WHUFC.com
Ryan O'Neill and Josh Payne took time out to speak to WHUTV after their
latest run-out for the reserves
18.02.2009
A youthful West Ham United warmed up for next Tuesday's reserve derby
against Tottenham Hotspur with a 1-1 friendly draw against Fulham in west
London.
Alex Dyer's second string have not played since 13 January and made the most
of their behind-closed-doors run-out at Motspur Park. The first half
finished goalless before the Hammers had a great chance to go in front after
the break - only for Junior Stanislas to miss from the penalty spot. The
breakthrough came midway through the second period when substitute Balint
Bajner scored, only for Fulham to snatch a late equaliser
The 20-year-old goalkeeper Peter Kurucz made his first appearance since his
move from Ujpest in Hungary and had a solid game. The Under-21 international
was joined by the likes of promising defenders Bondz N'Gala, Ryan O'Neill
and Matthew Fry. The game also offered the chance for the players to work on
their fitness after last week's game with West Bromwich Albion was
postponed, with Zavon Hines and Josh Payne no doubt benefiting after recent
injuries. Payne joined O'Neill afterwards in sharing his views with WHUTV.
O'Neill summed up the positives. "The main thing was to get the 90 minutes
under our belt," he said. "Lots of games have been called off because of the
weather so it was just good to get 90 minutes under our belt. I thought we
played good football as sometimes when you don't have games the rhythm can
go but I think we defended well and created a fair few chances. Overall it
was a good exercise."
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Green ready for Bolton
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's England goalkeeper is eager to help secure a first-ever
win at the Reebok Stadium
18.02.2009
Robert Green believes West Ham United will need to heed the lessons learnt
in Saturday's game against Middlesbrough when they head to Bolton Wanderers
this weekend.
The Hammers go into their Barclays Premier League clash at the Reebok
Stadium on Saturday looking to end a run of two matches without a win,
having lost 1-0 to Manchester United and drawn 1-1 with Middlesbrough at the
Boleyn Ground in the past fortnight.
A keen student of the game, Green believes he and his team-mates need to
start more positively and take the initiative if they are to get one over
Gary Megson's side this weekend. Should they do so, the Hammers would secure
a first-ever win at the Reebok and could leapfrog Wigan Athletic into
seventh place in the Premier League table.
"It was frustrating [against Middlesbrough] as we didn't play nearly as well
as we could do. We gave it a go in the second half and, without playing well
and not being at it as much as we should have been, we created more than
enough chances to win the game. With Carlton [Cole] going off injured, the
one positive we can take from it is that we didn't lose.
"I think we've learnt a lesson that if we aren't 100 per cent on our game we
won't always win. If we can take that from it into Saturday's game at Bolton
- which is a massive game for us - and then Middlesbrough again then we'll
have learnt a lesson and really go for it. In that respect there is
something to take from it at least.
"We didn't lose and it carries on the good run we've been on, bar the
Manchester United game. If we can carry that on and learn our lessons then
we'll take each game as it comes and keep taking steps forward. Saturday
wasn't the best performance but there are going to be games like that. We
know where we've gone wrong and if we didn't know then we'd start to worry.
But we know we didn't start well and didn't get hold of them. We'll take
that as a positive and as a lesson and keep practicing in the games to
come."
Another positive for Green was the second full England cap he earned in last
week's friendly defeat in Spain. The accolade came nearly four-and-a-half
years after the 29-year-old made his debut in a friendly against Colombia in
Boston in June 2005. Naturally, the goalkeeper is eager to ensure he only
has to wait a fraction of that time to make his third appearance for his
country.
"I was pleased to play for England. It's been a long time waiting. It's been
four or five years since my last game so it's been a while but it was good
to get on. Obviously it was a disappointing result but we were playing one
of the best teams in the world. It gives me confidence that I can go out and
play at that level and help out and it was a real pleasure to be out on the
pitch.
"It would have been great for Coley to take one of his chances but it was a
boost for him and it shows the rewards that can come if you can do it.
Particularly positions like centre forwards, maybe goalkeepers not so much
as it's the same person every week, but with centre forwards they are always
looking for the next chance, that next person and he's willing to give
people a chance. I hope Carlton realises it's there for the taking and it's
crying out for someone to take that chance but it's down to him to take it."
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View from the Opposition - Bolton Wanderers
One McAvennieeeeee - Wed Feb 18 2009
West Ham Online
*Checks WHOmail*
Still no thanks from the Owner of this site for the Free advertising in the
Daily Mirror this week.
Anyway, welcome to the latest version of the now world famous "View from the
Oppostion". This week I would like to thank Bolton Wanderers fan Andy
Higginbottom for taking the time to answer our questions.
Q. What are your thoughts on the season so far?
A. We are doing ok. Most people expected us to go down with Megson in charge
but we are playing well enough to stay up. A few more home wins starting
Saturday should see us home.
Q. Expectations for the rest of the season?
A. To stay up, a clean sheet at least once before the seasons out would be
nice.
Q. What player doesn't deserve his place in your starting line-up?
A. Elmander has been a big disappointment. Came with a big reputation and
for a lot of money but has done very little.
Q. The Reebok is built to hold about 28,000, Man City are the richest club
in the world and even they don't give their fans a row each – what do you
think is the main cause for low attendances?
A. A row each? Cheeky cockney twats. We get a decent following (*cough* )
but almost all the fans hate Megson so some are using that as an excuse to
stay away. The prices we charge for some of the long ball stuff we play,
keep some away as well.
Q. What player should we look out for?
A. Super Kev. If Carlton Cole gets in the England squad then Kev should be.
Q. What do you make of WHU this year?
A. Doing alright considering the press reckon your were going out of
business and selling everyone. Overall though, couldn't care less.
Q. Your View of West Ham Fans?
A. Twats most of them. You booed your own side at half time when we won
there in October. After we sent you down in 2003 you lot were trying to
fight kids in the street.
Q. If you could choose one player from our squad who would it be?
A. Upson. He's looked in good from what I've seen on the box and got in the
England side.
Q. Your favourite rude word/Animal combination?
A. What sort of fucking question is that? ummmm, no fucking stupid.
Q. Match Prediction
A. 1-0. just like in 03.
Q. If you had to describe Bolton in three words without using the words
dull, hoof, dreary and mind numbing, what would they be?
A. Workmanlike effective grafters
Q. Gary Megson seems to have the personality of a Dead Texan woman whose
body has been violated by her webbed footed son, he is also wobbling on the
ginger side of plantation blond – does he have any redeeming qualities?
A. No. He keeps us up, but our fans still hate him. (hmmmmm, sounds
familiar)
Q. If you were captured by Ukrainian Pogo enthusiasts that took offence at
you laughing at them bouncing up and down and as punishment forced you to
eat boiled sweets until you were sick – what boiled sweets would you choose.
A. You taking the piss you soppy southern poof? I'd kick the fuck out of
them.
And finally some questions posed by other WHO'ers.
Q. The c*nt with the drum, your thoughts and is he related to the c*nt with
the bell at Pompey? – NotAGooner
A. No Idea if their related apart from both growing up in c*nt town? No
interest in musical instruments at football. These people must not have pals
who they can drink with.
Q. Do you think Bolton should be flattened and rebuilt as an Eco-Town ? – Mr
Kenzo
A. Eco-town? Having been to your place this year there is only one place
that needs knocking down and it isn't ours.
For anyone going up there, it seems the Beehive is the choice for pre match
Slurps.
http://www.carling.com/beerfinder/venue_details/18149/bolton/The%20Beehive
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Learning Lessons
Just Like My Dreams
As attention switches to Bolton Wanderers this weekend, and a ground where
West Ham United have never won, Robert Green has been talking about the need
to heed the lessons from Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough. The Hammers go
into their Barclays Premier League clash at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday
looking to end a run of two matches without a win, and Green believes he and
his team-mates need to start more positively and take the initiative if they
are to get one over Gary Megson's side this weekend.
"It was frustrating [against Middlesbrough] as we didn't play nearly as well
as we could do," he admitted. "We gave it a go in the second half and,
without playing well and not being at it as much as we should have been, we
created more than enough chances to win the game. With Carlton [Cole] going
off injured, the one positive we can take from it is that we didn't lose. I
think we've learnt a lesson that if we aren't 100 per cent on our game we
won't always win. If we can take that from it into Saturday's game at Bolton
- which is a massive game for us - and then Middlesbrough again then we'll
have learnt a lesson and really go for it. In that respect there is
something to take from it at least.
"We didn't lose and it carries on the good run we've been on, bar the
Manchester United game. If we can carry that on and learn our lessons then
we'll take each game as it comes and keep taking steps forward. Saturday
wasn't the best performance but there are going to be games like that. We
know where we've gone wrong and if we didn't know then we'd start to worry.
But we know we didn't start well and didn't get hold of them. We'll take
that as a positive and as a lesson and keep practicing in the games to
come."
James Collins is the first to admit his own culpability in that
disappointing display against Middlesbrough. The 25-year-old Welsh defender
stated: "It was one of those games really. We knew we were shocking. The
first half was terrible and the worst we've been for a long time, but
luckily we got the late goal and we're still in the hat." Both Collins and
Upson were at fault for the Boro goal on 22 minutes as Gary O'Neil's cross
evaded both defenders before finding Stewart Downing on the far post to nod
home. But the Welshman may have an explanation for the unexpected mistakes.
"I'm not making excuses, but those balls really aren't the best," explained
Collins, who has now amounted 27 caps with the Welsh national team. "Matty
looked as if he was going to head it clear and then before you know it, it
was right on me, and I've missed it as well. It's just one of those things,
but to concede a goal like that was disappointing. It was bad defending and
we should have cleared it."
Collins will be desperate for the Hammers to get through in their replay
next Wednesday as he has the added incentive of having missed out on a place
in West Ham's final team back in 2006. The Welshman played the semi-final,
but Anton Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon got the nod for the final at the
Millennium Stadium, leaving Collins as an unused substitute. "It was a
fantastic time in my career and that will stay with me for a long time,
those celebrations after the semi-final," reminisced the defender. "Not
being in the final was hard to take, so I'd like to go there and get as far
as possible. Some of the boys haven't been to a final before, it's an
amazing occasion and hopefully we can do it this year."
With Dean Ashton and Gabbidon on the long-term injured list, Collins is the
only player left in the current squad who was at that cup final against
Liverpool less than three years ago. "I think I'm the only one in the squad
that played in that semi-final," said Collins. "Players come and go and you
sign new players, but I'm just delighted to still be involved now." It
hasn't been an easy West Ham career for the giant Welshman. Injuries as well
as dropping down the pecking order, has meant just 58 appearances in three
and a half years of football, and even this season Calum Davenport was
preferred to him at the beginning of the campaign. Collins, though, seems to
have finally cemented his place in the starting line-up and he is certainly
enjoying his football under manager Gianfranco Zola. "Everyone knew
Gianfranco's name was going to be linked with Chelsea," said Collins. "But
he's come here and done a fantastic job and all the boys are buzzing playing
their football under him and long may that continue."
Zola, himself, insists he has 'toughened up' and learned a lot during his
first six months in charge, and he claimed that the team would go from
strength to strength as the players grow more accustomed to his methods. "At
the beginning for me it was all new and obviously I had to improve certain
things, learn certain things," he said. "I had to learn something more from
my players and from the job and everything. I think it toughened up myself
and also the team. But now we are going to get better."
Finally, the club have been linked with a £5million summer move for Poland
striker Pawel Brozek as the club continue the search for a long-term
replacement for Craig Bellamy. Brozek has been on the radar of a number of
leading European clubs during a prolific career at Wisla Krakow, where he
has netted 58 goals in 130 games and earned 16 senior caps for his national
team.
Now several media outlets have suggested the Hammers have joined the chase
for the 25-year-old forward after sending chief scout Roger Cross to monitor
Brozek in Poland's friendly international against Wales last week. Despite
making only a brief appearance as a late substitute, Brozek's performance
reportedly convinced Cross that the striker can be a hit in the Premier
League. "His first touch is among the best I have ever witnessed," Cross
told polishsoca.com, a football website. "The lad knows when to place a
solid touch on the ball, as well as when to play a deft flick it on in the
lightest manner. [His display was] very pleasing." West Ham would have to
wait until the summer to finalise any deal for Brozek, who is also
attracting interest from French outfit Nancy, but Hammers technical director
Gianluca Nani is reportedly confident that a £5million bid would secure the
player's signature.
Posted by Trilby at 10:15
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West Ham Manager Zola Praises Ilunga & Nsereko
The Hammers boss has praised two his recent recruits to the cause, and is
confident that they will both be strong performers at Upton Park for years
to come.
18 Feb 2009 23:18:39
Goal.com
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has highlighted the recent
performances of two of his young African players and believes that they will
be helping the Hammers for years to come. Congolese left-back Herita Ilunga
and Ugandan-born striker Savio Nsereko have both impressed the Sardinian,
with Zola convinced that it would be difficult to find a better left-back
currently playing than Ilunga. "He has signed a contract for four-and-half
years so he will be with us for a long time," the Italian told The East
London Advertiser. "I don't think there are many left-backs playing as well
he is."
As for Nsereko, who has represented Germany at junior levels despite his
African birthplace, Zola is delighted at the swift progress he has made
since leaving Italian Serie B outfit Brescia last month. The German's
precise free kick set up Ilunga for his FA Cup equaliser against
Middlesbrough at Upton Park at the weeknd, and Zola is clearly very proud of
the youngster. "I see he has good qualities but he needs time to settle,"
the Hammers coach explained. "He has been playing in a second division team
in Italy and you can't even imagine the difference in speed from Serie B.
The best is yet to come from him."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
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West Ham United Offer Trio Of Stars New Contracts
Having tied Scott Parker to a new deal last week, the Hammers are now
looking to secure the futures of three other key men.
18 Feb 2009 21:53:38
Goal.com
West Ham United demonstrated that they were serious about hanging onto their
key players by offering England midfielder Scott Parker a new contract last
week. Parker signed the deal, which will keep him at the club until the
summer of 2013, and the Hammers today moved to similarly secure the services
three other players for the long-term. Defender Matthew Upson, buoyed
recently by his international recall with England, veteran Australian
defender Lucas Neill and solid goalkeeper Robert Green have all now been
offered new contracts that manager Gainfranco Zola is hoping that they will
sign. There are players that have been very important this season - people
like Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Scott Parker and Lucas Neill. They are the
core of this team and I believe they can be the core of this team for a long
time," the Italian told The East London Advertiser earlier. "The club know
this and are offering them contracts. It is good for stability. They are
positive players and will help us to build something important. The idea is
to make a blend of experienced players and young talented players to mix
together and perform."
Parker had been the subject of some intense speculation during the transfer
window, as Manchester City were reportedly in the hunt to take him to the
North West of England along with his erstwhile team-mate Craig Bellamy.
Instead, he chose to remain at Upton Park, and, like Dean Ashton, Carlton
Cole, Herita Ilunga and Jack Collison, committed his future to the Hammers
by inking a new deal. He revealed that Zola's presence at the club was a key
inducement for him to stay put in the East End. "I am very happy, pleased
and excited - especially after all the speculation in the transfer window -
that I can now put that to rest and sign a new long-term contract," Parker
told The Advertiser. "The way the club is going and the direction that the
manager and the board want to go is something I want to follow. "The manager
showed a real desire to keep me. He sees me as a massive part of the squad
and that meant a lot to me - I am delighted to sign."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
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Di Michele Exclusive: Roma Coach Spalletti Better Than Ferguson And Mourinho
The Hammers striker has spoken exclusively to Goal.com to share his
Champions League thoughts...
18 Feb 2009 10:59:16
Goal.com
West Ham striker Davide Di Michele has told Goal.com that he believes Roma
coach Luciano Spalletti is better than Manchester United manager Sir Alex
Ferguson and Inter tactician Jose Mourinho. It's a case of Italy against
England in the last 16 stage of Champions League as three mouth-watering
fixtures between the Premier League's elite and Serie A's best will provide
plenty of entertainment. Di Michele, who played under Luciano Spalletti at
Udinese, believes the Roma coach is the best in the world and that he will
guide the Giallorossi to glory this term. "I think the best [coach] of all
is Spalletti. I will put Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho roughly on the
same level," Di Michele told Goal.com. "I say Spalletti from a technical
point of view as well as a human one. I have always had a good feeling about
him." Roma clash with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side and the Italians will
emerge victorious according to the Hammers striker. "At the moment I see the
Giallorossi as favourites because Arsenal are going through a difficult
period and they will be without Cesc Fabregas," added the hitman. "At this
stage of the season, I think Roma have a little more momentum and they are
favourites."
Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com
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Dixon determined to repay Irons for show of faith
EastLondonAdvertiser.co.uk
18 February 2009
New Hammers signing Terry Dixon has vowed to repay the club for giving him
the opportunity to salvage his top-flight career at Upton Park. The Republic
of Ireland Under-21 international sealed an incredible return to
professional football last week by joining West Ham on a three-year deal -
only 12 months after a string of horrendous injuries appeared to have
finished his career. Dixon was heralded as one of the brightest young stars
of British football when he received a senior international call-up as
16-year-old in 2006, yet he was released by Tottenham in March last year
following a persistent knee problem. Now Dixon has returned to fitness with
the help of West Ham's medical staff and the striker is determined to repay
the club for giving him another chance to build on the potential that made
him one of Ireland's most prodigious talents at underage level. He said:
"I'm pleased to have signed the contract. The fitness team have done a lot
of work with me to make my leg a lot stronger and my knee never swells up
now. "I'm just glad West Ham took the chance on me and hopefully it will pay
off. My aims for the season are to get matches under my belt for the
reserves and hopefully I can get into the first-team squad. "I want to repay
the faith the club have shown in me, if not this season, then the season
after.
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Upson, Green and Neill in line for new Hammers deals
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 18 February 2009 - 8:27 PM
Gianfranco Zola hopes to tie down Lucas Neill, Robert Green and Matthew
Upson to new contracts following Scott Parker's new deal last week. The West
Ham boss is desperate to keep his key players at Upton Park after losing
Craig Bellamy to Manchester City last month and Upson being linked with a
move.But the Italian is confident he can convince his three big names to
stay in East London. He said: "There are players that have been very
important this season - people like Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Scott
Parker and Lucas Neill. "They are the core of this team and I believe they
can be the core of this team for a long time. "The club know this and are
offering them contracts. It is good for stability. They are positive players
and will help us to build something important. "The idea is to make a blend
of experienced players and young talented players to mix together and
perform."
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Who Will Play at Bolton?
West Ham Till I Die
First of all, the good news. Matthew Upson, Robert Green and Lucas Neill
have all been offered new contracts.
As our minds turn towards the Bolton game, I thought we might indulge in a
bit of speculation about the likely line-up. Lucas Neill in suspended and
Carlton Cole is injured. Let's look at these in turn.
LUCAS NEILL
The two likely replacements are Valon Behrami or Jonathan Spector. Spector
has never let us down and I would play him there with Behrami returning to
midfield.
CARLTON COLE
The natural thing to do would be to play Diego Tristan and David di Michele
up front. But Tristan was woeful last weekend. The last time I saw a player
that show, his name was Lee Chapman. I think a front duo of DDM and Savio
would be a good idea. Bolton's defence is quite slow, and these two might
cause them a lot of problems. I still think Tristan will get the nod though.
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Tony Cascarino on West Ham Need for New Striker to Take Them to Next Level
The New FootballPools.com
West Ham have proven themselves to be a very good side defensively but if
they want to go up a level then they will need to find a prolific striker.
After watching the game against Middlesbrough at Upton Park it was obvious
to see that the likes of Diego Tristan and David Di Michele are not the
answer. Carlton Cole has been on a decent scoring run but you wouldn't
necessarily guarantee that he'll be banging them in, in a month's time.
Gianfranco Zola has made the team extremely hard to beat and they'll have
Dean Ashton back who knows where the goal is. However, I'm not convinced
that the injured striker would suit playing next to Cole up front. Ashton
has severely struggled with injury so it could be a while before he returns
to his best form so a new striker is needed to take the club forward.
The Upton Park crowd surprised me at the weekend, I've seen one home player
booed in the past but not three who shared the boos between them! Luis Boa
Morte, David Di Michele and Diego Tristan were not popular at West Ham at
the weekend after some poor and wasteful performances. Zola has spoken about
the home crowd's reaction to Boa Morte in particular this week but it was a
case of frustration on the fans part rather than malice.
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West Ham star Ashton in town
Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 07:17
Thisistotalessex.co.uk
WEST Ham United and England striker Dean Ashton visited Shalford Village
Hall near Braintree last week for a ceremonial switch on of CFC Shalford
Football Club's new grant funded portable training lights. CFC Shalford of
the Braintree & North Essex Sunday League received a grant of £4,778 from
the Essex Community Foundation's 'Grassroots Grants' which is funded by the
Office of the Third Sector. The grant which enables the club to train during
winter months also funded two five-a-side goals, various training aids,
including (hurdles, speed ladders, slalom poles, corner flags and poles and
new net stanchions for the main pitch. Despite the extremely snowy
conditions several people turned up to see the new equipment in action and
to get autographs and photographs with the West Ham star. CFC Shalford
chairman Ian Butcher said: "Following a lot of hard work to put the
application together we were delighted to receive the funding which is a
massive boost to our club enabling us to move forward by providing good
training facilities. 'We would thank Dean for giving up his time to support
his local community club" Dean Ashton also donated a signed England shirt
and his boots to a raffle for a fundraising evening which raised nearly £900
for club funds.
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Please donate to my run for charity
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson
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Thank You so much to those who have already contributed
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