championship side may have to
give reasons for a hearing not to take place.
CAS have now asked Sheffield United to consent to its jurisdiction or
provide written reasons against it by Friday. This fact has given
encouragement to the Irons as, in the majority of cases, the court has
immediately ruled itself out of adjudicating in disputes. Meanwhile, the
three-man tribunal panel has adjourned its deliberations on how much money
to award Sheffield United until December at the earliest. West Ham have
argued that United must validate the money that they lost - with the Blaedes
claiming in excess of £30.3million. The Irons are also reportedly exploring
the possibility of an appeal to the High Court and making representations to
Fifa over the affair. The East Enders were originally fined a world record
£5.5million in April 2007 after admitting to breaking two Premier League
rules over the signings of Tevez and Javier Mascherano in August 2006. A
successful appeal would represent a huge boost for chairman Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, who has seen his fortune dwindle in recent weeks following the
collapse of tour operator XL and the nationalisation of Icelandic bank
Landsbanki, in which he had a 41 per cent shareholding.
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Hammers star is doing all he can to save his career - Echo
8:44am Wednesday 8th October 2008
WEST Ham United striker Craig Bellamy has been sleeping in an altitude tent
in a bid to save his injury-plagued career. The 29-year-old Wales
international captain has made 12 first-team appearances since joining the
Irons from Liverpool in a £7.5million deal in July 2007. This season,
Bellamy has been restricted to just 73 minutes of Premier League football by
stomach, groin and hamstring problems. And the former Liverpool, Newcastle
United and Glasgow Celtic forward has revealed the extraordinary lengths he
has gone to in an attempt to make a successful comeback. "I have got my own
altitude tent and I sleep in it every night because it speeds up recovery
and improves overall fitness," he told BBC Sport. "This is a critical stage
of my career and if I cut corners it would have been tough for me to come
back."
The specially-designed tent pumps in air with a lower oxygen concentration,
helping to increase his body's production of red blood cells and increase
the speed of recovery in his damaged muscles. It is the latest measure the
Cardiff-born player has taken to put an end to the injury problems that have
blighted his career since he was a teenager at Norwich City. Back in July
1999, Bellamy suffered a horrific knee injury in the Canaries' pre-season
friendly at Southend United that left him out of action for a year and
needing career-saving surgery from knee specialist Dr Richard Steadman. And
the hitman's latest attempt to get fit has been equally drastic.
"My rehabilitation has been quite extraordinary," he added. "And I want to
really attack the last years of my career in a positive manner. "The
altitude tent improves endurance, helps speed and makes you a fitter
athlete."
Bellamy's tent experiment will receive its first major test when he lines up
for Wales in two 2010 World Cup qualifiers against Leichtenstein and Germany
over the next week. "I'm ready to play 90 minutes and play two games in five
days because I feel good and I've done all of the groundwork," he insisted.
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Former Hammer Lomas wants Colchester job - Echo
10:18am Wednesday 8th October 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
FORMER West Ham United favourite Steve Lomas wants to be Colchester United's
next manager. And the ex-Northern Ireland midfielder believes he can follow
in the footsteps of Phil Parkinson and Geraint Williams and prove his worth
with the U's as a young, up-and-coming boss. The 34-year-old has sent his CV
to the U's, in the hope of succeeding Williams in the hot-seat. He is still
waiting to hear whether he will be invited for interview, as chairman Robbie
Cowling narrows down his search for a new man to lead the club. Lomas told
the Echo: "I would be very interested. "Colchester is a great club and I'm
looking to get into that side of things. "I see it as a good starting
position. "Colchester United has a history of giving young managers a
chance, like Phil Parkinson and Geraint Williams in the past." Lomas
represented the likes of West Ham, Manchester City and Queens Park Rangers
in a playing career spanning more than 400 appearances. He carved out a
reputation as a tough-tackling, no-nonsense competitor and said he would
bring similar qualities to management. "I was always up for a battle as a
player and I would certainly be up for the challenge," said Lomas, whose
left his last club Gillingham in January. "I always worked hard and gave 100
per cent and I would throw myself at it with a desire and a will to win.
"Being an international player doesn't always mean you will be a good
manager. But it does help when it comes to having football experience. "And
I think it helps that I've only just finished playing, because I'm very
aware of the importance diet and fitness have in today's game." Lomas said
he is already familiar with several members of the current Colchester
squad.He knows Johnnie Jackson and Mark Yeates and played with U's captain
Chris Coyne during his eight-and-a-half year spell with West Ham. Lomas
added: "Colchester have a great new ground and they definitely have a squad
that is better than their current league position."
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England duty will benefit Green - Miklosko - Echo
10:38am Wednesday 8th October 2008
By Rob Pritchard »
TWO weeks away on England duty will help Robert Green to forget about his
Premier League struggles, according to former West Ham United and Czech
Republic goalkeeper Ludek Miklosko. "Ludo", who is now goalkeeping coach at
Upton Park, has watched on in stunned disbelief as Green's errors have
contributed to defeats to West Bromwich Albion and Bolton Wanderers in
recent weeks. Three weeks ago, Green brought down Leon Barnett for a penalty
after dropping a harmless cross en route to a 3-2 defeat at The Hawthorns
while, on Sunday, two howlers set the Trotters on their way to a 3-1 victory
at the Boleyn Ground. But the towering Miklosko, now 46, believes a call-up
to Fabio Capello's squad for the upcoming 2010 World Cup qualifiers against
Kazakhstan and Belarus is just what the normally reliable Irons' stopper
needs to get the mistakes out of his system. "I think it was the first time
he has had a game like that (against Bolton)," said the man who made 374
appearances for the Hammers between 1990 and 1998. "Everyone can make
mistakes and he just did on Sunday, there's nothing else to say about it. He
will be back.
"I am pleased he has got the international recognition of course. Now he's
got two weeks in a different environment and I think it will help him forget
what has happened."
Miklosko also had words of encouragement for teenager Marek Stech after his
fellow countryman conceded four goals in a mid-week reserve team defeat at
Fulham.
The 18-year-old - a youth team regular - endured a tough evening on a wet,
skiddy pitch and under low, temporary floodlights at the Cottagers' Motspur
Park training ground. And his mentor absolved his young charge of any blame
for the Hammers' heavy defeat. "It was quite a difficult night. The
conditions and lights didn't help," said Miklosko. "It's very difficult for
the players and goalkeepers as well. I think he did ok. I cannot blame him
for any of the goals. It was just one of those games.
"There are definitely some positives (to take from the game). "We had a very
young team and it was against a much more experienced team (containing five
internationals). "It was a good experience for them. The boys need to learn
and this was a game from which they really can learn."
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