WHUFC.COM
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton is in upbeat mood after a successful
ankle operation this week
12.02.2009
West Ham United can confirm that Dean Ashton has received positive news on
his left ankle injury after a "very successful" operation this week. Ashton
has been recovering well after the surgery and is in good spirits, although
no date has yet been set for his return. World renowned specialist Niek van
Dijk flew to London to work with the highly regarded James Calder. Van Dijk
has previously operated on Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Ballack and Robin van
Persie. The England striker was pleased to get the procedure out of the way
and is already focused on getting back on track with his rehab, which had
been progressing well. "It was disappointing to have another operation. But
it had to be done and was only a minor thing, a small problem that had to be
dealt with and I am glad it is all done now," he said. "I was also very
pleased to have the two of the best ankle specialists in the room at the
same time when I had the operation done. The feedback I have had from
everyone has been great, so that is very good for me."
The 25-year-old, who won his first cap in the summer and then scored two
goals in four league games before his injury in training, added: "Another
good thing is that I have not lost any of the fitness I had gained before
the operation, so I can get back to everything again soon and continue to
work hard."
Ashton will be reassessed later this month before flying to Amsterdam to
meet Professor Van Dijk for further examination in around four weeks. That
could give a clearer indication of when he might be able to return to
action. James Calder said: "This type of procedure has been performed on a
lot of top European sports professionals and it has proven very successful.
It was a complicated injury but we are confident that Dean will recover
well. "The mental approach is as important as the physical and Dean is very
focused in that respect. He has the right attitude to rehabilitation and is
as strong in mind as he is in body. He deserves every success and I hope he
is back playing for West Ham soon."
Ashton also had a word for the West Ham fans who have naturally been keen to
find out how he has been progressing since his last appearance in the 3-2
defeat by West Bromwich Albion on 13 September, two days before Gianfranco
Zola took charge. "I am sure it is frustrating for them as well," he said.
"When you are out this long they wonder what is wrong especially as I
started the season OK. But as any player will tell you, this is what it can
be like with any injury you pick up. The important thing is I am working
hard and looking to be firing on all cylinders when I come back."
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Ashton upbeat after new ankle op
Bbc.CO.UK
Dean Ashton's second ankle operation has been described as "very
successful", although no comeback date has been set for the West Ham
striker. Ashton, 25, injured his left ankle in training in September 2008
and had the first operation soon after. Specialist Niek van Dijk, who
recently worked on Cristiano Ronaldo, flew to London to help with the
operation. "It was disappointing to have another operation, but it had to be
done and was only a minor thing," said Ashton. Ashton will be reassessed
later in February before flying to Amsterdam to meet Professor Van Dijk four
weeks later. That consultation will provide a better indication of when the
forward is likely to return. James Calder, who also worked on the operation,
is confident Ashton will make a full recovery. "This type of procedure has
been performed on a lot of top European sports professionals and it has
proven very successful," he said. "It was a complicated injury but we are
confident that Dean will recover well." Since breaking the same ankle in
August 2006, Ashton, who began his career with Crewe, has been plagued by
injuries.
He signed a new five-year deal with West Ham in June 2008 shortly after
winning his first England cap in the friendly against Trinidad & Tobago.
Ashton, who scored 11 goals last season, joined West Ham from Norwich for
£7.25m in January 2006 and helped the club to the FA Cup final, where they
lost on penalties to Liverpool. His performances that season earned him an
England call-up for the friendly with Greece in August 2006. But he broke
his ankle in training for that game and missed the entire 2006-07 season. He
also suffered injuries during the 2007-08 campaign.
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Zola focused on Hammers
Italian happy with Chelsea supporters
Last updated: 12th February 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola is happy to remain a fans' favourite at Chelsea, but insists
he is solely focused on his West Ham 'project'. Supporters held up a banner
saluting the former Stamford Bridge striker during the 0-0 draw with Hull
City, while his assistant, former Chelsea No.2 Steve Clarke, remains popular
with the Blues faithful. The stalemate against the Tigers proved to be Luiz
Felipe Scolari's last match in charge of the Blues as he was unceremoniously
sacked on Monday.
Russia coach Guus Hiddink has been placed in temporary charge until the end
of the season, with speculation that Zola could be in the frame to step into
the hot-seat in the summer. But while the Italian admits he and Clarke enjoy
a special relationship with the Blues support he has no plans to walk away
from Upton Park.
Zola told Sky Sports News: "I would like to talk about West Ham rather than
other teams. The only thing I think I can express, and I think Steve wants
to say, is that we wish them well. "I was pleased, but I am here, that's the
important thing. It is a club that I want to do very well, and Clarkey
thinks the same. "It is very pleasant because it means they have a lot of
faith and trust in you and it means we are doing a good job over here. I am
grateful and I wish them well. "I am very happy with what I am doing here.
We have a project which we are just starting. I have still got a lot to
learn from the job and a lot to give to the club.
"For me, Steve Clarke is a big part of the job that we are doing here.
Everything here is great and he is really top."
Having come through a difficult patch during the early stages of his West
Ham career, Zola has guided the club to eighth in the table and into the
fifth round of the FA Cup. And he knows that a club with less patience could
have shown him the door before he even had the chance to make his mark at
Upton Park. "A manager cannot do a job that easily in football," Zola said.
"You need to plan and work, you need to be allowed time to change players
and shape of team. "It took me a long time and maybe I would have been
sacked at a different club after two months, so you definitely need time."
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Gianfranco Zola Speaks Out Over Chelsea Link And West Ham United Future
Goal.com
The charming manager of the Boleyn Ground outfit has reaffirmed his loyalty
to current employers West Ham United, but insists he is flattered that the
Chelsea fans still hold him in high regard...
As the home fans trickled into Stamford Bridge to attend the club's last
fixture against Hull City, so too did banners and flags indicating the
supporters' stance on Luiz Felipe Scolari's torrid tenure, together with
their choice of who they felt would be the best candidate to serve the club.
The names of Gianfranco Zola, Roberto di Matteo, and Steve Clarke were
draped over seats and the stands. The message was clear. A drab 0-0
scoreline wrapped up a frustrating day for the Blues, Scolari was quickly
relieved of his managerial duties, and again the calls for former favourite
sons such as the aforementioned trident increased in volume. Russian
national manager Guus Hiddink has been appointed to the role on a temporary
basis but, speaking for the first time since his name was linked so
relentlessly to the Chelsea hotseat, Zola today revealed how "pleased" he
was that the home crowds still hold him close to their hearts. "Well, I am
pleased," he said, concerning his name scrawled on the many Blue flags on
matchday 25 in west London. But he insisted he is committed to his east
London project at Upton Park. "I am at a club where I, and Steve Clarke, we
want to do well. The only things I can express is that they [Chelsea] do
really well. "It is very pleasant because it means they [the fans] have a
lot faith and trust in you and means we are doing a good job over here. I am
grateful, I wish them to do well, but that's all."
West Ham host Middlesbrough in the fifth round of the FA Cup this weekend,
and the pre-match press conference was supposed to focus on the fixture
ahead, but reporters continued to train their line of questioning on the
likelihood of his future return to his former club. "Look, I'm very happy
with the project at West Ham. I've still got a lot to learn in the job, and
a lot to give the club." Many commentators have cited the departure of Steve
Clarke as a key factor in the decline of Chelsea's fortunes. "I don't like
talking about that, but for me Steve Clarke is a big part of the job we do
here. He is really top, really top," Zola said. Regarding Scolari's
replacement, Guus Hiddink, the pint-sized Italian concluded: "Guus'
credentials are very good. I wish, honestly, that he does a good job."
Alan Dawson, Goal.com
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West Ham fans probably don't realise what a great SIGNING this is
Posted by: GUEST BLOGGER , on Thu 12 Feb 2009
footballfancast.com
Football FanCast columnist Des Lewis wonders if West Ham fans realise what a
class act this Dixon is. When news broke yesterday afternoon that Terry
Dixon had put pen to paper on a three year contract at West Ham, I had mixed
emotions. Firstly there was delight for a kid who has suffered some
horrendous knee injuries and glad to see that he refused to give into them
despite doctors fears, and secondly utter disappointment that my team didn't
show the same patience and fortitude that West Ham have, in giving this
player every opportunity to succeed. This kid is special and our loss is
very much West Ham's gain.
It is not often that I get blown away by a young player, but Dixon has it
all. I have watched him develop from the age of 14 at Spurs and even then he
was being tipped for great things. You don't get called up for the full
Republic of Ireland squad at the age of 16 if you didn't have ability and he
has it in droves. Strong as an ox, quick and a prolific finisher, the
likeness in his game to that of Rooney's is uncanny and he even shares a
similar build. Believe me the comparison with Rooney is certainly not a
throwaway comment as he certainly has his attributes.
It was men against boys when Dixon played in the academy sides and there is
no doubt in my mind that had he not picked up those knee injuries then he
would have been a regular starter now at WHL - I only hope that Zola gives
him the opportunity this season to show West Ham fans what he can do, so the
player can finally fulfil his potential. He is a star in the making and
Spurs I feel will forever rue the decision to not give him that second
chance. It will come back to haunt them and I'm sure nothing would please
Hammers fans more than to see that happen.
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Zola grateful for Hammers patience
• Italian says he could have been sacked at another club
• West Ham manager plays down talk of Chelsea
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 12 February 2009 16.05 GMT
The West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola believes all managers need time – and
feels he might well have been sacked already at another club. The Italian
had been linked with a move to Chelsea following the dismissal of Luiz
Felipe Scolari but the former Blues midfielder made it clear he is committed
to the Upton Park "project", having only been appointed in mid-September to
a first managerial role. Zola has slowly turned things around following a
difficult period before Christmas, with the Irons currently sitting eighth
in the Premier League and preparing for an FA Cup fifth-round tie against
Middlesbrough this weekend. The former Chelsea man, though, is aware things
could have been very different. "A manager cannot do a job that easily in
football," said Zola. "You need to plan and work, you need to be allowed
time to change players and the shape of the team. It took me a long time and
maybe I would have been sacked at a different club after two months, so you
definitely need time."
Zola, 42, enjoyed a hugely successful spell with Chelsea, and is still held
in high regard by the club's supporters – with a banner at the game against
Hull calling for his return. However, the West Ham manager insists he and
his assistant Steve Clarke are focused on the job in hand at Upton Park. "I
am here and that's the important thing. That's all I can say about that,"
Zola said. "[Chelsea] is a club that I wish they do very well and I think
Clarkey feels the same, but I would like to talk about West Ham. "I am very
happy with what I am doing here. We have a project and we are still
starting. There is a long way to go and I have got a lot to learn and a lot
to give to the club."
Zola refused to be drawn on just what he thought had gone wrong at Stamford
Bridge under the Brazilian, with reports of dressing-room unrest. "It is
very difficult for me to get into the opinions," said the Hammers manager.
"Chelsea are a winning side and want to stay on that side most of the time.
It is not easy because things are so competitive, but the club has got its
own way of running things and if they believe it's not right, they can
change."
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Julian Dicks on football and life
MIKE BACON
Greenun24.co.uk
Last updated: 12/02/2009 13:43:00
They don't make footballers like Julian Dicks any more. Blood, muck and
bullets, he was your man for a battle back in the 80s and 90s as a hard,
tough-tackling left back. Today as the new manager of Wivenhoe Town, Dicks
has given up life in the Spanish sun to help resurrect the fortunes of the
Dragons in the non-league scene of the Ridgeons League. From Birmingham
City, Liverpool and West Ham to grass roots football at Broad Lane, Dicks -
'The Terminator' - has plenty of views of the game, past, present and
future. Green'Un editor Mike Bacon caught up with him to find out more.
IF you wanted someone
alongside you in the
trenches, someone you can trust to give it his all, someone with passion and
commitment, whose heart is so emblazoned on his sleeve, it bleeds look no
further than Julian Dicks.
In his prime he was one of English football's toughest full-backs, so adored
by his fans.
Bad injuries, red cards, newspaper headlines, Dicks, now 40, has seen it all
and done most of it.
Seven years out of the game, but the glint in the eye tells you Dicks is
back, albeit with a tough assignment to help save the Ridgeons Premier
Division survival of Wivenhoe Town.
It's a far cry from Anfield, Old Trafford or the Boleyn Ground and if I was
expecting a rough-talking, brash ex-Premiership player, whose reputation
invariably arrived at a football ground long before he did, I couldn't have
been further off the mark.
Dicks can talk as quietly and concisely as hard as he could tackle. Good fun
and interesting, he played at a time when many considered the game 'great'.
No Baby Bentleys or prawn sandwiches here, with Dicks then and now, it's
just good honest football. You want 100%, forget it... with Dicks it's 110
or nothing.
We meet for a drink just outside Braintree and as we walked into the pub,
the landlord recognized him immediately.
"Dicksy. Get this man a drink," the landlord beamed with affection.
DICKS ON... Where it all started
I WAS born in Bristol on an estate and quite honestly was getting in all
sorts of scrapes.
As a 13-year-old I was trialling at Aston Villa, but when the manager Ron
Saunders left, he asked me to go to
follow him to Birmingham.
So even though I was very young, I left home and moved into digs in
Birmingham. It was a bit scary especially to move away from my family in
Bristol.
But play football is all I wanted to do. I made my debut at 17 when John
Bond was boss at Birmingham.
It was against Luton and I turned pro the day after. I had gone from a young
apprentice polishing boots, clearing the stands, cleaning the toilets, to
becoming a professional player.
Dicks on... his managers
I PLAYED under some good managers and I got on well with all of them.
John Lyall: John took me from Birmingham to West Ham. I remember him saying,
"It's £650 a week and £100 an appearance, you've got five minutes to think
about it."
I think I only needed five seconds.
John was a lovely man but when I played at West Ham with him we had some
seasons of struggle to be honest.
But he never raised his voice, even when we were terrible. Everyone
respected John, I certainly did.
Ron Saunders: I liked Ron a lot. He was a hard disciplinarian and really big
into his fitness.
John Bond: John was a right character and loved his cigars. He tried to get
me to play up front, but I was all over the place. I preferred midfield or
full-back.
"For God's Sake, Dicks, forget it, get lost and go and train over there," I
remember him saying.
Graeme Souness: A lot of people didn't like Graeme, but I did. I only played
28 games at Liverpool, but I found Graeme honest.
If you were rubbish he said so, but not out loud in front of all the other
players. I didn't feel some of the players gave him enough and I wasn't
impressed with that. Plus Liverpool had some real traditions and rules which
really annoyed me.
At West Ham I could get to the ground early and take one of the keepers out
and do some shooting, but at Liverpool that wasn't allowed. You trained at
10.30am and finished about 1.30pm. It was like a rule and no going over or
before that.
When Graeme left, Ronnie Moran and Roy Evans took more charge and I didn't
see eye to eye with them.
Harry Redknapp: Harry was the best man manager I have played under.
He was also an excellent coach. It has never surprised me what Harry has
gone on to do because he had the right attitude towards everyone.
Billy Bonds: Bondsy was a legend at West Ham and we played together a few
times, so when he took over as boss at West Ham, he knew me well.
We used to clash a lot, at half-time or in training. I often stormed out of
training when Billy was in charge.
DICKS ON... dark days
WHEN I was 22 I had a serious knee injury which kept me out for 14 months.
I was young and bored, I just used to drink in the evenings and I mean
drink. I ended up going to see my
doctor and said at this rate I'm going to become an alcoholic.
So he said take up golf. I thought he was having a laugh, but I gave it a go
and got the bug. I had a knee brace and that helped me play, so off I went.
I later turned pro when my career finished, so everything happens for a
reason I suppose.
Five years later my knee went again and West Ham wanted to pay me off. I
wouldn't have minded if they wanted to pay my contract up, but they didn't,
only about half of it.
I went to Alabama to see a specialist who worked with the American Football
guys.
He contacted my specialist in England and I had the op. I was out for
another 18 months, although I coped better this time.
DICKS ON... The terminator
I WAS nicknamed The Terminator because after my first knee operation I told
a newspaper "I'LL BE BACK". And that was it really.
People were writing me off at the time, but I was determined I wasn't
finished.
To me football is all about winning and I would do anything to win. Even
when I knew I was having a bad game, I never gave up.
When I was 14, I was only six stone and really slight and my dad told me if
I wanted to be a player I had to be more aggressive. So I was.
As a youngster I was at Birmingham with some big characters including Mark
Dennis and Mick Harford, so I had to stick up for myself.
DICKS ON... regrets
I DON'T have any regrets regarding playing football.
Well, perhaps just a couple.
I remember playing at Newcastle one day and little Franz Carr was
giving me the runaround. He could give me seven yards start and still beat
me over 10.
In the end I remember him coming towards me and I just decided to elbow him
in the face. I remember it so clearly, I just had to do it.
It was so premeditated and right in front of the Newcastle fans. I didn't
bother waiting for the red card, I just walked off!
I was accused of stamping on John Spencer's head at Chelsea once. But that's
not a regret, because it was an accident.
DICKS ON... football today
THE problem I have with football today is what I see as a lack of effort
from some players.
I have no problem with the money they earn, good luck to them. But some just
don't put the effort in to earn such amounts.
And all this kissing the badge when they score.
I never kissed any badge for a club I played for, I showed my colours by
giving absolutely everything, every single game.
So many players have no loyalty. They get showered and walk straight to
their cars, some clubs have tunnels from the changing rooms to the car park,
so they can avoid fans.
I used to spend an hour at West Ham after games signing autographs and then
go and have a pint in the Boleyn Arms with them.
Can you imagine a Premiership player today having a pint with fans after a
game?
I have always felt sorry for the fans. I remember when West Ham had a bond
scheme going, I told The Sun newspaper you can't expect fans to fork out
more money with some of the rubbish we are playing.
I was fined two weeks wages for that.
I always loved the fans and always clapped fans after games.
Today you watch
managers like Ferguson and Redknapp having to point their players over to
their fans to go and applaud them.
DICKS ON... Wivenhoe
I'VE been living in Spain for about three years, but quite honestly I'd been
getting a bit bored.
I got a call from my friend Nick Murphy-Whymark and most people know the
rest, I'm here now. It's a
challenge, a massive challenge and there is no money about at the club.
And let's be honest, every club needs a bit of money, even if it's just to
pay a few expenses for the players.
Our first game was at Needham Market and I sensed from the players if we
kept the score in single figures then we had done well.
But God it was a nightmare, some players couldn't pass five yards.
We kept the score respectable and then lost 3-0 at Wisbech, when after 70
minutes it was goalless.
Against Dereham the other week it was embarrassing. I don't mind players
making mistakes, but that first 45 minutes was just crap.
I so wanted to throw a few tea cups about and go mad at half-time, but I
didn't. That wouldn't have achieved anything.
But I did demand 110% all round, that's all I can ask for.
Don't just hoof the ball forward and stand and watch it, move, run, give
everything, I told them.
If one player makes a solid tackle, it lifts everyone, that's football all
round, not just at Wivenhoe.
We were 4-0 down at the break, but 'won' the second half 2-1. If we play the
rest of the season like we did in that second 45, we'll be ok.
I'm flying back to Spain for a few days soon, but that's the first time I've
been back since I've been over here.
If I'm going to do something I do it properly and I have no intention of
flying backwards and forwards to Spain all the time, while I am managing
Wivenhoe.
DICKS ON... family life
I'M divorced, but have a girlfriend.
My twin girls from my first marriage are 20 now, one lives near Maldon and
one in Spain with their mum.
My new partner has two boys who also live in Spain.
They come to England to see their father each month.
DICKS ON... golf
AS I said I started playing golf because of my first knee injury.
I got really good at it, playing off scratch and turned pro about eight
years ago.
I had a go on the EuroPro tour and a pro tour in Spain, but quite honestly
it is so hard.
I would come in with a level par score and thought I'd done well, but I was
miles away as others came in six and seven under par.
DICKS ON... the future
I'M enjoying Wivenhoe, but the club needs money and the future is tough for
them if we don't get help.
I finished football when I was 29 and to be honest I was very bitter about
it. I still am to a point, but not as bad. It took me a few years to get
over it.
But now I want to be a top manager at a top club.
I'm ambitious and if the right offers come along in the future, then I'll
take them.
It's about being in the right place at the right time. Paul Ince got his
chance at Macclesfield and then Blackburn, I'd love to get an opportunity.
At the moment I'm at Wivenhoe and enjoying it, but I'll never hide my
ambitions. I love Spain and 300 days of sunshine, but I don't think I'd cut
it in management over there.
Firstly I don't speak much Spanish and secondly I don't think I could handle
all the players rolling around, it would do my head in.
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Please donate to my run for charity
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson1
Thank You so much to those who have already contributed
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