WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector said West Ham United will be going for maximum points
against Blackburn Rovers
28.01.2010
Jonathan Spector is even more determined for West Ham United to beat
Blackburn Rovers after missing out on three points against Portsmouth. Sam
Allardyce's side visit the Boleyn Ground on Saturday in the first of a run
of eight consecutive home games against teams from outside the top eight.
Spector said his team-mates would need to give a similar performance to
Tuesday night's fixture at Portsmouth, when they were unfortunate to leave
the south coast with just a point. "We are disappointed with the result. It
is a bit heartbreaking to go 1-0 up and then go on to play some really good
football," he said. "Portsmouth is a tough place to go to. Liverpool went
there and got beaten pretty easily. I don't think this is a bad point for us
- obviously we would have liked three but we will be looking for three on
Saturday. "We go into any game looking for a win. I think it is premature
saying it is a must-win but we will be looking to go and win it."
Spector joked he would be begrudgingly give West Ham's opener to Matthew
Upson, but is now looking for the team to be even more ruthless in front of
goal, particularly now Carlton Cole is nearing full fitness. "We didn't take
all of our chances in the first half and we had some good ones. If we had
then we would have won the match. So we're a bit disappointed the way the
match ended. "It was great to see Coley back. Frank [Nouble] did well but
when Coley came on he caused them a bit of trouble so we are all glad to
have him back. "It would have been nice to have been able to get a second,
but we created some good chances and for much of the game we defended very
well. The United States international has impressed at left-back after
starting West Ham's last two games. Spector and his fellow defenders were
ably aided by Robert Green and Mark Noble, who caught the eye just sitting
in front of them in the holding midfield role. "We kept it pretty compact
and made it difficult for them to create anything. Towards the end the game
opened up a little bit and both sides were trying to get the three points
but it wasn't meant to be. "I have been asked to do a job at left-back,
which isn't my preferred position but I'm happy to fill in the role and help
the team any way I can. Defensively, I think we held together really well
and it's not just the back four as Greeny has come out with some big saves
for us. "We have the midfielders to thank. Nobes was in the holding role and
he did really well and made some important challenges and important
tackles."
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Zola powers Tomkins
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has told WHUTV about the positive impact Gianfranco Zola has
had on his fledgling career
28.01.2010
James Tomkins has enjoyed a successful return to the West Ham United
starting XI in recent weeks, but he is determined not to rest on his laurels
as he seeks to help repay the man who has given him "massive confidence."
Tomkins told WHUTV that manager Gianfranco Zola has had a major impact on
his return to form through belief and specialist one-on-one training
sessions. The England Under-21 international was forced off with a facial
injury during Tuesday's game with Portsmouth, but should he be fit for
Saturday's visit of Blackburn Rovers. He is focused on helping the Hammers'
push for a third clean sheet in five Barclays Premier League matches. "The
manager has had the confidence to play me and that brings a massive
confidence to me and the other younger boys who have had their chance. If
the youngsters do well, then they will get their chance to impress him,"
Tomkins told WHUTV. "He's good for youngsters and will always take them
aside to give them a bit of advice on where they can improve and do a bit
with them after training if they want and he has been brilliant for me.
"When the manager puts faith in you and trusts you it is always nice to
repay him with performances, which I try to do."
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Blackburn ticket latest
WHUFC.com
There are still a limited number of seats available for the visit of
Blackburn Rovers on Saturday
28.01.2010
The ticket office would like to inform fans a limited number of tickets
still remain for West Ham United's first Barclays Premier League home game
of 2010.
Saturday's visit of Blackburn Rovers will also be the first game since the
new joint chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold took control of the club. A
win for the Hammers could see them climb to 13th in the Premier League
table.
Tickets for this fixture begin at £35 for adults and £17.50 for over-65s and
Young Adult members. This fixture has also been deemed a Youth Academy
fixture, where all junior members can apply for a ticket to the fixture free
of charge.
Youth Adacemy Membership has been reduced to just £20, but in addition to
the complimentary Blackburn Rovers ticket, Youth Academy members can also
apply for a Bolton Wanderers ticket free of charge. This match is scheduled
for Saturday 6 March.
Not only do members benefit from the above, but Youth Academy members also
receive all of the following:
• 2 x £5 West Ham United shop vouchers
• Reduced online and telephone booking fees
• Free entry to reserve games
• Personalised membership card
• Youth Membership pack featuring an exclusive DVD
• Chance to be a first-team mascot
• Chance to win a season ticket for 2010/11
Both tickets and membership can be purchased either in person at the West
Stand ticket office or by calling 0871 222 2700 via Option 1.
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Zola has his say on Pompey draw as West Ham attempt to pull away
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
From the outside looking in, you would think that West Ham should be going
to bottom of the table Portsmouth and picking up three points. In reality
though, coming away with a hard earned 1-1 draw was a decent result for the
Hammers. To go to Fratton Park and lose would have been a disaster, no doubt
about it. It would have moved Avram Grant's side to within two points of the
Hammers. After the draw there is still a five point cushion between the club
and the foot of the table, something that is reflected in West Ham's Premier
League relegation odds. It was so important they kept distance between
themselves and Pompey. The bottom club have had such a traumatic season,
that to be just two points ahead of them would have been disappointing. As
satisfactory as a draw was though, there is no doubt that it could have been
a win. When you take the lead at a team that is struggling, you expect to go
on and take the game.
To be fair to West Ham they probably would have added to Matthew Upson's
goal on another day, but they found Pompey goalkeeper Asmir Begovic in top
form. His efforts to keep West Ham out were then rewarded when Danny Webber
equalised for the home side with 14 minutes remaining. Zola was keen to
praise his players afterwards though and called it a "very good point" as it
didn't allow a team behind West Ham to make up any ground. Any draw away
from home in this league shouldn't be sniffed at, after all.
The West Ham boss was really pleased with how his team played as well. They
showed good confidence going forward and would have been rewarded for their
attempts on goal had it not been for Begovic.
Zola says that his players were "in control of the game" for large periods
and "created many chances" which can only be a good sign. He also labelled
the commitment of the current squad "fantastic" and said that he is
"delighted" with their attitude. The Italian is a big believer in having a
positive attitude on the pitch and he clearly thinks that if his players
maintain their current mind set they will be successful in the remainder of
the season. There is a big opportunity to build some momentum in the next
few weeks as well, it has to be said. If Zola is able to add a couple of
fresh faces, the team maintains its togetherness and remains fully committed
to the cause, there is no reason why February can't be a productive month.
West Ham finish January with a winnable home game against Blackburn Rovers,
before games with Burnley, Birmingham and Hull next month. They finish
February with a game against Manchester United, but hopefully enough points
would have been picked up by then to ensure that anything is a bonus against
Alex Ferguson's men. Everyone just needs to keep going. The players need to
remain focused despite transfer speculation and the fans need to keep the
faith. Lastly, Zola needs to remain positive, something I don't think there
will be too much of a problem with. Meanwhile, Portsmouth's relegation odds
suggest they will be playing Championship football next season, while things
are also looking grim for Hull and Burnley.
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Transfer window update
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 28th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Brazilian Goalkeeper Rubinho.
According to this morning's La Gazzetta dello Sport, the Hammers are set to
move for the Palermo keeper who is out of favour following a string of
high-profile errors. Rubinho - who recently handed in a transfer request -
had looked set to join Serie A strugglers Livorno in a swap-deal including
Francesco Benussi recently but turned down the move. West Ham have been in
the market for a back-up to number one Rob Green since last summer.
Another spot the Hammers are keen to bolster ahead of next Monday's 5pm
transfer deadline is right back, although links to possible targets have
been few and far between. However one name that continues to crop up is
Tottenham's Scottish full-back Alan Hutton, another who is seemingly surplus
to requirements at his club. Hutton, who moved to London in a deal estimated
to be worth around £9million in the summer of 2008 has made just eight
starts for Spurs this season.
Elsewhere the Irons are being linked with Portsmouth full-back Nadir
Belhadj, who is one of a number of players up for sale by default due to
Portsmouth's chronic financial situation. Things are so bad down at Fratton
Park right now that the club's unpaid web hosts have pulled the official
Portsmouth FC website this morning (check it out for yourselves) - so there
are likely to be a number of good deals available on the South Coast.
Tottenham, who are on the verge of announcing the signing of another Irons
target, Eidur Gudjohnsen have a number of players available during this
current window and it is no surprise that West Ham are being linked with
several names from White Hart Lane. Midfielder David Bentley, who has barely
played since being arrested for drink driving at the beginning of the season
is one, as is striker Robbie Keane who could be on his way out of Tottenham
for the second time in two years.
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West Ham enquire about Celtic goalscorer Scott McDonald
McDonald hopes to play for Australia in this summer's World Cup
By Chris McLaughlin
BBC.co.uk
West Ham could be ready to test Celtic's resolve with a bid for Australian
striker Scott McDonald. BBC Scotland has learned that the English Premier
League club have had the Parkhead goalscorer watched and an enquiry has been
made. McDonald, 26, has struggled to secure a regular start under boss Tony
Mowbray. Wigan recently ended their interest because of Celtic's asking
price and Gordon Strachan is keen to take his former striker to
Middlesbrough. Strachan, who took over at Boro in October, spent £700,000 on
McDonald in 2007 to bring him to Celtic from Motherwell, for whom he had
starred for three seasons. McDonald, who has earned 15 caps for Australia,
arrived in British football from Cranbourne Comets. He made only a handful
of appearances in brief spells with Southampton, Bournemouth and Wimbledon,
and also served Huddersfield on loan. Currently recovering from a hernia
operation, McDonald has scored 64 goals in 127 appearances for Celtic and
will be keen to start hitting the net regularly to clinch his place in
Australia's squad for the World Cup finals in South Africa this summer.
Meanwhile, Burnley are still hopeful of signing Celtic defender Danny Fox
with negotiations between the two clubs ongoing.
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Jimenez seals Hammers exit
Parma deal complete for Inter forward
By Simone Bargellini Last updated: 28th January 2010
SSN
Luis Jimenez has completed his move to Parma after leaving West Ham. The
Inter Milan forward was on loan at Upton Park for the rest of the season but
the he Hammers have agreed to end that prematurely. Now Jimenez has penned a
deal with Parma until the end of the campaign. "I'm happy to go to Parma,"
Jimenez told Sky Italia. "My experience in the Premier League has not gone
as I wanted. "Now I hope to stay for a long time in the same team, although
in my career until now I have never been able to do so." Parma's sporting
director Pietro Leonardi added: "Jimenez is an important player who will
give quality to Parma and will help us to achieve the objective of
survival."
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Robbie Keane edges towards Tottenham exit after Spurs pip West Ham to loan
capture of Eidur Gudjohnsen
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:42 AM on 28th January 2010
Daily Mail
Tottenham have pipped West Ham to the signing of Monaco striker Eidur
Gudjohnsen, leaving the door open for out-of-favour Spurs striker Robbie
Keane to leave White Hart Lane. The Hammers had been expected to complete a
deal for the Icelandic international after the player completed a medical on
Tuesday. However, Harry Redknapp nipped in with a late offer and used the
lure of a Champions League challenge to snatch Gudjohnson, a former Chelsea
player, from under the nose of their city rivals.
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Spurs complete Gudjohnsen deal
Redknapp understood to have added a different dimension
Last updated: 28th January 2010
SSN
Sky Sports News understands that Tottenham have signed Monaco forward Eidur
Gudjohnsen on loan until the end of the season. The former Bolton, Chelsea
and Barcelona star had been a target of West Ham before Premier League and
London rivals Spurs made their move. Gudjohnsen is reported to have
undergone a medical at Upton Park and so the Hammers were less than
impressed when news broke earlier this week that Tottenham appeared
favourites in the deal. Spurs boss Harry Redknapp was quoted as saying in
Thursday's newspapers that he had offered identical terms to West Ham and
that the Iceland international was deciding on his choice of clubs.
Gudjohnsen now appears to have made up his mind and is set to move to White
Hart Lane where his craft will add a different dimension to UEFA Champions
League-chasing Tottenham's attacking options. The combination of Jermain
Defoe's pace and Peter Crouch's aerial threat have proved a positive pairing
this season, but when the duo misfire Spurs have struggled. Club captain
Robbie Keane is out of form and has been relegated to a role as substitute,
while Roman Pavlyuchenko is expected to leave in January and Birmingham are
thought to have made an approach.
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Zola in Bentley test drive
The Sun
WEST HAM are the latest to try to tempt Tottenham into letting winger David
Bentley move on loan. Sunderland asked to take Bentley until the end of the
season but Spurs were only interested in a transfer. Manager Gianfranco Zola
is desperate to boost his Hammers squad and sees £15million Bentley, 25, as
an ideal short-term solution.
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Life's a hitch for hitman Benni
The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
Published: Today
BENNI McCARTHY has seen his £2million move to West Ham from Blackburn hit a
snag due to a work permit problem. And it may deny the South African the
chance of a debut against Rovers at Upton Park tomorrow. Striker McCarthy,
32, had agreed a 2½-year deal but his permit is expiring and because of a
lack of recent international appearances getting a new one could prove a
problem. Rovers boss Sam Allardyce needs the cash to bid for James Beattie
or Benjani as a replacement.
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Newcastle United join clubs in queue to sign Crystal Palace forward Victor
Moses
The Times
Gary Jacob
Newcastle United offered £1.5 million up front for Victor Moses, the Crystal
Palace forward, last night, matching the bid made by West Bromwich Albion.
Palace, who are in administration, are hoping to raise more for the
19-year-old, who has attracted interest from Nottingham Forest, Fulham and
Manchester City. West Ham United have offered an initial £500,000 rising to
about £2 million, but the deal is less attractive to Palace because they
require significant funds this month.
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West Ham game postponed
By Simon Hayes on January 28, 2010 10:12 AM
Wharf.co.uk
West Ham's games next month against Wolverhampton Wanderers and Manchester
United have been postponed because of cup commitments. The Irons were due to
meet Wolves at Upton Park next Tuesday but the midlands side will be
involved in an FA Cup replay against Crystal Palace. And the Hammers trip to
Old Trafford on February 27 will be rearranged because Manchester United
will be playing Aston Villa in the Carling Cup final the next day. No new
dates have been set for either game.
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Parker and Ilunga back
28 January 2010
London24
SCOTT PARKER and Herita Ilunga are set to join Carlton Cole in the starting
line-up on Saturday as West Ham look for three points against Blackburn
Rovers. Talismanic midfielder Parker missed Tuesday's 1-1 draw with
Portsmouth at Fratton Park with a tight hamstring, but he is training again
this week and will be desperate to return.
Ilunga has been out since he limped off at White Hart Lane during the 2-0
defeat by Spurs on December 28, but his hamstring has responded well to
treatment and he will also look to replace Jonathan Spector in the left back
slot on Saturday. Cole played 20 minutes as a second-half substitute at
Pompey and showed some of what the Hammers have been missing since the end
of November. He is likely to replace youngster Frank Nouble up front, while
James Tomkins is rated as 50/50 after his clash with Kevin Prince Boateng at
Fratton Park that forced him off with a facial injury. Kieron Dyer and Danny
Gabbidon are expected to return to full training next week, while Mexican
striker Guillermo Franco is perhaps a further week away. Skipper Matty Upson
knows just how vital Saturday's game is. "I think the home form will decide
it for us," explained Tuesday night's scorer. "Saturday is a huge game and a
game we are looking to get a win from, and if we do that, then the draw at
Portsmouth will look a good result.
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'Will the last one out of Upton Park please turn off the lights... and the
radiators!'
Published 23:00 28/01/10 By John Cross
The Mirror
Karren Brady has introduced an amazing string of cost cutting measures at
hard-up West Ham - even ordering staff to turn the lights and heating off.
West Ham's new owners David Gold and David Sullivan are desperately trying
to save the club and vice-chairwoman Brady has been put in charge of cutting
their crippling debts. Sullivan has claimed the club has debts of £110m and
Brady has already:
SACKED legends Tony Cottee and Tony Gale, as well as TV star Matt Lorenzo,
as £40,000-a-year club ambassadors...
ORDERED massive reductions in manager Gianfranco Zola's medical staff...
BEGUN a battle with the FA to get £15m compensation after Dean Ashton was
forced to retire after injuring his ankle on England duty...
TRIED to force out big-money reserves as they believe the current squad is
far too big...
SUSPENDED injured defender Calum Davenport's £20,000-a-week wages until his
court case is resolved...
TOLD staff not to leave lights on and insisted the heating should be turned
off.
Ruthless Brady, star of Sir Alan Sugar's The Apprentice show, gained a
reputation at former club Birmingham for being a no-nonsense operator. But
West Ham co-owner Gold insists that Brady's tough measures have his and
Sullivan's full support as they desperately try to save the club following
their takeover. Gold said: "Karen is our financial doctor. She identifies
problems and helps us fix them. This is what we are good at and it is a
great challenge. "All non-footballing costs are being looked at. We are
looking at absolutely everything. We will not damage the footballing side,
but we need to cut costs to increase income. It's not brain surgery."
West Ham are desperately looking to bring players in, namely strikers
Benjani and Benni McCarthy. But it could be that they still sell players as
they are determined not to let England defender Matt Upson run down his
contract, as he has just 18 months left on his deal. They have shipped out
Luis Jimenez back to Italy to join Parma and Nigel Quashie has joined Queens
Park Rangers. But it is the off-the-field cutbacks which are really
beginning to bite as Gold, Sullivan and Brady make their mark, having been
scathing about the club's previous owners.
West Ham defender Davenport has been hit hardest, having his wages stopped
until his court case is resolved. Stab victim Davenport has been accused of
assaulting his sister in the incident which led to him being stabbed in both
legs and the club has insisted that until his case is resolved his wages
will be suspended. Davenport is still training with West Ham and legal
experts, the PFA and Premier League have been called in. The PFA is looking
at whether West Ham are breaking any rules and are hopeful of overturning
the club's ruling.
Davenport, whose wife recently gave birth to a baby daughter, is hoping the
Premier League also rule in their favour and order West Ham to backdate the
wages. Zola had previously backed Davenport, while it was former chief
executive Scott Duxbury who broke the news over the suspension of his wages.
Supporters were also shocked to hear about Cottee, Gale and Lorenzo, who all
worked at the club on match days. Cottee and Gale are both West Ham legends
and are still highly regarded at Upton Park but the new owners have decided
against them in a move which is unlikely to please fans.
Technical director Gianluca Nani is facing the axe after making a string of
signings which have turned out to be expensive mistakes. But the medical
team could also be hit hard, even though that was a department that Zola
championed and was keen to improve. One member of the medical staff is
likely to be axed, with some of them on up to £200,000-a-year. Ashton's
retirement was a major blow and yet the club are determined to recoup some
of their compensation pay-out on his contract as he suffered the first ankle
injury problem while on England duty. They have gone to the FA to try to
reach an agreement and the club's recent injury record has also alerted them
to a potential review of the medical team.
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City block Benjani exit
Published 22:55 28/01/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
Manchester City are blocking striker Benjani's exit - and stopping a move to
ambitious West Ham. The Zimbabwean was offered to both Hammers and Blackburn
by different middle men, claiming he could go for nothing before the window
shut. But the Hammers were shocked to find out yesterday that City will not
let Benjani go because they do not have enough striking options in their
squad as they chase FA Cup glory and a top-four finish.
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FOOTBALL'DOCTOR' KARREN BRADY LEAVES BITTER PILL
Daily Express
Friday January 29,2010
By Matt Law
KARREN Brady has made an incredible 'You're Fired' start to her new West Ham
career that has sent shockwaves through the Upton Park club. But the
decision to suspend stab victim Calum Davenport's wages could land the
Hammers in hot water with the Premier League, with questions over whether
the move is legal. Brady, who is an adviser to Lord Sugar on the sixth
series of The Apprentice, became the Hammers' vice-chairman last week as
part of David Gold and David Sullivan's takeover. Apart from stopping
Davenport's wages, she has already sacked club ambassadors Tony Cottee, Tony
Gale and Matt Lorenzo and, according to sources, handed out rollickings to
staff who leave heating and lights on.
Next on Brady's hitlist is the medical team. Some members of the department
could be sacked and others are set to face the choice between taking a hefty
pay cut or leaving. Drastic action was clearly needed at debt-ridden West
Ham but the force and speed of Brady's actions have upset some people.
Judging by the club website, nobody is safe. Intriguingly, the staff section
is 'coming soon' and 'this new section will appear shortly'.
Gold said last night: "Karren is our financial doctor. She identifies
problems and helps us fix them. This is what we are good at and it is a
great challenge. All non-footballing costs are being looked at. We are
looking at absolutely everything. We will not damage the footballing side,
but we need to cut costs." Ex-chief executive Scott Duxbury told Davenport
his £20,000-a-week wages would be stopped until a court case over charges of
assaulting his sister in the incident that led to him being stabbed in the
legs is resolved. The PFA have asked the Premier League to investigate to
see whether suspending a player's wages while he waits for a court case
breaks rules.
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Noble and Nouble Impress!
West Ham Till I Die
The 1-1 draw with Portsmouth was a disappointing result in the end. But I
actually agreed with those that argued prior to the match that this was one
that we could not afford to lose. So, based on that rationale, mission
accomplished! In truth we had enough goal scoring opportunities on the
night to win three matches, but you cannot fault the likes of Collison,
Nouble and Diamanti. They all placed the ball well and/or hit the target,
but their goal keeper was in inspired form. He saved Pompey on at least
three or four occasions.
I really could not believe the downbeat nature of the press reports on
Wednesday morning. I thought we dominated for long periods and carved out
some great chances. We should have been 0-3 up by the time that Pompey
started to come back in to the match in the second half. Our retention of
the ball, passing and movement were all good. Once we have a sharper
cutting edge up front, to supplement our fluid passing game, I reckon we
will not look back.
I was particularly encouraged by the displays of Mark Noble and Frank
Nouble. I agree that it appears that Noble's best position is as midfield
anchor, shielding the defence, winning the ball and distributing it. Seeing
Noble perform so well in this defensive midfield role reminded me of the
strong, dynamic young player who made one of the key individual
contributions to West Ham staving off relegation in the great escape of
2006-07.
Noble is not built for speed and does not appear to have the pace to play
out wide. He can play as the offensive point of a midfield diamond, but
with the likes of Diamanti around there are now better alternatives.
Playing in the anchor role allows Noble to use his aggression, tackling and
ability to distribute the ball to deliver a range of quality forward passes.
Noble has hopefully found his niche and now Zola needs to show the faith to
continue playing him in that role. It also frees up Scott Parker to play
further forward. Parker defends well, but his aggressive forward play is
exceptional. Noble occupying the anchor role would allow Parker to drive
the team forward, make strong surging runs in the final third and pick out
decisive passes in and around the box.
Frank Nouble had his best game in a West Ham shirt against Portsmouth. His
recent inclusion in the first team has been driven by necessity. I had
feared that his opportunity had come too early after the FA Cup tie against
Arsenal, where he worked hard without making any real head way. However,
the Villa and Pompey matches saw Nouble's performance levels improve
demonstrably. Against Pompey he led the line well, was very mobile and
showed good technique in receiving and passing the ball. Nowhere was that
technique better demonstrated than his role in the build up for Collison's
excellent strike in the first half. It was accomplished and intelligent
play by the young man and it bodes well for his future at the club.
I am now convinced that Nouble's early exposure to first team football has
been positive, accelerating his development and improving his confidence at
his level. As for criticism of his finishing, yes he probably should have
buried his chance against Pompey, but he did hit the target and that is a
good indicator of much better things to come. Remember, this is a 17/18
year old we are talking about, he has plenty of time to sharpen his
finishing a la Carlton Cole.
As things stand Nouble is a real prospect and is nicely poised to push on
next season to increase competition for the striker positions. Indeed, it
has to be said that Nouble's decision to leave Chelski has been fully
vindicated. Would he have had these early first team opportunities there?
No of course no, he would probably still be stagnating in their reserves.
The loss of two points turned on Tomkins losing a key challenge due to an
opposing player's wayward elbow and the referee's baffling failure to award
a free kick. Arguably, 9 times out of 10 modern referees would have awarded
an free kick in that situation. Indeed, they usually seem to stop play and
issue yellow cards for most trivial of challenges, yet this time, nothing!
Not only did he ignore the offence, but the referee then failed to stop play
so that a player with an head injury could receive urgent treatment. Surely
that flies in the face of the FA guidance given to referees?
How many points this season have we lost due to poor refereeing decisions?
Decisions such as Cole's disallowed goal against Wigan, Sunderland's dodgy
winner and the penalty that never was against Chelski. These type of
decisions are supposed to even themselves out over the course of a season,
if so we can look forward to a glut of dubious refereeing decisions going
our way between now and the end of the season!
SJ. Chandos.
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David Gold's "guilt" at Palace takeover talks
Thursday, 28 January 2010
By Richard Cawley
DAVID Gold has broken his silence on his interest in Crystal Palace and
Charlton - admitting he feels "guilty" that no concrete move materialised
for the two South London clubs.
The new West Ham United co-chairman recently completed a takeover bid with
fellow former Blues owner David Sullivan. And in an exclusive interview with
the South London Press, Gold admits there had been interest if he had not
pushed through with purchasing the Hammers. He said: "In a way I feel a bit
guilty that I was associated with both clubs and that it never happened.
"Yes, I had contact with certain people and obviously I can't go into
detail. But I was in contact because if we had gone with either club we
would have needed to act quickly in the transfer window. We needed to do our
due diligence at a distance, without getting too involved. "I was talking to
certain people and I'm saddened in a way - but equally you can understand
the draw of West Ham. "Your first choice is always going to be the club you
supported and my roots are with West Ham, it was where I was brought up and
I played there as a young lad. I've been a fan for years and years. "We had
to carefully look at West Ham because it has been in disarray - so in the
meantime we had to look around if that didn't come off. "I am close to
Charlton but I'm very close to Crystal Palace. I live in Caterham and they
are just around the corner. Even my company is in Whyteleafe which is only
three or four miles away and in my offices there are Crystal Palace scarves
and pictures. It is real Palace territory.
"So it if the West Ham situation had failed, they are one of the clubs I did
give serious consideration to. I wish both them and Charlton well."
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Potters ace set for Hammer time
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on:28 January 2010 - 14:27
Sport.co.uk understands unsettled Stoke City striker James Beattie is on the
verge of completing a move to West Ham. The Hammer's gaffer Gianfranco Zola
has missed out on Tottenham Hotpsur bound Eidur Gudjohnsen, as well as
Italian international Luca Toni. Zola is desperate to add forward options to
his beleagured West Ham side and has earmarked Stoke's James Beattie and
Blackburn Rover's Benni McCarthy as his two most likely options. The deal to
bring the South African hitman from Ewood Park to the Boleyn Ground is
almost complete and reports this afternoon suggest that the former
Southampton and Everton forward is set to follow the Blackburn forward to
West Ham.
Stoke City manager Tony Pullis pulled off a masterstroke by bringing Beattie
to the Potters last January with the former England man bagging 7 goals in
16 appearances to help keep Stoke City in the Premier League. However
manager Tony Pullis fell out with Beattie after the forward reminded the
manager after the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal at the Emirates that they had the
day off for the Christmas party the next day. Pullis reacted angrily and
ordered the Stoke City squad to report to training. Since the incident
relations have mellowed between the pair but Pullis looks set to cash in on
Beattie following the argument.
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Redknapp: Two identical deals were on the table
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:28 January 2010 - 14:20
Harry Redknapp has responded to the angry accusations levelled at Tottenham
Hotspur by new West Ham United owner David Sullivan as the two clubs fight
to sign Icelandic international Eidur Gudjohnsen on loan for the rest of the
season. The Hammers appeared to be winning the chase for the Monaco striker
before Spurs stepped in at the last moment to secure a deal. Having spent
two years at Bolton Wanderers and six seasons with Chelsea Gudjohnsen will
be hoping to find the type of form at White Hart Lane which led to a
lucrative deal with Barcelona in 2006. Talking about the move for
Gudjohnsen, manager Harry Redknapp revealed: "We've been talking about him
for nearly two weeks and when we heard West Ham were interested we made our
move. "We are not paying a penny more than West Ham were offering him. "Two
identical deals were on the table. In the end it was a straight choice for
Eidur."
Yesterday, West Ham United owner Sullivan went public on his disgust at the
way negotiations had panned out. "We thought we had a deal and the player
had even had a medical," Sullivan said. "We then heard that Tottenham were
trying to speak to the player. I can't say I am happy about it but I believe
in Karma and what goes around, comes around."
It now appears West Ham will turn to out-of-favour Stoke stirker James
Beattie having already snapped up Benni McCarthy from Blackburn Rovers. The
East End outfit are desperately seeking added firepower in the hope of
avoiding the drop in Gianfranco Zola's second season in charge at Upton
Park.
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West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between West Ham United
and Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park on Saturday Jan 30 2010, kick-off 15.00
GMT.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM GMT 29 Jan 2010
Saturday, January 30
West Ham United v Blackburn Rovers
Upton Park
Kick-off: 15.00 GMT
TV: Highlights, BBC1 MotD.
Blackburn have not won at West Ham since April 1994 but on Wednesday they
beat Wigan 2-1 at Ewood Park to claim their second successive League win.
Lars Jacobsen is doubtful but Christopher Samba returns from suspension.
West Ham have scored just one goal in their last Premier League games, while
they have won just one game in their last eight, and they will again be
without Guillermo Franco, Kieron Dyer, Zavon Hines, Calum Davenport and Luis
Boa Morte. And they test Scott Parker, who missed the midweek 1-1 draw at
Portsmouth after failing to recover from a hamstring injury. Benni McCarthy
could feature.
West Ham (4-1-4-1): Green; Faubert, Tomkins, Upson, Spector; Noble;
Diamanti, Behrami, Parker, Kovac; Cole.
Blackburn Rovers (4-4-2): Robinson; Chimbonda, Givet, Samba, Olsson;
Emerton, Dunn, Nzonzi, Pedersen; Kalinic, Roberts.
Referee: Peter Walton. Matches: 13. R2 Y28.
Last season: West Ham 4 Blackburn 1, Blackburn 1 West Ham 1.
Stat of the game: West Ham have beaten Blackburn in each of the last nine
Premier League clashes at Upton Park.
Betting tip: West Ham's record hints at a home win, at evens.
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Tomkins: Zola good for West Ham young players
29.01.10 | tribalfootball.com
Portsmouth players cough up for go-karting West Ham United defender James
Tomkins is delighted with his progress under manager Gianfranco Zola.
Tomkins has become an ever-present for the Hammers in recent games. The
manager has had the confidence to play me and that brings a massive
confidence to me and the other younger boys who have had their chance. If
the youngsters do well, then they will get their chance to impress him,"
Tomkins told WHUTV. "He's good for youngsters and will always take them
aside to give them a bit of advice on where they can improve and do a bit
with them after training if they want and he has been brilliant for me.
"When the manager puts faith in you and trusts you it is always nice to
repay him with performances, which I try to do."
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