WHUFC.com
Robert Green has hailed the solid protection he has received from his
defenders of late
24.04.2009
They say nobody appreciates the art of defending as much as a goalkeeper and
that certainly seems to be the case with West Ham United's No1 Robert Green.
England international Green has been beaten just three times in the last
seven games and he puts the success firmly on the shoulders of those playing
directly in front of him.
"It speaks volumes for the lads that there have not been too many games
where I have been overly stretched," Green said. "Out of those seven, it's
been a fairly quiet ride for me. It's been a tremendous effort by the guys
and everyone involved.
"Organisation is the key and that comes down from the manager all the way
down to the players, with concentration and things like that along with hard
work and being tough to beat, which when we've got so many attack-minded
players out through injury or suspension it's paramount that we do something
at the back."
The strong rearguard showing is all the more impressive considering the
changes enforced on manager Gianfranco Zola through injuries and suspension.
Green explains that having such tight-knit group with good understanding has
been the key to not letting the difference in personnel affect performances.
"We've now got five or six players in the back four that can slip in and
we've been playing together for a quite a while now. Herita [Ilunga] has
come in and this season and has played virtually every game since he arrived
and has been tremendous.
"Everyone knows each others games and everyone is going into the games
fairly sure of their roles."
Two of those players who have put the team's cause before their own in
recent weeks have been James Tomkins and Lucas Neill. Tomkins has filled in
at right-back to cover for captain Neill's switch into a central midfield.
Their professionalism and enthusiasm to help the team out have impressed
Green.
"Tomka has been fantastic since coming back from being on loan. He is
learning all the time the difficulties and demands of the Premier League and
he is equipping himself tremendously well and it is credit to him that he is
part of such a solid defence.
"Lucas is playing every position under the sun and he is doing a tremendous
job and doing it for the team and underlines his importance to this club and
the team as well."
The Hammers' defence will no doubt face another stern examination on
Saturday when the multi-million pound attack of Chelsea visits the Boleyn
Ground. Green is hoping for better fortune than in previous years, spurred
on by the resilient showing in the 1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge earlier this
season. He said: "It will be a tough game. They'll be buoyant after their
result last weekend and they'll fancy their chances of going on to win the
FA Cup.
"It will be interesting to see the importance of where they see themselves
in the race for the title and whether they figure themselves in the race for
that and whether they see it as a priority for their top side. But they've
always got a nucleus of 18 top players and it's always so tough.
"I've been here a few years now and this is my third time playing against
Chelsea and we've not done ourselves justice against them at home. We did
get a good result against them at Stamford Bridge earlier this season and
we'll be looking for another performance of similar solidity at the back and
hopefully take a couple of chances at the other end."
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Richard House
WHUFC.com
Saturday's Premier League match against Chelsea has been dedicated to
Richard House children's hospice
24.04.2009
West Ham United have dedicated Saturday's Premier League fixture against
Chelsea to raising awareness and funds for Richard House children's hospice.
Richard House, situated in Beckton, is one of West Ham's two designated
charities. London's first children's hospice, Richard House has been
providing free care and treatment for youngsters with life-limiting and
life-threatening conditions and assistance to their families since it was
opened in 2000.
Hammers players Mark Noble and Junior Stanislas recently visited Richard
House, where they spent an afternoon meeting children and their parents,
playing football, planting pots in a greenhouse and helped the youngsters
make some models.
"It's nice for us to come here and see the kids and see how they're getting
on," said Stanislas. "I hope it was nice for them too. Obviously they have
problems of their own but hopefully us coming and mixing with them
brightened their afternoon."
A special feature on the pair's visit to Richard House is available in
Saturday's official matchday programme.
A number of initiatives will take place on Saturday to help to promote
Richard House and its invaluable work in supporting youngsters and their
families. Collections will take place around the Boleyn Ground, while West
Ham's players will warm-up in Richard House t-shirts before the game.
Around £1.8m in voluntary donations is needed every year to keep Richard
House running.
Richard House will host a number of fundraising events later in 2009,
including a London to Paris cycle ride and the Three Peaks Challenge. For
more information about these and other events, visit
richardhouse.org.uk/supportus/events/
Anyone interested in volunteering to collect funds for Richard House should
contact the community fundraising team on 020 7540 0213.
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West Ham v Chelsea
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 25 April Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: Full commentary BBC London 94.9, DAB & online; Score updates on
Final Score, BBC Sport website and BBC Radio 5 Live; live text commentary on
BBC Sport website; Highlights on Match of the Day
BBC.co.uk
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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West Ham hope to have the fit-again Radoslav Kovac back for the game at
Upton Park. Teenage striker Freddie Sears will again be included in boss
Gianfranco Zola's squad.
Chelsea team news to follow later.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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West Ham (from): Green, Tomkins, Upson, Collins, Dyer, Ilunga, Neill, Boa
Morte, Stanislas, Nsereko, Noble, Di Michele, Sears, Tristan, Lastuvka,
Lopez, Payne, Hines, Kovac.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
West Ham assistant coach Steve Clarke: "We have been playing well recently
and but we haven't beaten one of the big teams yet and it would be nice to
start at the weekend. "It is just another game for me. It is three more
points in the chase for a place in Europe. "I had great times at Chelsea but
it has gone, it is in the past and I have to look forward. I am at West Ham
now."
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West Ham v Chelsea preview
Kovac in line for return; Chelsea face defensive problems
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 24th April 2009
SSN
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 1 Chelsea 2
Sky Bet odds: West Ham 4/1, Draw 11/5, Chelsea 5/6
One to Watch: Frank Lampard
West Ham will be chasing their first win over London rivals Chelsea since a
Paulo Di Canio strike separated the two sides back in 2003. Chelsea had been
on a run of six straight victories over the Hammers since then, but ex-Blue
Gianfranco Zola halted that run earlier in the season when his side earned a
1-1 draw at Stamford Bridge.
In the lead up to that clash in December, West Ham were languishing in 16th
place. But after enjoying a significant reversal of fortune, the Hammers are
now up to 7th and pushing for a Europa League spot. Chelsea on the other
hand saw their league ambitions dashed in midweek when they failed to
overcome Everton at home, leaving Guus Hiddink's men six points behind
Manchester United and having played a game more.
The Dutchman may now opt to turn to his squad players in order to keep his
side fresh for the crunch UEFA Champions League semi-final tie with
Barcelona on Tuesday.
John Obi Mikel and Franco di Santo could both be in line to start, while
Salomon Kalou should be recalled from his substitute role in the previous
two games. Michael Essien is likely to be given a break after enduring a
demanding return from the six-month lay-off that he suffered earlier in the
season. Chelsea's biggest problems lie at the back though, with Ricardo
Carvalho struggling from a hamstring strain, Jose Bosingwa still missing and
Ashley Cole unlikely to be risked for the game with a minor injury.
With Cole also suspended for the first-leg tie with Barcelona, Juliano
Belletti or Michael Mancienne may be given the chance to state their case at
left-back, in the likelihood that Alex is preferred in the centre.
West Ham will have to do without former Blue Scott Parker who remains
sidelined with a groin injury, but Radoslav Kovac could return from a thigh
strain to feature.
Jonathan Spector is also on his way back after suffering concussion earlier
in the month, while James Collins is a doubt with a calf injury that could
rule him out. Up front the partnership of David Di Michele and Diego Tristan
may well be retained after an impressive showing against Aston Villa, and
the midfield is likely to remain unchanged with no new injury worries to
contend with. Otherwise, long-term absentees Carlton Cole, Valon Behrami and
Jack Collison remain unavailable.
Possible starting XI's:
West Ham: Green, Tomkins, Upson, Collins, Ilunga, Neill, Boa Morte,
Stanislas, Noble, Di Michele, Tristan.
Chelsea: Cech, Ivanovic, Alex, Terry, Belletti, Ballack, Mikel, Lampard, di
Santo, Kalou, Malouda.
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Zola, Clarke to ink long-term West Ham deals today
24.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke will sign their new contracts with West Ham
United today. The Telegraph says Zola and Clarke will sign new four-year
contracts at West Ham, ending speculation over their future. West Ham were
keen to reward Zola and Clarke after the promising start they have made at
the club, who are seventh in the Premier League table and vying to qualify
for next season's Europa League. Talks were opened last week with chief
executive Scott Duxbury and were concluded on Thursday with West Ham due to
make an announcement later today ahead of tomorrow's League match against
Chelsea.
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West Ham serious about winning Europa League - Clarke
24.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United are serious about qualifying for the Europa League - and
winning it - says assistant manager Steve Clarke. "I want to be involved in
European football every year," said Clarke, "and so do the club. You have to
push yourself and challenge yourself. Maybe next season we'll get to the
stage where we think, 'I wish we hadn't qualified', but we'll deal with that
when we come to it. "The only tangible thing we can take from this season is
to qualify for Europe. So if you're ambitious, you have to chase the highest
that you can get. "Only time will tell about the strain it would place on
our squad, but our injured players will be back in pre-season so we'll be
stronger and then it's another test of management, of coaching, to utilise
your players as best as you can to challenge for every competition."
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West Ham's Tomkins keen to meet Chelsea captain Terry
24.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender James Tomkins hopes to catch up with John Terry
after their clash with Chelsea. Tomkins, 20, said: "This is the first time
I've faced Chelsea and it would be great to get the chance to talk to John
Terry. "He's the perfect captain for his club and country and if he's not
playing then Chelsea struggle. "He's a vocal lad with real presence, command
and leadership. "I'd love to be able to bring some of his passion into my
game."
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Hammers coach: 'Chelsea is a big chance for us'
2:20pm Friday 24th April 2009
Guardian Series
WEST HAM number two Steve Clarke insists Saturday's game with Chelsea will
be an ideal opportunity for the team to claim their first big scalp of the
season. The Hammers have claimed impressive draws at Stamford Bridge and
the Emirates this year, but they have yet to topple one of the league's Big
Four. And there would be no better time to buck that trend, as the Irons
seek to cement seventh place, and a Europa League spot, with Tottenham
breathing heavily down their necks. Clarke insists the team will go into
the game looking for a victory, inkeeping with the attacking mentality he
and Gianfranco Zola have brought to the side since their arrival last year.
"We have to be organised and respect their strengths, and be prepared to
play against them," he said. "If you're just going to sit there and defend
it's going to be a long 90 minutes. We've been playing well recently, we've
not beaten one of the top teams yet and Saturday would be a good time to
start. "I'm sure they'll think about resting a few players for the match.
Hopefully it will be a very attractive and open game of football that
everyone can enjoy and we get the right result."
While some English clubs have viewed European competition as a necessary
evil, and a distraction from the league, Clarke insists it is a benchmark
they must aspire to.
"I want to be involved in European football every year. If it's one thing I
miss with Chelsea it's involvement with the Champions League. Why should the
club not want to be involved. You have to push yourself and challenge
yourself. Maybe next season we'll get to a stage where we wish we hadn't
qualified. But we'll deal with that when we come to it. If there's one
tangible thing we can take from this season is qualification for Europe. If
you have ambition then you have to chase the highest that you can get.
"If the season stopped today we could look back with satisfaction but the
season's not finished yet. We want to see the job out and get seventh."
Clarke was reluctant to take the credit for the team's notable ascent this
season, and insisted it was the players who should take the plaudits for
putting the coaches' ideas into practice. "The club wanted us to be together
as a team and work on a long term project, not a quick fix," added Clarke.
"The club have backed us 100 per cent and we'd like to repay that faith and
get as high up the league as we can. Anyone can walk in with ideas, but the
players have to take the credit for making those idea work and embracing
them. "We came in with a philosophy of how we wanted them to play and it
wasn't easy for them at the start. Went on a terrible run but they kept
believing and we kept telling them that this was the right way and
eventually this season, we've had our rewards."
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