Thursday, September 30

Daily WHUFC News - 30th September 2010

Ticket prices reduced for Stoke
WHUFC.com
The Board has significantly cut all ticket prices for the big Boleyn cup tie
against Stoke next month
29.09.2010

West Ham United are pleased to confirm that ticket prices for the home
Carling Cup last-16 match against Stoke City have been cut to just £15 for
all adult season ticket holders and £5 for children who hold season tickets.
After insisting on significantly reduced prices for the second-round tie
against Oxford United, the club were determined to continue to reward loyal
supporters for their fantastic backing. The tie will be played at 7.45pm on
Wednesday 27 October - and will not be screened live on television.
Non-season ticket holders can sit anywhere for just £20 for adults and £10
for children. With a host of big names already eliminated from the
competition and just 16 teams left to battle it out for the right to reach
Wembley on 27 February, it promises to be a big night at the Boleyn.

West Ham United Chairman David Sullivan said: "We are pleased we can once
again offer significantly reduced prices to our loyal fans. After the
terrific performance away to Sunderland in the previous round, everyone was
delighted to get a home draw in the last 16. "We know that if we win this
match we are two rounds from Wembley and a packed stadium can only help the
manager and his team. Like the Fulham Kids for a Quid match this weekend,
the Board especially as we are keen to give something back to our young fans
who are the future of the club."

Any adult season ticket holder purchasing their seat will be able to do so
for just £15 with children being able to reserve their usual place for just
a fiver. The Board took the decision with younger fans in mind, especially
keen to give something back to those who are the future of the club."

Tickets will go on sale to season ticket holders from Thursday 30 September
to Monday 11 October, before club members get their exclusive chance to
purchase on Tuesday 12 and Wednesday 13 October. General sale will begin
from Thursday 14 October onwards, with demand expected to be high for a
contest that could see the club reach the quarter-finals.

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Gold leaps to Green's defence
Hammers co-owner plays down gesture after Spurs win
Last updated: 29th September 2010
SSN

West Ham co-owner David Gold has defended goalkeeper Robert Green following
his gesture towards the press box after the 1-0 win over Tottenham at the
weekend. The 30-year-old shot-stopper made the defiant gesture after
performing well against Spurs at Upton Park, following a traumatic summer.
Green was guilty of a shocking blunder while playing for England during the
World Cup in South Africa, allowing a tame long-range shot into his own net
to deny the Three Lions victory in their opening match against the USA. He
has since been cast into the international wilderness by England coach Fabio
Capello,and his club form suffered at the beginning of the season. However,
Green turned it around last weekend with some fine saves and Hammers
co-owner Gold believes his gesture was warranted. "I have to say I don't
think there was any malice in it whatsoever," he said. "I think he was just
saying: 'Didn't I have a good game guys? Look, this is the real Robert
Green. I'm back.' "I think that was what happened and we ought to allow him
to have that moment because that's all that it was. "If the FA have written
to him to explain that then fair enough, that's fine. Let's move on. He
didn't kill anyone."

Right direction

West Ham have made a poor start to the season but that win on Saturday moves
them above Everton at the foot of the table. Gold believes Green is the
right man to continue between the sticks for Avram Grant's side and says he
is worthy of an England recall. "When that game was over I thought, wow,
what a performance," he added. "He made some world class saves. "In my mind,
he is the England goalkeeper. He will have a bad day from time to time,
goalkeepers do. "Robert Green is an international goalkeeper, full stop. I
would like to think he'd be back in contention for a place in the squad for
the next England match. "If I was the manager, I would pick him. He is a
class act and he has a great character and a strong fibre within him. He's a
great professional and I'd like to see him back in the England side on a
regular basis."

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Avram's Bourne Ultimatum
The Sun
Published: Today

AVRAM GRANT is plotting a move for Bournemouth midfielder Marc Pugh. The
West Ham boss sent first-team coach Kevin Keen to watch Pugh, 23, on
Tuesday.

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Hammers' Dyer expected to face Fulham
Published 23:00 29/09/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

West Ham midfielder Kieron Dyer is expected to be fit for the Premier League
game against Fulham on Saturday. Dyer has been outstanding for West Ham in
the opening part of the season but was forced to leave the field after 42
minutes during the 1-0 win over Tottenham. There were fears the England
midfielder had suffered another injury setback, but manager Avram Grant
revealed after the game he was feeling sick before the game. But Dyer has
returned to training this week and is expected to take his place for the
London derby at Upton Park this weekend.

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West Ham boss Avram Grant eyeing move for Bournemouth midfielder Marc Puch
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:43 PM on 29th September 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham manager Avram Grant is weighing up a surprise move for free-scoring
Bournemouth midfielder Marc Pugh. Grant sent first team coach Kevin Keen to
watch Pugh, 23, score his fourth goal in nine games in Bournemouth's 3-0 win
over Exeter on Tuesday.

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Gold: No malice in Rob Green's press box gesture
By Soccernet staff
September 29, 2010
ESPN

David Gold says there was "no malice" in Rob Green's gesture to the press
box after he starred in West Ham's 1-0 win over Tottenham. Gold, who co-owns
the Hammers with David Sullivan, defended his goalkeeper after he made a
string of impressive saves to help his side record their first Premier
League win of the season, against their London rivals.

Green has been a target of criticism since his mistake handed USA a goal in
the opening game of England's World Cup campaign and made an obvious gesture
at the assembled media on Saturday afternoon. The Football Association has
written to Green to remind him of his conduct in future matches but has
imposed no fine.

"I have to say I don't think there was any malice in it whatsoever,'' Gold
said. "I think he was just saying: 'Didn't I have a good game guys? Look,
this is the real Robert Green. I'm back.'

"I think that was what happened and we ought to allow him to have that
moment because that's all that it was. If the FA have written to him to
explain that then fair enough, that's fine. Let's move on. He didn't kill
anyone.''

Green has failed to add to his 11 England caps since his error in South
Africa, but Gold thinks his performance at Upton Park will put the
goalkeeper back in Fabio Capello's thoughts for next month's Euro 2012
qualifier against Montenegro.

"When that game was over I thought, wow, what a performance,'' Gold said.
"He made some world class saves. In my mind, he is the England goalkeeper.
He will have a bad day from time to time, goalkeepers do. Robert Green is an
international goalkeeper, full stop. I would like to think he'd be back in
contention for a place in the squad for the next England match.

"If I was the manager, I would pick him. He is a class act and he has a
great character and a strong fibre within him. He's a great professional and
I'd like to see him back in the England side on a regular basis.''

A striker shortage at Fulham means that Green could come face to face with
Clint Dempsey on Saturday for the first time since the American struck the
tame shot which he failed to handle in South Africa. Green's error has
caused him to be the subject of heckling from opposition fans ever since his
return from the World Cup, but Gold is confident that his goalkeeper will be
able to handle the pressure upon him at Upton Park on Saturday.

"I have no doubt in my mind that he will deal with it with absolute
consummate professionalism,'' Gold said. "It won't even enter his mind. He
will prepare like he normally does and I'm sure he will give another
outstanding performance when called upon.''

Fulham's poor away form in the league - they have failed to win on the road
in 13 months - represents a golden opportunity for the Hammers to climb out
of the relegation zone by stretching their unbeaten run to four matches.

Gold continued: "Last week's victory was a brilliant result. We were in a
very tough position. It was against someone who got into the top four. It
was a fabulous victory, particularly on the back of a draw against Stoke and
a win over Sunderland.

"It has been a great week and we are feeling good about ourselves at the
moment. We all know that if you get back-to-back wins in the Premier League
then it has a fantastic impact on your position and morale. It lifts your
fans and your players.''

Meanwhile, Scott Parker, Carlton Cole and Mark Noble are just a few of the
West Ham players who will deliver the club's joint bid with Newham Council
to run the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games to Number 10 Downing Street
on Thursday.

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Hammers defender seeking to impress to secure new deal
2:10pm Wednesday 29th September 2010
Guardian Series

DEFENDER Danny Gabbidon admits he will have to 'prove my worth' this season
if he is to earn a new deal with West Ham. The Welshman's contract at Upton
Park runs out at the end of this campaign, and he is determined to remain in
manager Avram Grant's first-team plans to secure an extension to his
contract. If he keeps performing as he did against Tottenham this week then
a deal will surely be forthcoming. Gabbidon was charged with keeping Spurs
and England's flying winger Aaron Lennon quiet from the unfamiliar
surroundings of left-back on Saturday. But the former Cardiff man equipped
himself brilliantly, being beaten only once all game, and on that occasion
keeper Robert Green came to his rescue, pulling off a stunning save to deny
Luka Modric, after Lennon's pull back had found the Croatian in space. Asked
if left-back is where the future lies for him, Gabbidon laughed: "I don't
know. Obviously I prefer it in the middle, but at the moment I'm having to
do a job there. I'm just enjoying playing at the moment. If it means playing
left-back I'll do that for the team. I'm not bothered about that. "I played
there a couple of times there last season. I did start as a right-back at
West Bromwich Albion, so it's not totally foreign to me as a position. But I
haven't played there for a few years, but if the manager wants me to do a
job there. I'll play striker if he wants me to."

The defender admitted he would need to stay fit to secure a new deal, having
been plagued by injuries in recent years. "This is my last year now, so it's
quite an important season for me. I want to stay fit and play games and
prove I'm worthy of a new contract," he said. "We haven't started talking
about one yet. I think I'll have to play a few more games and prove my
fitness for a little bit longer. If I can keep playing, and playing well
that hopefully will come."

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Are West Ham heading in the right direction?
Sport.co.uk
Posted by Sport.co.uk on: 29 September 2010 - 11:11
Author: Jonny Abrams

Things, reasoned West Ham United fans at the start of this season, couldn't
possibly get any worse. Could they? Getting routinely swatted aside at Upton
Park by the likes of Wolves, Stoke and Bolton? Avoiding relegation solely by
being fortunate enough not to be quite as abject as the three sides below
them? Plummeting to such depths of desperation so soon after a promising 9th
place Premier League finish in Gianfranco Zola's first season? Surely, held
the theory, things could only get better under Avram Grant and the new
ownership (though it already feels like years) of David Gold and Sullivan.

Four defeats from this season's opening four games had Hammers fans fearing
that the worst was yet to come. However, four points from two games and a
League Cup win at the Stadium of Light later and it would seem that the
traumatising first few weeks under Grant were merely a necessary,
hot-poker-in-rear-end-inserting extension of the nadir.

Embattled

Robert Green was not the only Iron making a show of defiance on Saturday –
it was pervasive throughout the whole side. While the embattled England
goalkeeper was rightly lavished with praise for his excellent performance in
keeping Tottenham Hotspur at bay in West Ham's 1-0 win, a collective patting
of backs is merited for a performance marked by resilience, commitment and
no little flair.

The return of the no-nonsense and aerially dominant Manuel da Costa at
centre-back has coincided not just with an upturn in results but also an
overdue upturn in form for Matthew Upson alongside him and, if the pair can
continue in this vain, then James Tomkins may be allowed to fulfil his
potential in a far less pressurised environment. Certainly, regular football
for the Hammers last season seemed to demoralise the 21 year-old as goal
after goal against flew in.

The inability thus far of Herita Ilunga to recapture the form of his first
season looked to have created a catastrophic vacuum at left-back but Danny
Gabbidon has returned from his long absence to fill in admirably in the
position, while new signing Lars Jacobsen – who had previously been third
choice right-back at both Everton and Blackburn Rovers – has so far been a
quiet revelation, if there is such a thing, with the Denmark international's
intelligent positioning and aura of calm in particular coming to the fore.

Options

In midfield, the indomitable Scott Parker continues to provide compelling
evidence that excluding him for England in favour of Michael Carrick should
be a sectioning offence, while Mark Noble – fresh from his first proper
summer break in years - is playing perhaps his best football since the
great, Carlos Tevez-inspired revival of 2007. Valon Behrami has also begun
to feel his way back into form, while new boy Thomas Hitzlsperger – so
impressive in pre-season – will push hard for a first team berth when he
recovers from his thigh injury, as should young Jack Collison when he's over
his knee ailment.

Out wide, it suddenly seems like a long time since the 3-0 opening day
defeat at Aston Villa, when the right and left midfield spots were filled in
uninspiring fashion by Julien Faubert and Luis Boa Morte. Now, however,
Grant can call upon all of the exciting and dynamic Victor Obinna, the
promising Pablo Barrera and the revitalised Kieron Dyer in what is starting
to look like an unexpected yet glittering array of options.

Up front, Frederic Piquionne has brought elegance and a goal-scoring touch
to make up for the nosedive in Carlton Cole's form. However, if the latter
can get back in the groove then Grant could be presented with the luxury of
being able to switch between 4-5-1 and 4-4-2 as and when it becomes
necessary to do so. A lack of flexibility was one of the downfalls of the
side last season but – especially if Benni McCarthy can shed the pounds and
start scoring again – this may no longer prove to be a problem.

Scrutiny

Finally, special mention must be reserved for the manager, whose decision to
play Marek Stech in League Cup games has done Robert Green well in terms of
removing himself from the increasingly unbearable scrutiny which seemed to
be affecting his game. If Green's match-winning performance against Spurs is
a sign that he has put his recent woes behind him, then West Ham could come
season's end be several points better off for it.
Life as a West Ham supporter is rarely plain sailing but, although there are
doubtless more peaks and troughs to come, the last few games have at least
done much to dispel the previously solid-looking notion that the Hammers are
relegation certainties.

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Redemption for Robert Green, as the Statistics Do Not Always Tell the Full
Story!
West Ham Till I Die

One of the most pleasing aspects of Saturday's victory over Tottenham
Hotspurs was the return to form and confidence of Robert Green. It was a
real redemption performance by someone in a very dark and depressing place.
The mishandling of the ball against the USA will be with Green forever, but
as with every bad experience the objective is to confront and overcome it.

Green pulled off two or three top notch saves and generally commanded his
box well. Let hope that this is, indeed, a redemption rather than a false
dawn. West Ham need a confident and on form Robert Green as a pre-requisite
of turning our season around. An added bonus is the emergence of Stech as
an able deputy; in addition to the presence of the wonderfully named Boffin
as experienced back up.

It was nice to see Harry Redknapp take his first Hammers defeat so well.
Emphasising the injury absences in defence and the missed chance. It would
seem that it was more a case of Spurs lost the match, rather than West Ham
winning it! This was reflected in Monday's match report in the Sports
Mirror, where they chose to crown Spurs as the 'pass masters,' rather than
focus upon the Hammers winning performance. Very strange! Indeed, the
Sports Mirror published match stats that we had approximately 36% of the
possession, yet we had more corners and shots on goal. While Spurs
apparently had approximately 64% of possession, but obviously did a lot less
with it.

It seemed that we had far more possession than that, but it was obviously a
question of quality over quanity. Perhaps they spent an inordinate amount
of time passing the ball in areas that failed to threaten the Hammers?
Whatever, it was a good match and Spurs deserve some credit for making it
so, but just not as much as the super hammers!

Now we look foward to the very different challenge of breaking down a
disciplined Fulham outfit. We certainly must not take Fulham lightly after
the success against Spurs. Down that road lies frustration and defeat. We
must analysis their strengths and weaknesses and exploit the latter, whilst
negating the former. The good piece of news today is that Dyer is fit for
the match. He has been in good form and has looked hungry to make up for
lost time on the injury teatment table. If he only manages 45-60 minutes
per match at full pelt then I will be happy with that. After all, we then
have players of the quality of Barrera and Faubert to call upon when he runs
out of steam!

Beyond that we have a tough home Carling Cup tie against Stoke City. I
favour playing McCarthy in that fixture. I believe that McCarthy is
building up his fitness and sharpness and that he will play a significant
role at some point his season. At the end of last season I prophesied that
McCarthy could come back to make a contribution this season, to much
criticism at the time. We shall see?

Finally, thanks for the support and kind comments in response to the last
Parish Notice. It was good to get the issue out in the open for discussion.
Although I accept that many did not agree with my response. We will have to
agree to disagree on that one.

Anyway its time to draw a line under that and focus on the much welcome
resurgence of West Ham's season. On that, hopefully, we can all agree.

SJ. Chandos.

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Hot-shot Frank aims to keep hammering in the goals
This Is South Wales

FRANK Nouble is planning to follow Scott Sinclair's lead as he tries to send
tongues wagging all over again at West Ham United this winter. Nouble marked
his third Swansea City appearance with the first goal of his senior career
at Watford on Tuesday night. Now the powerful centre-forward wants more.
Nouble shot to prominence at Upton Park with a spectacular full Premier
League debut for the Hammers in January this year. Only 19 last week — and
with four years to run on his West Ham contract — the 6ft 3in Londoner has
plenty of time to make his mark in the East End. But, as things stand, he is
only in Swansea for three months, so there is some pressure as he looks to
leave an impression. And Nouble is using Sinclair, a former colleague when
they were together at Chelsea, as his inspiration. "I'm young and I will
keep striving to be my best because if I can go back to West Ham with
everyone talking about me again then I've done my job," Nouble says. "I've
got a manager here who is confident in what I can do and a team that can
play some great football, so the chance is there for me. "I excited a few
people coming through first of all, just as I think any player coming into
the Premier League at 17 would, but it is about being consistent and I've
come to an age where that's what's got to happen now. "We've seen it happen
with Scott Sinclair. "He's a bit older than me, but he left Chelsea to have
that chance to be consistent. "He's playing week-in, week-out and it's no
surprise he's had a great start because of it. "For me it's a case of
following that lead."
Nouble did just that at Vicarage Road, climbing off the bench to tap home
what proved to be a crucial third goal after Sinclair had set the ball
rolling. It was a breakthrough moment for Nouble, who made a limited impact
during loan spells at West Brom and Swindon last season. "It's a learning
process," he adds.
"I played wide left for West Brom, and Swindon had two in-form strikers
(Charlie Austin and Billy Paynter) playing well at the time, so it was a bit
quiet at times for me in those loans. Brendan has told me to show my
qualities and what I can do and, if I get to play, I think I can do well.
"I've only been here a week so relationships in the team are only just
coming for me. I intend to be here for a good three months, and I'm sure
I'll get my chances."

Chances to play and, no doubt, chances to score goals. After the final-third
travails of last season, Swansea are really starting to look like an
attacking force again under their new manager. A glance at the statistics
tells all. Swansea have scored 23 goals in their 12 games in all
competitions so far this term. Compare that to the last campaign, when Paulo
Sousa's team scored just 45 goals in 49 games. If Rodgers's men continue at
their current rate, they will hit the target twice as many times as the
class of 2009-10 did. And Nouble has already seen enough to believe that his
former Chelsea youth boss can lead Swansea to a memorable year. "Brendan is
a great manager and I won't be the only one singing his praises here," he
says. "Hopefully, at the end of the season, he will get what he deserves,
which is a team at least in the play-offs. "Other teams have spent big and
have some big-name players but they aren't doing much in the league at the
moment. "This is the season where it could happen — but only at the end of
the season, because right now it's about doing it on the pitch."

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Wednesday, September 29

Daily WHUFC News - 29th September 2010

Reserves 2-0 Wigan Athletic
WHUFC.com
Goals from Benni McCarthy and Junior Stanislas maintain West Ham United
reserves' unbeaten start
28.09.2010

West Ham United reserves v Wigan Athletic reserves
Barclays Premier Reserve League
Thurrock FC, Ship Lane
Tuesday 28 September
Kick-off: 7pm
Referee: Daniel Cook


Final score - West Ham United reserves 2-0 Wigan Athletic reserves

93 mins - The referee blows for full-time. The previously unbeaten Wigan
have now been beaten. West Ham keep up their unbeaten start to the Barclays
Premier Reserve League season and are now third in the Southern Division
with games in hand on the two teams above them. Keep an eye on whufc.com and
WHUTV for exclusive reaction and highlights.
92 mins - The substitute is called Ryan Watson. It's been a thoroughly
decent evening for Alex Dyer and his players, who have recorded a second
straight victory and clean sheet in the league. It's now one defeat in ten
matches for the reserves. Victories breed confidence, and the Hammers will
definitely head for Tranmere Rovers FC full of it when they take on
Liverpool next Tuesday evening.
91 mins - We're going to have at least two more minutes...
89 mins - Breeze has a spot of cramp and is having his calves stretched by
the Wigan physio. We can all listen to a bit of 'My Girl' during the break
in play. Breeze is replaced by a lad with ginger hair, but unfortunately
nobody knows the identity of the mystery substitute.
87 mins - Hall tries to get in behind the Wigan defence, but collides with
Girvan. That looked a bit painful for both of them.
84 mins - We're approaching the closing stages now and West Ham have
regained the ascendancy which has been theirs almost all game long. Buxton
concedes a free-kick on Sears which is taken quickly and the Hammers win a
right-wing corner. Hall sends the ball over, but Eyjolfsson is penalised for
a push.
80 mins - Dyer will not be pleased with that. McManaman beats Spence before
sending over a fine cross to the back post. Morris outjumps Brown and powers
a downward header against the base of the post.
78 mins - Spence picks out Lee with a cross following good work from Kovac
and Hall, but the midfielder's header is saved by Welsby.
77 mins - Hall takes the free-kick, but it hits the wall and spins to
safety.
76 mins - McCarthy is felled by an aggressive challenge from Holt. The
striker takes exception to the tackle and tells the substitute exactly what
he thinks of him. The referee has a chat with the Hammers striker to calm
the situation down.
75 mins - Very honest play from Sears, who bursts on to a pass from Abdulla
and rounds Welsby. He appears to be caught slightly by the goalkeeper but
stays on his feet. When he tries to cross, Welsby is there to gather.
73 mins - Belatedly, Wigan are showing signs of life. Perhaps the music is
inspiring them? Girvan crosses but it's too far in front of Rugg and flies
behind for a goal kick. West Ham make use of the break in play by bringing
on Ahmed Abdulla and Robert Hall for Spector and Stanislas.
71 mins - The hits are continuing to be churned out behind us. 'I'll be
there', which I believe was recorded by The Four Tops, is the latest to keep
us all entertained. Meanwhile, Wigan left-back Buxton flashes a long-range
shot a few yards wide of the target. Boffin had it covered all the way.
68 mins - There is a bit of an air of inevitability about all this. West Ham
are being put under hardly any pressure whatsoever. Their experience and
work ethic are both ensuring that the Latics cannot put together any sort of
meaningful possession.
65 mins - Two changes from Wigan - Caldwell and Serrano are replaced by
Roman Golobart and Joe Holt.
63 mins - Another sustained period of West Ham possession ends with
Stanislas winning a corner off the head of Girvan. Stanislas takes the
corner himself and picks out McCarthy at the back post, only for the South
African to scuff his shot. Welsby pounces on the ball.
61 mins - Wigan are at least trying to get a foothold in this game. Rugg
turns and gets away from Kovac. He shoots low, but Boffin is in the right
place to gather the ball low down.
60 mins - Kovac has hardly given the ball away all night, but this time he
fancies a pop at goal from long-range. The Czech cannot replicate his goal
at Everton a couple of season's back, though, and his shot thuds into the
front of the stand to my right.

58 mins - I think there must be a party going on in the Thurrock Hotel
behind us. The loud music coming through the wall would suggest as much.
Back on the pitch, another West Ham attack is thwarted when Stanislas is
caught offside.
57 mins - Wigan cannot get a kick. The Hammers are just camped inside their
half, probing for the opening that could bring about a third goal. Jordan
Brown does well to beat Girvan, but his cross eludes everyone and WIgan
counter-attack through Morris, only for Spence to make a superb sliding
challenge to stop him in his tracks.
54 mins - Sears has a chance to add a third, but he cannot direct his header
on target from Spence's cross.
53 mins - GOAL! Sears does well to create some space for Stanislas. The No11
tricks Girvan one way and then the other before planting a powerful shot
past Welsby. That should the be three points in the bag. Now it's just a
case of seeing how many the Hammers can score...
51 mins - Two of Wigan's players have changed their shirts at half-time,
presumably because of the wet weather. Serrano is now in No21, while
Caldwell is sporting No22. Meanwhile, Wigan finally have a shot on target,
but Morris's scooped effort is straight at Boffin.
49 mins - Spector wins possession and the ball is worked wide right to
Spence. He takes a touch and looks up before planting his cross on the head
of Stanislas, but his header is too close to Welsby.
47 mins - Spence brings down opposite number Buxton, but referee Cook waves
play on. Morris tries to make something of it, but Tomkins blocks his
attempted pass to Serrano and Brown clears easily, Seconds later, Buxton is
down and needs treatment. I think he felt that tackle by Spence, who
receives a ticking off from the man in black.
46 mins - Sears and McCarthy get the second 45 minutes started...

Wigan's players are the first to return to the pitch for the second half,
closely followed by the Hammers. Eyjolfsson is the first man out in claret
and blue. He has an important UEFA European U21 Championship play-off
against Scotland coming up over the next couple of weeks, so he will welcome
the match practice.

Half-time score - West Ham United reserves 1-0 Wigan Athletic reserves

46 mins - The referee blows for half-time. That was all a little bit
one-sided, to be honest. If anything, though, Alex Dyer will want to see his
side add to their goals tally during the second 45 minutes.
45 mins - We're going to have at least one added minute.
43 mins - West Ham make a change. Reid is replaced by Iceland U21 man Holmar
Orn Eyjolfsson. Reid was struggling with an illness at the weekend and may
be still feeling the effects of that.
42 mins - McCarthy and Sears combine again before the ball is worked inside
to Lee. The midfielder's shot is deflected wide of the far post. Stanislas
sends over a deep corner, but Tomkins' header hits a Wigan defender and
flies across the face of goal before being cleared.
39 mins - Beautiful stuff from the Hammers. Reid, Tomkins and Stanislas are
all involved before Brown races on to a neat pass from Lee. He crosses
first-time and McCarthy is there to meet it, but his left-foot shot is too
close to Welsby.
37 mins - Unlucky for Spector, who plays a neat one-two with McCarthy before
bursting clear of the Wigan back four. Unfortunately, the American's touch
is just too strong and the ball rolls into the arms of Welsby.
36 mins - Kovac has really bossed this half. He has been on the ball
countless times and I'm not sure he's given possession away once. Just as I
type, he puts in another good tackle and brings the ball clear, setting up
yet another West Ham attack.
34 mins - Nice again from McCarthy, who instantly finds Sears. The No10 runs
at the Wigan defence before cutting on to his left foot and shooting low.
The effort lacks the power and direction to beat Welsby, though.
33 mins - I'm not sure if that counts as a shot on target, but it was going
in! Serrano crosses from deep on the right but makes a mess of it and the
ball lands in the hands of Boffin.
31 mins - Wigan are a bit of a mess at the back. The goal kick is taken
short and when Robinson passes back to Welsby, he is closed down by Sears.
The goalkeeper's hurried clearance hits Robinson and falls to McCarthy, but
his first-time shot is cleared off the line by Caldwell. From the resulting
corner, the ball drops to Kovac, who hits a left-foot volley which hits a
defender and bounces into the arms of Welsby.
30 mins - Another crossing chance for the home side. McCarthy lays the ball
off for Sears before sprinting towards the penalty area. Spence overlaps and
crosses first time, but it's too high for the South African. The Hammers
keep the pressure on and win the ball back from the Wigan throw, but Lee is
miles over the top with a long-range strike.
29 mins - Caldwell tries to get something going for Wigan, but he woefully
over-hits his pass for Redmond and the ball skips off the wet turf and out
for a throw. West Ham counter and Stanislas gets free down the left. He
crosses low, but Robinson is there to cut out the pass aimed for Sears.
26 mins - Some nice possession football from the hosts ends with Brown
racing on to Lee's pass down the left. He beats his man with a burst of
pace, but his cross is too high for Sears, The build-up play was good
though, and earns a warm round of applause from the supporters.
25 mins - Wigan cannot get anything going at all offensively. The Latics, to
be fair to them, have a very young and inexperienced team on show tonight.
It'll be a good learning curve for them.
23 mins - McCarthy is putting a real shift in out there. He keeps dropping
deep to pick up possession off the midfield. On the latest occasion, he
turns and tries to pick out Sears, but the experienced Caldwell is there to
cut out the pass.
20 mins - West Ham are enjoying this. Reid does well to snuff out another
Wigan raid before passing to Boffin. He plays the ball to Tomkins, who
strides forward and thumps a fantastic pass out to Stanislas. Unfortunately,
he just delays his pass to the overlapping Brown too long and the left-back
is caught offside.
18 mins - This has been a walk in the park so far for Boffin and his
defenders. Wigan try to attack down the left through Rugg, but he is easily
muscled off the ball by Tomkins before the Belgian goalkeeper clears
upfield. West Ham are using a 4-3-3 formation, by the way, with Kovac
anchoring the midfield and Stanislas and Sears supporting centre-forward
McCarthy.
16 mins - Lee wins a free-kick about 25 yards out. McCarthy looks keen to
take it, but Stanislas wins the argument. Unfortunately, the winger's strike
dips too late and clears the crossbar.
15 mins - The Hammers are going for the kill early here. Stanislas shows
neat footwork to lose a defender before curling a shot against the head of
another. That looked to be on its way towards the goal, too.
13 mins - GOAL! West Ham look keen to use Sears and a long ball out to the
right from Kovac wins a throw for the Hammers. It is taken quickly by Spence
and the ball is worked to McCarthy, who thumps his shot beyond Welsby from
inside the penalty area. Great start for Dyer's side!
12 mins - Wigan counter and Jordan Rugg really should do better with a
header from around ten yards. He rose high to meet Daniel Redmond's centre,
but his effort flew a long way wide of the near post.
10 mins - A first chance for the Hammers. Sears streaks away down the right
and leaves Adam Buxton for dead. His cross flies across the six-yard box,
but the sliding Lee just cannot stretch far enough to poke the ball into the
net.
9 mins - The slick playing surface is making for a decent game so far. Both
teams are keen to keep the ball on the grass, which always makes for a more
entertaining spectacle. As yet, however, neither goalkeeper has had much
work to do.
7 mins - Chairman David Gold has made his way to Ship Lane to keep a close
eye on the reserves. Mr Gold has been mingling with supporters before the
game and has now taken his seat in the Directors Box.
5 mins - Nice football from West Ham on the slick surface. Brown and Lee
combine to clear from a tight corner. McCarthy is certainly looking sharp up
front, showing for the ball regularly and working the Wigan back four when
they are in possession.
3 mins - Interesting play from Wigan No7 Serrano, who challenges Lee on
halfway but inadvertantly belts the ball out for a corner! Stanislas to
take... The ball is headed clear by Caldwell.
2 mins - A first touch for McCarthy, who finds Sears. The No10 wins a throw,
then receives possession and forces a Wigan defender to concede a corner.
Stanislas crosses, Caldwell heads straight up into the air and Sears
challenges and fouls goalkeeper Welsby.
1 min - Wigan win a throw deep inside the West Ham half off Winston Reid,
but it comes to nothing and Stanislas lofts the ball upfield.

6.59pm - Wigan will kick-off towards the M25 end of the stadium. And we're
off and running...

6.57pm - Here come the two teams to the strains of 'Bubbles' - nice touch!
West Ham are in claret and blue, while Wigan are in blue and white.

6.55pm - There is a good-size crowd in at Ship Lane for tonight's game - the
first West Ham United reserves have played as the home team at this stadium.
Unfortunately, the weather hasn't been as kind to us. It is raining and a
very murky evening here in south Essex. But let's not worry about the
weather - the Hammers have made a fine start to the Barclays Premier Reserve
League season and have a strong team out tonight as Alex Dyer and his
players go for two wins from two.

Good evening and welcome to Thurrock FC's Ship Lane home for West Ham
United's opening home Barclays Premier Reserve League fixture of the 2010/11
season. Wigan Athletic are the visitors for the club's first-ever reserve
meeting as the Hammers seek to build on their 1-0 win in their first league
game of the season at Everton a fortnight ago.

Alex Dyer has a strong squad to call upon this evening, with no fewer than
four full internationals in West Ham's starting lineup - Winston Reid,
Radoslav Kovac, Jonathan Spector and Benni McCarthy. All four, along with
England Under-21 internationals James Tomkins, Freddie Sears and Junior
Stanislas, will be hoping to catch the eye of manager Avram Grant ahead of
Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Fulham to the Boleyn Ground. The
most recognisable name on Wigan's teamsheet is Gary Caldwell, the Scotland
and former Newcastle United and Celtic centre-back.

West Ham United reserves: Boffin, Spence, Reid (Eyjolfsson 43), Tomkins,
Brown, Spector (Abdulla 73), Kovac, Lee, Stanislas (Hall 73), Sears,
McCarthy
Subs not used: Cowler, Moncur, Wearen

Wigan Athletic reserves: Welsby, Buxton, Caldwell (Golobart 65), Robinson,
Girvan, Breeze (Watson 89), Serrano (Holt 65), Morris, Redmond, Rugg,
McManaman
Subs not used: Williams, Watson, Boothman

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Nouble hits winning goal
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's two loanees both enjoyed good nights in the latest round
of Football League action
28.09.2010

Frank Nouble scored with his first touch to ensure Swansea City ultimately
ran out 3-2 winners away to Watford on Tuesday night. The striker, who
turned 19 four days ago, is in the middle of a three-month loan at the south
Wales club and his 69th minute goal, seconds after arriving as substitute,
was his first in Swansea colours. Brendan Rodgers' team are up to eighth in
the Championship, although they are level on 15 points with their
fourth-placed opponents.
Nouble has made three appearances for Swansea since his switch from the
Boleyn earlier this month. He enjoyed successful loan spells at West
Bromwich Albion and Swindon Town last season and is coming off the back of
scoring two goals in four matches as England reached the final of the UEFA
European Under-17 Championship last July. It was a similarly good night for
defender Matthew Fry, who himself turned 20 on Sunday. The centre-back
played the full 90 minutes as Charlton Athletic won 1-0 at home to MK Dons -
the winning goal coming via an assist from former Hammers winger Kyel Reid.
Charlton sit in seventh place in the League One table, just outside of the
play-off positions.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Russ savours Spurs success
WHUFC.com
It was a star-studded affair at the Boleyn last weekend with Russell Brand's
stag do
28.09.2010

Russell Brand had extra reason to celebrate Saturday's success against Spurs
as he was also enjoying his stag do at the Boleyn Ground. The comedian and
actor treated 20 guests to a special afternoon watching the Hammers, and was
rewarded with a day to remember. Lifelong fan Brand was given special
permission to take his mates, including Noel Gallagher, David Walliams and
David Baddiel, pitchside at the end of the 1-0 victory. Oasis star Gallagher
attracted much of the attention, mainly because he was singing City songs as
he looked around the ground, but Brand was not worried in the slightest. "I
don't think Noel Gallagher is going to stop supporting Man City but neither
would we accept him here at Upton Park as anything other than a guest. "In
fact he has been lowering the tone ever since he stepped on the hallowed
turf but he is going to be forced to kiss it before he departs."

Raised in Grays, Brand rejected the idea that his impending marriage to US
singer Katy Perry would mean an end to days at the Boleyn. "I don't think
that is going to happen," he said. "I am just on my stag do and I am
thrilled to be here on the day we had an amazing result. We played so well
more importantly. There is so much to be optimistic about for West Ham
fans."

Despite the elation of the result, Brand did not invite any of the players
for the rest of the festivities that included dinner and a nightclub in west
London.
"I think they should remain healthy and focused," he added with a smile. "I
don't think they should be drinking, I don't think they should be going out.
I am a traditionalist. They should be in bed by 9pm and travelling on the
bus like Alan Devonshire."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
SBOBET player of the month open
WHUFC.com
Who will be voted the month's best player after Kieron Dyer took the August
prize?
28.09.2010

There is still time to have your say on the SBOBET Player of the Month for
September 2010. Six nominees have been shortlisted including three of the
club's summer recruits - namely Lars Jacobsen, Victor Obinna and Frederic
Piquionne. Robert Green, Manuel da Costa and two-time Hammer of the Year
winner Scott Parker round out the nominees.

To register your vote in the monthly poll, click here
(http://www.whufc.com/page/NewsIndex/0,,12562,00.html ) and go to the vote
in the bottom right-hand corner of the page.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lars ready to launch
WHUFC.com
Lars Jacobsen believes West Ham United can get even better following a
memorable victory over Tottenham
28.09.2010

West Ham United are ready to launch themselves up the Barclays Premier
League table following Saturday's win over Tottenham Hotspur, according to
Lars Jacobsen. The right-back was part of a superb all-round display against
Spurs, working hard up and down his flank and keeping the talented Croatia
midfielder Luka Modric unusually subdued. Denmark FIFA World Cup player
Jacobsen was one of a number of outstanding performers on a memorable day at
the Boleyn Ground, with Frederic Piquionne stealing the headlines with a
towering first-half header. The defender said the club's first league
victory of the 2010/11 campaign was all the sweeter for having come against
their fiercest local rivals.

"Everybody is buzzing about the win," he told whufc.com. "First of all, it's
the three points and the first victory of the season in the Premier League
and it also came in a local derby against Spurs and you don't get anything
better than that. We're all very pleased. "Derby matches are the same
everywhere. It's a special atmosphere and the stadium is always packed. The
games are always tight, as it should be, and that's what football is all
about. They are the most intense games and that's what you want as a player
and as a spectator as well."

Jacobsen has been a revelation since his arrival from Blackburn Rovers on
transfer deadline day, adding a calmed assurance to the right-back position.
Looking forward, the 31-year-old believes things will continue to get better
over the coming weeks. "I can only talk about the four games that I've been
here, but I think we can take a lot of positives. The Chelsea game, even
though we lost, was a positive and from that moment on we seem solid on the
pitch. "Drawing at Stoke and winning at Sunderland gave us a boost in the
right direction and we managed to get the three points today. Now we have to
draw a line and say we need to get some more points on the board and look
forward."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Midweek date set for Cup clash
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th September 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's fourth round Carling Cup clash with Stoke will take place
on Wednesday, October 27th.

The Hammers - who beat Oxford and Sunderland in rounds two and three
respectively - were drawn out of the hat first during Saturday's draw and
therefore take home advantage against a side with whom they share much
history in this particular Cup.

The last meetings between the teams in the competition - known then as the
Rumbelows Cup - came during the 1990/91 season when the Hammers easily won a
two-legged second round tie 5-1 on aggregate.

West Ham had strolled to a 3-0 win in the first encounter at the Boleyn
thanks to goals from Julian Dicks, Kevin Keen and Jimmy Quinn before a
Martin Allen Brace saw Billy Bonds' side through 2-1 at the Victoria Ground
in the return leg. The Irons were knocked out in the next round by Oxford
United, but reached the FA Cup semi-final in that same year.

Almost a decade before the two clubs clashed at the same stage of what was
then known as the Milk Cup. A tense first leg at Stoke saw Ray Stewart
salvage a 1-1 draw with an 81st minute penalty after Alan Devonshire had
been hauled down by George Berry.

It was to be an equally late recovery for West Ham in the second leg.
England centre half Dave Watson nodded Stoke in front on the hour mark but
West Ham won their way through to the second round thanks to goals in the
last ten minutes from Paul Goddard and Sandy Clark. The Hammers eventually
succumbed to Liverpool - who they'd lost the final to two years before - in
the quarter finals (Graeme Souness' 86th minute winner securing a 2-1 win at
Anfield).

However the most famous meeting between the two clubs came back in the
pre-sponsorship days when the competition was known simply as the League
Cup. A marathon 1971/72 semi-final tie that stretched to an incredible four
matches and nearly two months - back in the day when a draw resulted in
another match, not penalty kicks - saw Stoke win through to Wembley (where
they were to upset the odds and beat hotly-fancied Chelsea 2-1 to win their
first ever trophy of note).

It had all been going so well for West Ham after the first meeting on
December 8th, 1971. A 2-1 away win at the Victoria Ground, secured through
goals by Geoff Hurst and Clyde Best (Peter Dobing netting for Stoke in
reply) was perhaps just as memorable for Bobby Moore receiving only the
second booking of his professional career.

Also in West Ham's favour was the fact that prior to the 1971/72 season,
only one team that had lost the League Cup semi-final first leg had reached
the Final. So it was with one foot in the final that the Hammers took to the
field for the second leg, knowing that a draw at the Boleyn would be
sufficient to book a place at Wembley.

After a tense opening, former England international Geoff Hurst was granted
the perfect opportunity to kill off the game when United were awarded a
penalty after Harry Redknapp had been sent tumbling by Gordon Banks. Sadly
for Hurst and the 39,000 crammed into the Boleyn ground, the England 'keeper
guessed correctly and produced a fine save from Hurst's resulting spot kick.

The penalty miss acted as a spur to the visitors and with the Hammers just
17 minutes from the final John Ritchie capitalised on a mix-up between Tommy
Taylor and John McDowell to level the tie. 30 minutes of extra time failed
to provide a winner so both teams were forced to travel to Hillsborough
three weeks later for the first replay.

The game, played on a bitterly cold 5th January 1972 failed to live up to
expectations although Gordon Banks had to be at his best to deny Clyde Best
on two occasions in a dismal 0-0 draw (aet). So it was that a second replay
was required - with the two sides travelling this time to Old Trafford on
26th January, nearly two months after the original first leg at the Victoria
Ground.

Whilst the last game had lacked any real thrills, this one had them in
spades. The night started badly for the Hammers when 'keeper Bobby Ferguson
was carried from the field with concussion following a shocking challenge by
John Conroy and Bobby Moore forced to take the vacant jersey. Those were the
days when only one substitute allowed; West Ham's being outfield player
Peter Eustace.

Moore made an instant impact when he saved Mike Bernard's 33rd minute spot
kick - although he could do nothing to stop the red-faced centre-half from
poking home the rebound. However two great strikes from Billy Bonds (39
mins) and Trevor Brooking (46) saw the Hammers lead in unlikely fashion at
the beginning of the second half.

Sadly that slender lead was to last for just four minutes when Peter Dobing
netted his second goal of the marathon tie to make it 2-2. When Irish
midfielder Conroy - who had been responsible for Ferguson's first half
injury - put the Potters 3-2 ahead on 55 minutes there were more than one or
two Hammers fans feeling a sense of injustice. However it was a lead that
Stoke were able to hold on to much to the disappointment of the travelling
Hammers faithful who had been sniffing a first Wembley appearance for seven
years.

West Ham Utd v Stoke City 2010 is set for a 7:45pm kick off.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jacobsen - Let's kick on
Defender looks for Hammers to push on after Spurs victory
Last updated: 28th September 2010
SSN

Lars Jacobsen is eyeing more victories after West Ham notched their first
Premier League win of the campaign against Tottenham. Avram Grant's side
lifted themselves off the bottom thanks to Frederic Piquionne's first-half
winner in last Saturday's derby. The welcome win came after a draw at Stoke
and Carling Cup victory at Sunderland and Jacobsen hopes the Hammers can now
push on. The defender, who joined from Blackburn on transfer deadline day,
told the club's official website: "Everybody is buzzing about the win.
"First of all, it's the three points and the first victory of the season in
the Premier League and it also came in a local derby against Spurs and you
don't get anything better than that. We're all very pleased. "Derby matches
are the same everywhere. It's a special atmosphere and the stadium is always
packed. The games are always tight, as it should be, and that's what
football is all about. "They are the most intense games and that's what you
want as a player and as a spectator as well."

Recent upturn

West Ham had a dreadful start to the campaign, losing their first four
Premier League fixtures before the recent upturn in results. Jacobsen is now
looking to the future and hopes the Hammers can pick up more points as
quickly as possible. He added: "I can only talk about the four games that
I've been here, but I think we can take a lot of positives. The Chelsea
game, even though we lost, was a positive and from that moment on we seem
solid on the pitch. "Drawing at Stoke and winning at Sunderland gave us a
boost in the right direction and we managed to get the three points today.
"Now we have to draw a line and say we need to get some more points on the
board and look forward."

Meanwhile, West Ham have been boosted by the news midfielder Kieron Dyer
should return against Fulham on Saturday. The former England man was forced
off in the 41st minute against Spurs after feeling ill but he has recovered
and should return against the Cottagers at Upton Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The fight for image rights is simply wrong at West Ham
By LEO SPALL Last updated at 8:58 AM on 28th September 2010
Daily Mail

One of them has struggled badly with a weight problem and hardly played for
the club, another has spent more time on the treatment table than the pitch
and the other has a World Cup gaffe hanging over him. But Kieron Dyer,
Benni McCarthy and Robert Green are still among those reportedly unhappy
with West Ham for not paying for their image rights. Welcome to the wacky
world of the Premier League.

If image rights meant what they appear to, two of the above would probably
owe West Ham money and Robert Green, after gesturing to the press last
Saturday, would be in dangerous territory. So whatever is thrown up from
the collision course that the taxman and clubs appear to be on over the
rights, a name change for them must be a part of it. Joey Barton being paid
£675,000 for image rights when he was in prison only underlines how much of
a gruesome misnomer it is. At the core of the concept, in football at least,
is a tax-efficient way to pay players and there are some fair examples.
Scott Parker, apparently also out of pocket while West Ham withhold payments
and await a tax ruling on the rights, has done more than most to shine a
positive light into Upton Park. Yet it seems that for every player whose
rights are valuable there are another 10 being paid for them who shouldn't
be.

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West Ham United's Olympic stadium move plans to receive Downing Street boost
West Ham's plans to move into the London Olympic Stadium after the 2012
Games will receive a further boost with a Downing Street press call to
launch their bid on Thursday, the deadline for proposals to be formally
lodged with the Olympic Park Legacy Company.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Paul Kelso
Published: 7:45AM BST 29 Sep 2010

The club, who are bidding in partnership with Newham Council, remain
favourites to take on the stadium, and the Number 10 photocall can only
enhance their chances. Under the West Ham plan the capacity would be reduced
to 60,000, the athletics track retained around the pitch, a prerequisite for
any successful bid, and a warm-up track and other facilities made available
for community use. The club have also been in talks with entertainment
groups AEG, owners of the O2, and LiveNation, about helping them develop the
new ground as a concert venue.

AEG has also expressed an interest in bidding for the stadium in its own
right but last night could not confirm whether it would proceed with a
formal bid.
Tottenham have also been linked with the stadium but any bid would be
contingent on them failing to get planning permission for the redevelopment
of White Hart Lane. A decision from Haringey Council's planning committee is
also expected to be made on Thursday.

Higgins departure a blow to ODA

Olympic Delivery Authority chief executive David Higgins is to leave his
post in January, dealing a blow to the organisation in its busiest year of
construction.
He will be succeeded by finance director Dennis Hone with the ODA stressing
continuity, but Higgins will be a tough act to follow given his
encyclopaedic grasp of the detail of the hugely complex project. Clearly a
sucker for punishment, Higgins is to take up a similar role at Network Rail,
one previously filled by ODA chairman John Armitt.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer Time
Wednesday 29th September 2010
Fulhamfc.com

West Ham United v Fulham, Barclays Premier League
Saturday 2nd October 2010 (KO 3pm)

This weekend we travel to Upton Park for our first London derby of the
season.

West Ham finished in 17th place last season, winning just twice in the final
12 games. Within days of the end of the campaign, manager Gianfranco Zola
was on his way out, but the ex-Chelsea link was maintained with the
appointment of Avram Grant.

From his time at Portsmouth, Grant has useful experience of working on a
budget, for finances are similarly tight for the Hammers. Nevertheless, he
has been able to spend £4million on Mexican international winger Pablo
Barrera and £1million for his former Pompey striker Frederic Piquionne. Also
acquired have been Israeli defender Tal Ben Haim and former Aston Villa
winger Thomas Hitzlsperger, signed on a free transfer from Lazio.

Despite the squad additions, the Hammers did not make an encouraging start
to the season and were rooted to the foot of the table after losing their
opening four games conceding three goals in each. However a recent draw at
Stoke before last weekend's victory over Spurs has lifted spirits in East
London.
Ticket Information

Tickets for Saturday's game are on General Sale.
Prices: Adults £36, Over 65s £21, U16s £1 (Juniors purchasing tickets must
produce ID at the turnstiles.)
Loyalty points: 1

Stadium Information

Address: Boleyn Ground, Green Street, Upton Park, London E13 9AZ
Telephone: 020 8548 2748
Capacity: 35,595
Visitors Sections: Centenary Stand Lower Tier
Disabled Sections: Centenary Stand
Fulham at Upton Park

P37 W8 D8 L22 F47 A77

Getting There

(Approx 15 miles from Fulham)

Despite recent renovations, the Boleyn Ground maintains the atmosphere of
one of London's most traditional Premier League football grounds – aside
from our own of course.

Coaches

Depart Motspur Park at 11:45am, Craven Cottage 12:15pm.
Price: Season Ticket Holders/Members Adults £10; Juniors £5
Non Season Ticket Holder Adults £15; Juniors £8
To book coach tickets, call 0870 442 1234 option 3.

By Road

Leave Fulham via New Kings Road (A308) and in two miles bear right onto
A3212 (signs Westminster). At Westminster join Embankment and follow signs
City. Continue ahead until Tower Hill then follow signs for A13 onto
Commercial Road. Pass the exit for Blackwall Tunnel then take the left hand
lane avoiding Canning Town flyover. Do not use flyover but continue ahead at
roundabout onto Barking Road (A124). In approx two miles turn left into
Green Street. Ground is on the right.

By Car

Travellers intending to use routes involving the Blackwall Tunnel should
note that the Southbound tunnel is closed completely on the weekend of the
West Ham game and that access to the A13 from the Northbound tunnel is also
subject to diversion. The closure is also likely to impact traffic levels on
the A13 throughout the day.

Car Parking

There are many residents only schemes in the vicinity of the ground. Car
crime is also a problem. Parking may be easier south of Barking Road or up
towards Romford Road.

By Tube

Upton Park tube (Zone 3) is less than five minutes walk from the ground and
is served by the District and Metropolitan Lines. Check www.TFL.gov.uk for
any engineering work which may affect your journey.


The Area

Upton Park is just a short tube ride from Central London, and with West Ham
fans reputedly very partisan, it's advisable to seek refreshments in more
neutral surroundings. If you're making a day of it, walking and boat tours
of the 2012 Olympic sites can be arranged, or for post-match entertainment,
change at West Ham Station for the Jubilee line and head to the o2 Arena.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my sisters Kenyan Cycle ride for Women v Cancer
http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-kenya

Tuesday, September 28

Daily WHUFC News - 28th September 2010

Dyer to welcome Wigan
WHUFC.com
The reserves are back in action on Tuesday night at the home of Thurrock FC
in south Essex
27.09.2010

Alex Dyer's reserves will look to continue their superb start to the new
Barclays Premier Reserve League season when Wigan Athletic visit on Tuesday
night.
The competitive contest, due to be played at the Ship Lane home of south
Essex club Thurrock FC, will get under way at 7pm. It follows the terrific
1-0 season opener at Everton a fortnight ago, when Junior Stanislas scored
the only goal of a match dominated by first-team regulars and the brightest
prospects on both sides. The reserves then won 4-3 against Tottenham in a
friendly last week, with Freddie Sears scoring a hat-trick at Spurs Lodge.
Dyer could once again have a mixture of youth and experience at his disposal
this week as he looks to guide the second string to another success. The
reserves have tasted defeat just once in the last eight outings. "This is
reserve-team football and I want it to be done properly," he said. "I hate
it when people say to me 'It's just reserves and it's all about developing
the lads'. Of course it is about bringing them through, but part of their
development is learning how to win games."

Dyer's squad could be boosted by the presence of a host of players with
first-team experience, including James Tomkins, Jonathan Spector and Everton
match-winner Stanislas.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Robert Green escapes punishment over gesture
BBC.co.uk

West Ham keeper Robert Green will not be punished by the Football
Association (FA) for gesturing at the media after Saturday's 1-0 win over
Spurs. The 30-year-old keeper made an "up yours" signal with his arms at the
final whistle following the Hammers' first Premier League win of the season.
But the FA will write to Green to remind him of his responsibilities. Green
has faced intense scrutiny after his gaffe against the United States in
England's World Cup opening group game. Green failed to get behind a Clint
Dempsey strike from outside the penalty area, allowing the ball to squirm
through his hands and over the line to gift the US an equaliser just before
half-time in Rustenburg. It cost England dear, with Capello's men unable to
find a response despite a bright start that saw Steven Gerrard score a fine
opener after only four minutes. The Hammers goalkeeper has not played for
England since making that mistake and lost his place in Fabio Capello's
squad for the first two Euro 2012 qualifiers. He also endured a jittery
start to the season as West Ham lost their opening four Premier League
games. However, Green played a key part in West Ham's home win against
Spurs, making a superb one-handed save to tip Luka Modric's goalbound shot
on to the crossbar. "In football you can perform and then you do not have to
say anything," said West Ham manager Avram Grant after Saturday's win in
response to questions about Green's gesture. "I think Rob's performance was
his best speech. Rob showed what he can do on the only place a sportsman
needs to show - on the pitch. Not in the papers, not in the media, not with
excuses."

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Hammers hunger pleases Grant
Coach pleased with fighting spirit
By Chris Burton Last updated: 27th September 2010
SSN

Avram Grant is delighted to see his West Ham side laying the foundations for
a potentially prosperous future. The 2010/11 campaign has been a slow burner
for the Hammers, with a torrid opening giving cause for concern. They have,
however, started to show signs of improvement, with a first success of the
season collected against Tottenham on Saturday. That victory helped to lift
the club off the foot of the Premier League table and rekindled belief
within a star-studded squad. Grant, who took charge at Upton Park over the
summer, hopes the corner has now been turned. He accepts that it will take
time to return West Ham to the upper echelons of the game, but he is happy
with the progress being made at present. The Israeli believes hard work and
a determined attitude will be key to his plans this term, and he was pleased
to see those attributes on display against Spurs. "We have a project, not
just for one year, but to put West Ham in the right place," Grant said. "We
don't have a lot of money to spend so we choose hungry players who want to
succeed. You saw (Victor) Obinna, you saw (Frederic) Piquionne."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green avoids FA action
Shot-stopper escapes FA censure
Last updated: 27th September 2010
SSN

Robert Green will not be disciplined by the Football Association for his
gesture at the final whistle of West Ham's win over Tottenham. The
goalkeeper made the defiant action towards the press box following his
impressive display in the struggling Hammers' 1-0 victory at Upton Park.
Green has come under fire from the media following his blunder during
England's World Cup opener against the United States in the summer. The
30-year-old has not featured for the Three Lions since, losing his spot in
the squad for the first two Euro 2012 qualifiers, and his performances for
West Ham had suggested he was low on confidence. Green will be reminded of
his responsibilities in a letter from the FA, but no further action will be
taken. Hammers boss Avram Grant defended his keeper after the match, saying:
"In football you can perform and then you do not have to say anything. "I
think Rob's performance was his best speech.
"Rob showed (what he can do) on the only place a sportsman needs to show -
on the pitch. Not in the papers, not in the media, not with excuses."

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Now he'll be Robert Lean
The Sun
Published: Today

ROBERT GREEN is training with one of Britain's top Olympic coaches to
improve his performances. The West Ham goalkeeper, who returned to form with
a clean sheet against Spurs at the weekend, has started working at a London
athletics centre with sprint guru Ayo Falola. Green - who will not be
charged by the FA after gesturing towards his critics after Saturday's game
- heard about Falola through fellow Hammer Matthew Upson's girlfriend Ellie
Darby, an 800m runner. Falola coached 400m star Donna Fraser to fourth at
the Sydney Olympics and has also worked with one-lap specialist Vicki Barr
and 800m ace Marilyn Okoro.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers summer signing out till mid-October
Published 23:00 27/09/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

West Ham's Thomas Hitzlsperger is out until mid-October with a thigh injury.
Hitzlsperger, 28, has not featured for the east London club since a free
transfer from Lazio during the summer. The midfielder was outstanding for
the Hammers in pre-season but was injured on Germany duty in a new blow to
under-fire manager Avram Grant.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Now We Are Really Cooking!
West Ham Till I Die

It is always a great pleasure to beat Tottenham Hotspurs, but it is an
absolute joy to also outplay them for 75-80% of the match. And have no
doubt about it, we did just that. They just could not penetrate an
organised defence (with an inspired Rob Green as the last line) or cope with
the industry of Parker and Noble in midfield and the pace and skill of Dyer,
Piquionne, Obinna and Barrera. Of course this was not adequately reflected
in the BBC MoTD coverage of the match, but so what! Who really expects fair
coverage from MoTD, just ignore it and access Sky's Football First coverage.
There you get an hour of the match and a far better edit of the action. The
'expert' post-match commentary is often a bit banal, but just watch the
action and make up your own mind.

At the end of the day, it does not matter if some of the media down play the
quality of our performance yesterday. What we now need to do is achieve the
consistency to keep playing at that level. If we get a run of positive
results then they will have to start giving us some credit! I really do
think that the team have turned a corner. Rob Green answered his critics
yesterday, with a first class performance. The defence looked much more
organised and disciplined. Upson and Da Costa are combining well as a
centre back partnership; while Jacobsen and Gabbidon provide experience and
solidarity at full-back. Gabbidon will not offer you too much going
forward, but with the likes of Dyer and Obinna ahead of him that need not be
too much of a problem.

The back four looked solid, but the 'cherry on the cake' was they way in
which the team defended as a unit to neutralise Spurs major offensive
threats. In particular, our midfielders continually doubled up with
Gabbidon and Jacobsen to counter the threat of Lennon and Bale on the
flanks. While Parker and Noble pressured and tackled Modric whenever he
received the ball, denying him the time and space to work his magic. With
those two key threats countered, that gave us the base from which to
dominate the game with our fluid and attractive forward play. Indeed, it is
significant that Lennon and Modric only really combined once in the 90
minutes (when Lennon got to the bye-line and pulled it back for Modric on
the edge of the box), although that nearly resulted in us conceding!

I have rated Victor Obinna from day one and he is really starting to look
the business. Obinna terrorised Spurs with his pace, skills and boundless
energy in making countless forward runs. He has the tools to function very
effectively in a 4-3-3 and he combines particularly well with Piquionne.
Hopefully, the club have a pre-agreed transfer fee with Inter-Milan for
Obinna, as well as a first option, because if he continues to impress then
other clubs will undoubtedly try to guzump us in the summer. If he lives
up to his early promise then get the deal done in the January transfer
window.

They dropped Carlton Cole yesterday for tactical reasons (to accommodate Boa
Morte), but it has hopefully sent a message to the England striker that his
place is not guaranteed. Cole needs to perform consistently well to justify
his place and, indeed, that must become the principle governing all team
selection. As it is, Piquionne played very well and should continue in that
role for the Fulham match. However, the point is that we suddenly have
options and competition for places and that is exactly the way that it
should be at a top PL club.

So, it seems that we are, indeed, really cooking now. But can we keep it
up? I see no reason why not. However the next game against Fulham will be
an excellent test of our resolve and consistency. Fulham are a solid, if
unspectacular outfit. They have a problem with injuries to their strikers
at present, but they are very well organised and difficult to break down.
It could very well be a case of our newly emerging (irresistible) attacking
force against their (immovable) defensive object. We shall see?

If we win again, and win with style, then we will have every reason to feel
optimistic that the poor early results can be overcome and that we can now
go on to have a good season.

SJ. Chandos.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chairman David Gold thrilled with Spurs win
Matt Diner
Monday, 27 September, 2010
11:40 AM
East London Advertiser

"We've all been worried. There's nothing worse than being at the bottom of
the league. It's a terrible place to be and you wonder where are you going
from here." David Gold
West Ham co-owner David Gold has described Saturday's performance over
Tottenham as the best he has seen since buying the club and exclaimed his
relief that the club are off the bottom of the Premier League. The Hammers
were worthy 1-0 victors over London rivals Spurs at Upton Park, with
Frederic Piquionne's strike separating the two sides. It was the Hammers
first victory of the campaign and one savoured by Gold, who was thrilled
with what he saw in east London. "That was the best performance since I
returned to the club. It was outstanding. It was great to see Kieron Dyer
back. The spirit and determination was just the best," said the chairman.
"We've all been worried. There's nothing worse than being at the bottom of
the league. It's a terrible place to be and you wonder where are you going
from here. "We're off the bottom of the table and it's a great feeling. I'm
so pleased for Avram - who I know has worked his socks off - and the
players, who have been outstanding. They have worked hard."
That perseverance yielded a positive result on Saturday and Gold has warned
Saturday's opponents Fulham that there is more to come. "When you start a
new season with new players, a new manager, new owners, I would say it's not
bad that we've taken six, seven or eight games - including the cup - to look
like a team," he said. "Now, anyone coming to Upton Park, beware. We want
the same again next week. Just keep going. You keep playing like this and
we'll start climbing the table."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sky Sports pundit warns Green "one swallow doesn't make a summer"
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:27 September 2010 - 12:13
Sport.co.uk

Sky Sports pundit Chris Kamara has praised West Ham United goalkeeper Robert
Green for his performance against Tottenham Hotspur at the weekend, but
warned the England international that he needs to continue improving in
order to banish his painful World Cup memory. Green was in inspired form
against Harry Redknapp's side at Upton Park on Saturday but Kamara suggests
no one has ever doubted his ability but unfortunately his mistake against
the USA during the World Cup finals will continue to loom large over the
Hammers star's performances this season. Kamara told Skysports.com: "Rob
Green had a great game against Tottenham. "We have all been waiting for him
to produce this sort of performance and get his career back on track. Since
the World Cup it seems it has been one mistake after another from him so it
was good to see him get back to his best on Saturday. "Unfortunately for Rob
Green the whole country has been upset by the goal he conceded against the
USA so it is much harder for him than most to put that behind him. "That
performance will help - but one swallow doesn't make a summer. He has proved
he has still got the ability and now he must keep on putting in performances
like that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FIVE THINGS WE LEARNT ABOUT WEST HAM THIS WEEKEND
Date: 27th September 2010 at 3:22 pm | Written by Jack Howlett
Football Fancast

West Ham United went into the weekend's game against Tottenham Hotspur with
the unwanted statistic of having the worst goal difference in the league.
Marooned at the bottom of the table, the Hammers faced a side they had
failed to beat since 'Lasagne Gate' in May 2006. But the home team made a
mockery of such dire statistics by beating their local rivals 1-0 through
Frederic Piquionne's first half header. A jubilant Upton Park celebrated
their fist league win of the season joyously and Avram Grant hailed the
team's progression. "We will get better and better." Like many of the fans
he will know point to next month's fixture list which includes home ties
against Fulham and Newcastle United.

Results breed confidence

Football can be a simple game especially when trusted clichés such as these
can be trotted out. A hard fought draw at Stoke and a League Cup victory at
Sunderland, breaking their cycle of away games without a win, had restored
confidence. Some players additionally suggested that negative media coverage
had spurred them on. Regardless of the motivating factors, the whole team
played with a belief hitherto unseen this season. From Victor Obinna to Luis
Boa Morte, every player was sure of their role and few mistakes were made.
Danny Gabbidon played out of position and faced the daunting task of marking
Aaron Lennon. Yet as a makeshift left-back he nullified the threat posed by
the winger and supported the attack when possible. Cries of 'Ole' are rarely
heard at the Boleyn Ground but rang around the stands as the team neatly
kept possession in the first half. Although Tottenham had their
opportunities, the belief of the team and the crowd never abated.

Cole may continue to warm the bench

Piquionne and Obinna grabbed a goal each at the Stadium of Light and duly
retained their starting places for this derby. It was a bold move from Grant
who decided to leave out Carlton Cole, a forward who has been an assumed
starter for over two seasons. The two new signings patently enjoy a good
working relationship and were invariably too much for Spurs' defensive
partnership of Vedran Corluka and Sebastien Bassong. The opposition's injury
concerns were West Ham's gain as Piquionne prevailed in the air, winning
headers and exhibiting a delicate touch. From the outset he flicked on balls
for Obinna who dribbled clear only to shoot wide. Piquionne was particularly
impressive, often playing as an auxiliary winger at times. West Ham won 14
corners on the day and a healthy portion of those arrived in the first 30
minutes. Unsurprisingly the deadlock was broken from a Mark Noble corner
which was met decisively by the Frenchman who headed the ball powerfully
into the far corner. Cole made an appearance in the second half and may
benefit from this renewed competition.

Reflexes reprise Green

West Ham profited in the initial stages by switching their play from the
direct to the intricate. Spurs by contrast seemed unwilling to search for
their lone front man, Peter Crouch, directly. Instead they opted to search
for that one defence splitting ball to produce a gilt edged chance. This
occurred after the restart as Tom Huddlestone went through on goal but was a
casualty of his own nonchalance, scooping his shot over the crossbar. The
away team was accordingly reduced to strike from long range through Rafael
van der Vaart and Jermaine Jenas. Robert Green made an excellent save from
the Dutchman's early shot and never looked back. He made a superb reflex
save to direct Luka Modric's goal bound volley onto the bar. Tottenham
improved their possession and presence in the second period but their shots
on target were largely tame. Green, who had consulted the club's chaplain
this week, glanced at the press box after the final whistle and unleashed an
uncompromising straight arm gesture. A defiant Green prompted this response
from Grant: "Emotion is good, if you take it in the right way." It appears
the FA who are reviewing Green's conduct will do just that.

Manuel da Costa was the real man of the match

For his diligent work, incisive build up play and winning goal, the
announcer named Piquionne as the man of the match. Yet as Spurs ramped up
the pressure in the final stages, da Costa reigned supreme. The former
Fiorentina centre-back had missed the majority of the season so far through
injury but made a welcome return to action at the Britannia Stadium last
week. Faced with the unenviable task of marking Crouch, he triumphed, rarely
letting the English international win an aerial contest. The Portuguese
defender has a fantastic leap, an important trait for any central defender.
He is also a cultured player, frequently spraying accurate long range passes
to the front men and striding forward from the back. Equally impressive was
his ability to anticipate the opposition's passing, thereby making
pre-emptive challenges before Tottenham's attackers could control the ball.

Tactical awareness

Is Grant a masterful tactician or a lucky gaffer? It seems few pundits can
agree on this pertinent question when evaluating his time at Chelsea and
various cup runs. On Saturday, however, his tactics were spot on. He may
have been tempted to field a 4-3-3 formation which was played in his absence
at Stoke. To counter Tottenham's five man midfield, he opted for a fluid
4-4-2 which retained its shape defensively. When Redknapp made a host of
substitutions and reverted to the home side's formation, Grant responded by
introducing Cole and pushing Obinna to the left flank. A 4-5-1 formation
ensued which arguably precipitated long spells of Tottenham possession but
the home side remained composed, absorbing that pressure. For a game that
was likened to a "basketball match" by Redknapp it was crucial to temper the
tempo of the encounter as the final whistle neared.

twitter.com/JackBlogs

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

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Monday, September 27

Daily WHUFC News - 27th September 2010

Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
The manager was rightly elated in victory but has his players back down to
business this week
27.09.2010

Avram Grant was able to reflect on a tremendous week's work with a smile on
Monday but, with more challenges ahead, would not be dwelling too long
despite a trio of eye-catching results. The manager could surely be forgiven
had he chosen to bask in a seven days that saw a point at Stoke, Carling Cup
progress away to Sunderland and then a well-deserved 1-0 home success
against UEFA Champions League contenders Tottenham Hotspur last Saturday.
Indeed, everyone connected with the club was on a high over the weekend -
but a delighted Grant was determined most of all to place even more
expectation on his own shoulders to keep on delivering - starting with
Fulham in this Saturday's Kids for a Quid fixture at the Boleyn. "I feel all
the time under pressure," he said. "I don't want to be even one minute
without pressure in this job as it will damage me more than be a good thing.
"Pressure is not a bad word. It pushes, pushes you to the right place. I
control the pressure and can direct it when I decide. Other people let the
pressure control them."

Although a figure of studied concentration during the match - "it is the job
of the manager to control his emotion" - Grant admitted he was caught up in
the celebrations at the final whistle against Spurs. Nothing will deter him
from achieving the targets he established when arriving back in the summer,
and he has sensed there is a real opportunity to make a difference in east
London. "I had good days with Chelsea and Portsmouth, of course it was
different, but now I am here and I am more pleased we have a project. "I
like that we are playing good football, we have a vision about the players.
We know that we don't have the money [of many rival clubs] because of the
debt, so we took hungry players that want to succeed. We took players that
can develop the team."

The manager said he was pleased to see his players - notably Robert Green -
share their elation with the supporters at the final whistle. "We played
against a very good team in Tottenham and a good manager. I know how much
this means to the fans. We are living to make the fans happy. "It is a good
feeling to win any game. Since the first day of the season, I knew we were
playing well and would get the results we need. In football, people have to
be patient and not make quick judgements. As long as you see effort and
progress, you will get the rewards. "Last season was traumatic for this club
and we know it will take time to change the mentality. We are doing
everything right and it is important that we have stuck to our way. We have
a long way to go."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'This is a club on the up'
WHUFC.com
Vice-Chairman Karren Brady has updated supporters in a special column
printed in Saturday's programme
27.09.2010

I make no secret of my desire to focus on the balance sheet but there is no
doubt that a more stable balance sheet is what has enabled us against the
odds to invest in the team sheet this summer. This investment has seen two
of our eight signings Freddie Piquionne and Victor Obinna firing home in our
midweek Carling Cup fixture to take us just three rounds from Wembley. This
might have seemed a tall feat given the well documented level of debt that
we inherited from the previous board. The issues surrounding the club's
financial predicament have continued to hit the headlines. This is why I
wanted to set the record straight to you our principal stakeholders and
investors. If there is one thing I have learnt since I first walked through
the front doors of the Boleyn Ground on 19 January it is that you are among
the most savvy supporters in this league. This fits well with our own policy
of honesty when it comes to our supporters.

You had a right to know that we implemented drastic changes but you also
need to know that these changes were part of a long-term considered strategy
to take us forward. We have invested in the team both on and off the pitch
and this has paid dividends in a very short space of time. Off the pitch the
team that lacked strategy and focus now benefits from a commercial and
customer focused culture which will in turn benefit everyone associated with
the club.
The reality is that this is a club on the up once again and everyone knows
their role to ensure this continues. Yes, we have inherited £50million of
long-term debts, to the banks and Sheffield United. But the bank debt will
be down to £25m by 2013, a sustainable level for a business with a turnover
over £80m, and that's only three years away.

In the nine months we have been running the club we have paid back £20m in
bank debt, cut costs by £6m and increased income by £2m. We have achieved
this through sheer hard work. Every department has clear targets that are
being met. We are building the status and image of the club both at a
domestic and global level and continue to expand our CSR policy. We have a
clear vision to take the club forward and are taking our partners with us.
Our excitement and enthusiasm at the possibilities for West Ham are proving
to be infectious. We are at the start of an adventure and people want to be
part of what we are doing. More investors are coming on board. My phone
rings with a new opportunity, a new idea every few minutes. If we've done
that in just nine months, imagine where we can be in a few years' time.

Our Olympic Stadium bid is the only viable solution for the long-term future
of the Olympic Park. It presents a golden opportunity to secure long-term
prosperity. Not just for the Hammers, but for east London itself. We also
have terrific partners in SBOBET, Macron and Newham Council. Our strategy
translates on the field. In addition to the depth we have added to Avram
Grant's squad, our youth system is world class. Most positive of all is that
our best players remain ours - resisting all manner of attempts to lure them
away.

Scott Parker put the seal on that when he signed his new contract a
fortnight ago. We worked hard to secure his signature as he is integral to
our long-term strategy for success. He is a modest man. Probably
reluctantly, he has had to take centre stage in the last few months as
Hammer of the Year and the fans' favourite. He would say that it is all
about the team and the club, and it is precisely that which has kept him
here. He sees what West Ham United means and what puts us above all of our
rivals. And he's right. It isn't about individuals. It is about a team with
clear direction and goals, pulling together to ensure success. It is about
fantastic fans, a real history founded on the best Academy around and a
pledge to move forward while always nodding to the past.
Trust is key and that comes with time. I am not one for rhetoric. I am
confident you will want to share our aspirations as we embark on this
adventure. I will let our actions seal your faith in our leadership but it
is my responsibility to keep our principal stakeholders abreast of all club
affairs - no speculation just hard facts - and at West Ham that means you.

We all want West Ham to succeed.
Karren Brady
Vice-Chairman

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Skipper sets the tone
WHUFC.com
The captain was keen to thank those who gave their all in noisy and
passionate support on Saturday
27.09.2010

Matthew Upson has hailed the Boleyn backing given to the Hammers on Saturday
and said it could play a big part in making October another memorable month.
Home games against Fulham and Newcastle United - either side of a trip to
Wolverhampton Wanderers - are to be followed by a mouthwatering Carling Cup
last-16 date with Stoke City at the Boleyn Ground. Getting set for the
challenges ahead, Avram Grant's men are unbeaten in three games and the
captain was quick to praise the supporters for their part. "Saturday was a
classic derby," the England centre-back said. "Right from the off, the
atmosphere was good. We then set the tempo well and the crowd followed us.
It is up to us to give them something to shout about and they didn't
disappoint us. "When the crowd are like that it adds to the whole atmosphere
of the game and the quality of the performance. It is a big thing for us
when they are like that and we are really pleased we could give them what
they wanted."

Upson, who was an impressive part of an unchanged back four from the
previous top-flight outing, is relishing the prospect of the Kids for a Quid
duel against Fulham next Saturday, with the club's decision to let children
in for just a £1 set to play a big part in getting a packed and passionate
stadium.
"We need that support next week but as I say it is up to us to set the tempo
and get the game flowing. We have to do the job first but they have been
brilliant wherever we have played."

The Stoke game is one to savour, with the club determined to get a full
house when the tie is played in the week beginning Monday 25 October. "We
are very pleased it is a home draw," said Upson. "It is an opportunity to
get into the quarter-finals. We need to give it everything we have got as
the chance to go far would be great for the club. The guys went to
Sunderland on Tuesday and did a great job. They performed really well and
got it done and we will need to do that again when we play Stoke."

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Green fingered for Salute
The Sun
Published: Today

ROBERT GREEN is facing an FA charge after making an insulting gesture on
Saturday. The West Ham keeper was blasted for his World Cup cock-up against
the USA. But he starred in the win over Spurs and then gave a defiant salute
to his critics at the final whistle. Hammers team-mate Danny Gabbidon
revealed no one at Upton Park has even mentioned his England hell. Gabbidon
said: "We have not said anything because we know he's a good goalie. He is a
very strong character. "He knows he made a mistake but we've just let him
get on with it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Tottenham Report
Vinny - Sun Sep 26 2010
Wesy Ham Online

West Ham United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0

West Ham recorded their first league victory of the season against rivals
Tottenham with a single goal from Frederique Piquionne enough to cap a great
performance and a superb result. There was a totally different feel around
Upton Park and for me this was our best performance in quite some time.
Anyone who was in attendance will know just how enjoyable the day was and it
reminded me of what going to Upton Park used to be like. It has been a
terrible start to the season but over the last week there had been a shift
with the team looking a lot better and the results against Stoke, and the
midweek victory in the League Cup at Sunderland giving us confidence going
into a game against a side who we have not beaten for over four years.

The game was exciting albeit nerve racking in the second half but
defensively we were superb and I cannot rate the performance of our back
four and goal keeper highly enough. Going forward we were always dangerous
with the lively Obinna and the strength of Piquionne giving us real edge.
There has been so much doom and gloom surrounding this football club over
the last couple of years and whilst this is only one game you could feel
something changing and I just hope this is the beginning of our revival. It
is not of course just this game as the display at Sunderland was also very
positive and had the result to match which now sets us up for a League Cup
4th round tie at home to Stoke City.

Avram Grant made a number of changes to the side who disposed of Sunderland
on Tuesday night. Robert Green returned in goal in place of Marek Stech
despite some fans calling for Stech to keep his place due to the erratic
form of Green so far this season. In defence, Danny Gabbidon came back in at
left back in place of Ben Haim who dropped to the bench with Upson returning
to centre half in place of Tomkins. Manuel Da Costa was alongside Upson in
the heart of the defence with Lars Jacobson returning at right back after
being Cup Tied midweek. In midfield Kieron Dyer started on the right wing
with Pablo Barrera on the bench and Mark Noble came back into the side for
Radoslav Kovac alongside Scott Parker. Luis Boa Morte was on the left wing.
Victor Obinna and Frederique Piquionne on the back of their goals at
Sunderland both started the game which meant that Carlton Cole had to make
do with a place on the bench.

In the dug out for Tottenham was of course former West Ham manager Harry
Redknapp. Since leaving the club in 2001 and going to manager both
Portsmouth and Spurs we have failed to record a single victory over the
twitching one.

The atmosphere was electric within the Boleyn ground and you did get the
feeling that the supporters sensed that today may well be a turning point.
We started quickly and looked the better side in the first fifteen minutes
with Spurs struggling to get a hold of the ball as we attacked with pace
down the flanks and the movement of both Piquionne and Obinna were causing
constant problems for the Spurs backline. Within the first few minutes we
could have well had the opening goal as a long ball forward from Da Costa
was flicked into the path of Obinna by Piquionne which saw the Nigerian
forward race towards goal but he dragged his left foot shot wide.

We kept the pressure on and another half chance fell to Dyer just inside the
area as a poor clearance was directed straight at him and Dyer hit a left
foot shot which took a deflection and went wide for a corner. Corners would
be something we would have in abundance during the game with a massive
fourteen corners being won. From the resulting corner taken by Noble the
ball was met by Da Costa but his header looped in the air. As it came down
Gabbidon head towards goal but a slight deflection put it out for another
corner.

The first chance of the game for Tottenham came from a long range effort
from Jermaine Jenas who hit a shot which was well saved by Robert Green.
At this point we were dominating possession and the crowd even this early on
were cheering every pass made by a West Ham player. Spurs again had a long
range effort saved by Green as the Dutch Midfielder Van Der Vaart hit a shot
which was well saved by Green again as he turned it around the post.

A ball won in midfield by Boa Morte saw the winger play the ball through for
Dyer into space and he used his pace to retrieve the ball and went up
against Hutton in the area but a good challenge from the right back saw it
put out for yet another West Ham corner. The resulting corner would bring
the first goal of the game as Noble played it in for Fredrique Piquionne to
meet it with an excellent header which was planted away from the goal keeper
putting West Ham a goal up on 29 minutes. A goal is exactly what we had
deserved and for the second consecutive league game running we have scored
from a corner kick. As this is something we have struggled to do for many
seasons I can only presume this is an aspect of the game Avram Grant and his
team have been working on.

Parker went on a mazy run into the area as he bulldozed his way through the
Tottenham defence but he took too long to get his shot off and it was put
out for another corner. Spurs had their best spell of the game in the last
ten minutes of the first half and were close to getting an equaliser.

It started with another clumsy tackle from Boa Morte on Hutton which saw the
Portuguese midfielder yellow carded. The resulting free kick was put into a
dangerous area but cleared to Obinna and it looked as though we would be
able to counter attack but the pass from Obinna was too casual and it gave
Spurs back possession of the ball. The ball was played out to Lennon who
used his pace to get down the touchline and cross for Luka Modric to hit an
excellent left foot half volley which was surely going in only for Robert
Green to make a quite stunning save tipping the shot onto the bar. If you
have not already seen the save by Green I suggest you do so as it was a
magnificent stop from a player who has had so much criticism over the last
few months. With half time approaching a Spurs goal would have totally
changed the game and Green had a massive part to play in our victory.

Spurs looked poised to score when Van Der Vaart played a ball to the back
post with Crouch there to surely finish only for Lars Jacobson to make a
last ditch challenge which diverted the ball away. A few minutes before the
half time whistle Kieron Dyer pulled up with an injury and had to be taken
off with Pablo Barrera replacing him. This was just more rotten luck for
injury prone Dyer who had been playing quite well. I had feared that the
second half may be a Tottenham onslaught but it was nothing of the sort with
the visitors from North London only managing one really good chance which
came early on in the half.

It was only ten minutes after the restart when Hutton played the ball
through to Huddlestone who had kept himself onside and he knocked the ball
past Green but his finish was appalling and went high and wide. This was a
real let off and told us that the best form of defence would be to attack
and I was pleasantly surprised that throughout the half we were always in
the game as an attacking force having a few chances of our own. This was not
a smash and grab victory and we were always competing.

Around the hour mark Frederique Piquionne came off with injury and was
replaced by the much maligned Carlton Cole. Another shot at goal came around
this time when Boa Morte lifted a great pass over the top of the Spurs
defence for Obinna to run on to and he managed to dig out a left foot shot
into the ground which Cudicini in the Spurs goal had to turn around the
post.

A goal kick from Robert Green towards Carlton Cole saw the striker put
pressure on the Spurs defenders and forced Gareth Bale into giving away a
cheap corner. From the resulting corner (taken on this occasion by Victor
Obinna) the ball was cleared only as far as Mark Noble who hit a shot from
around 30 yards out which was superbly saved by Cudicini as it looked
destined for the back of the net.

If anyone was going to get another goal it looked liked ourselves and
another chance presented itself as a long ball forward was won in the air by
Cole who flicked it through to Barrera who got into the area and crossed the
ball only for the Spurs keeper and defenders to make a mess of it as it
bounced around the six yard box by neither Obinna nor Boa Morte could apply
the finish.

With four minutes remaining Spurs had their final opportunity as the ball
broke for Robbie Keane in the area but the striker hit a tame shot easily
saved by Robert Green. Three minutes added on time were awarded but the
retaining of possession was something we did well and as that final whistle
blew Upton Park erupted into pandemonium. A win was always vital but to get
it by beating them made it a fantastic day.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
After receiving so much criticism from the media and even West Ham
supporters Green needed a performance like this to give everyone including
himself confidence in his ability. His first clean sheet of the season was
deserved and Green made a few wonderful saves.

Lars Jacobson
I am fast becoming a fan of the no nonsense Dane who does all the simple
things but is highly effective. The left hand side with Bale is usually a
threat Spurs possess but I cannot recall them having any joy down the side
Jacobson occupied. In the first half he saved what looked like a certain
goal as he diverted the ball away from the incoming Peter Crouch. We may
have finally signed a proper right back.

Matthew Upson
A solid display from both the centre halves as they kept Spurs at bay
throughout the game. Upson was dominating in the air and was strong in the
tackle. Spurs were forced into having long range shots for the majority of
the game on only once did they get in behind Upson.

Manuel Da Costa
A top performance from Da Costa who seems to have no cemented his place in
the back line. He won just about everything in the air and dealt with Crouch
superbly. Despite Crouch being taller he anticipated his jumps and seemed to
be able to beat Crouch on numerous occasions.

Danny Gabbidon
The fact that I would still play Gabbidon even if Ilunga was fit shows how
much I am being impressed by a player who I thought had no future at the
club given his injury problems and total loss of form. Like at Stoke
Gabbidon played very well, and to see Aaron Lennon hauled off on 65 minutes
goes to show how little Gabbidon let him have.

Kieron Dyer
We look a better team when he is playing and for him to be forced off with
yet another injury was probably the only disappointing aspect of the game.
Hopefully he wont be out for too long.

Mark Noble
I was really impressed by Noble as he was really on top of his game during
this one. He was putting his foot in, spraying passes about and his set
pieces caused all sorts of trouble. He put in a dominating midfield
performance.

Scott Parker
Fantastic once again and with him and Noble in the centre they controlled
the game with Parker putting in another complete performance which showed
the best of his defensive and attacking side. Top stuff from the centre of
midfielder.

Luis Boa Morte
The nasty element of our team and playing against a good footballing side
such as Tottenham you need someone there to give them a bit of a kick and
Boa Morte did just that. He hasn't got the pace to take on his man any more
and beat him but some of his passing was quite good as he set Obinna through
a couple of times.

Victor Obinna
All that was missing from his performance was a goal because he buzzed about
giving the Spurs defence a torrid time. His movement is a big positive as he
drags defenders away and also gives the midfielders an option of a pass as
he will run into space.

Frederique Piquionne
Two goals in the last two games for the French striker as he looks to really
be coming into this own. He was outstanding in the air and the Spurs
defenders couldn't seem to get near him. His goal was an excellent header
but his all round performance was strong, threatening and he really made the
difference.

Subs Used

Pablo Barrera (on for Dyer 43 mins)
With Dyer injured we needed Barrera to continue what he had been doing and
that is running at the Spurs defenders with pace and that is exactly what he
did. I thought Barrera was excellent and I think we will see him getting
better and better as the weeks progress.

Carlton Cole (on for Piquionne 64 mins)
He worked hard in his time on the pitch and looked to make an impact forcing
the Spurs defenders in to errors with just his presence. With Piquionne and
Obinna in fine form Cole will be on the bench next week and will need to be
ready when the time comes because despite him being dropped he will still
have a part to play this season.

Radoslav Kovac (on for Obinna 89 mins)
A time wasting change which got rid of a minute.

Subs Not Used: Stech, Faubert, McCarthy, Ben Haim

Bookings: Boa Morte, Cole

Man Of The Match: Manuel Da Costa

Tottenham Hotspur: Cudicini, Hutton, Corluka, Bassong, Bale, Lennon (Keane
66), Jenas, Huddlestone, Modric, Van der Vaart (Giovani 78), Crouch
(Pavlyuchenko 80)
Subs: Pletikosa, Palacios, Sandro, Kranjcar

Attendance: 34, 190

Overall

Getting the first win of the season was of course vital but to get it over
Spurs just made it even more special. The atmosphere, the performance, the
result - everything was perfect about this game and this was surely our best
display in well over a year. Of course there is the fear of getting too
carried away by one result but for me I have to take optimism when it
presents itself given the depressing time it has been supporting West Ham
for the last few seasons.
Whilst one result does not mean everything with this season will now be
great it does give us hope that we can turn things around and move forward
as a football club. We are still in for a tough season but if the players
can perform like that and the fans get right behind them like we did during
this game then we can maybe look forward to better times.

Next Game - Fulham (h)

There are no easy games in the Premiership and any side managed by Mark
Hughes will be hard to beat and physical. Fulham are struggling to score
goals at the moment so as long as we can stay solid and cut out any unforced
error we should be keeping them out. It is whether we can break them down
which will be the question and judging from this performance if we can keep
the same level of intensity when attacking we may well come out with a win.
We have had so many so called 'turning points' over the last eighteen months
but this week has seen us play three and win two and not being beaten. This
shows progress and I am going to put my optimistic hat on for a little while
and see how it fits.

Brilliant day, fantastic result and it is about time we got one over North
London's second team.

The View From Grant

"It was the best performance since I arrived. It was a good three points.
"It was the first time we took three points and I am happy because we know
how much it means to the supporters. To win against a very good team and
keep our first clean sheet. "We were the better team. lt was a good game. We
stuck to our way of playing good football even though you always worry about
the other team coming back." "It was a typical Robert Green performance, he
is a good goalkeeper, sometimes keepers have good days and bad days but this
was his normal performance. He did some great saves. It is not easy,
especially the one from [Luka] Modric." "Our team has character. Our first
game was not good against Aston Villa and we had zero points. Then we become
stronger and stronger when people thought we would be weaker and weaker.
"The mental thing is very important. Rob showed today in the only place that
a sportsman needs to show it - on the pitch, not in the media, not with
excuses or explanations - that he is a good goalkeeper. "One thing I am very
proud about this team is that we are making mistakes but we learn from them
very quickly and it is good because it is only the beginning of the season.
We have a long way to reach our targets."
"The attitude of the strikers is very good, they are working hard and they
are very quick. They understand the game. I know Freddie from Portsmouth, he
is a team player, first for the team and then for himself. He scored a good
goal in midweek and he scored today. "Obinna is an intelligent player. He is
part of our vision of the club, and not just because of the financial
situation, which is to take players that are hungry to succeed. You saw a
few of them together including Pablo Barrera when he came on." "We have
turned the corner. Football is results - we deserved more from the Bolton
and Chelsea games but there is no deserve in the table - but only two weeks
ago we started to train all the team together, except the injured players.
"This is a team, they are developing well and I must say they are
progressing quicker than I thought."

Season 2010/11 Scorers and Bookings

Top Scorers

Scott Parker 3 (2 League, 1 Cup)
Frederique Piquionne 2 (1 League, 1 Cup)
Mark Noble 1 (1 league)
Victor Obinna 1 (1 Cup)

Bookings

Noble - 3
Cole - 2
Parker - 2
Tomkins - 1
Faubert - 1
Behrami - 1
Upson - 1
Boa Morte - 1

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green set to discover his press gesture fate
Published 23:00 26/09/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

Robert Green will find out today if he faces FA action over his gesture at
the end of West Ham's win over Tottenham. The Hammers keeper appeared to
make a sign towards the Press box at Upton Park just after full-time on
Saturday.FA officials are aware of the pictures of the 30-year-old's actions
and will study the referee's report before deciding whether to act. They
could ask for footage of the incident but will not punish players from still
images. Green has been in the spotlight after his gaffe against USA during
England's disastrous World Cup. He made another error against Chelsea
recently and has lost his place in Fabio Capello's squad. Green could be
fined if he is found guilty of misconduct by the FA.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 1 Tottenham 0: Rob Green is making a good fist of it
By MATT BARLOW Last updated at 12:31 AM on 27th September 2010
Daily Mail

The air around Rob Green took a proper pounding. Above Avram Grant, it had
to be satisfied with a flimsy tickle. Two men on the same side, both under
pressure, similar relief, different celebrations. Grant stood on the
touchline and flapped both arms above his head as Martin Atkinson's final
whistle confirmed West Ham's 1-0 win against Spurs, their first victory of
the Barclays Premier League season. Harry Redknapp snapped him from this
moment of pleasure to shake hands before the Spurs boss darted down the
tunnel, beaten at Upton Park for the first time since leaving the club nine
years ago. Enlarge
Green was only just launching into an extended routine. His big, gloved
fists were pumping towards home fans who, in turn, hailed his display and
first clean sheet in almost six months. There was a sarcastic, cheery wave
for those Tottenham fans lingering behind his goal. A bottle arched from the
stands, spewing its contents into the turf as it landed short of the
goalkeeper. Green gave them another wave and soaked up more plaudits before
jogging around the pitch to deliver a classic 'Up Yours' gesture towards the
press box. Not surprisingly, he declined a request to talk to the media
afterwards. The FA will examine footage of the incident before deciding
whether to charge him with misconduct for making an insulting gesture. But
it would be churlish to punish Green for a retaliation to the criticism
directed at him since THAT World Cup howler against the United
States.'Players are not computers,' said Grant. 'I don't think emotion is a
negative word. I don't want my players to be without emotions.' In 105 days
since Rustenburg, Green has been under scrutiny. Overlooked by England, he
made a costly error against Chelsea and got away with one against Stoke
before a terrific save from Kenwyne Jones, to earn his team a point and stop
the rot of four defeats. He was superb against Spurs on Saturday, with one
exceptional save to tip a Luka Modric volley on to the bar.
It may have closed an uncomfortable chapter were it not for a date on
Saturday with Fulham and Clint Dempsey, who's shot slithered from his grasp
in Rustenburg.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League players could lose £100m to taxman
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
September 26, 2010
ESPN

HM Revenue & Customs suspects the image rights deals are being used by clubs
to top up payments to players at the Treasury's expense, because the image
rights payments are taxed at a lower rate than normal wage payments. The
Revenue's special civil investigations unit has a team of 20 tax inspectors
sifting through players' image rights deals, and it has written to all the
top players who receive part of their income through image rights. Clubs
contest that the image rights deals are legitimate licensing payments, which
are taxed at 21% or 28%, but if the Revenue determines the payments should
be counted as wages, they would be levied at 40%, with a new 50% top rate
from April. Premier League clubs, led by Premier League finance director
Javed Khan, have attempted to strike a collective deal with the Revenue. The
clubs face a backlash and possible legal action from players who would be
receiving decreased net payments compared to what was promised in their
contracts. Sullivan said the Hammers are trying to resolve issues between
their players and the Revenue as quickly as possible, and that the club will
withhold the image rights payments until an agreement is reached. Sullivan
told ESPNsoccernet: "We are in negotiations with the Revenue and we hope to
resolve things within three months, via a global settlement relating to all
players of West Ham United.
"If any player can agree things quicker in relation to their image rights
payment and any possible tax due to HMRC we will pay them immediately [when]
they resolve their position with HMRC. Every football club is in the same
position. It wouldn't surprise me if the Revenue are aiming to recoup
something like
£100 million."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United break ice and launch party following victory over Tottenham
Hotspur
West Ham United 1 Tottenham Hotspur 0
By Ian Chadband
Published: 7:00AM BST 27 Sep 2010
Telegraph.co.uk

Stringfellows can wait when you have got Upton Park. Before heading up West
for his stag do, Russell "he kissed a girl and he liked it" Brand was to be
found gallivanting in the East End, inviting his celebrity chums — Baddiel,
Walliams, Noel Gallagher, the usual suspects — to join him in a kickabout at
the Boleyn Ground on Saturday evening an hour after his beloved Hammers had
launched his party there. Joy appeared unconfined. As the home fans trekked
home celebrating the derby win which spirited them off the bottom of the
table, co-owner David Sullivan, Scott Parker, assorted players, rock stars
and comedians all seemed to have been infected by the feelgood factor as
they enjoyed a laugh under the floodlights. Evidently, the old place had
really needed a lift like this. "The sweetest win," Sullivan called it.

Even Avram Grant was smiling, doing his best to give the impression this had
not been a must-win affair for him. How had he handled the pressure? "I
control the pressure and can direct it when I decide. Others let the
pressure control them. For me, it was nothing exceptional." Fair enough;
after Portsmouth and Chelsea, presumably he could cope with anything? "You
are close to the truth," mused Grant. Still, although he talks of West Ham
being a long project, a short-term return had never been more sorely or
urgently required. Sullivan suggested afterwards that no manager could
survive nine successive defeats; until last week, Grant had been almost
halfway to the gallows. Yet here his team, who have been improving by the
game, delivered robustly. "Not a relegation team," sniffed Sullivan, and who
could argue? Manuel da Costa was towering at the back, Parker offered the
sleeves-up leadership Spurs seemed to lack and the muscular strike pairing
of Victor Obinna and match-winner Freddie Piquionne was a persistent pain
for Spurs' makeshift back four. Then there was the Robert Green makeover. An
assured display, topped by one astounding effort to tip Luca Modric's volley
on to the bar, was marked afterwards by a defiant "stick it" gesture to the
press box which looked like the public exorcism of Clint Dempsey torment.

Green's team-mates could not have been more thrilled for him. "We never
needed to say anything to Robert because he's a very strong character and
never let what happened affect him," explained Danny Gabbidon. Green helped
seal Harry Redknapp's wretched week, though, and Spurs' defensive injury
woes offer no guarantee that Wednesday's Champions League tie with Twente
will see a rapid change of fortune. William Gallas, with a torn groin
muscle, could be out for a few weeks, Ledley King was "struggling" with
groin and knee problems and Younes Kaboul a hamstring strain, so Redknapp
may have to rely on Saturday's unconvincing pairing of Vedran Corluka and
Sebastien Bassong in central defence. This was not Harry's day. "Yep, first
time I've ever been beaten by the super Hammers," sighed the old super
Hammer. Even he, though, had to applaud the revival for no one knew better
what this afternoon had meant to West Ham's exultant faithful, be it the
lads in The Boleyn pub or Mr Brand's Stringfellows crew. "He's following me
on Twitter but he hasn't invited me to his stag do," muttered Gabbidon. Good
job; West Ham's revival was at least safe for the moment.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM v TOTTENHAM HOTSPUR
HARRY ACCUSES WEST HAM OF 'TAPPING UP' O'HARA
ComeOnSpurs.com; 25 September 2010

West Ham and Spurs came to blows this summer over Scott Parker, who was the
subject of a rejected £7million bid from Harry. David Sullivan accused Spurs
of unsettling Parker with the bid and Parker signed a new four-year contract
at Upton Park. And Harry believes that his former club are hypocritical as
they also contacted Jamie O'Hara about a move to Upton Park. Redknapp
claimed: "They were talking to Jamie O'Hara all through the summer. Jamie
told me he'd been getting phone calls all summer." If this is true West Ham
would have broken Premier League rule K3, which states that the buying party
in a transfer must contact the player's club before speaking to him
directly. Harry has called for this rule to be scrapped as 'tapping up'
players is widespread within the game. "Listen, it ("tapping up") happens in
the game. "We're all kidding ourselves if we think it doesn't go on in the
game. Every player that gets transferred, someone's ringing him. "It doesn't
just suddenly happen. An agent will speak to an agent for a player. He will
speak to the player. The player says 'yeah, I'd like to go to that club' and
that's how it happens. "If people don't think it happens at almost 99% of
transfers then they are in the wrong world."
West Ham were unavailable to respond to the allegations on Friday evening.

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