WHUFC.com
All the early West Ham United team news and background for Sunday's last
game of 2008
27.12.2008
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Stoke City
Sunday 28 December
2pm
Referee: Michael Jones
WHUTV - Full audio commentary
Introduction
* West Ham United welcome Stoke City on Sunday afternoon with the potential
to move back into the top half of the Barclays Premier League table and
boosted by a thrilling 4-1 win away at Portsmouth on Friday. That success
made it five away games unbeaten.
* The highest 13th-placed West Ham United can realistically climb with
victory is tenth. Success for Stoke could elevate them from 19th position to
12th.
* The last time the clubs met in the top flight of English football was 14
May 1985 when the Hammers were 5-1 winners at the Boleyn Ground.
* There have been seven other encounters since that top-flight showdown,
with West Ham United having fond memories of the last meetings between the
clubs in the 2004/05 Championship season. The Hammers earned a 1-0 success
at Stoke in April 2005, having triumphed 2-0 at home on 19 October 2004, en
route to promotion via the play-offs.
* Gianfranco Zola said: "[Over Christmas] you can pick up so many points and
you can change your season. Hopefully it is going to be like that for us. We
can take off and play a very good season. Fair to the players, they have
been training so well and that makes me very positive against Stoke."
* Tony Pulis said: "The lads have been absolutely brilliant this season, and
I don't want to talk about anything other than the work they put in. We
deserved something [in the defeat against Manchester United]. But we will
keep our heads up and move on to the West Ham game."
* West Ham United have lost five and drawn one of their last six home games,
dating back to the 3-1 win against Newcastle United on Saturday 20 September
- Gianfranco Zola's first game in charge of the club.
* The win at Portsmouth was the first success in eight attempts against the
south-coast club, dating back to 1993.
* West Ham United are next in league action on 10 January when they go to
Newcastle bidding for a sixth away game unbeaten.
* The Hammers have conceded just three goals in their last five games away
from the Boleyn Ground, a fact made all more impressive as two of those
fixtures were at Anfield and Stamford Bridge.
* West Ham United are next in action on Saturday 3 January when Barnsley
visit in the FA Cup third round. Stoke City are away to Hartlepool United on
the same day.
Team news
* Because of the short turnaround in games, Lucas Neill may miss out on
Sunday with the twisted ankle suffered in the first half at Portsmouth.
Matthew Upson would wear the captain's armband in his absence and Julien
Faubert, an impressive substitute at Fratton Park, could be recalled to the
starting lineup.
* Gianfranco Zola also has Jonathan Spector in contention for the first time
this season and he could provide another option at full-back.
* Craig Bellamy is suspended for the match after picking up his fifth
caution of the season against Aston Villa on 20 December.
* Scott Parker can play against Stoke after his fifth caution of the season
against Portsmouth but will be suspended when Barnsley visit in the FA Cup
third round on Saturday.
* It is thought the match will be too soon for Kieron Dyer, with the
attack-minded midfielder in with a chance of facing Barnsley.
* As well as those involved against Portsmouth, Walter Lopez, Lee Bowyer,
Matthew Etherington and Freddie Sears have all been pushing hard for
inclusion in Zola's matchday plans. There are also the likes of Marek Stech,
Joe Widdowson, Bondz N'Gala, Josh Payne and Tom Harvey doing well with Alex
Dyer's reserves.
* Six players are out on loan - Jimmy Walker (Colchester United), Jordan
Spence (Leyton Orient), James Tomkins (Derby County), Nigel Quashie
(Birmingham City), Kyel Reid (Blackpool) and Junior Stanislas (Southend
United).
* Stoke are without the suspended Andy Wilkinson, shown a straight red
against Manchester United, but hope to have Liam Lawrence (ankle) back.
There are also doubts for Tony Pulish over Andy Griffin (knee), Salif Diao
(calf), Leon Cort (groin) and Dave Kitson (knee).
Last time out
Friday 26 December 2008
Portsmouth 1-4 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Neill (Faubert 46), Davenport, Upson, Ilunga,
Collison, Noble (Boa Morte 73), Parker, Behrami, Cole (Tristan 87), Bellamy
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Mullins, Collins, Di Michele
Booked: Noble, Behrami, Parker
Goals: Collison 20, Cole 67, Bellamy 70, 83
Friday 26 December 2008
Stoke City 0-1 Manchester United
Stoke City: Sorensen, Wilkinson, Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross, Higginbotham,
Delap (Davies 74), Whelan, Amdy Faye (Olofinjana 89), Pugh, Cresswell
(Pericard 90), Fuller
Subs not used: Simonsen, Lawrence, Tonge, Sonko
Sent off: Wilkinson
Booked: Cresswell, Wilkinson, Fuller, Whelan
Background
* The teams last met on 19 May 2005, towards the end of the club's last
campaign outside the top flight. Bobby Zamora scored the only goal in front
of 14,534 fans in the 78th minute.
* The lineups were:
Stoke City: Simonsen, Buxton (Henry 74), Duberry, Hill, Taggart, Brammer,
Clarke, Russell, Greenacre (Neal 83), Jones (Ricketts 83), Noel-Williams
Subs not used: De Goey, Clark
West Ham United: Walker, Ferdinand, Repka (Zamora 76), Ward, Powell,
Etherington, Newton, Reo-Coker, Mullins (Fletcher 76), Sheringham, Harewood
(Chadwick 89)
Subs not used: Bywater, Brevett
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
19 April 2005 - Stoke City 0-1 West Ham United
19 October 2004 - West Ham United 2-0 Stoke City
24 April 2004 - Stoke City 0-2 West Ham United
9 December 2003 - West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City
10 October 1990 - Stoke City 1-2 West Ham United (League Cup)
26 September 1990 - West Ham United 3-0 Stoke City
Overall record v Stoke City (all competitions): W 29, D 18, L 27
General information
For ticket information, click here . For details on getting to the Boleyn
Ground, click here.
Weather: The forecast is for a bright, chilly day with temperatures not
expected to get above 3C.
Travel news: The Jubilee line will be completely closed while the
Metropolitan line will not be running between Aldgate and Harrow-on-the-hill
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Tottenham unsure of Bellamy deal
BBC.co.uk
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp admits he faces a battle to sign West Ham's
Craig Bellamy after revealing he has made a bid for the striker. Redknapp
has only three senior strikers available and is keen to bolster his options
in the January transfer window. Spurs made a bid of about £6m for the
29-year-old, but could now look at other targets. "I think there are teams
interested in Bellamy, we'll have to wait and see on that one," he told Sky
Sports News. On succeeding Juande Ramos as Spurs manager, Redknapp inherited
a squad that included only Darren Bent, Manchester United loanee Fraizer
Campbell and Roman Pavlyuchenko, who is cup tied in Europe, as senior
strikers. And with Tottenham just one point above the relegation places
going into the Boxing Day fixtures, Redknapp is keen to bring in a proven
goalscorer to increase competition for places. "I'm only looking at one or
two players," he added. "We're looking at strikers because you need four,
what with the competitions we are in. "Strikers are so important to a team
because they are more than likely going to be the players that will win you
matches," he added in the programme notes for Saturday's Premier League
match against Fulham. "However, I have said all along that if the players I
want are not available then we will not do anything."
Wales international Bellamy has only scored twice for the Hammers this
season, but he is also reported to be attracting interest from Manchester
City. West Ham are said to be holding out for a transfer fee of as much of
the £7.5m they paid to Liverpool for Bellamy in July 2007. However, Redknapp
said the uncertain economic climate could force a number of British clubs to
temporarily offload players in an effort to cut their spiralling wage costs,
raising Tottenham's hopes of bringing in players on loan. "With the current
situation they will look to get players off their wage bill," said the
61-year-old. "I've discussed it with the chairman but we haven't actually
made a bid for anybody. "But I'm not going to load us up with players that
aren't better than we've got."
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West Ham v Stoke
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 28 December Kick-off: 1400 GMT
Coverage: Live commentary on BBC Radio Stoke 94.6FM, 1503MW and DAB plus
updates on BBC Radio 5 Live, BBC Sport website & highlights on Match of the
Day
BBC.co.uk
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Keiron Dyer is unlikely to be risked for West Ham's game with Stoke despite
having recovered from the leg break he suffered in August 2007. Valon
Behrami and Scott Parker came through the win at Portsmouth without any
reaction to minor injuries, and Matty Etherington is fit after a virus.
Stoke's Andy Wilkinson is suspended but Liam Lawrence (ankle) could return.
Andy Griffin (knee), Salif Diao (calf), Leon Cort (groin) and Dave Kitson
(knee) are all doubtful.
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West Ham (from): Green, Stech, Neill, Ilunga, Lopez, Parker, Bellamy,
Etherington, Cole, Boa Morte, Upson, Noble, Mullins, Spector, Collins,
Faubert, Stokes, Walker, Lastuvka, Davenport, Reid, Bowyer, Sears, Di
Michele, Collison, Tomkins, Diego Tristan.
Stoke (from): Sorensen, Shawcross, Sonko, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham,
Delap, Amdy Faye, Whelan, Cresswell, Pugh, Fuller, Pericard, Tonge, Soares,
Simonsen, Olofinjana, Davies, Griffin, Diao, Cort, Kitson.
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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "Carlton (Cole) works very hard and just
needs to improve on a few things around the box. "He's had so many chances
and hasn't converted them but finally he did. "He needs a bit of confidence
as well and the goal (a tap-in during the Hammers 4-1 Boxing Day victory at
Portsmouth) will help him a lot."
Stoke manager Tony Pulis: "We have what we have and I'd rather concentrate
on picking up a good result against West Ham. "I only want to talk about the
brilliant work the lads have put in. "We deserved something against United
and I am very disappointed we did not get anything. But we will keep our
heads up and move on to West Ham."
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BIG-MATCH FACTS
West Ham, with two wins in 13 Premier League games, host a Stoke side
without a win in five, which has seen them slump into the relegation zone.
The Hammers have not scored in three at home; the Potters have failed to
score in three, home and away.
Stoke go to Upton Park in the hope of securing their first top-flight
victory there in 35 years, since a 0-2 triumph on 22 December 1973 when
Jimmy Robertson and Jimmy Greenhoff came up with the goods.
The Hammers won their first home game after Gianfranco Zola was appointed
manager, against Newcastle on 20 September, but they've only secured one
point from six games at Upton Park since. That came from a goalless draw
with Portsmouth on 15 November.
Stoke have the weakest away record in the Premier League with no wins, and
just three points out of 27 courtesy of draws at Liverpool, Wigan and
Newcastle.
West Ham did the double over Stoke when they last met four seasons ago in
the second tier. The Hammers also beat the Potters home and away when they
were last in the top-flight together in 1984-85.
Distance between the clubs: 174 miles (280 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
13th 22 points
Highest realistically achievable: 10th
Lowest could realistically fall: 16th
Fixtures
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STOKE CITY
Club stats
18th 20 points
Highest realistically achievable: 11th
Lowest could fall: 19th
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
If selected:-
Hayden MULLINS will be making his 400th career league appearance (Crystal
Palace and West Ham).
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STOKE CITY
Squad profiles
If selected:-
Ricardo FULLER will be making his 50th Premier League appearance (Portsmouth
and Stoke).
Carl DICKINSON will be making his 50th league appearance for Stoke.
Mamady SIDIBE will be making his 300th club career appearance and 150th in
Stoke colours.
Danny HIGGINBOTHAM will be playing on the eve of his 30th birthday.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham have won their last three top-flight matches against Stoke, and
achieved a 9-3 aggregate score in completing the double 24 seasons ago.
The Hammers have also won the last three league clashes with the Potters -
all at the second level.
The North Midlanders last beat the Hammers 0-1 at Upton Park on 9 December
2003 in the Nationwide League Division One (second level), and last
prevailed in a top-flight clash against them on 1 October 1983 (3-1 at the
Victoria Ground).
West Ham are seeking a 25th league win over Stoke in their 75th competitive
clash.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 24 wins, Stoke 23, Draws 15
Prem: West Ham 0 wins, Stoke 0, Draws 0
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 16 wins, Stoke 5, Draws 10
Prem: West Ham 0 wins, Stoke 0, Draws 0
REFEREE
Mike Jones (Cheshire)
Premier League referees' table
Michael Jones' 2008-09 Premier League card count
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The running man
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 27th December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Long time West Ham United supporter Tom Cosgrave will be running in the
forthcoming Los Cabos (Mexico) half marathon to raise funds for an
Alzheimers support group in London. The race takes place on 25th January
2009, and Tom has been training diligently for the race and for the worthy
cause he is running for. If you would like to sponsor Tom, his fundraising
page can be found here. You can find more information on the race here.
Tom takes up the story: "My mum had Alzheimers. It is a cruel, nasty and
very personal disease. It leaves the sufferer confused, frightened and in a
world full of memories from the distant past - but often no recollection of
what happened an hour ago. I had the choice to put my mum into a care home
or look after for her in our house; I chose to care for her at home.
"Without the help of kind, understanding and loving people we would never
have made it. My mum is dead now but I never forgot the actions of others
when we needed help most. I always said I would repay their help and this is
my way of doing so. "I realise that there are many demands on your cash
these days. All I am asking is that you try and spare what you can afford.
No donation is too small. I am very proud to run for the 'For Dementia'
trust. It will allow me to give something back and with your kind donations,
I can. "Last year I ran it in 1 hour, 48 minutes and 49 seconds. Spurred on
by your generosity I will do my very best to beat that time. The race is
chip timed so you will be able to see that I have started the race, together
with my times at the 12k mark and 21k finishing line. "When I race, I will
be thinking about my mum and also thinking about Frank Peters, a West Ham
fan who died recently at the horribly young age of 43. This race is for him
too. Your donation will make a difference, thank you for your kindness and
your contribution, I really appreciate it."
Once again, you can sponsor Tom here:
http://www.justgiving.com/tom-runs-cabo. For more detals on the 'For
Dementia' trust, click here.
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West Ham v Stoke preview
Bellamy missing for Hammers, Potters look for first away win
Last updated: 27th December 2008
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 2 Stoke 0
Sky Bet odds: West Ham 8/11 Draw 5/2 Stoke 4/1
One to Watch: Carlton Cole
West Ham United will be without Craig Bellamy for the visit of Stoke City,
who are chasing a first away win of the season. Bellamy grabbed two goals
in the Boxing Day win at Portsmouth, but that could turn out to be his last
appearance in a Hammers shirt. Tottenham have already failed with a bid for
the Wales international, while Harry Redknapp expects Manchester City to be
interested. And, with the transfer window opening on Thursday, Bellamy could
be sold before the Hammers face Barnsley in the FA Cup next weekend. Having
helped to clinch an impressive 4-1 win at Portsmouth, Bellamy sits out the
visit of Stoke through suspension after collecting five yellow cards this
season. David Di Michele and Diego Tristan are vying to partner Carlton Cole
up front, with Dean Ashton looking unlikely to play again until well into
the spring, if at all this season. Lucas Neill was replaced at half-time
against Pompey, but should be fit, while James Collins was on the bench
after a recent calf complaint. Valon Behrami and Scott Parker shrugged off
minor knocks to play 90 minutes at Fratton Park, while Matthew Etherington
is available after a virus. Kieron Dyer is closing on a first-team return
for the Hammers, but Danny Gabbidon and Walter Lopez continue to miss out.
Stoke slipped into the relegation zone after an unfortunate 1-0 defeat by
champions Manchester United on Boxing Day and Tony Pulis will be looking for
a response.
Pulis is definitely without Andy Wilkinson, who was sent off against United
for two yellow cards, and the Stoke boss has options to consider at
right-back. With Andy Griffin also out, Ryan Shawcross could move back to
the right, with Ibrahima Sonko coming back into the side at centre-half,
although Andrew Davies is pushing for his first start after making his Stoke
debut as a substitute against United. Mamady Sidibe is still sidelined with
a knee injury, so Pulis will choose between Richard Cresswell and Vincent
Pericard as Ricardo Fuller's partner, with Dave Kitson also injured. Danny
Pugh came into the team to face United and will hope to retain his place,
but Salif Diao is again expected to miss out.
Possible teams:
West Ham: Green, Neill, Davenport, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Collison,
Noble, Tristan, Cole
Stoke: Sorensen, Davies, Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Delap,
Whelan, Amdy Faye, Pugh, Fuller, Pericard
West Ham v Stoke 1st Goalscorer: Cole, C. 6/1
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Redknapp fears City riches
Spurs set to make second offer after initial bid turned down by Hammers
Last updated: 27th December 2008
SSN
Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp fears Manchester City could end up winning the
battle to sign Craig Bellamy from West Ham. Spurs have already had one
offer, thought to be in the region of £6million, turned down for the striker
and are set to go back with an improved bid. However, it is believed City
manager Mark Hughes, who worked with the player at Blackburn Rovers and
during his time in charge of Wales, is also keen to recruit the 29-year-old.
Redknapp admits he cannot hope to compete with the riches available at
Eastlands since the arrival of the Abu Dhabi United Group. "I think there
will be more offers, Manchester City are supposed to be very interested but
he belongs to West Ham and if they decide they do not want to sell him then
it's up to them," he said. "It depends. I'll speak to the chairman but if
Man City are in for him then it is very difficult to compete with them -
they can throw millions and millions at everything."
Redknapp's need to strengthen in attack was highlighted again on Boxing Day,
as Spurs were held to a 0-0 draw by Fulham at White Hart Lane. Bellamy, who
moved to Upton Park from Liverpool in a £7.5m deal back in 2007, bagged a
brace in West Ham's impressive 4-1 win away at Portsmouth.
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Gianfranco Zola ruing loss of Dean Aston from West Ham side
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
By Paul Chant
The People
Westham manager Gianfranco Zola is ruing the long-term absence of Dean
Ashton as the striker continues his recovery from an ankle operation. The
Hammers netted four goals in the Boxing Day demolition of Portsmouth, but it
was the first time in 12 games they have scored more than once in a Premier
League fixture. Ashton has been out since September and Zola is missing his
scoring prowess. "I've lost probably the best finisher in the team," said
Zola. "I don't think we will have him back in January or February, but I
hope soon. "He had problems with the cartilage in his ankle, but because of
his previous injuries it couldn't be a quick thing as we didn't want to do
any more damage." Ashton's replacement, Carlton Cole, has struggled to gel
with fellow forward Craig Bellamy. The 25-year-old Cole has been having
extra one-to-one tuition with Zola, one of the classiest forwards of his
time.
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West Ham United v Stoke City - preview
By Potters Reporter - 27/12/2008 11:38
The Oatcake
After coming mightily close to holding Manchester United on Boxing Day, the
Potters head south to the capital to face East End side West Ham United...
Stoke City will have no time to dwell on how they came to drawing a point
from Manchester United, when the Potters head south to London to face
relegation rivals West Ham United this Sunday lunchtime. A mighty
perfromance was put in at the Britannia but a late red card for Andy
Wilkinson and an even later Carlos Tevez goal for Manchester United
scuppered hopes of a deserved point from the champions. The Potters cannot
now play Andy Wilkinson in defence for the trip to Upton Park, due to the
two bookable offences inducing a red card and one game ban. Central
defenders Leon Cort and full back Andy Griffin remain doubts. Salif Diao and
Dave Kitson are also rated likewise for the fixture. West Ham United are
close to seeing Kieron Dyer return to action following a serious leg break
last season. The only other doubt is Matthew Etherington fighting a virus.
The Hammers welcomed back Valon Behrami and Scott Parker for the 1-4 away
victory at Portsmouth on Boxing Day and both should continue.
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Tottenham losing hope of landing Craig Bellamy from West Ham
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp is weighing up another bid for Craig
Bellamy but admits Manchester City are in the driving seat for the West Ham
striker.
The Telegraph
By Giles Mole and agencies
Last Updated: 9:23AM GMT 28 Dec 2008
Spurs have had a bid turned down, thought to be in the region of £6 million,
and Redknapp is expecting City to go higher than their valuation of the
29-year-old.
"I think there will be more offers, Manchester City are supposed to be very
interested but he belongs to West Ham and if they decide they do not want to
sell him then it's up to them," Redknapp said after Boxing Day's goalless
draw with Fulham. "It depends. I'll speak to the chairman but if Man City
are in for him then it is very difficult to compete with them - they can
throw millions and millions at everything."
The need to freshen up Spurs' attack was highlighted in the stalemate
against Roy Hodgson's side at White Hart Lane, where Darren Bent, Roman
Pavlyuchenko and Fraizer Campbell struggled to create clear-cut chances. To
make matters worse for Redknapp, he saw Tom Huddlestone limp off with an
ankle injury. Fulham could have stolen three points but Heurelho Gomes
denied Andy Johnson with five minutes left - and in the end they had to
settle for a fourth Premier League away goalless draw in a row. Hodgson
said: "The players are working very hard in their defensive duties. We lost
Brede Hangeland before the match and Jimmy Bullard had a dead leg but Chris
Baird came in and did a great job. "Tottenham are a team that create a lot
and to be fair we did not give them a lot of goal chances - that is a better
sign for the future because I know in the future we will do a bit better on
the counter. "I also know Bobby Zamora and Andy Johnson, who are working so
hard for us up front, are going to score some goals because they are both
talented technicians."
Redknapp was also impressed with Zamora, adding: "I wish he was still at
Tottenham. "They let him go and maybe thought he wasn't good enough. Maybe
he wasn't good enough when they had (Dimitar) Berbatov, (Robbie) Keane and
(Jermain) Defoe but he looks all right to me."
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West Ham fans get shirty over iron-over logo as cash-strapped Hammers look
to save money
Daiy Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 4:31 PM on 27th December 2008
Strapped-for-cash West Ham are finding a new way of saving money - by
selling the club's shirt with the new logo ironed on over the old one. After
the Premier League club's sponsor XL.com went bust in September, bosses
opted to stick new sponsor SBOBET over the old emblem - according to The
Sun. One Hammers fan said: 'When you hold up the new shirt to the light you
can see the XL.com logo. 'I feel like I've been conned.' A West Ham
spokesman said it was ''logistically impossible'' to have the new shirts
made from scratch but the club had slashed the price of shirts by a quarter.
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When Harry Went Too Far
West Ham Till I Die
There are rules and regulations about tapping up players. Harry Redknapp may
not have rung Craig Bellamy directly and said "Luv a duck, Craig, me old
mucker, get yourself over to White Hart Lane," but he might just as well
have. He's made it known that they have tabled one bid and will follow it up
with a second. The first bid was a laughable £6 million. We paid £7 million
for him, and presumably Redknapp doesn't believe he has deteriorated as a
player otherwise he wouldn't want him. Indeed, he's on the record as saying
that he doesn't want to buy anyone who isn't better than the players he's
already got. Bearing in mind Bent cost £16 million and the Russian £14
million, Craig Bellamy must surely be rated by Redknapp in that bracket. OK,
he's a bit older, but he's a proven player.
I have no inside information on this, but it is clear that if the Board are
offered silly money - by which I mean £12 million or more - then they are
going to consider it. Hopefully if he did go for that we then would not
entertain bids for Matthew Upson or Robert Green. But what a big hole it
would leave in our strike force. We have found goals hard enough to come by
as it is, and a strike force of Cole/Tristan or Cole/Di Michele will not be
strong enough.
It would be good to hear from Craig Bellamy himself that he is happy where
he is and does not want to go. His silence so far, tells me he is keeping
his options open. In some ways, he cannot be blamed for that.
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Roll up, Roll up! West Ham firesale!
by Tom Kell , 27 December 2008
Setanta
West Ham ran riot against Portsmouth on Boxing Day…. their attacking play
was lip-smacking, their defence as sound as a pound and their midfield as
well balanced as I've seen for quite some time.
Fratton Park is no easy place to go so to emerge as 4-1 victors is no mean
feat. Throw in the fact that The Hammers have now moved two points and five
places clear of the relegation zone and surely everything is suddenly a
whole lot rosier in Gianfranco Zola's garden?
Think again. December 26 2008 could mark a horrid day in the club's history:
the day that the rest of The Premier League realised that they are ripe for
the picking.
The financial woe at Upton Park is no secret…Zola can run but he most
certainly cannot hide. Each and every week he is forced to fend off a
barrage of questions about the future of his star players and each and every
week he reaffirms his desire to see nobody leave.
He is unlikely to be so lucky because he really does have a squad to
interest a host of clubs.
Starting at square one, you will struggle to find a better in-form keeper in
The Premier League at present than Rob Green. David James is woeful, Edwin
van Der Sar and Petr Cech some way off the standards they have set
themselves and Manuel Almunia far from wholly reliable. Green is Mr
Consistency and against Pompey he kept his side in the game. The likes of
Arsenal, Tottenham and Aston Villa could do a lot worse than turn to him as
a long-term solution.
Matthew Upson is another who grows in stature by the day and, in doing so,
shows himself to be another in the list of players to have escaped Arsene
Wenger's grasp. The England international would be a perfect addition to
Wenger's current squad. Newcastle and Manchester City could do worse.
What of Scott Parker? He is a player who has added a great deal of
discipline to his game and now looks to have the whole package…his engine
has never been in doubt, but now he has the tackling, attacking drive and
poise to go with it. English, young (ish) and ambitious, he's a Villa player
in all but name but David Moyes could certainly do with someone in his
mould.
Then for Craig Bellamy…the man who so often threatens to be great but rarely
delivers. On Friday he was sensational, running Pompey's defence ragged all
day long. Harry Redknapp and, more pertinently, Mark Hughes are both known
to be interested. He's gone in January.
Zola better cross his fingers that not too many managers are aware of just
what there is waiting to be plucked from Upton Park. If they are, he and
West Ham are both in deep trouble.
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WEST HAM v Stoke: Etherington could be back but still no Dyer for the
Hammers
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 3:49 PM on 27th December 2008
Keiron Dyer is unlikely to be risked for West Ham's Premier League clash at
home to Stoke on Sunday despite nearing a return to full fitness. The
midfielder has been out since breaking his leg in August 2007 and has
targeted next weekend's third-round FA Cup tie for his first-team comeback.
West Ham's Matthew Etherington jumps over Newcastle United's keeper Shay Giv
Valon Behrami and Scott Parker had no reaction to minor injuries in the
Boxing Day win at Portsmouth and should start, and Matthew Etherington is in
contention after recovering from a virus. Long-term injury victims Dean
Ashton and Danny Gabbidon remain sidelined.
Squad (from): Green, Stech, Neill, Ilunga, Lopez, Parker, Bellamy,
Etherington, Cole, Boa Morte, Upson, Noble, Mullins, Spector, Collins,
Faubert, Stokes, Walker, Lastuvka, Davenport, Reid, Bowyer, Sears, Di
Michele, Collison, Tomkins, Diego Tristan.
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Zola : Hammers miss Ashton
The Sun
Published: 27 Dec 2008
GIANFRANCO ZOLA claims his West Ham side are missing Dean Ashton. The
England striker has been out of action since September, after an ankle
problem which required surgery. And despite seeing his side hit four goals
in their Boxing Day win at Portsmouth, Hammers boss Zola believes his best
striker remains in the treatment room. He said: "He's probably the best
finisher in the team. I don't think he'll be back in January or February,
but I hope he'll return soon after."
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West Ham upset fans with new for old shirts
28.12.08 | Ian Ferris
Cash strapped West Ham are finding a new way of saving money - by selling
the club's shirt with the new logo ironed on over the old one. After the
Premier League club's sponsor XL.com went bust in September, bosses opted to
stick new sponsor SBOBET over the old emblem - according to The Sun. One
Hammers fan said: "When you hold up the new shirt to the light you can see
the XL.com logo. "I feel like I've been conned." A West Ham spokesman said
it was ''logistically impossible'' to have the new shirts made from scratch
but the club had slashed the price of shirts by a quarter.
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Worried Zola fears that Ashton could be out for the season
Daily Mail
By Derek Hunter
Last updated at 8:21 PM on 27th December 2008
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has revealed that Dean Ashton could be out
for the rest of the season. The striker has been sidelined since September
with an ankle injury, which required surgery, and Zola is missing his goals.
West Ham scored four on Boxing Day, the first time in 12 Premier League
games that they have scored more than once, and Zola said: 'I've lost him,
probably the best finisher in the team. I can't say whether he will be back
in March or April. 'He had something causing problems with the cartilage in
his ankle but because of his previous injuries it couldn't be a quick thing
because they don't want to do any more damage.'
Replacement Carlton Cole's goals have been sporadic and at times he has
struggled to gel with free-scoring Craig Bellamy - but the Welshman will not
be able to add to his tally against Stoke today as he is suspended.
Speculation has been rife that Bellamy will move next month and Tottenham
are reported to have made a bid, but Zola wants the forward to stay.
'There's so much speculation but as far as I'm concerned he's our player.
It's as simple as that. It's a pity he is suspended because he's going
through a very good spell.'
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Redknapp will not enter bidding war for Bellamy
Viewlondon.co.uk
Harry Redknapp says Tottenham Hotspur will not be dragged into a bidding war
in their attempts to sign West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy. Spurs are
reported to have offered the Hammers £6 million for the Welsh international
but that bid was turned down by Gianfranco Zola's side. Redknapp has
previously said he will not pay over the odds for players and is now tempted
to set his sights elsewhere. The Spurs boss thinks Manchester City are
interested in Bellamy as well and fears the north Londoners will never be
able to match City's spending power and would ultimately lose out on Bellamy
anyway. He said: "I think there will be more offers, Manchester City are
supposed to be very interested but he [Bellamy] belongs to West Ham and if
they decide they do not want to sell him then it's up to them."
Asked if Spurs would table an improved offer for Bellamy, Redknapp said: "It
depends. I'll speak to the chairman but if Man City are in for him then it
is very difficult to compete with them - they can throw millions and
millions at everything."
Redknapp is short of strikers having inherited a squad that has seen Jermain
Defoe, Robbie Keane and Dimitar Berbatov leave the club in the last 12
months.
Spurs currently have just Darren Bent and Roman Pavlyuchenko up front, while
Frazier Campbell is another option but is on loan from Manchester United.
Tottenham drew 0-0 with Fulham yesterday and Redknapp feels it is his strike
force that needs bolstering most in the transfer window. Redknapp said after
the Fulham game: "We just lacked punch, a cutting edge. We had a lot of the
ball without creating the chances we should have done."
© Adfero Ltd
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DEAN ASHTON WANTS CALM
Behind-the-scenes fears unsettle Hammers
News Of The Wordl
By GEOFF SWEET, 27/12/2008
DEAN ASHTON blames West Ham's relegation fears on all the unrest behind the
scenes. Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is desperate to sell after
losing billions in the credit crunch and fans fear Spurs' £6million bid for
Craig Bellamy may spark a mass player exodus. Striker Ashton has been out
since September and is not due back until March. And he admitted: "All the
players know is what we read — and obviously that's changing all the time.
So it's difficult to know where the club is going. When you read players are
going to be sold then it is obviously going to affect people. "West Ham
seems to be that type of club in recent years, with all the changes in the
managers and that sort of thing. "I'm not too sure which way the club is
going to go - but hopefully we can stabilise as soon as possible."
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JULIEN FAUBERT WANTS OUT
West Ham defender keen for move back to France
News Of The World
By AIDAN MAGEE, 27/12/2008
JULIEN FAUBERT wants to return to France to escape his West Ham nightmare.
The defender is wanted by a host of top French clubs including Monaco, PSG
and Lyon. Faubert, 25, said: "Every day I think about the French team and
the 2010 World Cup. There have been problems at West Ham. "I was burgled,
injured and it was hard to adapt."
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Foxe will take what he can get at Perth Glory
28.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
Former Leeds and West Ham defender Hayden Foxe is prepared to sign a
performance-based contract at Perth Glory. "I want to stay in Perth but I've
got to be honest. I've come back and I've played six games last year and two
games this year so I can't argue with whatever the club says," he said. "I
could be on a pay-as-you-play contract. It depends how they structure it,
but I'd be willing to do that."
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West Ham, Charlton eyeing Lazio striker Makinwa
28.12.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United have been linked Lazio striker Stephen Makinwa. The Hammers
and Charlton Athletic are keen on the Nigeria international, whose agent
Silvano Martina said: "There hasn't ever been any contact with West Ham,
while there has been some talks with Chievo Verona."
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