WHUFC.com
Hammers forward Pablo Barrera was part of a strong English-based attack as
Mexico lost a friendly
05.09.2010
Pablo Barrera played for 75 minutes as Mexico lost 2-1 at home to Ecuador in
an international friendly played in Guadalajara on Saturday night. The
Hammers forward was named in a strong starting lineup that also boasted
Fulham's Carlos Salcido, Manchester United's Javier Hernandez, Tottenham
Hotspur's Giovani dos Santos and Arsenal's Carlos Vela. Ecuador proved too
strong though and won through Cristian Benitez's double in the first and
58th minutes.
Mexico's consolation came via a Luis Checa own goal five minutes before
half-time but the North Americans were unable to find an equaliser against
their visitors from South America. Barrera could be back in action on
Tuesday when Mexico welcome Colombia to Monterrey on Tuesday.
Before then, Herita Ilunga's DR Congo will play host to Senegal in the
country's opening 2012 CAF Africa Cup of Nations Group E qualifier in
Lumbumbashi on Sunday. DR Congo will also face Cameroon and Mauritius in
qualifying.
England pair Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole will travel to Switzerland for
the UEFA Euro 2012 qualifier in Basel on Tuesday night. Neither featured in
the 18-man matchday squad when the Three Lions defeated Bulgaria 4-0 at
Wembley on Friday night. Valon Behrami is not with the Swiss as he focuses
on a club playing return.
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Showdown for young duo
WHUFC.com
Two of the club's brightest prospects are due to meet in a major UEFA U21
Euro qualifier on Tuesday
05.09.2010
Hammers youngsters Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson and Marek Stech could go head to
head on Tuesday in a decisive UEFA European Under-21 Championship qualifier.
The Group 5 match in Jablonec nad Nisou on Tuesday will see Iceland bidding
to reach the finals for the first time. Coached by centre-back Eyjolfsson's
father Eyjolfur Sverrisson, Iceland could clinch at least a play-off place
by beating the table-topping Czechs.
To do so, they may have to find their way past goalkeeper Marek Stech, who
was on the bench for the Czechs in their 1-1 draw against Germany in Mlada
Boleslav on Friday. That point left thems three points clear of Iceland
before the final fixture. Both Hammers are 20 and a firm fixture in Alex
Dyer's improving reserves.
The ten UEFA group winners and four runners-up with the best record against
the teams first, third, fourth and fifth in their sections advance to the
play-offs in October. The final tournament will be played between 11 and 25
June in Denmark next summer.
England - who have previously used James Tomkins, Junior Stanislas, Zavon
Hines and Freddie Sears in this qualifying campaign, have to beat Lithuania
on Tuesday to make sure of second spot in Group 9 and then hope they make
the play-offs as one of that quartet of best runners-up.
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Slangwhanger Sulli slams slackers
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th September 2010
By: Staff Writer
David Sullivan has accused some of West Ham's 'foreign legion' of failing to
give 100 per cent.
Sullivan, who has sanctioned the signing of eleven players - all foreign -
since he arrived at West Ham along with co-Chairman David Gold in January,
hit out at the un-named squad members in the wake of West Ham's awful start
to the 2010/11 campaign.
"We've got a few foreign players who wanted to leave but we didn't receive
any offers," he told the News of the World. "I think they couldn't be
bothered but now the deadline has passed they realise the only way out is to
play for the club and to play well and I think they will make a
contribution. They realise now that they are here until at least January so
they will get their heads down and work for the benefit of the club. They
had their heads in the air before that."
Sullivan - whose comments will almost certainly do little to galvanise a
squad already suffering from a woeful lack of confidence, as outlined
recently by Avram Grant, who confessed it would take considerable time to
rebuild prior to Sullivan's latest outburst - did however admit that he
expects the club's fortunes to change once their difficult run of opening
games are concluded - and once all of Grant's eight summer signings become
available.
"You can't judge a team after three games. It's very premature," he
insisted. "When you're building something it takes time and there have been
changes at all levels. The team that started against Manchester United was
the same team from last season because virtually all the new signings were
injured. You will find over the next few weeks that it won't be the team of
last season - but if players are performing well they will retain their
place. It's the manager's decision.
"Out of our new signings Victor Obinna didn't have international clearance,
Thomas Hitzlsperger and Winston Reid were injured, Tal Ben Haim was not
fully fit and Pablo Barrera was knackered after playing two full games in
the week after the World Cup. Now with our new players getting back and the
others back playing, you will see us get better game by game.
"The next three games are very, very tough. Chelsea at home, Stoke - who are
particularly good on their own ground - and Tottenham at home. Then the
season really starts with the Fulham game on October 2nd. But I hope to
surprise a few people against Chelsea, Stoke or Tottenham."
Despite the poor start - which also included a 1-0 win courtesy of Scott
Parker's injury time-winner against an Oxford side who were playing
non-league football last season - Sullivan maintained that new manager Avram
Grant continues to enjoy his full support, despite spurious claims to the
contrary in some media sources.
"The Bolton game was a major disappointment but it's early days. These
things happen," he added. "I haven't relayed any messages to Avram at all, I
just expect a gradual improvement in form; it's not all doom and gloom. He
inherited a very imbalanced squad. Over the next year he'll turn things
round. Results will gradually come. Avram is very, very confident about the
future.
"He'd love to have £30m-£40m to spend but what manager wouldn't? I've got
every confidence in the manager and every confidence in the team."
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Sullivan - No Grant pressure
West Ham chief insists manager's job is safe
Last updated: 5th September 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists Avram Grant is not under pressure
after just three games of the season. Some reports have claimed that
Sullivan and his co-owner David Gold, were considering Grant's position -
despite only appointing him in the summer. Grant succeeded Gianfranco Zola
in the summer, but he has endured a poor start with West Ham losing their
opening three games. But Sullivan says, Grant is not under any pressure from
him and that he has had to cope with a tough start. "I haven't relayed any
messages to Avram at all. I just expect a gradual improvement in form. It's
not all doom and gloom," he told the News of the World. "You can't judge a
team after three games. It's very premature. When you're building something
it takes time and there have been changes at all levels. "The next three
games are very, very tough. Chelsea at home, Stoke who are particularly good
on their own ground and Tottenham at home. "Three tough games and then the
season really starts with the Fulham game on October 2. But I hope to
surprise a few people against Chelsea, Stoke or Tottenham. "The Bolton game
was a major disappointment but it's early days. "There was a stage last
season where we lost six games in a row, these things happen. "He inherited
a very imbalanced squad. Over the next year he'll turn things round. Results
will gradually come. Avram is very, very confident about the future. "He'd
love to have £30m-£40m to spend but what manager wouldn't? "I've got every
confidence in the manager and every confidence in the team."
Foreign blast
Sullivan did, though, take a swipe at some of his squad, claiming some of
the 'foreign players' were not performing their best. "We've got a few
foreign players who wanted to leave but we didn't receive any offers," he
continued. "I think they couldn't be bothered but now the deadline has
passed they realise the only way out is to play for the club and to play
well and I think they will make a contribution. "They realise now that they
are here until at least January so they will get their heads down and work
for the benefit of the club. They had their heads in the air before that.
"The team that started against Man United was the same team from last season
because virtually all the new signings were injured. "You will find over the
next few weeks that it won't be the team of last season - but if players are
performing well they will retain their place. It's the manager's decision.
"Out of our new signings Victor Obinna didn't have international clearance,
Thomas Hitzlsperger was injured, Winston Reid has a torn muscle in his
buttocks, Tal Ben Haim was not fully fit and Pablo Barrera was knackered
after playing two full games in the week after the World Cup. Now with our
new players getting back and the others back playing, you will see us get
better game by game."
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Sullivan gives his backing to Grant
Harry Harris
September 5, 2010
ESPN
West Ham United's co-owner David Sullivan has informed ESPNsoccernet that
Sunday newspaper speculation that Avram Grant has only three games left to
save his job are false. Bottom-of-the-table Hammers face the daunting
prospect of games against Chelsea, Stoke and Tottenham, and it is being
suggested that Grant will become the first Premier League boss to be axed if
all three games are lost. However Sullivan tells ESPNsoccernet that it is
wide of the mark to suggest that Grant only has three games left, or that
his managerial reign at Upton Park is already under review after the opening
three games, which have left West Ham without a point. The Hammers board
appreciate that the opening sequence of fixtures have been unkind to Grant's
new managerial job and that the next three games are among the most daunting
of the seasons, and that their team would be lucky to get a point, with
anything else as massive bonus. For the corresponding six games this season,
West Ham only got two points from the same games in 2009-10.
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Hero – The Bobby Moore Story,' and Other Less Uplifting Matters!
West Ham Till I Die
It is not easy being a Hammers fan these days, so it is always nice to take
a short break, from the troubled 'here and now,' and head off on a welcome
trip down memory lane. One such opportunity is afforded to those that have
access to Sky Any Time. Up until Tuesday, 7 September, they are screening a
2002 ESPN Classic documentary entitled, 'Hero – The Bobby Moore Story,'
which is uplifting and compelling TV for all Hammers fans.
The programme documents Bobby's family background in Barking; his rise to
prominence for West Ham and England; his successful cancer treatment in the
1960s; his greatest club and international triumphs between 1964-66; the
victorious 1966 World Cup campaign; the defence of the trophy in 1970
(including the Bogota bracelet incident and that classic match with
Brazil); the sale to Fulham and 1975 FA Cup Final; the years of exclusion
from top club management and being largely ignored by the FA; and his
tragic, premature death in 1993.
The programme has some great clips of Bobby in action for West Ham and
England (at the old Upton Park and Wembley) that shows not only his
imperious defending and the odd goal or two scored, but also the on-pitch
presence, dignity and keen sense of humour of the man.
It includes interviews with Pele, George Best, Bobby Charlton, Malcolm
Allison, Noel Cantwell, Geoff Hurst, Martin Peters, Jimmy Greaves, Jackie
Charlton, Harry Redknapp, Terry Venables, Alan Ball, Alan Mullery, Mike
Summerbee and Jonathan Pearce. They hail Bobby Moore's greatness as a
defender and captain and confirm that his leadership was crucial in 1966 in
capturing the ultimate prize in world football. But they also talk of
Bobby's likeable personality and genuine, down to earth, modesty. His
personality is further explored in some very emotional, and heart felt,
interviews with his family and close friends like Jimmy Tarbuck.
It is a fine tribute to West Ham and England's greatest ever player and
captain. It must be good because it almost made me forget West Ham's
current troubles, if only for 60 minutes or so! You may already have seen
it, but check it out again, if you get a chance.
Now from the sublime to the ridiculous, some tabloids yesterday reported
that Avram Grant has just three matches to save his job! I do not believe
that things are at that stage, just yet. Grant is the appointment of the
new owners and they are likely to continue supporting him in the short term.
However, if we are still struggling in late November-early December, then I
have no doubt that the issue of a managerial change will then move up the
agenda.
David Sullivan was also reported yesterday as stating that certain of the
club's overseas players wanted a move from West Ham in the summer, but
acceptable offers were not forthcoming! He alleged that this had resulted
in those players showing an alleged lack of application and effort so far
this season. He correctly suggests that those players need to accept their
situation and play themselves in to a move in January! Ok, fair enough, but
what I do not understand is why a public statement needs to be made on this
matter. Surely it is best dealt with internally, by the manager and his
staff, in liaison with the board? I sincerely hope that this is not the
first of a new series of high profile and controversial public comments from
the board?
Finally, there were also reports that West Ham's proposed move for free
agent, Jeremie Aliadiere broke down because the player suffered a knee
injury in a trial match for the club. Apparently, West Ham have accepted
their responsibility for his medical expenses, but have denied that a deal
had been concluded. Much as I am very sorry for the player, being injured
and out of contract, the fact is that it is fortunate for the club that it
happened before he signed a contract, rather than afterwards. The last
thing we want is to pay the wages of another player with a long-term injury.
Tough, but true!
SJ. Chandos.
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Blues expect Lampard to return against Hammers
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:05 September 2010 - 01:10 PM
Sport.co.uk
Chelsea boss Carlo Ancelotti expects Frank Lampard to be fit for their next
Premier League game against West Ham United. The midfielder was forced to
miss England's Euro 2012 double-header against Bulgaria and Switzerland
following hernia surgery. Lampard was substituted during the 2-0 victory
over Stoke City on August 28 after reporting discomfort. The Chelsea medical
staff decided to send the 32-year-old for surgery during the two-week
international break and Lampard is now expected to be fit for their next
match on September 11. "For sure, Frank will be fit for the West Ham game,"
confirmed Ancelotti.
However, the Blues boss has denied suggestions that it was always their plan
to send Lampard for surgery during an international break. The Stamford
Bridge club have been accused of undermining England's Euro 2012 qualifying
bid. "No, we didn't decide at the start of the season to do this now,"
Ancelotti told the Daily Star Sunday. "After the Stoke game, Frank was in a
lot of pain. "So he decided, after talking to the club doctor, to resolve
and remove the problem immediately."
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Aliadiere reveals why West Ham deal fell through
05.09.10 | tribalfootball.com
Jeremie Aliadiere has revealed how a move to West Ham United fell through.
West Ham were keen on signing Aliadiere a month ago, but wanted evidence of
his fitness. So he was invited to play for the reserves against Crystal
Palace on a Monday night, but five minutes in, Aliadiere felt a searing pain
in his knee. "I had damaged my cruciate knee ligaments," he recalled. And
that meant the end of any possible revival of his career at Upton Park,
leaving Aliadiere clubless. He said: "There was a misunderstanding about the
deal. I was led to believe it had been agreed, but West Ham said it hadn't.
"I asked the PFA to help and they said that all the club were obliged to pay
was my medical expenses which they have."
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Collison: Grant a positive influence around West Ham
05.09.10 | tribalfootball.com
Jack Collison says Avram Grant is a positive influence at West Ham United.
The Wales midfielder hopes to be back in action for West Ham over Christmas.
On Grant, Collison told Soccer AM: "The new manager seems good. He's quite
friendly and comes over and says 'Hello'. At the moment I'm in getting
physio every day and it's nice being in and around the boys and being in the
mix. "I think they've all reacted really well to him. He's obviously
bringing in his own ideas and it's up to us to start picking up a few points
I think. "Obviously it's not a great start to the season and nobody wants to
start like that, but the new manager has come in and he's got his own ideas
of how he wants to play and maybe it's going to take a little while to
adapt. "It's only early doors and we've got a nice easy one next week
against Chelsea so hopefully we'll pick up some points there."
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West Ham youngster Sebastian Lletget pledges international future to USA
05.09.10 | tribalfootball.com
New West Ham United signing Sebastian Lletget has pledged his international
future to the USA. The teenage midfielder turned pro with West Ham last
week. Lletget told whufc.com: "The American style of play is very different
than the style of play in any other country. Spain, for example, is known
for the technical side, whereas Americans are known for their athleticism.
"For me, though, my favourite player was the US midfielder Claudio Reyna,
because he brought a different style to the game and I can relate to that.
"With my Italian heritage, Giuseppe Rossi is the player I look up to most
because he has come from a similar background to me, and is also a
similar-type player. It's my aim to make a name for myself like he has. "My
heart is in America, though, so if the chance ever arose to play for the
United States, I'd love that."
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