WHUFC.com
Jack Collison has emphasised how determined the players are to end the
season with a win
21.05.2009
With just one solitary match against Middlesbrough to go, Jack Collison is
eager to head into the summer on a high.
West Ham United have not lost their final league game of the season since
2001, and since their return to the Barclays Premier League they have
recorded some impressive final-day results, including victories over
Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
Now Collison, who made his first start in more than two months against
Everton last Saturday, is looking to ensure that trend continues at the
Boleyn Ground on Sunday when the relegation-threatened visitors from the
north-east visit.
"We want to end the season on a high, especially at Upton Park in front of
our own fans as it's not nice to lose any game," the Wales midfielder said.
"Unfortunately we're not going to make Europe but we're going to look to put
in a good performance and end the season with a bit of a buzz."
Regardless of Sunday's results, the Hammer of the Year 2008/09 will be
crowned before the players embark on a lap of appreciation around the Boleyn
Ground pitch. Like most people, Collison believes this season will be a
closely-run affair.
"Coley [Carlton Cole] and Herita [Ilunga] have both been brilliant. Whoever
wins it, it will be a great achievement for them. If you look at the
previous names that have won it in the past, they are all massive players.
And coming from the fans as well, it's got to be one of the highest
accolades you can get."
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Tough call for Tomka
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is predicting a closely-run competition for this season's
Hammer of the Year
21.05.2009
James Tomkins may not be involved against Middlesbrough this weekend after
his unlucky dismissal last week, but he is looking forward to seeing who is
crowned Hammer of the Year.
The reigning young player of the year has been rightly recognised for his
own outstanding contribution since returning from injury and a loan spell at
Derby County in the second half of the season. His form is such that he is
being tipped to win a place in the England squad for next month's UEFA
European Under-21 Championship alongside club-mate Mark Noble.
Tomkins' club season is over though after that unfortunate red card in the
3-1 reverse at Everton last Saturday when he appeared to clip Tim Cahill on
his way through to goal. The England Under-20 defender has put the
disappointment behind him and is more than happy to have his say on which of
his team-mates might take the ultimate player prize this campaign.
He said: "I think it's a hard one, there's a lot of players that have done
so well. It's the first time we've seen Valon [Behrami] play. A lot of
people may have forgotten about him but you know how good he was at the
start of the year especially.
"Then you've got Matthew [Upson], I've played alongside him and I've seen
learnt a learnt a lot from him as he's been brilliant to me through the
games as well. Robert Green has been brilliant again this year as has Scotty
Parker."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer of the Year poll closed
WHUFC.com
The voting for Hammer of Year finished at 9am on Thursday, with the winner
announced on Sunday
21.05.2009
The poll for fans to vote for their Hammer of the Year 2008/09, sponsored by
Vantis, has now closed.
With over 10,000 votes cast in total and the top three looking like they
could be separated by just 200 votes, this season's award promises to be an
extremely close-run affair.
The eventual winner will collect their trophy after Sunday's game with
Middlesbrough, alongside the Young Hammer of the Year and the Doris Bell
award, both of which are chosen by Academy director Tony Carr. The Goal of
the Season and runner-up Hammer of the Year will also be awarded their
trophies.
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Charity walkers on course
WHUFC.com
Four Middlesbrough fans are walking to the Boleyn Ground to raise money for
charity
21.05.2009
A group Middlesbrough fans are taking on the toughest walk of their lives as
they make their way to Sunday's fixture on foot to help raise money for
charity.
The quartet - Jeff Patterson, Paul Brand, Rob Blanchard and Paul Hudson -
set off on the 256 mile trip on Saturday night after Middlesbrough's home
game with Aston Villa and they were still on target to arrive in time for
kick-off at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday afternoon.
A tired Jeff said: "I would be lying if I said I was feeling fine, but the
Boro and making the charities happy is helping to drive us on to get to the
end. We're looking forward to sitting down, taking our boots and having a
nice pint near the ground."
The walk is in support of the NSPCC, The Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer
Research UK and The Finlay Cooper Fund, a charity set up by ex-Middlesbrough
star Colin Cooper.
The group have a mobile phone, which fans can ring to offer them
encouragement and support. The number is 07905 153709.
For more information on the work on instructions on how to donate visit
www.boro2upton.org
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Middlesbrough
PREMIER LEAGUE
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 24 May Kick-off: 1600 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
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Teams news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Middlesbrough go to West Ham needing a minor miracle to extend their current
stay in the Premier League into a 12th season; a repeat of last season's
final day 8-1 victory over Manchester City would help, but that was in front
of their home fans.
Gareth Southgate's Teessiders travel on a club record 11 successive away
league losses.
West Ham look set to finish one place higher than last season and the lowest
placed London club in ninth, but if they could catch Spurs in eighth they'd
gain another £760,000 in merit payments.
The Hammers have not lost a last day fixture in the Premier League since
Middlesbrough beat them 1-2 at the Riverside on 19 May 2001.
West Ham and Middlesbrough lock horns for the fourth time this season. The
reverse league fixture was drawn 1-1, as was the FA Cup fifth round tie at
Upton Park, but the Teessiders won 2-0 in the replay. Stewart Downing scored
in both ties.
The Hammers are vying for a seventh consecutive home Premier League victory
over Middlesbrough, yet the overall league standings between the clubs is
level. They have played 55 games against each other since 1923, and each
club has won 22 with 11 drawn.
Distance between the clubs: 250 miles (402 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
9th 48 points
Highest achievable: 8th (Merit payment: £9,880,000)
Lowest could realistically fall: 10th (£8,360,000)
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Gained one win in six Premier League matches (0-1, away to Stoke on 2
May), and lost the last two.
2. Defeat would make it their second longest losing sequence of the season,
after the four in a row throughout October.
3. Never lost a final day home fixture in the Premier League; four wins,
five draws.
4. Won 11 of 33 Premier League matches under Gianfranco Zola.
5. Claimed 16 out of the last 18 home points against North-East clubs since
their only defeat in eight in East London against clubs from the region;
0-2, home to Newcastle on 17 September 2006.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
MIDDLESBROUGH
Club stats
19th 32 points
Highest achievable: 17th (Merit payment: £3,040,000)
Lowest could fall: 20th (£760,000)
Best & Worst categories in 2008-09 Premier League
1. Picked up two points out from a winless last five games; the 3-1 home
triumph over Hull on 11 April is their only maximum in 10.
2. Won only one last day away fixture in the Premier League; 0-2 against
Everton at Goodison Park on 14 May 2000.
3. The club with the Premier League's joint fewest wins and weakest attack
will finish with their lowest ever points total in this league, regardless
of what happens here. They went down with 39 points in 1997, having had
three deducted, and 44 points from 42 games in their previous relegation
from the Premier League in 1993.
4. Failed to score in eight of the last 10 away league games, scoring just
two goals in the process.
5. Lost all four top-flight visits to London without scoring a single goal,
and conceding 11.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
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 is the club's top Premier League scorer with nine goals.
Kieron DYER needs a double to register 50 career club goals.
Suspended:-
James TOMKINS (one match)
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
MIDDLESBROUGH
Squad profiles
TUNCAY Sanli is Middlesbrough's top Premier League scorer with seven goals.
Stewart DOWNING is the only remaining player to have started every one of
Middlesbrough's Premier League matches this season.
If on the field from the outset:-
Julio ARCA will be making his 200th English league start (Sunderland and
Middlesbrough).
HEAD TO HEAD
Middlesbrough's only Premier League victory in 10 visits to Upton Park was
0-1 on 29 April 2000, through a Brian Deane penalty. The Teessiders failed
to score in eight of those games, and have netted only two in total in the
10.
Boro boss Gareth Southgate captained Aston Villa in the 2000 FA Cup final,
won by a Chelsea side featuring Hammers' boss Gianfranco Zola.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 22 wins, Middlesbrough 22, Draws 11
Prem: West Ham 9 wins, Middlesbrough 9, Draws 3
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 16 wins, Middlesbrough 7, Draws 4
Prem: West Ham 8 wins, Middlesbrough 1, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 3-0 Middlesbrough
15 September 2007 - Ref: Steve Bennett
West Ham scorers: Bowyer 46, Young 51 og, Ashton 62
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham United
1 November 2008 - Ref: Andre Marriner
Middlesbrough scorer: Mido 83
West Ham scorer: Mullins 21
REFEREE
Howard Webb (Yorkshire)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
In defence of Savio
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianluca Nani has defended his decision to sign Savio Nsereko in the wake of
criticism from some quarters. West Ham's technical director spoke out in the
wake of United's failure to qualify for Europe - a situation some have
blamed on the club's failure to effectively replace Craig Bellamy in the
transfer window, with criticism also aimed at Nani for spending what little
budget the Hammers had on the virtually unknown 19-year-old. But Nani has
spoken out to defend the acquisition from Brescia, claiming that Savio will
feature heavily in Gianfranco Zola's plans next summer. "Savio is a young
player with a big future," Nani told the ELA. "He's still a young boy and
he's coming from another country, but we are really confident about him.
"Savio is not a replacement for Bellamy - he doesn't play the same position
and he's not that kind of player. At that time, we wanted to change the way
we were playing. "One of the good things about Gianfranco Zola is that he
can change the way we play in terms of formation - we've started to play
4-3-2-1 and then 4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2. "Maybe next season it will be Ashton and
Cole, which means a different way of playing. Savio will be part of our
future. But he has not had one day of rest during the last year. "Last
summer he was in the European Under-19 championships, then without any rest
he was back at Brescia, then in January he had no time off before coming
here. He needs time."
The number 10 has made just one start under Zola since joining the club in
January. He has also made ten substitute appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sears on loan move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Freddie Sears admits that a spell on loan would be the best possible move
for him next season. Gianfranco Zola revealed earlier thsi week that
19-year-old Sears is likely to spend next season out on loan having failed
to breakthrough to the first team on a regular basis this term. It is a
scenario that Sears appears to agree with; taking to the ELA, he said: "It's
hard not playing every game because you need a little run in the team to get
going, but once you get a goal, your confidence is really high. I think if I
play a few games, I'll have a chance to show what I can really do. "When
you're not playing at West Ham, you just want to play football and going on
loan is something I'd definitely be interested in. Some of the boys have
come back after going out on loan and you can see that it's helped - just
confidence-wise and just playing in front of thousands of people every
week."
Sears is almost certain to have to drop a level in order to achieve his
ambition of regular football - but it's not a situation that phases him.
"We've discussed what could happen at the start of next season and I think
the Championship is a good, strong level to go and develop your football,"
he added. "For me, a London team would be nice - a team from around here.
But if you have to go away from home, you live with it. "I've looked to go
out this year, but there's not been too many players around and it's been
hard for the manager to let me go. But it's hard only playing 15 minutes
here and there and there's not many reserve games."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green in the driving seat
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green could be set to make his first competitive start for England
when they face Kazakhstan and Andorra next month. Green - who has criminally
earned just two international caps thus far - is in the driving seat with
current number one choice David James injured, and having impressed Fabio
Capello in recent weeks. But the 29-year-old former Norwich stopper - who
had his goalkeeping gloves embossed with 'England's Number Six' last season
in reference to his constant failure to win any further caps - is taking
nothig for granted. "As soon as Jamo was out I knew people would be looking
around for a name - but I'm a bit too long in the tooth to get carried
away," he told today's Independent. "One thing I've learnt about the new
manager is he does not take any notice of anyone else, he is his own man.
But I will be turning up - assuming I am picked - and will prepare to play,
as I do every time."
Green also praised new boss Gianfranco Zola, for whom he thanked for
boosting his England chances. "He has instilled confidence in everyone," he
added. "As a goalkeeper you are reactive to what happens in front of you. If
the defence play well that rubs off on you and vice versa. "The defence has
been largely unchanged, which helps, so does the fact we play out from the
back more. The manager has encouraged us to play football, and it's been a
joy for everyone."
Green has received the backing of former England keeper Nigel Martyn, who
said: "The opportunity is there for somebody to grab it. I would imagine
Robert Green will get the chance against Kazakhstan, then it is up to him.
He would get my vote."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
One for the ladies...
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 20th May 2009
By: Staff Writer
Hammers midfielder Jack Collison has finished 35th in a contest to find
Wales' hottest man.
The poll, conducted by walesonline.co.uk saw the 20-year-old United
midfielder beat the likes of Ospreys rugby star Alun-Wyn Jones and
Tottenham's Gareth Bale, who came in 37th and 46th respectively.
However he also came in behind 40-year-old scruff Rhys Ifans (31st) and
Cardiff's £5million-rated Joe Ledley, who had been on West Ham's radar for
some time.
The top 10, as voted for by readers of the website was as folows:
Because you're gorgeous ... top ten boyos
1. Aneurin Barnard (actor, 21)
2. Leigh Halfpenny (rugby player, 21)
3. Matthew Rhys (actor, 34)
4. Iwan Rheon (actor, 23)
5. Lee Byrne (rugby player, 28)
6. Steve Jones (TV presenter, 31)
7. Rhydian Roberts (singer, 26)
8. Tom James (rower, 25)
9. David Davies (swimmer, 24)
10. Gethin Jones (TV presenter, 31)
Top footballers
1. Joe Ledley (Cardiff City)
2. Aaron Ramsey (Arsenal)
3. Jack Collison (West Ham Utd)
4. Gareth Bale (Tottenham)
With thanks to KUMB member pennywisepete (and apologies for failing to
credit him earlier!)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sears interested in loan move
West Ham striker linked with Palace switch
Last updated: 21st May 2009
SSN
Freddie Sears has admitted he would welcome the opportunity to go out on
loan next season. The 19-year-old striker emerged as one of the brightest
young prospects in English football last season, netting a late winner on
his West Ham debut against Blackburn. He has not scored for Gianfranco
Zola's side this term but has continued his development with 22 appearances,
including seven starts. Sears accepts it may be some time before he fully
establishes himself as a regular starter at Upton Park and there have been
suggestions he could be sent out on loan to gain experience. Crystal Palace
have expressed an interest and Sears believes such a move could benefit his
career. "When you are not playing at West Ham, you just want to play
football and going on loan is something I would definitely be interested
in," Sears said in the East London Advertiser. "Some of the boys have come
back after going out on loan and you can see that it is helped - just
confidence-wise and just playing in front of thousands of people every
week."
Sears added: "We have discussed what could happen at the start of next
season and I think the Championship is a good, strong level to go and
develop your football.
"For me, a London team would be nice, but if you have to go away from home,
you live with it." Sears is convinced he will rediscover his touch in front
of goal if he gets more opportunities in the starting XI. "I feel like I am
a goalscorer," he said. "It is hard not playing every game because you need
a little run in the team to get going, but once you get a goal, your
confidence is really high. "I think if I play a few games, I will have a
chance to show what I can really do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Palace keen on Sears
Warnock considering loan bid for Hammers youngster
Last updated: 21st May 2009
SSN
Crystal Palace are considering a bid to bring West Ham's young striker
Freddie Sears to Selhurst Park on loan. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is
believed to be ready to allow the talented teenager to leave Upton Park on a
temporary basis to gain greater first-team experience. Palace boss Neil
Warnock is looking to bring striking reinforcements to the club and is
pondering a possible move for Sears. "I will speak to (assistant boss) Mick
Jones and our chief scout about him and have a look at our scouting
reports," Warnock told the Croydon Advertiser. "Freddie Sears is the sort of
player that would interest us - we are looking for players of Premier League
quality and experience." Sears burst onto the scene last season with a debut
goal against Blackburn but has struggled to nail down a first-team spot this
term.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green ready to plug gap
Hammers shot-stopper ready to take the No.1 shirt
Last updated: 21st May 2009
SSN
Robert Green insists he is ready make his first competitive appearance for
England if called upon by manager Fabio Capello. England are short of
goalkeeping options for next month's World Cup qualifying double header
against Kazakhstan and Andorra with a number of shot-stoppers out of action.
David James, Ben Foster and Chris Kirkland are all sidelined, meaning Green
is one of the leading contenders to add to his two caps along with the likes
of Scott Carson and former No.1 Paul Robinson.
Green knows he has an excellent chance of getting the nod from Capello
following a fine season for West Ham, although he is taking nothing for
granted and is not getting carried away by the prospect of filling in. "As
soon as Jamo was out I knew people would be looking around for a name but
I'm a bit too long in the tooth to get carried away," he told The
Independent. "One thing I've learnt about the new manager (Fabio Capello) is
he does not take any notice of anyone else, he is his own man. "But I will
be turning up - assuming I am picked - and will prepare to play, as I do
every time."
Green has paid tribute to West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola for his fine
season, saying his man-management style has filled all the players at Upton
Park with confidence.
"He has instilled confidence in everyone," he continued. "As a goalkeeper
you are reactive to what happens in front of you. "If the defence play well
that rubs off on you and vice versa. The defence has been largely unchanged,
which helps, so does the fact we play out from the back more. "The manager
has encouraged us to 'play football' and it's been a joy for everyone."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United: Premier League end-of-season report
How did West Ham perform this season – and what does manager Gianfranco Zola
need to address for 2009/10?
Telegraph
By John Ley
Last Updated: 6:24PM BST 21 May 2009
Overall performance
Consistent over the campaign, echoing last season's mid-table finish. West
Ham were doing OK under Alan Curbishley, and have improved under Gianfranco
Zola and, importantly, Steve Clarke. They have given youth a chance and it
is working, with West Ham playing attractive football, commendable given the
problems over ownership.
Mark: 6/10.
Knowing Zola from his Chelsea days, Cole finally achieved his potential to
the extent that he was recognised by England manager Fabio Capello. Even
though suspensions and injuries have threatened to disrupt his season, he
remains the club's leading scorer and now he has to carry it into next
season.
Loser: Dean Ashton
The striker's career, since arriving at Upton Park, has been blighted by
injury. Like Cole, an England call-up led to injury and this campaign has
seen him make just five appearances. He has yet to play for Zola, and must
be hoping the new campaign will herald a new dawn.
Summer transfer ins and outs
Zola has insisted he will still stick with his policy in nurturing youth and
in James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Savio Nsereko, Junior Stanislas, Mark Noble
and Josh Payne the future is promising. But he needs an experienced striker
and with Lucas Neill's future yet to be confirmed, possibly a top-class
defender.
Priority for 2009/10
Breaking into the top six will be hard, particularly if Zola is unable to
invest. So the future may rest on the slim shoulders of a host of kids and
the coaching talents of the manager and Clarke. Success in a cup competition
would go some way to enhancing Zola's managerial reputation.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ASHTON IS FOR SALE ..
The Mirror
By Darren Lewis 22/05/2009
West Ham will listen to offers for Dean Ashton this summer. The luckless
England striker has made just 51 appearances for the Hammers since joining
them from Norwich in January 2006, scoring 17 goals. Injuries have played
havoc with his Upton Park career and the Hammers were willing to accept a
decent offer for him in January before he suffered yet another setback. The
£7million frontman has played just four times this season after scoring
twice in West Ham's 2-1 win over Wigan on the opening day of the campaign
and has been out since September. Although he is now fit, Ashton was not
risked in West Ham's failed bid for Europe in case it jeopardised any
potential transfer. His boss Gianfranco Zola has repeatedly insisted Ashton
will spearhead the Hammers' attack alongside Carlton Cole next season. But
suitors willing to follow up their interest with hard cash could prise him
away. His injury problems at West Ham began with a broken ankle while on
England duty in August 2006, which forced him to miss all the 2006-07
season.
The popular marksman bounced back in August 2007 against Manchester City,
coming on as a second-half substitute. He made 35 league and cup appearances
in that campaign, scoring 11 goals. Ashton signed a new fiveyear contract
only a year ago, intended to keep him at the club until 2013. But his injury
curse returned when Ashton sprained his ankle in Zola's first training
session last September. Newcastle were interested in him last summer while
Aston Villa were keen in January. Now Everton - who have had to return Jo to
Manchester City because they cannot afford him - could move in. West Ham are
also set to send loan defender Radoslav Kovac back to Spartak Moscow this
summer. They are not prepared to pay the £6million the Russian club want for
the Czech Republic international.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Robert Green: England selection won't be for granted
Robert Green is ready to make his competitive bow for England in next
month's World Cup qualifying double header, but is not taking his selection
for granted.
Telegraph
By Telegraph staff
Last Updated: 9:41AM BST 21 May 2009
West Ham goalkeeper Green appears to be the front runner to replace injured
No 1 David James as Ben Foster and Chris Kirkland are both sidelined. West
Brom's Scott Carson remains a possible alternative, but Albion's relegation
and his high-profile error when on duty in the crunch Euro 2008 qualifier
against Croatia may count against him. England's bid should sell passion,
not politicians Nevertheless, Green told the Indpependent: "As soon as Jamo
was out I knew people would be looking around for a name but I'm a bit too
long in the tooth to get carried away. "One thing I've learnt about the new
manager (Fabio Capello) is he does not take any notice of anyone else, he is
his own man. "But I will be turning up - assuming I am picked - and will
prepare to play, as I do every time." James will undergo an operation on a
long-term shoulder problem on Wednesday and will miss England's two key
games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Whizzkid Savio will make Hammers a Euro force, says Nani
21 May 2009
East London Advertiser
EXCLUSIVE
By JONATHAN CLEGG
West Ham technical director Gianluca Nani insists that Savio Nsereko can
transform the club from Euro failures into top-six challengers next season.
The Hammers' hopes of securing a Europa League berth were extinguished in
last weekend's defeat at Everton, as a run of only two wins in the past nine
games proved costly. But Nani is convinced the Hammers can emerge as genuine
European contenders next season after tipping Germany Under-20 ace Savio to
make a major impact. He said: "This was a good season but we are confident
that next season we will be better. "Savio is a young player with a big
future. He's still a young boy and he's coming from another country, but we
are really confident about him."
Much was expected of the 19-year-old whizzkid when he joined the Hammers in
a possible club record deal in January - just days after Craig Bellamy's
£14m switch to Manchester City. Savio was touted as a ready-made replacement
for the Wales striker, but has struggled to make an impression in 10
first-team appearances - and has even lost his place to homegrown teenager
Junior Stanislas in recent weeks. But Nani has urged fans to be patient with
the former Brescia star, adding that Savio was not signed to replace
Bellamy, but to help West Ham develop a new style of attacking play. Nani
said: "Savio is not a replacement for Bellamy - he doesn't play the same
position and he's not that kind of player. At that time, we wanted to change
the way we were playing. "One of the good things about Gianfranco Zola is
that he can change the way we play in terms of formation - we've started to
play 4-3-2-1 and then 4-4-2 or 4-3-1-2. "Maybe next season it will be Ashton
and Cole [up front], which means a different way of playing. Savio will be
part of our future. "But he has not had one day of rest during the last year
- last summer, he was in the European Under-19 championships, then without
any rest he was back at Brescia, then in January he had no time off before
coming here. He needs time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Offering Warnock A Helping Hand? You Cannot Be Serious!
The Games Gone Crazy
So Freddie Sears may be heading for Crystal Palace! The irony of us
entrusting a prized asset to the care of Neil Warnock is irresistible! Is
this our way of settling Warnock's compo claim perhaps, gifting Old Big Knob
a player who will shoot the Eagles into the Premier League?
Is Warnock really the man to develop Freddie? I can't think of anybody,
except for Big Spam, Megson and Curbishley, who is further away from the
West Ham and Zola philosophy on the game. Ball on the ground, neat
interchanging of passes, a focus on ball retention, developing skills...is
Neil Warnock really your man? I suppose it is a way of avoiding Sears having
his leg broken in a game against Palace but, beyond that, I'm struggling to
follow the logic. Maybe it is so he feels at home, playing in claret and
blue, or perhaps the primary concern is to keep him in London.
Personally, I'd rather see him entrusted to West Brom where they play the
game in the right way, even if it means relegation. Surely, if he is that
good, the goal shy Baggies would love him?
West Ham helping out Warnock? It's kind of like the Americans arming Saddam
Hussein and Bin Laden. Oh, hang on, that happened didn't it? Funny old world
isn't it?
Lending Freddie to Warnock feels like entrusting your teenage son to the
Catholic Church to me. Would you be happy for Neil to get his smutty paws on
our kid striker?
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Middlesbrough still chance of keeping West Ham target Bates
22.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
Matthew Bates will wait until after Middlesbrough's final game of the season
before discussing a new contract. The Evening Gazette says the 22-year-old,
whose contract runs out at the end of June, has attracted interest from
other Premier League clubs. Aston Villa and West Ham are among those who
have expressed an interest. A new Boro contract lies on the table, but Bates
has deferred opening discussions until after the final game against West
Ham. If he can not agree an extension with Boro, then he will be free to
sign for any other club on July 1 - though Boro will be entitled to claim
compensation.
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West Ham's Collison warns Middlesbrough
22.05.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham want to deliver a final game victory to home fans against
Middlesbrough, says midfielder Jack Collison. The Wales international told
whufc.com: "We want to end the season on a high, especially at Upton Park in
front of our own fans as it's not nice to lose any game. "Unfortunately
we're not going to make Europe but we're going to look to put in a good
performance and end the season with a bit of a buzz."
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