WHUFC.com
23.01.2009
The FA Cup sponsored by E.ON fourth round
Hartlepool United v West Ham United
Victoria Park
Saturday 24 January
12.40pm
Referee: Lee Mason
Hartlepool United: Lee-Barrett, Sweeney, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys,
Monkhouse, Jones (Foley 85), Liddle, Robson, Mackay (Henderson 56), Porter
Subs not used: Budtz, McCunnie, Collins, Power, Rowell
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble, Collison (Boa Morte 64), Cole (Sears 78), Di Michele (Mullins 75)
Subs not used: Stech, Neill, Spector, Tristan
Booked: Cole, Ilunga, Collins
Goals: Behrami 44, Noble 45 pen.
Attendance: 6,849
MINUTE BY MINUTE
94 min - Referee Mason blows for full time. A good win for West Ham United,
who are still unbeaten away from home since 29 October. It is six matches
without defeat in all competitions too.
93 min - Less than a minute to go and the hosts appear to have finally run
out of ideas. Boa Morte is fouled wide on the left. Surely that's the game
won now?
92 min - This might be tempting fate, but the draw for the fifth round will
be shown live on Setanta Sports One on Sunday at 6.15pm.
91 min - The ball ricochet's off Monkhouse's shin into the arms of Green.
90 min - Hartlepool are still battling away. Green does well to punch clear
Robson's corner. There will be three minutes of added-time.
89 min - If West Ham United hold on, they will be through to the fifth round
for the first time since season 2005/06, and we all know where that run
ended...!
87 min - Scott Parker has been immense today.
86 min - Robson wins a corner off Faubert but the ball is cleared. Noble
leads the counter-attack and finds Sears, but the teenager''s shot flies
over the top.
85 min - David Foley, who scored in the third round win over Stoke City,
replaces Jones.
84 min - The visiting supporters are cheering every completed pass now as
the home fans start to make for the exits.
82 min - Hartlepool are still knocking the ball around confidently enough.
They have given a good account of themselves this afternoon.
80 min - After a stern examination before the break, Tomkins has looked
solid and composed during the second half.
79 min - Perhaps sensibly, Zola chooses to replace Cole with England
Under-19 international Freddie Sears.
77 min - The home fans are calling for a red card for Cole again after the
forward challenges Lee-Barrett for a loose, boucing ball. Mason ticks him
off, but nothing more.
75 min - Hayden Mullins comes on for Di Michele.
74 min - Lee-Barrett denies Cole again! This time the striker streaks clear
of the home defence and tries to slot the ball under the goalkeeper. It hits
his body and bounces off the outside of the post and out for a corner, which
is cleared.
72 min - West Ham United are trying to take the sting out of this game by
keeping possession of the ball. It's working, for now.
68 min - The home fans haven't given up hope yet. They are still urging
their heroes on loudly.
65 min - Ritchie Jones lets fly from 25 yards but the shot is a yard too
high. Hartlepool might be two goals down, but they are not going out of the
FA Cup without a fight.
64 min - Zola makes his first change, replacing Collison with Luis Boa
Morte.
62 min - Green does superbly well to divert Gary Liddle's goalbound header
over the crossbar. The goalkeeper was back-peddling and had to adjust to tip
the effort out for a corner.
60 min - Collins is booked for a foul on Joel Porter.
57 min - Today's attendance is 6,849, with 856 West Ham United supporters
among them.
56 min - Hartlepool bring on Liam Henderson for Michael Mackay up front.
Henderson has made just one substitute appearance this season and has not
scored a goal this term.
55 min - Scott Parker completes the longest back-pass in history...possibly.
He was inside the Hartlepool half when he played the ball back to Robert
Green.
53 min - The second half has started in mundane fashion. The two goals just
before half-time might have knocked the wind out of Hartlepool's sails.
48 min - Ben Clark fouls Di Michele wide on the right. Noble's quick
free-kick finds Behrami, whose cross is clawed behind by the goalkeeper for
a corner, which is subsequently cleared.
46 min - Noble gets us back underway.
HALF-TIME
45 min - GOAL! Gianfranco Zola will be more than happy as we enter the
single minute of added-time. He will be even happier after Nelson is
penalised for handball inside the home penalty area. It's a chance for Noble
to net his third penalty in four matches. He does just that, driving the
ball inside Lee-Barrett's right-hand post to put the Hammers two goals up at
the break. There are whispers that the offence took place outside the box.
Seconds after the re-start, the whistle goes for half-time.
44 min - GOAL! Behrami drives West Ham United into the lead just over a
minute before half-time. Di Michele rolls the ball in from the left to
Collison, who skips past one challenge but it tackled as he rounds a second
defender. The ball breaks to Behrami on the edge of the penalty area and he
makes no mistake, shooting low past Lee-Barrett's outstretched left hand.
Cue pandemonium behind the goal.
42 min - Monkhouse is penalised for a trip on Collison. Noble takes the
resulting free-kick, the loose ball falls to Tomkins, but he can only stab
wide with his left foot.
41 min - Cole's low shot is held low down by Lee-Barrett. Both are heavily
involved in the action this afternoon.
39 min - A big melee in the Hartlepool penalty area after Cole clashes with
Lee-Barrett. The striker slides in and appears to catch the goalkeeper as
both go for the ball. After sorting things out, referee Mason books Cole and
Ilunga.
38 min - Brilliant goalkeeping by Lee-Barrett keeps the game scoreless. Di
Michele's through ball looks perfect for Cole, but the goalkeeper is out
quickly to dive at the feet of the striker and ball squirms to safety,
37 min - Jones' free-kick is headed back into his own danger zone by
Faubert, but Porter's volley is wild and does not threaten Green's goal.
36 min - Noble finds Di Michele 20 yards out. He turns, but his curling shot
is easily gathered by Lee-Barrett diving low to his left.
34 min - Ilunga gets forward again. His low cross is met by Cole and
goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett, who bravely dives at the forward's feet to
divert the ball to safety. The left-back is having a field day here. The
Hammers should use him as an outlet as often as they can.
32 min - Ilunga plays a one-two with Di Michele and finds Cole inside the
box. The striker's shot is blocked and falls to Noble, whose strike also
hits a Hartlepool defender. That was a half-decent chance.
30 min - James Collins is earning his money today. He has made countless
clearances with both his head and his feet.
29 min - The action on the pitch has died down a bit. Neither side can
create a decent opening.
25 min - There is a minor celebration in the visiting end as the stadium
announcer tells the West Ham United fans they will be allowed to take an
earlier train back to London this afternoon. The announcer then adds that he
'cannot guarantee either service will get them back to London this evening',
much to the amusement of the home fans!
23 min - Porter finds Robson wide on the left, but he slices his shot
horribly wide.
22 min - Porter wins a corner off Ilunga. Robson takes it short to Jones and
then crosses, but he is offside.
21 min - The home crowd are incensed. Tomkins appears to be fouled by Mackay
but the assistant referee awards a corner, only to be over-ruled by referee
Lee Mason. Cue boos all-round.
20 min -The Hammers have another free-kick in Hartlepool territory. The ball
falls to Collins but is cleared before he can get a shot away.
18 min - This is good, entertaining stuff. Collins' header drops to
Monkhouse 25 yards out, he hits a first-time half-volley that fizzes
narrowly wide.
17 min - Ilunga gets forward again down the left. He could be a real
attacking outlet this afternoon. The ball is worked to Collison, but his
shot is driven off-target.
16 min - Faubert, Cole, Noble and Di Michele combine to release Ilunga, but
his cross floats harmlessly wide.
15 min - Ilunga does well to block Mackay's shot and the ball bounces into
the arms of Green.
14 min - The home crowd are in full voice here, as are the West Ham United
contingent. This is what the FA Cup is all about!
11 min - Hartlepool are right in this game. Sweeney's lofted pass finds Andy
Monkhouse on the right wing. He cuts inside Parker and lets fly with his
left foot, but the ball goes well wide of the far post.
10 min - Nelson does well to clear as Cole prepares to shoot from
close-range.
8 min - Porter beats James Tomkins before crossing. The ball hits Ilunga and
goes out for a corner. The flag-kick eludes Robert Green and is headed
goalward by Michael Mackay, only for Parker to stab it clear from just in
front of the line.
7 min - Hartlepool hit back down the right flank, but Antony Sweeney's cross
is to deep. A second centre seconds later is headed clear by James Collins.
6 min - As if to prove that point a sweeping move involving Herita Ilunga
and Jack Collison ends with Noble curling a 20 yard shot narrowly wide.
5 min - The playing surface at Victoria Park is very good, allowing West
Ham United to find their passing rhythm early on.
4 min - Carlton Cole is brought down by Nelson, but Noble's free-kick comes
to nothing.
2 min - Julien Faubert crosses from deep and a stretching Michael Nelson can
only head the ball on to the top of his own crossbar. Mark Noble's resulting
corner is cleared to Scott Parker, whose long-range shot flies well over.
1 min - As you might expect, Hartlepool are on the front foot from the
start, but Joel Porter's attempted through ball is too strong.
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola was true to his word in naming a
strong line-up to face Hartlepool United today.
The Hammers boss made just two changes to the side that beat Fulham 3-1 in
the Premier League last Sunday, with captain Lucas Neill dropping to the
substitutes bench and Matthew Upson being rested.
Into their places came Julien Faubert at right-back and England Under-19
defender James Tomkins, making his FA Cup debut, at the heart of the
back-four. In Neill's absence, Scott Parker was named captain.
The atmosphere is growing at Victoria Park.. The home terraces are filling
up quickly on what is a clear, sunny, bright day in the north east.
Hartlepool United have named their side, with Chris Turner making one change
from the side that beat Northampton Town 2-0 in their last League One
outing, with Antony Sweeney replacing Jamie McCunnie at right-back.
Zola will be keen to see Tomkins in action this afternoon. The youngster was
handed the captain's armband for Tuesday's reserve team match against Fulham
and has recently returned from a successful loan spell at Championship side
Derby County.
The scene is set for a good game this afternoon. The sun is shining and the
North Sea is poking its head over the stands. The centre circle is covered
by a huge FA Cup tarpaulin now as the players head back to the dressing
rooms to make their final preparations. James Collins is the last Hammer to
leave the playing surface.
Ten minutes to kick-off and Hartlepool's anthem, a version of Rolf Harris
classic 'Two Little Boy's is belting out over the public address system. The
away end is filling up rapidly now as the 900-plus West Ham United
supporters make for their seats.
Both teams are in the tunnel waiting to take to the field. H'Angus The
Monkey, whose predecessor is now the town's Mayor, is there to greet them as
2Unlimited's 'Get Ready For This' blares out.
The two captains meet referee Lee Mason and his assistants for the pre-match
coin-toss while a team of mascots do a lap of the pitch to a loud round of
applause. Eight-year-old Hayden Crowhurst from Crawley is West Ham United's
mascot for the day.
The teams swap ends to attack towards their own sets of supporters in the
first half. Hartlepool's players conduct a huddle and then get us underway.
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Hammers down Hartlepool
WHUFC.com
West Ham United are through to the FA Cup fifth round following a 2-0 win at
Hartlepool United
24.01.2009
Late first half goals from Valon Behrami and Mark Noble saw West Ham United
safely through to the FA Cup fifth round with a 2-0 win at Hartlepool
United.
The Swiss midfielder drove a low shot past Arran Lee-Barrett 90 seconds
before the break. Noble then doubled the Hammers' advantage from the penalty
spot deep in added time after home captain Michael Nelson was penalised for
handball, although the offence appeared to take place outside the 18-yard
box. The spot-kick was Noble's third successful penalty in the last four
matches.
Gianfranco Zola was true to his word in naming a strong starting lineup to
take on the Monkey Hangers, making just two changes to the side that beat
Fulham 3-1 in the Premier League last Sunday. Captain Lucas Neill dropped to
the substitutes bench at Victoria Park, while Matthew Upson was rested. Into
their places came Julien Faubert and England Under-19 defender James
Tomkins, who made his FA Cup debut.
Up until Behrami's opener, League One Hartlepool had matched their opponents
on what was the first meeting between the two clubs, causing Robert Green
and his defence more than a few scares. At the other end, Herita Ilunga was
a constant threat down the left flank.
The first goalmouth action came in just the second minute when Nelson, at
full stretch, could only divert Faubert's cross on to the top of his own
crossbar. Four minutes later, Noble ended a neat passing move by curling a
shot narrowly wide from 20 yards.
Any visiting supporter who might have thought West Ham United were in for an
easy passage were quickly proved wrong, however, as the home side came back
strongly. First, man of the match Scott Parker was required to stab Michael
Mackay's goalbound header off the line, then Andy Monkhouse fired two
left-foot shots narrowly wide.
The real drama came late in the half, however, as Carlton Cole and home
goalkeeper Lee-Barrett became embroiled in a personal battle. Lee-Barrett
made two fine saves to thwart the in-form striker, who was then booked for a
sliding challenge on the goalkeeper. Ilunga was also shown a yellow card for
his role in the ensuing melee.
The deadlock was finally broken in the 44th minute, however. Di Michele fed
Collison inside the penalty area, the Wales midfielder skipped past one
challenge but when tackled by a second defender, the ball broke to Behrami,
who drove it into Lee-Barrett's bottom right corner from the edge of the
box.
Three minutes later, the Hammers doubled their lead in controversial
circumstances. There was no doubt that Nelson handled Cole's flick-on, but
the offence appeared to take place outside the penalty area, Referee Lee
Mason pointed to the spot, however, and Noble made no mistake from 12 yards.
After such a dramatic end to the opening 45 minutes, the early part of the
second half was tame by comparison, with Hartlepool probing for a way back
into the tie. Despite some neat build-up play, however, the visitors held
firm.
Collins, who made numerous important blocks and clearances, was booked for a
foul on the dangerous Australian Joel Porter on the hour-mark as the Monkey
Hangers continued to press, and their reward nearly arrived on 62 minutes
when Green did brilliantly to divert Gary Liddle's powerful header over the
crossbar.
Zola responded by bringing on the hard-working Luis Boa Morte for Collison,
but the hosts continued to hold the upper hand and came close again when
Ritchie Jones curled a 25-yard effort narrowly over the top to the
frustration of the majority of the 6,849-strong crowd.
The Hammers attempted to take the sting out of the game by keeping
possession themselves and the tactic nearly led to a third goal of their
own. However, Lee-Barrett was on hand to deny Cole again, this time
diverting the striker's shot on to the outside of the post after he had
streaked clear of the home defence.
Hayden Mullins and Freddie Sears - who fired over late on - were sent on to
replace Di Michele and Cole as the Hammers comfortably played out the final
few minutes to go through to the last-16 for the first time since the club
reached the final in 2006..
West Ham United are now unbeaten away from home in seven matches, a run
stretching back to 29 October, and will be full of confidence heading into
Wednesday evening's Premier League visit of Hull City to the Boleyn Ground.
Before that, the fifth round draw takes place on Sunday at 6.15pm, live on
Setanta Sports.
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Solid showing for U18s
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's team won again on Saturday - this time with a fine display away
to Ipswich Town's Academy side
24.01.2009
Ipswich Town Under-18s 0-3 West Ham United Under-18s
Goals from Ahmed Abdulla, Anthony Edgar and Oliver Lee on Saturday lunchtime
continued the Under-18s fine start to 2009.
Having won 4-1 at home against Southampton at Little Heath last weekend,
Tony Carr's team came out on top away in East Anglia - with Peter Loveday
playing his part with a clean sheet. The victory was revenge for the 4-2
reverse suffered at home against Ipswich back in November. It was the third
match unbeaten on the road for the Academy side, who are next in action at
home to Charlton Athletic on Saturday.
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Joe shows way to goal
WHUFC.com
A fine goal by Joe Widdowson stood out for the club's loanees on a busy day
of action on Saturday
24.01.2009
Joe Widdowson scored a tremendous goal on his home debut to help Grimsby to
a vital victory on Saturday afternoon but it was a mixed day for the club's
loan stars.
The 19-year-old left-back is gaining vital experience at League Two outfit
Grimsby and was playing only his second game for the Mariners, after his
debut on 17 January when the club won 1-0 against Wycombe. Widdowson is
another of the club's highly-rated youngsters, having played against David
Beckham in the MLS All-Star Game back in July.
The defender showed his attacking prowess with a 20-yarder just before the
hour mark to give Grimsby the lead and they never looked back in a 3-0 win
against Rotherham United - coincidentally the club where Widdowson played
three games last season.
Kyel Reid got 65 minutes as Wolverhampton Wanderers took time out from their
push for the Premier League with a 2-1 home defeat by Middlesbrough in the
FA Cup fourth round. Nigel Quashie is also on loan at Molineux but did not
figure as he was cup-tied after playing for Birmingham against Wolves in the
previous round.
Elsewhere, Jimmy Walker kept a clean sheet to help Colchester United to a
0-0 draw at Championship rivals Bristol Rovers. Walker's efforts for the
Essex club in the last two months have helped the Us to mid-table safety
with Colchester in eleventh. Also in League One, Jordan Spence got a full 90
minutes in central defence as relegation-threatened Leyton Orient lost 2-1
to high-fliers Scunthorpe United.
Finally, Lee Bowyer got a full game for Birmingham City in their surprise
2-0 defeat at Blackpool that dented their hopes of promotion to the Premier
League. The midfielder is on loan at the Midlands club until the end of the
season.
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Hartlepool 0-2 West Ham
By Paul Fletcher
BBC.co.uk
West Ham sealed their passage through to the fifth round of the FA Cup with
a hard-earned victory at Hartlepool. Valon Behrami put the Hammers head with
a neat left-foot finish from 16 yards before Mark Noble converted a penalty
deep in first-half injury time. The decision was given for a handball
against Michael Nelson but he was outside the area when contact was made.
Hartlepool keeper Arran Lee-Barrett made a series of superb saves while Rob
Green brilliantly denied Gary Liddle. It was the first meeting between the
two teams and one of the most high-profile fixtures in the history of the
League One club, who can take great credit from their determination to
compete. Other teams might have wilted after West Ham, who are now unbeaten
in six games, scored twice in the final few minutes of the opening half. But
Hartlepool, who defeated Stoke in the last round, refused to lie down and
were the better side for most of the second half. Hammers boss Gianfranco
Zola respected the threat posed by their opponents by selecting nine of the
team that defeated Fulham 3-1 last weekend, with only Lucas Neill and
Matthew Upson dropping out. And Zola's team settled quickly, showing a
crispness and composure in possession. Hartlepool defender Nelson almost
gifted the visitors an early goal with a defensive header that drifted
towards his own goal but a combination of keeper Lee-Barrett and the
crossbar spared his blushes. Noble went close with a strike across goal
while Herita Ilunga enjoyed plenty of space down the left flank. But the
north-east club forced their way into the contest, catching the eye with
their precise approach play and desire to run at their opponents. A Michael
Mackay header caused alarm in the West Ham defence, with acting skipper
Scott Parker scrambling across goal to clear. The crowd really got behind
their side but the Hammers, having survived a period of Hartlepool pressure,
took control of the tie. Lee-Barrett twice saved bravely at the feet of Cole
and then felt the striker's studs in his chest as he once again tried to
beat him to the ball. Several Hartlepool players reacted angrily, while
Ilunga unnecessarily waded into the developing melee. Both Cole and Ilunga
were booked by referee Lee Mason. Behrami opened the scoring after Nelson
had half cleared from Jack Collison shortly before the break.
And the decisive second came deep in first-half injury time as Noble struck
from the penalty spot following Nelson's handball. Despite the double blow,
Hartlepool took the game to their Premier League opponents after the break
and Green had to make a superb reaction save to prevent Liddle from scoring
with a header, while Ritchie Jones shot narrowly over. West Ham's superior
quality only occasionally showed itself, but a through ball from David Di
Michele set Cole clear, though Lee-Barrett half-stopped his strike, which
then rebounded to safety off the post.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Hartlepool boss Chris Turner: "There were a number of key decisions and they
did not go for us. "They were given a penalty but the ball was not handled
in the box and that second goal made it a lot easier for West Ham. "It made
it a lot harder for our boys going out in the second half because it was a
mountain to climb psychologically. "But in both halves of the game, the
first 25 minutes of each half, we took the game to West Ham, caused them
problems and put in a very creditable performance."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: It was the result we were looking for and
we are pleased. "It wasn't, especially in the second half, a brilliant
performance, but maybe we thought we wanted to keep it that way and not risk
too much. "But it was a great result. That's what we wanted and it was very
professional."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Hartlepool: Lee-Barrett, Sweeney, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys, Monkhouse, Jones
(Foley 85), Liddle, Robson, Mackay (Henderson 56), Porter.
Subs Not Used:Budtz, McCunnie, Collins, Power, Rowell.
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble,
Collison (Boa Morte 64), Cole (Sears 78), Di Michele (Mullins 75).
Subs Not Used:Stech, Neill, Spector, Tristan.
Booked: Cole, Ilunga, Collins.
Goals: Behrami 44, Noble 45 pen.
Att: 6,849
Ref: Lee Mason (Lancashire).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Mark Noble 8.00 (on 90
minutes).
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Hammers midfielder back at Orient
BBC.co.uk
West Ham United teenager Jordan Spence has returned on loan to Leyton Orient
until the end of the season. The 18-year-old midfielder was on loan at
Brisbane Road for six weeks earlier this season, making one appearance in
the FA Cup win at Bradford. He returned to Upton Park at the start of this
month but caretaker boss Kevin Nugent has now brought him back. Nugent told
the club's website: "Jordan is a good, athletic player who is hungry to do
well."
Spence, who joined the West Ham academy as a 14-year-old, has become a
regular member of the reserve side. The Woodford-based youngster is already
a regular for England, having played at Under-16 level and captained the
Under-17s to the UEFA European Championships in 2007 before stepping up to
the Under-19s for the World Cup in South Korea. Orient are still looking for
a new manager following last week's departure of Martin Ling. And Nugent has
added Spence to the squad for Saturday's League One game at Scunthorpe.
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New deals on the cards
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 25th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Rob Green and Scott Parker are to be offered new contracts before the end of
the season. Parker, who was prevented from speaking to Manchester City
earlier in the transfer window will be rewarded for his loyalty with a
contract extension, whilst Green - who had been due to start talks in the
summer - will be offered a new contract within the next few weeks. Meanwhile
the club will also look to secure Matthew Upson, who had been interesting
the likes of Aston Villa and Arsenal of late, on a long term deal at the end
of the season. West Ham, who are hoping to announce the capture of winger
Savio Nsereko from Brescia early next week are moving to tie up all their
important players on long term contracts as manager Gianfranco Zola looks to
trim his squad even further before the end of thransfer window. With Craig
Bellamy, Matthew Etherington and Lee Bowyer (loan), Nigel Quashie (loan)
already moved on this transfer window Zola will entertain bids for several
more players, including Calum Davenport and Luis Boa Morte, who failed to
agree terms with Hull recently despite a fee of around £2million being
agreed by the clubs. Meanwhile the Hammers have also confirmed that they
have no intention of selling Carlton Cole to Tottenham, whilst recent
reports of an £8million bid earlier in the transfer window are wide of the
mark. Spurs are understood to have enquired as to Cole's availability only
to be told by the Hammers that he is not for sale.
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Zola on ... Hartlepool
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on today's 2-0 win at Hartlepool, a
result that ensured his team remain unbeaten away from home since October
...
On the match...
"I knew it was going to be a tough match and it was until we scored the
first goal. But after that we controlled the game and I'm pleased with that.
"It hasn't been a brilliant game, especially in the second half - but that's
okay, we're happy. It wasn't an easy game but it was very professional and
the players did what they had to do.
"They started very well and were causing us problems, especially in
midfield. Then we started to play after switching them around. We got the
first goal and then straight after scored the scond one which was the
killer.
"In the second half we just tried to control the game and not to expend too
much energy, and that was it."
On the penalty that never was...
I don't think we got through because of that anyway, but I haven't see the
goal; it might be like that. Sometimes it's difficullt for the referees to
pick the correct decision. Honestly I don't know, I haven't seen it so I
cannot judge. But we scored two goals anyway.
On transfers...
I don't want anyone to leave but we'll see if we bring anyone in or not. I
don't really like talking about it, I'd like to talk about today's game as
it's more important to me.
* Gianfranco Zola was talking to Setanta Sports.
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Turner praises professional job
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Hartlepool Director of Sport Chris Turner has praised West Ham's
'professionalism' after he saw his side dumped out of the FA Cup this
lunchtime.
Turner, speaking to ITV after the game admitted that his side were second
best on the day, despite being unhappy with 'a number of key issues which
didn't really go our way'. However he still felt that his side had given
Gianfranco Zola's side, who remain unbeaten in 2009, a good run for their
money. "I've got to give credit where credit's due," said Turner. "West Ham
came here and from their point of view did a very professional job. But I
think our boys put on a great show and West Ham know they've been in a Cup
tie. "We got to 43 minutes at 0-0 and I was delighted with the way we'd
played. Then they get one half chance inside the box and finish it, which is
what you expect from a Premier League side. "The scond goal came about a
minute later from a hand ball which was quite clearly outside the penalty
box. So they go in at half time 2-0 up, it's a bit of a mountain for our
boys to clumb, especially against that sort of opposition. "We could have
ended up getting beat four or five easily if we'd shrunk into ourselves but
we came back out and took the game to West Ham again - and I'm very proud of
the team's performance."
Turner also had special praise for Hammers keeper Rob Green, who produced a
stunning point blank save on the hour mark to preserve United's 2-0 lead.
"One major incident was the fantastic save by Green from Gary Liddle's
header," he added. "If that goes in with 20 to go there's everything to play
for."
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Parker delighted with Cup win
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 24th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker has told his team mates it's 'onwards and upwards' following
West Ham United's 2-0 win at Hartlepool United this afternoon.
Parker, captain for the day in the absence of Lucas Neill who was rested
today, was pivotal in United's success today, and was duly named Man of the
Match. Speaking after the game, he told ITV: "I don't think it was as
comfortable as it seemed, at times we were put under massive pressure out
there. "I think that once we scored the first goal, and obviously the
second so quickly after it took the sting out of them - and we went on and
won the game quite comfortably in the end."
The win extends West Ham's unbeaten run to six matches, with five of those
games being victories. The Hammers have a great chance to extend that
sequence to seven game when they entertain the out-of-form Hull City next
Wednesday - which, according to Parker, is well within the team's grasp. "At
the end of the day winning is a good habit and we're on a good run at the
moment," he added. "We're putting in some good performances and today was
another one of them, so we'll look onwards and upwards from here."
Sunday's fifth round draw: who's in the hat
Chelsea; Watford; Fulham; Hull; West Ham Utd; Swansea; Sheff Utd; West
Brom/Burnley; Middlesbrough; Coventry; Doncaster/Villa; Man Utd/Spurs;
Arsenal/Cardiff; Derby/Notts Forest; Sunderland/Blackburn;
Liverpool/Everton.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola happy with result
Controversial penalty provides talking point for bosses
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 24th January 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola was pleased to see his side ensure
progression to the FA Cup fifth round, despite struggling to hit top gear
against Hartlepool. Zola's men were struggling for inspiration before two
quick-fire goals on the stroke of half-time gave the Hammers a comfortable
winning margin. Despite their best efforts, Hartlepool were unable to
recover from the double blow, and the Hammers' Italian boss was left to
reflect afterwards on a job well done. "It was the result we were looking
for and we are pleased," said Zola. "It wasn't - especially in the second
half - a brilliant performance, but maybe we thought we wanted to keep it
that way and not risk too much. "But it was a great result. That's what we
wanted and it was very professional."
Controversially, the Hammers' second goal came from a penalty that was
mistakenly given when Michael Nelson handled outside the box. The goal,
coming in first half injury time, certainly affected the game, but Zola was
eager to point out that it was not the deciding factor of the game.
When asked about the award, Zola said: "I haven't seen it. They have just
been telling me now. It might be, I don't know. "But sometimes in football,
the referee can pick up a right decision, sometimes they can be wrong. But I
don't think we beat Hartlepool because of that penalty.
"The players were really focused. They want to go to Wembley - we want to go
to Wembley - and to go there we need to go through games like this."
Meanwhile, Hartlepool caretaker manager Chris Turner paid credit to both
sides, despite feeling that the penalty may have gone far to killing off the
challenge of his players. "That second goal made it a lot easier for West
Ham to come out in the second half and play how they played, and made it a
lot harder for our boys going out in the second half because it was a
mountain to climb psychologically," he said. "But in both halves of the
game, the first 25 minutes of each half, we took the game to West Ham,
caused them problems and put in a very creditable performance.
"Those players have done fantastically well. We could have been beaten by
four or five but we came back out and took the game to them. "I'll give
credit where credit is due. West Ham have come here and done a very, very
professional job. But our boys have put on a great show."
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Penalty pivotal for Parker
Key decision falls in Hammers' favour
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 24th January 2009
SSN
West Ham captain Scott Parker has pointed to the controversial penalty award
as the turning point in their FA Cup fourth round tie with Hartlepool. The
Hammers had taken the lead in the 44th minute through Valon Behrami, moments
before the referee gifted the away side a penalty for an offence committed
outside of the box. Mark Noble duly converted the spot kick and West Ham
rode out second half pressure to clinch victory, but Parker admitted after
the match that his side were certainly tested by their League One opponents.
"I don't think it was as comfortable as it seemed," he said. "We were under
a lot of pressure at times. Once we scored we needed the second one and
luckily we got it quickly. It took the sting out of them a bit and from
there we went on to win it comfortably. "We'll be looking onwards and
upwards from here."
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Hammers dump out Hartlepool
Behrami and Noble see Londoners through
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 24th January 2009
SSN
West Ham secured a 2-0 win over League One Hartlepool, but were made to
battle all the way by their less illustrious opponents. The game was an open
affair from start to finish, with goals from Valon Behrami and a Mark Noble
penalty ultimately deciding the game just before half-time.
Hartlepool had their own chances to grab a goal with an early goal line
clearance and a Gary Liddle header in the second-half, but in truth West Ham
always looked dangerous on the attack and were fair value for their win. The
result means that Hartlepool will have to wait until next year to try and
make their first ever fifth-round appearance, while West Ham fans may start
to dream of a repeat of their run to the final in 2006.
West Ham began in fairly assured style in the North-East, but had skipper
Scott Parker not been as alert in his role on the line, Michael Mackay's
header from a Matty Robson corner might have crept inside the post for a
dream Harlepool start. Winger Andy Monkhouse, playing on the right instead
of his more accustomed position on the left, twice cut inside to fire off
target as he and fellow wide man Robson prospered to provide strikers Joel
Porter and Mackay with some decent service. Despite periods of dominance in
possession, the Hammers struggled to create anything of note, and their
frustration was summed up six minutes before the break when Cole lunged in
at goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett to spark a melee which resulted in yellow
cards for him and full-back Herita Ilunga. However, his side finally made
their mark as time ran down in the first half, taking the lead with 44
minutes gone after putting together a fluent move. Behrami started the
attack and eventually turned up on the end of it to fire home a left-foot
shot after Jack Collison had made space for him inside the box.
But if that was hard luck on the League One side, their fortunes were to
take a further turn for the worse in injury time. There was little doubt
that Nelson handled Cole's flick-on, but despite the offence clearly taking
place a yard outside the box, referee Mason pointed to the spot. Noble
needed no second invitation to blast the penalty past Lee-Barrett and rub
salt into the wound. Pools returned knowing their hopes were forlorn unless
they swiftly reduced the deficit, but the Hammers might have killed off the
tie within three minutes of the restart. Lee-Barrett gratefully conceded a
corner at his near post after Behrami had been allowed to run on to a loose
ball inside the penalty area and cross, and James Collins might have done
better with his header from the resulting corner. The Londoners were coping
comfortably as Hartlepool struggled to regain their momentum.
However, the result would have been in doubt once again with 62 minutes gone
had it not been for Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green. Midfielder Gary Liddle
rose to meet Robson's driven cross from the left and powered a header
towards goal, but Green threw out a hand to deflect his effort away. The
near-miss seemed to revive the home side and they once again started to
dominate proceedings, although too often they were forced to go for goal
from distance, to little real effect. But Cole should really have cemented
the win with 16 minutes remaining when he was played in by David di Michele.
He tried to slide his shot past Lee-Barrett, but the goalkeeper got a touch
to deflect it on to the post, much to the delight of Cole's detractors
behind the goal. The home side battled valiantly to the whistle, but even
the introduction of David Foley, the hero of the victory over Stoke, could
not release the Hammers' stranglehold.
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Hammers open Nsereko talks
Brescia striker could seal switch next week
By Laura Slatcher Last updated: 24th January 2009
SSN
West Ham are negotiating a deal for German youth international striker Savio
Nsereko, according to his agent. The arrival of the 19-year-old from Brescia
would be welcomed by Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola as he looks to keep
hold of his key players, while simultaneously adding to his ranks. The
Hammers are looking to bolster their squad after Craig Bellamy sealed his
switch to Manchester City for an undisclosed fee.
Carlton Cole has also attracted interest from Tottenham after scoring five
goals in his last five games for the Upton Park club. Nsereko's
Italian-based agent, Patrick Bastianelli, has revealed that West Ham are
poised to capture the striker after Roma pulled out of the race to sign him.
"At the moment West Ham are in pole position," Bastianelli told romanews.eu.
"The situation could be unlocked next week. "Roma were following him, but in
the January market many teams - including Roma - are not entering into
transactions."
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Hammers beat unlucky Hartlepool
Hartlepool 0 West Ham 2
The Times
Nick Townsend at Victoria Park
IN THE middle ages, when shipping was such a thriving industry in
Hartlepool, piracy was rife. Gianfranco Zola's team could not have been more
chillingly efficient than those pirates if they had arrived armed to the
teeth with cutlasses, boarded a treasure-laden galleon at anchor, dispatched
the crew and made off with the spoils.
It was not West Ham's most aesthetic or exhilarating performance of the
season, in the face of a resourceful display by the team known as the Monkey
Hangers. The Hammers enjoyed the benefit of two crucial first-half
refereeing decisions by Lee Mason, Carlton Cole fortunate not to be
dismissed and a penalty awarded for a handball outside the area.
Hartlepool's caretaker manager, Chris Turner, was being diplomatic when he
said: "There were a number of key issues in the game which didn't really go
our way. West Ham had one half-chance in the box, which they finished, and
that's what you expect from a Premier League team. The second ball, which
came in a minute later, was handball but quite clearly outside the penalty
box. It gave us a mountain to climb, especially against such opposition."
Zola will not concern himself with such issues. Victory allows the Italian
to begin contemplating, if the draw remains kind to the Londoners, his team
emulating what he achieved as a Chelsea striker of such distinction in 1997
and 2000, when he was a winning finalist.
Only weeks after the doom-mongers in east London were predicting a meltdown,
with the Hammers' financial troubles seemingly allied at the worst possible
time to the installation of a rookie manager, his men have negated such
concerns with three impressive victories from their last four league games
and now progress to the fifth round of the FA Cup.
Zola stressed beforehand that he was determined "to honour" the competition
in which he played in three finals, which meant there was no ambivalence
about West Ham's attitude.
If Zola's men expected a bruising confrontation yesterday from the team who
saw off Stoke — albeit a virtual reserve team from the Potteries who cracked
too easily — in round three it was not forthcoming. This collection of
might-have-beens — notably the former Premier League player Ritchie
Humphreys, whom it was once prophesied would be the new Marco van Basten by
no less a judge than the Dutch striker himself — and might-still-becomes
distinguished themselves with a display of great technical skills that
belied their status.
From the flanks, Hartlepool were determined to test the visitors' aerial
security early on, and Michael Mackay's goalbound header from a corner had
to be cleared off the line by Scott Parker. Shortly afterwards, Hartlepool's
Andy Monkhouse was not far off target from distance. Cole was engaged in a
physical confrontation with the home captain Michael Nelson, and the former
had already been spoken to by the referee when he lunged recklessly late at
goalkeeper Arran Lee-Barrett, an incident which prompted a fracas as players
of both sides piled into the fray. Cole escaped with a caution and Herita
Ilunga was also booked.
Apart from Ben Clark's defensive header which rebounded off the top of his
own crossbar and a Mark Noble effort which curled wide, the Hammers had
started tentatively, but after the half hour the visitors increased their
momentum. Cole was thwarted by a fine save from Lee-Barrett. It was only a
brief reprieve. David di Michele ran from halfway line and fashioned a
chance for Valon Behrami, whose low, precise drive eluded Lee-Barrett. A
spot-kick was converted by Mark Noble a minute later when Nelson was
adjudged to have handled, although TV replays confirmed the offence took
place outside the area. Mason returned to a round of abuse after half-time,
word having spread during the break.
Hartlepool refused to buckle. From a Matty Robson cross, Gary Liddle's
header was turned over the bar by Robert Green. Late on, Cole should have
put matters beyond doubt when he rounded Lee-Barratt and struck a post. But
by then Zola's team knew they had done enough. Parker conceded that "it was
not as comfortable as it seemed" but added: "We'll be looking onwards and
upwards from here."
The followers of the club who were defeated by Liverpool on penalties in the
2006 final, after leading 2-0 and 3-2, can dream of glories anew.
Star man: Mark Noble (West Ham)
Yellow cards: West Ham: Cole, Ilunga, Collins
Referee: L Mason
Attendance: 8,649
HARTLEPOOL: Lee-Barrett 6, Sweeney 7, Nelson 6, Clark 6, Humphreys 7,
Monkhouse 7, Jones 6 (Foley 85min), Liddle 7, Robson 6, Mackay 6 (Henderson
56min, 5), Porter 7
WEST HAM: Green 7, Faubert 6, Collins 7, Tomkins 6, Ilunga 6, Behrami 7,
Parker 7, Noble 8, Collison 6 (Boa Morte 64min), Cole (Sears 78min), Di
Michele 6 (Mullins 75min).
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West Ham progress aided by disputed penalty at Hartlepool
Hartlepool United (0) 0 West Ham United (2) 2
Telegraph
By Graham Chase
Last Updated: 9:12PM GMT 24 Jan 2009
It was about as magical as a trip to the Morrisons next to Victoria Park but
West Ham continued their recent improvement by overcoming stout resistance
to record a routine victory over their League One opponents.
Having knocked Stoke out in the third round, as well as claiming the scalp
of West Brom in the Carling Cup, the hosts felt the Premier League side were
ripe for an upset and they matched Gianfranco Zola's team for the nearly the
entire first half before Valon Behrami swept in a low shot two minutes
before the interval and Mark Noble added a disputed penalty a couple of
minutes later.
Despite the continuing uncertainty behind the scenes, Zola's team are
unbeaten in six matches, of which they have won five, but the fact that only
Matthew Upson was rested from his full-strength squad sums up just how wary
they were about their trip to the north east.
"This is an exceptional competition and I would never undervalue it and I
wish for my players to have the possibility of playing in the final because
it's a fantastic event," Zola said.
"I've tasted it so it would be fantastic to see them play in the final. In
football sometimes it's down to momentum and if you are able to keep the
momentum going it makes a big difference. It wasn't a brilliant performance
but we were very professional."
Hartlepool settled well and Scott Parker had to clear off the line from
Michael Mackay after Robert Green flapped at Matty Robson's corner but
despite the defiance, the Londoners always looked more likely to score.
Two minutes before half-time, Jack Collison jinked into the area and when
his progress was halted by Michael Nelson's block, the ball fell for Swiss
midfielder Behrami to send a low shot in to the corner.
The advantage was doubled when Carlton Cole's flick-on was handled by Nelson
and referee Lee Mason awarded a penalty, which Noble confidently converted,
despite the Hartlepool captain being outside the area.
The visitors were happy with their lot and even though Hartlepool had plenty
of possession, Gary Liddle's header, which was pushed away by a fine
reaction save from Green, was their best opportunity to get back in the game
before Cole had a shot pushed on to the post by goalkeeper Arran
Lee-Barrett.
Hartlepool's caretaker manager Chris Turner said: "They showed us a lot of
respect. We've beaten Stoke and West Brom and they were coming here not
wanting to be the third team. I'm not going to harp on about the decision.
If it's not in the box, it's not in the box but that's life."
Match details
Hartlepool United: Lee-Barrett, Sweeney, Nelson, Clark, Humphreys,
Monkhouse, Jones (Foley 85), Liddle, Robson, Mackay (Henderson 56), Porter.
Subs:Budtz, McCunnie, Collins, Power, Rowell.
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Tomkins, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble, Collison (Boa Morte 64), Cole (Sears 78), Di Michele (Mullins 75).
Subs:Stech, Neill, Spector, Tristan.
Booked: Cole, Ilunga, Collins.
Goals: Behrami 44, Noble 45 pen.
Referee: L Mason (Lancashire)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jeff Stelling's head turned as Hartlepool play on ITV
You had to feel for Jeff Stelling on Saturday. It's not often the Sky
football presenter's beloved hometown team of Hartlepool is live on
television. Or even dead on television.
Telegraph
By Jasper Gerard
Last Updated: 8:32PM GMT 24 Jan 2009
But on Saturday Hartlepool entertained West Ham in the fourth round of the
FA Cup – live on ITV.
So Stelling was holed up in the Sky studio for his regular show, Soccer
Saturday, with his gaggle of gormless ex-footballers. Who could blame him
for ignoring the banalities of Paul Merson ("I dunno Jeff, time will tell…")
to steal glances at a telly showing Hartlepool on ITV?
Stelling is obsessed with the 'Pools'. Once when they conceded he was filmed
silently swearing. When winger James Brown scored, Stelling whipped out a
miniature model of the eponymous soul singer and jived to I Feel Good.
Post Des Lynam, Stelling has been the only genuinely premiership class
football presenter, the Kaka in a league of cack. While Gary Lineker's
jocularity can often seem scripted, Stelling is a natural.
When Guylain Ndumbu-Nsungu scored for Sheffield Wednesday, Stelling remarked
drily: "Local boy makes good". When Total Network Solutions won, he said:
"They'll be dancing in the streets of Total Network Solutions tonight".
True, he seems a tad old school, especially now he is the (rather sheepish)
compere of Countdown. On Saturday he said "my Mrs could have scored that":
presenters have been executed in Media Guardian for less.
But he does know his onion bags. He calls Hamilton Academical striker Kenny
Deuchar "the good doctor"; Deuchar is a qualified doctor, but not a lot of
pundits know that.
There was much banter on Sky when Charlie Nicholas claimed Stelling had bet
on the Hammers thumping Hartlepool 4-1.
It was a rare highlight in the hugely popular yet ludicrous show on which
ex-players describe live action on monitors viewers cannot see. They combine
the vision of Stevie Wonder with the silky verbal touches of John Prescott.
Mind you, turn on Setanta and this suddenly looks classy.
Stelling was a model professional as he announced, through gritted gnashers,
West Ham goals going in at Victoria Park.
Only when the Hammers won a dubious penalty did he allow himself a "it was a
yard outside the box!" But he recovered swiftly: "Ah well, let's go back to
Chelsea…"
ITV showed us West Ham's changing room and there was no space for the team's
video editor, chef, masseuse, or probably even their beauty therapist.
Coverage was hardly enhanced by analysis from Alan Curbishley, who renders
Alistair Darling a Stephen Fry of urbane intelligence. Among Curb's Kantian
insights yesterday: "I think when you are in the draw there is still
something to play for". Thanks, Alan.
The match was a breeze for the Prem boys. Gianfranco Zola could have
stumbled somewhere cold and northern, but his team played it perfectly.
Weirdly, the more West Ham fall into debt, the more creditable their
football becomes.
What do you think, Jeff? Jeff?
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Outstanding Parker drives Hammers into fifth round
Louise Taylor The Observer, Sunday 25 January 2009
Life after Craig Bellamy proved pretty straightforward for West Ham United
here, but their passage into the fifth round might not have been quite so
comfortable had Scott Parker also defected to Manchester City.
Dictating central midfield throughout, Parker was outstanding, his assured
performance fully emphasising just why Gianfranco Zola so strongly resisted
selling him. With James Collins also impressing in central defence, West
Ham cantered towards victory. True, they had reason to be grateful that
referee Lee Mason did not send Carlton Cole off for an ugly first-half
lunge at Arran Lee-Barrett, Hartlepool's goalkeeper, and later awarded the
visitors a dubious penalty for handball, but Zola's were undeniably the
better team.
"We were very professional and Scott Parker was a key player. I'm very
pleased he's still with us," enthused West Ham's manager, who also stressed
that the rested Matthew Upson would "definitely" be staying at Upton Park.
"All my players were really focused."
Chris Turner's League One side started well, but came undone following two
swift blows inflicted as half-time beckoned. First, Valon Behrami gained
possession on the half-way line and initiated a move which, courtesy of
sterling work from David Di Michele, he concluded with a goal celebration.
Spotting a gap in Hartlepool's defensive thicket, the fast-thinking,
quick-footed Behrami conjured himself sufficient space to drive the ball
into the bottom corner. Next, Mark Noble's slightly risky, if eyecatching,
execution of a controversial penalty effectively ended Hartlepool's hopes of
reaching the fifth round for the first time.
Although Ben Clark had clearly handled Cole's headed flick, the defender
appeared to have done so just outside the area. But referee Mason thought
otherwise and duly pointed to the spot.
"We'd been causing them problems, but the penalty left us with a mountain to
climb," lamented Turner, who also had cause to curse when Robert Green
brilliantly repelled Gary Liddle's second-half header.
Had things worked out differently, Parker might have been training alongside
Bellamy at City's Tenerife training camp. But, to Zola's evident delight, he
was, instead, winning alternate central midfield duels with Liddle and
Ritchie Jones. West Ham's captain, all vital interceptions and incisive
short passes, also cleared off the line from the orange-booted Michael
Mackay as the home side forced the early tempo.
Yet while their exciting right-winger Andy Monkhouse tormented Herita Ilunga
throughout, they could not seize the initiative. Indeed, Turner must wonder
whether he might have been better deploying the splendid Ritchie Humphreys –
a striker in his time with Sheffield Wednesday – in midfield rather than at
left-back. Effective as Humphreys proved defensively, it still seemed a
waste of the dynamism of Hartlepool's 'player of the century'.
It appeared a case of 'scrap of the week' when Cole went in dangerously late
on Lee-Barrett. Assorted players immediately bundled in but, aided by
Humphreys's role as peace-maker, referee Mason eventually restored order
before letting the striker – who would later hit a post when clean through –
off with a booking.
The perceived injustice disrupted Hartlepool's hitherto impressive defensive
concentration and, fully capitalising, West Ham swiftly struck twice to
ensure there would be no giant-killing by the North Sea.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ref not to blame for exit — Turner
Jan 25 2009 by Steve Brown, Sunday Sun
CHRIS TURNER last night refused to blame referee Lee Mason for Hartlepool's
FA Cup defeat by West Ham. The Lancashire whistler wrongly awarded the
Hammers a first-half penalty after Michael Nelson handled the ball just
outside the box. Mark Noble scored from the spot and, although his side were
already in front thanks to Valon Behrami's opener seconds earlier, Mason's
mistake effectively killed the tie. "I'm not going to harp on about the
decision, it went against us and that's that," said Turner, Pools' director
of sport and, effectively, caretaker manager. "Whoever gets to the final
rounds has to have had some luck along the way, and today it went in their
favour. "The second goal allowed them to play in the way they did after that
and, psychologically, left us a mountain to climb. "But we played well and
had chances in both halves, it was a very good performance. We were playing
against better quality than we normally do and we weren't disgraced. If the
chances we had had fallen to players of the quality West Ham have we might
have scored. "They showed us a lot of respect, played a strong side but I
think if we hadn't already beaten West Brom and Stoke City it might actually
have been easier for us, as they might not have played their best team."
Asked about the possibility of any transfers at Victoria Park, Turner added:
"We're trying to strengthen, there are certain areas we're looking at and
that is ongoing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Idiot Journalist of the Week: Rob Shepherd
West Ham Till I Die
I got quite excited when I read the News of the World story today, which
says that the club are offering new deals to Rob Green, Scott Parker and
Matthew Upson, which will tie them to the club. But then I read on and came
across this sentence…
The club is also weighing up a move for Fiorintina's Italian under-21
forward Pablo Daniel Osvaldo.
That would be the same Osvaldo who signed for Bologna last week, I suppose.
Now I suppose it the rest of the article could still be entirely accurate,
but it doesn't half plant a huge seed of doubt in your mind when you read
something you know to be 100% wrong in the self same piece.
The author of the article is Rob Shepherd, a dyed in the wool Hammers fan.
You'd think he'd know better, wouldn't you? No? No, I suppose not. He is
after all a sports journalist. Once upon a time, a sub-editor would have
cleared up his mess behind him, but most newspapers have reduced their
subbing to a bare minimum.
Bloggers have an undeserved reputation among mainstream media journalists
for inaccuracy and not checking their facts. But journalists like Shepherd
get paid six figure salaries to make things up and not even bother to read
cuttings on the very clubs they write about.
One day their editors will realise they are being taken for fools.
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Hartlepool 0 West Ham 2: Noble spot on for Hammers to end hopes of
Hartlepool
By Bob Cass
Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:28 AM on 25th January 2009
Hartlepool had their moment in the spotlight but dominant West Ham never
looked like becoming the League One side's third Premier League cup victims
this season. West Ham did not need any help to overcome opposition from two
leagues below them, but they received it anyway when referee Lee Mason
awarded them a penalty in first-half added time. With Hartlepool already
falling behind three minutes earlier when Valon Behrami scored from 15
yards, the Lancashire official's decision killed off home hopes. The
official ruled that Michael Nelson handled the ball inside the box, when TV
replays clearly showed it was a yard outside. Mark Noble dispatched the spot
kick to end a first half during which the League One side had ruffled the
London side's feathers on more than one occasion. Only a Scott Parker
goal-line clearance denied a Michael Mackay header in the ninth minute and
Andy Monkhouse twice went close with long-range efforts. West Ham were also
fortunate when Carlton Cole escaped with only a yellow card in the 39th
minute after he went in hard and late on Arran Lee-Barrett after he had
clearly collected the ball. The goalkeeper's instant retaliation sparked off
a melee with most of the players joining in. Herita Ilunga's eagerness to
gallop the length of the field to get involved earned him a yellow card. But
West Ham gradually got the home team's measure and began to make ominous
inroads into their penalty area. Hartlepool failed to deal with Jack
Collison's surge and the ball broke fortuitously for Behrami who struck a
low right-footer past Lee-Barrett's despairing dive. Hartlepool hardly had
time to curse their misfortune before the referee multiplied it with his
harsh penalty award.
The second half was almost academic, with the home side trying
unsuccessfully to thwart the Hammers' intention to put the tie to bed.
The closest Hartlepool came was when Robert Green did well to push a
closerange header from Gary Liddle over the bar in the 63rd minute.
'It was the result we wanted and we achieved it in a very professional
manner,' said Gianfranco Zola. The West Ham boss claimed he did not see what
happened for the penalty but added: 'I don't think it decided the game.'
Hartlepool have beaten Stoke in the FA Cup and West Bromwich in the Carling
Cup but West Ham were just too good.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola: Upson definitely staying
25.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
After an FA Cup victory over Hartlepool, West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola
declared defender Matthew Upson not for sale. Asked if Upson will remain at
Upton Park, the Italian said: "Definitely. Matthew Upson didn't play today
because he has played so many games and he needed a rest.
"He has also got some internationals coming up, so he needed to have a rest
and I decided it was the time to rest him."
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Cardiff insist no West Ham contact for Ledley
25.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Cardiff City chairman Peter Ridsdale insists there's been no approach from
West Ham for Joe Ledley. "There has been no contact between Cardiff City and
West Ham regarding the possible transfer of Ledley," he said in the South
Wales Echo. "Any suggestions that we have placed a price on him, or are
having negotiations with any club about his future, is untrue. "As we have
already said, we are keen to keep hold of our squad."
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Sunderland in advanced talks for West Ham defender Davenport
25.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Sunderland are closing in on a £3 million deal for West Ham defender Calum
Davenport. They need cover after losing Nyron Nosworthy for six weeks with a
hamstring injury.
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Gudmundsson happy to invest in West Ham squad
25.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is happy to continue to invest in West Ham United's
squad - despite remaining keen to sell up. The News of the World says it is
believed the strategies will make the club more attractive to a potential
new buyer. West Ham is still up for sale but Gudmundsson is holding out for
at least £150m. Gudmundsson's business liabilities will be reviewed by a
court in Iceland in March but West Ham remain adamant that, such is the
structure of the club, it can't be forced into administration. An insider
said: "Gudmundsson has told the board to carry on running the club. They
can't go to him for any more money but the income stream is strong enough to
keep the club running smoothly."
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Fiorentina striker Osvaldo remains West Ham target
25.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
Fiorentina striker Pablo Daniel Osvaldo remains a target for West Ham. It's
all part of the club's new planning, aimed at reducing the core playing
squad to 20, bringing down the wage bill and nurturing new, young talent.
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West Ham open new contract talks with top trio
25.01.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are ready to offer new deals to top trio Matthew Upson,
Robert Green and Scott Parker. The News of the World says the contracts for
Parker and Green will come into immediate effect while negotiations with
Upson will take place at the end of the season. Keeper Green, 29, will sign
a three-year extension of his current deal and slightly improve his basic
£25,000-a-week salary. Parker, 28, gets a two-year extension on his current
£50,000 deal struck in the heady days when former chairman Eggert Magnusson
went on a mad spending spree. But the club will wait until the end of the
season until they sit down and discuss a potential new deal with Upson, 29.
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Hammers to keep Scott Parker, Robert Green and Matthew Upson
News Of The World
By ROB SHEPHERD, 24/01/2009
WEST HAM will offer new deals to Scott Parker, Robert Green and Matthew
Upson to secure their long-term futures at Upton Park. The contracts for
Parker and Green will come into immediate effect while negotiations with
Upson will take place at the end of the season. Chief executive Scott
Duxbury has fought off interest in all three players from the likes of
Spurs, Manchester City and Aston Villa during the transfer window. Keeper
Green, 29, will sign a three-year extension of his current deal and slightly
improve his basic £25,000-a-week salary. Parker, 28, gets a two-year
extension on his current £50,000 deal struck in the heady days when former
chairman Eggert Magnusson went on a mad spending spree. That will take the
England midfielder through to 32 but with the terms remaining the same. But
the club will wait until the end of the season until they sit down and
discuss a potential new deal with Upson, 29. Green and Parker will have
success-related bonuses inserted as part of the club's new strategic policy
of streamlining their excessive wage bill. It allows Gianfranco Zola to plan
for the future without the fear of seeing his leading players sold off. The
ability of the Hammers to secure the services of Green and Parker will
enhance the club's insistence they can withstand the consequences of the
collapse of owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson's business empire. That belief has
been enhanced by re-investing most of the £14million received from
Manchester City for Craig Bellamy by signing 19-year-old German wonderkid
Savio Nserkeko from Italian club Brescia
Nserkeko will be formally unveiled by the club tomorrow. His fee is
eventually expected rise to £10m which would make him the club's record
signing, eclipsing the £7m spent on Dean Ashton three years ago.
And while the Hammers have sold Matthew Etherington, loaned Lee Bowyer to
Birmingham and expect both Callum Davenport and Julian Faubert to leave,
they have also handed long-term deals to Carlton Cole and midfielder Jack
Collison. The club is also weighing up a move for Fiorintina's Italian
under-21 forward Pablo Daniel Osvaldo. It's all part of the club's new
planning, aimed at reducing the core playing squad to 20, bringing down the
wage bill and nurturing new, young talent. The policy will help reduce debts
which now stand at around £42m having risen to nearly £50m before Christmas.
And it is believed the strategies will make the club more attractive to a
potential new buyer. West Ham is still up for sale but Gudmundsson is
holding out for at least £150m. Gudmundsson's business liabilities will be
reviewed by a court in Iceland in March but West Ham remain adamant that,
such is the structure of the club, it can't be forced into administration.
An insider said: "Gudmundsson has told the board to carry on running the
club. They can't go to him for any more money but the income stream is
strong enough to keep the club running smoothly."
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