WHUFC.com
18.01.2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Fulham
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 18 December
1.30pm
Referee: Phil Dowd
WHUTV - Full audio commentary
Final score - West Ham United 3-1 Fulham
Full time - A superb home win for United. After an even first half ended a
goal apiece, Zola's men stepped up a gear after the break and their class
told. Di Michele and Cole caused endless problems for the Fulham backline as
the Hammers climb to eighth.
90 min - The fourth official holds the board up and it will be four minutes
United must survive.
89 min - Surely United will make it four wins from their last five games
now. Just one minute plus stoppage time to see out....
87 min - He is and the No7 comes on to replace Di Michele. The striker is
given a loud round of appluase from the home support as Dyer comes on for
his first Premier League game since August 2007
85 min - It looks as though Kieron Dyer is going to join in the action. The
midfielder is stripped and ready.
84 min - Final change for Fulham as Dickson Etuhu is replaced by Leon
Andreasen.
83 min - Second change as Collison leaves to be replaced by Hayden Mullins.
82 min - Cole is playing like a man possessed. This time he tries a volley
on the turn from 25 yards but it goes just wide.
81 min - Zola makes his first change as Noble leaves the field to be
replaced by Julien Faubert. The academy graduate gets a rousing farewell
from the Boleyn faithful.
79 min - Fulham press, but for all their effort the best they can offer is a
Johnson header straight at Green.
76 min - Goal! Well what a time to ask that question! Within seconds the
No12 runs on to Di Michele's through ball to slot past Schwarzer. It is now
an unbelievable five games in a row he has scored.
75 min - Cole has been a handful for the Fulham defence all afternoon but
will he get the goal his performance deserves?
74 min - Fulham make a second change as Zoltan Gera comes on for Simon
Davies.
74 min - Green gets clattered when bravely clearing a corner. The United
fans respond by voicing their opinion on the stopper's England ranking under
the watching gaze of Fabio Capello.
72 min - Zamora fires well over from the 25 yards. It is to be the striker's
last contribution this afternoon as he is replaced by Erik Nevland.
67 min - Another attack from the home team sees Parker burst into the Fulham
area on the left. He holds the ball up well before laying it back to Di
Michele, but he slices his shot well wide.
63 min - Cole so nearly makes it three but his fierce drive flies inches
wide. United really are on top now.
60 min - GOAL! Noble makes no mistake, sending Schwarzer the wrong way from
12 yards.
59 min - It is West Ham's second penalty in consecutive home matches after
going nearly a year without being awarded a spot-kick.
58 min - Cole robs a hesitant Konchesky 35 yards from goal and romps into
the penalty area, where his former team-mate can only bring him down with a
clumsy challenge. Referee Phil Dowd points to the penalty spot and books the
Fulham goalscorer.
55 min - Zamora chests down a deep cross but his volley is high and wide.
54 min - Pantsil gallops forward and his cross is deflected out for a corner
off Collison. Murphy curls the ball in and Ilunga heads it clear.
53 min - 31,818 supporters have turned out this afternoon and they have just
witnessed Valon Behrami being booked for a foul on Clint Dempsey.
52 min - Simon Davies is booked for preventing West Ham from taking a quick
free-kick. Roy Hodgson doesn't like the decision.
50 min - Di Michele has the ball in the net with a neat left-foot volley
only for the goal to be ruled out by the assistant referee's offside flag.
Replays show it was the correct decision.
49 min - Noble swaps passes with Ilunga on the edge of the penalty area, but
his shot is straight at Schwarzer.
47min - Di Michele shrugs off Konchesky's challenge but Hangeland cuts out
his low cross.
46 min - Cole and Noble get the second half underway.
45 min - Half-time at the Boleyn Ground and it is honours even so far. Both
sides have had chances but neither keeper has been particularly busy.
Konchesky's strike really is the highlight of the game so far.
45 min - It is played short to Di Michele but he cannot complete a promising
first half with another goal as his shot from the angle ends up in the side
netting.
45 min - There will be an additional two minutes of added time. As the board
goes up, Ilunga wins a free-kick on the edge of the area after a lunge from
Pantsil, who is booked by Phil Dowd.
43 min - Two minutes to go until half time and United push forward once
more. However Konchesky intervenes and United win a corner. The corner from
Noble is cleared.
42 min - Collins shows some fancy footwork to get out of a sticky situation.
The player he tricked happened to be Zamora and no doubt he will be
mentioning that again in the tunnel!
40 min - Di Michele has a chance to make sure they don't, but he cannot keep
his volley from just inside the area down.
39 min - With six minutes to go until half-time, will the sides go in level?
It has been a fairly even contest thus far.
36 min - Noble clips Murphy on the edge of the area as Fulham earn a
dangerous-looking free-kick. It is hit straight into the wall by Konchesky
and then, when Pantsil crosses back into the box, birthday-boy Green comes
out well to punch the ball clear.
34 min - Dangerous looking free-kick from Noble is headed back across goal
by Collins, but Schwarzer is there just ahead of Cole, who seems fit enough
to carry on.
32 min - Herita Ilunga, Di Michele and Collison all come to the touchline to
have a drink, and Ludek Miklosko is on hand to give them out.
31 min - We all have time to catch our breath as Cole is down and receiving
treatment.
29 min - United have re-grouped though and Behrami is tackled by Murphy,
just as he was about to shoot.
24 min - That goal has certainly buoyed the away support, who are sat
directly in the sunshine in the Centenary Stand.
22 min - GOAL! Fulham draw level as former Hammer Paul Konchesky scores an
absolute belter. The left-back burst forward from the halfway line before
unleashing an unstoppable drive past Robert Green.
19 min - James Collins has to be strong to clear the danger as former
teammate Bobby Zamora threatens.
17 min - This London derby is reaping the rewards of the early kick-off time
as glorious sunshine shines down on the pitch, although there is still a
slight chill in the air.
16 min - Zola's men are set up in the traditional 4-4-2 formation with
Collison and Valon Behrami playing on the left and right of midfield
respectively.
14 min - Di Michele is enjoying himself out there. A clever bit of control
and skill aids a United attack.
13 min - Clint Dempsey hits a speculative shot from 30 yards but it goes
well over.
12 min - United are seeing lots of the ball with Parker, Jack Collison and
Noble are finding plenty of space.
11 min - Free-kick to United 25 yards out after Scott Parker is fouled.
Noble takes it but it is straight into the wall.
10 min - The goal is Di Michele's third in a claret and blue shirt. All have
come at home and all in the same net - at the Centenary Stand end.
9 min - The goal has given United a lift and Mark Noble is next to test the
Fulham keeper, but it is well held by Schwarzer.
7 min - GOAL! David Di Michele puts the Hammers in front. A cross from Lucas
Neill reaches John Pantsil and his attempt to chest the ball back to Mark
Schwarzer puts Di Michele in on goal. He rounds the stranded Australian and
rolls it into an empty net. Great start from the home side
4 min - It is wasted and United's first attack sees Carlton Cole - who has
scored in each of his last four games - put Fulham's defence under pressure
3 min - Fulham fans have packed the away end as Matthew Upson does well to
clear from Andy Johnson as the visitors earn the first corner of the match
2 min - First shot - if you can call it that - comes in from Danny Murphy,
but it is sliced well over
1 min - Fulham get us underway
Gianfranco Zola has opted to leave Craig Bellamy out and replace him with
David Di Michele in the only change to the team from the Newcastle United
game. Kieron Dyer and Freddie Sears are on the bench.
Bubbles is now being sung and the players are on the pitch. Can United make
it five games unbeaten or will Fulham's fine away form thwart them?
We are approaching kick-off here at the Boleyn Ground and the tension in
building. The groundsmen are making the final tweaks to the playing surface
and we should be underway within five minutes.
West Ham United: Green, Neill (c), Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble (Faubert, 81), Collison (Mullins 83), Cole, Di Michele (Dyer 87),
Subs: Stech, Boa Morte, Tristan, Sears
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Davies (Gera 74),
Etuhu, Murphy (c), Dempsey, Johnson, Zamora (Nevland 72)
Subs: Zuberbuhler, Baird, Andreasen, Kallio, Gray
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Cole on fire
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is loving life at West Ham United and with good reason after
another match-winning display
18.01.2009
Carlton Cole underlined why he is the most in-form striker in the Barclays
Premier League after registering in the fifth consecutive game on Sunday to
help seal a 3-1 win against Fulham.
The No12 has scored nine goals in 21 league and cup games this season - all
from open play - and was clinical again this weekend. His first major moment
was to win the crucial penalty on the hour that allowed Mark Noble to
restore the Hammers' lead. Paul Konchesky had earlier equalised David Di
Michele's strike.
Cole, who was awarded a new five-year contract recently, then rounded off an
imperious personal display with a goal of his own, finishing a fine team
move with 14 minutes left on the clock by latching on to the lively Di
Michele's through-ball and beating Mark Schwarzer with a neat finish. The
celebrations - whereby he was lifted off the ground by delighted team-mates
- emphasised the spirit in the squad.
The club are up to eighth but, for all the celebrations, Cole is not getting
too carried away. "We're happy with the result, which has put us in a strong
position to climb up the table and hopefully we can keep on doing it. We
have just got to keep on going. There are a lot of things going on off the
field which is uncontrollable and we can only control the controllable."
In many ways it was the spot-kick that proved the turning point and
underlined why Gianfranco Zola described the striker as the difference
between the teams. The 25-year-old seized on Konchesky's mistake to race
into the area before being upended by the former Hammers full-back.
"It was a massive moment in the game. The boys just dug in and we thought
that we could get something from the game at the start of it. In the second
half we wanted to keep hounding them and knocking on the door."
Cole is in the form of his life and would have no doubt caught the eye of
the watching England manager Fabio Capello. "It's the most confident I've
ever felt in my career. It is confidence and the manager putting faith in me
and I've got the boys around me giving me assists so I can't really ask for
more than that."
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Zola proud of players
WHUFC.com
The West Ham United manager was delighted with the focus shown by his
players in defeating Fulham
18.01.2009
A thrilled Gianfranco Zola heaped praise on his West Ham United players
after guiding them to an impressive 3-1 Premier League victory over Fulham
on Sunday.
Goals from David Di Michele, Mark Noble and man-of-the-match Carlton Cole
saw the Hammers extend their unbeaten run to five matches in all
competitions and rise to eighth in the table. Afterwards, the manager was
delighted with the attitude, application, confidence and no little skill
shown by his players.
Zola, whose side will travel to Hartlepool United for Saturday's FA Cup
fourth-round tie in positive mood, was particularly impressed with Cole.
Watched by England head coach Fabio Capello, the 25-year-old scored for the
fifth match in succession - the best run of his career.
"Remember what I said about Carlton Cole at the beginning and I wasn't a
fool when I said that," the manager said. "I knew the potential of the
player because I can recognise a player. The difference between us and them
was definitely Carlton Cole. He made it happen. In the second half he
changed the game around. Although I have to say he was supported by ten
other fantastic players.
"The whole team looked very, very comfortable on the pitch. They are playing
as a team. Within the team there are always one or two individuals who
change the game and (on Sunday) it was Carlton Cole. I'm proud to say that
it was not only [on Sunday], it has been in the last four or five games that
he has made a difference.
"I'm pleased. I'm pleased for him because in every training session we are
working out new ways to improve him and his attitude towards our exercises
is excellent and it's making a difference right now."
While he was pleased with his players' passing, movement and collective will
to win, Zola was also impressed with their ability to ignore off the field
speculation and rumour. The manager also praised the team for enlivening an
unusually becalmed Boleyn Ground crowd with a stirring second-half display.
"It was very, very good. It was a great result and a great performance in
difficult conditions. I am very proud of my players. I have told them they
made everything happen because it was easier for us to fail. It was a
strange atmosphere in the stadium as well and we turned in a great game and
it was all down to the players really.
"During the week there was so much written talking around us. To be fair, it
has been like this all year but this week, in particular, I couldn't even
think. I had time to think about the game we played only on Saturday. It was
unbelievable. When we started the game I think the atmosphere was flat. I
was told the Sunday morning atmospheres are always a bit strange and it was
flat, especially in the first half. Then the players decided it had to be a
win day and they made it happen. It was a great performance."
Zola also moved to clarify the situation surrounding the future of striker
Craig Bellamy, who was left out of Sunday's matchday squad after missing
training on Saturday.
"He wasn't on the bench because I didn't put him in the squad. I didn't
think he was in the right frame of mind. That's it. The situation is as
simple as that. Today he wasn't involved but fortunately the players that
played played out of their skins and played a fantastic match.
"The player has expressed his wishes and I respect his wishes. For me, as
far as I am concerned every time he played, he played [to his maximum].
Sometimes he played with some small injuries and gave 100 per cent. I stand
by him. I can't go over that. That's beyond my powers.
"The situation has to be dealt with as soon as possible," added Zola, who
had rightly spent his weekend focused solely on matchday matters. "I didn't
set a deadline but it has to be done as soon as possible because I need to
get on with my squad and I need to know where I have to go to. I need to
work out how we can solve this situation. It has to be quick."
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Triple salvo downs Fulham
WHUFC.com
Goals from Di Michele, Noble and Cole lift West Ham United to eighth in the
Premier League table
18.01.2009
West Ham United 3-1 Fulham
West Ham United continued their impressive climb up the Premier League table
with a comprehensive 3-1 victory over Fulham at the Boleyn Ground on
Saturday.
An opportunist strike from David Di Michele, a Mark Noble penalty and
Carlton Cole's fifth straight match with a goal saw the Hammers leapfrog the
Cottagers into eighth place in the standings. Former Paul Konchesky had
levelled matters with a fine long-range strike shortly before half-time, but
Gianfranco Zola's men were full value for their third win in their last four
league matches.
The victory was all the more impressive when it is considered that Fulham
arrived in east London on a ten-match unbeaten run and having conceded just
six goals in their nine previous away league fixtures. The Hammers now make
the long journey north for Saturday's FA Cup fourth round tie against League
One Hartlepool United just two points behind seventh-placed Wigan Athletic
and a possible place in next season's UEFA Europa League.
Manager Zola made just one change from the side that drew 2-2 at Newcastle
United, taking the decision to leave Craig Bellamy out of his squad. Di
Michele was handed a start after appearing as a late substitute at St James'
Park. Fulham counterpart Roy Hodgson named three ex-United players in his
starting eleven in Konchesky, John Pantsil and Bobby Zamora.
It took a little over six minutes for Di Michele to repay the faith shown in
him by his fellow Italian. A patient passing move saw the ball switched from
one side of the pitch to the other twice before Lucas Neill launched a
left-foot cross into the danger zone. There, former Hammer Pantsil's attempt
to chest-pass the ball back to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer landed short and
the alert forward nipped in to neatly convert his third goal for the club -
all of which have been scored in the same Centenary Stand net.
Having gone ahead, the hosts looked much the more likely to add to their
lead rather than relinquish it. However, that was notwithstanding a truly
memorable goal from Konchesky. It was the left-back's first since his
cross-shot flew over Liverpool's Pepe Reina in the 2006 FA Cup final, but
there was nothing remotely fortunate about the England international's
strike this time around. After picking up the ball just inside his own half,
the 27-year-old strode forward 30 yards before launching a vicious, swerving
shot that flew into Robert Green's top left-hand corner.
Aside from the two goals, there was very little action during the opening 45
minutes. Danny Murphy did superbly to deny Valon Behrami a shooting
opportunity on 28 minutes, while the Fulham captain also saw a left-foot
volley fly high into the Bobby Moore Stand early on. Di Michele also wasted
two opportunities shortly before the break, launching a volley well over
from Neill's cleverly lofted through ball before smashing a shot into the
side-netting from Mark Noble's near-post free-kick.
The early part of second half followed much the same path of the first, with
both sides probing without creating many clear-cut chances. Di Michele again
looks the most likely scorer for West Ham and thought he had done just that
on 50 minutes, only for his left-foot volley to be correctly ruled out for
offside. Both sides then had a player booked - Davies for stopping Neill
from taking a quick free-kick and Behrami for hauling back Dempsey - before
Noble re-established the Hammers' advantage.
Carlton Cole, a willing frontrunner all afternoon, robbed a hesitant
Konchesky 40 yards from goal before galloping into the penalty area and
being felled by his former team-mate. Referee Phil Dowd chose only to issue
a yellow card to the full-back, but Noble ensured the visitors would be
punished by confidently sending Schwarzer the wrong way from the spot.
Hogdson sent on Norwegian striker Erik Nevland - a scorer against West Ham
for Fulham's reserves in October - and Zoltan Gera in an attempt to level
matters for a second time. The moves did not have the desired effect,
however, as the hosts duly completed the scoring with a goal of real quality
14 minutes from time.
Jack Collison latched on to Dickson Etuhu's loose pass in midfield before
setting Di Michele free down the inside-right channel. The on-loan Torino
forward rolled an inch-perfect ball into the path of Cole, who expertly
toe-ended it past Schwarzer to all but secure the three points.
With the game seemingly won, Zola sent on Julien Faubert, Hayden Mullins and
- to the approval of the vast majority of the 31,818 supporters present -
Kieron Dyer for his first Premier League appearance since facing Wigan
Athletic at the Boleyn Ground on 25 August 2007. All in all, it was yet
another hugely positive afternoon for the West Ham manager and his players.
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Great start for U18s
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's Under-18s secured a 4-1 win over Southampton in their first game
of the new year.
18.01.2009
Tony Carr was delighted to see his Under-18 side begin 2009 in style by
beating Southampton 4-1 at Little Heath on Saturday, but believes there is
still more to come from the team in coming weeks.
The West Ham United academy director watched on as goals from Christian
Montano and Daniel Kearns sent the home side in 2-1 up at half-time. A
further strike from Montano and one from Conor Okus set the Hammers on the
way to a comfortable win.
Carr was delighted with how his side responded after four weeks without a
game. He said: "It's a great way to start the New Year. We were eagerly
awaiting a game as the friendly game we had on last week was cancelled
because of the frost. It was important to hit the ground running which we
have done and I'm pleased."
After the successful start, the thoughts of some of the youngsters will now
turn to Tuesday's reserve team fixture against Fulham, although their
involvement may depend on Gianfranco Zola's plans for next weekend's FA Cup
fourth round tie against Hartlepool United.
"Looking ahead to the reserve game on Tuesday, it depends on how many senior
players the manager wants. That will filter down to us so if it is the same
team that they had last week then there won't be that many young ones
featuring but if he holds one or two back for the cup game on Saturday that
will open the door for one or two of the younger ones."
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West Ham 3-1 Fulham
By Julian Shea
BBC.co.uk
Defensive errors proved costly for Fulham as West Ham eased to victory at
Upton Park to go eighth in the table. John Pantsil's poor concentration
allowed David di Michele to put West Ham ahead before Paul Konchesky drove
home a stunning 30-yard equaliser. Mark Noble restored West Ham's lead from
the penalty spot after a foul on Carlton Cole. And it was Cole who sealed
the win when he slid the ball past Mark Schwarzer for his fifth goal in as
many games. It was Fulham's first defeat since November and saw them drop to
10th in the table. Before the game, however, all the talk was of Craig
Bellamy, who was omitted from the West Ham side after reportedly being
unhappy at the club's refusal to allow transfer talks with Tottenham and
Manchester City. His replacement was di Michele, and on six minutes the
Italian put his team ahead in comical circumstances. Lucas Neill curled the
ball in from the right-hand side of the box and Fulham's former West Ham
defender Pantsil chested the ball down, unaware that di Michele was lurking
just behind him. The Italian stepped in between the defender and Schwarzer,
took one touch to control the ball and put it in the net with his second.
The home side were comfortably on top for the first 20 minutes until, out of
the blue, Fulham equalised through Konchesky, another former West Ham
player. He silenced the home fans with a swerving shot off the outside of
his left foot into the top right-hand corner, his first goal since scoring
for West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup final.
Apart from the two goals, the first half was a fairly tame affair with West
Ham keeper Robert Green having precious little to do, and Fulham's Brede
Hangeland preventing Schwarzer seeing too much of the action. Both sides
continued to struggle for rhythm after the restart and when the next goal
came, it was again the result of a Fulham defensive error. Cole forced his
way past Konchesky in the box after the defender took his eye off the ball,
and an attempt to retrieve the situation with a last-ditch tackle was
mistimed. The penalty decision was a formality after Cole was sent sprawling
to the ground and Noble lashed it home. This seemed to inspire West Ham and
Cole, in particular, and he came within inches of adding a spectacular third
when he controlled a long ball, turned and fired a shot just wide of the
post. Danny Murphy did his best to revive Fulham, but their third big error
puit the game out of reach. Dickson Etuhu's weak pass on the halfway line
was easily intercepted by the impressive Jack Collison, who found di
Michele, and he in turn played the ball perfectly into the path of Cole, who
calmly slotted home to secure the points.
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "We made it comfortable with the way we
played, especially in the second half, it was excellent. "I thought the
match had a strange atmosphere, it was a bit flat at the beginning but we
made it happen and I told them I was proud of them. "It was like we were
playing in a very silent place, I couldn't understand, but the players came
on in the second half they knew what they had to do and they did
fantastically well, and we got out with three points well deserved. "We took
the goals very well, Fulham are not a team that concedes very much, so it
was a big point for us."
Fulham manager Roy Hodgson: "I thought West Ham deserved to beat us, we were
far from at our best but the manner in which we conceded was very unlike us.
"We've been so strong defensively, and made so few mistakes, it was strange
to see three in one game - maybe if you're going to make mistakes best to
make them altogether "Today in general play against a skilful West Ham team,
we contained them pretty well but it's difficult when you're playing good
teams and go behind, it's hard to pull yourself back to parity."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble,
Collison, Cole, Di Michele.
Subs: Stech, Dyer, Boa Morte, Mullins, Faubert, Tristan, Sears.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Pantsil, Hughes, Hangeland, Konchesky, Dempsey, Murphy,
Etuhu, Davies, Zamora, Johnson.
Subs: Zuberbuhler, Nevland, Gera, Gray, Andreasen, Kallio, Baird.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's David di Michele 7.84
(on 90 minutes).
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Zola keen for end to Bellamy saga
BBC.co.uk
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has said he wants a swift end to the
protracted Craig Bellamy transfer saga. The Hammers have turned down bids
from Tottenham and Manchester City for the Wales international striker, who
missed the 3-1 win over Fulham on Sunday. "I haven't set a deadline but I
need to know where I am going with my squad," said former Italy
international Zola. BBC Sport's John Motson said that West Ham do not want
to sell Bellamy to Tottenham, their local London rivals. Having spoken to
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury, Motson said West Ham have received
six bids for Bellamy, but none have met the club's valuation of about £15m.
Tottenham manager Harry Redknapp also moved to play down his side's chances
of signing Bellamy. "We're struggling with it to be honest," he said
following Spurs' 1-1 draw with Portsmouth on Sunday. "I think Man City have
come in and when that happens, you're struggling because they can pay
whatever they want really."
Zola insists he wants Bellamy to stay at Upton Park, the former Chelsea
favourite said he will respect the player's wishes. "If he doesn't want to
stay we can't do anything about it," said Zola. "The player has told me his
wishes and I respect that, so I stand by him. "He wants to have another
experience and go to another club where he might think he will get something
better. Sometimes it happens. "Honestly I don't know if he has played his
last game. His attitude with me has been great. He has always played 100%
for me and I respect him for that." "Right now I am looking forward to
drinking a good glass of wine to celebrate because I have been through some
difficult moments this week."
Should West Ham, whose owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson may sell the club, cash
in on Bellamy, Zola said he will use the funds to strengthen his squad. "If
he's sold I will get the money to spend on other players. We are looking at
targets," said Zola. Manchester City initially offered £9m last Monday
before making an improved bid two days later, while Tottenham are reported
to have bid £12m. But as West Ham are reluctant to sell to Spurs, Manchester
City have emerged as favourites for his signature. Bellamy played under City
manager Mark Hughes and assistant Mark Bowen with both Wales and Blackburn.
And Bowen told BBC Sport on Thursday: "Of course we're interested in Craig
Bellamy, he is a player we very much admire and we are hopeful we can bring
him to Manchester City. "We've known Craig for many years, and had him at
Blackburn Rovers, and we know what he brings to any team he plays for. "It
does make me smile as I think he is one of those players who you either love
or hate. But fans of teams that he has played for love him and know what he
gave for their team."
Bellamy, a former Liverpool, Blackburn, Newcastle, Coventry and Norwich
forward, has made 54 appearances for his country, scoring 16 goals.
Often a controversial figure, Bellamy has helped lead 10th-placed West Ham
back up the Premier League table in recent weeks after they had initially
struggled as Zola settled in at the club after joining as its new manager in
September.
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Bellamy offer accepted
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have granted Craig Bellamy permission to discuss a move to
Manchester City, according to reports tonight. The Hammers are said to have
accepted a bid worth around £12million for the Welsh striker, who was
omitted from today's squad that beat Fulham 3-1 at the Boleyn. Bellamy is
thought to have preferred a move to Tottenham, who matched City's bid at the
tail end of last week. But the Hammers refused to do business with thier
local rivals after they were accused of unsettling Bellamy. Despite hoping
to hold out for around £15million United's hand has been forced by Bellamy's
dissatisfaction with his current circumstances, rumoured by the Times to
have stemmed from an ignored contract clause allowing him to hold
discussions with any club that offered £10million+ for him. The same story
claims further that Bellamy has denied reports he was offered an extended
contract last week by CEO Scott Duxbury, as claimed elsewhere. Should the
move go through as expected the Hammers will show a tidy profit of around
£4.5million on a player who has made just 22 appearances in two years and
who is rapidly approaching his 30th birthday. Bellamy is expected to travel
to Manchester sometime tomorrow in order to discuss personal terms and
undergo a medical.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United 3 Fulham 1
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are up to eighth in the Premier League after a richly-deserved
victory against Fulham at the Boleyn this afternoon. Goals from David Di
Michele, Mark Noble and Carlton Cole extended United's unbeaten run to five
games and lifted them above today's opponents and Hull City into striking
range of the European spots. Thankfully fears of a possible negative
reaction to the news that Craig Bellamy had refused to play for the club
were quickly dispelled thanks to an horrendous error by former Hammer John
Paintsil, one of three Fulham players who used to ply their trade at the
Boleyn. The Ghanaian full-back, transferred to Fulham last summer failed to
notice the presence of David Di Michele - only in the side due to Bellamy's
tantrum - and his weak header back to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer was well
anticipated by the Italian, who nipped in between the two before turning the
ball into the net to put the Hammers in front after just six minutes.
But it was another former Hammer in Paul Konchesky who soon dampened West
Ham's early enthusiasm when he fired home an unstoppable drive from a
seemingly innocuous position midway through the half. The irony that it was
his first goal since scoring for the Irons in the 2006 FA Cup final with a
similarly speculative effort was not lost on the dumbstruck home supporters.
The first half failed to produce any further goals with both sides
efectively cancelling each other out. The second 45 started in a similar
fashion but the game was brought bursting back into life on the hour mark
when Fulham's hero turned villain as Paul Konchesky brought Carlton Cole
down inside the box with the revitalised striker poised to shoot.
There was little doubt that it was a penalty - however referee Phil Dowd,
seemingly on the advice of his linesman deemed the foul worthy of just a
yellow card when all inside the Boleyn were expecting a red. Dowd, speaking
after the game revealed that it was merely 'a promising attacking move, not
a goalscoring opportunity'; how exactly, when Cole was posied to shoot
before being pulled down is something only Dowd will know.
You could perhaps have forgiven Mark Noble for perhaps feeling a tad nervous
when he eventually stepped up to take the spot kick, for it was the first
that the Hammers had been awarded in the Premier League since last January
when the same player stepped up in the final minute of the game to score the
winner against Liverpool. But if Noble was feeling any nervousness he showed
none of it by stepping up and confidently planting the ball in the centre of
Schwarzer's goal, with the keeper diving to his right, to restore West Ham's
lead.
Carlton Cole, who had scored in United's last four games before today had
played a major part in the second goal and was rewarded for his own effort
when he added West Ham's third with just under quarter-of-an-hour left to
play. David Di Michele, who had given the Hammers such a great start slipped
a precise through ball into Cole's path and the big striker was coolness
personified as he carefully dispatched the ball under the advancing
Schwarzer.
The goal led to a flurry of substitutions by Gianfranco Zola, the most
notable being the first home appearance since August 2007 for Kieron Dyer,
who enetered the fray to rapturous applause from the home fans with just a
few minutes of normal time remaining. Indeed, the former Ipswich winger
could have marked his return to action with a goal in injury time but
Schwarzer was alert enough to ensure the deficit remained at two.
Although the Hammers have an excellent recent record against their South
West London neighbours this was an especially impressive result given
Fulham's recent away form. They went into today's game having gone nine
games unbeaten away from home having not conceded in their last four games -
and all this without the self-important Bellamy, who looks set to exit the
club within the next few days.
If anything Bellamy's absence served to galvanise both the players and
supporters, with a performance - and atmosphere - reminiscent of happier
days at the Boleyn Ground. More of the same please...
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Upson, Collins, Collison (Mullins
83), Parker, Noble (Faubert 81), Behrami, Cole, Di Michele (Dyer 87).
Subs not used: Stech, Boa Morte, Sears, Tristan.
Goals: Di Michele (6), Noble (pen 59), Cole (76).
Efforts on goal: 12 (4, 6*, 10, 29, 39, 45+2; 49, 59*, 63, 67, 76*, 82).
Booked: Behrami (53).
Fulham: Schwarzer, Paintsil, Konchesky, Hughes, Hangeland, Etuhu (Andreasen
84), Murphy, Davies (Gera 74), Dempsey, Zamora (Nevland 72), Johnson.
Subs not used: Zuberbuhler, Gray, Kallo, Baird.
Goals: Konchesky (22).
Efforts on goal: 7 (1, 13, 22*; 55, 72, 80, 87).
Booked: Paintsil (45), Davies (52), Konchesky (58).
Referee: Phil Dowd (6).
Attendance: 34,818.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
You'v got to have faith
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has thanked Gianfranco Zola for keeping faith with him. Cole,
so often the target of the boo-boys since joining West Ham United
two-and-a-half years ago scored his ninth goal of the season in today's 3-1
win over Fulham thereby extending his goalscoring run to a goal in each of
his last five games. Talking to Sky Sports after the match, the 26-year-old
striker admitted that it was Zola's constant backing that had given him the
confidence to go on his excellent recent run. "The manager has put his faith
in me and the boys are helping me out with assists," he said. "You can't ask
for much more than that. "We've just got to keep on going. There's lots
going on off the field which is uncontrollable. I'm happy with the result as
it puts us in a strong position to climb up the table. "I hope the boys
keep doing it - and that the manager keeps nurturing us."
Cole produced yet another impressive performance today, winning the penalty
which Mark Noble converted to make it 2-1 and then scoring the conclusive
third. Although he had begun to show glimpses of good form in the final
weeks of Alan Curbishley's reign it is under Zola that he is finally
beginning to justify the plaudits that came his way early in his career when
just a promising youngster at Chelsea. With Dean Ashton still no nearer a
return from injury and Craig Bellamy on his way out of the club, Hammers
fans will be hoping even more than ever that Cole can continue his rich run
of form.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on ... Fulham
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 18th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on another win following today's 3-1
success over Fulham...
On the game...
I think we made it comfortable with the way that we played, especially in
the second half which was excellent. It was a tough match becasue there was
a strange atmosphere, it was a little bit flat at the beginning. But we made
it happen so I'm very pleased for the players. I told them I'm very proud of
them because it was a difficult game today.
On a subdued Boleyn Ground...
It was like we were playing in a very silent place. It was a strange
atmosphere, I couldn't really understand what was going on. But when they
came out for the second half the players knew what to do, and they did it
fantastically well and we go out with three points well deserved.
On underestimated opponents...
Fulham is not a team that concede much. I think they only conceded six goals
before today so they are big points for us. I think it's because we were
focussed and we wanted to win - and we made it happen.
On the transfer window...
For me the whole transfer window is nonsense. You start out with a team and
you work hard to make that team better - that is the point of managing. The
transfer window is an advantage for those teams that have money to spend.
That's my point, it's going to be difficult to change those rules but that's
my opinion.
On Craig Bellamy's future...
I don't know if it's going to be his last game or not. All I can say is that
I respect him and he knows that. But today we talk about the players who
played on the pitch, they were really outstanding.
I thought he wouldn't be totally focussed on on the game today so it's
better to have players that are focussed right now. He knows that I value
him as a player but it's down to him. As I said I respect him and I will
respect him later.
* Gianfranco Zola was talking to the BBC.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola will get Bellamy cash
Hammers boss set to be handed transfer kitty
By Chris Burton Last updated: 19th January 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola insists he will be allowed to spend any money made from the
sale of Craig Bellamy. The Wales international looks destined to leave West
Ham during the January transfer window, with Tottenham and Manchester City
leading the race for his signature. West Ham have already spurned a host of
big-money bids for the striker, but are willing to do business for around
£15million. City are believed to have matched that valuation, with the
forward all set to hold discussions with Eastlands officials in regards to a
possible move. Losing a key man would come as a major blow to the Hammers,
but finding a suitable alternative with the money brought in would help to
soften the blow. "Yes, I will get the money. We are looking for a
replacement and we will find something," Zola said in the Daily Star. "It is
important to deal with the situation as soon as possible. "I haven't set a
deadline, but it needs to be soon because I need to get on with my squad. "I
need to work out how we can sort things out, so it needs to be quick. My job
is to make it work on the pitch and that is what I am trying to do. "The
club will deal with all the other matters. They know what I think about the
situation and that is enough."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy set for City talks
Hammers agree fee for Welshman
Last updated: 18th January 2009
SSN
Sky Sports sources understand West Ham have given Craig Bellamy permission
to speak to Manchester City. Bellamy's future at Upton Park has been the
subject of intense speculation over the last few days after West Ham
rejected bids from City and Tottenham for the Welsh striker.
The former Liverpool and Newcastle star had asked the club to allow him to
talk to City and Spurs after turning down the offer of a new deal at Upton
Park. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola omitted Bellamy from his 18-man squad for
Sunday's 3-1 victory over Fulham at Upton Park, increasing speculation that
the Welshman is set to leave the East London outfit. Tottenham boss Harry
Redknapp conceded after Sunday's draw with Portsmouth that he feared he
might lose out to City for Bellamy and Spurs are believed to have made a new
bid for 28-year-old. It now appears City have agreed a fee with West Ham for
Bellamy as Mark Hughes looks to be reunited with a player he worked with
during his time in charge of Blackburn and Wales. Bellamy is expected to
travel to Manchester to hold talks and undergo a medical as City look to tie
up a deal for the forward.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers cope without Bellamy
Zola's men sink London rivals without star striker's services
Last updated: 18th January 2009
SSN
Man of the match: Carlton Cole is a rejuvenated striker and he caused Fulham
all kinds of problems throughout the match.
Moment of the match: David Di Michele's opening goal helped West Ham fans
realise there could be life without Craig Bellamy.
Goal of the match: Paul Konchesky's rasping long-range effort was one of the
best strikes of the season so far.
Save of the match: Mark Schwarzer made a smart save from Mark Noble but
there were few stops of note during the game.
Talking Point: Can Di Michele and Cole ensure West Ham do not miss Bellamy
if he leaves the club?
West Ham proved they can cope without Craig Bellamy as they recorded a 3-1
victory over capital rivals Fulham at Upton Park without the striker's
services. Build-up to the fixture in East London was overshadowed by
Gianfranco Zola's decision to omit want-away Bellamy from his 18-man squad,
increasing speculation the striker is heading for Tottenham or Manchester
City. However, there was little evidence West Ham missed their star forward
in the opening exchanges as David Di Michele - Bellamy's replacement -
pounced on a gaffe from Hammer's old-boy John Pantsil to slot his side ahead
in the seventh minute. Fulham, though, were level 15 minutes later as
full-back Paul Konchesky, whose last goal came for former club West Ham in
the 2006 FA Cup final defeat to Liverpool, spectacularly rifled past Robert
Green from 35 yards. But Konchesky - who left West Ham for Fulham in 2007 -
then went from hero to villain on the hour mark as he brought down Carlton
Cole inside the 18-yard area to allow Mark Noble to convert from the penalty
spot. West Ham had dominated the second half and Cole deservedly made sure
of the points with 14 minutes remaining as he poked past Mark Schwarzer
following a swift counter-attack.
It was a lifeless match but the Hammers will be satisfied with a victory
delivered against the backdrop of the latest controversy in Bellamy's
career. Bellamy reportedly refused to play for the club on Friday after the
Hammers denied him permission to talk to Tottenham. The Wales striker, the
subject of bids from Spurs and City, was offered a new contract but rejected
the offer and reportedly stormed out of the training ground.
When Zola named his matchday squad for Fulham, Bellamy's name was missing -
a move that would appear to signal the end of the 29-year-old's ill-fated
18-month spell with the Hammers. Even missing their star striker, West Ham
had enough to dispatch a side that arrived at Upton Park seeking to
establish a new unbeaten Premier League club record. Instead, former Hammers
defenders Pantsil and Konchesky handed their one-time employers victory on a
plate. There was little sign of the defensive wobbles to come as Pantsil
expertly dealt with an early lofted pass from Lucas Neill to Carlton Cole at
the far post. But Pantsil soon blotted his copybook in the seventh minute as
Neill produced an innocuous-looking cross that the defender should have
dispatched into the stands, but instead opting to casually chest it down
into the six-yard box where Di Michele finished from close range. Fulham had
not conceded an away goal in the league for their last four games but their
defence looked increasingly fragile as West Ham probed for a second.
The Hammers' dominance left Upton Park stunned as the next goal went in
against the run of play - scored by their former left-back Konchesky.
Fulham defender Konchesky, having found room to manoeuvre out wide, looked
up and unleashed a magnificent drive past Green that beat the keeper at the
near post. Normal service resumed after Konchesky had silenced the home fans
with West Ham dominating territory and possession.
The Hammers saw a promising attack broken up by Dickson Etuhu, who was
prominent as the second half got under way. Di Michele had the ball in the
net in the 50th minute following an expert strike but he was correctly
adjudged offside. Bobby Zamora blazed over the crossbar from five yards out
as Fulham produced their most incisive passage of play so far in the game.
But just as the Cottagers appeared to be gaining a foothold, disaster struck
as Konchesky conceded a penalty. The full-back was caught dithering as the
last line of defence, allowing Cole to sneak in to steal the ball from his
feet. Cole burst free into the box and Konchesky hacked him down from
behind, resulting in an immediate penalty from referee Phil Dowd, who was
superbly positioned. Mark Noble slotted home the spot-kick and West Ham
nearly extended their lead a seconds later as Cole's powerful shot whistled
inches wide of the left post. West Ham ended the contest with 14 minutes to
go, Di Michele capitalising on more hesitation in Fulham's defence to set up
Cole.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola wants Bellamy conclusion
Hammers boss eager for end to transfer saga
Last updated: 18th January 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola feels it would be positive for Craig
Bellamy and the club if the transfer saga surrounding the striker ends as
quickly as possible. Zola omitted Bellamy from his 18-man squad for Sunday's
3-1 victory over Fulham at Upton Park, increasing speculation that the
Welshman is set to leave the East London outfit. Reports on Saturday
suggested Bellamy had stormed away from a training session after being told
he could not join Tottenham and the forward's future remains uncertain. And
Zola - who has previously admitted he does not know where Bellamy's future
lies - is eager to draw a line under the speculation sooner rather than
later. "I think it would be a good thing for him and everybody," Zola told
Sky Sports when asked if a quick solution would be beneficial. West Ham
supporters sang, 'are you watching Craig Bellamy?' but Zola insists there
will be no hard feelings if the former Newcastle, Blackburn and Liverpool
forward leaves. "My feeling is that, for me, Craig has done very well so I
am pleased with what he has done for me as a player. That is the only thing
I can say," added Zola. "He knows what we can offer him. It is down to him.
"I said to him I will respect him for the way he played for me and whatever
he decides to do."
Meanwhile, Zola was pleased with the manner of his side's victory as a David
Di Michele goal, a Mark Noble penalty and a Carlton Cole strike were enough
to see off a Paul Konchesky blockbuster. "The key was the players," said
Zola. "They were fantastic. "I told them at the end of the game that I was
really pleased with them. It was a difficult game for different reasons.
"Carlton Cole was the difference between the two teams. He was fantastic,
but he was supported by other fantastic players."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pearce's park life
From Premier League winner to non-league wonder striker
Last updated: 18th January 2009
SSN
Ian Pearce is one of only six players to have played in all 16 Premier
League seasons. And although the former Blackburn, West Ham and Fulham man
has officially retired from the full-time game, he is still turning it on of
a Saturday afternoon. But while peers like Ryan Giggs and Sol Campbell are
still performing on the biggest stage of all, Pearce is now plying his trade
in the Surrey South Eastern Combination League - as a free-scoring striker.
And despite dropping no fewer than 11 rungs on the footballing ladder, the
34-year-old is loving it. "The best thing about it is the people - they're
brilliant," he told Goals on Sunday. " It's just a nice place to go and play
football, to tick over. "The banter is the same. As soon as you step into
that environment, any changing room, you almost click into it straight
away."
Pearce spent most of his time - and won a Premier League title with
Blackburn - as a tough-tackling centre-back. But he always had an eye for a
goal as a pro and having made sure he can forget defending for his new side,
he has netted no fewer than 16 goals in 12 games so far this season. Proof,
he says, that the likes of Kenny Dalglish, Harry Redknapp and Chris Coleman
had been playing him in the wrong position all along!
"I play centre-forward - that was one of the stipulations, there was going
to be no playing centre-half! They let me play up front, which is nice," he
said. "I always used to say I was playing out of position that I really
should've been playing up front. "Even when I went to Blackburn there were
questions marks if I could do both, but unfortunately they brought Chris
(Sutton) and the decision was made . "I prefer playing up front; when you
make one mistake at the back the opposition score a goal, if you miss a
chance up front there's another one coming along the road."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Fulham Report
Vinny - Sun Jan 18 2009
West Ham Online
West Ham United 3 Fulham 1
West Ham moved up to eighth in the Premiership after easing to victory over
London neighbours Fulham. Goals from David Di Michele, Mark Noble and
another goal for Carlton Cole saw us come out comfortable winners.
It was a very pleasing result especially after the setback which saw Fulham
equalise in the first half. With a flat atmosphere and the recent unrest
with Craig Bellamy, we fought well and got the result that we deserved.
Fulham had not won away all season and it was not hard to see why as they
were toothless going forward and only managed one meaningful shot on goal
which was Konchesky's stunner.
The starting line up only had one change from the side which started away at
Newcastle last weekend. This change was not much of a surprise as the soon
to depart Craig Bellamy was replaced by David Di Michele who was up front
alongside Carlton Cole.
Fulham lined up with three former West Ham players - Paul Konchesky, John
Pantsil and Bobby Zamora. All received good receptions from the West Ham
crowd with Zamora getting a standing ovation from most.
The first chance of the game resulted in the first goal. It wasn't really
even a chance but a dreadful defensive mistake from John Pantsil who if we
take off the blinkers is a terrible defender. A cross into the area by Lucas
Neill found Pantsil who attempted to chest the ball back to the keeper but
he did not realise that Di Michele was just behind him and the Italian
forward nipped in and with two touches scored his third goal of the season.
The was a very flat atmosphere around Upton Park and although many will find
this not unusual the silly kick off time did not help. The flatness in the
crowd seemed to transfer to both sets of players who were struggling to
attack with purpose.
A decent hit from Mark Noble from just outside the area was once of few
first half chances as we found the lack of movement going forward a problem.
Fulham were not troubling us and had created nothing of any note. But they
did manage to equalise out of the blue as former hammer Paul Konchesky
scored a stunning goal. The ball was played out to the left as Konchesky
burst into our half of the pitch. Behrami and Neill had gone missing and
Konchesky advanced and hit a wonderful shot past Green.
Konchesky celebrated as if he had won the world cup which did not go down
too well with the West Ham fans as they would have expected a little more
restraint and respect from someone who always claimed to be a West Ham boy.
The remainder of the half was a very tepid affair. We had lost any rhythm
which we may have possessed and Fulham were happy to sit and contain us. A
free kick from a decent position for Konchesky was smashed into the wall as
both goal keepers saw very little of the ball.
Gianfranco Zola has been happy to play without wingers over the last few
weeks but I couldn't help but think with poor full backs like Konchesky and
Pantsil a winger would have really caused them problems. Herita Ilunga
showed an example of this when he took Pantsil on only to be chopped down by
the Ghanaian who received the first yellow card of the afternoon.
The home crowd continued to be subdued although many anti Bellamy chants
were being rung out. There was no flow to the game as the referee kept
blowing for nothing tackles.
Despite the way the first half had fell away I still felt we had that extra
gear to jump into in the second half. Over the last few games we have
created a number of chances and so far this had not come about but I still
felt optimistic.
The second half was a much more eventful encounter as we found a little more
flow to our game and kept the ball well. On the 50 minute mark we did have
the ball in the back of the net but Di Michele's smart left foot finish was
ruled out due to the Italian being offside.
Fulham's Simon Davies was shown the yellow card for stopping a quick free
kick from Lucas Neill. In fairness to Davies the West Ham captain booted the
ball at him which saw the usually laid back Fulham manager Roy Hodgson have
words with Neill.
Just before the hour mark the game took a turn in our favour as we
capitalised on more poor Fulham defending. This time it was Konchesky who
was at fault as Cole disposed him and advanced on goal only to be scathed
down by the left back. Referee Phil Dowd pointed to the spot but only gave
Konchesky a yellow card.
I found this a bit hard to believe as Konchesky was the last man. If the
argument is that Cole was drifting away from goal I would counter that by
saying he was just setting himself to pull the trigger. Nonetheless, Mark
Noble stepped up and confidently placed the ball past Mark Schwarzer to
regain our advantage.
This was an important point in the game because although Fulham were not
troubling us in an attacking sense, they were seeing a lot more of the ball
and we seemed to be out of ideas.
We began to play with a lot more confidence and played some nice football
with Collison and Behrami running the show. Carlton Cole was looking more
confident as the Fulham defenders tired and the clubs top scorer would grab
his goal on the 76th minute mark.
This goal was the best of the day and although it came from another
misplaced pass from Fulham the way we broke forward in numbers was a joy to
watch. It was Collison who made the interception and he played a good pass
to Di Michele who cleverly fed Cole who neatly finished to grab his fifth
goal in as many games.
Zola made a number of substitutions, introducing Faubert, Mullins and Dyer
over ten minute period. A few decent attempts from Cole aside the game
fizzled out as we had secured the result with that third goal. There was to
be no late rally from the visitors who as I mentioned earlier lacked a spark
going forward. They have a number of good footballers but they do lack bite
and to be where they are in the league is an achievement in itself.
All in all this was an excellent result and one which has us looking up and
not down.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Virtually a spectator throughout this one and apart from a few catches and
punches from crosses this was a very comfortable day for Green.
Lucas Neill
Some lazy passes aside this was a good showing from Neill. He got forward a
lot more than usual and with Ilunga doing the same this was obviously a game
plan from Zola to push the full backs forward.
Matthew Upson
Up against a tricky attacker in Andy Johnson he dealt with him well and
looked excellent throughout. A few distribution problems aside this was
another top performance from Upson.
James Collins
Much better than his poor performance last week at St James' Park. Zamora
didn't get a look in all day as Collins beat him every time. He made many
blocks and interceptions in a good display from our Ginger Pele.
Herita Ilunga
A shout for man of the match as he put in another solid display. I thought
he defended well but also got forward without leaving us exposed. He has the
ability to beat a player and get a cross in and with us playing with little
width in the midfield his effort was important.
Valon Behrami
Very impressed yet again with Behrami. Works as hard as anyone and shows a
lot of quality when in possession. Does a lot of running and covers a lot of
ground.
Mark Noble
A busy performance from Noble and his second league goal of the season. Like
all the midfielders he worked very hard and his penalty was excellent.
Scott Parker
Another blood and guts display from Parker. Put his body on the line
throughout the game and despite talk of him leaving this was as commit a
display that you will see.
Jack Collison
Continues to impress although it is becoming apparent that he is a little
uncomfortable on the left wing. Showed a lot of confidence on the ball and
has a lot of ability when taking players on.
David Di Michele
Although not a fan of Di Michele he did well today. Scoring one and making
one is a good day at the office in my opinion and you have to give it to him
today. Thought his work rate was much better than in past performances and
although not the answer when Bellamy departs he put his claim for a first
team place forward.
Carlton Cole
We all knew that if he added goals to his game he could be a real threat in
this league. He has done this and long may it continue. Another excellent
performance from goal machine Cole.
Subs Used
Julien Faubert (on for Noble 81 mins)
A strange change in someways as Noble did not look that tired but the want
away French winger came on and did ok.
Hayden Mullins (on for Collison 83 mins)
Saw little of the ball but got stuck in.
Kieron Dyer (on for Di Michele 85 mins)
Showed his blistering pace and I expect him to be making starting line up
appearances in a few weeks time.
Subs Not Used: Stech, Boa Morte, Tristan, Sears.
Overall
After a difficult patch at the start of the season we seemed to have found
our feet and Zola would seem to have found a settled side. We are playing
some excellent football and I believe we will get better of the next few
weeks.
There is a lot of shit surrounding this club with off the field problems and
players such as Craig Bellamy wanting to leave. But this should not deter
from the progress we are making as a football team.
Next up is Hartlepool United in the FA Cup Fourth round. This has been
picked for television coverage because they think we will be victim to a
giant killing. We must make sure this does not happen, and I am confident
that the football will do the talking.
Franco's Feelings
We made it comfortable with the way we played, especially in the second
half, it was excellent.
"I thought the match had a strange atmosphere, it was a bit flat at the
beginning but we made it happen and I told them I was proud of them.
"It was like we were playing in a very silent place, I couldn't understand,
but the players came on in the second half they knew what they had to do and
they did fantastically well, and we got out with three points well deserved.
"We took the goals very well, Fulham are not a team that concedes very much,
so it was a big point for us."
"Remember what I said about Carlton Cole at the beginning and I wasn't a
fool when I said that,"
"I knew the potential of the player because I can recognise a player. The
difference between us and them was definitely Carlton Cole. He made it
happen. In the second half he changed the game around. Although I have to
say he was supported by ten other fantastic players.
"The whole team looked very, very comfortable on the pitch. They are playing
as a team. Within the team there are always one or two individuals who
change the game and (on Sunday) it was Carlton Cole. I'm proud to say that
it was not only [on Sunday], it has been in the last four or five games that
he has made a difference.
"I'm pleased. I'm pleased for him because in every training session we are
working out new ways to improve him and his attitude towards our exercises
is excellent and it's making a difference right now."
"During the week there was so much written talking around us. To be fair, it
has been like this all year but this week, in particular, I couldn't even
think. I had time to think about the game we played only on Saturday. It was
unbelievable. When we started the game I think the atmosphere was flat. I
was told the Sunday morning atmospheres are always a bit strange and it was
flat, especially in the first half. Then the players decided it had to be a
win day and they made it happen. It was a great performance."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
10 CC Full marks for 'special' Cole as he makes Hammers fans forget Bellamy
The Mirror
By Mike Walters 19/01/2009
West Ham 3 Fulham 1
Little master Gianfranco Zola hailed big striker Carlton Cole as the
catalyst behind West Ham's revival last night. Cole's fifth goal in as many
games sealed a deserved win over Fulham at Upton Park as the Hammers
continued to defy threats of a fire sale to stave off financial ruin -
although rebel striker Craig Bellamy is on his way out. One of Zola's first
acts on taking over as manager four months ago was to hand Cole a long-term
contract - and an unbeaten five match run indicates it was an inspired move.
Zola said: "Remember what I said in the beginning about Carlton. I wasn't a
fool when I said he was potentially special because I can spot a player. "I
knew he had the ability to become the complete striker and today he was the
difference between us and Fulham. "In fact in the last four or five games
he's made all the difference, but don't forget he was supported by 10 other
fantastic players. "Every day in training we worked on different ways to
improve him and his attitude towards those exercises is making all the
difference."
West Ham are now up to eighth, and Zola was particularly pleased by their
display against a soundtrack of fans chanting: "F*** off Craig Bellamy".
Zola added: "I still like him as a player and I don't want to comment on
what the fans were singing about him as I stand by my players. He's always
given me 100 per cent."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
KING COLE'S HOT STREAK
ABOVE: Carlton Cole 19th January 2009
The Daily Star
By Andy Rose
West Ham 3 Fulham 1
CARLTON COLE continued his hot streak in front of goal to fire West Ham
eight points clear of the drop zone. Cole struck his fifth goal in five
matches to cap a superb display which helped the Hammers up to eighth in the
table. And while Craig Bellamy sulks like a schoolboy in the background
demanding a move to Tottenham, the Hammers showed there is still an
attacking threat in their side without the Welshman. In his absence, West
Ham presented a convincing case that a £15m transfer fee would be far more
useful than the player himself right now. Goals from David Di Michele, Mark
Noble and Cole were enough to take the Hammers up the table but they had a
lot to thank Fulham for ... not least of all the three goals! John Pantsil
must have been looking for a reason to do his usual post-match lap of honour
at his old stomping ground. And he found it within seven minutes of the
kick-off after gifting Di Michele the opening goal – his third of the season
– four months since scoring twice on his debut against Newcastle. Di Michele
lay in wait and pounced for a simple tap-in after Pantsil chested Lucas
Neill's cross towards his own goalkeeper.
Fulham were playing their first league match of 2009 after last week's cold
snap claimed their home fixture against Blackburn. And they looked as though
they had forgotten how to play the game during their time off with the
Hammers completely in control. Some of their passing moves, not least the
one that led to their goal, were straight from the Arsenal handbook. And the
omens were bad for the visitors from the moment they fell behind. Still
without an away win all season, they were also in the middle of a goal
drought away from the comfort of Craven Cottage – a drought that stood at
five matches. So the fact they managed to conjure up an equaliser in the
22nd minute was a huge surprise and one that was only surpassed by the name
of the player who scored it. Left-back Paul Konchesky had not found the back
of the net since his fluke goal against Liverpool in the 2006 FA Cup Final.
But there was nothing lucky about his blistering finish yesterday. After
striding down his flank unchallenged from inside his own half, he let rip
from fully 30 yards and gave birthday boy Robert Green no chance in the
Hammers goal. Despite the goals, both keepers were remarkably unemployed as
Fulham rarely caused trouble where it mattered and Di Michele's shooting
radar went totally haywire.
Konchesky can rightly feel smug about his goal but the smile was soon wiped
off his face in the 58th minute when he followed Pantsil's lead in gifting a
goal to his former club. The defender dithered on the ball but this time it
was Cole who took advantage having transformed himself into a real handful
during the second half. Cole pinched possession but was hacked down as he
prepared to pull the trigger. Konchesky was lucky to escape with a yellow
card but his side still paid the price after Noble sent Mark Schwarzer the
wrong way from the penalty spot to put the Hammers ahead for the second
time. Whatever West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola said to Cole at half-time
worked and the striker almost found a finish to match Konchesky's when he
controlled Green's punt before swivelling and firing inches wide from
outside the area. While Cole was inspired, the final third of Fulham's
former Hammers, Bobby Zamora, was completely anonymous. And just how bad
became clear when the grateful West Ham fans gave the striker a wonderful
ovation backed up with a song.
And the crowd were soon in full voice again after Cole capped his solid
second-half showing with a deserved ninth goal of the season. But Fulham
were again their own worst enemy. And this time it was Dickson Etuhu's slack
pass which was leapt on by Jack Collison. He found Di Michele who in turn
found Cole, who with, a cool and clinical finish, extended his purple patch
in front of goal.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kenny Sansom on Glenn Roeder
West Ham Till I Die
Last week in my Eastern Daily Press column I mentioned that Kenny Sansom had
been less than flattering about Glenn Roeder in his excellent autobiography,
which I have just finished reading. One or two of you wanted to know more,
so I thought I would give you some extracts. Makes a change from transfer
talk, anyway…
I had been privileged to be managed by the best in the busines and I'd
learnt by example. Now, as second in charge top Glenn Roeder [at Watford], I
was about to experience something different. I was to be less than
impressed…
There are very few people I take a dislike to… I read an article recently
where the journalist sated the obvious: 'Glenn Roeder's managerial career
has been fraught with difficulties.' You canb say that again, matey. It was
written after his appointment to Norwich. The Canaries groaned - apparently
none too pleased with his arrival. I don't blame them…
I can't say I ever really warmed to Glenn… I often wondered whether this was
something persoanl between us or whether he was generally guarded with
everyone. In my opinion he wasn't a great team player. Others making
suggestions or choices seemed to tip him off balance.
During the first half [at a game at Sheffield United] Craig Ramage had given
the ball away on several occasions… I was angry. If I'd had my way I'd have
ripped the lazy bugger apart during the half time break. But the minute I
opened my mouth, Glenn Roeder stepped in and interrupted me. 'I'm the
manager, Ken. I'll have the first say.'
What was the purpose of my employment? I learned to keep my mouth shut and
subsequently lost enthusiasm. .. I'm certain had we worked together as a
team we would have finished higher in the league table. No question about
it.
I read quite a lot of sports autobiographies and I can truthfully say I
really enjoyed Kenny Sansom's book. It's available at half price (£8.99) at
the moment if you want to BUY IT. It's got a refreshing honesty so lacking
in many football life stories and the writing style is very conversational.
Highly recommended.
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Pablo Daniel Osvaldo to replace Craig Bellamy at West Ham?
19/01/2009
IMScouting.com
According to a report in The Times this morning, Gianfranco Zola will turn
to Italy to replace the departing Craig Bellamy. The Hammers are considering
a move for Pablo Daniel Osvaldo who has allegedly been told he can leave
Fiorentina for a fee around seven million euros. He is more than likely to
leave in the coming weeks as Bolgona are also interested. The 23-year-old
striker has made 12 appearances for The Viola this season but the majority
of them have been as a substitute. Last week he was sent-off for receiving
two yellow cards late on against Lecce. Osvaldo was more impressive last
season, scoring five goals in 13 games for Fiorentina following his move
from Lecce. At 6.0ft tall he may find it easier than some foreign strikers
to adapt to the physical nature of the Premier League. According to
IMScouting he is "impressive for his strength and creativity. Can score in
many ways but lacks consistency, a great talent who needs to score more and
develop. Has great potential."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neill tips Australia to emulate heroics
By Steve Griffiths 14:52 AEST Mon Jan 19 2009
Wwos.ninemsn.com.au
Lucas Neill predicts Australia can reach the quarter-finals of the World Cup
in 2010.
Lucas Neill admits Australia's old stagers are determined to prove that
their 2006 World Cup heroics were no fluke by going one better in South
Africa. Pim Verbeek's Socceroos are on course to reach the 2010 finals after
winning their first three qualifiers in the Asian group stage. A top-two
finish in the five-team group will guarantee that the Socceroos make it to
South Africa, but Neill is already thinking one step ahead. After reaching
the second round of the World Cup in Germany three years ago before
suffering a heart-breaking loss to eventual winners Italy, Neill - who was
harshly judged to have fouled the Italian in conceding the penalty - and
company have unfinished business at football's biggest event. West Ham
defender Neill, 30, is convinced Australia can emulate that run to the last
16 and could even reach the quarter-finals because several of the squad will
be making their last appearance in the tournament and are keen to go out on
a high. "We're on track. We've had three wins out of three and I should
think that two more in our remaining five matches should take us to the
World Cup," he told his English club West Ham's matchday program. "Last time
around we were one of the last teams to qualify. This time, other than the
hosts South Africa and Italy, we could be the first team to qualify, which
will be a nice statement to make to the world that last time was not a
fluke. "This will probably be the last World Cup that a few of us plays in
so it would be great for us to get there and emulate the achievements of the
last World Cup. "We were an unknown package in 2006 and made a fairly good
impact. It would be nice to do the same again and maybe go one step
further."
Wins over Uzbekistan, Qatar and Bahrain have put Australia in pole position
to reach the finals, but Neill acknowledges his team owes a huge debt of
gratitude to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer. The 36-year-old Fulham star has been
in superb form during the qualifying stages and Neill said: "In our last
game against Bahrain, Mark was our hero again. He made a lot of superb saves
and we came up with a last minute winner. "He also made crucial saves
against China in the round before this one and has made penalty saves in the
past. He comes up with them all the time. We're very lucky to have him.
"Mark is enjoying his time in London after a very long stay at
Middlesbrough. He's been one of the unsung heroes of Australian football for
some time now and is a goalkeeper that I respect very highly."
Neill and Schwarzer are regulars on the flight from London to Australia that
several of the English Premier League-based players take for qualifying
matches and the West Ham right-back will have plenty to wind up his friend
about after the Hammers' 3-1 win over Fulham on Sunday.
"Quite a few of us get to fly out from London so it's always great fun when
the Australia team gets together. So many of us have stories to share,"
Neill said. "The thing we have in common is that we've left home and are
trying to make a career for ourselves. As a result we're almost like a
family and enjoy listening to each others' experiences. There is a great
atmosphere. "It's a huge commitment to make. I wouldn't say we're unique but
we do have a very good team spirit and that has probably been the starting
point for every Australian sporting team for some time now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who Needs Craig
The Sun
Published: Today
GIANFRANCO ZOLA hailed Carlton Cole after he inspired West Ham's 3-1 win
over Fulham. Fans hardly missed Craig Bellamy as striker Cole scored one
and made another to fire the Hammers into eighth place in the table. Boss
Zola saw his side shrug off the walk-out of wantaway Bellamy to extend their
unbeaten run to five matches. He insisted: "People should remember what I
said about Carlton Cole when I took over. "I wasn't fooling when I said
those good things about him. "I knew the potential of the player because I
can recognise a player. "I am pleased to say the difference between us and
them was Carlton Cole. In the second half he changed the game around. "He
was helped by 10 fantastic players because the whole team played well."
Cole, who has now netted in each of his last five games, said: "We dug in
and felt we could get something out of this game. We kept pounding at the
door. "It's all down to confidence, the manager putting faith in me and the
boys around me helping me out. "There are a lot of things going on off the
field which are uncontrollable — we can only control the controllable."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City Win Battle for Bellamy
The Sun
MANCHESTER CITY won the race to sign West Ham rebel Craig Bellamy last
night. The striker, who sat out this victory, expects to be reunited with
his former Wales and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes within the next 48 hours
with City on the brink of agreeing a £14.5million deal. Tottenham had a
series of bids for the Wales captain rejected but Harry Redknapp has
admitted defeat. The Hammers have been reluctant to do business with Spurs
because of the London clubs' rivalry. But West Ham will make a healthy
profit on a player they bought from Liverpool for £7.5m in July 2007. Asked
if he will be allowed to spend ALL of the Bellamy money, boss Gianfranco
Zola said: "Yes, yes, yes. Definitely. We are looking for a replacement and
we will find someone. "It's important the situation is dealt with as soon as
possible. I need to get on with my squad so I need to know how we can sort
this out."
Cardiff midfielder Joe Ledley, 22 on Wednesday, will also be targeted by the
Hammers in a £5m raid. Bellamy, 29, was left out of the squad yesterday
after telling West Ham he wanted to leave Upton Park for Tottenham. But
Spurs manager Redknapp admitted his club cannot compete against the Arab
millions at Eastlands. He said: "Once Manchester City come in for a player,
they can out-bid and out-pay everybody."
Zola was more interested in the wine than the whiner as his Hammers ended a
stressful weekend by moving up to eighth in the Premier League.
He joked: "Right now, the only thing I'm interested in is a very big glass
of wine to celebrate because I've been through so many difficult moments in
the last few days. "Craig wasn't on the bench and I didn't put him in the
squad because I don't think he was in the right frame of mind."
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson and Lucas Neill were involved in a bizarre row. The
West Ham skipper blasted a quick free-kick into the back of Cottagers ace
Simon Davies, who picked up a booking for not retreating 10 yards. Hodgson,
61, said: "I'm not in favour of players kicking balls at opponents from two
or three yards. "I told Lucas that from fairly close range but he told me
what I should do! "The last time I fought anyone was 52 years ago and I
wasn't thinking about getting into a fight with a tough Australian!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to bid for Cardiff skipper Joe Ledley with Craig Bellamy cash
The Mirror
By Football Spy 19/01/2009
West Ham will this week invest the club-record £14m banked from the expected
sale of firebrand striker Craig Bellamy to Manchester City for a drive to
land Cardiff skipper Joe Ledley. Wales captain Bellamy refused to play
snubbed a new Hammers deal, is expected to complete a switch to Eastlands
within days. And West Ham, who saw 21-year-old Ledley score a cracker in
Cardiff's 1-1 draw at Birmingham on Saturday, his 200th career game, will
now make a no-strings £5m offer to the Ninian Park club. Stoke saw a £6m
package for talented Ledley knocked back in August, but the FA Cup finalists
could be persuaded to sell their asset as the Welsh international midfielder
has no intention of extending a contract with the Bluebirds that has just 18
months to run. Cardiff, who are pouring available money into a £30m new
stadium complex set for completion this summer, would be reluctant sellers.
But Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola confirmed he would get all the money from
the sale of Bellamy and said: "If he is sold I will have money to spend on a
replacement. "We are looking for someone to bring in just in case and it is
important that the situation is dealt with as soon as possible. "There are
only two weeks left of the transfer window and we have to get on with
building a squad here. I need to know where I have to go next."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele and Cole flourish in Bellamy's place
West Ham 3 Fulham 1
By Andrew Warshaw
Monday, 19 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
Who needs Craig Bellamy? Not West Ham judging by the way they romped to
victory yesterday, climbing into eighth place and maintaining not only their
impressive run of late but also the Indian sign over Fulham, who haven't got
the better of them in league meetings for more than seven years.
This may have been the lunchtime appetiser for the more highly publicised
spat in north London but at least we had two settled sides – well, one at
least. Financially troubled West Ham had been struggling to distance
themselves from speculation over the future of Bellamy, for whom they were
understood to have accepted a £14m bid from Manchester City last night.
In the light of that development, Bellamy has surely played his last game
for the Hammers. Six other bids were apparently made for the want-away Welsh
striker, but City are in pole position following their revised offer. The
sticking point in earlier negotiations had been West Ham's lofty valuation
of a 29-year-old player who despite his advancing years has undoubted pace
and, on his day, exciting marksmanship. Despite those qualities the
Welshman, conspicuous by his absence here after storming out of training on
Friday, has too often gained a reputation for being a loose cannon.
"There has been so much talking about us off the field so let me celebrate
this with a glass of wine," said Zola. "It was a great performance and I'm
really proud of the players. The atmosphere was a bit flat but the players
made up for it. They are determined to be successful. Craig was not in the
squad because he was not in the right frame of mind. He is a player I value
highly. I spoke to him yesterday and I respect his wishes. It has to be
sorted out in the next few days."
Zola made just one change and how fitting that it was Bellamy's replacement,
the on-loan David di Michele, who opened the scoring, courtesy of a dreadful
blunder by former Hammer John Paintsil. Six minutes were on the clock when
the Fulham full-back, who looked nervous throughout, tried to chest the ball
back to goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer but left his attempt hopelessly short, Di
Michele adjusting his feet superbly as he pounced on the error.
Too many of Fulham's build-ups looked laboured but somehow they fashioned an
equaliser – and what an equaliser. Another of the three ex-Hammers in their
line-up, Paul Konchesky, for once found himself with space and his sumptuous
30-yard thunderbolt crashed into the net.
It was his first goal for Fulham and his first since the 2006 FA Cup final –
for West Ham. But this was a day when Fulham kept making crucial mistakes
and the downside of Konchesky's mixed day came when he hacked down Carlton
Cole for an obvious penalty. Mark Noble sent Schwarzer the wrong way.
Di Michele had another sublime effort correctly ruled out for offside but,
14 minutes from time, the Italian set up the third and decisive goal as
Cole, who improved throughout and could have had a hat-trick by the finish,
rounded off a glorious move for his fifth goal in his last five games after
Dickson Etuhu had given the ball away in midfield.
It was Fulham's first defeat in 10 league games and too many of their key
players were off the pace, not least Andy Johnson and Bobby Zamora up front,
though the latter was warmly received on his return to Upton Park.
Perhaps, said Roy Hodgson, it was because his team were match-rusty having
had their last league game called off. "But that's not an excuse," he said.
"Everyone could see all three goals were clear technical errors. We've not
been conceding many. Perhaps today we took our quota of blatant mistakes in
one game."
Goals: Di Michele (7) 1-0; Konchesky (22) 1-1; Noble pen (60) 2-1; Cole (76)
3-1.
West Ham (4-4-1-1): Green; Neill, Upson, Collins, Ilunga; Collison (Mullins,
82), Noble (Faubert, 80), Parker, Behrami; Di Michele (Dyer, 86); Cole.
Substitutes not used: Stech (gk), Boa Morte, Tristan, Sears.
Fulham (4-4-2) Schwarzer; Paintsil, Hangeland, Hughes, Konchesky; Davies
(Gera, 73), Murphy, Etuhu (Andreasen, 83), Dempsey; Johnson, Zamora
(Nevland, 71). Substitutes not used: Zuberbuhler (gk), Gray, Kallio, Baird.
Referee: P Dowd (Staffs).
Bookings: West Ham Behrami, Parker; Fulham Konchesky, Paintsil, Davies.
Man of the match: Cole.
Attendance: 31,818.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Fulham 1: Cole fire roars Hammers on, so who needs Bellamy?
By Matt Barlow Last updated at 3:48 AM on 19th January 2009
Daily Mail
Never mind East End hospitality, the next time Craig Bellamy appears at
Upton Park he will be showered with the sort of vitriol normally reserved
for Paul Ince, Frank Lampard and Jermain Defoe. Bellamy was nowhere to be
seen as West Ham fans celebrated this comfortable win over Fulham with a
collection of abusive ditties about the striker who demanded a transfer on
Friday and then refused to play for the club who pay him £3.5million a year.
Goals from David di Michele, Carlton Cole and a Mark Noble penalty ensured
his influence was not missed and manager Gianfranco Zola urged his board to
sell swiftly so that he can buy reinforcements before the transfer window
closes. 'I will have the money to spend on a replacement and we are
looking,' said Zola. 'It is important the situation is dealt with as soon as
possible. He wants another experience. He wants to go to another club where
he thinks he might get something better. He is a human being and sometimes
this happens. I accept that. I respect his wishes.'
West Ham value Bellamy at £15m but are determined not to sell to Tottenham
because they believe their London rivals are responsible for unsettling the
player. This makes Manchester City favourites for his signature. City are
due at Upton Park on March 1, so it could be a lively atmosphere that day.
Zola will miss Bellamy's pace but that wasn't a factor thanks to Fulham's
error prone defence. It was the first Premier League game of 2009 for Roy
Hodgson's team and they started as though emerging from hibernation. John
Pantsil was half asleep when he tried to turn Lucas Neill's cross back to
Mark Schwarzer with his chest in the seventh minute. The ball dropped well
short and Di Michele nipped in, skipped past the goalkeeper and rolled in
his first goal since September. Di Michele, on loan from Torino, scored
twice against Newcastle on his debut but a four-month goal drought disproved
theories that he might be the new Paolo di Canio. His early strike put West
Ham in control until Paul Konchesky's screamer ripped into the top corner of
Rob Green's net from 30 yards after 22 minutes.
Konchesky seemed as shocked as everyone else when it flew in. It was his
first goal since scoring for West Ham in the 2006 FA Cup Final but the glory
was shortlived. Fifteen minutes into the second half and he was the culprit,
dithering on the ball in defence and allowing Cole to steal possession and
charge into the box. Konchesky gave chase and chopped Cole down from behind.
It was a clear penalty although the defender escaped with a booking.
Cole grabbed the goal his outstanding display deserved, drifting clear of
Brede Hangeland to collect Di Michele's neat pass with 14 minutes left on
the clock and slide a calm finish past Schwarzer. Victory lifts Zola's team
up to eighth, well above any of the teams Bellamy might join. With 29 points
it is tempting to suggest their Premier League status is safe for another
year but let's not be rash. Not until the authorities have finished handing
out the punishments for the Carlos Tevez affair.
GRAHAM POLL: The Official Line When Carlton Cole raced away from Paul
Konchesky it certainly seemed like a goalscoring opportunity. Konchesky
chased back as the 'last man' and brought Cole down for a simple penalty
decision for referee Phil Dowd. The crowd wanted a red card for the
ex-Hammer so why didn't Dowd dismiss Konchesky? Well, the law states that
the player who is denied an obvious goalscoring opportunity must be heading
towards goal and makes no reference to 'last man'. Cole was heading for the
junction of the goal area and goal line, six yards wide of goal, so Dowd was
right to let Konchesky stay on the field.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Moyes Blames West Ham & Portsmouth For Unstable Transfer Market
Goal.com
As both Portsmouth and West Ham reportedly face up to financial issues this
January and find themselves selling players rather than spending on
reinforcements, Everton boss David Moyes has criticised the previous
behaviour of those two clubs in shelling out inflated transfer fees and
paying huge wages to players. "I think what happened at Portsmouth and West
Ham in recent times was a danger to football," he told the Sunday Express.
"They bought players and gave them big wages. That made it difficult for
clubs like Everton because we would try to get similar players but they blew
us out with higher wages – far more than Everton could afford."
And the Scotsman feels that such actions distorted the market and created an
imbalance that wasn't good, neither for the clubs concerned nor the game in
general. "It upset the whole market. Now they are backing off and selling
players because they paid them higher wages than maybe they should have,"
Moyes added. "In truth, the people who went into those clubs are now either
one down, or bankrupt, or can't afford to pay the wages. Now Portsmouth
might say, 'We had our day in the sun. We won the FA Cup and we don't really
care'. "But I think those sort of clubs are the ones which have disrupted
the wages in the Premier League."
Despite the financial imbalances that are very much a part of today's game
though, Moyes genuinely believes that both is side and Aston Villa are
capable of hauling themselves into the top four of the Premier League this
season. "There is definitely a chink of light this season that things can
change," he continued. "The Premier League has been a more level playing
field. Aston Villa are the best equipped to break into the top four. They
spent quite a bit of money last summer and finished just below us in the
league last season. "I also believe we have a good chance now. Can we get
into the top four again? I am not going to say we can't... but it will be
tough."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City lead chase for Craig Bellamy
Craig Bellamy will talk to Manchester City on Monday about a move away from
West Ham. Gianfranco Zola claimed on Sunday night that he had been promised
the £15 million he is expected to bring in to strengthen his squad.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 11:33PM GMT 18 Jan 2009
Bellamy could be fined for his response to West Ham's initial determination
to keep him – he was offered a new deal last week but turned it down. West
Ham manager Zola wants the situation to be resolved so he can prepare for
the remainder of the season. Bellamy refused to train at the club's Chadwell
Heath ground. The Wales captain is keen to leave, his determination buoyed
by approaches from Tottenham and Manchester City. It is understood that West
Ham are reluctant to sell to London rivals Spurs – Tottenham fans crammed
chat-rooms at the weekend urging the club not to sign him – so he is
expected to move to Eastlands. West Ham have received six firm bids for
Bellamy but all fall short of their £15 million valuation. Spurs and City
have offered £10 million, with an additional £2 million in add-ons. Zola
said: "I didn't put him in the squad because I don't think he was in the
right frame of mind. I have sought assurances from the board that if he is
sold I will get the money to spend on players and I will. Asked if he felt
Bellamy had played his last game for West Ham, Zola said: "Honestly, I don't
know. My respect for him and for the way he played is great. But if a player
doesn't want to stay we can't do anything about this."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Case For The Accused
Just Like My Dreams
It is an interesting Sunday tabloid round-up, even by this club's
exceedingly high standards. Aside from the latest Craig Bellamy speculation
(more of which later), the News of the World kicked off the morning with a
spectacular double page 'exclusive' purporting to reveal the documents the
Hammers will use to plead their case in the forthcoming Tevezgate inquiry.
While I am far from convinced that Rob Beasley's article addresses all the
issues surrounding the affair, it nevertheless provides some intriguing
details...
The News of the World today publishes the documents West Ham insist will
prevent them being hit with a points deduction and another massive fine in
the long-running Carlos Tevez scandal.
The Hammers face a fresh investigation into allegations they broke strict
rules on 'third party' agreements after the Premier League and the FA
launched a new joint inquiry into the Argentine's registration earlier this
month.
So today, we publish the full, incredible story of how former Hammers boss
Alan Curbishley personally handed Tevez a terse legal letter West Ham claim
terminated his controversial third party agreement with the club. And how a
tense 24 hours of sensitive phone calls, letters, faxes and emails resulted
in the Premier League clearing Tevez to play in the Hammers' final three
games of the season which secured their top flight survival.
The Londoners are stunned at the new inquiry after they were fined a record
£5.5million in April 2007 for playing Tevez when he was not owned by the
club. However, the new probe has been prompted by the findings of FA
arbitration panel chairman Lord Griffiths following Sheffield United's
£30million compensation claim after they were relegated while West Ham
stayed up. Griffiths ruled Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury had misled
the League over the termination of the club's third party agreement with
Iranian businessman Kia Joorabchian, who owns Tevez's economic rights.
Joorabchian's lawyer Graham Shear gave evidence that Duxbury verbally
assured him their third party agreement was still in place — despite Duxbury
informing the Premier League West Ham had terminated it. But West Ham are
adamant these documents will prove the agreement had ended BEFORE Tevez was
cleared to play in the final game of the season when he scored the winner
against Manchester United which kept the Hammers up and sent Sheffield
United down.
Duxbury last night declared: "We welcome the new investigation because it is
our chance to make it perfectly clear to both the FA and Premier League that
we did everything in our power to terminate the agreement we had with Carlos
Tevez and satisfy all the demands of the Premier League in order for him to
continue as a West Ham player. Tevez's advisors claim the third party
agreement still existed despite the termination, but we dispute that that is
the legal position. I saw it as my job to make sure Tevez played and helped
the club in the fight against relegation, even though it was clear he was
very unhappy with the agreement being terminated. I made it clear to Tevez's
advisors that if Carlos stayed and helped us to the end of the season then,
yes, I would not stand in his way if he wanted to leave for another club. We
contend that is not a third party agreement, that is simply part of running
a football club and doing everything in the best interests of West Ham.
Unfortunately, Lord Griffiths appears to believe that some official
agreement still remained in place. That's why we welcome the new inquiry so
we can explain our position absolutely."
Duxbury, former West Ham chairman Eggert Magnusson, Joorabchian, Shear and
Blades chairman Kevin McCabe will all be asked to submit evidence to the new
inquiry. The key date in the Hammers' defence is April 27, 2007. That is
when West Ham claimed they provided documentary evidence to the Premier
League confirming the termination of the agreement — including a signed
letter from Curbishley confirming he had personally handed a termination
document to Tevez.
It was addressed to Carlos Alberto Tevez (the 'player'), Argentinian
citizen, single, professional football player — and included his identity
card number and his national tax ID number. It was dated April 27 and signed
by Magnusson, who had written the termination letter that morning. The
Icelandic businessman was responding to a no-nonsense ultimatum from the
Premier League who had fined West Ham £5.5m for non-disclosure of
documentation and ordered them to scrap the third party agreement.
The League had examined the deal — which gave West Ham use of a player who
was actually owned and controlled not by them but by Joorabchian's two
companies based in the British Virgin Islands. Premier League general
secretary Mike Foster informed West Ham they had until 12 noon on April 28 —
the day of their vital League clash at Wigan — to "modify the third party
agreement in a fashion satisfactory to the (Premier League) board or
terminate the third-party agreement outright" or Tevez would not be allowed
to play again. It was a bombshell that began one of the most dramatic days
in the club's history.
So Magnusson immediately scripted a curt 81-word letter to Tevez, MSI Group
Ltd and Just Sports Inc & Co making it clear the "Private Agreement dated 30
August 2006 between the Club, the Player and the Companies in relation to
the services of the Player" had been "hereby terminated with immediate
effect, and shall cease to have any further force or effect."
Then, just after lunch, West Ham's lawyer Philip Cheveley emailed the
Premier League a copy of Magnusson's letter. Foster replied but insisted:
"We require evidence that the notice of termination has been served. We also
need you to notify the player, as he is party to the agreement in question,
and provide evidence of this." So under-fire Curbishley, fighting to save
his job and the club from relegation, took charge. He simply couldn't afford
to lose one of his most influential players for the last three games of the
season so decided the termination letter must be served, and quickly.
However, in Curbishley's letter to the Premier League he admits Tevez
refused to acknowledge receipt of the letter. Curbs wrote: "I hereby confirm
I have handed the attached letter to Carlos Alberto Tevez and asked him to
countersign it to acknowledge receipt. Mr Tevez has declined to countersign
the letter, but I confirm that he has now received it."
Curbishley's confirmation was swiftly forwarded to the Premier League, while
Cheveley emailed Shear and asked to confirm receipt of the notice
terminating their private agreement. Later that afternoon Shear responded,
saying: "I acknowledge receipt of your email and the purported 'notice of
termination.' I shall take my client's instructions, in the meantime all my
client's rights remain fully and expressly reserved."
Cheveley then emailed Foster again to ask for confirmation that the Premier
League were satisfied with West Ham's evidence and that Tevez remained
registered to play for the club. But the Hammers had to wait until 10.57pm
that night for the all-important clearance.
In an email to Cheveley, which was copied to Premier League chief executive
Richard Scudamore, Foster wrote: "I can confirm you have satisfied
requirements of Board and player is eligible to play." But, ominously, he
warned: "Board may have to review situation dependent on future developments
and, in particular, if your termination of agreement is challenged."
The day before the final game at Old Trafford, when Tevez scored to keep
West Ham up, Magnusson sent another letter to the Premier League confirming
the club's view that their private agreement with Tevez had been terminated.
Foster replied by fax, email and post to Duxbury, again confirming that
Tevez "remains registered with and eligible to play for your club." The
ramifications of the saga are still reverberating around Upton Park — even
though Tevez is now playing for Manchester United.
During the FA arbitration, Shear was asked if Duxbury assured him that West
Ham would not depart from the terms of their deal with MSI. Shear said:
"Broadly, yes. West Ham were desperate to ensure Tevez played for the club
in the critical last few games of the season. Whilst having no choice but to
adhere to the Premier League's requirements, West Ham wanted to do
everything possible to attempt to placate the rights owners."
And Lord Griffiths said in his ruling: "If the Premier League had known what
Mr Duxbury was saying to Mr Joorabchian's solicitor following the commission
decision, we are confident the Premier League would have suspended Mr
Tevez's registration as a West Ham player." But West Ham are hoping their
dossier of evidence will finally bring a positive end to the most
controversial saga in Premier League history.
The same paper claims Manchester City have landed Craig Bellamy, who will
supposedly move in a £14m transfer this week. The striker walked out of West
Ham on Friday after a £12m bid by Spurs had been rejected. As soon as
Bellamy said he would not play against Fulham today after turning down a new
Hammers contract, the club realised they had to do a deal. They quote a club
insider as saying: "There was no way we were going to sell to Tottenham."
The People agree, insisting Manchester City upped their bid to £14million
last night in an attempt to hijack Tottenham's move for the Welshman.
According to their story Zola sat down with Bellamy last week to try to
convince him to stay at Upton Park but it was made clear he wanted to be
allowed to talk to other clubs. The player wanted to stay in London by
moving to Spurs but Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp has now resigned himself
to missing out on the Welsh firebrand. No talks will be granted between any
club and Bellamy before West Ham have accepted an offer, which is why City
have upped their bid. United, who signed Bellamy for £7.5m, would prefer to
sell to City rather than their bitter London rivals but now it looks like
coming down to money, which puts City firmly in the driving seat.
Amusingly, the Sunday Mirror report Tottenham fans have bombarded club
websites in mass protests against the signing of Bellamy. And the signs are
that the 29-year-old striker, who stormed out of West Ham's training ground
on Friday, will move to Manchester City. Bellamy was refused permission to
speak to Spurs about a move to White Hart Lane on Friday, yet speculation
about his potential recruitment sent angry Spurs fans into meltdown. They
deluged the club and independent websites with demands that the Wales
striker must not be signed, as his abrasive approach has caused problems at
previous clubs. Even though manager Harry Redknapp is desperate to sign the
striker, Spurs fans fear he would be a negative influence at their club. The
paper states the Hammers won't be forced to sell Bellamy, and to that end
City's latest bid of £14milllion was turned down last night. The player has
been named in the West Ham squad for today's game against Fulham and if he
fails to turn up he will be handed a two week fine.
As the Craig Bellamy saga rumbles on, Gianfranco Zola admits he is
disappointed by the way the affair has been handled - but says there was
little he could do to keep the star. Lashing out at the way some football
business is conducted and vowing never to abandon his principles, Zola is
quoted in the Mirror as saying: "I want to keep Craig, but no player is
bigger than the club. He wants to leave and he has his own reasons, but I
only want a player who is totally committed to the club. The whole transfer
window is a nonsense. It means everything's about money and I think it
should be closed down. Contracts don't seem to be worth the paper they are
written on. I am proud of the way I operate, but some behave differently.
I'll never change the way I do things. I will stay honourable."
Other snippets include West Ham leading the race to sign Brescia strike
prodigy Savio Nsereko. The Mirror thinks Gianfranco Zola plans to raid his
native Italy for the £6m-rated German youth international. And Hammers
director of football Gianluca Nani, who previously worked for Brescia, has
led transfer talks for the 19-year-old. The Uganda-born player's form this
season has also attracted interest from Juventus, Roma and Napoli. Nsereko's
agent Patrick Bastianelli said: "West Ham are in pole position to sign
Savio. They are the club that has offered him the most interesting project,
and they are keen to do a deal in a hurry."
The same paper speculates United could also make a £1million move for Sweden
Under-21 star Mikael Lustig, with Lucas Neill's future at the club still in
doubt. According to the gossip pages Neill is out of contract at the end of
the season and certain to leave Upton Park with Newcastle desperate to sign
him. The Hammers have started making plans for life without their captain,
with Lustig at the top of the short-list. The Sunday Express, by the way,
take the opposing view and think Neill is keen to commit himself to a new
contract.
Posted by Trilby at 10:00
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West Ham plan for life after Craig Bellamy with possible move for Joe Ledley
As Craig Bellamy headed north for talks aimed at joining the sky blue
revolution at Eastlands, the team he leaves behind believe they can cope and
prosper and will invest the income.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 8:45AM GMT 19 Jan 2009
Bellamy is set to join Manchester City, after being left out of Sunday's 3-1
win over Fulham, and manager Gianfranco Zola has been promised the profits
from the sale to bolster his squad. West Ham today agreed a fee with City,
for Bellamy, after Mark Hughes made a fifth bid for the player he had during
his time as Wales manager. It is understood the fee is £14m, with £12m
upfront plus £2m in additional payments. Bellamy will undergo a medical
later today at the City of Manchester Stadium. One target is expected to be
Cardiff captain Joe Ledley, who could be lured to Upton Park for around £5m.
West Ham have a tradition of signing Welsh players; presently in the squad
are Welshmen Danny Gabbidon, Bellamy, James Collins and Jack Collison. Stoke
failed in a bid to sign Ledley in August, and they could attempt to hijack
West Ham's move. With his contract expiring in 18 months and with a new
stadium to finance, Cardiff could accept a reasonable bid before the curtain
comes down on the transfer window on Feb 2.
Ledley is 22 on Friday but has already reached the milestone of 200 games
for Cardiff, achieved at the weekend, when it is understood he was watched
by West ham representatives. Zola admitted he had endured a torrid week in
the build-up to the ultimately impressive victory over a Fulham side
unbeaten in their previous nine games. "It was a great result, a great
performance in very difficult conditions," said Zola. Bellamy's absence
could have affected the side, so Zola was keen to praise those left behind.
"It was all down to the players. "During the week there has been so much
talk around us; it's been all year like this, but this week in particular I
haven't had time to think about the game. "My players made it happen because
it was a strange atmosphere and it would have been easier for us to fail.
They tell me the atmosphere for games played on a Sunday morning is a bit
flat, and I felt it was flat in the first half. "But then the players
decided it had to be our day and they made it happen, so a great, great
performance."
Zola admitted that Bellamy was dropped as he was 'not in the right frame of
mind' and accepted that he had had his eyes turned by other offers.
But Zola preferred to talk about those more committed to the West ham cause,
praising Carlton Cole for his new found confidence. The former Chelsea
striker has scored in four successive games, including yesterday, and Zola
added: "I knew the potential of the player when I came here, because I can
recognise a player. The difference between us and Fulham was certainly
Carlton Cole. "We are playing as a team and always in a team there are one
or two individuals who change the game. Against Fulham it was Carlton Cole,
but it has not only been in this game, but in the last four or five. "I am
pleased for him because every day in training we try and work on ways to
improve him and his attitude to our new exercises is excellent, and that is
what is making the difference."
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West Ham boss Zola expects to spend all of Bellamy fee
19.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola will immediately seek a replacement for
new Manchester City signing Craig Bellamy. West Ham will make a healthy
profit on a player they bought from Liverpool for £7.5m in July 2007. Asked
if he will be allowed to spend ALL of the Bellamy money, boss Gianfranco
Zola said: "Yes, yes, yes. Definitely. "We are looking for a replacement and
we will find someone. "It's important the situation is dealt with as soon as
possible. I need to get on with my squad so I need to know how we can sort
this out."
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Cardiff winger Ledley on West Ham shopping list
19.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Cardiff City winger Joe Ledley is interesting West Ham United boss
Gianfranco Zola. The Sun says Ledley, 22 on Wednesday, will also be targeted
by the Hammers in a £5m raid. The money will come from Craig Bellamy's move
to Manchester City, which was agreed last night.
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West Ham boss Zola: Cole now deciding games
19.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola says former Chelsea teammate Carlton Cole is
now fulfilling his potential. Cole again struck in yesterday's victory over
Fulham and Zola insisted: "People should remember what I said about Carlton
Cole when I took over. I wasn't fooling when I said those good things about
him. "I knew the potential of the player because I can recognise a player.
"I am pleased to say the difference between us and them was Carlton Cole. In
the second half he changed the game around. "He was helped by 10 fantastic
players because the whole team played well."
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Fulham boss Hodgson reveals Neill touchline row
19.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has lifted the lid on his angry row with West Ham
captain Lucas Neill during yesterday's defeat. Neill blasted a quick
free-kick into the back of Cottagers ace Simon Davies, who picked up a
booking for not retreating 10 yards. Hodgson, 61, said: "I'm not in favour
of players kicking balls at opponents from two or three yards. "I told Lucas
that from fairly close range but he told me what I should do! "The last time
I fought anyone was 52 years ago and I wasn't thinking about getting into a
fight with a tough Australian!"
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West Ham striker Cole: Best form of my career
19.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Having struck in the last five games, West Ham United striker Carlton Cole
feels in the best form of his career. "It's the most confident I've ever
felt in my career. It is confidence and the manager putting faith in me and
I've got the boys around me giving me assists so I can't really ask for more
than that," Cole told whufc.com.
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