WHUFC.com
All of the early team news and statistics ahead of Saturday's game at the
Britannia Stadium
30.04.2009
Barclays Premier League
Stoke City v West Ham United
Britannia Stadium
Saturday 2 May
3pm
Referee: Peter Walton
• West Ham United travel to face Tony Pulis' Stoke City in the club's 18th
away match of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season on Saturday
afternoon.
• Gianfranco Zola's side go into the match in eighth place in the Premier
League table, two points behind seventh-placed Fulham with four matches
remaining. The Cottagers make the short trip to Chelsea on Saturday. A
seventh-place finish will be good enough to qualify for next season's
inaugural UEFA Europa League.
• West Ham have won four (Fulham, Sunderland, Portsmouth, Wigan Athletic),
drawn seven (Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle United, Arsenal,
Blackburn Rovers and Aston Villa) and lost six (Manchester City, West
Bromwich Albion, Hull City, Manchester United, Bolton Wanderers and
Tottenham Hotspur) of their away matches this season.
• The Hammers go into Saturday's match having lost just two of their last
eleven away matches in the Premier League. Since going down 2-0 at
Manchester United on 29 October, West Ham have won at Sunderland, Portsmouth
and Wigan, drawn at Middlesbrough, Liverpool, Chelsea, Newcastle, Arsenal,
Blackburn and Aston Villa and only lost at Bolton and Tottenham.
• West Ham will hope to secure their fourth league double of the season,
having already won home and away against Fulham, Sunderland and Wigan. The
Hammers beat the Potters 2-1 at the Boleyn Ground on 28 December.
• Stoke go into Saturday's match eleventh in the table with 39 points from
34 matches.
• This is the 64th league meeting between the two sides. West Ham have won
25, Stoke have won 23 and there have been 15 draws.
Referee
• Saturday's referee is Peter Walton.
• Walton, 49, began his refereeing career in 1986, before being appointed to
the Football League List as an assistant referee in 1993. He joined the
Premier League List of assistant referees in 1994
• Walton was an assistant referee at the 1996 FA Cup final between
Manchester United and Liverpool at Wembley. That same year, he also joined
the FIFA list of assistant referees and ran the line during the Euro 96
group-stage fixture between Germany and Czech Republic at Old Trafford.
• Walton joined the Football League List of referees in 1998 and joined the
Premier League Select List in 2003. That same year, he was the man in
control of the LDV Vans Trophy final between Bristol City and Carlisle
United at the Millennium Stadium.
• Walton's first Premier League fixture as a referee was Wolverhampton
Wanderers' 4-3 win over Leicester City at Molineux on 25 October 2003.
• In January 2007, Walton travelled to Ecuador to help to run an Advanced
Course for Referees' Instructors.
• Walton took charge of the 2008 FA Community Shield between Manchester
United and Portsmouth at Wembley.
• Walton has taken charge of four West Ham matches this season - the 1-0
League Cup third-round defeat at Watford, the 2-0 Premier League defeat at
Manchester United, the 0-0 Premier League draw at Liverpool and the 1-1 FA
Cup fifth-round draw with Middlesbrough at the Boleyn Ground.
• Walton has taken charge of three of Stoke's Premier League fixtures this
season, but this will be his first assignment at the Britannia Stadium.
Walton was the referee for Stoke's 5-0 defeat by Manchester United at Old
Trafford, their 3-0 loss at Blackburn Rovers and 2-1 reverse at Chelsea.
Last time out
Saturday 25 April 2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-1 Chelsea
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Boa Morte (Savio 72),
Noble, Dyer (Sears 61), Stanislas, Di Michele (Kovac 61), Tristan
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Spector, Payne
Booked: Stanislas
Saturday 25 April 2009
Barclays Premier League
Fulham 1-0 Stoke City
Stoke City: Sorensen, Kelly (Sonko 83), Shawcross, Abdoulaye Faye, Pugh
(Dickinson 87), Lawrence, Whelan, Delap, Etherington, Fuller, Cresswell
(Camara 83)
Subs not used Simonsen, Olofinjana, Cort, Tonge
Booked: Lawrence, Shawcross
West Ham United
• West Ham go into Saturday's match eager to return to winning ways after
their five-match Premier League unbeaten run was ended at Tottenham Hotspur,
and followed by a draw at Aston Villa and loss to Chelsea.
• The Hammers have not lost on any of their last five visits to Stoke City.
West Ham have won four and drawn one of those matches, a run that stretches
back to a 4-2 First Division victory on 20 October 1984 - the pair's last
meeting at Stoke in the top-flight. West Ham's last defeat at Stoke came on
1 October 1983, when the hosts won 3-1 at the Victoria Ground.
• West Ham's biggest away win at Stoke came during the 1957/58 Second
Division title-winning season. A Vic Keeble brace and further strikes from
Mike Grice and John Dick saw the Hammers secure a 4-1 victory at the
Victoria Ground on 29 March 1958. West Ham's most emphatic top-flight
victory at Stoke came on 20 October 1984, when Paul Allen, Paul Goddard,
Tony Cottee and an own-goal from George Berry saw the Hammers triumph 4-2.
• West Ham have not lost a Premier League match by more than a single goal
since going down 2-0 at home to Tottenham on Monday 8 December, a run of 17
games.
• The Hammers have been boosted this week by the news that manager
Gianfranco Zola and first-team coach Steve Clarke have signed extended
contracts with the club until 2013.
• Carlton Cole is West Ham's top scorer in the Premier League this season
with nine goals. He has eleven in all competitions. However, Cole is ruled
out of Saturday's game because he is not yet match fit after recovering from
a groin injury.
• Goalkeeper Robert Green is the only West Ham player to have played every
minute of the club's 34 Premier League matches so far this season. Matthew
Upson has started 33 games.
• Cole has been sent-off twice, more than any other West Ham player, while
Noble has been shown the yellow card on eight occasions.
• Cole has unleashed more shots in total (74), on target (45) and off target
(29) than any other West Ham player this season. Cole also has more assists
(five) than any of his team-mates, and been caught offside (28) and
committed the most fouls (62).
• Mark Noble has unleashed more crosses (31) than any other West Ham player.
• Upson has made more defensive clearances (56) and blocks (30) than any of
his team-mates.
• Valon Behrami has won more free-kicks (70) than any other West Ham player
this term.
Stoke City
• Stoke City have won nine and lost just three of the 17 home matches they
have played in the Premier League this season, earning 32 of their 39 total
points. Stoke have won 82 per cent of their points from home fixtures, the
highest percentage in the Premier League. Manchester City have taken 75 per
cent (33 from 44) and Fulham 70 per cent (33 from 47) of their points from
home fixtures.
• Stoke are unbeaten at the Britannia Stadium this year. The Potters were
last beaten on their own ground by Manchester United on Boxing Day. Since
then, Stoke have won four and drawn three of their home Premier League
fixtures, conceding just three goals.
• Stoke's biggest-ever home league victory over West Ham came in the shape
of a 5-2 First Division victory at the Victoria Ground on 6 November 1982.
Hammers' boss John Lyall received his manager of the month award before the
game. The defeat was West Ham's heaviest defeat since losing 6-0 to
Sunderland in 1967. Stoke scored through Sammy McIlroy (two), Brendan
O'Callaghan, Peter Hampton and Mickey Thomas. West Ham's goals came through
a Ray Stewart penalty and Geoff Pike's late consolation.
• Stoke have not beaten West Ham at home since 1 October 1983. That day, the
Potters secured a 3-1 First Division victory at the Victoria Ground. Stoke's
goals came from Mark Chamberlain, Dave McAughtrie and Mickey Thomas. The
Hammers' goal came through a Ray Stewart penalty.
• Stoke's top-scorer in the Premier League is Ricardo Fuller. The Jamaican
international has scored eight goals, while January transfer window arrival
from Sheffield United, James Beattie, has six.
• Goalkeeper Thomas Sorensen and Senegal defender Abdoulaye Faye have both
started 32 of Stoke's 34 Premier League matches this season. Irish
midfielder Rory Delap has made 30 starts.
• Stoke's players have received 70 yellow cards this season, tied with
Blackburn for the highest number in the Premier League. The Potters have
also had five players sent-off, the joint highest number in the Premier
League alongside Tottenham, Newcastle and Manchester United.
• Ricardo Fuller has had more shots in total (44), on target (19) and off
target (25) than any other Stoke player. Fuller has also been caught offside
(16), won more free-kicks (38) and committed more fouls (56) than any other
Stoke player this season.
• Rory Delap has created more goals (five) for his team-mates than any other
Stoke player.
• Liam Lawrence has unleashed more crosses (46) than any other Stoke player
this term.
• Abdoulaye Faye has made more defensive clearances (41) than any of his
team-mates, while Ryan Shawcross has made more defensive blocks (30) than
any other Stoke player this season.
• Stoke have conceded 13 goals in the final ten minutes of Premier League
matches this season - the joint highest number in the top-flight alongside
Aston Villa, Blackburn and Middlesbrough. West Ham have conceded eight
during the same period of their own fixtures.
Team news
• West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola will pick from the same squad that he had
available for last Saturday's narrow 1-0 Premier League loss to Chelsea at
the Boleyn Ground.
• Wales midfielder Jack Collison returned to full training this week after
recovering from the dislocated kneecap he suffered at Wigan Athletic on 4
March. However, Saturday's game will come too soon for the 20-year-old, who
is optimistic of making a return to first-team action before the end of the
season.
• Carlton Cole is undergoing his own specialised personal training programme
as he continues his recovery from the groin injury he aggravated during
England's 4-0 friendly win over Slovakia at Wembley last month. He is set to
join full training next week.
• England midfielder Scott Parker is working hard to recover from a groin
injury but will not be available this weekend, while Wales defender James
Collins is continuing his recovery from the calf injury he suffered at Aston
Villa on 18 April.
• England forward Kieron Dyer made his first start since August 2007 in last
weekend's 1-0 home defeat by Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground. The 30-year-old
will be eager to be in Zola's starting eleven again at the Britannia
Stadium.
• United States defender Jonathan Spector will be hoping to be included in
Zola's matchday 18 again after returning to the substitutes' bench against
Chelsea last Saturday. Spector had previously been ruled out with a
concussion after being hurt in the 2-0 home victory over Sunderland on 4
April.
• Zola will be without midfielder Valon Behrami. Switzerland international
Behrami will be out of action for around six months after suffering a
anterior cruciate ligament injury in his knee.
• Reserve team defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson is pushing hard for a place in
the matchday 18 after travelling with the first-team squad to the recent
fixtures against Aston Villa and Chelsea.
• Wales defender Danny Gabbidon is continuing his recovery from back and
stomach injuries by working with the club's medical staff at Chadwell Heath.
He is now running.
• Kyel Reid and Jordan Spence, who have excelled in loan spells with
Wolverhampton Wanderers and Leyton Orient respectively, are due back at the
club next week and could be in contention for the final three fixtures of
the season.
• For Stoke, striker James Beattie is facing a race against time to be fit
in time for Saturday's match. The forward, who has scored six goals in 12
games since joining the club in January, has a thigh strain.
• Defender Andy Wilkinson (back) is rated as doubtful for this weekend's
fixture.
• Defender Danny Higginbotham (back), midfielder Salif Diao (groin) and
striker Mamady Sidibe (knee) are all definitely out of Saturday's fixture
with long-term injuries.
• Midfielder Amdy Faye (back) has been ruled out for the rest of the season.
Last meeting
• The teams met at the Boleyn Ground on Sunday 28 December. Stoke took the
lead through Abdoulaye Faye after just four minutes. Carlton Cole equalised
six minutes after half-time before Stoke striker Ricardo Fuller was
sent-off. Diego Tristan scored his first goal for the club with two minutes
of the 90 remaining.
• The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker
(Mullins 77), Collison (Tristan 77), Boa Morte, Di Michele (Spector 89),
Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Bowyer, Sears, N'Gala
Booked: Boa Morte, Cole, Di Michele
Stoke City: Sorensen, Griffin (Davies 58), Abdoulaye Faye, Shawcross,
Higginbotham, Delap, Olofinjana, Whelan, Pugh (Pericard 53), Cresswell,
Fuller
Subs not used: Simonsen, Lawrence, Soares, Tonge, Sonko
Booked: Abdoulaye Faye, Higginbotham, Olofinjana
Sent-off: Fuller
Attendance: 34,477
Old boys
• West Ham first-team coach Kevin Keen made 201 league and cup appearances
for Stoke between October 1994 and September 2000, scoring 12 goals. Keen, a
former West Ham apprentice, made 279 league and cup appearances for the
Hammers between March 1984 and July 1993, scoring 30 goals.
• Stoke winger Matthew Etherington made 195 appearances for West Ham between
August 2003 and January 2009, scoring 18 goals. The 27-year-old joined the
Potters on 8 January, having moved to the Boleyn Ground from Tottenham
Hotspur five-and-a-half years previously.
• Stoke striker Henri Camara, who is on loan at the Britannia Stadium from
Wigan, has made two substitute appearances for the Potters, including one at
the Boleyn Ground on 28 December. Camara spent the 2007/08 season on loan at
West Ham, making ten league appearances.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Clive Clarke,
Bob Dixon, Sir Geoff Hurst, Lawrie Leslie, Nicky Morgan and Frank
Richardson.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
28 December 2008 - West Ham United 2-1 Stoke City
Championship, 19 April 2005 - Stoke City 0-1 West Ham United
Championship, 19 October 2004 - West Ham United 2-0 Stoke City
Championship, 24 April 2004 - Stoke City 0-2 West Ham United
Championship, 9 December 2003 - West Ham United 0-1 Stoke City
League Cup, 10 October 1990 - Stoke City 1-2 West Ham United
Overall record v Stoke City (all competitions) W 30 D 18 L 27
Next up
• West Ham will play host to Liverpool on Saturday 9 May, with kick-off at
5.30pm. The match will be screened live by Setanta Sports.
• Stoke will travel to Hull City on Saturday 9 May, with kick-off at 3pm
General information
• Standard tickets for this fixture are on general sale, priced at £30
adults, £21 seniors, £17 under-17s and £11 under-11s. Two wheelchair tickets
are still available, priced at £21 adults/seniors, £17 under-17s and £11
under-11s, including carer.
• The weather forecast for Stoke this Saturday is for sunny intervals with a
maximum daytime temperature of 14C.
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All smiles for Stoke
WHUFC.com
Confidence and optimism is high throughout the squad before the trip to take
on Stoke City this Saturday
30.04.2009
Gianfranco Zola leads his West Ham United side to Stoke City on Saturday in
positive mood.
The week began well with the news that Zola had put pen to paper on a
four-year contract and, on Tuesday, first-team coach Steve Clarke joined him
by extending his stay for the same period.
Then, a day later, there was the welcome sight of Jack Collison returning to
full training with the first team, followed by the encouraging news that
striker Carlton Cole could be joining them next week. James Collins and
Scott Parker are also working hard but are set to miss out once more this
weekend.
Zola said: "We have more or less the same squad as last week. Jack Collison
is back in training and is doing very well. I don't think he is going to be
available this week but it is nice to have him back. The squad should be the
same squad as we had last week."
The trip to the Britannia Stadium sees the Hammers aiming for the victory
that could propel them back into seventh spot in the standings. Being in
such a lofty position and having the chance of UEFA Europa League
qualification with four games to go has left the manager on a high.
"I am a positive person. There were some moments when things have gone very
well so I was dreaming of something like that but I wasn't expecting that. I
believe we are doing a good job, we are working hard every day and when you
work like that it pays off.
"This club has got good potential to be a top club and we are working very
hard to make it happen. In football things change very quickly but one thing
is for sure is that we are going to be working on how we can improve this
team every day."
The manager said he never lost his focus - even during the lean spell at the
turn of the year that was definitively ended by the 2-1 home win against
Stoke back on 28 December. "It was a tough time that time but it has been
very important for me. You need to go through those difficult moments if you
want to improve.
"Not for a second I doubted my idea of football. I either succeed with this
idea of football or I don't succeed and I do something else. Trust me it has
been very important because I got much better in that period."
The positive progress prompted the club to offer new contracts to him and
Clarke, and the manager reiterated his happiness at the Boleyn Ground. "It
was a very good opportunity for me," he said. "The club looked after me and
my staff so it was an easy decision really because this year we just started
something that needs to be completed.
"To have a deal with the club for four years will give me more time to plan
the things and to work better. I am delighted Steve has signed. He has been
a vital part of the work that is being done over here and to have him on my
side is good. My staff has been the secret really and in difficult times
they have always been on my side and helping me and it has been great
teamwork."
That collective spirit will be in evidence this weekend at Stoke, when the
manager expects his team to bounce back from the narrow defeat by Chelsea.
"We have been playing the same team now for quite a long time and some
people will start to get tired so it is understandable. Never mind - it was
a good opportunity, we didn't take it and we are going to try this week."
He will not underestimate Stoke despite their newcomer status in the
Barclays Premier League. "There was a point in which I looked at them and I
saw them struggling a little bit but they have done exceptionally well,
especially when they played at home and they won most of their games. I
believe Tony Pulis has done a great job so all my respect to him and the
team.
"We are prepared for [their style] and it is going to be that kind of game.
It is a different way of playing football and that is a good thing about
this game. You can play different styles and still get results and make your
supporters happy. For us it is a good test. We have been through the
situation a few times already and we'll see how we can cope with that."
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Green ready for Saturday
WHUFC.com
Stoke City and Matthew Etherington will hold no surprises for in-form
goalkeeper Robert Green
30.04.2009
Robert Green is expecting as tricky contest as any when West Ham United go
to Stoke City on Saturday afternoon looking to challenge for seventh spot
again.
The England goalkeeper does not have especially fond memories of his last
outing at the Britannia Stadium home of the Premier League newcomers, having
lost 3-1 with Norwich City back in August 2005. Green may be unusual in
having first-hand experience of Stoke's vocal local support and their direct
style but he says his team-mates will be ready for the task in hand.
"We know of the challenges that playing Stoke bring," said the in-form
shot-stopper who has only conceded four goals in his last eight league
outings. "How they work across the field, how they like to operate and it
will be up to us to deal with all the threats these challenges bring. It
should be a good match."
Green also rejected suggestions that Stoke - with 39 points - will feel they
are safe from relegation and therefore with less of an incentive to do well
than the Europe-chasing Hammers. "They will be looking to end the season
strongly, whatever the situation is and so we must make sure we meet their
efforts with our own. We also want to keep going and keep getting results."
The 29-year-old is looking forward to meeting up with former team-mate - and
fellow Hammer of the Year alumni - Matthew Etherington, who has done well
for Tony Pulis' side since his January switch. The 2003/04 winner will be
one to watch according to the current holder of the annual award. "Matt is a
player that brings something different to their team.
"I remember my first season here and seeing pretty much straight away what
qualities he had. He will be difficult to play against, and not only for
that reason, I am sure he will want to have a good game against us as well."
* Of Saturday's likely starters, James Tomkins has also played at the
Britannia Stadium, turning in a man of the match display on loan at Derby
County on 2 December 2008 as a late goal gave the Rams a 1-0 away win in the
League Cup quarter-final.
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Clarke wary of Stoke strength
WHUFC.com
Log on to WHUTV now to see an exclusive interview with Steve Clarke ahead of
the Stoke City match
30.04.2009
Steve Clarke is expecting a thorough examination from Stoke City when West
Ham United visit the Britannia Stadium on Saturday.
Clarke, speaking in an exclusive interview with WHUTV after signing a new
contract until the summer of 2013 this week, believes the Potters have a lot
more in their locker than the direct style many people associate with them.
As well as respecting Tony Pullis' side, first-team coach Clarke is keen for
the Hammers to demonstrate their own fluid passing style that has served
them so well in recent months.
"I think it's important to impose your style of play on every game," Clarke
told WHUTV. "You have to impose the way you want to play. I think Stoke City
have got better since the turn of the year and have one or two better
footballers in their team and are now starting to play a little bit more.
"I think they get stereotyped a little bit but you don't get to where they
are unless you've got some decent players and that's what they've got. So
it's a difficult game for us but one we look forward to."
With the positive news emanating from Chadwell Heath that Jack Collison is
back in full training, where he could be joined by Carlton Cole next week,
Clarke believes that welcoming back any extra bodies before the end of the
season would be a bonus.
"It would be nice to get some players back as we've been operating with a
smaller squad since January. The one or two injuries that we've had have
made it a little more difficult but the boys who have come in have been
great - that shouldn't underestimated and never be overlooked.
"Everybody who has been asked to do a job for the team and the group has
done that and that's important when you are trying to build things. If we
can get one or two back that would help, but if not we carry on with what
we've got and that hopefully that will be good enough to achieve what we
want to achieve."
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Edgar pleased with progress
WHUFC.com
Under-18 winger Anthony Edgar continues to grow in stature and confidence
after a fine 2008/09 season
30.04.2009
Anthony Edgar was all smiles after shooting West Ham United's Under-18s to
victory over Fulham on Tuesday.
The 18-year-old was in exhilarating form against the Cottagers, winning and
converting a 39th minute penalty to set West Ham United on the road to an FA
Premier Academy League Group A success at Little Heath.
Aside from his goal, Edgar was heavily involved all over the pitch, showing
his full-range of passing, dribbling and tackling skills on a cold and
blustery afternoon at the Academy headquarters.
The Hammers' victory was completed by Cristian Montano, who headed past
Fulham goalkeeper Wesley Foderingham midway through the second half to wrap
up victory for Tony Carr's team.
"It was a very good game," said Edgar. "They came at us quite a lot but I
think our passing was good and we scored some good goals. I played in the
hole so that gave me licence to go anywhere on the pitch, but obviously when
you don't have the ball you have to defend which we did quite well, so it
was a good team performance.
"I'm the penalty-taker for the Under-18s. When I walk back I decide where
I'm going to put the ball and I go there. I never change my mind. The
'keeper got a hand to it but he wasn't going to save it."
West Ham's Under-18s end their season with a trip to Group B leaders
Tottenham Hotspur on Saturday, a game Edgar is confident of winning.
"We've got one more game to at Spurs. They need a win to win their league so
they'll be looking to beat us but I think we'll turn them over, definitely.
It's always important to beat the other London clubs."
Edgar has made impressive strides this season, scoring nine times for the
youth team and once for the reserves in the 3-1 Barclays Premier Reserve
League South defeat to Spurs at Bishop's Stortford in late February. The
player himself has been delighted with his own progress.
"It's been a great year for me. I've scored goals for the youth team and got
into the reserve team and scored for them too, so it's been brilliant."
At the end of May, reserve team manager Alex Dyer will lead a squad of young
players at the Hong Kong Sevens tournament. Edgar was part of the squad that
travelled to the Far East a year ago and is eager to be involved again this
time around.
"It's a really good trip. I went last year and it's nice weather and the
place we stayed in was nice. It was brilliant and I'd love to go again. It's
a good experience. The other teams are a bit older than us so it's a great
experience."
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Stoke v West Ham
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Britannia Stadium Date: Saturday, 2 May Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage: 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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Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
While Stoke are set to finish their first Premier League season as the
highest placed of the three promoted clubs and could even pinch a top-half
berth, West Ham are engaged in the race for seventh and possible Europa
League football.
Stoke have not beaten West Ham in a top-flight fixture in 26 years, since
their 3-1 victory at the Victoria Ground on 1 October 1983.
West Ham are vying for a fifth successive league win over Stoke.
Distance between the clubs: 174 miles (280 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
STOKE CITY
Club stats
12th 39 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 11th
Lowest could mathematically fall: 14th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Lost for the first time in five games, away to Fulham last Saturday.
2. Not suffered back-to-back defeats in 11 Premier League outings.
3. Failed to score in one of the last nine league games.
4. Unbeaten in seven home league games; won four and drawn three since the
0-1 loss to Manchester United on Boxing Day - their lone defeat in 14 at the
Britannia. Chelsea and Everton are the only other clubs to have taken
maximum Premier League points from the Potteries.
5. Seventh in the Premier League's home table with 32 points from 17 games.
6. Nine of their 10 league wins have been gained in their own back yard.
7. Lost just three home Premier League games; only the top four clubs have
lost fewer.
8. Already been beaten home and away by Manchester United, Chelsea and
Everton. West Ham could also do the double over them.
9. The run-in after this is:- Hull (a), Wigan (h) and Arsenal (a).
Fixtures
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WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
8th 45 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 10th
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Gained one point out of nine, and one win out of six; 2-0, home to
Sunderland on 4 April.
2. Won 10 of 30 Premier League matches under Gianfranco Zola.
3. Completed 18 top-flight matches since a loss by more than a single goal;
the most recent being 0-2, home to Tottenham on 8 December.
4. The current total of 45 points after 34 games is a point up on last
season, when positioned 10th, where they ended the campaign.
5. Lost one of the 14 top-flight matches in which they've opened the
scoring; home to Everton. Also, gone eight Premier League matches since
conceded more than a single goal in a game; the 2-1 loss at Bolton on 21
February being the most recent. Let in one goal in each of the last three.
6. The highest finish in 13 Premier League seasons was fifth in 1998-99, and
the lowest 18th in 2002-03. Their average is 11th.
7. Scored a goal a game on average away from home in the Premier League; 17
in 17.
8. Could suffer a clean sweep of away defeats to the promoted clubs; already
beaten 3-2 by West Brom at the Hawthorns, and 1-0 to Hull at the KC Stadium.
9. Already beaten Fulham, Wigan and Sunderland home and away, and could also
complete the double over Stoke.
10. After this they have to play the Merseyside clubs; Liverpool at the
Britannia on 9 May, and Everton in their last away game on 16 May. The
seasonal finale is home to Middlesbrough on 24 May.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
STOKE CITY
Squad profiles
Ricardo FULLER is the club's top Premier League scorer with eight goals.
If selected:-
Leon CORT will be making his 350th club career appearance (Southend, Hull,
Crystal Palace and Stoke).
Matthew ETHERINGTON will be facing a former club. The 27 year old midfielder
made 195 appearances (165 in the league) and scored 18 goals (16 league) for
West Ham between August 2003 and his move to Stoke in this year's January
transfer window.
Loan signing Henri CAMARA from Wigan, formerly made 10 league appearances
for West Ham when on loan to Upton Park from the Latics.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
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WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
Carlton COLE, currently injured, is the club's top Premier League scorer
with nine goals.
Kieron DYER needs a double to register 50 career club goals.
HEAD TO HEAD
Stoke last beat West Ham 0-1 at Upton Park on 9 December 2003 in the
Nationwide League Division One (second level).
If the North Midlanders score twice, they will have notched 50 home league
goals against the Hammers.
West Ham did the double over Stoke when they were previously in the same
division together four seasons ago at second league level. The Hammers also
beat the Potters home and away on their last opportunity in the top-flight
in 1984-85.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Stoke 23 wins, West Ham 25, Draws 15
Prem: Stoke 0 wins, West Ham 1, Draws 0
at Stoke only
League (inc PL): Stoke 18 wins, West Ham 8, Draws 5
Prem: Stoke 0 wins, West Ham 0, Draws 0
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 2-1 Stoke City
28 December 2008 - Ref: Mike Jones
West Ham scorers: Cole 51, Tristan 88
Stoke scorer: Abdoulaye Faye 4
Sent Off: Fuller (Stoke) 54
REFEREE
Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Premier League referees' table
Peter Walton's 2008-09 Premier League card count
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Etherington praises old boss Zola
BBC.co.uk
Stoke City winger Matthew Etherington has praised former manager Gianfranco
Zola ahead of the Potters' meeting with West Ham on Saturday. The
27-year-old joined City from the Hammers for £2m in January. He told BBC
Radio Stoke: "He [Zola] has shown he can be a top manager, he's done a
brilliant job. "When he first came in they weren't sure whether they'd be in
a relegation battle or end up where they are now, so he's done really well."
Zola arrived at Upton Park in September 2008 and has led United to eighth in
the Premier League and to be in contention for a place in next season's
Europa League."I don't think any West Ham fan would have expected what
they've done this season. They've got a nice balance there with Steve Clarke
as coach," added Etherington. And the former Peterborough man, who joined
West Ham from Tottenham Hotspur in 2003, said he is looking forward to
taking on his former club for the first time since his move to the Britannia
Stadium. "When I signed for Stoke I looked for the West Ham fixture, and
it's come around quickly. "I still talk to quite a few of the lads there,
and I've got very fond memories of the place, but it's about me putting a
performance in, and getting the three points."
After spending five-and-half-years at Upton Park, Etherington made only one
appearance for the Hammers in his last three months with the club, but he
insisted he was not forced to leave. "It wasn't a case that I wasn't in his
[Zola's] plans," said Etherington. "I sat down with him, and it was just
time for me to move on, and I know I've made the right move. "I never fell
out with the club, I like to think I repaid them and helped them to get into
the Premier League. I might get a few boos, and if I do, then so be it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defender set for permanent switch?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Joe Widdowson's move to Grimsby could be made permanent if the two parties
can reach an agreement. Young left-back Widdowson, surplus to requirements
at West Ham has been on loan at Blundell Park since the turn of the year and
has impressed for the League Two club, having made 20 appearances thus far.
Now Grimsby chairman John Fenty has revealed that he would like to make the
loan deal permanent - but only if a satisfactory agreement can be reached.
"Joe is a great lad around the building, he's a good character," said Fenty.
"The feeling is that he wants to be here and we have now got to sit down
with him. The end of the season is coming and we'll be doing that.
"Ultimately these judgements are for the manager to make. We can all rant
and rave about individual players but when all is said and done the manager
will decide what he wants here and we'll look to support him as best we
can."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A taste of your own medicine
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Barnsley FC have announced their intention to take legal action against
Sheffield United for the loss of striker Iain Hume. Hume - who the Tykes
paid £1.2million for last summer - had his skull fractured by a disgraceful
tackle from Sheffield's Chris Morgan and has missed almost the entire season
as a result. Meanwhile Barnsley, having been without their main target man
all season have slumped to 21st spot in the Championship and will be
relegated if they lose at Plymouth this weekend and Norwich win by two clear
goals at already relegated Charlton.
Barnsley owner Patrick Cryne told the Yorkshire Post: "We are looking at the
legal hurdles in the way of seeking to recover damages from Sheffield
United. Our action will not be dependent on whether we are relegated. "Our
argument is, simply, that we paid a lot of money for Iain Hume in transfer
fee and wages and we have lost his services through a violent, reckless, or
intentional act. His loss to Barnsley FC had a serious impact on our
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola - No get-out clause
Hammers boss aims to finish what he started at Upton Park
Last updated: 1st May 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola insists there is no get-out clause in the new four-year
contract he has signed at West Ham United. The Italian has been rewarded for
an impressive debut season at Upton Park with a new deal, along with
assistant Steve Clarke. However, reports have claimed that the Chelsea
legend is a potential candidate to take over at Stamford Bridge when Guus
Hiddink steps aside at the end of the season. Zola has moved to quash any
speculation of a return to the Blues by stressing he has no plans to cut
short his stay with the Hammers. The club are pushing for qualification for
the Europa League and Zola is determined to enjoy success in his current
job. "There is no get-out clause in my contract," insisted Zola. "I have a
contract and I want to respect it and work for this club and finish the
project I have started. "I don't know what will happen in the future.
"Nobody knows that, but my only aim just now is to make this club as
successful as possible. That is my task."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola hoping for Parker return
Hammers boss unsure if midfielder will be back this season
Last updated: 30th April 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has admitted that he does not know whether Scott Parker will
play again this season. The West Ham midfielder has been sidelined for more
than a month with a groin problem and Zola is not sure how much longer the
recovery process will take. The Hammers manager hopes that surgery will not
be required and has praised his player's hard-working attitude during a
difficult period. "I don't know if he will play again this season to be
honest," said Zola. "He is working very hard on his fitness so that he can
play again this season but it is unsure whether he can." Zola had a similar
injury during his playing career and he has offered Parker advice on how to
manage it. He is keen to have Parker available again as the 28-year-old has
been has been in excellent form for much of the season. "The problem is he
has a chronic inflammation in the groin and this has caused him problems, it
is as simple as that," Zola explained. "I have had the same problem he has
now many years ago. It is tough because one day you feel okay and the day
after you feel bad. "Then maybe in five or six days it might be better. I am
not worried and I am sure he will get over this. I'm just a bit disappointed
as he's one of our key players and obviously to be missing him at this part
of the season is no good for us."
Zola is confident Parker will eventually overcome the problem and be able to
continue his career as normal. "Once I sorted it out I never had problems
again with that," he said. "I gave Scott all my knowledge about it, but
everyone is taking care of him. You have to be patient and keep working
until he gets over it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola planning for future
Italian enjoying start to managerial career
By Chris Quinn Last updated: 30th April 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has revealed it was an easy decision to sign a new deal at
West Ham United. Zola signed a new four-year deal before Saturday's defeat
to Chelsea, dismissing rumours linking the former Blues striker with a
return to his old club. The Italian has been a revelation since taking
charge at Upton Park and has led the Hammers to eighth in the Premier
League, two points off the final Europa League place for next season. "I
think it was a very good opportunity for me at the club," Zola told Sky
Sports. "They (West Ham) looked after me and my staff and it was an easy
decision."
Zola expressed his delight at the new deal and feels he has only achieved
the beginning of the project he has started. "Also this year we started
something that has to be finished and completed. "To have a deal with the
club for four years will give me more time to plan things and work better."
The former Parma man has also said he is enjoying his 'dream' start to his
managerial career but has said hard work is the key behind this. "Well I'm
obviously a positive person, when I do something I always think positive.
"But there were some moments where things went very, very well. I was
dreaming of that, but not expecting it. "I believe that we are doing a good
job and working hard every day and when you work like that it pays off,
simple as that." Zola's assistant Steve Clarke also signed a four-year deal
and the manager expressed his joy at the deal, and praised his whole
backroom staff for their efforts. "Very much indeed," said Zola when asked
if he was pleased Clarke had signed. "He has been a vital part of the work
we have done here and to have him on my side is always good. "My staff have
been the secret really because in difficult times they have always been on
my side and it has been great teamwork."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker's Season Could Be Over - West Ham Manager Zola
Parker doesn't look like he will feature again this campaign...
30 Apr 2009 19:27:38
Goal.com
West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker will in all likelihood not play for
the club again this season, as he struggles to shake off the effects of a
niggling groin injury. Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola revealed to reporters
today that he is simply unsure as to whether the injury will remove Parker
from his short-term plans, but admits that the prognosis is not especially
positive. "I don't know if he will play again this season to be honest," the
Sardinian told Setanta Sports News. "He is working very hard on his fitness
so that he can play again this season but it is unsure whether he can. "The
problem is he has a chronic inflammation in the groin and this has caused
him problems, it is as simple as that. "I have had the same problem he has
now many years ago. It is tough because one day you feel okay and the day
after you feel bad. "Then maybe in five or six days it might be better. I am
not worried and I am sure he will get over this. I'm just a bit disappointed
as he's one of our key players and obviously to be missing him at this part
of the season is not good for us."
However, Zola was confident that the injury was not one that could see the
midfielder miss a lengthy period of time, as it was a type of knock that the
Italian had personal experience with. "Once I sorted it out I never had
problems again with that," he explained. "I gave Scott all my knowledge
about it, but everyone is taking care of him. You have to be patient and
keep working until he gets over it."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola promises better times to come at West Ham
Gianfranco Zola today insisted that the hard work at West Ham had only just
begun. Zola signed a new contract last week and insisted it will give him
the chance to complete the job at Upton Park.
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 3:01PM BST 30 Apr 2009
"It didn't take much time to accept the contract offer," said Zola." I
thought it was a very good opportunity for me; the club has looked after me
and my staff so it was an easy decision. "We feel we have started something
that has to be finished so to have a deal for four years gives me the time
to plan for the future,
West Ham turn on the style "I am a positive person so when I do things I do
them positively. Some things have gone wrong, but I believe we are doing a
good job and working hard and when you do that it pays off."
Steve Clarke, his assistant, has also signed a new deal and Zola added: "I
am delighted Steve has also signed because he is a vital part of the work,
so to have him on our side is very good. The secret has been my staff, and
we have had some great team work. "This club has good potential to be a top
club and we are working very hard to make it happen. We will be thinking and
working on how we can improver every day."
West Ham travel to Stoke on Saturday and Zola added: "We have more or less
the same squad from last week. Jack Collison is back in training but he
probably won't be ready quite in time."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers striker hoping for new deal
Robbieslater.com
Spanish forward Diego Tristan has revealed his desire to earn a new deal
with West ham. Tristan, 33, said: "I need to speak with the manager at the
end of the season, but at the moment he is hinting that he wants to continue
with me here. "I'm happy with my experience in the Premier League and I've
scored a couple of goals so far. I came to help the team and I think I am
doing just that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Downing Not The Only One London-Bound?
By Boro Mad Thursday, 30th April 2009
We all know Boro boy Stewart Downing will be a Tottenham player come the
summer, but West Ham have their eyes on another Teeside favourite. West Ham
United are monitoring Middlesbrough utility Matthew Bates. Bates can play in
midfield and defence and his form has attracted interest from Hammers boss
Gianfranco Zola, says the Evening Gazette.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stoke boss Pulis warns Etherington about West Ham clash
01.05.09 | Andrew Slevison
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis has warned Matthew Etherington about clashing
with his former club this weekend. The Potters take on West Ham for the
first time since the midfielder landed at Britannia Stadium and Pulis wants
to keep things in perspective. "It is always a big game when you play
against a side you have just left," Pulis said.
"Matty will have his reasons to do well but he also has to play for us and
the structure we work on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola: Parker will get over injuries
01.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is confident Scott Parker's injury
problems aren't career threatening. "The problem is he has a chronic
inflammation in the groin and this has caused him problems, it is as simple
as that," Zola said. "I have had the same problem he has now many years ago.
It is tough because one day you feel okay and the day after you feel bad.
"Then maybe in five or six days it might be better. I am not worried and I
am sure he will get over this. I'm just a bit disappointed as he's one of
our key players and obviously to be missing him at this part of the season
is no good for us."
Zola is confident Parker will eventually be playing normally and it is not a
problem he will carry for the rest of his career. "Once I sorted it out I
never had problems again with that," Zola said. "I gave Scott all my
knowledge about it, but everyone is taking care of him. You have to be
patient and keep working until he gets over it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green: West Ham must watch Stoke's Etherington
01.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green says they will have to be careful of
former teammate Matthew Etherington when facing Stoke City this weekend.
"Matt is a player that brings something different to their team," Green told
whufc.com. "I remember my first season here and seeing pretty much straight
away what qualities he had. He will be difficult to play against, and not
only for that reason, I am sure he will want to have a good game against us
as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola full of pride as West Ham go for Europe
01.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is proud to have his team competing for
Europa League qualification. Zola told whufc.com: "I am a positive person.
There were some moments when things have gone very well so I was dreaming of
something like that but I wasn't expecting that. I believe we are doing a
good job, we are working hard every day and when you work like that it pays
off. "This club has got good potential to be a top club and we are working
very hard to make it happen. In football things change very quickly but one
thing is for sure is that we are going to be working on how we can improve
this team every day."
The manager said he never lost his focus - even during the lean spell at the
turn of the year that was definitively ended by the 2-1 home win against
Stoke back on 28 December. "It was a tough time that time but it has been
very important for me. You need to go through those difficult moments if you
want to improve. "Not for a second I doubted my idea of football. I either
succeed with this idea of football or I don't succeed and I do something
else. Trust me it has been very important because I got much better in that
period."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Zola happy with long-term deal
01.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola is delighted with the new four year
contracts for himself and assistant manager Steve Clarke. "It was a very
good opportunity for me," he told whufc.com. "The club looked after me and
my staff so it was an easy decision really because this year we just started
something that needs to be completed.
"To have a deal with the club for four years will give me more time to plan
the things and to work better. I am delighted Steve has signed. He has been
a vital part of the work that is being done over here and to have him on my
side is good. My staff has been the secret really and in difficult times
they have always been on my side and helping me and it has been great
teamwork."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
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