WHUFC.com
All the team news and background for Wednesday night's trip to the
north-east in the FA Cup fifth round
25.02.2009
FA Cup fifth round replay
Middlesbrough v West Ham United
Riverside Stadium
Wednesday 25 February
8.10pm
Referee: Steve Bennett
• West Ham United travel to the north-east for the fifth time this season to
take on Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough in tonight's FA Cup fifth-round
replay.
• The winners will meet Everton in the FA Cup sixth round on Sunday 8
December, with the match kicking off at 4pm. Middlesbrough are bidding to
reach that stage for the fourth consecutive season while West Ham are aiming
for only their second last-eight berth in eight campaigns.
• West Ham United have taken more than 3,000 fans to the Riverside with the
club laying on up to 30 free coaches for supporters.
• The first meeting of the clubs on Saturday 14 February finished as a 1-1
draw. Stewart Downing put the visitors in front in the 22nd minute before
Herita Ilunga headed in an 83rd-minute equaliser.
• The club have won through to the last-16 for the first time since the
2005/06 season, when they went all the way to the final before losing to
Liverpool on penalties following a 3-3 draw at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
• The Hammers knocked out Barnsley 3-0 at home in the third round with goals
from Herita Ilunga - his first for the club - a Mark Noble penalty and
Carlton Cole. West Ham then won 2-0 at Hartlepool United in the fourth
round, with the goals coming courtesy of Valon Behrami and another Noble
penalty.
• The fixture is a rematch of the 2005/06 FA Cup semi-final between the two
sides at Villa Park. That day, 23 April 2006, Marlon Harewood's 78th-minute
goal secured a 1-0 win for Alan Pardew's West Ham United.
• West Ham will have no one on view who played in that match. James Collins,
Dean Ashton and Daniel Gabbidon, who all started the semi-final, are working
their way back to fitness. For Middlesbrough, former England defender
Southgate is now the man in charge at the Riverside Stadium.
• Goalkeeper Brad Jones - who replaced the injured Mark Schwarzer midway
through the semi-final - defenders Andrew Taylor and Chris Riggott and
midfielder Stewart Downing all started at Villa Park and are still with the
club, although Riggott is sidelined by injury. Midfielder Matthew Bates, an
unused substitute in April 2006, is also still a member of the Boro squad.
• The tie is the fourth time West Ham United have been drawn to face
Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. Aside from the 2006 semi-final, West Ham
overcame Boro 2-1 in a second round replay in February 1912 with goals from
Herbert Ashton and Fred Harrison.
• Middlesbrough gained their revenge by securing a 2-1 third round victory
at Ayresome Park on 3 January 1970. West Ham's goal that day was scored by
Alan Stephenson.
• Gianfranco Zola and Middlesbrough boss Southgate faced one another as
players in the 2000 FA Cup final. Zola's Chelsea beat Southgate's Aston
Villa 2-0 in the last final to be contested at the old Wembley Stadium.
Referee
• Wednesday's referee is Steve Bennett
Last time out
Saturday 21 February 2009
Middlesbrough 0-0 Wigan Athletic
Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Wheater, Huth, Pogatetz, O'Neil, Digard (Walker
23), Arca (Aliadiere 52), Adam Johnson (Tuncay 62), Downing, Alves
Subs not used: Turnbull, Emnes, Bates, McMahon
Booked: O'Neil, Alves
Saturday 21 February 2009
Bolton Wanderers 2-1 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Spector (Sears 85), Collins (Tomkins 16), Upson,
Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble, Collison (Savio 62), Cole, Di Michele
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Kovac, Tristan
Booked: Upson, Noble
Goal: Parker 66
West Ham United
• West Ham United go into Wednesday's match having lost just two of their
last eleven matches in all competitions.
• West Ham have won the FA Cup three times - in 1964, 1975 and 1980 - and
been runners-up on two occasions - in 1923 and 2006.
• Midfielder Scott Parker was named E.ON Player of the Round following his
man-of-the-match performance in West Ham United's FA Cup fourth round win at
Hartlepool United.
• Lucas Neill is available to face Boro after missing the trip to Bolton
Wanderers following a one-match ban. Mark Noble can play if selected but
will Sunday's league visit of Manchester City because of his own one-match
suspension.
• Valon Behrami is one yellow card away from a one-match suspension -
although only needs to avoid a caution tonight before the threat is lifted.
Middlesbrough
• Middlesbrough are on their worst Premier League run of 14 games without a
victory. However, Boro have beaten non-league Barrow (2-1 with both goals
from Afonso Alves) and Championship leaders Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1
with goals from Alves and Marvin Emnes) to reach the FA Cup fifth round.
• Middlesbrough have never won the FA Cup. However, they were runners-up in
1997, when Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke were part of the Chelsea side
that beat them 2-0 at Wembley Stadium.
Team news
• January transfer window signing Savio is pushing for his first start in a
West Ham United shirt.
• Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac, 29, who has arrived at the
Boleyn Ground from Russian side Spartak Moscow on loan until the end of the
season with a view to a permanent move, could make his West Ham debut.
• Dean Ashton (ankle), James Collins (hamstring), Luis Boa Morte (groin),
Danny Gabbidon (stomach) and Kieron Dyer (calf) are not under consideration.
• Ashton underwent successful ankle surgery on his left ankle earlier this
month to aid his rehab while Gabbidon continues to make progress on his
long-term problems related to an abdominal injury. Both are aiming to be fit
before the end of the season - although may not play any part this campaign.
• Dyer is thought to be a fortnight away from a possible training return
while Boa Morte and Collins could be back before the end of March.
• Academy product Bondz N'Gala, 19, has travelled with the squad but winger
Junior Stanislas was left behind as he is cup-tied.
• England Under-19 James Tomkins mpressed as a substitute against Bolton and
will challenge Jonathan Spector, who started at right-back, and the
returning Lucas Neill for a place.
• Gareth Southgate has lost midfielder Didier Digard for three months with
knee and thigh injuries suffered against Wigan. He has already had to do
without central defender Chris Riggott for a lengthy period after a knee
ligament injury earlier this month. Former West Ham forward Jeremie
Aliadiere and defender Andrew Taylor are both sidelined with ankle problems.
• Striker Marlon King is cup-tied.
Last meeting
• The teams met for the first match on Saturday 14 February 2009, when the
two sides drew 1-1.
The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Collison, Parker,
Noble (Savio 74), Boa Morte (Sears 49), Di Michele, Cole (Tristan 33)
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Kovac, Spector
Booked: Noble, Di Michele
Goal: Ilunga 83
Middlesbrough: Jones, Hoyte, Huth, Wheater, Pogatetz, Adam Johnson, O'Neil,
Digard, Arca (Walker 77), Downing, Alves (Tuncay 74)
Subs not used: Turnbull, Emnes, Bates, McMahon, Bennett
Booked: O'Neil
Goal: Downing 22
Old boys
• Middlesbrough's French striker Jeremie Aliadiere made eight league and cup
appearances on loan for West Ham United from Arsenal between August 2005 and
January 2006. The Rambouillet-born player has scored eight goals in 51 games
since joining Boro from the Gunners for £2m in June 2007.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Brian Deane,
James Dow, Paul Ince, Frank Piercy, Luke 'Lou' Raisbeck, George 'Geordie'
Reid, Robbie Stockdale and Robert Young.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
FA Cup, 14 February 2009 - West Ham United 1-1 Middlesbrough
Premier League, 1 November 2008 - Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham United
Premier League, 22 December 2007 - Middlesbrough 1-2 West Ham United
Premier League, 15 September 2007 - West Ham United 3-0 Middlesbrough
Premier League, 31 March 2007 - West Ham United 2-0 Middlesbrough
Premier League, 11 November 2006 - Middlesbrough 1-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Middlesbrough (all competitions) W 24 D 24 L 12
Next up
• West Ham United will welcome Manchester City in the Premier League on
Sunday 1 March, kick-off 12.30pm.
• Middlesbrough play host to Liverpool at the Riverside Stadium next
Saturday, 28 February, kick-off 3pm.
General information
• For ticket information, click here
• Wednesday's weather forecast is for a clear evening, with the temperature
set to peak at around 7C.
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Tomkins goes for hat-trick
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's young defender is eager to taste FA Cup success for a
third time at Middlesbrough
25.02.2009
James Tomkins insists West Ham United are still brimming confidence ahead of
tonight's FA Cup fifth-round replay at Middlesbrough.
The England Under-19 defender could start at the Riverside Stadium in the
absence of the injured James Collins. Tomkins replaced the Wales
international early in the 2-1 Premier League defeat at Bolton Wanderers on
Saturday and impressed with a mature, composed performance alongside Matthew
Upson.
Having played in both the 3-0 third round win over Barnsley and the 2-0
fourth round success at Hartlepool United, the 19-year-old is hoping to
complete his own FA Cup hat-trick of victories on Teesside. Despite the
Hammers having lost their eight-match unbeaten away record at the Reebok
Stadium, Tomkins and his team-mates are eager to get back to winning ways
against Gareth Southgate's men.
"We are confident. Despite the result, we still played very well at Bolton.
We had a lot of chances and created a lot of chances. If we weren't creating
them then that's when you worry. The team was obviously down but we'll pick
ourselves up quickly.
"I've played in the last two FA Cup games so it would be nice but nothing is
guaranteed. If I get my chance I will give it my all but if I don't I will
strive to get on."
Tomkins coped admirably with everything Bolton threw at him at the weekend,
dealing with the considerable aerial threat of the powerful Kevin Davies.
The performance illustrated the improvements the young centre-back has
learned since making his Premier League debut at Everton in March last year.
Since then, he has made a total of nine league and cup appearances for the
Hammers and also enjoyed a successful loan spell at Championship side Derby
County. At Pride Park, Tomkins played seven league matches and also helped
the Rams to reach the semi-finals of the Carling Cup. Both experiences have
proved invaluable, as has been the opportunity to work with Hammers manager
Gianfranco Zola.
"I played at the back-end of last year and felt I improved with each game I
played and found out about the Premier League. I have also been on loan to
Derby and learnt a lot about myself there. Physically, I feel I have come on
much further than where I was at last year and feel that if I get my chance
I can take it.
"It's a very demanding, very physical league in the Championship and I
learnt a lot. I've been working hard in the gym because I know that's an
area where I need to improve. I'm still young, though, and I'm sure my
strength will come but it's something I wanted to get it earlier.
"I do think I've come on a lot compared to last year and the manager has a
lot to do with that. I'm just trying to improve each time I play. He's not
put any pressure on me but just told me to go out and play the way I do. He
just gives you more confidence."
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Gabbidon special on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
In an extended interview available to watch now for free, Danny Gabbidon
talks about his road to recovery
25.02.2009
Danny Gabbidon has spoken to WHUTV about his determination to return to
action for West Ham United and repay the fans and the club for all their
support.
The 29-year-old Wales defender has not played a first-team game since 12
December 2007, having suffered with a range of problems related to a
troublesome abdominal injury. Having undertaken extensive rehabilitation
work with the club's dedicated team of physiotherapists and medical staff,
Gabbidon also had an operation on his back at the end of last year and
believes he is beginning to see light at the end of the tunnel.
Always the last to leave Chadwell Heath every day, Gabbidon has been
tireless in his efforts to return to playing and has been a regular at games
as well to show his support for his team-mates. He said: "It's been a long
time and it has been quite frustrating. I was hoping to get back a long time
ago. It's been tough, a few setbacks here and there, I thought I was getting
there and then something else happens.
"It wasn't one problem but two or three different things that are quite
complicated things and have proved quite hard to get rid off. It sounds a
bit silly but it may have been a better to have had a straightforward injury
like a broken leg or something like that as you know when you might come
back."
While Gabbidon does not know exactly when he will return, he is determined
to make an impact when he does. "It's been going OK the last few weeks and
I've started to increase some of the stuff I've been doing. I know the back
is better than it was before and I can make a few targets and goals now and
hopefully in a month I may be running and closer to training and then I can
incorporate a few more targets and goals into my programme.
"It's good when you can see yourself progressing, you get more confident and
positive and hopefully in the next couple of weeks I can keep progressing.
Then I'll take it week by week, and month by month.
"The medical staff been great all season and really positive with me which
is great as when you've been out a long time you need the physios to keep
having faith in you. It rubs off on you and you've got to have that positive
outlook yourself. It's been tough sometimes but they have all been great and
really helpful. I've got to keep that positive mindset myself and hopefully
I'll get there."
The 2005/06 Hammer of the Year believes he has unfinished business at the
Boleyn Ground and is eager to say thanks on the pitch. "The club have been
great. I have been to see a few different people and they have been really
good for organising that and anything I have wanted they have done. I can't
fault the club for the effort they have put in to try and get me back fit.
Hopefully I can get back in and start repaying them.
"I have spoken to the manager a few times. He has been really good with me.
He asks me how I am, what has been going on and when I am going to come
back. He is a really nice man and he says we are waiting for you to come
back.
"It is nice to know the manager is thinking about you. When you have been
out for a while you can think you are the forgotten man. It has not been
like that at all. The manager and Steve Clarke often ask how I am and how
long til I get back. That gives me added motivation to get back as soon as I
can."
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Dyer reflects on derby defeat
WHUFC.com
Although beaten 3-1 at home, West Ham United could take much from the
reserve encounter with Spurs
25.02.2009
Alex Dyer has shared his post-game thoughts exclusively with WHUTV after the
reserves just came up short in the London derby with Tottenham Hotspur on
Tuesday night.
It was to prove a more than even contest with the first half particularly
enthralling - but a touch of Premier League class was to prove decisive in
Spurs' favour as they ran out 3-1 winners after an Adel Taarabt hat-trick.
Dyer had plenty of positives to take from the game though - including the
forward play of goalscorer Anthony Edgar and Junior Stanislas and the
defensive partnership of Josh Payne and Matthew Fry.
"It was a good performance," said the coach. "We had a team of young lads
and they worked hard. We got an early goal from Anthony Edgar who had a good
night. He played very well but in the end we just ran out of steam and they
had a little bit more quality and we got punished in the end."
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Premier League Health launched
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will be among the clubs to benefit from a major new Premier
League programme
25.02.2009
The Premier League today announced an exciting partnership that will see
West Ham United help to tackle the many serious health issues that men
suffer.
Premier League Health is a unique £1.63m programme across all top-flight
clubs funded by the New Football Pools to help improve the state of men's
health, particularly in deprived areas, all over the country. West Ham
United will unveil details of the club's intiative which will also see them
working more closely with the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research UK to
raise awareness of bowel cancer - which is the second highest cause of death
for men residing in Newham.
• The fact remains that English males have a major problem with the poor
state of their health;
• Men still have a lower life expectancy than women (77, compared with 81);
• Men have a higher incidence rate for cancers and suicide;
• More than 120,000 men in the UK die prematurely each year;
• Men are less likely to go to a GP or pharmacy and don't seem to want to
participate in public health improvement programmes as much as women do.
The wider project will also aim to tackle issues as diverse as depression
linked to unemployment, obesity and general poor physical health, as well as
alcohol and substance abuse. It will target men aged 18 and over, with many
clubs placing NHS health trainers within the stadiums themselves, taking
referrals from local GPs.
The project will also encourage men to play more sport, with some training
them to become football coaches themselves. They will also point the men who
take part in the direction of other agencies that might be able to help
improve their health.
Premier League Chief Executive Richard Scudamore said: "Premier League clubs
have shown in recent years the diverse range of issues that they can tackle
through the extensive work they do in their communities. Many already
partner with their local Primary Care Trusts, using the interest that people
have in the club to help improve their health. In fact, almost 90,000 people
took part in health-specific activities at our clubs last season.
"Only a few years ago football clubs were viewed solely as teams that
competed on the pitch every weekend. A modern day Premier League club does
far more than that. They now employ hundreds of staff dedicated solely to
running an array of community-focused projects that are having an enormous
impact. I am sure Premier League Health will go on to do the same."
Ian Penrose, Chief Executive of Sportech PLC, who own The New Football Pools
said: "With the re-launch of the Pools this season comes a renewed
commitment to fans and their communities. Over its 85-year history the Pools
have contributed over £1.1bn to football, other sports and good causes.
Today, we are delighted to be contributing further to this legacy ensuring
The New Football Pools are as relevant to football and society as ever. Our
new games and products engage daily with a new generation of Pools players,
providing ongoing funding opportunities for tremendous social programmes
such as Premier League Health."
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Boro v West Ham preview
Everton await the winners in the quarter-finals
Last updated: 25th February 2009
Ssn
Middlesbrough hope the FA Cup will provide some welcome respite from their
Premier League woes in the fifth-round replay at home to West Ham United.
Gareth Southgate's side have tumbled into the relegation zone after failing
to win in 14 games, while also scoring just once in nine league matches.
Boro have at least troubled the scorers in the FA Cup, beating Barrow and
Wolves en route to facing West Ham, with the first fixture finishing 1-1 at
Upton Park. Southgate insists Afonso Alves should not shoulder all the blame
for Boro's problems in front of goal and the Brazilian striker is set to
start up front. Jeremie Aliadiere is pushing for a place after coming on as
a substitute in the 0-0 draw with Wigan on Saturday, but Didier Digard is
out. Digard is facing a battle to play again this season after the French
midfielder suffered knee and thigh injuries following a challenge by former
Boro youngster Lee Cattermole at the weekend. Marlon King, who was
ineligible to face parent club Wigan, is still unavailable after he featured
in the FA Cup while on loan at Hull City. Chris Riggott and Andrew Taylor
are out, while Brad Jones is expected to retain his place in goal ahead of
Ross Turnbull.
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is treating the FA Cup seriously and will pick
as strong a team as possible for the replay at the Riverside. Zola has
already enjoyed one successful cup trip to the North East this season after
Valon Behrami and Mark Noble scored in a 2-0 win at Hartlepool in the last
round. Lucas Neill is available after missing the 2-1 defeat at Bolton due
to suspension and he is likely to replace Jonathan Spector at right-back.
With James Collins out for a few weeks due to injury, James Tomkins is
hoping he will be given the nod to partner Matthew Upson at centre-half.
Czech Republic midfielder Radoslav Kovac is in line to make his Hammers
debut, while fellow new boy Savio Nsereko is pushing for his first start.
Dean Ashton, Luis Boa Morte, Danny Gabbidon and Kieron Dyer are out, while
youngster Bondz N'Gala has travelled with the squad.
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Spec's back in the frame for Hammers after long-awaited return
2:14pm Wednesday 25th February 2009
Guardian Series
HAMMERS defender Jonathan Spector insists he 'couldn't be happier' to have
made his first start of the season against Bolton Wanderers on Saturday,
after reaching the end of a long road to recovery from a hip injury. The USA
international showed no signs of the injury that has kept him on the
sidelines since last April as he looked assured on the right side of the
defence, while he also set up Scott Parker for West Ham's only goal of the
game. Spector has returned to the bench in recent weeks, but finally got his
chance to impress as he stepped in to replace the suspended Lucas Neill at
the weekend. The versatile defender revealed it had taken a lot of hard
work and patience to get back to full fitness, but hoped that he could now
kick on and re-establish himself as a regular in the Irons' line-up. "I
couldn't be happier to get my first 90 minutes under my belt, but more
importantly it is about winning the game and unfortunately we couldn't so it
is all a bit bitter sweet," he said after the team's 2-1 defeat at the
Reebok.
"Of course it's frustrating when you're not playing, but at the same time
you just keep going. "We have a great team, with a lot of strength in the
squad and the team has been playing extremely well, so it is understandable
that I wasn't going to work my way in, but you just have to make the most of
your opportunities when they come along. "I'm more than happy to be here.
Obviously I want to be in the starting XI, as does everyone else here and
that is why the squad is so strong." Spector admits that his favoured
position is in the centre of defence, but for now he is just happy to be
involved. "It's been a while since I've played, but I will take my chance
wherever they come. I certainly enjoy playing in the middle. I think I would
eventually like to settle as a central defender, but at the same time, today
I had the chance at right back and I will take that."
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Does Juande count on me? Asks Faubert
by Laurent Picard , 25 February 2009
setanta.co.uk
Julien Faubert has spoken of his frustration to have been omitted from the
Real Madrid squad for the second consecutive time. The Frenchman, who is on
loan from West Ham, has only appeared once for Los Merengues, coming on as a
substitute for 30 minutes in the Spanish league game against Racing
Santander without impressing his manager Juande Ramos. Faubert was not
included in the squad that hammered Real Betis 6-1 last weekend at the
Santiago Bernabeu, and he will not appear in the Champions League clash with
Liverpool on Wednesday night. The frustrated right-footed star has hinted
that his coach may not be an admirer of his football. Faubert told L'Equipe:
"It's hard. I have no idea why and I haven't been told anything. "The other
players are starting to understand the way I play my football, they are
aware that I like to make the most of spaces. "I think that I have already
improved technically and physically. I'm not going to give up but I don't
know on what I should work, what aspect I should improve. "Perhaps the coach
doesn't like anything (about his football). I must play to prove myself
because I don't have much time."
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Kovac set for West Ham debut tonight
25.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Radoslav Kovac is set to make his West Ham United debut in tonight's FA Cup
replay at Middlesbrough. The 29-year-old on loan from Spartak Moscow, has
had just one 90-minute match for his country in Morocco since joining the
Hammers, but he is likely to replace Mark Noble in the line-up tonight.
Kovac's arrival at West Ham is seen as a coup across Europe as he was also
wanted by Inter Milan and Juventus last season.
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A Tale of Two number 10s (and others)
Admiral Lard - Wed Feb 25 2009
West Ham Online
West Ham United Reserves Vs Tottenham Hotspur Reserves – Woodside Park,
Bishops Stortford – 24 Feb 09
A short train journey from Liverpool Street got me to Bishops Stortford's
Woodside Park in time for a Guinness and Pie. The impressive, compact
stadium with it's excellent playing surface makes an ideal setting for
reserve team fixtures.
A liberal sprinkling of Hammers and Spurs fans mingled amiably together in a
crowd roughly double the regular Bishops Stortford gathering. The clubhouse
and changing rooms are refreshingly "local".
The highlight of my evening was a moment just after halftime standing nose
to nose with Clive Allen after a glaring miss from one his charges and
reminding him "it's only a game Clive"…….. His response clearly suggested it
was no such thing.
As for the game it was fast and furious. Effectively this was an under 19's
fixture with a couple of notables. Spurs played a Portugeezer (Roche) in the
heart of their defence and the highly impressive Moroccan Adel Taarabt at
number 10.
Taarabt was the difference between the teams. His hatrick included 2
excellent outfield goals and a very well taken penalty against the otherwise
impressive Stech. His first cancelled out Anthony Edgar fine near post
strike. My mate and I were standing behind the goal and had to take cover a
number of times in a breathless first 10 minutes.
After the initial flurry, with the score at 1-1, the game settled into a
frantic stalemate with all and sundry running down blind alleys. All, that
is, apart from Taarabt who stood head shoulders above the rest. Tottenham's
winners came late in the game, 86 and 90 mins, the last being the penalty.
There was little to take from the game. A few young men had a chance to
shine and some did well. In the bar after the game I had a chat with the
father of 19YO left back Ashley Miller. Ashley played well on the night
though his opportunities to progress have been few and far between.
I also had a chat with Junior Stanislas who came into the bar to watch the
second half of the Mannure Milan game. Junior informed me he would have been
in the squad for Middlesboro had it not been for his cup tied status
following his stint at Southend.
IMHO Junior was guilty of running down more blind alleys than anyone else on
the night. He is a maisy dribbler alright and created our first chance by
beating 3 defenders finally stopped illegally on the edge of the box. He
took an excellent free kick which fizzed just past the keepers right stick
and my right ear….
That was about Junior's lot for the night. Dribbles here, dribbles there,
dribbles bleedin' everywhere almost each and everyone followed by a
misplaced pass. It would be harsh to judge him on this performance playing
with young, inexperienced players who could not read him.
It was a little like when I saw Joe Cole for the first time. Joe was playing
for England U21s (age 17) against Argentina at Craven Cottage. A different
class of player and yet the similarities were all too apparent. I'd be
delighted to hear from anyone who has seen Junior play with more experienced
colleagues and tell me he is the creative midfielder we all wish him to be.
Jack Jeffery and Zavron Hines fulfilled the striking roles in the first half
but got little change from the highly experienced and talented Roche.
It was a entertaining contest, my host is a spurs fan so needless to say I
beat him to within an inch of his life (Well he got the first round at the
final whistle). Woodside Park is a credit to Bishops Stortford and the Blue
Square South. I look forward to seeing a more experienced reserve side run
out there in the months to come.
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Green slams Curbishley over 'unattractive' football
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 25 February 2009 - 8:37 AM
Robert Green has slammed former boss Alan Curbishley and says West Ham are
playing some of the most attractive football seen at Upton Park for years.
West Ham face Middlesbrough in their FA Cup fifth round replay on Wednesday
night with the Hammers looking to set up a last eight clash with Everton.And
Green reckons the new style of play brought in by manager Gianfranco Zola
has completely transformed the club since the turgid offering served up by
Curbishley's side. I think attractive football is crucial," said Green. "I
think we finished 10th under Curbs without sometimes playing the most
attractive football and you could feel the disappointment from the fans.
"It's difficult because needs must sometimes but if we go out with the idea
from the outset that we have the principle of trying to play football then
people will give you that bit more of a chance. "We're trying to play good
footballand when it comes off we're a good team to watch and play for."
The Hammers have failed to win in their past three matches and Green knows
they will have to be at their best if they are to improve on the 1-1 draw
between the two sides in the original fifth round clash. He added: "We
didn't play well against Middlesbrough last time and we were glad to get a
replay. "We had more than enough chances but we didn't take them. It's a
learning curve and we have to learn that if we don't play at 100 per cent
then it will be difficult for ourselves."
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Thank You so much to those who have already contributed
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