Green delight at hat-trick
WHUFC.com
Robert Green says the 'quality' defence in front of him played a big part in
his third consecutive clean sheet
02.12.2008
Three weeks ago, Robert Green could have been forgiven for wondering if he
would ever keep another clean sheet.
For more than eight months and 24 Premier League matches, the West Ham
United goalkeeper and his defence had suffered the frustration of failing to
stop their opponents from scoring. Now, all of a sudden, the Hammers have
found the knack of defying their opponents, ensuring Portsmouth, Sunderland
and now Liverpool all drew a blank in their efforts to breach Green's
rearguard.
On Monday evening, the goalkeeper was at his best yet again, pulling off
fine saves from former team-mate Yossi Benayoun and Dirk Kuyt as Gianfranco
Zola's side secured a hard-fought point in a 0-0 draw on Merseyside.
The 28-year-old has revealed that neither he, nor one particular member of
the club's backroom staff, had given up hope of shutting out the Reds. "Our
kitman Pete [Williams] brought up London buses a few weeks ago and said
'Don't worry, they'll come all at once' and he was right," said the stopper.
"To come to Anfield and do so well is obviously pleasing.
"The lads have put everything in and run themselves off the pitch at the end
of the game. It was a tremendous effort. When a clean-sheet comes away from
home in the Premier League you take it."
While Zola is keen to instil an attacking philosophy within his players,
Green admits that both the Italian and his players are fully aware of the
need to keep clean sheets if they are to maintain their recent upturn in
form and results.
Having helped West Ham United avoid defeat at Anfield for the first time in
eight visits, Green is keen to extend his record of 273 minutes without
conceding when Tottenham Hotspur visit the Boleyn Ground next Monday
evening. "I think we're learning as fast as he is that if you don't concede
goals, you're not going to lose games," the goalkeeper added.
"Some people say it would be nice to come to Anfield and play wonderful
attacking football and lose 4-3 but, as it is, we've come and dug in and put
our bodies on the line.
"The lads have made blocks and headed out crosses and corners and you can't
ask for any more."
Central to West Ham United's recent defensive improvements has been Zola's
ability to name a settled back-four of captain Lucas Neill, Herita Ilunga,
Matthew Upson and James Collins. Green confirmed that the consistent team
selection had been an important ingredient in the Hammers' run of clean
sheets.
"Last season if you look at it, there weren't many changes and our record
spoke for itself," he said. "The season before that when we had the run
towards the end the back-four didn't change and that's a recipe for success.
"You know what people can do and you know each others' qualities. It's the
same with anything - partnerships up front work the same as partnerships at
the back.
"Herita Ilunga has come in and done wonderfully well, Lucas Neill is as
steady and as good as ever and the two centre-backs have done exceptionally
well. There's four international footballers there, some real quality."
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FA Youth Cup preview
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18s travel to Nottingham Forest for tonight's
third-round tie
02.12.2008
West Ham United will begin their quest for a fourth FA Youth Cup success at
Nottingham Forest tonight.
Tony Carr's Under-18 side head for the City Ground hoping to follow in the
footsteps of the young Hammers' sides that lifted the prestigious trophy in
1963, 1981 and 1999.
However, with the likes of captain Josh Payne and forwards Freddie Sears and
Junior Stanislas unavailable, it will be left to the club's promising
second-year professionals to steer a safe passage through to the fourth
round.
Prolific Hungary Under-19 striker Balint Bajner, Canada Under-20
international goalkeeper Adam Street and Polish full-back Filip Modelski
could be among those given a chance to shine in the Midlands.
Carr's youngsters head north in high spirits, having defeated Fulham 2-0 in
their most recent FA Premier Academy League South fixture on November 22.
That success came courtesy of goals from Bajner and Anthony Edgar, and both
will be keen to get their names on the scoresheet again this evening.
West Ham United, who have also been runners-up in the competition four
times, failed to get past the third round stage last season, losing out to
Bolton Wanderers at the Boleyn Ground. Kick-off tonight is at 7pm.
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Tottenham ticket latest
WHUFC.com
Fans wanting to see the visit of Tottenham Hotspur need to hurry or risk
missing out
02.12.2008
Following the superb draw at Anfield, only a limited number of tickets
remain for the next match, the London derby against Tottenham Hotspur on 8
December.
With Gianfranco Zola's team looking to add to their three consecutive clean
sheets, victory over their north London rivals could see them move up to a
possible ninth place league position.
Prices start from £45 for adults and £25.50 for Under 16s with further
discounts available for Senior Citizens, Young Adult and Youth Academy
members. Any remaining tickets can be purchased either in person from the
Dr. Martens ticket office, by calling 0871 222 2700 via Option 1 or by
clicking http://www.whufcboxoffice.com/
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Zola hails team display
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was delighted at the way his team more than held their own
away to Liverpool
02.12.2008
Gianfranco Zola praised the "best ever" performance from his West Ham United
team as a determined performance helped them to a 0-0 draw with leaaders
Liverpool.
The manager saw Robert Green make a trio of outstanding saves and Craig
Bellamy come within a whisker of winning the game at the other end when his
25-yard drive came back off the inside of the post.
"I think it was the best team performance since I came here," Zola said. "We
struggled a bit the first ten minutes because we had problems picking up
players in midfield, but once we found the right solutions we looked so
comfortable. But what I liked especially, we tried to face them and match
them in everything they did. For a manager that is the best response."
Zola was again delighted with his goalkeeper as his heroics ensured a third
straight clean sheet. Green was one of a number of impressive performers at
Anfield, with his breathtaking save from Yossi Benayoun eleven minutes into
the second half the pick of his contributions.
The West Ham United manager said: "It was a very good save. He looks very
comfortable right now and I'm very pleased for him as he's had some stick
and now he is getting what he deserves. He works very hard during the week
and he's performing very well so I'm pleased.
"Another clean sheet is very good and right now the defence is excellent and
is working very hard as a group and the goalkeeper has been outstanding as
well. When you keep a clean sheet it's not only down the defence, everyone
is doing a great job so we are getting results."
The visiting players fought right until referee Peter Walton blew the
full-time whistle to signal euphoric cheers from the noisy away support late
on Monday night. The level of fitness shown by his team was no coincidence,
however, according to their manager.
"I think the players were fitter. I want to congratulate my fitness coach
[Antonio Pintus] because today and also last week you can see that the team
is not stopping in the last twenty minutes as it they were at the beginning.
They are lasting more and their sharpness is much better. So it is very
encouraging for me."
One of those tireless runners was Wales captain Bellamy. Playing alongside
Carlton Cole in attack, the No10 harried and hustled the home defence
relentlessly, much to his manager's delight. "He had an awesome performance,
I think he was very unlucky to not have a goal but I like him because he is
a threat going forward but he helped the midfield, running and chasing
everybody.
"I think he had something to prove but he does it all the time and with a
better condition as I expect he will be more effective going forward. I'm
looking forward to seeing him play the next game, I'm sure it's going to be
a huge match for him."
The manager feels that after nearly three months at the club his ideas are
starting to show in his team's play and attitude. "When I first came over
here I was trying to improve the quality of the game and to try to get the
players to play a more offensive game but we found out we needed to improve
defensively and that is what we are trying to do. The team is responding
very well to what me and my staff are saying to them. They are keen to react
and follow what they are saying and that gives me hope for the future."
The squad will take a well-deserved day off on Tuesday before reporting back
on Wednesday to being preparations for the London derby against Tottenham
Hotspur next Monday and Zola is determined to put the time to good use. He
said: "We've got a week so we're going to try to use it to put the game
properly because it is going to be a tough match.
"My players are certainly going through a good moment but we are going to
make sure we are not going to lose the momentum. It took a long time to get
it on our side but now we want to keep it as long as possible. But we are
going to use the week to prepare for as long as possible."
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U18s frozen out of cup
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's youngsters lose out to Nottingham Forest on a bitterly cold
night at the City Ground
02.12.2008
Nottingham Forest 3-1 West Ham United
West Ham United will have to wait at least another year to lift their fourth
FA Youth Cup after going down to a 3-1 third round defeat at Nottingham
Forest.
Two goals from striker Tim Hopkinson and a long-range special from Kieron
Freeman were enough to send the FA Premier Academy League Group D side
through on a freezing night at the City Ground.
Left-back Freeman, 16, opened the scoring with an opportunist 30-yard strike
on 20 minutes, lashing home the bouncing ball after the visitors had only
half-cleared George Thomson's left-wing corner. 18-year-old Hopkinson
doubled the hosts' advantage 10 minutes after the break, stooping to nod
past Adam Street via the inside of the post.
Substitute Ahmed Abdulla did pull a goal back for the Hammers on 77 minutes
with a neat lob, only for Hopkinson to make the tie safe for Forest just two
minutes later.
Defeat was harsh on Tony Carr's youngsters, who had dominated the early
stages but failed to turn their possession and threat into an all-important
opening goal. The Hammers forced no fewer than six corners in the opening 15
minutes, but the closest they came to breaking the deadlock was when
Christian Montano's snap-shot deflected off Max Wright and kissed the top of
the crossbar on its way over.
Central defenders Tony Brookes, with a header, and Matthew Fry, with a
rising long-range shot, also tested home goalkeeper Karl Darlow, only for
Freeman's strike to take the wind out of the Hammers' sails.
Forest striker Nialle Rodney, a lively presence all evening, twice went
close to doubling the home side's advantage before the interval, firing one
effort over and a second that Street did well to push aside for a corner.
Just before half-time, United had a chance of their own, but Oliver Lee
could only head Jordan Brown's left-wing cross on to the roof of Darlow's
net.
It was as close as Carr's side would come to forcing an equaliser as, on 55
minutes, Hopkinson doubled Forest's advantage with a stooping header that
seemed to take an age to loop past Street. The frustration proved too much
for Brown, who was booked for a challenge on Thomson soon afterwards.
Having fallen further behind, Carr replaced Kearns with a third striker in
Ahmed Abdulla. The change had the desired effect as the Hammers laid siege
to the home goal in the closing half-hour.
Twice, Darlow had to be at his best to turn aside powerful efforts from the
impressive Lee - son of former England midfielder Robert- but the goalkeeper
could do nothing to stop Abdulla halving the deficit with a neat finish with
13 minutes remaining.
However, the visitors' hopes were short-lived as Hopkinson dashed through
the heart of the visitors' rearguard before coolly rolling the ball past
Street.
Montano came close to clawing a goal back in stoppage-time, only for Darlow
to dive full-length and keep out his goal-bound header.
Academy director Carr will have been pleased by the fact that his players
battled to the last, but that will be no consolation after they were knocked
out of the competition at the first attempt for the second consecutive
season.
West Ham United: Street, Modelski, Brown, Brookes (McNaughton 81), Fry,
Kearns (Abdulla 62), Okus (Grasser 71), Lee, Montano, Edgar, Bajner.
Subs not used: Loveday, Hall
Nottingham Forest: Darlow, Fairclough, Freeman, McCashin, Diagne, Thomson,
Elliott, Sykes, Rodney, Hopkinson
Subs not used: Mullen, O'Brien, Mishra, Sibson, Watson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on ... Liverpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 2nd December 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has described last night's draw at Liverpool as his team's
best performance since he took the managerial reigns.
Zola's side survived a second half onslaught by the current league leaders
to hold out for a point at Anfield last night, thereby extending United's
unbeaten run to three games. The Italian boss was naturally delighted with
his team's efforts. "That was the best term performance since I became
manager," he said. "We struggled a bit the first ten minutes but once we
found the right solutions we looked so comfortable. But what I liked
especially, we tried to face them and match them in everything they did. For
a manager, that is the best response. "Another clean sheet is very good and
right now the defence is excellent and is working very hard as a group - and
the goalkeeper has been outstanding as well. When you keep a clean sheet
it's not only down the defence, everyone is doing a great job so we are
getting results."
Zola was naturally delighted at his defence and goalkeeper, who both
performed vital roles during the game - Green inparticular, whose save from
former Hammer Yossi Benayoun just ahead of the hour mark had to be seen to
be believed. "It was a very good save," added Zola. "He looks very
comfortable right now and I'm very pleased for him as he's had some stick
and now he is getting what he deserves. He works very hard during the week
and he's performing very well, so I'm pleased."
Zola also has special praise for fitness coach Antonio Pintus, whose work
with the squad has been invaluable in recent weeks. "I think the players
were fitter. I want to congratulate my fitness coach because today, and also
last week, you can see that the team is not stopping in the last twenty
minutes as they were at the beginning. It is very encouraging for me. "When
I first came over here I was trying to improve the quality of the game and
to try to get the players to play a more offensive game but we found out we
needed to improve defensively and that is what we are trying to do. The team
is responding very well to what me and my staff are saying to them. They are
keen to react and follow what they are saying - and that gives me hope for
the future. "My players are certainly going through a good moment but we are
going to make sure we are not going to lose the momentum. It took a long
time to get it on our side but now we want to keep it as long as possible."
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Upson hopes for retention
Defender urges club to keep hold of key players in January
Last updated: 2nd December 2008
SSN
Matthew Upson admits he would be 'really frustrated' if West Ham United sold
key players in January. Rumours suggest the Hammers could look to cash-in on
a number of their high-profile squad members in order to ease fears over
their reported financial situation. Icelandic owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson
has been affected by the current economic climate, and it is claimed manager
Gianfranco Zola will have limited funds in the New Year. But Upson, who
signed for West Ham from Birmingham in 2007, is hopeful Zola will keep the
squad together as they look to build on their current position of 13th in
the Premier League. "In the current climate there haven't been any
assurances and I would not expect any but if I am to stay at West Ham and we
sell key players in January, then that would really frustrate me," he said
in the Evening Standard. "I signed for the club because of the vision they
had and if players went now, that would really disappoint me."
Goalkeeper Robert Green added: "It is not down to us what happens in the
future but from the players' point of view, every time we go out there, we
are all showing we want to play for the club and we want to do well. "Within
the training ground it is a happy camp and a hard-working one which
hopefully can only get better."
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Green 'ready' for England - Zola
BBC.co.uk
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has been tipped to win an England recall by
his club manager Gianfranco Zola. The 28-year-old Green has one England cap
and has not been in any of manager Fabio Capello's squads since March. But
after a fine display against Liverpool Zola said: "I have told Robert that
if he continues to perform, he will be back in the England squad. "Capello
knows what is the right thing to do, and Green knows he must continue to
perform every week like he is now."
Green was outstanding in Monday's 0-0 draw at Liverpool, which lifted the
Hammers to 13th in the Premier League table. It was also his third
consecutive clean sheet.
Zola added: "I am delighted with Robert. He is looking very comfortable now.
He was getting some stick but now he is getting the rewards he deserves. "He
is working very hard during the week and I am very pleased with him."
The Italian, who was appointed in September, also revealed he feels his
ideas are starting to bring success at the club. "When I first arrived I
wanted to improve the way we played, to be more offensive," Zola said. "But
we discovered that we needed to improve in defence, and that is what we are
trying to do. Our objective is to keep clean sheets and to score more goals.
We will be working on that. "The team is responding to what my staff and I
are saying. They are keen to react and follow what we want, and that gives
us hope for the future. "My players are going through a good spell, we must
not lose this momentum. Things had not been going well but things are now
improving on our side of things, we must keep it going."
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Vinny's Liverpool Report
Vinny - Tue Dec 2 2008
West Ham Online
Liverpool 0 West Ham United 0
West Ham kept their third clean sheet in a row as they kept title chasing
Liverpool out at Anfield after a fantastic battling display. It was a
performance in the same vain as last week's victory over Sunderland but up
against a much tougher outfit we can be very proud of the player's
performance.
There is no doubt at times we had to ride our luck but that is what has to
happen against teams such as Liverpool who posses a lot of quality. We
defended well and had a few chances on the counter.
I for one really enjoyed our performance which showed a grit and
determination which I did not think were capable of showing. It was nice for
Gianfranco Zola to promise attacking football but everyone knows that this
is not always possible and there has to be a balance. Over the last couple
of games we have grinded out results and fully deserved what we have taken.
There was just one change from the side which started last week at the
Stadium of Light with Hayden Mullins coming in for Lee Bowyer in the centre
of midfield. Mark Noble returned from injury and was on the substitutes
bench.
It was no surprise to see Liverpool take an early foothold on the game. They
were spraying the ball around well and looked to get the ball into wide
areas at every opportunity. The passing range of Gerrard and Alonso was
causing us a few problems but any cross that was attempted was usually cut
out.
It was from a couple of these crosses where the Liverpool fans were claiming
for a penalty. These were usually against Herita Ilunga as the Scousers
believed that every time he was stopping a cross it was with his hands. The
ref turned all the tepid appeals down.
Liverpool had a period where they looked likely to get a goal as a few
chances fell there way. We found ourselves fortunate that we did not concede
but on the other hand we had defenders in the right place at the right time.
An example of this was when Reira's header was cleared off the line by James
Collins. This had come from a poor punch by Robert Green after a Gerrard
cross.
Sami Hyppia had a couple of chances both coming from corners. One of them
found the roof of the net when it had looked goal bound and the other was
hacked off the line by Carlton Cole who was back to help his team mates out.
Despite all this pressure from the hosts it was us who nearly took the lead
when Craig Bellamy unleashed a 25 yard drive which hit the inside of the
post but bounced out with the Liverpool keeper Reina beaten. This evidently
gave the players a bit more confidence and pumped up the fans who were
slipping into the frame of mind that a goal was about to come for the home
side. What this also did was worry the Liverpool players and supporters.
They had not done much with their possession and we showed that out of
nothing we could cause them problems.
Liverpool slowly ran out of steam as the half possessed but we continued to
be alert and a header from Dirk Kyut was saved down low by Robert Green as
Liverpool showed their threat from set pieces.
Half time at 0-0 was always going to be positive when playing at Anfield but
we all knew that with title ambitions Liverpool were going to need to come
out and give it a real go. What I wanted to see from us is a bit more
ambition going forward and catching them on the break which Zola seemed to
want also as we looked a bit sharper as the second half began.
As the second half began a little more stretched, the home side had a
wonderful change to take the lead on 55 minutes. A ball into the area was
mis controlled by James Collins and the ball went straight into the path of
for West Ham player Yossi Benayoun who hit a goal bound shot which was
somehow saved by Robert Green. It was a superb stop and one of Green's best.
The Liverpool supporters were starting to get frustrated and you could sense
this was being picked up by the players also as many of their moves were a
little rushed and ultimately poor. Robbie Keane was taken off to a chorus of
"what a waste of money" from the travelling West Ham fans.
At this point I was beginning to think we might just steal a goal in this
one and we came ever so close to doing so. A corner from Bellamy found the
head of Carlton Cole but it went just the wrong side of the post when from
the angle of the West Ham fans it seemed as though it had gone in.
The Liverpool fans may have taunted but they were just relieved. Their team
had struggled only a few weeks ago against Fulham and it seemed as though
stubborn old West Ham were going to deny them aswell.
A wonderful diagonal pass into the area by Gerrard went over the head of
Ilunga and found Kyut who from a tight angle hit a shot at goal which was
saved by the legs of Robert Green.
Shots from way outside the area were a joy to watch as Liverpool became more
desperate with the minutes just ticking away. We had a couple of chances to
win the game and looking back we may think we could have done better.
Luis Boa Morte came on for the anonymous Julien Faubert and the Portugese
winger would have a chance not long after coming on.
Before that chance we had a couple of other chances. Carlton Cole was put
through down the right hand side but took too long in finding the cross for
the unmarked Scott Parker who would have surely scored.
Cole would be involved in one last chance which saw him put through but his
shot was saved well by Reina. An offside flag had gone up at the time but it
was a good move nonetheless.
Our final chance would fall to Boa Morte as we broke with pace and the ball
was laid off to the winger. I had visions of him smacking the ball into the
top corner and this being the start of the "Boa Morte Years", but instead
his shot went well well wide.
Three minutes of injury time were awarded but there was to be no heartbreak
like the 2006 FA Cup Final produced. What we did get was a well earned point
and a third consecutive clean sheet.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Another excellent performance from the ever dependable Green. There were a
couple of dodgy punches in the first half but his superb saves made up for
that. The save from Benayoun was world class and we have a lot to thank
Green for in this one.
Herita Ilunga
Accused by the Liverpool fans of handballing every time he made a block but
Ilunga was just going his best to stop the crosses coming in. It was a good
showing from the left back who has made that position his own.
James Collins
Strong in the air once again and solid when going shoulder to shoulder with
the Liverpool attackers. One mistake aside which lead to the Benayoun shot,
this was a good performance from Collins who seems to have struck up a good
defensive partnership with Upson
Matthew Upson
WHO's November Player of the month continued with his recent excellent form
as he put in another excellent display. He is looking every bit the player
we hoped he was going to be. In the air he is strong and not because he wins
headers but he reads the game well. Liverpool have some good attackers but
Upson was a match for them all.
Lucas Neill
Playing against the club he turned down to join West Ham, our captain played
very well. He was left exposed by Faubert far to many times and we were
lucky Liverpool did not cause us more problems down that side.
Valon Behrami
Again his work rate was excellent. Gave the ball away a lot which was
disappointing but there would be moments where you could see his quality
when he would show a flash of skill or the ability to win a free kick or a
throw in. Wasted on the left wing.
Scott Parker
It became apparent that he had not trained and was a doubt. You would not
have known it as he completed the 90 minutes and covered a lot of ground.
Did not see too much quality on the ball but he kept going and it was this
type of effort which saw us over the finishing line.
Hayden Mullins
Another one who worked hard. On the ball he showed very little quality and
when up against great players like Alonso and Gerrard it was always going to
be difficult, but he set about his game the way he always does and got stuck
in a played the odd pass.
Julien Faubert
Everything he did was pretty crap. Gave the ball away, didn't defend well,
didn't attack well. Should not be in the starting line up.
Craig Bellamy
Looked to be our only way forward in the first half especially. His pace was
a problem for Liverpool and when he going he was ghosting past their
players. Was very unlucky not to score in the first half and although this
was a better display than the last few it is still worrying that he has not
scored.
Carlton Cole
Easily shut out of the game as he seemed to be unable to control the ball.
Did not make his presence felt and the way the game was going I would have
preferred Freddie Sears.
Subs Used
Luis Boa Morte (on for Faubert 86 mins)
I would play him away from home as he always seems to play with a little
more freedom. A better option than Faubert but again people will remember
him for his miss near then end. I dread to think the type of names people
were calling him at that moment.
Subs Not Used: Noble, Lastuvka, Tristan, Davenport, Collison, Di Michele.
Overall
The last three performances have been encouraging from a defensive point of
view. Yes, we have only scored the one goal but taking each game into
context they have all been solid results.
Our next three games are tough but two of them are at home and we need to
get the home form back on track as West Ham have never been able to rely on
away results.
Going forward we need more quality and until we can purchase some players
(if we can of course) we will not reach where we want us to be.
But every team in the Premiership needs to be solid at the back and
organised. Over the last couple of weeks we have progressed, looked a
settled side and it seems as though we can defend once again.
Tottenham are up next week and after not beating them last season I would
think I am not alone in really wanting to beat these lot. With Harry
Redknapp now at the helm this will have even more edge to it.
Franco's Feelings
"I think it was the best team performance since I came here," "We struggled
a bit the first ten minutes because we had problems picking up players in
midfield, but once we found the right solutions we looked so comfortable.
But what I liked especially, we tried to face them and match them in
everything they did. For a manager that is the best response."
"Another clean sheet is very good and right now the defence is excellent and
is working very hard as a group and the goalkeeper has been outstanding as
well. When you keep a clean sheet it's not only down the defence, everyone
is doing a great job so we are getting results."
"I think the players were fitter. I want to congratulate my fitness coach
[Antonio Pintus] because today and also last week you can see that the team
is not stopping in the last twenty minutes as it they were at the beginning.
They are lasting more and their sharpness is much better. So it is very
encouraging for me."
"My players are certainly going through a good moment but we are going to
make sure we are not going to lose the momentum. It took a long time to get
it on our side but now we want to keep it as long as possible. But we are
going to use the week to prepare for as long as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola encouraged by improvement in his side
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes he is at last getting his side fit
for purpose – while two of his stars are desperate to avoid a break-up of
the squad in January.
Telegraph
By Richard Bright
Last Updated: 8:37PM GMT 02 Dec 2008
After the outstanding 0-0 draw at new league leaders Liverpool on Monday
night, Zola claimed that a major improvement in fitness levels was the key
to a run of three unbeaten games in which his side have not conceded a goal.
But such is West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's financial turmoil, there
is still a fear that key players could be sold in the next transfer window.
Now goalkeeper Robert Green, star of the draw at Anfield, is urging the
club's Icelandic owner not to break up the squad. Green, linked with
Tottenham, said: "It is not down to us what happens in the future but from
the players' point of view, every time we go out there, we are all showing
we want to play for the club and we want to do well. "Within the training
ground it is a happy camp and a hard-working one which hopefully can only
get better."
Defender Matthew Upson, who has forced his way back into the England side,
joined the call for a long-term view at Upton Park. He said: "In the current
climate there have not been any assurances and I would not expect any, but
if I am to stay at West Ham and we sell key players in January, then that
would really frustrate me.
"I signed for the club because of the vision they had and if players went
now, that would really disappoint me. "We can take massive confidence from
the draw at Liverpool. We will become even more confident if we begin to
turn draws into wins and score more goals."
Zola has endured a torrid baptism in Premier League management, but he
believes things are now starting to come together. "I feel that our fitness
has improved, we needed to do that when I first arrived," he said. "The team
is now not dropping in the last 20 minutes as they were at the beginning,
they are lasting more and their sharpness is much better. It is all very
encouraging for me. "We have lost far too many points in the last 20 minutes
of games, that is not happening any more. It means that we are getting
better physically. "And we will get even better than this. It is important
for us that the injuries are clearing up and we have a bigger squad. And if
you improve your fitness it will also affect injuries. "If you are fitter
then there are less possibilities to get injured. It is good, at last
everything is looking better.
"We are going great but we must be focused and continue to work hard."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham: All right at the back
Times Online Fanzone
All the press about the Liverpool v West Ham game on Monday was bound to
focus on Liverpool, and their failure to press home their advantage at the
top of the league by beating weaker opponents at Anfield. Fair enough,
really, given that this is the third time they've frozen like a perpetual
virgin presented with a drunk and willing conquest. But I wasn't watching
Liverpool throw away a golden opportunity; I was watching a completely
different story unfold. A story with an unlikely hero.
So who was responsible for West Ham's result at Liverpool? Rob Green made
several great saves - one, from Benayoun, was absolutely thrilling - while
Upson and Collins were heroic and Ilunga looked like a proper full back for
the first time this season. But the man who gets the credit for the clean
sheet, and for the previous two against Sunderland and Portsmouth, is Steve
Clarke, the first team coach.
When Gianfranco Zola became West Ham's manager, I was worried about his lack
of experience, and about what effect the leadership of an attack-minded
cavalier might have on a set of players who already regarded defending as an
unwelcome chore. The arrival of Steve Clarke was a real relief, then. This
man is surely one of the best defensive coaches in the British game. He was
right-hand man to Jose Mourinho while Chelsea were grinding their way to two
titles, and retained his position, and reputation, through the arrival and
departure of Avram Grant.
What Clarke brings to West Ham is something they haven't had since... well,
since ever, probably: a sound, organised defence that doesn't panic and
offers a secure platform to the forward players. It's early days yet, but
the last time we kept three clean sheets in a row in the Premiership was in
2002/03, when Christian Dailly and Gary Breen were at the heart of our
defence. (Now that was a miracle.)
And the improvement in the back line isn't necessarily at the expense of the
club's tradition of open and attacking football. A secure and competent
defence gives our forwards the confidence to play proper football on the
break instead of desperately trying to clear their lines and buy time for
the team. In time, I think we'll see a better balance between Clarke and
Zola's divergent influences, and I'm just a tiny bit optimistic that we're
going to be OK.
Which all means that my brilliant post about a relegation scrap is going on
the spike - for a few weeks at least.
Douglas Carter
Posted at 11:49 PM in West Ham United | Permalink
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Robert Green Begs West Ham Not To Sell Stars In January
Goal.com
West Ham United are struggling - there's no getting around that fact. Monday
night's draw at Liverpool saw them collect just their eighth point on the
road this season, and they are just a poorly timed defeat away from falling
into the drop zone. Matters off the pitch are even worse. The credit crunch
has left funds scarce at Upton Park, and the ongoing investigation into the
Carlos Tevez saga could leave them £30 million out of pocket. Thus, it is
expected that the club will look to offload several players during the
winter, but goalkeeper Robert Green has asked that the board consider
alternative measures and leave the playing group intact. "It's not down to
us what happens in the future but from the players' point of view, every
time we go out there, we're all showing we want to play for the club and we
want to do well," Green said in the Daily Mail. "Within the training ground
it's a happy camp and a hard-working one which hopefully can only get
better."
Cecil Braun, Goal.com
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West Ham United TARGET £4million England ACE
06:40 December, 3, 2008
FansFC.com
West Ham United Football Club have entered the race for Emile Heskey. Wigan
Athletic have conceded the England international will leave the JJB Stadium
when his contract expires in the summer, although they could yet sell him in
January in order to receive a fee. Aston Villa, Manchester City and
Tottenham Hotspur have all been linked with the 30-year-old, yet Gianfranco
Zola is willing to pay £4million to take him to Upton Park. This may be a
surprise considering the uncertain financial situation surrounding the
Hammers this season, but they do need a new striker and Heskey comes with a
Premier League pedigree.
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Gudmundsson rejects despondent offers for West Ham
3 Dec, 08 | England | Clubs ownership & management
Eufootball.biz
The recent English High Court decision issued in the Carlos Tevez matter has
managed to affect West Ham's desirability. The club has reportedly been
presented with three offers, although they have all been rejected by
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, who held close to half the shares of the sunken
Landsbanki.
Gudmundsson, who recently experienced a series of financial losses in light
of global economic downfall, appears to be waiting for a more lucrative
offer. The West Ham owner has invested GBP 30 million in the club, in
addition to the original purchase price of GBP 85 million, with the value of
West Ham currently estimated at GBP 120 million. Rumours dictate that the
offers sit somewhere around GBP 50 million, quite a stretch from the sum
Gudmundsson hopes to receive.
The low offers have been attributed to financial circumstances surrounding
the club, especially since its debts would be transferred to the new owner.
The ongoing court battle certainly has not helped Gudmundsson secure a
respectable offer, with the possibility of Sheffield United pursuing up to
GBP 50 million in damages from West Ham.
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Hammers youngsters crash out of cup
8:56am Wednesday 3rd December 2008
Guardian Series
Nottingham Forest 3 West Ham 1
(FA Youth Cup, fourth round)
WEST HAM'S youngsters crashed out of the FA Youth Cup following a fourth
round defeat at Nottingham Forest on Tuesday evening. Two goals from
striker Tim Hopkinson and a long-range effort from Kieron Freeman were
enough to put the FA Premier Academy League Group D side through at the City
Ground. Ahmed Abdulla scored a 77th minute consolation for the Hammers.
West Ham: Street, Modelski, Brown, Brookes (McNaughton 81), Fry. Kearns
(Abdulla 62), Okus (Grasser 71), Lee, Montano, Edgar, Bajner. Subs: Loveday,
Hall.
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Irons pair: Keep squad together
TeamTalk
Gianfranco Zola believes he is at last getting West Ham fit for purpose -
while two of his stars are desperate to avoid a January clearout. After the
outstanding 0-0 draw at new league leaders Liverpool on Monday, Zola claimed
that a major improvement in fitness levels was the key to a run of three
unbeaten games in which the Hammers have not conceded a goal. But such is
West Ham owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's financial turmoil, there is still a
fear that key players could be sold in the next transfer window. Now
goalkeeper Robert Green, star of the draw at Anfield, is urging the club's
Icelandic owner not to break up the squad. Green, linked with Tottenham,
said: "It is not down to us what happens in the future but from the players'
point of view, every time we go out there, we are all showing we want to
play for the club and we want to do well. "Within the training ground it is
a happy camp and a hard-working one which hopefully can only get better."
Defender Matthew Upson, who has forced his way back into the England side,
joined the call for a long-term view at Upton Park. He said: "In the current
climate there have not been any assurances and I would not expect any, but
if I am to stay at West Ham and we sell key players in January, then that
would really frustrate me.
"I signed for the club because of the vision they had and if players went
now, that would really disappoint me. "We are not going to get carried away
on the back of three clean sheets but, hopefully, we can build on this
because this is a good club. "We are a lot more organised, but as a unit. We
are working hard for each other and we seem to have a more settled base. "We
can take massive confidence from the draw at Liverpool. We will become even
more confident if we begin to turn draws into wins and score more goals."
Zola has endured a torrid baptism in Premier League management, but he
believes things are now starting to come together. "I feel that our fitness
has improved, we needed to do that when I first arrived," he said. "The team
is now not dropping in the last 20 minutes as they were at the beginning,
they are lasting more and their sharpness is much better. It is all very
encouraging for me. "We have lost far too many points in the last 20 minutes
of games, that is not happening any more. It means that we are getting
better physically. "And we will get even better than this. It is important
for us that the injuries are clearing up and we have a bigger squad. And if
you improve your fitness it will also affect injuries. "If you are fitter
then there are less possibilities to get injured. "It is good, at last
everything is looking better. We will be playing Spurs next having produced
two excellent away performances, winning at Sunderland and now drawing with
the top-of-the-table team. "Everything is looking right. But we have keep
things low-key, we are going great but we must be focused and continue to
work hard."
West Ham's next game is the London derby at home to Spurs next Monday, and
Zola said: "We have worked hard to regain momentum. Now we must work hard
because the Spurs game will be tough, but we need to keep things calm.
"Matthew Upson was awesome - everybody, the whole team was outstanding. The
overall fitness is much better. "And Craig Bellamy maybe had something to
prove at his old club. But as his physical condition continues to improve
(after injury) he is becoming more athletic. "I am looking forward to seeing
him play in the next game, I am sure it will be a huge match for him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green makes a case for the defence
Sport.co.uk
Author: Deniz Vehbi
Posted on: 02 December 2008 - 1:44 PM
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green was delighted as the Hammers kept a third
clean sheet in succession on Monday night. A goalless draw away at Liverpool
represented good progress for Gianfranco Zola's side, who are now unbeaten
in their last three away games. Green brilliantly denied Yossi Benayoun in
the second-half as West Ham held on for a point. And he paid tribute to his
back-four after their resilient display. Green told the official West Ham
website: "We dug in and put our bodies on the line. The lads made blocks and
headed out crosses and corners - you can't ask for any more. "You know what
people can do and you know each others' qualities. It's the same with
anything - partnerships up front work the same as those at the back. "Herita
Ilunga is come in and done wonderfully well, Lucas Neill is as steady as
ever and the two centre-backs have done exceptionally well."
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