WHUFC.com
West Ham United Academy director Tony Carr was pleased with the 2-0 home win
over Fulham on Tuesday
28.04.2009
Academy director Tony Carr was in positive mood after guiding his West Ham
United Under-18 side to a 2-0 FA Premier Academy League win over Fulham at
Little Heath on Tuesday.
Anthony Edgar and Cristain Montano were on target as the Hammers held off
the challenge of a strong Fulham team, delighting Carr and his staff with
their application and attitude.
With a host of youth team players turning out for Alex Dyer's reserve team
at Portsmouth a week ago and again for the Under-18s in the 5-0 victory over
Bristol City on Friday, the Academy director was also pleased with the
fitness levels of his young charges.
"It was a physically tough game and they pushed us all the way and it was
key who scored the first goal. I think we just edged it in the second half.
We got the penalty which was undisputed and Anthony tucked it away nicely.
In the second half I thought we grew in confidence, matched them physically
and got the second goal and then created three or four more very good
chances.
"Overall I was very pleased because it was our second game in five days. It
takes its toll and the boys have had a long, hard season because a lot of
the boys have been turning out for the reserves as well as the Under-18s.
We've got one game to go away to Spurs and it would be nice to end with a
win there. With Spurs going for the title in their league, it will be a very
tough call, but we'll give it our best shot."
While Tuesday's success was based on a determined all-round team
performance, Carr was particularly impressed with the displays of captain
and central defender Matt Fry and goalscorers Edgar and Montano, who also
scored twice against Bristol City.
"Matty Fry was terrific. He was blocking balls and winning headers and
tracking runners and getting tackles in. It was typical Matty Fry. He led by
example. Anthony Edgar was terrific too in terms of his attacking flair and
I thought he was our player of the game. He was excellent. I just took him
off with 20 minutes to go to rest him for the weekend.
"Cristian has come good over the last half-dozen games of the season. He has
predominantly been a left-sided player for us but I've gambled and put him
up front as a striker and he's grown in confidence. He's a handful. He's
big, he's strong and he's quick and if he can improve his control at times
and his finishing ratio he could do very, very well. There's plenty of time
for us to improve those sides of his game."
Having endured an inconsistent opening half to the season, Carr's team has
found a winning formula in recent weeks, tasting victory seven times and
losing just two of the eleven matches they have played in 2009.
The Hammers, who could secure a top-three Group A finish with victory at
Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, will hope to end the season on a successful
note when they take on the Group B title-chasers this weekend.
"We don't want to speak too early before the Spurs game as we could go back
to our old ways but we spoke to the boys and they've got a bit stronger as
the months have gone on. We're starting to find that consistency and got a
better all-round game. Individuals are starting to take responsibility in
their parts of the pitch and it's benefitted the team in terms of getting
good and consistent results."
While their league season will end on Saturday, Carr's players will continue
to train for another fortnight before beginning a well-earned summer break.
"We've put a friendly in because we want to look at a couple of trialists
next week and we'll train for a couple of weeks. We'll do a couple of
fitness tests before we send them off because we want to know where we stand
in terms of those levels for next season."
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Clarke signs new contract
WHUFC.com
Steve Clarke has followed Gianfranco Zola in pledging his long-term future
to West Ham United
28.04.2009
West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Steve Clarke has put pen to
paper on a new contract that will keep him at the club until at least summer
2013.
The first-team coach was joined by CEO Scott Duxbury in signing his contract
at the Boleyn Ground on Tuesday afternoon to follow in the footsteps of
Gianfranco Zola, who had finalised his own long-term deal last Saturday.
Clarke has more than played his part in the team's fine form since arriving
back in mid-September with the club riding high in eighth place and, with
four games to go, still in with a chance of UEFA Europa League
qualification.
Having achieved much during a distinguished playing and coaching career at
Chelsea, Clarke has enhanced his reputation at the Boleyn Ground. However,
the 45-year-old is not content to simply rest on his laurels and is hungry
to take the club to the next level. "I am delighted," he said. "I have had a
great time since I came here. We have done OK. There is a lot more still to
be done and the contract reflects that.
"It is a long-term contract and what Gianfranco and myself and the rest of
the coaching staff look forward to is improving things and working hard
every year to make things better and better at this football club."
The Scot paid tribute to his colleagues at Chadwell Heath, emphasising the
importance of a closely-knit unit. "There is a close working relationship
between us all. I think it is important as the players would spot straight
away a weakness between the coaching staff. The manager and his staff have
to be close and they have to believe in the same things. That is what we do
and we try and give that message to the players and so far it has been OK."
With key player after key player affirming their long-term commitment,
Clarke paid tribute to the continued backing given by the CEO and the
technical director Gianluca Nani. "It is a big statement by the club. They
want to keep this project together. They want the players to be part of it,
the management to be part of it. Hopefully next year we will get more
success than we have had this year. Not that I am saying this year wasn't
good but we can be better - so we keep striving."
Having overseen his initial appointment, Duxbury said Clarke was central to
his vision to make West Ham United successful in the years to come.
"Everyone knows how hard we worked to bring Steve here alongside Gianfranco
last September and we have been rewarded for that effort. He is a major part
of what we are trying to achieve and the respect he has at all levels of the
club is clear to see.
"Like Gianfranco, Steve is a winner and someone who is used to success. We
are all very confident that he can help move West Ham United to the next
level by passing on his knowledge and expertise to the experienced
internationals we have in the squad as well as our hugely talented
youngsters."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s see off Fulham
WHUFC.com
Goals from Anthony Edgar and Cristian Montano were enough to secure a 2-0
home win at Little Heath
28.04.2009
West Ham United Under-18s 2-0 Fulham Under-18s
West Ham United completed their complement of FA Premier Academy League
Group A home fixtures with a 2-0 win over Fulham at Little Heath.
A first-half penalty from Anthony Edgar and a header after the interval from
Cristian Montano were enough to see Tony Carr's side beat their west London
rivals on a cold and blustery Tuesday afternoon.
The Hammers were the better side for the vast majority of the game and could
have won by a wider margin had it not been for Fulham goalkeeper Wesley
Foderingham.
West Ham held the upper hand for much of the opening half against a Fulham
side managed by former Cottagers midfielder Gary Brazil, but could easily
have fallen behind on two occasions before Edgar's opener.
First, on eleven minutes, right-back Karim Laribi cut inside Conor Okus
before playing a one-two with Danny Hoesen and finding himself completely
unmarked 12 yards from goal, only to stab his shot well over the crossbar.
Eight minutes later, Hoesen ghosted past Matt Fry and Callum McNaughton,
only to launch his shot well over the target when it appeared easier to
score. Less than a minute later, Montano raced on to a through-ball, only to
be denied by the shoulder of Foderingham, who had raced out of his penalty
area/
The game was held up for five minutes midway through the opening period when
visiting midfielder Paudie Quinn had to be carried off on a stretcher with
what appeared to be a leg injury.
When play did resume, West Ham again took the upper hand and should have
taken the lead on 37 minutes. Fry challenged Foderingham for a lofted Callum
Driver free-kick, but when the loose ball dropped to the Hammers captain six
yards from goal, his left-foot shot from six yards cannoned back off the
underside of the crossbar rather than nestling into the completely unguarded
net.
Thankfully for Fry, he only had two minutes to worry about his miss as Edgar
confidently stroked West Ham ahead from the penalty spot. The lively
midfielder had earned the spot-kick himself, being felled by a clumsy
Sulaiman Bangura challenge after racing on to Driver's pass.
Into the second half and West Ham could have doubled their lead on 48
minutes. Nick Barrett and Montano combined to release Okus, who forced
Foderingham into a low save. The ball rebounded to Montano, but the striker
could only send his shot into the ground and on to the face of the crossbar.
Carr sent on defender Jack Lampe for McNaughton on 56 minutes before Barrett
was booked for a late challenge.
Left-back Driver was the next Hammer to be denied by Foderingham on the
hour-mark before Balint Bajner forced the goalkeeper into another superb
stop following superb build-up play from Montano and Edgar. From the
resulting 63rd-minute corner, taken by Oliver Lee, Montano nodded in at the
far post after Lampe had headed the ball back across the face of goal.
Georg Grasser and Ahmed Abdulla were sent on for Edgar and Sergio Sanchez
respectively as Fulham briefly threatened a rally through Hoesen, who twice
dragged shots wide from promising positions.
It was West Ham who finished the stronger, however, creating three further
chances in the final five minutes. First, Grasser raced the length of the
field, starting and finishing a move that also involved Okus and Abdulla
before shooting wide of the far post with his left foot.
Next, with a minute of the 90 remaining, Lampe caught Lee's left-wing corner
flush on the volley, forcing Foderingham to tip the ball over. From the
resulting corner, Bajner flicked the ball on at the near post, only for
Fulham substitute Charles Banya to clear the ball off the line.
Carr's youngsters complete their season by heading to Tottenham Hotspur on
Saturday morning. Spurs are top of Group B and need to win to hold off the
challenge of Leicester City and Aston Villa.
West Ham themselves have a chance of finishing second in Group A behind
runaway leaders Arsenal, who have already been crowned champions.
West Ham United: Street, Sanchez (Abdulla 78), Driver, McNaughton (Lampe
56), Fry, Barrett, Lee, Edgar (Grasser 73), Okus, Bajner, Montano
Subs not used: Loveday, Craig
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele determined
WHUFC.com
David Di Michele is focused on helping West Ham United's push for a
seventh-placed finish
28.04.2009
David Di Michele has spoken of his determination to help West Ham United
push on for a European spot in the final four games of the season.
The vastly experienced former Italy striker has plenty of experience of UEFA
competition, not least in scoring against the Hammers for Palermo during the
short-lived 2006/07 UEFA Cup campaign. In his first season in east London on
loan from Torino, Di Michele is eager to try and end the campaign on a high
despite the weekend loss to Chelsea.
"I'm a bit disappointed because I didn't play my best," he said. "I know I
let my coach down for once. But the season remains more than positive. We
are still in the position to get the qualification to UEFA Cup, which would
be unbelievable. There are still four games, we all are confident we can do
it."
Having spent his entire career in Italy, the 33-year-old has adapted quickly
to life in the Premier League but admitted he would like to have weighed in
with more goals than his four from 27 league appearances. "It's has been a
good season for me. Maybe I should have scored few more goals but I'm very
satisfied because I played much more games than I expected.
"I'm also surprised how well I settled down in London. My wife and my
children as well, we couldn't have asked more. I love life in London." The
No32 would relish the chance to stay on for longer but for now is focused
only Stoke City on Saturday while others determine his future.
"As I have already said many times I'd love to stay at West Ham for a few
more years. I feel good at this club and I really hope Torino will let me
stay here. But in football you never know what can happen and at this stage
my desire can't make the difference. It's up to the two teams to find an
agreement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke extends West Ham contract
BBC.co.uk
West Ham first-team coach Steve Clarke has signed a new four-year contract
at Upton Park. Manager Gianfranco Zola signed a new deal at the weekend and
his assistant has now followed suit. "There is a lot more still to be done
and the contract reflects that," Clarke, 45, told the club's website. "What
Gianfranco and myself and the rest of the coaching staff look forward to is
improving things and working hard every year to make things better."
Clarke was on the coaching staff at Chelsea during Zola's time as a player
at Stamford Bridge. He left the Blues to join Zola at West Ham after the
Italian was installed as manager last September. The pair have enjoyed an
impressive first season in east London, with the Hammers eighth in the
Premier League and chasing a European place.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele keen on West Ham stay
BBC.co.uk
West Ham's Italian striker David Di Michele is hoping he can remain with the
club next season after settling in well at Upton Park. The 33-year-old is
currently on loan from Italian club Torino until the end of the season. "I
would love to stay at West Ham for a few more years," Di Michele told the
official club website. "I am surprised how well I settled down in London. My
wife and my children as well, we could not have asked more."
Di Michele has scored four goals so far this season in 27 Premier League
appearances. "It's has been a good season for me," he said. "Maybe I should
have scored a few more goals, but I am very satisfied because I played much
more games than I expected." He said he is still hopeful that the Hammers -
currently eighth in the Premier League - can qualify for next season's
renamed Europa League. "We are still in the position to get the
qualification to the Uefa Cup (Europa League), which would be unbelievable,"
he said. "There are still four games, we all are confident we can do it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola ban leaves Clarke in the hot seat
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Steve Clarke will take control of the Hammers should Gianfranco Zola's side
qualify for next season's Europa League. Accordiing to reports Zola will be
forced to sit in the stands for any competitive European fixtures as he does
not possess the required UEFA Pro License - unlike Clarke, who is said to
have agreed to the potential temporary role as part of his contract
negotiations earlier this week.
West Ham are said to have reached an agreement with the Premier League, FA
and UEFA to name Clarke as head coach in the event of qualification for the
Europa League. United are currently eighth in the Premier League with four
games left to play. A seventh place finish is necessary to ensure
qualification for the competition, which replaces the long running UEFA Cup.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clarke deal confirmed
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Steve Clarke has ended any uncertainty over his future by signing a new four
year contract with West Ham United. Gianfranco Zola's number two, considered
the signing of the season by many supporters finalised the new deal earlier
today, three days after Zola himself committed to the club until 2013. "I am
delighted. I have had a great time since I came here," Clarke told
whufc.com. "We have done okay. There is a lot more still to be done and the
contract reflects that. It is a long-term contract and what Gianfranco and
myself and the rest of the coaching staff look forward to is improving
things and working hard every year to make things better and better at this
football club. "There is a close working relationship between us all. I
think it is important as the players would spot straight away a weakness
between the coaching staff. The manager and his staff have to be close and
they have to believe in the same things. That is what we do and we try and
give that message to the players and so far it has been okay. "It is a big
statement by the club. They want to keep this project together. They want
the players to be part of it, the management to be part of it. Hopefully
next year we will get more success than we have had this year. Not that I am
saying this year wasn't good but we can be better - so we keep striving."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele 'satisfied' with efforts
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
On loan striker David Di Michele has revealed that he is happy with his
performances this season - whilst admitting that he should have scored more
goals. The 33-year-old Italian striker has been a regular performer this
season as a result of the long term injury to Dean Ashton and the January
sale of Craig Bellamy to Menchester CIty. However in his 30 appearances thus
far this term he has managed to hit the net on just four occasions - a
strike rate which he admits isn't quite up to scratch. "It's has been a good
season for me," he told whufc.com. "Maybe I should have scored a few more
goals but I'm very satisfied because I played much more games than I
expected.
"I'm also surprised how well I settled down in London. My wife and my
children as well, we couldn't have asked more. I love life here. "As I have
already said many times I'd love to stay at West Ham for a few more years. I
feel good at this club and I really hope Torino will let me stay here. "But
in football you never know what can happen and at this stage my desire can't
make the difference. It's up to the two teams to find an agreement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lampard to return
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Frank Lampard is the latest ex-Academy player to have agreed
to feature in Tony Carr's testimonial fixture this summer. The Chelsea
midfielder - along with team mate John Terry, an academy player up until the
age of 14 will both feature in the testimonial for the long-serving youth
team coach. "Frank and John Terry have both agreed in principle to play,"
Carr told The Sun. "It speaks volumes about Frank that he is prepared to do
that for me after everything that's been going on." The testimonial for Carr
- whom club CEO Scott Duxbury recently described as 'an institution at West
Ham United' - comes as a reward for his 36 years unbroken service with the
club. Also likely to feature in the game, the date of which is yet to be
confirmed, are fellow academy products Joe Cole, Rio Ferdinand and Michael
Carrick.
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Clarke commits to Hammers
Scot joins Zola in signing new West Ham deal
Last updated: 28th April 2009
SSN
Steve Clarke has joined Gianfranco Zola in committing his long-term future
to West Ham by signing a new four-year contract. Hammers boss Zola has
repeatedly spoken of the pivotal role first team coach Clarke has played in
the club's success this season, in what has been an encouraging debut
campaign for the Italian. Clarke is a revered figure on the training ground
after previously establishing himself as a key tactician in Chelsea's
backroom staff under a number of managers, who were all united in singing
his praises. Zola put pen-to-paper on his contract at the weekend and now
Clarke has followed suit in striking an accord with the club's board. Clarke
is confident the club are heading in the right direction but is refusing to
rest on his laurels as he looks to make further improvements next season. "I
am delighted," he told the club's official website. "I have had a great
time since I came here. We have done OK. There is a lot more still to be
done and the contract reflects that. "It is a long-term contract and what
Gianfranco and myself and the rest of the coaching staff look forward to is
improving things and working hard every year to make things better and
better at this football club. "The manager and his staff have to be close
and they have to believe in the same things. That is what we do and we try
and give that message to the players and so far it has been OK."
Hammers chief executive Scott Duxbury was equally delighted with the deal as
he added: "Everyone knows how hard we worked to bring Steve here alongside
Gianfranco last September and we have been rewarded for that effort. "He is
a major part of what we are trying to achieve and the respect he has at all
levels of the club is clear to see. "Like Gianfranco, Steve is a winner and
someone who is used to success. We are all very confident that he can help
move West Ham United to the next level by passing on his knowledge and
expertise to the experienced internationals we have in the squad as well as
our hugely talented youngsters."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele eyes long stay
Italian happy with Hammers
Last updated: 28th April 2009
SSN
David Di Michele has made it clear that he would like to remain with West
Ham for years to come. The Italian striker has established himself as a key
figure in Gianfranco Zola's side since moving to Upton Park on loan last
summer. He is set to return to Torino next season but he has never hidden
his desire to stay with the Hammers. Di Michele has now reiterated his
stance, although he accepts that the final decision will be taken by the two
clubs. "As I have already said many times I would love to stay at West Ham
for a few more years," Di Michele told the club's official website. "I feel
good at this club and I really hope Torino will let me stay here. "But in
football you never know what can happen and at this stage my desire can't
make the difference. "It is up to the two teams to find an agreement."
Di Michele has scored just four goals this season but he has made 27
appearances and is happy enough with his overall contribution. He said:
"It's has been a good season for me. "Maybe I should have scored few more
goals, but I am very satisfied because I played much more games than I
expected. "I am also surprised how well I settled down in London. My wife
and my children as well, we could not have asked more."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Hammer of the Year Award - The Contenders
Mr Polite - Tue Apr 28 2009
West Ham Onlinbe
The Hammer of the Year award is nearly upon us and it is harder than usual
to choose a winner and thankfully for the right reasons. Below is a summary
of who I see as contenders for the award. The stats are to my knowledge
correct but do include the international games.
The Contenders
Robert Green:
Last year's winner it could possibly be argued hasn't had some of the
outstanding performances he did last term, but has still showed the class
and reliability to see him called up to the England squad. A solid season
from our Number 1.
40 Appearances 11 clean sheets.
Lucas Neill:
Lucas has come in for some criticism this season which in my opinion is
totally unfounded and usually dished out by people who read newspapers but
rarely go to games. The best captain we have had in years and the best right
back in years has had an excellent season as part of a pretty solid defence.
He has led the team admirably and his performances have matched. A
consistent performer that I would hate see leave the club even though many
disagree.
33 Appearances 1 Goal
Herita Ilunga:
A late signing and surely the shock of the season with his performances. Not
many had heard of the Congolese international by since joining has caught
the interest of leading clubs. Strong in defence and good going forward he
is a better player that McCartney in all aspects of his game and I for one
wasn't expecting to say that this year.
35 Appearances 2 Goals
Scott Parker:
Seeing how we've played in the last few matches compared to when he was in
the team is a good indication of the impact Scott has had on the team this
year. He's here, He's there he's every f'king where. Never stops running,
never stops challenging for the ball and is always looking for an outlet. A
lot of our play goes through Parker and it's only for the strength the
national team have in his position as to why he isn't an England regular. I
hope he stays for many a year.
32 Appearances 1 Goal
Matthew Upson:
It is no surprise that many of the contenders for the award this year are in
defensive areas. Much has been made of the attacking play under the Zola
regime but the one thing that has been so pleasing this season is that we
don't look fragile anymore. We have a strong and possible the main reason
for the success a settled defence and Upson has to take a lot of the credit
for this. Not only the way he plays himself but his role in helping Tomkins
develop into a fine prospect. Our vice captain is another of our players to
get noticed by the England manager and is widely thought of as 3rd choice
central defender for his country. 2nd if anyone had any sense.
43 Appearances 1 Goal
Jack Collison:
A young academy graduate that we expected might get a few games this season
but has surprised many with his maturity and style of play. Asked to play in
a new formation and in a position not familiar to him, he has handled the
pressure admirably and has been truly missed in midfield since his injury.
He can tackle, can pass and can score. He is always looking for an attacking
option and plays the game as you'd expect from a Tony Carr progeny.
21 Appearances 3 Goals
Valon Behrami:
Another one we have missed since being injured, Valon a really made his mark
this season with standout performances and never say die attitude. Runs and
runs and when you think he has done enough he runs some more. Bought as a
right back he made the right mid field position his own keeping French
Supremo Faubert out of the team. If Parker is the heartbeat of the midfield
he is the driving force. You could perhaps argue he doesn't score enough
goals, but that could be said of the team as a whole.
27 Appearances 2 Goals
Carlton Cole:
I personally don't view Carlton as a true contender for the award but have
included him for others to discuss. He certainly is missed when injured or
suspended but that is more to do with the quality we have to replace him
rather than the man himself. A good third choice striker and has put in the
effort that was required when called upon this year.
32 Appearances 11 Goals
James Tomkins:
Another from the Academy production line Tomkins can't have failed but
impress all who have seen him play since his return from Derby county. He
reads the games brilliantly, is good on the floor, in the air and is quick
on his feet and for this reason as seen Collins firmly put in his place of
the subs bench. With Neill and Upson two fantastic defenders either side of
him the best compliment I could give 'Tomka' is that he doesn't look out of
place.
12 Appearances 1 Goal
Mark Noble:
Crowd favourite Mark has been the arrow head of our midfield diamond and has
work extremely hard all season, none more so as in recent weeks when he has
been our best midfield player. The local lad plays for the shirt, that is
clear to see and will only get better in the coming years. I'm looking
forward to next season when I like to think he will be put under pressure
for his starting place as i think that will see him improve further.
30 Appearances 5 Goals
My choice would be Matthew Upson with Lucas Neill in 2nd and Scott Parker in
3rd. Jack Collison would be my choice of Young Hammer of the Year.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
When skies are grey
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th April 2009
By: Graeme Howlett
Nobody involved in the weekend's events surrounding the Chelsea game has
walked away from the affair smelling of roses.
Whilst the reputation of West Ham United's fanbase was further besmirched
the inflammatory post-match comments made by England captain John Terry will
have done little to change the minds of those who feel he was an
inappropriate choice for the job. Meanwhile the attack on Hammers fans by
Lampard associate and Chelsea fan Ian McGarry in the Sun could have been
straight out the pages of a fanzine; it was copy far from worthy of a paper
that prides itself on its sports coverage.
The irony is that those media outlets currently criticising the United
supporters for their chanting are the ones responsible for breaking the
story which led to the songs in the first place. Sun writer McGarry's
anti-Hammers rant in Monday's edition comes almost a month to the day after
the same newspaper featured the story of Mrs Terry's arrest on their front
page. No story = no chant, right?
Yet despite this, it's through the same channels that Terry chose to attack
Hammers fans following the match, which Chelsea won 1-0. The Chelsea captain
is quoted as saying: "I think West Ham's fans cross the line but I'm not
going to give them the chance to have a whinge. When we get stick like that
we are more determined to shut them up. We did that."
Well, yes he did. Chelsea won the game and Terry enjoyed celebrating the
victory in front of the home fans. Fair play to him, for as he also said: "I
will take it and I will give it back." Nobody could deny him that; after
all, banter between fans and players is something long associated with the
English game (even if Eric Cantona thought otherwise).
But banter is what it was on Saturday - not 'vile and hateful ... abuse' as
described by Lampard associate McGarry in the Sun. There was no real
nastiness or malice. Given that Frank Jnr had placed himself in the
spotlight by calling TalkSport live on air last week to answer criticism
relating to his personal affairs (something for which he received much
credit by many Hammers fans, it should be added), it is almost inevitable
that the story would have been referred to by opposing fans - regardless of
the venue.
The fact that it came ahead of this particular match was simply a pure
coincidence. The same can be said in Terry's case given the story's recent
widespread exposure.
What strikes me as a little odd however is that the Chelsea captain is happy
to continue to work with those who 'outed' his mother (for what after all
was a fairly insignificant offence in the grand scale of things). Given
that, it could be argued that the story is fair game for the subject of
banter. One could be forgiven for thinking that were Terry as offended as he
claims by the chanting, he would have refused to work with those particular
organisations any more. That doesn't appear to be the case.
There also seems to be some inference that this kind of dialogue is
something new in the game - which is patently untrue. On the KUMB.com forums
this week one member recalled a time back in the mid-1970s when QPR's Rodney
Marsh, recently seperated from his wife was jovially asked by a member of
the crowd where his good lady was. Marsh shrugged his shoulders, replied 'I
don't know mate' before smashing home a penalty - for which he received a
warm ripple of applause. A classier and wittier response, some might say.
More recently (2006) Sheffield United goalkeeper Paddy Kenny was ridiculed
by opposition fans after it was revealed in the papers (guess who?) that his
wife had left him for one of his close friends. Then-Wigan manager Paul
Jewell too. Undoudtedly it would have riled them, possibly upset them too -
but neither Kenny, Jewell nor Bowles saw fit to use the press as a vehicle
to express their hurt in the manner which Terry (who, don't forget was
accused of upsetting American tourists in the wake of 11/9 with
'inappropriate comments') has.
Of course, there is an argument as to what is and is not acceptable in the
current climate. West Ham fans have this week been placed on a parallel by
at least one mischievious journalist with those Spurs fans who chanted vile
abuse at Sol Campbell recently. Regardless of whether singing 'John Terry,
your mum's a thief' is as outrageous as claiming Campbell has a terminal
disease and should swing for his defection to Arsenal (that's the PG version
by the way) are we, as a nation, now at a stage in our cultural development
where traditional banter no longer has a place in football?
Already this season fans have been arrested for singing certain songs and
using offensive language; smoking has long been outlawed (not to mention
those bloody noisy wooden rattles that everyone had as a kid until some
bright spark discovered they may have alternative uses) - perhaps banter of
this nature is another bastion of the game that is outdated and better left
in the past?
With all that in mind, there's little than can be said about those who, it
has been claimed, sunk to the depths of making reference to the late Pat
Lampard (although there still appears to be some argument whether or not any
actually did) during Saturday's game (which, on the positive side, is said
to have been drowned out by a chorus of boos from decent fans). It doesn't
need me to say that this is abhorrent behaviour of the lowest kind, after
all no right-thinking individual would ever entertain the notion of joining
in with a song of that nature. Sadly, every team has their elements of those
who would.
But every cloud has a silver lining .. and so we move on to Tony Carr's
forthcoming testimonial, and the opportunity to heal - or at least narrow -
the rift.
If for one brief moment we can look at the situation from John Terry's
perspective, the invite to pull on a West Ham shirt given recent events can
hardly be the most enthralling prospect - not to mention the fact that he is
an Academy product in the loosest possible sense, having left for West
London at the age of just 15.
But regardless of Terry's current low standing amongst the United faithful
his presence on the night as the current captain of England will only serve
to enhance the (yet to be confirmed) game's attendance figure, and therefore
Tony Carr's purse. Regardless of any previous misdemeanours for this Terry
is to be applauded, and one hopes that for the night at least, his (planned)
appearance will be warmly welcomed given that the beneficiary is one of West
Ham United's most loyal and important servants ever.
The same can be said for Frank Lampard, who despite recent history remains
West Ham through and through - even if he hates himself for it. Since the
sad passing of his mother a year ago it has been generally felt that
Lampard's mood regarding West Ham has been more conciliatory; certainly
(until Monday morning at least) there had been a welcome lack of anti-WHU
sentiment, unlike in recent years. It would be a shame if that process was
to be derailed.
Perhaps next time John Terry will opt to laugh off the banter or simply
flick the bird to his detractors (after all, many of us used to find it
amusing when Paolo Di Canio did it). That way he'll earn a lot more respect
than he has by crying to the press. In the meantime our supporters would
probably be better served concentrating on supporting West Ham (which, with
due credit given, was suggested by Ian McGarry) rather than criticising the
opposition, which almost always has a negative effect.
After all, that's what supporters are supposed to do. Feel free to join in
at home ...
You are my West Ham,
My only West Ham,
You make me happy,
When skies are grey.
You'll never notice,
How much I love you,
'Til you've taken my West Ham away.
La la la la la ...
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans hit back at Terry and Lampard
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 28 April 2009 - 8:43 PM
West Ham fans have hit back at Chelsea pair John Terry and Frank Lampard
following the ugly scenes at Upton Park last Saturday. Both players were
highly critical of the abuse they received during the fiery London derby
with the England duo claiming supporters overstepped the mark. But Graeme
Howlett, editor of fans website Knees Up Mother Brown, says Terry's constant
moaning about the behaviour of the West Ham's supporters smacks of
hypocrisy.
He said: "It's a little rich for Mr Terry to go crying to the press in
response to crowd chants when he was himself fined by his club for making
insensitive comments to American tourists the day after 9/11, along with a
certain Mr Lampard. "The majority of supporters engaging in chanting during
Saturday's game were raising the issue of Mr Terry's mother's police record
and Mr Lampard's extra-marital business - fair game, one would have thought,
not unusual and certainly nothing nasty or malicious as has been claimed.
"The few who were foolish enough to start a chant referring to the recent
death of Mr Lampard's mother - who, let's not forget, was an Eastender and
the wife of a Hammers legend - were soon drowned out by boos from the rest
of the disapproving supporters. And rightly so. "As for Mr Terry's comment
that Chelsea took all three points and 'you can't buy that', perhaps he
should be reminded that his club's owner has invested somewhere in the
region of £500million on playing staff during his tenure."
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Clarke follows Zola and signs four-year deal at Upton Park
Independent.co.uk
By John Nisbet
Wednesday, 29 April 2009
Steve Clarke, the West Ham United first-team coach, has joined his manager
Gianfranco Zola in signing a new contract to stay at Upton Park until 2013.
Clarke, the former Chelsea assistant coach, left Stamford Bridge to join
Zola at the Hammers when the Italian took over earlier this season and he
has helped to guide the club to their current position of eighth in the
Premier League. Zola extended his deal on Saturday and Clarke, 45, followed
suit yesterday. "I am delighted, I have had a great time since I came here.
We have done OK," Clarke said. "There is a lot more still to be done and the
contract reflects that. It is a long-term contract and what Gianfranco and
myself and the rest of the coaching staff look forward to is improving
things and working hard every year to make things better."
The Chelsea coach, Guus Hiddink, has been named by Franz Beckenbauer, the
Bayern Munich president, as the man he would most like to see in charge of
the club next season. The Bavarians are searching for a new coach after
sacking Jürgen Klinsmann on Monday and appointing Jupp Heynckes until the
end of the season. "I hope we can get a coach who is somewhere in the class
of Guus Hiddink," Beckenbauer said. Candidates are already emerging with the
former Internazionale coach Roberto Mancini, former Chelsea manager Luiz
Felipe Scolari and the out-of-work Frank Rijkaard and Bernd Schuster
believed to be in the frame.
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Frank Lampard and John Terry to play for West Ham
Lampard and Terry ready to take part in testimonial
Chelsea pair were abused at Upton Park on Saturday
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 28 April 2009 22.04
Chelsea's Frank Lampard will risk more abuse from West Ham United fans after
agreeing to play for his former club in a testimonial match for the club's
academy director, Tony Carr. He has agreed in principle to play along with
the Chelsea captain, John Terry, despite both players being abused by
Hammers fans when Chelsea beat West Ham 1–0 at Upton Park on Saturday. Carr,
the east London club's academy director, nurtured them both as teenagers.
Lampard left West Ham in 2001 while Terry trained at Upton Park as a
teenager but never signed for the club, going to Chelsea when he was 14
instead. Lampard has been regularly abused by West Ham fans whenever he
returns with Chelsea and Carr said: "Frank and John have both agreed in
principle to play. It speaks volumes about Frank that he is prepared to do
that for me after everything that has been going on."
Terry accused West Ham fans of going too far with their abuse at Upton Park
after Hammers fans taunted Terry with chants about his family, while Lampard
was abused for having left for Chelsea eight years ago. Terry, asked if fans
go too far, said: "I think they do, personally. I can take it, Lamps can
take it. It's a little bit more than that but I'm not going to give them a
chance to say I'm whingeing. When you get that stick you just want to prove
them wrong and shut them up. I think we did that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham management agree contracts
Scott Duxbury, the West Ham chief executive, revealed the relief at the club
following confirmation that Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke had signed new
contracts.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 8:39AM BST 29 Apr 2009
Zola, the West Ham manager, agreed a new deal last week and yesterday Clarke
put pen to paper as Zola's assistant. Duxbury said: "Everyone knows how hard
we worked to bring Steve here alongside Gianfranco last September and we
have been rewarded for that effort. He is a major part of what we are trying
to achieve and the respect he has at all levels of the club is clear to see.
Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke pen new West Ham contracts"Like Gianfranco,
Steve is a winner and someone who is used to success. We are all very
confident that he can help move West Ham United to the next level by passing
on his knowledge and expertise to the experienced internationals we have in
the squad as well as our hugely talented youngsters."
Clarke said: "I am delighted. We had done okay. There is a lot more still to
be done and the contract reflects that." Zola recently revealed that the
management team was close-knit and Clarke added: "There is a close working
relationship between us all. I think it is important as the players would
spot straight away a weakness between the coaching staff."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Frank Lampard: I will play for West Ham again
The Mirror
By Mirror Sport 29/04/2009
Chelsea's Frank Lampard will risk more abuse from West Ham fans after
agreeing to play for his former club in a testimonial match for the club's
academy director Tony Carr. He has agreed in principle to play along with
Chelsea skipper John Terry despite both players being abused by Hammers fans
when Chelsea beat West Ham 1-0 at Upton Park on Saturday. Carr nurtured them
both as teenagers. Lampard left West Ham in 2001 while Terry trained at
Upton Park as a teenager but left for Chelsea at 14.
Carr said: "It speaks volumes about Frank that he is prepared to do that for
me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Beattie 50-50 for West Ham clash
By Martin Spinks | Email to a friend | Digg |
Published: Wednesday 29 Apr 2009
martin.spinks@thesentinel.co.uk
whydelilah.co.uk
STOKE striker James Beattie reckons he is only a 50-50 chance to be fit for
Saturday's Premier League clash with West Ham as he remains under treatment
for a slightly torn thigh muscle. The six-goal January recruit has begun
running again, but admits it could be a late decision on whether he plays in
Stoke's penultimate home game.
"The injury is progressing," he says, "but I don't really know what the
crack will be come the weekend. We'll have to wait and see, but hopefully
I'm in with a shout. "I did some running before the Fulham game on Saturday
and again this week with no reaction, but it's the first time I've had this
injury in my career so it's something new to me."
His absence would leave manager Tony Pulis again choosing between Richard
Cresswell and Seyi Olofinjana to fill the vacancy. Beattie burst into the
affections of Stoke supporters by bagging six goals in his first dozen
appearances for the club before picking up the injury 11 days ago against
his hometown club Blackburn, but he remains determined to personally see the
job through this season. "It's hard for me watching games of football when
you should maybe be out there," he admitted, "but I thought I would go down
and support the lads at Fulham because we need the points. "It was great to
see our supporters down there, and a few of my friends who play for Fulham
were complimenting our fans on the noise they made. "Everybody has put in a
tremendous effort to be where we are today and we will be pushing to get as
many points as we can. "We've got 39 points and we are quite proud of that,
but we still want more."
Beattie is also aware of the massive financial difference between each
finishing position in the Premier League, ensuring every single point
carries enormous significance once safety is mathematically assured. "The
chairman has been in the papers saying he's quite a poor man," he joked, in
reference to this week's news of the growing success of bet365 and the
reported £100m rise in Coates's personal fortune. "He's done tremendously
well with his company and I'm sure he's interested in the £800k for every
place (Stoke rise in the Premier League table), but as long as he takes the
lads for a night out I don't mind either way."
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Di Michele wants permanent West Ham switch
The Mirror
By Football Spy 29/04/2009
David di Michele wants a permanent move to West Ham following his
season-long loan from Torino. The Italian striker, 33, is due to return to
the relegation-threatened Serie A club this summer, but said: "I'd love to
stay at West Ham for a few more years. I feel good at this club and I really
hope I can stay."
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