Thursday, February 19

Daily WHUFC News - II 19th February 2009

Stokes stays in Hungary
WHUFC.com
Tony Stokes has agreed to stay with high-flying Hungarian side Ujpest FC
until the end of the season
19.02.2009

West Ham United reserve team captain Tony Stokes has joined Hungarian
Soproni League title-chasers Ujpest FC until the end of the season.

The 21-year-old midfielder put pen to paper on Thursday afternoon at the
Boleyn Ground after spending last week with the 20-times Hungarian league
champions. Stokes impressed Ujpest's coaching staff on the training pitch
and cannot wait to show them what he can do in competitive action.

"It went really well. I am going to go out there until the end of the
season. They are second in the league table and, with all the cups they are
still involved in, I could play as many as 30 games between now and the end
of the season. I am looking forward to playing first-team football and
showing them what I can do."

Stokes was an interested spectator as Ujpest won 3-2 at Zalaegerszeg in the
Hungarian League Cup on Saturday. The versatile youngster could make his
debut in Sunday's Soproni League fixture at fifth-placed Nyíregyháza. Ujpest
go into the weekend in second spot, three points behind leaders Debrecen
with 15 matches remaining.

"I really feel I can make an impact. The level of football is similar to the
Championship. It is a bit slower than English football but the technical
level of the players is very high. This is a great chance for me."

Ujpest have welcomed Stokes to Hungary, making the Essex-born player feel at
home in a country and a city - Budapest - he knew little about just a few
short weeks ago.

"They have set up me up with an apartment and a car, which has been great.
Budapest is also a beautiful place. I never realised how nice it was before
I arrived. There is another English player called Scott Malone who has
joined them from Wolves so it's good to have him there. The other lads can
speak a bit of English and if I speak slowly and use some hand gestures, I
can hold conversations with most of them!"

Stokes' move to Ujpest comes just a fortnight after West Ham brought Hungary
Under-21 goalkeeper Peter Kurucz to the Boleyn Ground from the club on loan
until the end of the season. Hungary Under-19 striker Balint Bajner is also
on the Hammers' books and progressing well.

Joe Borocz, Ujpesti CEO, said: "We have been working with West Ham for three
months so we are very pleased that we have come to this point with Tony
coming to Budapest. We feel he will be able to help our team to make a
really concerted effort to win the championship and we will see at the end
of May if it has worked out for Ujpest and Tony. I am very hopeful that it
will.

"English club football is the pinnacle of the world so when we looked at
clubs to work with we felt that West Ham was the perfect club. We both have
great traditions and ambitious plans for the future. I could not think of a
nicer club to work with than West Ham and now there will be a lot of fans
back in Budapest pulling for West Ham to do well."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Busy week for Payne
WHUFC.com
First-team football is the ultimate aim for Josh Payne and he has a double
chance to impress this week
19.02.2009

Josh Payne is relishing derby duels in the coming week against Arsenal at
Under-18 level and Tottenham Hotspur for the reserves as he looks to stake
his first-team claim.

The cultured midfielder has made great strides of late. After an excellent
pre-season, he began the campaign as captain of Tony Carr's academy side and
with a regular place in Alex Dyer's second string. His form earned him a
three-month loan at League One side Cheltenham Town where he played eleven
games, scoring once.

"Playing at Cheltenham was decent and you get a good crowd watching you," he
said, before adding that he would not mind the opportunity to have another
spell in lower league football before the season is out. "I was playing in
front of 5 or 6,000. I've learnt to take the good with the bad and learn
from it. It really helped my development."

Having turned 18 and returned to Chadwell Heath full of confidence, Payne
recognises the next step is ultimately to make an impression on Gianfranco
Zola and follow the likes of Jack Collison into the senior set-up.
Unsurprisingly then, the prospect of playing two games in quick succession
this Saturday and next Tuesday is seen as a positive.

"We've got a big game against Arsenal this weekend for the youths on
Saturday and then on Tuesday we've got Tottenham in the reserves so we'll
see what happens. It's good to switch between the two levels because it is a
different sort of football." Payne added that his aim is "to play at the
highest point" sooner rather than later.

With that ambition in mind, he said it was a welcome step this week to get
an extended run out in a behind closed-doors friendly at Fulham. "For the
reserve team players in and around the first team, it was good to get the
full 90 minutes. Considering it was a friendly, it was competitive so it was
good."

* West Ham United Under-18s take on FA Premier Academy League Group A
leaders Arsenal this Saturday at the Arsenal Training Centre at London
Colney, kick off is 10.45am.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tristan eyes Hammers chance
Spaniard eager for regular action
Last updated: 19th February 2009
SSN

Diego Tristan insists he is ready to solve West Ham's striking problems.
Carlton Cole faces a few weeks out after spraining his ankle in last
weekend's FA Cup draw with Middlesbrough, while long-term casualty Dean
Ashton has been ruled out for the rest of the season Tristan has struggled
to make an impact at Upton Park since his arrival on a free transfer in
October. The Spaniard could get a chance to stake his claim for a regular
run in the side against Bolton in the absence of Cole and Tristan is
determined to grab his opportunity. "I have not played much up to this
moment, but I hope that now I can play - I'm totally convinced of my
abilities," Tristan told the East London Advertiser. "I have always played
[in my career] and it's not something you forget. I'm getting used to being
a part of the team and to English football, which is very quick and played
at tremendous speed. "It is difficult for technical players because the
referees never blow the whistle. But I hope I can show my abilities."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The perfect blend
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 19th February 2009
By: Christopher Smith

With the recent news of Scott Parker signing a new deal, West Ham United
supporters can rightly feel positive about the direction in which the club
is headed.

The build up to the transfer window had fans quivering in their boots about
the possibility of a fire sale, with each new day suggesting another star
would leave. As it turned out the only player to go was the volatile
Bellamy. Whilst many would point out that the sale has left Zola and Clarke
short of viable striking options, in reality could they afford a player with
a history of being a disruptive influence in their new look up beat dressing
room?

From a financial point of view the deal also looked too good to turn down. I
believe the management team at West Ham have been incredibly shrewd and are
clearly sticking to a model that looks to be a blend of the best aspects of
London rivals Arsenal and Chelsea.

Gianluca Nani has been charged with finding the best youth players from
around Europe whilst they are cheap and bringing them to a youth academy
that can be argued as the best in the country. In Tony Carr, West Ham know
that they have the man to bring the right players along and turn them into
Premier League players of the highest calibre.

The philosophy has all the hallmarks of Arsene Wengers' revolution at
Arsenal, where he has brought the footballing world the delights of Cesc
Fabregas (Spanish international and European Championships winner 2008) ,
Kolo Toure (Ivory Coast international), Denilson, Gael Clichy and the
impressive Carlos Vela. All the time whilst producing players of this
calibre and complementing them with players bought to fit into a system not
just big name signings such as Mathieu Flamini (French international now at
AC Milan) Gilberto Silva, who was hailed as one of the signings of the
season after the 2002 World Cup, and Freddie Ljungberg.

When thinking long term, this is clearly a good way of producing results as
you have players learning the managers system from a young age, which makes
the transition period from youth teams to first team all the easier, as well
as producing tidy profits for the balance sheet should players not be
successful in making the step-up.

Since the sale of Bellamy, the club's management have shown the way in which
they want to take the club forward using a blend of Wenger's Arsenal
philosophy combined with Assistant Manager Steve Clarke's experience's from
Chelsea under 'the special one', Jose Mourinho. West Ham CEO Scott Duxbury
recently proudly announced that the club would be looking to secure key
performers Robert Green, Matthew Upson (both recently have cemented their
places in Fabio Capello's England squad after impressive performances) and
England hopeful Scott Parker to improved long term deals.

Parker signed his deal last week and Zola is hopeful the others will also
sign, 'There are players that have been very important this season - people
like Matthew Upson, Robert Green, and Lucas Neill. They are the core of this
team and I believe they can be the core of this team for a long time.'

This all comes on the back of Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole both signing
improved deals in 2008. Jack Collison has also agreed a long term deal and
Herita Illunga recently made his loan move into a permanent deal after a
very impressive first half to the season. This is where I believe the
influence of Clarke to be bearing fruit.

Under Mourinho, Chelsea's spine never changed. Cech, Terry, Lampard, Drogba.
Every week they played and were integral to Mourinho delivering success. Few
can argue that the stability to the side that Zola and Clarke have brought
to West Ham has not been key to the upturn in fortunes of late. Add to this
the news that club captain Lucas Neill will be offered a new deal, and the
blend of philosophy's as a blueprint for success, there is a strong case for
optimism at the Boleyn.

In the age of supporters and Directors both seemingly being intent on
implementing varying methods, whether it be sacking a manager after a
handful of games (Paul Ince and Tony Adams) or spending vast sums of money
as a way of bringing about instantaneous results, it is refreshing to see at
least one club with a clear long term plan for success built around
stability.

With the possibility of a takeover it would be crucial for the club to
maintain these values as it seems that at least for now it is working.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Godfather Of Green Street
Just Like My Dreams

Ever since Ron Greenwood sent forth Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin
Peters from Upton Park to win the World Cup, few teams have done more than
West Ham, as their most celebrated fan, Alf Garnett, might put it, "for
Queen and bleedin' country". A grateful Buckingham Palace responded when
they made them the first club with two former players elevated to the rank
of knight, Sir Geoff and then Sir Trevor Brooking. Recognition, perhaps,
that throughout the eras, West Ham United have always played as though their
famous claret-and-blue shirts were edged in ermine.

They may never have won the championship, but the Hammers have acquired a
reputation for doing things in a certain style while producing a constant
supply of dazzling young players. According to Greenwood's philosophy: "The
crowds at West Ham have never been rewarded by results but they keep turning
up because of the good football they see. Other clubs will suffer from the
old bugbear that results count more than anything. This has been the
ruination of English soccer."

Greenwood's personal epiphany came on a dank November afternoon at Wembley
in 1953 when Hungary's Magnificent Magyars trounced England 6-3 in a display
of football the like of which the world had never seen. It changed
Greenwood's philosophy of the game. Within a decade West Ham, the club he
now managed, were imitating the best bits of Ferenc Puskas and Sandor
Kocsis, sweeping the ball around in intricate patterns, and winning the FA
Cup, European Cup-Winners' Cup and providing the backbone of England's
successful World Cup-winning side.

That style has continued to evolve over the years, and the name of West Ham
is synonymous with open, attacking football. It doesn't always show itself
in results, but it is pretty to watch for those who prefer aesthetics.
Greenwood died at the grand old age of 84 in 2006, but his life's work still
breathes. One of the most adherent of disciples, Tony Carr, is still
preaching the Greenwood philosophy six decades on.

Carr, 58, is now the godfather of Green Street, the man who has nurtured the
talent emerging from West Ham's youth academy over the past 35 years. Born
in Bow and a lifelong fan he joined West Ham as a 15-year-old apprentice in
1966, polishing the boots of the three returning World Cup heroes. But
competition was fierce and the young centre-forward found himself looking
for a new club just four years later, ending up at then non-league Barnet.
He admits that he did not have the ability to play at the highest level and
a broken leg left him considering his future in the game.

"I just didn't have what it takes to be a West Ham player, it's as simple as
that," muses Carr. "But I'd been a Hammers fan all my life – one of my
earliest memories is gazing in wonderment at the glow of the floodlights
from our council estate in Bow – so when John Lyall rang up to ask if I
fancied doing a bit of coaching, it was lovely to be given the chance to
come `home'. He said 'I heard you broke your leg, what are you doing?'. I
said I wasn't doing anything at the moment and he asked me to come and do a
little bit of coaching. There was an opportunity of a part-time job. I went
for a chat and I took the job on a part-time basis, which was as assistant
then to the youth coach, Ronnie Boyce. That was in 1973 and I've been here
ever since."

It proved to be an inspired decision by Lyall. The job became full-time in
1980 and Carr's dedication has helped mould some of the greatest players
ever to pull on the claret and blue. Of the recent players to have emerged
from the self-styled Academy are Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole,
Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson and Michael Carrick, England internationals all.
They say that if West Ham had managed to keep them, they and not Manchester
United or Chelsea would be Premier League champions, and at a fraction of
the cost; that if you could bottle what Carr knows about football, you would
make a fortune.

To a certain extent, Carr did bottle it by producing How To Coach A Soccer
Team, subtitled 'Professional advice on building a winning team'. It is a
veritable coaching bible; a distillation into 144 pages of more than 30
years' worth of practical knowledge gained on the playing fields of
metropolitan Essex, a welter of drills and tips for coaches on how to get
the best out of players at all levels. Diagrams, photographs and a simple
narrative break the game down into bit-sized chunks that can be integrated
into match play. There is even a diagnostic section where common failings
are analysed and suggestions offered.

Among many common sense pieces of advice, Carr stresses the "importance of
constant practice of the basic skills and techniques of the game by players,
no matter how experienced they are - repetition becomes permanent". Rio
Ferdinand endorses the approach: "Tony was always brilliant at reducing the
game to its vital components - movement, control, passing - and designing
drills and games that would hone each of them. It was always both demanding
and fun."


Although he is far too modest to admit it, as a polisher of youthful
diamonds Carr may be the most influential coach in the land. "No way is it
all down to me," he claims. "It's very difficult to say why we've been so
successful in youth terms; I suppose it's down to a number of factors but,
most importantly, our recruitment area of east London and Essex is really
fertile. Also, Upton Park was known as `the academy of football' right back
to the days of Bobby Moore – and long before academies became commonplace –
so youngsters know they'll be given an opportunity, no matter what age they
are. The key is finding the talent – and we always had an outstanding
recruitment officer in Jimmy Hampson – then, having found them, nurturing
them and giving them the chance when the time is right."

Yet Carr is not resting on his laurels because he knows the work he and his
staff do is of incalculable benefit to the club, especially in the economic
climate. "You can get mugged with young players – some just don't develop
for whatever reason – but you can usually tell when a lad has that something
out of the ordinary. Tony Cottee and Jermain Defoe were scoring goals as
10-year-olds, while Rio Ferdinand was a fantastic athlete in the centre of
midfield. We only converted him to centre-back when he became a full-time
professional."

Freddie Sears, James Tomkins and Jack Collison are the latest academy
graduates to make an impression on the first-team squad but Carr is
determined to keep the conveyor-belt of talent turning. "We impose a target
on ourselves to produce one player every year good enough to go into the
first team squad," he says. "Not just signing as a pro but good enough for
the squad. That's a minimum requirement. You're not going to produce players
every year, but if you've got five, six, seven or more in the last five
years then job done. You might have two years when no-one comes through, but
in other years you have two or three. Last year we had three making their
debuts – Jack, Freddie and James."

Carr, now 58, has nurtured the fledgling careers of a dizzying array of
talent since those salad days of the early seventies, so does anyone really
stand out? "There are many players for different reasons," he posits. "When
we first spotted Joe Cole it was obvious he had unbelievable talent. But
even at that age you can never say this player's going to play for England
or our first team. It's a gradual process and you never really know if
they're good enough until you put them in the first team, that's the bottom
line. What we do year-on-year is make a judgment using our past experience,
assess each individual and see if he's got what it takes to be a top player
– if he's got the talent and impact in the game."

Glen Johnson is a good example, thinks Carr. "He came here as a
centre-forward aged 10, played on the right wing, then centre-back and ended
up at right-back in the first team where he made an immediate impact. Now
he's playing for England." Johnson was sold after the Irons' relegation in
2003, along with Cole, Jermain Defoe and Michael Carrick. Selling academy
players swells the club's coffers, but Carr admitted he would prefer them to
stay. Like most West Ham supporters he is all too aware of how the stream of
talent he has helped produce has moved on to pastures new and it is only
natural to think 'what if...? "Yes. We've often sat around the dinner table
with friends and family and said 'If those players were playing for you now,
think about that. It's a nice dream over a glass of wine but it was never
going to be a reality. I have to be a realist and accept market forces
dictate, such as the fire sale we had to have when we got relegated," he
reflects.

Carr understands there may come a point when a player has to move on. "If
we've had good service from him and we end up getting a fair transfer fee
for him the fans should accept it's part and parcel of the game," he says.
"It's up to the youth academy to find the next one. It opens the door for
someone else so you mustn't get too sentimental. I'm a West Ham supporter
and always have been, so I'm disappointed in that respect, but I have to put
my director's hat on and say that's the name of the game. It is sad when you
see them move on. You're not going to get a Bobby Moore or a Trevor Brooking
that sign at 16 and stay to 32. That's not going to happen now or it's going
to be very rare. The ultimate success is they play 500 games for the first
team and you sell them for £10million or you win the Champions League. But
in terms of getting them in the team and getting a financial return the
academy's given good value."

One aspect Carr would like to see is the replacement of the reserve league
with an under-21 league, giving clubs the chance to hang on to late
developers. "There are too many people within football who want to discard
people too quickly today," notes Carr. "We should keep them until they're
21, because some people develop late. Not everyone is like Joe Cole, going
straight into the team at 17. An under-21 league in place of the reserve
league would be great because we may unearth a player later in the system we
may have discarded at 18. It may never happen. If there's a big enough
ground-swell from the clubs it'll happen, but if the clubs don't want it
it'll not happen."

One player who did slip through the net was England skipper John Terry, who
spent five years at the Hammers' academy before heading west to link up with
Chelsea at the age of 14. His decision to move still baffles Carr. "You'll
have to ask John [about] that," he smiles. "I've never really found out the
reason why. I think Chelsea lured him and he felt perhaps a change is what
he wanted. You'll have to ask him and his parents because I really don't
know the exact reason. I still bump into John now and again and he's still
John from east London. He's still the same guy. There's no animosity there.
I'm pleased for him. He's done fantastic. He's a great player, a great
servant for Chelsea and for England."

Terry is not alone, Kieran Richardson, Jloyd Samuel, Freddy Eastwood, Jimmy
Bullard all fell through the Upton Park cracks for varying reasons. Yet Carr
is determined to keep unearthing the best young talent for a few more years
to come, whether they become international players or not. "I'm still
enjoying it. From the day I walked in here I've loved it because every year
is different. Every year I have a different squad and every year I have to
develop different players. The strategy remains the same but it's just a
matter of getting your next group of players to emulate the group who've
gone before, so the challenge is always there."

And Carr is certain new manager Gianfranco Zola will be keen for the academy
to continue producing top-quality players for the first team. "He's been
quoted that he's a great believer in youth development and the academies so
I'm sure the relationship with Gianfranco, like it's been with all the other
managers I've worked under, will give me the same support at the Academy as
all the others did," states Carr. "The club is steeped in that tradition and
in my opinion it would be a fool that would try and change that. We have to
tinker and change and we have to go with the way the game develops."

One of those developments is likely to be an increase in the number of
overseas players finding their way to the Hammers academy. Hungarian
teenager Balint Bajner and Holmar Orn Eyjolffson from Iceland are already
starring for the youth team and more are likely to follow. It's something
Carr accepts as part of the modern game, particularly considering the
example of Arsenal, whose success is based on cherry-picking the best young
talent in Europe. "There are more foreign young players in the game than
there ever was," said Carr. "We won't ever say no to that, and we have
brought in one or two young foreign players just to see how we can develop
them. But there's nothing like bringing your own through from home. Bringing
a kid in at nine or 10 and nurturing him right through like Freddie Sears
last year. I remember him coming here as a nine-year-old, a little tiny tot,
and to see him score that goal against Blackburn in the Premier League and
now establish himself as a good squad member, that's a fantastic pleasure."

There's a strong case for saying Carr is a major influence on England's bid
to make South Africa in 2010, although he naturally plays down his role.
When the national side runs out to play their World Cup qualifiers he is one
man who can perhaps feel prouder than most when he sees Frank Lampard, Rio
Ferdinand and Jermain Defoe all prominent in England colours, as well as
variously Joe Cole, Glen Johnson and Michael Carrick. "I wouldn't like to
take the credit for it," he says. "West Ham's youth academy has in some
respects produced half the England team, and we take great pleasure in that,
especially as the previous youth academy produced the Moore, Hurst, Peters
era. We've got a fantastic tradition and I'm just lucky enough to have been
in it this long to carry on that tradition, which is what our club's all
about.

"There's been some great individuals along the way, like Paul Ince and Tony
Cottee, but that little crop that came through - Frank and Rio, Joe Cole and
Michael Carrick, then Glen Johnson and Jermain Defoe - are the crux of the
England team and you could say they are the best crop [we've had through]
because they are that close together. Those six alone are enough to be proud
of and I follow all their careers."

So Should England return from South Africa in possession of the World Cup
next year, you can expect to hear Garnett's voice reminding the nation, in
his own inimitable fashion, that Frank Lampard, Joe Cole, John Terry and Sol
Campbell all began their careers as schoolboys in London's East End, as did
fellow-England internationals who, for one reason or another, were left
behind: Rio Ferdinand, Jermain Defoe, Glen Johnson and Michael Carrick. Even
David Beckham is recorded as having made a few appearances for the West Ham
youth team before being snaffled away by Sir Alex Ferguson.

"For a club like ours, I think we can feel rightly proud that we've produced
so many England players over the years," says Carr. "It's fantastic that
such a large number of the squad have a West Ham connection but, to be
honest, I can't remember Beckham ever being with us. I've heard the stories
that he played once or twice but I was probably involved with another age
group at the time. When I watched Rio, Frank, Joe and Michael all walk out
of the ground to join their first England camps, I felt immensely proud for
them as people. With Jermain and Glen it was slightly different because
they'd moved on to Tottenham and Chelsea by the time they won their caps, so
I had to congratulate them by phone. Everyone at the club knew they were all
very special young players, but we were obviously biased so it's nice when
the England coach shares your opinion."

Since 1973 five managers of the first team squad have come and gone, but
Tony Carr remains at his post developing the players of tomorrow. He
faithfully begins his work anew every July, when he casts his unerring
expert eye over the latest intake in the hope of finding another Bobby Moore
in his midst. "That's the really exciting thing about this job, that you
start out every new season in the hope of uncovering a little nugget.
There's another Frank Lampard out there somewhere and our task is to find
him, teach him to take his first steps in football, then sit back and watch
him run…" And with that, the lineage conceived at Wembley in 1953 is still
alive and kicking.
Posted by Trilby at 10:42

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green: Hammers must learn in time for massive game
3:43pm Thursday 19th February 2009
Guardian Series

ROBERT Green believes West Ham must learn their lessons from Saturday's draw
with Middlesbrough in time to get back on track against Bolton Wanderers in
this weekend's Premier League clash. The Hammers keeper has identified this
week's game as 'massive' for the team as they bid to put pressure on the
sides above them, with a UEFA Cup spot still up for grabs. "I think we've
learnt a lesson that if we aren't 100 per cent on our game we won't always
win," said Green. "If we take that into Saturday's game at Bolton – which is
a massive one for us – and then Middlesbrough again then we'll have learnt a
lesson and really go for it. "We know where we've gone wrong (against
Middlesbrough) and if we didn't we'd start to worry. But we know we didn't
start well and didn't get hold of them."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tristan vows to seize his chance
EastLondonAdvertier.co.uk
19 February 2009
EXCLUSIVE
By JONATHAN CLEGG

Diego Tristan insists he is ready to answer West Ham's striker crisis and
shoulder the goalscoring burden after the Hammers were hit by a double blow
to their forward line-up. The club's attacking options suffered a
significant hit this week as leading scorer Carlton Cole was sidelined for
two weeks with an ankle sprain, while injured hitman Dean Ashton revealed he
will miss the rest of the season following a second operation on his own
ankle injury. That leaves Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola desperately short of
firepower ahead of Saturday's trip to Bolton and a crucial FA Cup replay at
Middlesbrough on Tuesday night. But former Spain ace Tristan has vowed to
pick up the slack by replacing Cole as the club's No1 target man. The
33-year-old has yet to start a first-team game for the Hammers, but seems
certain to be handed a chance after replacing Cole against Boro last
weekend. And Tristan is confident he will grasp the opportunity to show that
he is a Premier League performer. He said: "I have not played much up to
this moment, but I hope that now I can play - I'm totally convinced of my
abilities. "I have always played [in my career] and it's not something you
forget. I'm getting used to being a part of the team and to English
football, which is very quick and played at tremendous speed. "It is
difficult for technical players because the referees never blow the whistle.
But I hope I can show my abilities."
England striker Cole is unlikely to be back for next week's trip to the
Riverside, but the 25-year-old should be available for a possible FA Cup
quarter-final at Everton next month. Ashton will not feature again this
season after the striker admitted that he will adopt a cautious approach to
rehabilitation. He said: "I'm looking to get myself back for pre-season now.
I don't want to come back unless I'm right.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green reckons Zola is in it for the long haul
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 19 February 2009 - 9:07 AM

Rob Green says West Ham need to shake off their tag as a 'crisis-club' and
believes Gianfranco Zola is the man to bring a period of stability to Upton
Park. The east London club had just eight managers between 1901 and 2001 but
Green has already played under three bosses since joining in 2006.And there
have been reports of boardroom instability while the furore over the Carlos
Tevez transfer saga has seen the Hammers lurch from crisis to crisis. But
Green says that Zola, who has been at the helm for just five months, is in
for the long haul and can take the club to the next level after going on a
run of one defeat in 10 games. "It's been topsy-turvy since I arrived and
everyone is looking for a crisis-club - and sometimes it's been West Ham,"
said England goalkeeper Green. "In recent history there's always been
something happening, it's been all the fun of the fair. "But now we're on an
upward curve, one where we've been picking up results with a fairly settled
team and managerial staff, and it's been an enjoyable recent experience. "It
comes with financial stability, managerial stability, playing stability and
the results speak for themselves. "The manager has a project to oversee
here. He's just a few months into a managerial career he seems to have
enjoyed so far and I'm sure he's more than happy to carry on here."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
DICKS LOOKS TO SPARKLING MOVE
Feb 19 2009 by Our Correspondent, Liverpool Echo

FORMER Liverpool, West Ham and England defender Julian Dicks has declared
his interest in the vacant Rushden & Diamonds manager's job. The 40-year-old
is currently in charge of Ridgeons Premier side Wivenhoe, and is eyeing the
job at Nene Park following the resignation of Garry Hill. "Rushden's a big
club in non-league and I would look forward to a job like that," Dicks said.
"I have seen the facilities at Nene Park and they are magnificent."
Rushden currently have former Tottenham defender Justin Edinburgh in as
caretaker manager. "I've got a lot to offer football and I have enjoyed my
time at Wivenhoe," added Dicks. "I've played under a lot of managers and I
take a lot from them; people like Graeme Souness, Ron Saunders and Harry
Redknapp. "Rushden would be the next step up for me."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert is a stopgap to Ramos
by Laurent Picard , 19 February 2009
setanta.co.uk

Sergio Ramos has hinted that Real Madrid are using Julien Faubert as a
stopgap on the right wing. Los Merengues right back Ramos feels that Faubert
is a long way from being a key player at the Bernabeu. The European champion
has stated that the Frenchman, who is on loan from West Ham, was signed as
cover. Faubert was a surprising signing for Real during the January transfer
window and Ramos does not expect the former Hammer to play regularly for the
Madrid outfit. Ramos said: "A right winger was missing, and we needed a
player that wasn't cup-tied in the Champions League. We play him when
needed and he won't necessarily play every game. "Tactically, when we will
need to play someone at right midfield, he could be an option."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
GREEN'S SO SETTLED AT WEST HAM
19th February 2009 By Scott Coleman
Daily Star

ROB GREEN insists Gianfranco Zola is the man to bring stability to West Ham.
Green has served under three bosses since moving from Norwich three years
ago and wants the Hammers to shake off their 'crisis-club' tag. Reports of
boardroom instability from the Carlos Tevez transfer saga has seen the
Eastenders lurch from crisis to crisis.
But Green says that Zola, who has been at the helm for just five months, can
take the club to the next level. England keeper Green said: "It's been
topsy-turvy since I arrived. "Everyone is looking for a crisis-club – and
sometimes it's been West Ham. "But we're on an upward curve, one where we've
been picking up results with a fairly settled team and managerial staff, and
it's been an enjoyable recent experience."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my run for charity
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson1

Thank You so much to those who have already contributed

Daily WHUFC News - 19th February 2009

Rising stars on WHUTV
WHUFC.com
Ryan O'Neill and Josh Payne took time out to speak to WHUTV after their
latest run-out for the reserves
18.02.2009

A youthful West Ham United warmed up for next Tuesday's reserve derby
against Tottenham Hotspur with a 1-1 friendly draw against Fulham in west
London.

Alex Dyer's second string have not played since 13 January and made the most
of their behind-closed-doors run-out at Motspur Park. The first half
finished goalless before the Hammers had a great chance to go in front after
the break - only for Junior Stanislas to miss from the penalty spot. The
breakthrough came midway through the second period when substitute Balint
Bajner scored, only for Fulham to snatch a late equaliser

The 20-year-old goalkeeper Peter Kurucz made his first appearance since his
move from Ujpest in Hungary and had a solid game. The Under-21 international
was joined by the likes of promising defenders Bondz N'Gala, Ryan O'Neill
and Matthew Fry. The game also offered the chance for the players to work on
their fitness after last week's game with West Bromwich Albion was
postponed, with Zavon Hines and Josh Payne no doubt benefiting after recent
injuries. Payne joined O'Neill afterwards in sharing his views with WHUTV.

O'Neill summed up the positives. "The main thing was to get the 90 minutes
under our belt," he said. "Lots of games have been called off because of the
weather so it was just good to get 90 minutes under our belt. I thought we
played good football as sometimes when you don't have games the rhythm can
go but I think we defended well and created a fair few chances. Overall it
was a good exercise."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green ready for Bolton
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's England goalkeeper is eager to help secure a first-ever
win at the Reebok Stadium
18.02.2009

Robert Green believes West Ham United will need to heed the lessons learnt
in Saturday's game against Middlesbrough when they head to Bolton Wanderers
this weekend.

The Hammers go into their Barclays Premier League clash at the Reebok
Stadium on Saturday looking to end a run of two matches without a win,
having lost 1-0 to Manchester United and drawn 1-1 with Middlesbrough at the
Boleyn Ground in the past fortnight.

A keen student of the game, Green believes he and his team-mates need to
start more positively and take the initiative if they are to get one over
Gary Megson's side this weekend. Should they do so, the Hammers would secure
a first-ever win at the Reebok and could leapfrog Wigan Athletic into
seventh place in the Premier League table.

"It was frustrating [against Middlesbrough] as we didn't play nearly as well
as we could do. We gave it a go in the second half and, without playing well
and not being at it as much as we should have been, we created more than
enough chances to win the game. With Carlton [Cole] going off injured, the
one positive we can take from it is that we didn't lose.

"I think we've learnt a lesson that if we aren't 100 per cent on our game we
won't always win. If we can take that from it into Saturday's game at Bolton
- which is a massive game for us - and then Middlesbrough again then we'll
have learnt a lesson and really go for it. In that respect there is
something to take from it at least.

"We didn't lose and it carries on the good run we've been on, bar the
Manchester United game. If we can carry that on and learn our lessons then
we'll take each game as it comes and keep taking steps forward. Saturday
wasn't the best performance but there are going to be games like that. We
know where we've gone wrong and if we didn't know then we'd start to worry.
But we know we didn't start well and didn't get hold of them. We'll take
that as a positive and as a lesson and keep practicing in the games to
come."

Another positive for Green was the second full England cap he earned in last
week's friendly defeat in Spain. The accolade came nearly four-and-a-half
years after the 29-year-old made his debut in a friendly against Colombia in
Boston in June 2005. Naturally, the goalkeeper is eager to ensure he only
has to wait a fraction of that time to make his third appearance for his
country.

"I was pleased to play for England. It's been a long time waiting. It's been
four or five years since my last game so it's been a while but it was good
to get on. Obviously it was a disappointing result but we were playing one
of the best teams in the world. It gives me confidence that I can go out and
play at that level and help out and it was a real pleasure to be out on the
pitch.

"It would have been great for Coley to take one of his chances but it was a
boost for him and it shows the rewards that can come if you can do it.
Particularly positions like centre forwards, maybe goalkeepers not so much
as it's the same person every week, but with centre forwards they are always
looking for the next chance, that next person and he's willing to give
people a chance. I hope Carlton realises it's there for the taking and it's
crying out for someone to take that chance but it's down to him to take it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View from the Opposition - Bolton Wanderers
One McAvennieeeeee - Wed Feb 18 2009
West Ham Online


*Checks WHOmail*

Still no thanks from the Owner of this site for the Free advertising in the
Daily Mirror this week.

Anyway, welcome to the latest version of the now world famous "View from the
Oppostion". This week I would like to thank Bolton Wanderers fan Andy
Higginbottom for taking the time to answer our questions.

Q. What are your thoughts on the season so far?

A. We are doing ok. Most people expected us to go down with Megson in charge
but we are playing well enough to stay up. A few more home wins starting
Saturday should see us home.


Q. Expectations for the rest of the season?

A. To stay up, a clean sheet at least once before the seasons out would be
nice.


Q. What player doesn't deserve his place in your starting line-up?

A. Elmander has been a big disappointment. Came with a big reputation and
for a lot of money but has done very little.


Q. The Reebok is built to hold about 28,000, Man City are the richest club
in the world and even they don't give their fans a row each – what do you
think is the main cause for low attendances?

A. A row each? Cheeky cockney twats. We get a decent following (*cough* )
but almost all the fans hate Megson so some are using that as an excuse to
stay away. The prices we charge for some of the long ball stuff we play,
keep some away as well.


Q. What player should we look out for?

A. Super Kev. If Carlton Cole gets in the England squad then Kev should be.


Q. What do you make of WHU this year?

A. Doing alright considering the press reckon your were going out of
business and selling everyone. Overall though, couldn't care less.


Q. Your View of West Ham Fans?

A. Twats most of them. You booed your own side at half time when we won
there in October. After we sent you down in 2003 you lot were trying to
fight kids in the street.


Q. If you could choose one player from our squad who would it be?

A. Upson. He's looked in good from what I've seen on the box and got in the
England side.


Q. Your favourite rude word/Animal combination?

A. What sort of fucking question is that? ummmm, no fucking stupid.

Q. Match Prediction

A. 1-0. just like in 03.


Q. If you had to describe Bolton in three words without using the words
dull, hoof, dreary and mind numbing, what would they be?

A. Workmanlike effective grafters


Q. Gary Megson seems to have the personality of a Dead Texan woman whose
body has been violated by her webbed footed son, he is also wobbling on the
ginger side of plantation blond – does he have any redeeming qualities?

A. No. He keeps us up, but our fans still hate him. (hmmmmm, sounds
familiar)


Q. If you were captured by Ukrainian Pogo enthusiasts that took offence at
you laughing at them bouncing up and down and as punishment forced you to
eat boiled sweets until you were sick – what boiled sweets would you choose.


A. You taking the piss you soppy southern poof? I'd kick the fuck out of
them.


And finally some questions posed by other WHO'ers.


Q. The c*nt with the drum, your thoughts and is he related to the c*nt with
the bell at Pompey? – NotAGooner

A. No Idea if their related apart from both growing up in c*nt town? No
interest in musical instruments at football. These people must not have pals
who they can drink with.


Q. Do you think Bolton should be flattened and rebuilt as an Eco-Town ? – Mr
Kenzo

A. Eco-town? Having been to your place this year there is only one place
that needs knocking down and it isn't ours.

For anyone going up there, it seems the Beehive is the choice for pre match
Slurps.

http://www.carling.com/beerfinder/venue_details/18149/bolton/The%20Beehive

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Learning Lessons
Just Like My Dreams

As attention switches to Bolton Wanderers this weekend, and a ground where
West Ham United have never won, Robert Green has been talking about the need
to heed the lessons from Saturday's draw with Middlesbrough. The Hammers go
into their Barclays Premier League clash at the Reebok Stadium on Saturday
looking to end a run of two matches without a win, and Green believes he and
his team-mates need to start more positively and take the initiative if they
are to get one over Gary Megson's side this weekend.

"It was frustrating [against Middlesbrough] as we didn't play nearly as well
as we could do," he admitted. "We gave it a go in the second half and,
without playing well and not being at it as much as we should have been, we
created more than enough chances to win the game. With Carlton [Cole] going
off injured, the one positive we can take from it is that we didn't lose. I
think we've learnt a lesson that if we aren't 100 per cent on our game we
won't always win. If we can take that from it into Saturday's game at Bolton
- which is a massive game for us - and then Middlesbrough again then we'll
have learnt a lesson and really go for it. In that respect there is
something to take from it at least.

"We didn't lose and it carries on the good run we've been on, bar the
Manchester United game. If we can carry that on and learn our lessons then
we'll take each game as it comes and keep taking steps forward. Saturday
wasn't the best performance but there are going to be games like that. We
know where we've gone wrong and if we didn't know then we'd start to worry.
But we know we didn't start well and didn't get hold of them. We'll take
that as a positive and as a lesson and keep practicing in the games to
come."

James Collins is the first to admit his own culpability in that
disappointing display against Middlesbrough. The 25-year-old Welsh defender
stated: "It was one of those games really. We knew we were shocking. The
first half was terrible and the worst we've been for a long time, but
luckily we got the late goal and we're still in the hat." Both Collins and
Upson were at fault for the Boro goal on 22 minutes as Gary O'Neil's cross
evaded both defenders before finding Stewart Downing on the far post to nod
home. But the Welshman may have an explanation for the unexpected mistakes.
"I'm not making excuses, but those balls really aren't the best," explained
Collins, who has now amounted 27 caps with the Welsh national team. "Matty
looked as if he was going to head it clear and then before you know it, it
was right on me, and I've missed it as well. It's just one of those things,
but to concede a goal like that was disappointing. It was bad defending and
we should have cleared it."

Collins will be desperate for the Hammers to get through in their replay
next Wednesday as he has the added incentive of having missed out on a place
in West Ham's final team back in 2006. The Welshman played the semi-final,
but Anton Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon got the nod for the final at the
Millennium Stadium, leaving Collins as an unused substitute. "It was a
fantastic time in my career and that will stay with me for a long time,
those celebrations after the semi-final," reminisced the defender. "Not
being in the final was hard to take, so I'd like to go there and get as far
as possible. Some of the boys haven't been to a final before, it's an
amazing occasion and hopefully we can do it this year."

With Dean Ashton and Gabbidon on the long-term injured list, Collins is the
only player left in the current squad who was at that cup final against
Liverpool less than three years ago. "I think I'm the only one in the squad
that played in that semi-final," said Collins. "Players come and go and you
sign new players, but I'm just delighted to still be involved now." It
hasn't been an easy West Ham career for the giant Welshman. Injuries as well
as dropping down the pecking order, has meant just 58 appearances in three
and a half years of football, and even this season Calum Davenport was
preferred to him at the beginning of the campaign. Collins, though, seems to
have finally cemented his place in the starting line-up and he is certainly
enjoying his football under manager Gianfranco Zola. "Everyone knew
Gianfranco's name was going to be linked with Chelsea," said Collins. "But
he's come here and done a fantastic job and all the boys are buzzing playing
their football under him and long may that continue."

Zola, himself, insists he has 'toughened up' and learned a lot during his
first six months in charge, and he claimed that the team would go from
strength to strength as the players grow more accustomed to his methods. "At
the beginning for me it was all new and obviously I had to improve certain
things, learn certain things," he said. "I had to learn something more from
my players and from the job and everything. I think it toughened up myself
and also the team. But now we are going to get better."

Finally, the club have been linked with a £5million summer move for Poland
striker Pawel Brozek as the club continue the search for a long-term
replacement for Craig Bellamy. Brozek has been on the radar of a number of
leading European clubs during a prolific career at Wisla Krakow, where he
has netted 58 goals in 130 games and earned 16 senior caps for his national
team.

Now several media outlets have suggested the Hammers have joined the chase
for the 25-year-old forward after sending chief scout Roger Cross to monitor
Brozek in Poland's friendly international against Wales last week. Despite
making only a brief appearance as a late substitute, Brozek's performance
reportedly convinced Cross that the striker can be a hit in the Premier
League. "His first touch is among the best I have ever witnessed," Cross
told polishsoca.com, a football website. "The lad knows when to place a
solid touch on the ball, as well as when to play a deft flick it on in the
lightest manner. [His display was] very pleasing." West Ham would have to
wait until the summer to finalise any deal for Brozek, who is also
attracting interest from French outfit Nancy, but Hammers technical director
Gianluca Nani is reportedly confident that a £5million bid would secure the
player's signature.
Posted by Trilby at 10:15

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Manager Zola Praises Ilunga & Nsereko
The Hammers boss has praised two his recent recruits to the cause, and is
confident that they will both be strong performers at Upton Park for years
to come.
18 Feb 2009 23:18:39
Goal.com

West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has highlighted the recent
performances of two of his young African players and believes that they will
be helping the Hammers for years to come. Congolese left-back Herita Ilunga
and Ugandan-born striker Savio Nsereko have both impressed the Sardinian,
with Zola convinced that it would be difficult to find a better left-back
currently playing than Ilunga. "He has signed a contract for four-and-half
years so he will be with us for a long time," the Italian told The East
London Advertiser. "I don't think there are many left-backs playing as well
he is."
As for Nsereko, who has represented Germany at junior levels despite his
African birthplace, Zola is delighted at the swift progress he has made
since leaving Italian Serie B outfit Brescia last month. The German's
precise free kick set up Ilunga for his FA Cup equaliser against
Middlesbrough at Upton Park at the weeknd, and Zola is clearly very proud of
the youngster. "I see he has good qualities but he needs time to settle,"
the Hammers coach explained. "He has been playing in a second division team
in Italy and you can't even imagine the difference in speed from Serie B.
The best is yet to come from him."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Offer Trio Of Stars New Contracts
Having tied Scott Parker to a new deal last week, the Hammers are now
looking to secure the futures of three other key men.
18 Feb 2009 21:53:38
Goal.com

West Ham United demonstrated that they were serious about hanging onto their
key players by offering England midfielder Scott Parker a new contract last
week. Parker signed the deal, which will keep him at the club until the
summer of 2013, and the Hammers today moved to similarly secure the services
three other players for the long-term. Defender Matthew Upson, buoyed
recently by his international recall with England, veteran Australian
defender Lucas Neill and solid goalkeeper Robert Green have all now been
offered new contracts that manager Gainfranco Zola is hoping that they will
sign. There are players that have been very important this season - people
like Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Scott Parker and Lucas Neill. They are the
core of this team and I believe they can be the core of this team for a long
time," the Italian told The East London Advertiser earlier. "The club know
this and are offering them contracts. It is good for stability. They are
positive players and will help us to build something important. The idea is
to make a blend of experienced players and young talented players to mix
together and perform."
Parker had been the subject of some intense speculation during the transfer
window, as Manchester City were reportedly in the hunt to take him to the
North West of England along with his erstwhile team-mate Craig Bellamy.
Instead, he chose to remain at Upton Park, and, like Dean Ashton, Carlton
Cole, Herita Ilunga and Jack Collison, committed his future to the Hammers
by inking a new deal. He revealed that Zola's presence at the club was a key
inducement for him to stay put in the East End. "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," Parker
told The Advertiser. "The way the club is going and the direction that the
manager and the board want to go is something I want to follow. "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 - I am delighted to sign."

Zack Wilson, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele Exclusive: Roma Coach Spalletti Better Than Ferguson And Mourinho
The Hammers striker has spoken exclusively to Goal.com to share his
Champions League thoughts...
18 Feb 2009 10:59:16
Goal.com

West Ham striker Davide Di Michele has told Goal.com that he believes Roma
coach Luciano Spalletti is better than Manchester United manager Sir Alex
Ferguson and Inter tactician Jose Mourinho. It's a case of Italy against
England in the last 16 stage of Champions League as three mouth-watering
fixtures between the Premier League's elite and Serie A's best will provide
plenty of entertainment. Di Michele, who played under Luciano Spalletti at
Udinese, believes the Roma coach is the best in the world and that he will
guide the Giallorossi to glory this term. "I think the best [coach] of all
is Spalletti. I will put Sir Alex Ferguson and Jose Mourinho roughly on the
same level," Di Michele told Goal.com. "I say Spalletti from a technical
point of view as well as a human one. I have always had a good feeling about
him." Roma clash with Arsene Wenger's Arsenal side and the Italians will
emerge victorious according to the Hammers striker. "At the moment I see the
Giallorossi as favourites because Arsenal are going through a difficult
period and they will be without Cesc Fabregas," added the hitman. "At this
stage of the season, I think Roma have a little more momentum and they are
favourites."

Salvatore Landolina, Goal.com

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dixon determined to repay Irons for show of faith
EastLondonAdvertiser.co.uk
18 February 2009

New Hammers signing Terry Dixon has vowed to repay the club for giving him
the opportunity to salvage his top-flight career at Upton Park. The Republic
of Ireland Under-21 international sealed an incredible return to
professional football last week by joining West Ham on a three-year deal -
only 12 months after a string of horrendous injuries appeared to have
finished his career. Dixon was heralded as one of the brightest young stars
of British football when he received a senior international call-up as
16-year-old in 2006, yet he was released by Tottenham in March last year
following a persistent knee problem. Now Dixon has returned to fitness with
the help of West Ham's medical staff and the striker is determined to repay
the club for giving him another chance to build on the potential that made
him one of Ireland's most prodigious talents at underage level. He said:
"I'm pleased to have signed the contract. The fitness team have done a lot
of work with me to make my leg a lot stronger and my knee never swells up
now. "I'm just glad West Ham took the chance on me and hopefully it will pay
off. My aims for the season are to get matches under my belt for the
reserves and hopefully I can get into the first-team squad. "I want to repay
the faith the club have shown in me, if not this season, then the season
after.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson, Green and Neill in line for new Hammers deals
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 18 February 2009 - 8:27 PM

Gianfranco Zola hopes to tie down Lucas Neill, Robert Green and Matthew
Upson to new contracts following Scott Parker's new deal last week. The West
Ham boss is desperate to keep his key players at Upton Park after losing
Craig Bellamy to Manchester City last month and Upson being linked with a
move.But the Italian is confident he can convince his three big names to
stay in East London. He said: "There are players that have been very
important this season - people like Matthew Upson, Robert Green, Scott
Parker and Lucas Neill. "They are the core of this team and I believe they
can be the core of this team for a long time. "The club know this and are
offering them contracts. It is good for stability. They are positive players
and will help us to build something important. "The idea is to make a blend
of experienced players and young talented players to mix together and
perform."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Who Will Play at Bolton?
West Ham Till I Die

First of all, the good news. Matthew Upson, Robert Green and Lucas Neill
have all been offered new contracts.

As our minds turn towards the Bolton game, I thought we might indulge in a
bit of speculation about the likely line-up. Lucas Neill in suspended and
Carlton Cole is injured. Let's look at these in turn.

LUCAS NEILL

The two likely replacements are Valon Behrami or Jonathan Spector. Spector
has never let us down and I would play him there with Behrami returning to
midfield.

CARLTON COLE

The natural thing to do would be to play Diego Tristan and David di Michele
up front. But Tristan was woeful last weekend. The last time I saw a player
that show, his name was Lee Chapman. I think a front duo of DDM and Savio
would be a good idea. Bolton's defence is quite slow, and these two might
cause them a lot of problems. I still think Tristan will get the nod though.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tony Cascarino on West Ham Need for New Striker to Take Them to Next Level
The New FootballPools.com

West Ham have proven themselves to be a very good side defensively but if
they want to go up a level then they will need to find a prolific striker.
After watching the game against Middlesbrough at Upton Park it was obvious
to see that the likes of Diego Tristan and David Di Michele are not the
answer. Carlton Cole has been on a decent scoring run but you wouldn't
necessarily guarantee that he'll be banging them in, in a month's time.

Gianfranco Zola has made the team extremely hard to beat and they'll have
Dean Ashton back who knows where the goal is. However, I'm not convinced
that the injured striker would suit playing next to Cole up front. Ashton
has severely struggled with injury so it could be a while before he returns
to his best form so a new striker is needed to take the club forward.

The Upton Park crowd surprised me at the weekend, I've seen one home player
booed in the past but not three who shared the boos between them! Luis Boa
Morte, David Di Michele and Diego Tristan were not popular at West Ham at
the weekend after some poor and wasteful performances. Zola has spoken about
the home crowd's reaction to Boa Morte in particular this week but it was a
case of frustration on the fans part rather than malice.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham star Ashton in town
Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 07:17
Thisistotalessex.co.uk

WEST Ham United and England striker Dean Ashton visited Shalford Village
Hall near Braintree last week for a ceremonial switch on of CFC Shalford
Football Club's new grant funded portable training lights. CFC Shalford of
the Braintree & North Essex Sunday League received a grant of £4,778 from
the Essex Community Foundation's 'Grassroots Grants' which is funded by the
Office of the Third Sector. The grant which enables the club to train during
winter months also funded two five-a-side goals, various training aids,
including (hurdles, speed ladders, slalom poles, corner flags and poles and
new net stanchions for the main pitch. Despite the extremely snowy
conditions several people turned up to see the new equipment in action and
to get autographs and photographs with the West Ham star. CFC Shalford
chairman Ian Butcher said: "Following a lot of hard work to put the
application together we were delighted to receive the funding which is a
massive boost to our club enabling us to move forward by providing good
training facilities. 'We would thank Dean for giving up his time to support
his local community club" Dean Ashton also donated a signed England shirt
and his boots to a raffle for a fundraising evening which raised nearly £900
for club funds.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my run for charity
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson
http://www.justgiving.com/peter-robinson1

Thank You so much to those who have already contributed