WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector has told WHUTV how West Ham United will be fully prepared
to face Bolton Wanderers
25.02.2010
Jonathan Spector has told WHUTV that West Ham United have not lost the
confidence they built up in beating Birmingham City and Hull City. Spector
was part of the Hammers side beaten 3-0 at Manchester United - the club that
brought him to England as a teenager - on Tuesday evening, but insists
Gianfranco Zola's team had their moments against the Barclays Premier League
champions. After a midweek international friendly engagement with the
Netherlands in Amsterdam, the 23-year-old will return to the Boleyn Ground
for next Saturday's vital league visit of Bolton Wanderers. "Obviously
Manchester United are a great side. They're champions for a reason and they
showed that. The chances they created, they finished, and that was the
difference really. I'm disappointed to lose after the two wins we had on the
bounce. "I think we matched them until they scored. The first goal was some
really good football, so it's hard to really fault anyone. They scored some
good goals and it is tough when we didn't keep the ball as well as we would
like to. "We still played well at times and are still confident. We came up
against a great side. I saw their last few home games had been three, four
and five-nil wins, so it's no shame, but we're still disappointed."
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Reserves win delights Dyer
WHUFC.com
George Moncur and Jordan Spence both shone in an impressive home success
against Chelsea
25.02.2010
Alex Dyer was delighted to see the reserves grind out a 2-1 victory against
Chelsea on Wednesday night despite extremely difficult conditions at
Woodside Park. Prior to the match there were concerns the Bishop's Stortford
pitch would not hold up to the torrential rain across Essex but the fears
proved unfounded. Goals in each half from Anthony Edgar and Olly Lee won it
for the home side, who also coped well with Manuel da Costa's second-half
red card for violent conduct. "First of all, I have to give credit to
Bishop's Stortford," said Dyer. "They played on the pitch the night before
and it was in doubt a little bit. The groundsman has worked miracles. The
boys got on the pitch and went out with the right attitude. It rained a lot
and there were strong winds but the boys had the right attitude from the
start. "They got the ball down when they could. We gave them instructions
that if you can't play you have got to hit the ball long and put the ball
into areas where we can turn them and get up the pitch a little bit. When it
was time, we got the ball down and played."
Dyer paid tribute to his namesake Kieron, who like Marek Stech, Fabio
Daprela, Junior Stanislas and Da Costa had all travelled with the first team
to Manchester United the night before. Chelsea gave away a lot in terms of
senior experience but had the benefit of being an established unit that had
come through the youth ranks. "It was a great performance all-round. The
boys worked hard. It was a good performance from the senior lads who came
in. Kieron played an hour and he was excellent. Fabio came in and led the
team well as captain. "It was good to see. Young George Moncur made his
debut for the reserves and he was excellent in midfield as was Jordan Spence
at right-back. He was breaking up and down the wing and he defended like a
proper defender should do."
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Tomkins willing to learn
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins has vowed to improve after coming up against an in-form Wayne
Rooney on Wednesday
24.02.2010
James Tomkins has vowed to work even harder on his game after coming up an
in-form Wayne Rooney. The Manchester United and England striker was in
scintillating form at Old Trafford, scoring twice in the Red Devils' 3-0
victory to take his season's tally to 27 goals. However, the 24-year-old
could have added to his tally had it not been for a number of important
challenges from England Under-21 defender Tomkins - the reigning SBOBET
Player of the Month for January. "Sometimes you can't do anything to stop
him," admitted the 20-year-old. "For a young lad, he is a clever player.
It's hard to imagine that he's still so young. We'll look at the video and
try to improve, because we need to try and do better next time."
Rooney benefitted from one marvellous piece of play to open the scoring on
37 minutes, heading home Antonio Valencia's first-time volleyed cross.
Tomkins admitted that the goal put an end to a bright opening from the
Hammers on Tuesday that had seen Valon Behrami and Alessandro Diamanti go
close to giving Gianfranco Zola's side the lead.
"Obviously we were playing against world-class players. I thought we started
off really well against them, but their first goal was very good. The
first-time cross killed us.
"The difference was in and around the box, and that's why they have paid the
prices they have for the world-class players they have got. They pass the
ball around and keep the ball nicely, and it makes you think what you can
improve on. You look at them and see how you can become a better player."
With the trip to Old Trafford now behind them, West Ham will prepare for the
visit of Bolton Wanderers to the Boleyn Ground a week on Saturday.
"Tuesday's was the sort of game where the pressure is off because you're not
expected to win, so we're looking to the next game now. "We were on a good
run before that game and the lads showed in glimpses what we can do. We'll
look to the next game and try to be more of an attacking threat as well.
Bolton will present us with a different proposition and a different style of
play. "We've got some very important games at home coming up and the Bolton
one is a massive one. Hopefully we can get the fans behind us and get back
to winning ways again."
Before Bolton's visit on Saturday 6 March, however, Tomkins has England's
UEFA 2011 European U21 Championship qualifier with Greece to look forward
to. Stuart Pearce's side take on the Greeks at Doncaster Rovers' Keepmoat
Stadium home on Wednesday 3 March knowing a win would take them above their
opponents to the top of the Group Nine table. "That's my next game and I'll
be concentrating on it. It's a massive game against Greece and if we win
that we'll be in good shape. It's us and Greece who are looking like the
strongest teams in our group and, if we can beat them, we'll be in a very
good position."
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The KUMB.com Q&A: Neil Humphreys
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 25th February 2010
By: Staff Writer
Earlier this week KUMB.com met up with author Neil Humphreys for a chat.
In our latest KUMB Q&A, Humphreys - the author of new book Match Fixer,
which is based on a fictional former member of the West Ham United academy -
tells about about the book and his love for the Hammers, amongst many other
things.
To read the interview, click here.
Neil Humphreys - biography
Neil Humphreys grew up in Dagenham, England. After attending Parsloes
Primary School, Mayesbrook Comprehensive School (now renamed the Sydney
Russell School) and then Manchester University he briefly became a
stockbroker before moving to Singapore in the mid 1990s. There he found work
as a speech and drama teacher before moving into journalism, working as a
sports reporter for the Straits Times.
Eager for a wider audience he wrote his first book, Notes From An Even
Smaller Island (Singapore through a young Brit's eyes) in 2001 before
joining Today newspaper for whom he compiled a weekly column. The column was
the source of much of his second book, Scribbles From the Same Island which
was published in 2003.
After a decade in Singapore, Humphreys moved to Australia - but before doing
so penned the final part of the trilogy, Final Notes From A Great Island: A
Farewell Tour of Singapore. He now writes for the Straits Times, Young
Parents, Challenge magazine, Changi Class, Practical Parenting and
Ex-Hammers, amongst various other publications.
In 2007, Complete Notes From Singapore was released. In 2008, his first
three books were re-released across South-east Asia and also in Australia
and the UK. In 2008, Be My Baby: On the Road to fatherhood was released and
became a best-seller in Singapore and Malaysia.
In January 2010, his debut novel, Match Fixer, was released. The book is the
first of Humpreys' books to be launched in both the UK (February) and
Australia (April/May).
Match Fixer Testimonials
"Wickedly close to the bone. seems more like fact than fiction." - Jason
Dasey, South China Morning Post columnist and host of FourFourTwo
(Malaysia).
"Having played in the Malaysian League as a foreign professional for five
years, during which time I was exposed first hand to the greed, lies and
scandals that is match fixing, I can say that without a doubt that Neil
Humphreys has written a book that is as close to the real thing as possible.
Compelling reading, I couldn't put it down." - Scott Ollerenshaw, former
Socceroo.
"Knowing Singapore rather well, and now that I find myself working in the
game, I think Match Fixer has an intriguing insider's perspective of both
worlds. It's an engrossing look at the Asian football scene." - Nick Leeson,
Galway United CEO and author of Rogue Trader.
"Being an old West Ham boy who grew up in East London and played in
Malaysia, it's clear to me that Neil Humphreys knows this world. Match Fixer
paints a vivid picture-colourful, exciting and unpredictable. It really is a
fascinating book." - Tony Cottee, former England, West Ham, Everton and
Selangor striker.
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Hammers confirm Nani exit
Change in ownership leads to technical director's departure
Last updated: 25th February 2010
West Ham United have confirmed Gianluca Nani has left his position as
technical director at Upton Park. The former Brescia coach had spent the
past two years with the Premier League club and had a further 12 months to
run on his contract. However, following the takeover of David Sullivan and
David Gold, the Hammers have decided to part company with Nani. Sullivan
told the club's official website: "I would like to thank Gianluca for his
contribution to the club and we all wish him well. "With the club heading
in a new direction since David Gold and I took charge last month, it was
felt the time was right for all parties to move on in an amicable way."
Nani said: "Today, in agreement with the owners of the club, I have resolved
my contract with West Ham United. "I would like to take this opportunity to
thank everyone who worked alongside me in this wonderful adventure - the
staff, Gianfranco Zola and the players. "A special thank you also to the
fans who have always supported us and whose warmth and dedication gave me a
passion for this club which will forever remain with me. "Finally, I wish
the owners the best possible success in the future."
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Can the West Ham influence win the World Cup for England once again?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 25th February 2010
By: Carole Paul
There will always be an inextricable link between West Ham United and
England's triumphant 1966 World Cup winning team.
Lest we forget, West Ham players provided all four goals for England on that
fateful Wembley day, and the Jules Rimet trophy was lifted by the Hammer's
third representative in the England XI.
Bobby Moore held the World Cup aloft after Geoff Hurst and Martin Peters'
goals had taken the 1966 final to extra-time. Hurst then scored one of the
most controversial goals in football history before completing his hat-trick
to the accompaniment of one of the most well-loved commentary lines of all
time.
"Some people are on the pitch. They think it's all over...it is now."
As England complete their final preparations for the South Africa - their
eleventh attempt to regain the World Cup - the West Ham influence will once
again be conspicuous. Of the 23 man squad Fabio Capello is likely to select
for the 2010 tournament, nine players will either be current or ex West Ham
regulars.
These West Ham alumni give England's squad a well-rounded and strong
appearance. According to bookmakers Paddy Power who offer a range of World
Cup odds England are 11/2 third favourites to triumph in South Africa.
With current West Ham stopper Robert Green and ex-Hammers keeper David James
competing for the number one jersey, there is a strong chance the first name
on Capello's team sheet will have West Ham connections. Three of the back
four could also boast Hammers links as Rio Ferdinand and Glen Johnson both
featured for the Irons, as does current defensive stalwart Matthew Upson.
Rio Ferdinand has been one of West Ham's must successful modern day exports.
A strong and reliable centre back Ferdinand moved to Leeds in November 2000
for two seasons at Elland Road. The former Hammer of the Year then moved on
to Manchester United where he has gone on to win numerous Premier League
titles and captain the side to Champions League success in 2008. After an
injury hit start to the season, with a wealth of talent and experience, we
should expect Rio Ferdinand to be one of England's bright stars at this
summer's world cup if he stays fit.
The trio of Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and Michael Carrick once sat alongside
one another in the West Ham midfield and all will hope to feature in South
Africa. And, up front, the recent goal scoring exploits of Jermain Defoe
might well hand the ex-Hammers hit man a starting berth alongside Wayne
Rooney against the USA on 12th June.
Frank Lampard was always destined for success after breaking into the team
at Upton Park in 1996. With over 100 Premier League goals to his name,
Lampard has been one of the top players in the top flight of English
football over the last decade. His great vision and passing will make him
one of England's danger men in the summer as well has his ability to shoot
from long distance. Some critics have questioned Lampard's performances for
England, but a brace against Croatia in England's 5-1 qualifying group
victory will be remembered fondly.
Jermain Defoe has been a goal scoring threat for every club he has been at.
His pace and finishing puts fear into the opposition. Defoe often goes large
spells of games without a touch of the ball, but can hurt teams in a matter
of seconds. Whether beating the offside trap, finding space in the penalty
area or running at defenders with the ball, Jermain Defoe is giving Fabio
Capello a message this season to start him in South Africa. He has scored
more Premier League goals this season than any previous, helped with a
hat-trick over Hull City and 5 at Wigan Athletic already this season.
With a number of ex-West Ham players likely to be selected for the England
squad this summer, they have a number of current players also competing for
positions in Fabio Capello's final squad. Goalkeeper Robert Green, defender
Matthew Upson, and striker Carlton Cole are all hoping to catch the coach's
between now and the selection deadline day in May, despite the Hammers
spending most of their time towards the bottom of the Premier League table.
Trevor Sinclair was the last West Ham player to represent England in the
World Cup after the Irons had no representatives in the England squad for
Germany '06. In 2002, Sinclair came on for Owen Hargreaves in England's
second game against Argentina and started the remainder of England's games
in the tournament.
After John Terry's recent dismissal as England captain, the armband is once
again the property of a central defender with West Ham connections. Can Rio
Ferdinand emulate the great Bobby Moore and lift the World Cup trophy for
England in 2010?
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Tragedy Yes, but Hold the Farce!
West Ham Till I Die
History Repeats itself: 'the first time as tragedy, the second time as
farce' (Karl Marx)
During the course of this turbulent season there have been comparisons made
with the tragic relegation of 2002-03. And high tragedy it most certainly
was, as the club was demoted with a record 42 points and then subsequently
suffered the loss of a unique generation of top class youngsters.
Sports journalist Martin Samuels recently drew upon this comparison in his
Daily Mail column . In a peice on the misfortunes of the club since the
2006 Icelandic takeover, he made an unfavourable comparison between the
strength of our current squad and that relegated in 2002-03. Samuels,
raising the spectre of a repeat, then went on to suggest that on the (then)
current form of the team we might only accrue a total of 33 points for the
season!
More recently, Zola has postulated that a 10 or 11 points tally from our
remaining fixtures may well be sufficient to guarantee PL survival. That
means that we would be looking at winning a total of 37/38 points, which is
more than possible. However, Zola does add the caveat that if the PL
fixture list throws up further improbable results, like the Wolves double
over Spurs, that could mean that 40 points may be required and the club must
strive to reach and even surpass that safety target.
So, if we accept the less optimistic 40 point target, where are the
additional 13 points going to come from? As we all know, we are fortunate
to have a run of winnable home games with Bolton, Wolves, Stoke City,
Sunderland, Wigan and Man City. We must set a target of securing 13 out of
18 points at Upton Park. That means 4 wins and a draw from Bolton, Wolves,
Wigan, Sunderland and Stoke city. So, admittedly there is not much margin
for error there! Lets hope that they have acquired the winning habit at
home, after the back-to-back Brum-Hull wins, and this continues to the end
of the season.
If there are slip ups, then we will obviously need to win additional points
from the other fixtures. These are more likely to come from Man City at
home or Fulham or Everton away. Of these, a win and a draw or even two
draws are more likely from the Man City and Fulham fixtures. Everton
should be a real possibility, but they seem to have had a bit of a jinx over
us in recent years, who knows if that will come to a timely end? Whatever,
lets hope that we are safe before the final home match with Man City, as
that is a potentially gut wrenching, last day, experience that can all very
well do without!
That leaves Chelski, Arsenal and Liverpool away. None of these are exactly
happy hunting grounds for us, although we probably have the best recent away
record against the gooners! We have shown both this season and last that
we can compete with Chelski on a good day. However, can they afford to slip
up against us, as they battle Man Utd, in the run in for the PL title? As
for Liverpool, they are not the force that they once were, but it has been
47 long years since we last won there, 1-2, courtesy of a Geoff Hurst
winner. This would definitely be a great season to break that particular
historical hoodoo!!
So, that is my overall appraisal of where the points might be accrued. Of
course being West Ham, they are just as likely to turn the odds completely
upside down and drop home points and gain more than expected away from home!
The best case scenerio is that the easier 37/38 point target will prove
sufficient and we can afford to drop a few more points then I have
estimated. What would really be nice is a 40 plus points total and a
comfortable 11th or 12th place finish. COYI!
Whatever the eventual combination of points won, I do anticipate that we
will achieve safety this season. I do not believe for one moment that the
tragedy of the relegation of 2002-03 will be repeated as farce in 2009-10.
Arguably, we have too much in the locker and enough winnable games to
prevent this particular peice of club history repeating itself!
SJ. Chandos.
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Nani's Exit - Pro or Contra?
West Ham Till I Die
It has been confirmed by the club that Nani has left his post as Technical
Director by 'mutual consent.' It had been strongly suggested, for some
considerable time, that this might happen as part of the ongoing
cost-cutting measures at the club. A clear indicator was the way in which
David Sullivan took personal control of the transfer negotiations in the
January transfer window.
I think that Nani's role at the club split opinion amongst Hammers fans.
Some emphasised the recruitment of Behrami, Ilunga, Daprela, Diamanti and
Franco as clear evidence of his value to the club. They also pointed to the
recent flow of promising overseas youngsters like Ferriera and Sanchez in to
the Academy as further evidence of added value. In contrast others have
been disappointed with the acquisitions, were worried by an alleged recent
over-emphasis upon the Italian/overseas market and cited the acquisition of
Nsereko as the ultimate costly mistake.
As with most things in life, the assessment of achievement and ultimate
value is a balance sheet of perceived successes and failures. Based on such
an analysis should we be pro or contra the deletion of Nani's post at the
club? Should we acknowledge that the radically changing circumstances at
the club (particularly the worsening financial situation) fatally undermined
the scope of what Nani could achieve in the role? Is it the right move for
the club or a short-sighted measure? More to the point, what arrangement is
likely to replace his post and will it ultimately improve the club's
recruitment policy and track record?
SJ. Chandos.
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