Friday, February 13

Daily WHUFC News - II 13th February 2009

Parker agrees new contract
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker has become the latest West Ham United player to commit his
long-term future to the club
13.02.2009

West Ham United are delighted to confirm that Scott Parker has committed his
long-term future to the club by signing a new contract that will take him up
to summer 2013. The England midfielder put pen to paper on the new deal on
Friday afternoon. The 28-year-old has been in outstanding form this season,
playing 25 of the club's 28 games, having enjoyed a strong finish to the
previous campaign. Although the subject of confirmed interest from other
clubs during the transfer window, Parker said he was never in any doubt
about where he saw his long-term future. He said: "I am very happy, pleased
and excited - especially after all the speculation in the transfer window -
that I can now put that to rest and sign a new-long term contract. In the
last few weeks, the way the club is going and the direction that the manager
and the board want to go is something I want to follow. "By signing my new
contract, it says that I want to do this as well. It also says a lot about
West Ham, there has been a lot of negative things written, saying there was
a crisis and all of that. This shows that West Ham are in a position to keep
their players when others want them and as a player and for the fans, that
is a great thing. "The manager showed a real desire to keep me. He sees me
as a massive part of the squad and that meant a lot to me, especially when
there were things being written everywhere. So I am delighted to sign."

There has been a clear policy at the club this season to agree long-term
contracts with key players. The likes of Jack Collison, Freddie Sears,
Herita Ilunga, Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton have all affirmed their
commitment to the cause, while the manager Gianfranco Zola has also stated
his long-term ambitions at the Boleyn Ground in line with the project
involving him, technical director Gianluca Nani and CEO Scott Duxbury.
Zola said: "This is great news. Scott is an excellent player and it is good
to have him at our service for more years. We have a long-term view, and we
need time to set up our project and give it a chance to grow. The club is
sticking to this policy and it is brilliant. It means we are really serious
about everything that we have said.
"When I first sat with Scott Duxbury we said we want to do this in the right
way and everything is going along so well. Scott, Gianluca and I are working
very well together and it is the key for the good results we are getting.
Everyone is playing their part, not just the players and the technical
staff. They have been brilliant."

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "Scott Parker is a hugely important
player and his belief in the club's vision is a fantastic boost for everyone
at West Ham United. He has been tremendous this season, not only with his
individual performances but for his example and leadership to the talented
youngsters we have coming through.

"Added to the absolute assurances Gianfranco has given fans this week about
his long-term commitment, this agreement is a further sign that we can all
look forward. Today's news underlines that a lot of nonsense has been
written and said about this club in recent weeks. It is clear that even if
external forces try to destabilise us, nothing will stand in the way of our
football project and our efforts to bring success to this club and our
supporters."

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Di Michele determined
WHUFC.com
David Di Michele is feeling the benefit of an extended run in the team under
Gianfranco Zola
13.02.2009

David Di Michele was in buoyant mood at Chadwell Heath this week after a
fruitful start to 2009. The Italian international has been enjoying a
positive run in the team and has more than contributed to a fine patch of
form that has seen West Ham United rise to eighth place in the standings. Di
Michele has started the last five games for the east London side, winning
the first three before picking up a credible point at the Emirates Stadium.
With the striker looking forward to getting his second taste of the FA Cup
against Middlesbrough on Saturday, things could not be going much better.
"Life at West Ham is great and I'm really enjoying it," Di Michele said.
"Being in the team over the last few weeks has really helped my form. You
can express yourself and get the match fitness that you need. When I wasn't
in the team I understood and was just waiting for my chance. As soon as the
chance came I did well to take it and it was important for me to do that."

The West Ham No32 joined on in the summer and was delighted to see his
countryman Gianfranco Zola join him as manager soon afterwards. The striker
said it was a big bonus having a mentor that knows exactly what it takes to
make the adjustment from Serie A to the Premier League. "I'm enjoying
working with Gianfranco as he gives me lots of advice. He was a great
player, but more importantly he was a great player that made his name in
England. It means that I benefit from the important tips and suggestions,
which really give me an advantage when he plays," he said. Di Michele is
midway through a season long loan from Torino and the Italian is so settled
he would extend his stay in London immediately if given the chance. "I need
to do the best I can and then at the end of the season we will see. Although
his thoughts are firmly set on helping the Hammers to reach the sixth round
of the FA Cup in Saturday's match, Di Michele was still slightly frustrated
at not getting anything from last weekend's game against league leaders
Manchester United. "There was a bit of disappointment that we did not get
anything against Manchester United as we had two or three chances in the
first half and they didn't have as many chances as one may expect from a
team like that. A draw would have been a fairer reflection on the game but
we have to keep going as we are."

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West Ham v Boro preview
Savio and Kovac set for debuts; Riggott, Aliadiere out
SSN
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 13th February 2009

Middlesbrough will be hoping to put a 13-game winless streak in the Premier
League behind them when they travel to Upton Park for their FA Cup
fifth-round tie.
Boro are in extremely poor form, with victories over Barrow and Wolves in
the FA Cup providing rare highlights in a dismal few months for the
Teessiders.
West Ham on the other hand have risen to eighth in the league and recorded
strong wins over both Barnsley and Hartlepool in the previous rounds during
a purple patch. The two sides last met in the FA Cup in the 2005/06 season
when a late goal from Marlon Harewood sent West Ham through to the final -
but neither side has progressed so far since.
Recent signing Savio could start for the first time since joining West Ham,
as could loan acquisition Radoslav Kovac. Valon Behrami and James Collins
both missed midweek international action, but should be available for the
tie. James Tompkins could be involved at some point despite a recent
recovery from a minor hamstring injury. However, Dean Ashton, Danny Gabbidon
and Kieron Dyer all remain out of Gianfranco Zola's plans.
Middlebrough have lost Chris Riggott to a knee ligament injury suffered
against Manchester City last week, which will serve as a huge blow both for
this game and for the coming weeks. Former on-loan Hammer Jeremie Aliadiere
and Andrew Taylor are missing for Gareth Southgate with ankle problems.
On-loan Wigan striker Marlon King will not feature as he played for Hull
City earlier in the competition.

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Davenport wants to stay
Defender hoping Sunderland loan becomes permanent
SSN
Last updated: 13th February 2009

Calum Davenport is hoping that his loan deal to Sunderland will be made
permanent in the summer. The West Ham defender has not settled at a club
since his transfer from Coventry to Tottenham in 2004, being loaned out on
three occasions during his time at White Hart Lane. He then signed for the
Hammers in January of 2007 but has since been sent on loan on two further
occasions. The 26-year-old wants the latest deal to bring him some
much-needed security. "I want a bit of stability in my career," Davenport
told The Northern Echo. "I'm 26 and I've got a young family to consider as
well, so I want to settle. "I haven't just come up here for six months away
from West Ham with a view to going back - I'm hopefully coming here to get
in the team, perform well and convince the manager and fans that I can add
something to the squad. "Then hopefully something might happen in the
summer."
Davenport's switch to the Stadium of Light was completed only hours before
the closure of the January transfer window. The defender has been the
subject of transfer gossip many times before and is growing tired of the
disturbances that accompany the deals. "In an ideal world, I'll be staying
up here so my name won't appear in the transfer gossip columns," he added.
"Every window it seems that my phone has been going off non-stop, so this
window I just kept it off and said to my agent: 'Talk to me when something
happens and clubs agree something. Until that point I don't want to know'.
"For me, that time of year is always a nightmare."
The centre-back managed to force his way into the West Ham first team under
Alan Curbishley, but has not been a part of present manager Gianfranco
Zola's plans. Now he feels he is being loaned out to ease the financial
strain on the club. He said: "The club are maybe in dire straits financially
and they need to trim the squad down. "Maybe that sealed my fate a bit - I
think they wanted to get me out to ease a few of their problems."

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Cole - I'm hungrier now
Striker even more determined after winning first England cap
SSN
Last updated: 13th February 2009

Carlton Cole says his first England cap has made him even hungrier for
success. The West Ham striker was handed his international debut when coming
on as a 75th minute substitute in England's 2-0 away defeat to Spain. This
taste of life at the highest level has left Cole desperate for more and he
is determined to work hard for Hammers - who take on Middlesbrough in the FA
Cup on Saturday - to earn another call-up. He told the club's official
website: "This has given me a massive confidence boost now. I know I can get
chances in big games with my play and that is what I am going to be working
on now at club level. "I am going to work so hard for West Ham. Hopefully my
scoring record will continue and I am just going to get better and better
for the club. Now I have had a little taste, I am more hungry now. I want
success and I want to get chosen again. I want to stay in the England squad.
"I want much more of this. David Beckham signified how great it is to play
for your country with his 108th cap and I was just glad to be on the pitch
for my first when he was equalling the record. I was overwhelmed with
excitement to be coming on in a game like that, especially as at one point I
thought I might miss out."
While pleased to play for England, Cole was also disappointed that the Three
Lions lost the game. He added: "I had hoped it would be a win but when you
are playing the European champions it is tough. I knew we had a great team
but they had a better team on the night. "They deserved their victory. I was
disappointed not to score right at the end but I got my 15-minute cameo and
it was really good for me to be involved in the England set-up."
He also enjoyed playing under national boss Fabio Capello. "He is a quality
manager. He tells you what he wants and what he expects and you have got to
deliver," he said. "The boys were a bit unlucky. We got outshone by a good
side but we have our foundation and England are working towards getting
better and better as each game comes."
Cole kept hold of his Number 21 England shirt at the end of the night as a
reminder of the important occasion. He said: "A few of the Spanish boys
wanted to swap shirts but I had to keep it. I don't care who it was who
asked me for it. It was one of those things that you never know if the
chance will come again. I took it home with me. I was so excited and happy
to be on the field."

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Scott Parker Signs New Contract
onenil - Fri Feb 13 2009
West Ham Online

Scott Parker has committed his future to West Ham by signing a new long term
contract.

He spoke about his delight upon signing a new deal to the Club's official
Site:

"I am very happy, pleased and excited - especially after all the speculation
in the transfer window - that I can now put that to rest and sign a new-long
term contract. In the last few weeks, the way the club is going and the
direction that the manager and the board want to go is something I want to
follow.

"By signing my new contract, it says that I want to do this as well. It also
says a lot about West Ham, there has been a lot of negative things written,
saying there was a crisis and all of that. This shows that West Ham are in a
position to keep their players when others want them and as a player and for
the fans, that is a great thing.

"The manager showed a real desire to keep me. He sees me as a massive part
of the squad and that meant a lot to me, especially when there were things
being written everywhere. So I am delighted to sign."

Zola said: "This is great news. Scott is an excellent player and it is good
to have him at our service for more years. We have a long-term view, and we
need time to set up our project and give it a chance to grow. The club is
sticking to this policy and it is brilliant. It means we are really serious
about everything that we have said.

"When I first sat with Scott Duxbury we said we want to do this in the right
way and everything is going along so well. Scott, Gianluca and I are working
very well together and it is the key for the good results we are getting.
Everyone is playing their part, not just the players and the technical
staff. They have been brilliant."

West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "Scott Parker is a hugely important
player and his belief in the club's vision is a fantastic boost for everyone
at West Ham United. He has been tremendous this season, not only with his
individual performances but for his example and leadership to the talented
youngsters we have coming through.

"Added to the absolute assurances Gianfranco has given fans this week about
his long-term commitment, this agreement is a further sign that we can all
look forward. Today's news underlines that a lot of nonsense has been
written and said about this club in recent weeks. It is clear that even if
external forces try to destabilise us, nothing will stand in the way of our
football project and our efforts to bring success to this club and our
supporters."

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F.A. Cup: Southgate v Zola
BY STUART YOUNG ON FEB 13, 09 01:15 PM IN MIDDLESBROUGH
Mirror.co.uk (options )

Middlesbrough travel to the east-end of London tomorrow to face West Ham in
the 5th round of the F.A. Cup. We are able to put our poor league form on
hold for the afternoon and try to build some much needed confidence within
the team tomorrow. With Southgate's boys in serious trouble at the bottom of
the table and Zola's men sitting comfortably in 8th spot in the league, I
wanted to compare the two managers in today's post.

Southgate v Zola

Both are young and both are still learning their trade as Premiership
managers. Southgate is the more experienced out of the two though with a
couple of mediocre seasons behind him.

The odd thing about the two managers at present is their different styles of
play. Zola was an attacker as a player and Southgate was a sturdy defender
in his playing days yet the Italian has mastered his back four into
conceding very few goals this season whilst Southgate has seen his side ship
goals for fun.

Southgate has not had the spending power like West Ham have had this season
and was not very instrumental in the January transfer window. Zola, on the
other hand, was able to bring in a couple of new players to strengthen his
squad for the remaining games of the season.

I would say Zola has had an instant impact at Upton Park where as Southgate
has never really been consistent enough to merit acknowledgement.

Southgate comes up short in the man-management side of things as well. Take
Afonso Alves, he was a massive hit in Holland scoring a load of goals. We
spent a massive amount of money on him yet he can't score more than 1 goal a
month for us. Zola inherited his players when he joined the club and
instantly took control of misfiring players such as Carlton Cole. Almost
immediately the West Ham striker started banging in the goals for the team
and who does Cole thank for that? Yeah you guessed it, Zola.

I still remain optimistic about Southgate at Middlesbrough. Currently he and
his team are not doing the business, but if we do avoid relegation I think
he will become a good manager for us.

The verdict

Zola has edged it for me. His personality is shining at West Ham. They will
do well under the guidance of the little man. Southgate needs to brighten
up, not just for his sake, but for the team as well.

Prediction for tomorrow: Hammers 1 Boro 1

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Fans Advised Over Tube Closures
Mfc.premiumtv.co.uk

OWING to major closures on their network, Transport for London are
suggesting an alternative route for fans travelling to tomorrow's game at
West Ham by train and tube. Tube, London Overground and Docklands Light
Railway improvement works throughout the weekend will result in disruption
for passengers, with sections of the District, Hammersmith and City and
Circle lines closed.
To get from Kings Cross to Upton Park, TfL advises taking the Northern line
(black line) southbound from Kings Cross to London Bridge and transfer to
the Jubilee line (grey) eastbound from London Bridge to West Ham, and then
switch to the District line (green) eastbound for two stops to Upton Park.

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West Ham v Middlesbrough preview
by Joseph Caron Dawe , 13 February 2009
Setanta.co.uk

Gianfranco Zola can turn his focus back to matters on the pitch after a week
in which he had his fair share of speculation to deal with. The West Ham
manager takes his side into FA Cup fifth-round battle with Middlesbrough,
and will be delighted to have gotten through a period of intense conjecture
which linked him with a return to former club Chelsea following Luiz Felipe
Scolari's departure. With all that out of the way The Hammers host
struggling Boro at Upton Park as they bid to reach the quarter-final stage
of the competition for only the second time in eight seasons. The last time
they made it that far they went on to be losing finalists in 2006 – they
beat Boro in the semis that year.
Boro may be floundering in the league but when it comes to the cup they have
form. For the past three seasons they have reached the last eight, and are
seeking a fourth successive passage. To do that Boro will have to beat West
Ham for the first time in five attempts, having failed to overcome the
London side in their last four shots. Gareth Southgate's side will also need
to break a five-game duck in front of goal to stand any chance of making it
through – they have won just two of their last 15 competitive matches, with
both victories coming in the FA Cup.
The Hammers will give late fitness tests to defenders Valon Behrami and
James Collins, who are both fighting hamstring problems and missed midweek
international duties due to their injuries. Midfielder Radoslav Kovac –
signed on loan from Spartak Moscow during the January transfer window –
could make his debut, while Kieron Dyer is touch-and-go.
Boro are minus Marlon King up front as he is cup-tied, while Southgate has
to start dealing with the loss of Chris Riggott, who was diagnosed with
medial ligament injury earlier in the week. Marvin Emnes and the mercurial
Tuncay Sanli will vie to replace King, and David Wheater is set to replace
Riggott in defence.

Pivotal Player: Tuncay Sanli. Given a little time on the ball the Turk could
do just enough to turn this one in Boro's favour. He will need a concerted
effort from his team-mates to do so though...

Prediction: 1-1.

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West Ham and Spurs monitoring Newcastle forward
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 13 February 2009 - 11:48
Sport.co.uk

Newcastle United forward Andrew Carroll is being courted by West Ham and
Tottenham Hotspur according to sources close to the player. The England U-21
international has broken into the Newcaste first team this term scoring
goals against Manchester City and West Ham United, with belief escalating
around St James' Park that the forward has a bright future at the club.
However, the Newcastle faithful are not the only fans of Carroll. Last week
the 20-year-old rejected a five year deal with the club, and according to
sources close to Carroll, Harry Redknapp and Gianfranco Zola are both ready
to gamble on the youngster in the summer. Earlier this season Carroll was
involved in a training ground bust up with former wideman Charles N'Zogbia,
who moved to Wigan in the January transfer window, but the Gateshead forward
has put the bust-up behind him staking a claim for a regular first team
place. Carroll would be available on the cheap in the summer with only two
years left on his contract.

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ITV Spy: West Ham's progress
Published: Friday, 13 February 2009, 11:45AM
Itv.com

Is this West Ham's season?

Discounting last week's defeat to an unstoppable Manchester United, the
Hammers have been on the up since Christmas. Gianfranco Zola and Steve
Clarke deserve great credit for the way they've begun turning the Hammers
around, but now they need to build on their success. After easy wins over
Barnsley and Hartlepool, the Hammers have a great chance of making the FA
Cup quarter-finals when they take on Middlesbrough at Upton Park on
Saturday. As we all know, Boro are struggling badly at the moment and a Cup
run will be bottom of Gareth Southgate's priorities, especially with a home
game against Wigan coming up next week. See off Boro and the Hammers are in
the last eight where, as the cliché says, they just need a home draw to be
within touching distance of Wembley.

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Ashton is on the mend after third ankle op
Ken Dyer
13.02.09
Evening Standard

West Ham striker Dean Ashton has undergone a third ankle operation. Ashton
has not played since September after suffering more problems with the ankle
he broke while training with England in August 2006. Specialist Niek van
Dijk, who has operated on Cristiano Ronaldo and Michael Ballack, removed
some bone debris from the ankle joint. Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola said:
"We don't know when Dean will be back but it went very well and he is much
better than before." Yesterday, Zola pledged his future to West Ham, despite
reports that Chelsea players want the Italian and assistant Steve Clarke to
move to Stamford Bridge this summer. Zola and Clarke are focusing on their
FA Cup clash against Middlesbrough, whose only wins this year have been in
this competition. Although Gareth Southgate's side are low on confidence,
Zola is not expecting an easy fifth-round tie. He said: "I saw them at
Manchester City last week and they played well. "They may be going through a
bad run but Gareth Southgate is a good young manager. He will have his team
very concentrated and very well prepared."

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It's another false Dean as Ashton tells Hammers fans: I'll be back better
and stronger
Last updated at 9:48 AM on 13th February 2009
Daily Mail

Dean Ashton has reassured West Ham fans that he is working hard and
'looking to be firing on all cylinders' when he comes back. It must be a big
relief for them. That he expects to come back, that is. The injury-prone
striker has turned into one of the unluckiest around and has just confirmed
he has had another ankle operation. Ashton is not quite in the Kieron Dyer
bracket yet but after being sidelined since last September and several false
dawns since, supporters had probably forgotten he was still at the club.
West Ham were supposed to have had offers for the striker before his latest
long-term lay-off and must be kicking themselves that they signed him to a
five-year contract last summer rather than take the money.

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Late fitness test for Hammers duo
TeamTalk

West Ham will give late fitness tests to Valon Behrami and James Tomkins
ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round visit of Middlesbrough. Both are
struggling with hamstring problems but Czech midfielder Radoslav Kovac could
make his debut after being on the bench for the defeat to Manchester United.
Midfielder Kieron Dyer - who had been out with a broken leg - has been
having tests on a muscle injury, but striker Dean Ashton (ankle) and
defender Danny Gabbidon (groin) remain sidelined.

West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble, Collison, Cole, Di Michele, Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Kovac, Spector,
Sears, Nsereko, Tristan, Tompkins, Dyer.

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Calum Davenport seeking permanent Sunderland move
On-loan Sunderland defender Calum Davenport has admitted he wants to leave
West Ham United for good after being deemed surplus to requirements by
Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola.
Telegraph
By Rob Stewart
Last Updated: 11:52AM GMT 13 Feb 2009

The centre-half has been borrowed by the Stadium of Light club until the end
of the season, but is already setting his sights on turning the move into a
permanent deal after falling out of favour under Zola. "I want a bit of
stability in my career, I'm 26 and I've got a young family as well, so I
want to settle," Davenport said.
"I haven't just come up here for six months away from West Ham with a view
to going back - I'm hopefully coming here to get in the team, perform well
and convince the manager and fans that I can add something to the squad.
"Then, hopefully, something might happen in the summer. The foundations are
here at Sunderland. They stayed up last year, so it's a case of kicking on,
which is something that West Ham have done since getting back into the
Premier League. "They're sitting in eighth now. I don't think that happens
overnight: it's a progression. "One of the things with West Ham is you
couldn't train properly because the pitches were always waterlogged. The
facilities here are brilliant, it's nice to be able to train whatever the
weather."

The Bedford-born former England Under-21 international began his career at
Coventry, before moving to Tottenham five years ago in a £1.3 million deal
and then switching to Upton Park in a £3m transfer two years ago. "It was a
relief to get something sorted in January," Davenport added. "From West
Ham's point of view, I think they were only interested in doing something on
a permanent basis, but Sunderland could only do something on loan, so that
dragged it out a bit. For me, that time of year (the transfer window) is a
nightmare. I just want to establish myself somewhere and feel at home
somewhere, instead of it being 'He's going there' or 'He's not staying'. I
want my name not to appear in the transfer gossip columns next window."

Davenport, who arrived on loan with Manchester City defender Tal Ben Haim,
has been warned he faces a fight for a place in the Sunderland side by
manager Ricky Sbragia. That is due to the impressive recent performances of
central defensive pairing Anton Ferdinand and Danny Collins. "They are
playing out of their skins," said Sbragia. "They have been consistent,
reliable and are growing in confidence as well. They are there to defend and
that's what they have done in recent weeks. "Danny did remarkably well
against Stoke on Saturday, he didn't give (James) Beattie much and won a lot
in the air, he's been fantastic in general."
"The others will have to be patient," he said. "It would be unfair to change
it at the minute."

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Hammers boss expresses pride at his Three Lions
Guardian Series
11:56am Friday 13th February 2009

WEST Ham boss Gianfranco Zola revealed his pride at the trio of Carlton
Cole, Robert Green and Matthew Upson, who all played a part in England's 2-0
defeat at the hands of Spain on Wednesday. Both Upson and Green entered the
fray as half-time substitute, while Cole was awarded his first cap for his
country when he was introduced in the 75th minute. He almost enjoyed a debut
to remember when he received a clever pass from David Beckham before taking
the ball round keeper Pepe Reina, only to see his shot cleared off the line
by Carlos Marchena. "It was great to see Robert, Matthew and Carlton playing
for England," Zola said. "I am so happy for them and the club. It reflects
very well on everyone and it is a very good reward for how they have been
playing. All three of them did very well in a big game against good
opponents. We are looking forward to giving the England squad more players
in the future."

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King and Riggott miss out for Boro
Guardian Series
12:18pm Friday 13th February 2009

MIDDLESBROUGH are without striker Marlon King and defender Chris Riggott for
tomorrow's trip to West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup. Riggott
suffered a medial ligament injury, which will rule him out for at least a
month, in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, while King - on loan
from Wigan - is cup-tied having played for Hull in the competition during an
earlier loan spell. Manager Gareth Southgate will check on the fitness of
several of the players who were on international duty in midweek, before
naming his side. Marvin Emnes and Tuncay Sanli are in the frame to replace
King, while David Wheater could switch to central defence to replace Riggott
- with Justin Hoyte set to be recalled at full-back.

Provisional squad: Jones, Turnbull, McMahon, Hoyte, Huth, Pogatetz, Wheater,
Bennett, Walker, Digard, O'Neil, Bates, Shawky, Tuncay, Downing, Arca, A
Johnson, Alves, Emnes.

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'Fearless' Hammers ready for Boro test
Guardian Series
12:14pm Friday 13th February 2009

GIANFRANCO Zola insists his 'fearless' Hammers are ready for anything that
Middlesbrough will throw at them in their FA Cup fifth round clash at Upton
Park tomorrow. The Irons tasted defeat for the first time in nine games when
they were narrowly beaten by Premier League champions Manchester United last
week.
But the Italian his eager to prove that result was nothing more than a
hiccup and his attentions are now on making it in to the quarter-finals of
the world's most famous knockout competition. However, he is expecting a
tough ride from Gareth Southgate's struggling side. Zola told the club's
website: "I am expecting a very tough match because they're obviously having
a bad run in the league so for them this is a great opportunity to turn
their season around. I'm expecting them to be very concentrated and prepared
to go for the win. "They're not having a good run and in my opinion that
makes them more dangerous. It's a big match, not only because it will allow
us to get to the next round of an important competition but also because we
lost the last game and we want to get back on track. "I think the way the
team are playing we don't fear anything and can do a good job in the FA Cup.
That's the kind of attitude we'll have for the game on Saturday."
Zola first enjoyed FA Cup success with Chelsea back in 1997, when the Blues
overcame Middlesbrough 2-0. And he is now keen to replicate that feat from
the sidelines. "I remember everything about that day. I will always say that
winning the FA Cup was one of the best achievements in my career and it
would be fantastic to repeat it as a manager. I am very much looking forward
to it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boro confident of Cup success
Virgin media
13 Feb 2009

Middlesbrough are without striker Marlon King and defender Chris Riggott for
tomorrow's trip to West Ham in the fifth round of the FA Cup. But Marvin
Emnes and Tuncay Sanli are in the frame to replace King, while David Wheater
could switch to central defence to replace Riggott - with Justin Hoyte set
to be recalled at full-back. And Boro manager Gareth Southgate is pleased to
have more options available to him and is confident his side can progress to
the next round of the Cup and move up the league table. Southgate said: "We
know that with the players we've got coming back, that we've got some good
players we've been missing for a few weeks. It's good to be starting to get
close to a fully-fit squad to pick from and we know that there's enough
quality in that squad if they play to their ability to both progress in this
competition and climb the league table."

Riggott suffered a medial ligament injury, which will rule him out for at
least a month, in last weekend's 1-0 defeat at Manchester City, while King -
on loan from Wigan - is cup-tied having played for Hull in the competition
during an earlier loan spell. Southgate will check on the fitness of several
of the players who were on international duty in midweek, before naming his
side.

Provisional squad: Jones, Turnbull, McMahon, Hoyte, Huth, Pogatetz, Wheater,
Bennett, Walker, Digard, O'Neil, Bates, Shawky, Tuncay, Downing, Arca, A
Johnson, Alves, Emnes

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Enjoyment factor is the key for impressive Hammers
Guardian Series
12:28pm Friday 13th February 2009

HAMMERS manager Gianfranco Zola has revealed that a relaxed atmosphere and
an emphasis on enjoyment has been the secret behind the team's recent
success. The Irons racked up an impressive unbeaten streak of eight games
before last week's 1-0 defeat to Manchester United. Despite that setback the
team remain in contention for a UEFA Cup place bid as the season enters the
final straight. And Zola insists the environment that he and assistant
manager Steve Clarke have tried to create is the key to the vast improvement
on the pitch. "Steve and myself have been footballers so we know exactly
what the players like and don't like," he told whufc.com. "We want to set up
facilities that allow them to enjoy themselves and get better. Once the
players get this feeling then it's easy and down to them. "It's nothing
special. It's just we like working with them and we want to give them
something to improve them and it's really working well. Hopefully, we're
looking forward to improving even more."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Boro preview
Savio and Kovac set for debuts; Riggott, Aliadiere out
Sport.co.uk
By Rob Carragher Last updated: 13th February 2009

Middlesbrough will be hoping to put a 13-game winless streak in the Premier
League behind them when they travel to Upton Park for their FA Cup
fifth-round tie.
Boro are in extremely poor form, with victories over Barrow and Wolves in
the FA Cup providing rare highlights in a dismal few months for the
Teessiders. West Ham on the other hand have risen to eighth in the league
and recorded strong wins over both Barnsley and Hartlepool in the previous
rounds during a purple patch. The two sides last met in the FA Cup in the
2005/06 season when a late goal from Marlon Harewood sent West Ham through
to the final - but neither side has progressed so far since.
Recent signing Savio could start for the first time since joining West Ham,
as could loan acquisition Radoslav Kovac. Valon Behrami and James Collins
both missed midweek international action, but should be available for the
tie. James Tompkins could be involved at some point despite a recent
recovery from a minor hamstring injury. However, Dean Ashton, Danny Gabbidon
and Kieron Dyer all remain out of Gianfranco Zola's plans. Middlebrough have
lost Chris Riggott to a knee ligament injury suffered against Manchester
City last week, which will serve as a huge blow both for this game and for
the coming weeks. Former on-loan Hammer Jeremie Aliadiere and Andrew Taylor
are missing for Gareth Southgate with ankle problems. On-loan Wigan striker
Marlon King will not feature as he played for Hull City earlier in the
competition.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my run for charity
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Daily WHUFC News - 13th February 2009

Cole relives Spanish start
WHUFC.com
Having had a taste with England, Carlton Cole wants another chance to prove
himself on the biggest stage
13.02.2009

Carlton Cole is hanging to the No21 shirt he wore in making his England
debut on Wednesday night away to European champions Spain. The in-form West
Ham United striker - back at rainy Chadwell Heath after his sojourn in
Seville - explained how he resisted overtures from some of the continent's
best players for the shirt off his back come the final whistle. The polite
requests followed a "15-minute cameo" that included a late chance from a
killer David Beckham pass that was only just cleared off the line. "A few of
the Spanish boys wanted to swap shirts but I had to keep it," Cole said. "I
don't care who it was who asked me for it. It was one of those things that
you never know if the chance will come again. I took it home with me. I was
so excited and happy to be on the field."

Although he could hardly hide his pride at being the latest man to be capped
by England, Cole admitted disappointment at the 2-0 defeat. "I had hoped it
would be a win but when you are playing the European champions it is tough.
I knew we had a great team but they had a better team on the night. "They
deserved their victory. I was disappointed not to score right at the end but
I got my 15-minute cameo and it was really good for me to be involved in the
England set-up."

The 25-year-old also relished the opportunity for some one-on-one coaching
with Fabio Capello. "He is a quality manager. He tells you what he wants and
what he expects and you have got to deliver. The boys were a bit unlucky. We
got outshone by a good side but we have our foundation and England are
working towards getting better and better as each game comes."

The same can be said of Cole. He explained he was looking to do his very
best for West Ham in the hope of earning another chance - starting with the
FA Cup visit of Middlesbrough on Saturday. "This has given me a massive
confidence boost now. I know I can get chances in big games with my play and
that is what I am going to be working on now at club level. I am going to
work so hard for West Ham. Hopefully my scoring record will continue and I
am just going to get better and better for the club. Now I have had a little
taste, I am more hungry now. I want success and I want to get chosen again.
I want to stay in the England squad.

"I want much more of this. David Beckham signified how great it is to play
for your country with his 108th cap and I was just glad to be on the pitch
for my first when he was equalling the record. I was overwhelmed with
excitement to be coming on in a game like that, especially as at one point I
thought I might miss out."
Cole acknowledged that club-mates Robert Green and Matthew Upson were a huge
help as he adapted to the regimented world of international football.
"Greeny and Matty were so helpful to me. Although I knew most of the lads
already, they made me feel at home with all the rules and the meetings. I am
known for being late and they helped me get out of bed in the morning! It
was great for the three of us to be involved."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Back to business for Boro
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola and his players were back in training ahead of Saturday's FA
Cup fifth-round tie
12.02.2009

West Ham United's players were back on the training pitch on Thursday
afternoon ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round visit of Middlesbrough. The
Hammers' trio of England players - debutant Carlton Cole, Matthew Upson and
Robert Green - joined manager Gianfranco Zola and their team-mates at
Chadwell Heath as preparations to face Gareth Southgate's side were stepped
up. Cole was all smiles after pulling on the Three Lions for the first time
in Wednesday evening's 2-0 friendly defeat in Spain, a sight that left Zola
feeling a sense of pride and achievement. "It was great to see Robert,
Matthew and Carlton playing for England. I am so happy for them and the
club. It reflects very well on everyone and it is a very good reward for how
they have been playing. All three of them did very well in a big game
against good opponents. We are looking forward to giving the England squad
more players in the future."

With Lucas Neill, Jack Collison, Radoslav Kovac and Zavon Hines also on
international duty for Australia, Wales, Czech Republic and Jamaica
respectively, the training ground was slightly less crowded than usual in
midweek. By Thursday afternoon, however, all attentions had been switched
back to Saturday's tie.
Despite Boro's recent struggles in the Premier League, where they have gone
13 matches without a victory, the manager knows his team need to be on their
guard. However, Zola is fully confident that his players will produce the
goods at the Boleyn Ground.

"I am expecting for them [Boro] it's going to be a very important match
because they're obviously having a bad run in the league so for them this is
a great opportunity to turn their season around. I'm expecting them to be
very concentrated and prepared to go for the win. "I saw their last game
against Manchester City and they were unlucky. They played a good match but
are not having a very good run and in my opinion that makes them more
dangerous. It's a big match not only because it will allow us to go to the
next round of an important competition but also because we lost the last
game and we want to get back on track.
"I think the way the team is playing we don't fear anything and can do a
good job in the FA Cup. That's the kind of attitude we'll have for the game
we play on Saturday."

Should his team prevail, West Ham will be just three victories from FA Cup
glory, a feeling Zola himself experienced twice during his playing career.
The first occasion came in May 1997, when Chelsea beat Boro 2-0 at Wembley
to leave the manager with cherished memories he will never forget. "I
remember everything about the day. I will always say that winning the FA Cup
was one of the best achievements in my career and it would be fantastic to
repeat it as a manager. I am very much looking forward to it."

Zola added that he and first-team coach Steve Clarke were delighted with the
positive atmosphere around the club - an atmosphere that led the Hammers on
a unbeaten run of eight matches before last Sunday's narrow 1-0 Premier
League defeat to Manchester United. "Steve and myself have been footballers
so we know exactly what the players like and don't like. We want to set up
facilities that allow them to enjoy themselves and get better. Once the
players get this feeling then it's easy and it is down to them. It's nothing
special. It's just we like working with them and we want to give them
something to improve them and it's working really well. Hopefully we're
looking forward to improving even more."

Zola also restated his ambition to lead West Ham up the Premier League table
and - he hopes - into the sixth round of the FA Cup. "I am very happy with
what I am doing here. We have a project and we're still just starting what
we're doing. I still have a lot to learn from the job and there's still a
long way to go."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Middlesbrough match preview
WHUFC.com
All of the early team news ahead of Saturday's FA Cup fifth-round tie at the
Boleyn Ground
12.02.2009

FA Cup fifth round
West Ham United v Middlesbrough
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 14 February
3pm
Referee: Peter Walton

Big match preview
• West Ham United welcome Gareth Southgate's Middlesbrough for today's FA
Cup fifth-round tie.
• The FA Cup sixth round will be played on the weekend of 7/8 March with the
draw taking place at FA headquarters on Sunday evening after the fixture
between Derby County and Manchester United. It will be broadcast live on
ITV.
• The club have won through to the last-16 for the first time since the
2005/06 season, when they went all the way to the final before losing to
Liverpool on penalties following a 3-3 draw at Cardiff's Millennium Stadium.
• The Hammers knocked out Barnsley 3-0 at home in the third round with goals
from Herita Ilunga - his first for the club - a Mark Noble penalty and
Carlton Cole. West Ham then won 2-0 at Hartlepool United in the fourth
round, with the goals coming courtesy of Valon Behrami and another Noble
penalty.
• Saturday's fixture is a rematch of the 2005/06 FA Cup semi-final between
the two sides at Villa Park. That day, 23 April 2006, Marlon Harewood's
78th-minute goal secured a 1-0 win for Alan Pardew's West Ham United.
• West Ham's only survivor from that game to feature today is James Collins.
Dean Ashton and Daniel Gabbidon, who both started the semi-final, are both
working their way back to fitness. For Middlesbrough, former England
defender Southgate is now the man in charge at the Riverside Stadium.
• Goalkeeper Brad Jones - who replaced the injured Mark Schwarzer midway
through the semi-final - defenders Andrew Taylor and Chris Riggott and
midfielder Stewart Downing all started at Villa Park and are still with the
club, although Riggott is sidelined by injury. Midfielder Matthew Bates, an
unused substitute in April 2006, is also still a member of the Boro squad.
• Saturday's match is the fourth time West Ham United have been drawn to
face Middlesbrough in the FA Cup. Aside from the 2006 semi-final, West Ham
overcame Boro 2-1 in a second round replay in February 1912 with goals from
Herbert Ashton and Fred Harrison.
• Middlesbrough gained their revenge by securing a 2-1 third round victory
at Ayresome Park on 3 January 1970. West Ham's goal that day was scored by
Alan Stephenson.
• Gianfranco Zola and Middlesbrough boss Southgate faced one another as
players in the 2000 FA Cup final. Zola's Chelsea beat Southgate's Aston
Villa 2-0 in the last final to be contested at the old Wembley Stadium.
• West Ham United striker Carlton Cole made his full England debut on
Wednesday evening, appearing as a 75th-minute substitute for Fabio Capello's
side in the 2-0 friendly defeat by Spain in Seville. Fellow Hammers Robert
Green and Matthew Upson earned their second and 13th caps respectively as
half-time substitutes at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.
• A host of other West Ham players were in international action in midweek.
Australia captain Lucas Neill led the Socceroos to a hard-fought 2010 FIFA
World Cup Asia qualifying Round 4 group 0-0 draw with Japan in Yokohama. The
draw kept Pim Verbeek's side three points clear of the Japanese at the top
of their group midway through their eight-match campaign.
• Jack Collison played the first half of Wales' 1-0 friendly defeat by
Poland in Vila Real, Portugal, earning his fourth cap for John Toshack's
side.
• Midfielder Radoslav Kovac - on loan from Spartak Moscow until the end of
the season - earned his 29th cap for Czech Republic in their goalless
friendly draw with Morocco in Casablanca.
• Striker Zavon Hines, 20, was called into the Jamaica squad for Wednesday
evening's goalless friendly draw with Nigeria at Millwall's New Den on
Wednesday, but did not make it into John Barnes' matchday 18 on the night.
• Teenager Jordan Spence, who is on loan at Leyton Orient, completed a full
90 minutes for England's Under-19 side in their 3-0 friendly defeat by Spain
at AFC Bournemouth's Dean Court on Tuesday evening.
Referee
• Saturday's referee is Peter Walton.

• Walton, 49, has been refereeing since 1986. He was appointed to the
Football League list as an assistant referee in 1993 before progressing to
the Premier League a year later and the FIFA list in 1996.
• Walton became a Football League referee in 1998 before joining the Select
List in 2003.
• Walton was an assistant referee at the 1996 FA Cup final between
Manchester United and Liverpool and for the Euro 96 fixture between Czech
Republic and Germany at Old Trafford.
• Walton has taken control of 25 matches in all competitions this season,
including the FA Community Shield between Manchester United and Portsmouth,
West Ham's 1-0 Carling Cup third-round defeat at Watford and their Premier
League fixtures at Manchester United and Liverpool.
• In those 25 matches, Walton has issued 60 yellow cards and sent-off three
players at an average of 2.52 cards per game.
Last time out
Sunday 8 February 2009
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Tristan 87),
Parker, Noble (Savio 77), Collison, Cole, Di Michele
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Boa Morte, Kovac, Spector, Sears
Booked: Neill
Goals: None
Saturday 8 February 2009
Barclays Premier League
Manchester City 1-0 Middlesbrough
Middlesbrough: Jones, Wheater, Riggott (Hoyte 68), Huth, Pogatetz, Adam
Johnson (Tuncay 74), Bates, Digard (O'Neil 60), Downing, Alves, King
Subs not used Turnbull, Emnes, Shawky, Arca
Booked: O'Neil
Goals: None
West Ham United
• West Ham United go into Saturday's match having lost just one of their
last nine matches in all competitions. Last Sunday's defeat by Manchester
United ended a run of six wins and two draws in the Premier League and FA
Cup.
• West Ham United's biggest home win over Middlesbrough came in the shape of
a 4-0 success at the Boleyn Ground on 16 May 1999. Trevor Sinclair scored
twice, while Marc Keller and Frank Lampard added a goal apiece.
• West Ham have won the FA Cup three times - in 1964, 1975 and 1980 - and
been runners-up on two occasions - in 1923 and 2006.
• Midfielder Scott Parker was named E.ON Player of the Round following his
man-of-the-match performance in West Ham United's FA Cup fourth round win at
Hartlepool United.
• Lucas Neill is available to face Boro but will miss the trip to Bolton
Wanderers on Saturday week after picking up his fifth caution of the season
against Manchester United.
• Valon Behrami is one yellow card away from a one-match suspension,
although that threat will be lifted after the Bolton fixture.
Middlesbrough
• Middlesbrough go into Saturday's game on a run of 13 games without a
victory in the Premier League. However, Boro have beaten non-league Barrow
(2-1 with both goals from Afonso Alves) and Championship leaders
Wolverhampton Wanderers (2-1 with goals from Alves and Marvin Emnes) to
reach the FA Cup fifth round.
• Middlesbrough have never won the FA Cup. However, they were runners-up in
1997, when Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke were part of the Chelsea side
that beat them 2-0 at Wembley Stadium.
Team news
• January transfer window signing Savio is pushing for his first start in a
West Ham United shirt.
• Czech Republic international Radoslav Kovac, 29, who has arrived at the
Boleyn Ground from Russian side Spartak Moscow on loan until the end of the
season with a view to a permanent move, could make his West Ham debut.
• Dean Ashton (ankle), Danny Gabbidon (stomach) and Kieron Dyer (calf) are
not under consideration. Ashton underwent successful ankle surgery on his
left ankle this week to aid his rehab while Dyer is thought to be three or
four weeks away from a return. Gabbidon continues to make progress on his
long-term problem.
• England Under-19 James Tomkins is continuing his recovery from a minor
hamstring injury and could be available for selection.
• Switzerland midfielder Valon Behrami and Wales defender James Collins
should be fit after missing their respective midweek international matches.
• Gareth Southgate has lost central defender Chris Riggott to a knee
ligament injury suffered in last weekend's 1-0 Premier League defeat at
Manchester City. Former West Ham forward Jeremie Aliadiere and defender
Andrew Taylor are both sidelined with ankle problems.
• Youngster Seb Hines has joined League One side Oldham Athletic on loan
this week.
Last meeting
• The teams met at the Riverside Stadium on Saturday 29 October 2008, when
the two sides drew 1-1. Hayden Mullins gave West Ham United a first half
lead before Mido's late free-kick earned Middlesbrough a point
• The lineups were:
Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater (Hoyte 46), Riggott, Pogatetz, Taylor,
Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard (Arca 56), Downing, Sanli, Alves (Mido 67)
Subs not used: Jones, Emnes, Adam Johnson, Grounds
Goal: Mido 83
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Faubert, Collison,
Mullins, Boa Morte (Bowyer 84), Bellamy, Sears (Etherington 73)
Subs not used: Walker, Lopez, Tomkins, Di Michele, Tristan
Goal: Mullins 21
Attendance: 25,164
Old boys
• Middlesbrough's French striker Jeremie Aliadiere made eight league and cup
appearances on loan for West Ham United from Arsenal between August 2005 and
January 2006. The Rambouillet-born player has scored eight goals in 51 games
since joining Boro from the Gunners for £2m in June 2007.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Brian Deane,
James Dow, Paul Ince, Frank Piercy, Luke 'Lou' Raisbeck, George 'Geordie'
Reid, Robbie Stockdale and Robert Young.
Head to head
Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
Premier League, 1 November 2008 - Middlesbrough 1-1 West Ham United, Premier
League, 22 December 2007 - Middlesbrough 1-2 West Ham United
Premier League, 15 September 2007 - West Ham United 3-0 Middlesbrough
Premier League, 31 March 2007 - West Ham United 2-0 Middlesbrough Premier
League, 11 November 2006 - Middlesbrough 1-0 West Ham United FA Cup
semi-final, 23 April 2006 - Middlesbrough 0-1 West Ham United
Overall record v Middlesbrough (all competitions) W 24 D 23 L 12
Next up
• West Ham United will travel to Bolton Wanderers in the Premier League on
Saturday 21 February, kick-off 3pm
• Middlesbrough will host Wigan Athletic in the Premier League next
Saturday, 21 February, kick-off 3pm
General information
• For ticket information, click here
• The London Underground Hammersmith and City line is suspended between
Edgware Road and Barking. The Metropolitan line is suspended between Baker
Street and Aldgate. Supporters should use the Circle and District lines as
an alternative route to the Boleyn Ground. The District line is suspended
between Upminster and Dagenham East. A rail replacement service will
operate. For more details, visit www.thetube.com
• Minor timetable changes will affect the c2c services leaving Fenchurch
Street, with trains leaving London two minutes later than advertised.
• Sunday's weather forecast is for a sunny day with a maximum daytime
temperature of 5C.

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Parker pride on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker spoke to WHUTV after picking up two fans' awards in quick
succession
13.02.2009

Scott Parker had a month to remember in January after picking up two awards
in the space of a week. Parker was named the whufc.com player of the month
for January after gaining 33 per cent of the vote in an online poll. The
West Ham United midfielder was integral to the team's superb form, playing a
full 90 minutes in five of the Hammers' six unbeaten games in the month.

One of Parker's most notable performances came at Hartlepool's Victoria Park
stadium on 24 January, when he was given the man of the match award after
the 2-0 FA Cup fourth-round win. As well as being singled out on the day,
the 28-year-old's performance led fans from all over the country to vote him
'Player of the Round', although Parker was keen to share the accolade with
his team-mates. "As a player you have personal things for you it helps and
I'm delighted to have won a couple of awards," Parker told WHUTV. "I know it
is clichéd but it is a team effort and I think everyone at the club is doing
well. We just need to keep going in our next game against Middlesbrough and
after that we go to Bolton, where we will need to start another run."

Parker knows an FA Cup fifth-round win this weekend would leave them just 90
minutes away from a Wembley semi-final, and the West Ham No8 is excited by
the prospect of a long cup run. "I don't there is a better cup competition
around than the FA Cup. You can go and play at Wembley at the end of it.
We're on good form at the moment and playing really well. Even at the
weekend [the narrow 1-0 loss to Manchester United] we were unlucky and when
you say that after playing one of the best teams in the world you have to
think that is a good thing. "That mood at the club is really bubbly and
there's an infectious atmosphere at the moment which is good thing.
Everything is running smoothly and that seems to be the way things should be
going."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dixon talks to WHUTV
WHUFC.com
New signing Terry Dixon has spoken to WHUTV about his ambitions with West
Ham United
12.02.2009

Terry Dixon has given his first interview to WHUTV since signing for West
Ham United on Wednesday. The 19-year-old Ireland youth international spoke
of his determination to get some game time under his belt before this
season. "There isn't really a rush but I would like to try and get involved
in the first team towards the end of the season as long as everything is ok
with the club as they may be kicking on for Europe," Dixon said. "We'll see
what happens as I'd like to get a few games under my belt for the reserves
and then show the manager what I can do. I just want to pay the club back"

The striker also talks about the dedicated work West Ham's medical team have
done with him at Chadwell Heath to help him return to fitness and his
ambitions to return to the international set-up with Ireland after being
called up to the full squad at just 16.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Middlesbrough
BBC.co.uk
FA Cup fifth round
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 14 February Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Full-match commentary on BBC Tees 95FM, score updates and text
commentary on BBC Sport website

Team news to follow later.

BIG-MATCH FACTS

West Ham against Middlesbrough is one of two all-Premier League ties in the
fifth round, and the first time in this season's competition that either
side are facing a fellow top-flight club.

These clubs are meeting for the first time in the FA Cup, since the Hammers'
1-0 win in the 2006 semi-final at Villa Park. Marlon Harewood's goal landed
Alan Pardew's side a ticket for the Millennium Stadium final against
Liverpool, which they drew 3-3 after extra time and the Merseysiders won on
penalties.

Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate captained Aston Villa in the 2000 FA
Cup final, which they lost 1-0 to Chelsea. The Blues side that day included
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola.

The League ladder

Middlesbrough are 11 places and 11 points inferior to West Ham in the
Premier League table.

Referee
Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)

Replay date
Tuesday, 24 February - Kick Off: 2000 hours

FA CUP RECORDS AND BEST PERFORMANCES

WEST HAM UNITED

Current form

Ended an eight-game unbeaten sequence of six wins and two draws with last
Sunday's 0-1 home defeat to top-of-the-table Manchester United.
Recent FA Cup performance
On their best run since finishing runners-up in 2005-06.

The Manager

Gianfranco Zola won two FA Cup winners' medals with Chelsea in 1997 (v
Middlesbrough) and 2000 (v Aston Villa).

FA Cup fact

The second of West Ham's three cup final winning line-ups in 1975 was the
last to be comprised entirely of English born players.


MIDDLESBROUGH

Current form

Their only victories in 15 league and cup outings have been in the FA Cup;
2-1, home to Barrow in the third round, and 1-2 away to Wolves in round
four.
Not scored in their last three matches - all Premier League fixtures.

Recent FA Cup performance

Aiming to make the last eight for the fourth season running.

The Manager

Gareth Southgate picked up just one FA Cup runners-up medal in his playing
career, nine years ago.

FA Cup fact

Knocked out by the eventual losing-finalists in each of the last four
seasons.

HEAD to HEAD

All competitions

West Ham have won three of an unbeaten last four Premier League meetings
with Middlesbrough. This season, they've already crossed swords at the
Riverside on 1 November. The Hammers were on a four-game losing run, going
into the match. Hayden Mullins put them ahead after 21 minutes, a lead they
held until seven minutes from time when Mido rescued a point for the
Teesside club.

FA Cup

West Ham and Middlesbrough first met in the competition in 1912, when the
Hammers progressed to the third round, after a replay. Middlesbrough knocked
out the Londoners in the third round in 1970. They did not meet again in the
competition until their semi-final clash three years ago.

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Hammers striker op is 'very successful'
7:53pm Thursday 12th February 2009
Guardian Series

WEST Ham striker Dean Ashton has come through his second ankle operation
unscathed, although a date for his return has not been set. The 25-year-old
underwent a first operation soon after injuring his ankle in September last
year. But a second operation was deemed necessary, although it has been
labeled 'very successful'. Ashton said: "It was disappointing to have
another operation, but it had to be done and was only a minor thing." James
Calder, who worked on the operation, is confident Ashton will make a full
recovery, after undergoing further reassessment later this month, before
flying to Amsterdam to meet specialist Professor Niek van Dijk four weeks
later. Calder said: "This type of procedure has been performed on a lot of
top sports professionals and it has proven very successful. "It was a
complicated injury but we are confident that Dean will recover well."

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The Waking Nightmare
Just Like My Dreams

Dean Ashton's injury nightmare has been prolonged after West Ham confirmed
he has had yet another "very successful" operation on his ankle this week.
The England striker has been sidelined since September with his current
problem and the Hammers had hoped that following previous surgery he would
now be back in action. But Ashton has been forced to go under the knife
again and the club have yet to put a date on his return.

Ashton is reported to be recovering well after the surgery and remains in
good spirits. World renowned specialist Niek van Dijk flew to London to work
with the highly regarded James Calder. Van Dijk has previously operated on
Cristiano Ronaldo, Michael Ballack and Robin van Persie. The England striker
was pleased to get the procedure out of the way and is already focused on
getting back on track with his rehab, which had been progressing well. "It
was disappointing to have another operation. But it had to be done and was
only a minor thing, a small problem that had to be dealt with and I am glad
it is all done now," he said. "I was also very pleased to have the two of
the best ankle specialists in the room at the same time when I had the
operation done. The feedback I have had from everyone has been great, so
that is very good for me."

The 25-year-old will be reassessed later this month before flying to
Amsterdam to meet Professor Van Dijk for further examination in around four
weeks. That could give a clearer indication of when he might be able to
return to action. James Calder said: "This type of procedure has been
performed on a lot of top European sports professionals and it has proven
very successful. It was a complicated injury but we are confident that Dean
will recover well. The mental approach is as important as the physical and
Dean is very focused in that respect. He has the right attitude to
rehabilitation and is as strong in mind as he is in body. He deserves every
success and I hope he is back playing for West Ham soon."

Ashton is yet to play for Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola; his last appearance,
in the 3-2 defeat by West Bromwich Albion on 13 September, was two days
before the Sardinian took charge. He is hopeful he is now on the road to
recovery. "When you are out this long they wonder what is wrong especially
as I started the season OK," he said. "But as any player will tell you, this
is what it can be like with any injury you pick up. The important thing is I
am working hard and looking to be firing on all cylinders when I come back.
Another good thing is that I have not lost any of the fitness I had gained
before the operation, so I can get back to everything again soon and
continue to work hard."

On to the international round-up where Carlton Cole made his England debut
as a late substitute while Robert Green and Matthew Upson both played the
whole of the second half for England in the 2-0 defeat by Spain. Cole came
on in the 75th minute and looked lively during his late run-out, showing
some nice early touches to bring others into play. The striker then so
nearly marked his first appearance with a goal two minutes from the end when
he picked up David Beckham's through-ball and rounded Pepe Reina, only for
Carlos Marchena to clear his goalbound effort off the line.

Green and Upson joined the fray at half-time with the visitors already a
goal down from David Villa's superb 36th-minute opener. Green looked assured
on his second appearance for his country and could do nothing about young
substitute Fernando Llorente's header with eight minutes to go. The West Ham
No1 made several well-taken catches and kicked well throughout. Upson played
confidently alongside captain John Terry in central defence on his 13th cap
for the Three Lions. The 29-year-old did not allow the Spanish forwards any
space and zipped several smart passes forward.

The game was the first time three West Ham United players have been on the
pitch at the same time for England in seven years. The last occasion saw
David James, Trevor Sinclair and Joe Cole line up in a 1-1 draw with
Portugal at Villa Park on 7 September 2002.

Elsewhere, Radoslav Kovac took another vital step towards first team fitness
by playing an encouraging 90 minutes for the Czech Republic as they secured
a goalless draw in Casablanca on Wednesday night. New recruit Kovac played
in a holding midfield role and more than played his part in a tricky
encounter that saw the African nation dominate the play. Morocco went close
four times in the second half after a quiet first 45 minutes but the fact
the West Ham United No14 got his first full competitive run-out since 27
November will be a big boost to the club ahead of the weekend's FA Cup tie
with Middlesbrough.

Having played at the 2006 World Cup and Euro 2008, Kovac has every chance of
playing for his country again at next summer's global finals in South
Africa. The 29-year-old, on loan from Spartak Moscow with a view to a
permanent transfer in the summer, has helped the Czechs to third place in
qualifying Group 3, two points behind leaders Slovakia ahead of the trip to
Slovenia on 28 March. He has been capped 29 times with two goals.

Jack Collison continued his excellent season with a fourth cap for Wales
last night as they went down 1-0 to Poland in a friendly played in Portugal.
The West Ham United midfielder has established himself as a first-team
regular for the club under Gianfranco Zola and looks to have done the same
for John Toshack's Welsh side. Collison played 45 minutes in Vila Real
before making way for Arsenal starlet Aaron Ramsey in a match that saw Roger
Guerreiro hit a late winner for the Poles. The 20-year-old Collison was the
only Hammer on view with James Collins remaining at Chadwell Heath for
treatment - although he should be OK for the weekend - while Danny Gabbidon
is STILL working his way back to fitness after a long-term abdominal injury.

In the same game Craig Bellamy was involved in an angry touchline
confrontation with a fan. The ex-United forward, who had passed a fitness
test on his right knee, was the subject of some abuse while doing a
television interview and reacted by gesturing at a spectator before being
led away. "These things happen, I don't want to make any fuss about it,"
Bellamy said. "Maybe it was because of a few drinks. It always seems to be
me, though. I have shown my commitment to Wales by turning up for these
sorts of games, but it is me that always seems to get picked on for stick.
I'm passionate about my country, maybe too passionate at times."
POSTED BY TRILBY AT 11:59

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I've been Zo lucky with the Hammers
The Sun
by PAT SHEEHAN
Published: Today

GIANFRANCO ZOLA says he would have been sacked two months into his first
management job if he had been anywhere else but West Ham. The Upton Park
boss has seen FIVE Premiership changes so far this season and looked on
shaky ground when West Ham went on a disastrous run, winning just one game
in 12.
But the board gave Zola time to turn the tide of bad results and West Ham
are now mid-table. Zola said: "It took me a while to get going and maybe I
would have been sacked at a different club after two months... you
definitely need time. "West Ham have been fantastic for me and I'll give
them everything. "Managing is difficult nowadays because people want results
straight away but that doesn't happen in football. "There is no manager in
the world who can change a team in a few weeks unless you can spend millions
of pounds on top-class players. "A manager cannot do a job that easily in
football. You need to plan and work, you need to be allowed time to change
players and the shape of the team."

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West Ham legend Di Canio has coaching bug

13.02.09 | tribalfootball.com

West Ham United legend Paolo di Canio says he has coaching ambitions. In a
wide-ranging interview, Di Canio said his coaching plans had been boosted by
his time with Cisco Roma. "I want to coach at the highest level," declared
Di Canio, "though theory is one thing and practice is another." He also took
a swipe at Lazio president Claudio Lotito. "Roma are fortunate," smiled Di
Canio, "because they have two presidents: one with Roma and one with Lazio."
The Italian added: "I have a lot in common with the British people, although
I love my homeland. I'm proud of being born in Italy."

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