WHUFC.com
16.03.2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v West Bromwich Albion
Boleyn Ground
Monday 16 March
8pm
Referee: Mark Halsey
Final score - West Ham United 0-0 West Bromwich Albion
Full-time - No we will not as the visitors survive the final three minutes
without a shot coming in. It has been a frustrating night for the Hammers,
but there are still positives to be taken into next weekend's trip to
Blackburn Rovers.
90 min - Three minutes of added time. Will we see a winner in east London?
The Hammers are throwing everything they have forward.
86 min - A corner to the Hammers after more good work by Stanislas. He then
takes the set-piece but the Baggies break away with the ball and Boa Morte
has to show his defensive prowess to stem the West Brom attack.
85 min - James Tomkins wins another tackle at the back for the Hammers. The
defender - who has just been called up to represent England at under-20
level has been superb tonight.
82 min - Second sub for West Ham as Mark Noble is replaced by Luis Boa
Morte, who has just returned from a groin injury.
79 min - The Baggies make a double substitution. Fortune and Chris Brunt
leave the field and Jay Simpson and Luke Moore come on.
77 min - Another great bit of play from Stanislas as he crosses from the
left and Di Michele heads inches wide. Better from the home side, but they
need to find a goal soon.
74 min - A great run from Stanislas on his debut as he tricks his way past
two men. Promising start from the Academy graduate.
68 min - He is and Savio is the player to make way.
67 min - Savio becomes the first player to be booked after a late tackle. It
looks like Stanislas will be joining us soon...
64 min - The Hammers need to get a hold on this game if they are to take the
spoils. Will Zola turn to his substitutes soon?
63 min - The visitors have another corner. It is played to the edge of the
six yard box but Green comes out bravely to claim it.
59 min - A great ball from the pick sets Savio racing into some space. He
beats his marker well, but then fires his curling shot high and wide.
57 min - Tonight's attendance at the Boleyn Ground is 30,482
55 min - The danger is not over just yet though as West Brom have a
free-kick 25 yards out. Morrison hits it straight into the wall.
54 min - Not just yet anyway as the West Ham No1 picks himself up off the
floor.
51 min - Corner to West Brom on the left. It is taken short to Morrison. He
crosses and Shelton Martis heads off the crossbar. In the process, Green is
caught in the face by a stray elbow and stays on the ground. Will Jan
Lastuvka be coming on for his Premier League debut?
47 min - Di Michele works an opening but fires a left foot shot high and
wide. That was a half-chance. Meanwhile, initial reports suggest Matthew
Upson has suffered a calf strain.
46 min - We're off and running again at the Boleyn Ground. West Ham make a
bright start, but eventually the ball goes out for a West Bromwich Albion
throw-in.
Half-time - No we are not and the teams walk off the field. Robert Green's
fine save after 27 minutes has been the highlight thus far. The Hammers will
need to step it up a gear if they are to get the three points needed to move
four points clear in seventh.
45 min - Half-time is nearly upon us in east London and neither side has
registered a worthwhile shot yet. Is that going to change during the one
minute of added time?
43 min - As well as the three teenagers West Ham have on the pitch at
present, Junior Stanislas and Josh Payne are warming up on touchline. Will
either of them get their first taste of Premier League action tonight?
40 min - A Noble cross from the right is clipped towards Scott Carson's goal
by Savio. The German under-20 international does not quite get enough on his
shot to trouble the former England stopper though.
38 min - This is much better from the Hammers. The tempo and energy to their
play has returned and they are knocking the ball around nicely. Parker tries
his luck from 30 yards but it flies just over.
36 min - Sears wins his side a corner with another energetic run down the
left. Noble takes it and after Neill and Tomkins have shots blocked, West
Brom get the ball clear.
34 min - The Hammers break and a Mark Noble cut-back is hit goalwards by
Sears, only for a last ditch Baggies block to deny him.
33 min - Another corner to visitors is dealt with expertly by James Tomkins'
head.
31 min - Walter Lopez and Luis Boa Morte get a generous round of applause as
they warm up on the touchline.
29 min - A set-back for West Ham as Matthew Upson has to be carried from the
field. Jonathan Spector replaces him and Lucas Neill moves inside to
centre-half.
27 min - Fantastic save by Green after a dangerous run by James Morrison.
The Baggies midfielder beat three men and was one-on-one with the England
international, who spread himself well to smother the shot.
23 min - West Bromwich Albion have a corner after Green just slides over the
goal-line, while trying to collect a loose pass. The corner is swung into
the far post and Paul Robinson goes down in the area but Mr. Halsey waves
away his claim for a penalty.
21 min - Savio gets clattered by Gianni Zuiverloon, but referee Mark Halsey
chooses to keep his cards in his pocket. Let's hope I don't have to type his
name too many times tonight!
18 min - West Brom register their first effort on goal as Fortune rifles in
a shot from a tight angle on the right. The ball flies into the side-netting
and does not trouble Robert Green.
14 min - The home side win a corner after good work from Herita Ilunga,
David Di Michele and Savio. Noble swings the ball in but it is punched clear
by Carson.
12 min - West Brom have settled slightly now and are trying to knock the
ball around. West Ham seem to have anything they can offer under control at
present, though.
9 min - Weather-wise at the Boleyn Ground, we're looking a mild, clear
evening. Herita Ilunga has tried to warm it up even further with a firm,
clean tackle in his own area.
5 min - The pitch is in perfect condition with horizontal stripes running
across it. The groundsmen must have been hard at work in the 15 days since
the last game here.
3 min - The visitors have already misplaced a few paces and look short of
confidence. Can the Hammers grab an early goal to pin them back even more.
2 min - And Savio is involved as well now, sliding in to try and stop the
ball going off for a goal-kick. He just fails but manages to take the corner
flag out in the process.
1 min - A crunching first-minute tackle from Sears. That will do his
confidence the world of good.
1 min - Jonathan Greening and Marc-Antoine Fortune get us underway.
7.59pm - It is a big night for the two youngsters coming into the team, as
Savio starts for the first time and Sears starts for the first time in the
league for nearly four months. Can they repay Zola's faith?
7.56pm - Here come the two teams to the strains of 'Bubbles'.
7.55pm - The pre-match preparations are almost over here at the Boleyn
Ground. A win for West Ham tonight would strengthen their claims for a
seventh-placed Premier League finish. Victory would carry the Hammers four
points clear of eighth-placed Wigan Athletic.
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has made two enforced changes to the
side that beat Wigan Athletic on 4 March. Savio and Freddie Sears come in
for the injured Jack Collison and suspended Carlton Cole respectively.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Noble, Parker, Kovac,
Savio, Di Michele, Sears
Subs: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Payne, Boa Morte, Stanislas, Tristan
West Bromwich Albion: Carson, Zuiveloon, Olsson, Martis, Robinson, Morrison,
Koren, Greening, Dorrans, Brunt, Fortune
Subs: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Teixeira, Simpson, Moore, Bednar
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West Brom stifle Hammers
WHUFC.com
West Bromwich Albion held West Ham United to a frustrating goalless draw in
east London
16.03.2009
West Ham United were left frustrated as Premier League basement boys West
Bromwich Albion secured a battling goalless draw at the Boleyn Ground.
Gianfranco Zola was forced to make two changes from the team that won 1-0 at
Wigan Athletic on 4 March. The suspended Carlton Cole was replaced by
Freddie Sears while another 19-year-old, Savio, came in for Wales
international Jack Collison.
The Hammers made a neat start on a beautiful playing surface at the Boleyn
Ground, with Sears looking lively both offensively and defensively. At the
other end, West Brom's players appeared nervous, needlessly kicking the ball
into touch on no fewer than four occasions within the opening ten minutes.
It was the home side, looking for a victory that would have carried them to
within six points of sixth-placed Everton, who looked the most likely
scorers in the opening stages, with both Sears and Savio keen to get
involved in the action.
For all their possession, however, West Ham could not create a clear-cut
opening and as so often happens in those circumstances, it was the Baggies
who fired a warning shot across the Hammers' bows on 18 minutes. James
Morrison and Jonathan Greening combined to release Marc-Antoine Fortune
inside the home penalty area, but the French-Guiana-born striker could only
rifle his shot into the side-netting at the near post.
The home supporters were heaving two more sighs of relief soon afterwards,
the first after referee Mark Halsey waved away Paul Robinson's claim that he
had been hauled back by Lucas Neill inside the penalty area. Then, on 27
minutes, goalkeeper Robert Green was out smartly to block Morrison's low
shot with his legs after the Scotsman had ghosted past James Tomkins, no
doubt impressing the watching England head coach Fabio Capello.
West Ham's luck did run out on 29 minutes, though, but in the shape of an
injury rather than a goal. Matthew Upson was the victim and was stretchered
off with a suspected calf strain. Jonathan Spector replaced the England
defender, with Neill reverting to the centre of defence.
The loss of Upson appeared to galvanise the Hammers, with Sears seeing his
first-time shot from Mark Noble's cut-back blocked by Shelton Martis.
Seconds later, Neill saw a header and follow-up shot blocked following
Noble's left-wing corner.
Into the second half and West Ham continued to hold the upper hand in front
of a 30,842-strong crowd. Less than two minutes in, David Di Michele worked
an opening for himself, only to launch a left-foot shot high into the Bobby
Moore Stand. Shortly before the hour-mark, Savio did likewise.
In between the two chances, however, Tony Mowbray's side came within a lick
of paint of stealing a shock lead. The lively Chris Brunt beat his marker
before curling over a delicious cross that the towering Martis headed
powerfully against the underside of the crossbar. The incident also saw
Green left pole-axed after appearing to be caught by the Baggies' Swedish
defender Jonas Olsson, although no action was taken by referee Halsey.
As the game meandered on, Greening chipped narrowly over before Savio was
booked for a late challenge on Morrison and then replaced by Junior
Stanislas with 21 minutes remaining. Stanislas, a 19-year-old Academy
graduate, was making his Premier League debut following a successful loan
spell at League One side Southend United earlier this season.
The wideman almost conjured an opening goal for Di Michele on 76 minutes,
but the on-loan forward was only able to direct his header wide of Scott
Carson's far post.
With West Ham struggling to maintain the pressure on their lowly opponents,
Mowbray sent on strikers Jay Simpson and Luke Moore for Brunt and Fortune
with a little over ten minutes remaining. Zola responded by replacing Noble
with Luis Boa Morte, who received a rapturous reception from the home
faithful on his return from a groin problem.
Martis received a yellow card shortly afterwards for bringing down Sears,
but the home fans had little else to cheer in the closing stages as a game
finished goalless at the Boleyn Ground for the first time since Portsmouth's
visit on 15 November.
While manager Zola will be frustrated at not having taken all three points
from the Premier League's bottom side, he will have been pleased with the
assured display of teenage central defender James Tomkins, who appears to be
settling into life in the top-flight nicely.
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Collins receives Wales call
WHUFC.com
James Collins has been selected in the Wales squad for two crucial 2010 FIFA
World Cup qualifiers
16.03.2009
West Ham United defender James Collins has been named in the Wales squad for
his country's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifiers against Finland and Germany.
The 25-year-old, who is back in training after a hamstring strain, is in
line to earn his 28th and 29th caps in the Group Four fixtures at Cardiff's
Millennium Stadium.
The powerful centre-back has been an important figure for John Toshack's
squad in their bid to reach next summer's finals in South Africa. Wales go
into the pair of matches - to be held on Saturday 28 March and Wednesday 1
April respectively - third in their group, level on points with
second-placed Russia.
Collins' West Ham team-mate Jack Collison misses out on selection after
suffering a knee injury in the 1-0 Premier League victory at Wigan Athletic
on Wednesday 4 March. The midfielder, who has four caps, is expected to be
sidelined for out of action for around six weeks.
Azerbaijan and Liechtenstein round out Wales' six-team group, with the top
team - currently Germany - qualifying automatically for the World Cup
finals. Should Wales finish second, they will face a play-off against one of
seven other second-placed finishers in the UEFA qualifying competition.
Wales have not reached a major tournament since qualifying for the World Cup
in 1958, when they reached the quarter-finals before Pele's goal sent them
to a 1-0 defeat by Brazil.
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West Ham 0-0 West Brom
By Saj Chowdhury
BBC.co.uk
Basement club West Brom failed to take advantage of an injury-hit West Ham
side in a mediocre draw at Upton Park. The Baggies had the best chances,
with Jonathan Greening firing over, James Morrison seeing his shot saved and
Shelton Martis hitting the bar. West Ham rarely threatened, although both
David di Michele and Savio should have hit the target with their efforts.
The home side also had Matthew Upson carried off injured, and keeper Robert
Green floored by a heavy challenge. However, it was later revealed that
Upson was walking freely after being taken into the tunnel on a stretcher,
while Green said he "would live to fight another day". That was the only
good news for Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola, who watched his side produce
a below-par performance. The Baggies conjured up the best and only clear
chance of the first half when Morrison was inexplicably allowed to weave
into the penalty area before firing in a low shot that was saved by the feet
of Green. West Ham failed to come up with anything as exciting in the West
Brom box during that period, although the spritely Freddie Sears had an
effort on goal blocked, while his other shot was deflected on to the roof of
the net. The Hammers cause was certainly not helped by the injury to
centre-back Upson, who was replaced by Jonathan Spector. West Ham improved
slightly in the second half but again failed to give Scott Carson much of a
workout in the West Brom goal. Both Di Michele and Savio, making his first
start, should have tested the keeper but both fired wildly over. West Brom
wasted two good chances to punish the London side but first Greening dinked
his shot over the bar from six yards and then Martis powered his header on
to the bar from closer in. And there was another injury scare for the home
side as the ball struck their crossbar, with Green appearing to be caught by
Jonas Olsson's elbow and requiring treatment. Three points would have given
West Brom a glimmer of hope regarding survival but at the end of the 90
minutes it seems Tony Mowbray's team will now need a miracle.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "We missed a few important players and
West Brom played well. "West Brom had very good chances and they could have
gone in front, which is why I'm saying this was a very good point for our
team." On Matthew Upson's injury: "It isn't bad. He was carrying a calf
problem."
Robert Green on Jonas Olsson's challenge: "Looking at the replays on the
television, he's caught me with a good one. "Luckily it was on a sturdy
part of my face rather than an eye socket or my nose. "That could have done
me some proper damage but I'll live to fight another day."
West Brom boss Tony Mowbray : It was there for us to win tonight - I don't
think West Ham were 100% at it. "We had good opportunities to win the game.
James Morrison missed one and Jonathan Greening clipped his shot over the
bar. "We find it hard to keep clean sheets but we did that but
unfortunately we didn't do it at the other end."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson (Spector 29), Ilunga, Noble (Boa
Morte 82), Kovac, Parker, Nsereko (Stanislas 68), Di Michele, Sears.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Tristan, Payne.
Booked: Nsereko.
West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison (Filipe
Teixeira 88), Koren, Dorrans, Greening, Brunt (Simpson 80), Fortune (Moore
80).
Subs Not Used: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Bednar.
Booked: Olsson.
Att: 30,842
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: West Ham's Scott Parker with 6.67
(on 90 minutes).
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Warnock may sue over Tevez saga
BBC.co.uk
Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock may sue West Ham after the
conclusion of the legal dispute between the clubs over Carlos Tevez. On
Monday a settlement was reached over the Blades' compensation claim for the
part Tevez played in keeping West Ham up in 2007 as Warnock's side went
down. The Crystal Palace manager told the Daily Mail: "I'll be looking into
this. "I just wanted to see the club's case out of the way first. I should
still be a Premier League manager." Monday's agreement between the clubs
suggested an end to the long-running affair, but players from the Blades
team that were relegated also intend to pursue their compensation claim. "We
understand, but have not been informed officially, that the club's dispute
with West Ham has been settled," Chris Farnell, the lawyer representing the
players, told The Times. "However, the players' claim will continue
independently. We have made correspondence with West Ham's lawyers as
recently as the end of last week."
West Ham told The Times that they have not received a claim from the
players. In April 2007, West Ham were fined £5.5m by the Premier League for
breaking rules over third-party agreements when taking striker Tevez and
fellow Argentine Javier Mascherano to Upton Park. But they were not docked
points and, ultimately, went on to ensure their Premier League survival,
with Tevez playing a key part with his goals, including three in the last
two games. Warnock spent seven-and-a-half years as Blades manager before
resigning three days after they were relegated on the last day of the 2007
season following a defeat at home by Wigan. As the Blades were losing that
day, Tevez scored West Ham's winner at Manchester United - the club the
forward went on to join after he left West Ham. Reacting to Monday's
settlement between Sheffield United and West Ham, Warnock added: "It
justifies what we've said all along. "We've had a lot of people criticise us
for taking it this far - but that's what justice is all about. "But this
still doesn't make it right for me or the United fans - or anyone else
involved."
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West Ham Utd 0 WBA 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 16th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham stumbled to a draw tonight against a West Brom side who, despite
the point, remain four points adrift at the bottom of the Premier League.
The Hammers, severely weakened by injuries to a number of key personnel
struggled to make an impact on an opposition that had taken just one point
from their last 11 away fixtures prior to tonight. Whilst Monday night
affairs rarely if ever provide an electric atmosphere tonight's was dampened
further by today's confirmation of West Ham United's multi-million pound
out-of-court settlement with Sheffield United. Predictably the away support
provided a regular chorus of 'cheats!', something that West Ham followers
will have to get used to in the wake of today's news. For once the home
fans - the 30,842 present providing the club's lowest Premier League gate
for three years - failed to respond, as if embarrassed to do as as a result
of what many perceive to be a total climbdown by the Board. That lack of
inspiration from the terraces clearly affected the players, and United's
recent good form was nowhere to be seen as they managed to muster just a
handful of half chances all night. Matthew Upson joined Gianfranco Zola's
ever-growing list of injuries when he became the latest casualty, being
carried off the field after just half an hour with a calf strain. Although
initial reports suggest the injury is not serious Zola, already missing
first team players James Collins, Valon Behrami, Jack Collison, Kieron Dyer,
Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole would be forgiven for fearing the worst.
Upson's enforced departure hardly helped to lift a crowd that had had little
to cheer up until that point - Rob Green providing the only real talking
point of the first half with a fine save when left one on one with James
Morrison. The second half was to provide little more in terms of
entertainment and bar a 76th minute glancing header from David Di Michele,
applying the finish to an inswinging cross from debutant Junior Stanislas,
there were barely any other goalmouth incidents of note.
West Brom had slightly better luck in the final third but Jonathan
Greening's attempted chip which sailed over the bar and a header that shook
Rob Green's bar (although the effort wouldn't have counted due to Green
receiving a clump in the face from Jonas Olsson) were as close as the
Baggies got to recording only their second away win of the season. So whilst
the point keeps the Hammers well-positioned in seventh spot (and takes them
to the magic 40 point mark) Gianfranco Zola will have some thinking to do
ahead of this weekend's trip to Blackburn. Badly lacking any potency up
front - and with Carlton Cole suspended for one more game - the Italian boss
will have his work cut out finding goals from an attack that has mananged
just four goals from their last seven outings.
West Ham Utd 0 West Bromwich Albion 0: Match Stats
West Ham Utd: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson (Spector 29), Ilunga, Noble (Boa
Morte 82), Kovac, Parker, Savio (Stanislas), Di Michele, Sears.
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Payne, Tristan.
Booked: Savio (67).
West Brom: Carson, Zuiverloon, Martis, Olsson, Robinson, Morrison (Teixeira
88), Koren, Dorrans, Greening, Brunt (Simpson 80), Fortune (Moore 80).
Subs not used: Kiely, Hoefkens, Cech, Bednar.
Booked: Olsson (83).
Referee: Mark Halsey (7).
Attendance: 30,842.
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Honours even at Upton Park
Baggies six points from safety after lacklustre draw
Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN
Man of the match: Chris Brunt for his solid performance and numerous assists
in a hard fought draw.
Effort of the match: Shelton Martis' leaping header rattling the woodwork
early in the second half.
Save of the match: Scott Carson's second block after a double-shot by Lucas
Neill from close range.
Talking point: Is it all over for Tony Mowbray's West Brom with only a
handful of games to go?
West Brom had to settle for a point in a lacklustre goalless draw with West
Ham at Upton Park, leaving them six points from safety. In a game with only
two shots on target, the Baggies - try as they might - just could not find a
way through a packed Hammers defence. Shelton Martis came closest for the
visitors, with a leaping header rattling the woodwork early in the second
half. Jonathan Greening's slice over the crossbar from close range for the
Baggies soon after was the only other chance of note in the 90 minutes. Now
six points from safety at the foot of the table, Tony Mowbray's side will
see the draw as two points dropped and a further nail in the coffin for
their hopes of Premier League survival. On the day that the Carlos Tevez
saga was declared over - with the Hammers and Sheffield United finally
coming to an agreement - it looked like the Baggies were at the start of
staging an amazing recovery. But in terms of entertainment, it was in short
supply. Marc-Antoine Fortune, playing in attack on his own for the visitors,
smashed an effort into the side-netting but that was the sum total of the
early chances. The Baggies had gone eight previous games without a clean
sheet so Mowbray tried a new centre-back pairing - Jonas Olsson returned
from a knee injury and Martis was given his first top-flight start.
Mowbray's selection appeared to tighten his defence, although it made for
dull football. Predictably, the first talking point came from a set-piece,
after Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green needlessly conceded a corner when the
ball was drifting out for a goal-kick midway though the opening period.
Chris Brunt's set-piece was aimed at the far post where Paul Robinson went
to ground under a challenge from Lucas Neill - but referee Mark Halsey
awarded a goal-kick.
James Morrison created the first genuine chance of the match after Gianni
Zuiverloon won the ball in midfield. Morrison charged forward, breezing past
James Tomkins and Neill before Green bravely saved his finish. The hosts
were merely looking to contain West Brom at this stage and the task was not
made any easier when Matthew Upson was carried off on a stretcher after
picking up an injury, with Jonathan Spector coming on. Carlton Cole supplied
11 goals this season before picking up his second red card of the campaign -
and Freddie Sears was given the chance to fill the void left by Zola's
suspended first-choice striker. Hammers youngster Sears had an effort
blocked by Martis and another deflected onto the roof of the net before the
half-time whistle. Despite Sears' efforts, West Brom would have felt they
had the better of the first 45 minutes - and they should have been ahead 10
minutes after the restart. Brunt made a yard of room for himself on the left
flank and his cross was headed against the crossbar by Martis, with Green
requiring treatment for a head injury he picked up while attempting to save.
Savio went on an exciting run but finished it with a shot that almost went
for a throw-in, then he got booked for a sliding challenge on Morrison as
the Baggies midfielder raided down the right flank. It was the last
contribution the youngster made as Zola brought on Junior Stanislas for the
final quarter, replacing the player he bought in a £9million deal in
January. Greening was off target with his glorious opportunity with 19
minutes remaining, accepting Morrison's pass and waiting for Green to commit
but chipping his finish over the crossbar.
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Toshack hopeful over duo
Wales boss keen for Bellamy and Collins to feature
Last updated: 16th March 2009
SSN
Wales boss John Toshack remains hopeful that Craig Bellamy and John Collins
will be fit for their forthcoming World Cup qualifiers. The duo have been
included in Toshack's squad for the Cardiff meetings with Finland and
Germany on 28th March and 1st April, respectively, despite both being on the
sidelines with injury. Manchester City striker Bellamy is out with a knee
problem while West Ham defender Collins is battling a hamstring injury and
both may not feature again for their clubs before the international
fixtures. But with Toshack admitting the Group Four date with Finland is
'win or bust' for Wales' World Cup 2010 qualification hopes, he is desperate
to have the pair available for at least one of the forthcoming fixtures. "We
will have a good look at Bellamy and Collins when they join up with the
squad, and just see what the situation is then," he said. "It may be
difficult to ask either of them to play two games in five days. But we will
monitor what they do with their clubs in training, and then assess the
problem. "But they are confident and they know how important they are for
us. "Collins is our most experienced defender, he's 25 now and a regular at
international level. The same applies to Bellamy, he is our most important
striker. "This first game of the two qualifiers is the most important. We
cannot afford to lose against Finland, it is win or bust for us. "We have
two of Europe's best sides - Germany and Russia - in our group and only one
will qualify by right. So for us or Finland to have a chance, our game is
winner takes all."
Bellamy has not played since 1st March before limping out of the defeat at
West Ham, while Collins has been out since 21st February. Toshack may face
opposition from Manchester City chief Mark Hughes - his predecessor as Wales
boss - and West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola over the availability of both
players. He added: "I am hopeful that Bellamy and Collins will be fit. The
information we have had is optimistic. "These two are big, important players
for us, and we desperately need them to be available. "We have talked to
Craig. The initial fear was that he could be out for several weeks, but it
now seems the initial damage was not as bad as first thought. "Craig is
always very wary when the injury involved his knees. But I believe he is
hopeful he will be OK. James feels the same. "There is a possibility that
they could be involved this weekend for their clubs, but we will just have
to wait and see."
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Neil Warnock: Premier League to blame for destruction of a dream
Independent.co.uk
Tuesday, 17 March 2009
It was a bittersweet moment when my old chairman at Sheffield United, Kevin
McCabe, told me the club had agreed a deal with West Ham United for
compensation over the Tevez scandal. I felt fully vindicated. I was just
very disappointed I have relegation on my CV when it should not be there.
We worked our butts off to get Sheffield United into the Premier League and
I was convinced we would stay. This is final confirmation that we would have
but for illegal means. On a level playing field we would have stayed up.
Am I bitter? What do you think? These should have been the best years of my
life. There is no way I would have left the club if we had stayed up. It was
my dream job, my hometown club, a club I supported, and I was managing them
in the best league in the world. It's an ill wind, as they say, and I'm
enjoying the challenge of managing Crystal Palace and the experience of
living in London, but that feeling can never be replicated whatever else I
achieve in the game. Personally, I feel I suffered more than anybody, and
not just financially.
I am bitter that Richard Scudamore, who as chief executive is the overseer
of the Premier League, can remain in his job. It was obvious from the word
go that the Premier League just wanted to brush it under the carpet with an
attitude of "it's only Sheffield United". That is a disgrace.
So, I'm feeling a mixture of emotions right now. One thing I do know, now
the case between the clubs has been settled, I'll be taking legal advice
myself.
Neil Warnock is the former manager of Sheffield United
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£25M FOR TEV.. BIG FAT ZERO FOR FANS
The Mirror
By Mike Walters 17/03/2009
WEST HAM 0 WEST BROM 0
The most expensive day in West Ham's history finished with a paupers'
banquet. As well as a £25million invoice from Sheffield United, Gianfranco
Zola's men stumbled on the road to Europe, while wooden-spoonists West Brom
had only crumbs for comfort to show for an enterprising display. And in
front of watching England coach Fabio Capello, defender Matthew Upson,
carried off with a calf injury after 28 minutes, was almost certainly ruled
out of the World Cup qualifier against Ukraine this month. Albion manager
Tony Mowbray, who keeps Easter eggs in his office fridge, has given up
chocolate for Lent, but the Baggies' soft centre has made them favourites
for an instant return to the Championship. Mowbray's team is an odd mix of
purist principles, good intentions and death-wish defending. But they
tiptoed down the Barking Road with the worst goals-against record in the
Premier League and most pundits believing even the Milk Tray man himself
cannot save them from the drop. Anchored to the bottom, and further adrift
than Robinson Crusoe, even the admirable Mowbray's teamsheet read like a
letter of resignation. In came Dutch defender Shelton Martis, 21, and
Scottish midfielder Graham Dorrans, making their first starts on the Prem's
Quality Street. But if West Ham, chasing a UEFA Cup spot, thought West
Brom's resistance would be flimsier than a chocolate bar wrapper, they were
mistaken. Zola's reign began six months ago with a watching brief as the
Hammers slumped to defeat at the Hawthorns, and that proved a foretaste of
Albion's first-half domination. Even before Upson became the third West Ham
player to be carried off in as many games inside half-an-hour, the visitors
were in the ascendancy. Hammers skipper Lucas Neill was lucky to escape
conceding a penalty for blatant shirt-pulling on Paul Robinson, and Dorrans
extracted a fine save from Robert Green. Before the £25m bill for Carlos
Tevez came in from Bramall Lane, Zola had taken his squad to Marbella last
week for warm-weather training - and they played as if they still had more
appetite for tapas than Mowbray's chocolate assortment. It would be
stretching the point to say Upson's injury - he followed Valon Behrami and
Jack Collison into casualty - disrupted West Ham's rhythm because they had
none.
When David Di Michele was presented with an opening 90 seconds after the
restart, he lashed his shot high and wide. But without Collison and Behrami,
West Ham's artistic impression was diminished. And Savio, the £9m
Ugandanborn German Under-19 international, struggled to bridge the cultural
divide between Vorsprung durch Technik and rhyming slang. Albion hit the
woodwork after 52 minutes as Martis headed Chris Brunt's left-wing cross
against the bar. Green was poleaxed by Jonas Olsson's stray elbow in the
aerial jostling. Had Martis directed his effort an inch lower, referee Mark
Halsey's appetite for controversy would have been sorely tested.
West Ham: Green 7, Neill 5, Tomkins 6, Upson 6 (Spector, 29, 5), Ilunga 6,
Parker 6, Kovac 6, Noble 6, Savio 4 (Stanislas, 68), Di Michele 5, Sears 5.
West Brom: Carson 6, Zuiverloon 7, Olsson 7, Dorrans 7, Robinson 6, Greening
6, Koren 6, Martis 8, Brunt 7, Morrison 6, Fortune 7.
Ref: Mark Halsey ATT: 30,842
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Pardew: No winners in Tevez affair
by Robin Hackett , 17 March 2009
setanta.co.uk
Alan Pardew has told Setanta's Football Matters show that he believes
neither West Ham nor Sheffield United will be entirely happy with the
resolution of the Carlos Tevez affair. Pardew was in charge at Upton Park
when Tevez and Javier Mascherano arrived at the club, but he was sacked and
replaced by Alan Curbishley midway through the season after a disappointing
start. And Pardew believes that it was the uncertainty surrounding their
arrival and MSI's potential takeover of the club that led to the club being
involved in the relegation battle and his dismissal. "We were in our second
year and people forget that," he told Football Matters. "We were having a
few jitters because we didn't start well. "The two boys came in and they
were terrific players and terrific people as well – both of them – and I
think we tried to integrate them but it didn't work. "There was a feeling
among the group that I was maybe favouring them or that there was the
influence of the potential takeover from their owner. "It proved to be too
much really." He added: "Their attitude and application was first-class, but
they had to settle in – it was a different speed and a different level. "If
there's one thing I regret about that time, it's that I didn't try to
introduce Carlos Tevez a bit later."
The affair was seemingly dealt with this week as West Ham offered a reported
£25 million in compensation. However, while Pardew feels it is good to draw
a line under it, he admits that both clubs would have preferred things to
work out differently. "I think the fans and the media are happy it's all
over," he said. "It's just gone on and on and on. "In terms of the deal
that's been done, I think both Sheffield United and West Ham will both be
pleased but also not pleased. "Sheffield United would have preferred to have
stayed in The Premier League and West Ham would rather have not paid £15
million. "It's a big cheque to pay out when you get nothing." He added:
"People talk about staying in The Premier League and the profit of staying
up, but you don't really get a profit because you spend that money on
players. "It's a big boost for Sheffield United, for sure."News has since
emerged that former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock and up to 20
players could still seek personal compensation.
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'Bitter' Warnock won't let Tevez affair go
by Tom Kell , 17 March 2009
setanta.co.uk
Former Sheffield United manager Neil Warnock could seek personal
compensation against West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair, telling Setanta
Sports News that 'heads should have rolled'. The saga looked to be over on
Monday when the respective clubs agreed an out-of-court settlement that
deemed The Hammerss would pay Warnock's former side an undisclosed fee as a
result of the illegitimacy of Tevez's transfer. The payment stems from The
Blades' feeling that Tevez contributed heavily to keeping West Ham in The
Premier League at their expense. "You work your butt off to keep a team in
The Premiership to find out somebody's taken it away by default," Warnock
told Setanta Sports News. "Too right I'm bitter. I think [Premier League
chief executive Richard] Scuadamore's a disgrace. How he's kept his job I
will never know. "If that was a bigger club than Sheffield United, there
would have been heads rolled. He would have been one of them, if not the
first. "I'm bitter he's kept his job and I've had to give up mine."
Now, although the clubs may have come to an agreement, Warnock, who resigned
from his Bramall Lane post just three days after relegation, feels he could
be due added monies. "I'll be looking into this now. I just wanted to see
the club's case out of the way first. "As far as I'm concerned, I should
still be a Premier League manager. And I think the players have a case,
too."This still doesn't make it right for me or the United fans - or anyone
else involved."
To make matters even worse for West Ham, a lawyer acting on behalf of as
many 20 former Sheffield United players says that they too could attempt to
claim their own compensation. "The players' claim will continue
independently and we made contact with West Ham's lawyers as recently as
last week,' said Chris Farnell of IPS Law.
A joint investigation by The Premier League and Football Association into
the Tevez and Javier Mascherano signings is ongoing.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Gianfranco Zola confidant of Europe place despite West Brom
setback
Gianfranco Zola has promised to put West Ham's injury problem behind them
and push for a coveted place in Europe.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 7:32AM GMT 17 Mar 2009
The Hammers' failure to beat bottom club west Bromwich Albion, without key
players missing through injury and suspension, highlighted their failings,
but Zola believes next season's Europa League remains a target. If Arsenal
overcome Hull in tonight's FA Cup, the finalists in that competition are
almost certainly going to be teams that have already qualified for Europe
through their League position. West Brom and Cardiff return to league
actionThan means the team that finishes seventh should play in Europe and
West ham remain in that position with nine games to go. "We have obviously a
few injury problems, big players missing for us, but we are going to have a
go at qualifying for Europe," insisted Zola. "We are going to try. Obviously
it's going to be harder than before, but we'll still try." West Ham's next
test is a trip to Blackburn followed by a home game against Sunderland.
Carlton Cole, missing through suspension last night, will be back at Ewood
Park but key midfielders Valon Behrami and Jack Collison are out for the
season. Zola admitted the lack of players is a hindrance, adding: "It
certainly doesn't help. We knew exactly what the problems could but, that's
why tried desperately to play differently (against west Brom). "To be
honest, we were not the same team we've been at other times, but I have to
say that West Brom were strong and played a very good match. They are a team
that is last in the table but they play good football and they are a
dangerous team."
Zola will check on key defender Matthew Upson today after the England man
was stretchered off early in the goalless draw, the third Hammer to leave by
the same means in three games. Despite the problems, West Ham's fans were
restless, booing their players off at the end. But Zola accepts that
response, adding: "It's okay. We know the supporters are very demanding all
the time. It doesn't bother me very much. The only thing is that, next time,
we'll try to be better. They make me find solutions."
Meanwhile, West Ham have granted Academy Director Tony Carr, 58, a
testimonial following 36 years' service at Upton Park.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 0-0 West Brom: Hammers give up football for Lent
By Mike Walters 16/03/2009
The Mirror
Tony Mowbray has given up chocolate for Lent - and West Ham have given up
football. Chocoholic West Brom boss Mowbray keeps his office fridge stocked
with treats for his sweet tooth, but not even the Milk Tray man could have
saved this abomination from its dreary fate. At the end of the most
expensive day in West Ham's history, perhaps it was fitting that a
£25million bill to settle the tedious Carlos Tevez soap opera should be
followed by a paupers' banquet. And while the Hammers stumbled on the road
to Europe in front of their lowest Premier League gate of the season,
Mowbray can take only crumbs of comfort from a game Albion dominated. As if
they hadn't been clobbered enough by m'learned friends' haggling over Tevez,
West Ham's point came at another high price as England defender Matthew
Upson was carried off with a calf injury in front of Three Lions coach Fabio
Capello. Upson is the third Hammers star to be carted from the premises on a
stretcher in as many games following Valon Behrami's ruptured ligaments and
Jack Collison's dislocated kneecap. But it would be stretching the point to
say West Ham's rhythm was disrupted by Upson's injury - because they had
none all night. Manager Gianfranco Zola took his squad away to Marbella last
week for warmweather training. Next time he should save the club a few bob
and just buy a few canisters of spray-on tan instead. Despite the keen
competition, most impoverished performance of the night came from record £9m
signing Savio, the Ugandan-born German Under-19 international who didn't
look like he knew rhyming slang from Vorsprung durch Technik. Sportingly,
Zola cocked a deaf ear to the boos, saying: "It doesn't bother me too much -
it just makes me think even deeper to try and find a solution. "To be
honest, we were nothing like the team we have been in recent weeks, and the
injuries didn't help, but West Brom didn't play like a side at the bottom."
Anchored to the basement, and more adrift than Robinson Crusoe, a point does
little to ease the Baggies' plight as wooden spoonists. They probably
deserved to nick only their second away win of the season. Skipper Jonathan
Greening blazed their best chance over the top however, and Hammers skipper
Lucas Neill got away with blatant shirtpulling on Paul Robinson from Chris
Brunt's corner. Shelton Martis, 21, also headed Brunt's left-wing cross
against the bar, although Hammers keeper Robert Green was poleaxed in the
aerial jostling by Jonas Olsson's stray elbow. Had Martis, who made an
assured Premier League debut, directed his effort an inch lower, referee
Mark Halsey's appetite for controversy would have been sorely tested. "The
players told me it was a foul, and Robert needed lengthy treatment to his
face - but that's OK, he has never been a good-looking man anyway!" quipped
Zola. As for Mowbray ... the trapdoor awaits, but at least he can still look
on the bright side. Only three weeks to go until that next chocolate bar,
mate.
West Ham: Green 7, Neill 5, Tomkins 6, Upson 6 (Spector, 29, 5), Ilunga 6,
Parker 6, Kovac 6, Noble 6 (Boa Morte 81), Savio 4 (Stanislas, 68, 6), Di
Michele 5, Sears 5.
West Brom: Carson 6, Zuiverloon 7, Olsson 7, Dorrans 7, Robinson 6, Greening
6, Koren 6, Martis 8, Brunt 7 (Simpson 80), Morrison 6 (Teixeira 88),
Fortune 7 (Moore 80).
Ref: Mark Halsey
Att: 30,842
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Were There For The Taking, Admits West Bromwich Chief Mowbray
Tony Mowbray was not exactly mowed over by his side's performance today...
17 Mar 2009 08:10:57
Tony Mowbray admitted that there was an air of dejection in the West
Bromwich camp following the 0-0 draw against an injury-hampered West Ham
side who were clearly not on top of their game. Still rooted to the bottom
of the table with less than 10 games to go, the Baggies are all too aware
that they can ill afford to miss any opportunities if they are to be somehow
able to beat the drop. "I've just been in the dressing room and we're a bit
flat to be honest, they know we could have taken three points there
tonight," Mowbray sighed on Setanta Sports after the game. "Our aim now has
to be to beat Stoke and Bolton at home, they both get balls into the box,
which has been a problem for us this season, so this is a big test for us,"
he added, before being unusually frank about the fragile state of mind of
some of his players. "For 27/28 games I've been picking the same players yet
the goals have kept going in. At some point you can't keep going back," he
added. "Shelton [Martis] came in tonight and his concentration was good, he
nearly went back on loan to Doncaster but he took his chance tonight. He
needs to make that position his own now. "Graham [Dorrans] is a good
footballer, he came in as a result of his performances on the training
ground and in the reserves. In our position, you need your confident
footballers on the pitch.
"We've got some decent footballers, in my opinion Borja Valero has been as
good as anyone at keeping the ball for us this season, yet he's a bit down
on himself right now.
"For me, we need confident players on the pitch so we put Graham in."
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham keeper Green fuming after Olsson clash
17.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is fuming over a stray elbow from
West Brom defender Jonas Olsson during last night's 0-0 draw. Green said:
"He's caught me with a good one. Luckily it was on a sturdy part of my face
rather than an eye socket or my nose. "That could have done me some proper
damage." Baggies defender Olsson could face an FA rap for the 53rd-minute
flashpoint. The Swede amazingly escaped any punishment for the challenge
which poleaxed Hammers' England keeper.
The FA can look into the incident as ref Mark Halsey appeared to miss it and
did not take any action. Baggies boss Tony Mowbray said: "Olsson would be
the last person to do anything on purpose. He's an absolute gentleman and
wouldn't do anything like that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Toffees put bite on Hammers' bid
PeterLee Mail
Published Date: 17 March 2009
Everton are set to beat West Ham to the signing of 19-year-old Plymouth
striker Ashley Barnes. (Daily Star) Meanwhile, Aston Villa are considering
requests from Nottingham Forest and Sheffield Wednesday to take striker
Marlon Harewood on loan. (Daily Mirror)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez deal done as Blades attack Premier League
Yorkshirepost.co.uk
17 March 2009
SHEFFIELD United chairman Kevin McCabe last night said he was happy with the
amount of compensation West Ham have agreed to pay over the Carlos Tevez
affair but reiterated his anger at the Premier League's 'failure' to ensure
the Hammers were properly punished first time around. Two years after West
Ham's rule breaches – and deceit over those breaches – were uncovered, the
clubs yesterday announced they had reached an out-of-court settlement over
compensation, which is understood to be between £15m and £20m. Though a
confidentiality agreement has so far stopped details of the final amount
becoming public, McCabe confirmed United had accepted payment in instalments
in recognition of the Hammers' current desperate financial situation.
An FA arbitration process, which found West Ham liable to pay compensation
last September, has now formally ended. But McCabe's frustration that the
London club was only fined for its conduct and the Argentine star was still
able to play the final games of the 2006-07 season – helping to keep West
Ham up at United's expense – still rankles. He said: "We are happy with the
financial outcome but not the events that led to it. Anyone who is
fair-minded will recognise that relegation was unjust. One side was
permitted to play players who should not really have been on the field of
play during that season. It's not just about West Ham, it's about the
governance of the game."
McCabe has given evidence to an ongoing FA and Premier League inquiry into
alleged further breaches of rules by West Ham and said he would be "awaiting
the outcome with interest." He added: "In many ways with the inquiry,
whilst West Ham undoubtedly breached the rules, there is another party that
has a lot to answer for in this whole dispute – the Premier League."
The current inquiry focuses on West Ham's actions after the Hammers were
fined £5.5m for signing up to a third party agreement with Tevez's 'owners'
– represented by Kia Joorabchian – to secure his signature and then
concealing the agreement from the Premier League. Controversially, the
Premier League allowed Tevez to play the final games of the season on the
understanding that West Ham had effectively ripped up the offending
third-party agreement with Joorabchian. However, the FA arbitration panel
dealing with United's claim for compensation heard evidence that West Ham
had actually told Joorabchian that the agreement remained in place and the
Londoners were only paying lip service to the Premier League's requirement.
Lord Griffiths, the chairman of the panel, said that had the Premier League
known what was said to Joorabchian's lawyer, Graham Shear, Tevez would have
been barred from playing in the critical final games of the season. As a
result, the FA and Premier League set up an inquiry to see if West Ham had
breached any further rules of either governing body. It is being carried out
by the Premier League's law firm DLA Piper. West Ham have insisted they did
nothing wrong in enabling Tevez to play the final games of the season and
have said they are co-operating fully with the inquiry. A Premier League
spokesman said the rulebook had been followed in reaching the original
decision to fine West Ham. He added: "As regards Lord Griffiths' comments
on alleged further rule breaches, there is an ongoing joint Premier
League/FA inquiry looking into that."
As part of a joint statement from the clubs yesterday, Scott Duxbury, West
Ham chief executive, said: "For everyone concerned, the time was right to
draw a line under this whole episode. "We have had very positive
discussions over a number of days with Sheffield United and acknowledge
their willingness to resolve this in the best interests of both clubs."
United and West Ham were keen to emphasise that relations between the two
have been restored to help diffuse a potentially explosive fixture next
season should the Blades win promotion back to the Premier League. McCabe
refused to be drawn on how United will spend the money – beyond "sensibly" –
but given the general economic downturn and the gradual spread of payments
it is likely that reducing debt, managing a still hefty wage bill and
ensuring football remains relatively affordable at Bramall Lane will be the
highest priorities.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
While Blades count the money, players continue to seek further compensation
from Hammers
Yorkshirepost.co.uk
Date: 17 March 2009
By Ian Appleyard
SHEFFIELD United's players are still seeking a further £3.5m in compensation
from West Ham United over the Carlos Tevez affair. Although the Hammers have
agreed to pay over £15m to the Blades for the cost of relegation from the
Premier League, that does not include payments for individual loss of
earnings or bonus payments related to avoiding the drop. Lawyers
representing the players are still awaiting a response from the Hammers
legal team, but are set to meet with the 18 involved before the Blades
depart for a training camp in Malta later this week. Chris Farnell, partner
in the Manchester-based IPS Law, said: "We are aware that the clubs have
agreed a settlement between themselves. We had not been consulted in
relation to that. Our claims continue independently." Barnsley defender Rob
Kozluk, one of the players released by the Blades just weeks after the
relegation, says the agreement between the two clubs does not compensate
fully for the loss of Premier League football. "No amount of money can
compensate for the loss of Premiership status so, as far as justice is
concerned, I don't think this makes a difference," he said. "Look at what
could have happened – Sheffield United and its players still playing in the
top flight. "They say West Ham paid a heavy price, but they are still
playing Premiership football."
Richard Batho, who was previously chairman of the Blades Independent Fans
Association, was among the party of over 100 supporters who lobbied MPs at
Westminster during the club's 'Fight for Justice' two years ago. Batho, now
involved with 'bladesonline.com' said: "A greater sense of justice has now
been done rather than what took place at the time of the original hearing.
"It doesn't make up for that bitter feeling of relegation but it does go
some way to acknowledging that we were wronged and our relegation was not
fair. "We would want the club to be sensible with the money that now comes
in – just as they have been sensible with all other monies," he added. "We
need to make the club stronger. We need to remain a financially stable club.
That is an on-going process. "And although the headline figure looks
enormous, it looks like it will come in via instalments."
News of the agreement will be welcomed by Hammers Italian manager Gianfranco
Zola, who had been seeking clarification on his club's financial muscle
going forward.
Speaking before the deal was finalised, Zola said: "Once the agreement is
reached it will be good because we can sit down and plan for the future,
knowing exactly where we are and what we are dealing with. "That will give
us a clear picture for the future, and we can sit down and plan. "
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