Fully focused for Sunday
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is in good spirits for Sunday's return to league action away
to Aston Villa
15.01.2010
Gianfranco Zola says confidence is high in his West Ham United squad ahead
of their first Barclays Premier League game of the decade at Aston Villa on
Sunday. With form improving and knowing a first 'double' of the season could
potentially lift his side up to 13th in the table, Zola feels that it is
everyone's responsibility to ensure the positive mood since the 1-1 draw
with Chelsea in December remains in place. "This team has turned the
corner," Zola said. "After the Chelsea game the psychology of the team is
totally different. We lost two games against Tottenham and Arsenal in the
cup but in those games the team was alive. I think it will not be long
before we start climbing the table again.
The West Ham manager is set to welcome back Jonathan Spector, Scott Parker,
Jack Collison and Mark Noble to his matchday plans, while further cheer was
provided by the news that Carlton Cole is edging ever closer to a return
from his knee injury. The England striker and West Ham United's top scorer
could be back in full training over the course of next week. "It might be a
surprise, I can't say exactly when. It is looking very good and next week he
might be joining us in training. I told you that it might be sooner. He is
running well with no pain and that is a good point."
Kieron Dyer is also making strides in his return from a muscle injury and
remains as determined as ever to get back and help the Hammers continue
their ascent up the table. "I spoke to him and he is looking to get back as
quickly as possible. He is determined to help the team and these are crucial
moments for us and he is prepared to give to us as far as I know. "He is
trying to get back to us from a muscle problem. The problem with him is that
he has been out for a long time and since he came back he kept picking up
small injuries in the muscles. W are trying to get it sorted and then it
would be alright. I don't think it will be long time until he is coming
back."
With the worst of the winter weather now apparently over, Zola was able to
enjoy an uninterrupted week of training at Chadwell Heath. "So far we have
prepared the game very well. The team trained really really well and looked
sharp. Today, I was commenting that the players are looking really focused
and are determined to play a really good game and they will play a really
good game."
Zola has ensured that everyone's concentration is only on what is needed at
Villa Park. "The players are focused. The last year we have been talking so
much about things going on at this club. I don't want any excuses from the
players or anybody else. "I have to push myself and the players to do the
best we can in the situation. If we get through we will better players and
managers. It is just that I cannot affect things that are not under my
control. What can I do? I'm not going to bang my head against the wall
because of that. I am going to fight."
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Cole grateful for Zola support
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola has been a big influence on Carlton Cole as he looks to a
playing return
15.01.2010
Carlton Cole has praised the support of Gianfranco Zola as he looks to a
playing return in the near future. The England striker has stepped up his
work this week and joined in with the rest of the squad on Friday morning
for part of their session. With the manager talking positively at his media
engagements about the 26-year-old's efforts to aid the cause, Cole said such
backing played a big part in his determination to come back as soon as
possible. "Mister has been very positive as usual," Cole said. "He always
is. He talks to me all the time, sees how I am doing. He is always positive
and that's great. He is a major influence on me and I owe him a lot. That
attention has helped make me a better player and person as well. He's very
good with all of that."
Cole has not played since 28 November after limping out of the 5-3 win
against Burnley with a knee injury. He has been a constant presence at
Chadwell Heath ever since, arriving early and leaving late in a bid to get
back. "I have come through the difficult bit. "Now I have got to get my
cardio work up and things like that. I want to make sure I am 100 per cent
ready and not still catching up with anything when called upon. "It's a
relief as well that I didn't need an operation when I got my injury. I have
been able to work on getting back and get over the injury without an
operation. It just shows the staff here at West Ham have been working hard
to get me fit and they have helped me to get where I am."
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U18s ready for Fulham
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's youngsters play their first game of the New Year at Little Heath
on Saturday morning
15.01.2010
West Ham United's Under-18s will finally, weather permitting, play their
first fixture of 2010 when Fulham visit Little Heath on Saturday morning.
Tony Carr's side saw their trip to Arsenal cancelled last weekend and, with
an FA Youth Cup fourth-round tie against Queens Park Rangers at the Boleyn
Ground on Tuesday to look forward to, the Academy Director said his players
are raring to go. "We have had a bit of rain this week to add to the snow we
had before, but we've managed to get out and train on the grass at Little
Heath on Thursday and Friday and we're hopeful that the game will go ahead,"
said Carr. "We've had a break over Christmas and been forced to train in the
gym, so we were all delighted to get back out on the pitches this week."
With so little football played since before the holiday season, Carr is
eager for his players to get some competitive match practice ahead of
Tuesday's cup tie. "A lot of people have asked me if I'm going to rest
players on Saturday with QPR coming up on Tuesday, but the boys have not had
much football recently, so the only risk is just that they may get injured
against Fulham," he said. "Fulham had their FA Youth Cup game at Bolton on
Thursday night. They drew 2-2 and then won on penalties, so they've had a
long journey. I wonder if they might do what I did after the Plymouth game
in the third round and play some of their younger boys."
Carr has a fully-fit squad to choose from aside from forward Cristian
Montano, who twisted his knee in training on Thursday and will be left out
as a precaution ahead of the visit of QPR.
Kick-off at Little Heath is at 11am, with admission and car parking both
free of charge.
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West Ham fined £115,000 over violence against Millwall
BBC.co.uk
The Football Association has fined West Ham £115,000 for failing to control
their fans at Upton Park after violence at a Carling Cup tie against
Millwall. The Hammers, who have 14 days to appeal, were found guilty on two
of four charges relating to the game last August and must also pay £5,000
costs. Millwall were cleared of three charges while allegations both clubs
failed to prevent racist behaviour were unproven. A Millwall supporter was
stabbed as fans clashed outside the ground. Pitch invasions by West Ham fans
followed each of their side's goals in the 3-1 extra-time win. More than 50
people have been charged by police in connection with disorder inside and
outside the ground. The FA convened a disciplinary hearing where an
independent three-man panel, chaired by a QC, considered evidence for three
days last week.
West Ham were found to have failed to ensure their fans refrained from:
- Violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour
- Entering the field of play
They were cleared of failing to ensure their fans refrained from:
- Racist behaviour
- Throwing missiles, harmful or dangerous objects on to the pitch
Millwall faced three of the four charges, as above except for entering the
field of play, and all were not proven. The Lions had complained about their
ticket allocation being reduced before the match and vigorously defended the
charges. "We have always maintained that we were innocent of the charges,"
said Lions chief executive officer Andy Ambler. "As ever this club condemns
all misbehaviour within football stadia and works tirelessly to eradicate
misconduct and to continue to change an unfair and distorted misconception
of Millwall Football Club and its fans."
Police have said the 44-year-old Millwall supporter who was stabbed did not
suffer life-threatening injuries. Hundreds of supporters were thought to
have turned up for the game without tickets. It was the first time the east
London rivals had played each other since April 2005. Eyewitness reports
suggested opposing fans threw bottles and bricks at each other and started
small fires as police moved in to try to quell the disturbances outside the
ground. Police said they arrested supporters of both sides outside the
ground. Inside the stadium, police and stewards battled to remove fans who
had invaded the pitch from the home sections of the crowd. It is understood
scores of seats in the visitors' section of the ground were damaged.
The FA would not comment on the commission's decision to find the charges
against both clubs of failing to prevent racist behaviour by fans
"unproven", although more may emerge when the full findings of the
disciplinary hearing are published. Both West Ham's England striker Carlton
Cole and Millwall's Jason Price claimed they had been racially abused.
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Cellino hopeful [updated 3pm]
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
Massimo Cellino has once again refused to be drawn on his proposed bid for
West Ham United, despite further reports emanating from Italy claiming that
he has won the race for control of the club. calciomercato.com, who
prematurely reported that Cellino had purchased the club yesterday morning
are once again stating that the Cagliari chairman remains poised to claim
victory with him awaiting 'official agreement ... from banks', adding that
only a last-minute hitch will prevent the deal from completing. Not to be
outdone, SkySports Italia reported that they had spoken with Cellino this
morning, who is said to have told them: "I'll speak only when it's
official."
Despite the fresh claims from Italy the Intermarket-led consortium,
comprised of a number of wealthy West Ham supporters, remain confident that
they will win the race to wrestle control of the club from current owners CB
Holdings. Also still in the equation are Tony Fernandes plus David Gold &
David Sullivan, although the latter's bid for just 51% of the club could
rule them out. It is thought that an announcement on the situation could be
made as early as this afternoon.
Update: Cellino has broken his silence to claim that his is the best offer
on the table. In a statement released moments ago, he said: "I apologise to
all the Italian journalists that tried to contact me these [past few] days;
I'm just keeping a low profile. When all this is finished I'll explain
everything to you. "I apologise also to the British press if I couldn't
speak with them either. I was sure that I would have concluded everything
straight away, I've shown everyone that my offer was serious business. "Now
there are some minor issues, they're checking the paperwork. Maybe they've
been surprised with me coming in with the best offer."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cellino reveals Hammers hope
Cagliari president keen to take charge at Upton Park
By Nadia Carminati Last updated: 15th January 2010
SSN
Cagliari president Massimo Cellino believes that his takeover bid for West
Ham could soon be accepted by the Premier League club. Cellino is just one
of several interested parties in talks with the Hammers' debt-ridden owners
Straumur over a proposed £100million takeover. The Italian, whose arrival in
the negotiations came later than some of his rivals, feels that he is in a
strong position to seize control at Upton Park. West Ham boss Gianfranco
Zola, who knows Cellino from his time as a player with Cagliari, has
admitted the ongoing saga is beginning to affect the team's relegation
fight. Zola is unlikely to be able to dip into the transfer market and has
called on the East London club's hierarchy to strike a swift deal and put an
end to the ongoing speculation. Cellino has claimed that the Hammers board
are now considering his proposal and remains confident of a positive
conclusion.
Cellino told the Ansa press agency: "I hope to reach an agreement soon. I
have shown that my offer is serious. "Now there are delays, they (West Ham)
are examining documents. Maybe they didn't think I would arrive with a
better offer." Cellino went on to explain that his recent media black-out
was an unfortunate necessity while the talks were ongoing. He added: "I
apologise to the Italian journalists who have tried to speak with me in the
past few days. "It is a silence of courtesy. When the negotiations are over,
I will explain everything. "I also apologise to the English journalists who
I have not spoken to in the past few days. I will have time to explain
everything."
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Hammers fined for trouble
West Ham handed £115,000 fine by FA
Last updated: 15th January 2010
SSN
The Football Association has fined West Ham £115,000 for breaching rules
following crowd trouble at their Carling Cup match with Millwall in August.
The Upton Park side were charged in September after fans entered the field
of play three times in their 3-1 extra-time win over the Lions in August.
The first pitch invasion came after West Ham's leveller and the second after
Junior Stanislas scored from the penalty spot with officials needing six
minutes to clear fans from the pitch. The Hammers have been ordered to pay
adjusted costs of £5,000 for the failure to ensure their supporters
refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour and
the failure to ensure their supporters did not enter the field of play. West
Ham have 14 days to appeal this finding upon receipt of the Commission's
full written reasons.
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Zola admits takeover distraction
Hammers boss wants off-field saga resolved
Last updated: 15th January 2010
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has admitted the ongoing takeover saga at the
club is hampering their fight against relegation. The Hammers' debt-ridden
owners Straumur are in talks with a number of interested parties - including
Cagliari president Massimo Cellino and Air Asia boss Tony Fernandes - over a
potential £100million takeover. Reports from Italy have suggested that
Zola's position could come under threat if Cellino's bid is successful, but
the popular Italian claims he is not giving the speculation any credence. On
the field, the Upton Park outfit remain perilously close to the relegation
zone, with only goal difference keeping them out of the bottom three going
into the weekend. Zola knows they could be in the drop zone by the time they
take to the field at Aston Villa on Sunday and is frustrated that all
transfer dealings may be on hold until the takeover is finalised.
"All this talk is affecting everybody and the sooner we get it sorted the
better," said Zola.
"The players want to know and they read a lot of things. We had a chat this
morning and we clarified it. As far as I am concerned our priority is on the
pitch. "It is not comfortable but it is not an excuse. "I know that in my
job you are under threat all of the time. I can only focus on the things
that are under my control. This is not under my control and I'm not going to
spend even a second thinking about that. "I have a vital game in two days'
time. Although it is not easy as you can imagine, I try to think about the
things that I can make a difference. I can't really spend too much energy on
the other things."
The Hammers travel to Villa Park without a senior striker after Guillermo
Franco joined Carlton Cole, Luis Boa Morte and Kieron Dyer on the sidelines.
Zola had planned to meet the board last week to discuss the prospects of
bringing in a new forward - but admits he may be forced to wait. "We might
be able to do something but obviously it might be difficult in this
situation," he said. "I think the takeover will affect the other things. All
of this is something we will discuss after Sunday as we have ten days until
the next match.
"It is not easy but I am not going to complain. If I start thinking about
how unlucky I am and complain about things I am not going to sort the
situation out. "I have to push myself and the players to do the best we can
in the situation. "If we get through we will be better players and managers.
What can I do? I'm not going to bang my head against the wall because of
that. I am going to fight. "I think we can make a big difference if we carry
on playing the way we have been playing recently."
Zola knows Cellino from his time as a Cagliari player but he would not
discuss their relationship while the negotiations continue. West Ham are not
commenting on the takeover discussions because they have signed a
non-disclosure agreement.
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West Ham fined £115,000 for fan violence against Millwall
West Ham have 14 days to appeal £115,000 fine
Club found guilty of breaching FA rules for Carling Cup tie
Jamie Jackson guardian.co.uk, Friday 15 January 2010 20.30
West Ham United have been fined £115,000 by an independent regulatory
commission for the crowd trouble that marred August's Carling Cup tie
against London rivals Millwall at Upton Park. The east London club were
found guilty of breaching Football Association rules on an evening when a
43-year-old Millwall fan was stabbed and police made 64 arrests. Millwall
were cleared of all charges. An FA statement read: "The club has been fined
£115,000 and ordered to pay adjusted costs of £5,000 for the failure to
ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening, obscene and
provocative behaviour and the failure to ensure their supporters did not
enter the field of play." West Ham have 14 days in which to appeal the
decision, and have indicated they may do so after they receive
"comprehensive details" of the judgment.
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Gianfranco Zola keen for West Ham takeover resolution
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola has urged the club's owners to quickly
finalise a takeover as he believes the constant speculation is unsettling
the players. Cagliari president Massimo Cellino and Air Asia boss Tony
Fernandes are both in talks with Hammers' owners Straumur for a potential
£100m takeover. West Ham are currently only one place above the relegation
zone. "All this talk is affecting everybody and the sooner we get it sorted
the better," admitted Zola. "The players want to know and they read a lot of
things. We had a chat and we clarified it. As far as I am concerned our
priority is on the pitch. "It is not comfortable but it is not an excuse."
The club, who are currently owned by CB Holding, are £38m in debt and have
been fined a further £115,000 following crowd violence in August's Carling
Cup tie against Millwall.
Reports in Italy suggested Cellino would replace Zola, who only took charge
at West Ham last season, with former Cagliari manager Daniele Arrigoni if
his bid is successful.
Zola knows Cellino from his time as a Cagliari player. Former Birmingham
City owners David Sullivan and David Gold are also said to be interested in
the Premier League strugglers, while finance company Intermarket have also
targeted a takeover. "I know that in my job you are under threat all of the
time," admitted Zola. "I can only focus on the things that are under my
control. This is not under my control and I'm not going to spend even a
second thinking about it. "I have a vital game in two days' time. Although
it is not easy as you can imagine, I try to think about the things that I
can make a difference in. I can't really spend too much energy on the other
things."
The Hammers travel to Villa Park on Sunday without a senior striker after
Guillermo Franco joined Carlton Cole, Luis Boa Morte and Kieron Dyer on the
sidelines. Zola had planned to meet the board last week to discuss the
prospects of bringing in a new striker - but all transfer dealings are
almost certainly on hold. "We might be able to do something but obviously
it might be difficult in this situation," he added. "It is not easy but I
am not going to complain. If I start thinking about how unlucky I am and
complain about things I am not going to sort the situation out. "If we get
through we will be better players and managers. What can I do? I'm not going
to bang my head against the wall because of that. I am going to fight."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham takeover: Tony Fernandes and David Sullivan lead the race
Tony Fernandes and David Sullivan are ahead of Massimo Cellino and the
Intermarket Group in the race to take control of West Ham.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 9:28PM GMT 15 Jan 2010
The Malaysian is the most exciting and innovative of West Ham's potential
owners. Aged 45, he is the chief executive of Air Asia, the continent's
biggest budget airline but is also a true entrepreneur – owning hotels,
becoming team principal of the new Lotus Formula One outfit and wanting to
launch his own record label. West Ham takeover a step towards the future
insists Matthew UpsonHas often been likened to Sir Richard Branson and
started out his business career, after graduating from the London School of
Economics, working for the Virgin tycoon. The two men are now firm friends
and business partners in an airline venture. Fernandes, a warm character, is
a passionate West Ham supporter – even though he lives in Kuala Lumpur – and
attends as many matches as he can. He has a relaxed style and manner and is
often seen in his trademark baseball cap.
DAVID SULLIVAN:
It's debatable whether Sullivan is best-known for his long, often
controversial, co-ownership of Birmingham City or for his porn empire.
Had a fractious relationship with the Birmingham supporters, feeling
under-appreciated at times after dragging the club from financial ruin up to
the top division. Criticised for failing to invest he, and co-owner David
Gold, maintained that they were not going to be reckless with their cash.
Said to be worth more than £600 million. A lifelong West Ham supporter – but
the 60-year-old businessman isn't allowing his heart to rule his head. Had a
difficult last year in charge of Birmingham, and a fraught relationship with
manager Alex McLeish before finally selling out to Carson Yeung.
He is including long-term associate Gold in his bid, but Sullivan is the
driving force.
MASSIMO CELLINO:
The Italian is a late arrival on the scene. He registered his interest in
West Ham some time ago, but only followed that up this week when he flew
into London for talks. The 53 year-old, who is based in Miami but whose son,
Hercules, recently moved to London to study, bought the Italian club
Cagliari in 1992 and remains its owner and president.
He also brought Gianfranco Zola back to his native Sardinia to end his
playing career, but doesn't feel the former striker is cut out to be a
manager. At Cagliari he got through 22 managers in 18 years.
Cellino's wealth has come from the cereals and grains business and he was
involved in a high-profile case when he was accused of attempting to defraud
the European Commission.The case ended in a plea bargain but under Italian
law this is not always regarded as an admission of guilt.
INTERMARKET GROUP:
A Canary-Wharf based finance house, they declared their interest some time
ago but have not helped their cause by remaining faceless and refusing to
divulge their backers.
Have also struggling to provide proof of funds but suffered a terrible
setback last weekend with the death of chief executive, Jim Bowe, who had
fronted the bid.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's financial saga appears to be nearing a conclusion
West Ham were hit with a £115,000 fine by the Football Association on Friday
but it was hardly relevant. After all, what was a payment of less than two
weeks wages for Kieron Dyer when the future of the club was in such a state
of uncertainty?
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 9:27PM GMT 15 Jan 2010
Like everything to do with the Icelandic ownership of West Ham, this has
been a saga. And like an Icelandic saga it has been a tale of struggle
although, finally, it appeared to be reaching a satisfactory conclusion on
Friday night. It's hard not to have some sympathy for all parties in this
story, except, perhaps, for the former owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson and the
man who enticed him into buying the club, Eggert Magnusson, who dangerously
over-stretched themselves and put the club's future in jeopardy, as they
tried to satisfy their own personal vanity. Sport on television It meant
that when Gudmundsson's empire collapsed in the financial meltdown that
destroyed the Icelandic economy, a bank, Straumur, itself in a tricky
position, inherited a football club. What would it do? Straumur, along with
other creditors, set-up a company called CB (Claret and Blue – after the
club's colours) Holding and made pledges that it would try and run West Ham
as a going concern for the next three years in the hope that the economy
would improve and it could be sold on. These were laudable intentions –
undermined a little when a Straumur spokesman claimed the club had been
close to administration - but they always felt a little unrealistic.
West Ham's chief executive Scott Duxbury had put in place a plan, the
so-called Football Project, which pre-dated Gudmundsson's problems, and
provided a model for self-sustainability for a club that had wasted millions
on transfer fees and wages. But Duxbury's plan needed stability. He, and
Straumur to an extent, hoped that would come but it proved difficult. There
was pressure to sell, re-shape the squad, bring in cheaper replacements but
this had to be squared with the undoubted necessity of competing in the
Premier League. All this was taking place against a backdrop in which
Straumur had to re-finance the club's £30 million loan facilities and fight
off calls for a debt moratorium back in Iceland not to be extended which it
successfully did. Inevitably, perhaps, the decision was taken to try and
assess whether Straumur should sell all or part of the club even though they
maintained they did not have to. Rothschild and Standard banks were
appointed to sift through inquiries – many of which were bogus or
opportunistic.
An early front-runner was the pairing of former Birmingham City co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold, but the Malaysian businessman Tony Fernandes
was quietly considering his own bid and had an impressive plan. Last
autumn, Fernandes was close to a deal but it didn't happen. When West Ham
gutsily drew at home to Chelsea and then, crucially, beat Portsmouth at home
on Boxing Day, he decided to make another move. He was also concerned about
how his ownership would be accepted by the fans, would they want a Malaysian
owner, would they want him over Gold and Sullivan who had made great play of
their East End background? Fernandes began testing the water and was
encouraged by the response. He submitted his offer. Finally it looked like
things were happening although Gold and Sullivan remained in the bidding.
And they were still strong contenders on Friday night.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gianfranco Zola defiant as West Ham takeover talks bring threat to his job
Gary Jacob
The Times
The threat of a change in the dugout at West Ham United yesterday prompted
an impassioned speech from Gianfranco Zola, the manager, and support from
one of his leading players as talks about a takeover of the club edged
towards conclusion. Zola, whose team lie fourth from bottom of the Barclays
Premier League, vowed to confound his critics and received backing from
Carlton Cole, the England forward. Two of the parties bidding to take
control at Upton Park would be ready to dismiss the Italian, in the face of
anger from fans and players. One of them, David Sullivan and David Gold, the
former Birmingham City owners who made a bid last month, appears to have
stolen an edge. They have, at least, shown the colour of their money. The
other, Massimo Cellino, the Cagliari president, has lined up as a possible
manager in Daniele Arrigoni, a journeyman who was dismissed by Bologna two
years ago, with Gianluca Festa, the former Middlesbrough defender, as his
assistant. Zola and Cellino are believed not to see eye to eye after the
forward's time at Cagliari. Straumur, the Icelandic bank that owns the club,
has stepped up its attempt to sell in the past week, in part because it
fears the liabilities that would come with relegation. Zola, however,
retains a positive outlook. "It is very important that [the takeover is
sorted] as it affects everybody," he said. "I know that in my job you are
under threat all of the time. But I have always come through in the past and
am going to bounce back. "I am a much better manager than I would be if this
job was easier. But I have become the person I am not only because I have
had the skills but also [because] my mind is very strong."
Cole attested to Zola's abilities in advance of the Premier League match
away to Aston Villa tomorrow. "He is always positive," Cole, 26, said. "He
is a major influence and I owe him a lot." West Ham have been fined £115,000
by the FA after being found guilty of two charges relating to crowd
disturbances during their Carling Cup victory over Millwall in August.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Aston Villa v West Ham United - Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 15th January 2010
By: Preview Percy
Due to the recent weather conditions, the Metropolitan Police asked Preview
Percy to cancel this week's preview on safety grounds. Unfortunately he
ignored them...
Next up is a trip up to Brum for a tv-friendly 1.30pm kick-off against Aston
Villa at the conveniently-named Villa Park. That is, of course unless the
West Midlands Police get to hear of a snowflake falling south of the Arctic
Circle and call it off to be on the safe side.
The Villains currently lie in 6th place with 35 points from their 20 games
thus far. This places them just outside the 5th place that guarantees Europa
League qualification, though as we've seen in the past, that situation tends
to change depending on who wins the league and cups. Villa, of course, have
their minds on the loftier ambition of a "Champions & Others" League spot,
and they are two points behind Spurs in 5th and three behind Man City who
currently occupy the coveted fourth place.
They have won four and lost two of their last six. The two defeats have come
in their last two matches. First of these was a 3-0 defeat at Arsenal, who
required a cameo from Cesc Fabregas to prevail, having struggled for over an
hour to make an impression against the Villa defence. They then lost an
uninspiring match at Anfield to a 93rd minute winner from Torres. Of course
to describe this run as "current" form is somewhat disingenuous since
intervention by the weather and the health and safety people has meant they
have yet to play a league match this decade.
The climate and the calendar have allowed them two cup matches, both,
coincidentally, against the free-flowing and cultured football (not) of Sam
Allardyce's Blackburn Rovers. Villa experienced what were described as "a
few anxious moments" in their 3-1 home win in the 3rd round of the FA Cup
which, apparently, I am supposed to mention is sponsored by somebody called
Ian. These anxious moments included requiring a penalty save from no.2
'keeper Brad Guzan and a 91st minute penalty of their own to secure progress
to the next round where they'll be at home to Brighton.
Then, the other day, they travelled to Ewood Park for the first leg of the
League Cup semi-final. Villa looked a bit more comfortable during the 1-0
win, though admittedly Blackburn did bother the metalwork a couple of times
in the second half.
Guzan started both cup matches, though his Christian namesake Brad Friedel
is expected to return having not missed a league match since the last Ice
Age. Also expected to return to the starting line-up are Luke Young and John
Carew. This would mean a return to the bench for James Collins, whose career
in the alternative claret and blue was interrupted early on by injury.
Having recovered, Ginge tends to find himself on the sidelines for league
matches with Martin O'Neill preferring to play Young alongside Dunne. Dunne
appears to have been one of the shrewder acquisitions of the season having
ben forced to leave Man City for not having been featured in Hello! magazine
enough times. Or something.
Their middle four in their last league match (all those years ago) comprised
Petrov, Reo-Coker, Milner and Downing. However, Ashley Young was missing
from that line-up having picked up a suspension for his 5th yellow of the
season in the defeat at Arsenal, and he is likely to return to the midfield,
with Reo-Coker looking likeliest to drop to the bench. Since sulking his way
out of the Boleyn a few years back, Mediocre's relationship with O'Neill
has, on occasion, been a bit fractious and newspaper talk suggests that a
January move may be on the cards with such homes of free-flowing and
cultured football (not) as the DDW, Reebok, KC and, yes, Ewood Park all
being touted as potential destinations for the moody one. Young will
obviously be something of a danger and Milner is currently in fine form,
which is handy, what with a World Cup coming up and all.
Up front alongside the aforementioned Carew is likely to be Gabriel
Agbonlahor. Agbonlahor picked up a yellow for "simulation" in the League Cup
match the other night, though there appeared to be at least a little bit of
contact as he went down. Still, I haven't forgotten his blatant dive up at
Villa Park a couple of seasons ago that conned the ref into awarding the
hosts what turned out to be a match-winning free-kick and, if it takes an
idiot like Clattenburg to issue a few dodgy cards to make serial divers
think twice then so be it.
What about us? Well the soap opera that is West Ham united continues apace.
I haven't checked the news for the last few minutes – I've been writing this
- but when I last looked the FA had tapped us up for another £115,000
following the shenanigans against Millwall, having bottled looking too
closely at allegations of racial abuse against Carlton Cole. Same old FA
then. We may also have new owners since I started writing this, with various
parties from the UK, Malaysia, Italy and who knows where all claiming to be
in pole position in the race to end our spell of Icelandic ownership.
Whoever takes over I just wish they'd pull their fingers out as we have a
squad for which "threadbare" would actually represent something of an
improvement.
On the bright side there may be returns for one or both of Noble and the
inspirational Parker. Swiss youngster Daprela, who had a useful debut
against Arsenal in the Cup may also be involved, though Herita Ilunga may be
fit to return.
It is up front that the squad is at its thinnest. Most sources – including
the Club when we spoke to them - suggest that Franco will be missing for
another couple of weeks. Which makes the official site's assertion that he
will be returning from suspension somewhat perplexing. Some very optimistic
sources suggest that Carlton Cole might be fit enough to appear on the
bench, though such comments always worry me, given our history of rushing
back players prematurely only to see them break down and miss another couple
of months. Freddie Sears may start having been rescued from the clutches of
the evil Warnock at Palace.
Prediction? Well even the most optimistic of us would be hard pushed to go
for an away win, given the depleted nature of the squad. However, there is
the odd straw to be clutched at. In 10 matches this season against teams
from the bottom half of the table Villa have only won four times. Granted,
if I could be bothered to look at our record against teams from the top
half, that particular stat would probably be rendered meaningless, which is
why I'm not going t do so. We also have the (occasional) habit of scraping
the odd really unexpected point here and there. We deserved a win against
the Mike Dean-assisted Chelsea and the performance in the 2-1 Cup defeat to
Arsenal was far from depressing. So, in the spirit of a new year and new
optimism I'll go for a streaky 1-1 draw against the odds – but more in hope
than expectation!
Enjoy the game!
Last season: Drew 1-1 - A late goal from Tristan cancelled out an early one
from Heskey to earn us an unlikely point.
Danger Man: Ashley Young – the prospect of him getting at our full-backs is
not one I'm looking forward to.
Referee: Mike Jones – last seen in last season's 2-1 home win over Stoke
where, in between doing for the advantage law what Harry Redknapp is alleged
to have done for tax law, he found the time to send off Ricardo Fuller for
his girly slap on team-mate Andy Griffin.
Look out for: A snowflake - If you see so much as one flake on your way up
to Brum FOR SAFETY'S SAKE TURN BACK IMMEDIATELY!
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