Thursday, March 31

Daily WHUFC News - 31st March 2011

Bridgey backs charity cause
WHUFC.com
An Oxfam charity event at the Boleyn Ground has been backed by Wayne Bridge
30.03.2011

Wayne Bridge has hailed the "brilliant" Hammers fans for the way they have
helped him to settle in at the Boleyn Ground. The left-back, who has made an
immediate impact since arriving in January, was speaking to West Ham TV at a
special event to raise money for a Mali project in conjunction with Oxfam.
It featured scores of children from Keys Meadow Primary School from Enfield
running a mile around the Boleyn Ground pitch. The aim is to help children
and their families in rural communities to improve their literacy skills and
have access to clean water. The idea of running the mile and raising money
for the project was chosen by the children themselves, with the overall aim
to run collaborative marathons around the pitches and tracks of stadiums and
athletic centres across London. Bridge was delighted to get involved, and
paid tribute to the youngsters' commitment. "A mile is a long way for kids,"
he told West Ham TV. "But they seemed to have a lot of energy. They have got
big smiles from meeting me but it is more the other way round to see the
smiles you can put on their faces. It is good meeting fans that appreciate
you and meeting fans that cheer us on week in, week out. "The fans have been
brilliant ever since I have been here. I noticed they do get behind the
team. Even when we were three-nil down against West Brom I was thinking we
would go out after half-time and they would have left. "They were still
there cheering us on and they definitely helped us in that second half. It
would be nice to give them something to shout about on Saturday."

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Spence extends City stay
WHUFC.com
Swift progress for club and country has compelled Jordan Spence to stay out
on loan for longer
30.03.2011

Jordan Spence is having the time of his life at Bristol City. Two days after
making his England Under-21 bow, the 20-year-old has extended his spell
until the end of the Championship season on 7 May. Spence has shone in his
first four matches at Ashton Gate, helping the team to three wins in four
matches and making the right-back position his own. He did not think twice
about staying for longer and could still then return to West Ham United with
a chance of figuring in the Barclays Premier League before the top-flight
campaign closes on 22 May. After that could yet be a dream call for the
Young Lions at the UEFA U21 EURO in the summer.
But first, Spence is just delighted to be playing regular football at a high
standard. "Three wins in four matches has been a good start," he told
whufc.com. "When I first signed, they were on the back of two wins but it
was nice to be able to come and keep that winning momentum. "It is brilliant
to be playing games, playing and winning football matches is what it is all
about and when those two things work in tandem there is nothing better."

Living in the south-west has not fazed the homegrown Hammer after previous
successful temporary spells with Leyton Orient and Scunthorpe United in his
career.
"It is a great club, that is why I am here. I had heard good things from
other people. I am living in a really lovely city, there is a great bunch of
lads and a good coaching and managerial set-up. I was really grateful for
Keith Millen giving me the chance to come down and play. Hopefully I can
repay that faith."

With the Hammers first team in a survival scrap, Spence knew chances may be
limited to force his way into Avram Grant's thinking. He was eager to leave
reserve-team football behind and prove his worth in a high-pressure
situation - hopefully with the aim of staking his Boleyn claims in future.
"It had come to the stage of the season where it was important to go out and
play football. I am obviously really thankful for this move. It is a real
challenge, from top to bottom the results are really unpredictable. Like the
Premier League, in the Championship no game is a given and there are plenty
of real quality sides."

Spence is certainly playing alongside quality, with England goalkeeper David
James behind him in the City goal - "he is a great character on the pitch
and in the dressing room" - and the defender was keen to stress he was also
aware of the need to use his loan as a valuable learning curve. He is
relishing being used in a full-back position but will play wherever Millen
chooses to deploy him. "I would say that I am comfortable in both position.
I do enjoy right-back and the opportunity to join in the attacks, it is a
different challenge. I just like to play wherever anyone wants to use me."

Certainly Spence aspires to becoming a starter for the Hammers, having had a
brief taste of top-flight action on the last day of last season. "My
long-term plan is to play for West Ham United and it would be nice to come
back and play. Of course it is up to the manager but this loan move can only
help me."

What will also help is if Spence furthers his international experience. He
has long been in the Young Lions set-up, although the jump from U20s to U21s
was the hardest to take before this week's appearance in a 2-1 home defeat
by Iceland. "I give thanks to God that I have been [with England] since I
was 16. It is always special. It added to it for me this time because I
hadn't been involved for a while. I really enjoyed the whole time, being
with the squad and getting the chance to push on. Being part of Stuart
Pearce's plans for the summer finals will be a tough ask, although the fact
that Steve Wigley is the No2 for Bristol City and the U21s could be a
positive. He is also receiving plenty of encouragement from the Hammers
coaching staff, who have kept in close contact with him since he first made
the loan move west on 3 March. "There is a massive pool of players and a
high number of young players in my position around the country. I don't know
what will happen but all I can do is be as good as I can be. I need to
finish the season strongly and see where it takes me. There is so much time
left but, of course, I would love to go to the finals and represent my
country again."

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Demba takes SBOBET prize
WHUFC.com
Hammers striker Demba Ba has been named the fans' finest for March - fitting
reward for his superb displays
30.03.2011

Demba Ba has won the SBOBET player of the month award for March 2011. The
Senegal striker - away with his national team this week - won after securing
31.6 per cent of the vote, just ahead of Scott Parker on 30.2 per cent.
Robert Green was not far behind in third with 24.7 per cent of the more than
3,000 votes cast by Hammers fans. Parker had won for the previous three
months but Ba edged it for his displays in the 3-0 home win against Stoke
City - when he got the ball rolling with the opening goal - and the goalless
draw away to Tottenham Hotspur. In all, he has scored four goals in five
Barclays Premier League appearances since his January arrival.

The previous SBOBET winners this season have been:

February 2011 - Scott Parker
January 2011 - Scott Parker
December 2011 - Scott Parker
November 2011 - Victor Obinna
October 2011 - Mark Noble
September 2011 - Manuel da Costa
August 2011 - Kieron Dyer

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London Olympics: Judicial review threat over stadium
BBC.co.uk

Tottenham Hotspur have demanded answers from Olympics chiefs ahead of
possible court action over West Ham's successful bid for the 2012 stadium.
The Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) confirmed it had received written
questions from lawyers for the north London club. The OPLC has four weeks to
respond, after which Tottenham could request a judicial review. A spokesman
for London's mayor defended the stadium bidding process. Tottenham may seek
to challenge the process the OPLC followed in making its decision to choose
West Ham as its preferred bidder for the stadium. An OPLC spokeswoman said:
"We can confirm that a letter before action in relation to potential
judicial review proceedings has been issued. "The Olympic Park Legacy
Company ran a very rigorous and transparent process in its selection of the
recommended preferred bidder. "We have been supported by independent experts
in their field in terms of legal, financial, commercial and technical
advice."

The spokeswoman added: "We have been consistent, fair, objective and
entirely equal in our dealings with the bidders from start to finish. "We
are confident that if these judicial review proceedings are pursued, our
approach will be entirely vindicated by the courts." The UK government and
the office of the mayor of London are joint owners of the OPLC and will both
be involved in the court action. The office of London Mayor Boris Johnson
confirmed he had received a letter confirming Tottenham's decision. A City
Hall spokesman said: "We are advised and believe that the decision to choose
West Ham as the preferred bidder was properly taken."

A statement released by Tottenham Hotspur said: "At this stage the club has
not issued any proceedings against the OPLC or any other party in respect of
the decision regarding the award of the Olympic Stadium. "The club's lawyers
have written letters to the OPLC, the Mayor of London, the Minister of Sport
and the Secretary of State for Local Government and a separate letter to the
London Borough of Newham raising a number of concerns with the processes
which led to the award. "The letters also requested - in the interests of
transparency - for the provision of certain information concerning the
processes, which the club considers that it is entitled to. "Tottenham
Hotspur will determine its next step as and when it receives a response to
these letters."

Judicial reviews allow bodies to challenge decisions on grounds of
illegality, irrationality and unfairness. Reacting to the news, David Lammy,
Member of Parliament for Tottenham, said: "I'm deeply disappointed that
Spurs are still looking to move to Stratford. "A judicial review is a costly
and lengthy process that will only line the pockets of lawyers, leaving the
club, its fans and the Tottenham community in limbo. "We have made real
progress in the last few weeks to kick start the redevelopment at White Hart
Lane. "That is what fans want, it is what Tottenham wants and it is what
London wants."

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Fans' fury at ticket price hike
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 30th March 2011
By: Staff Writer

Sunderland fans are considering boycotting their team's visit to the Boleyn
Ground in May after West Ham announced that the cost of an away ticket was
rising by a third. Fans of the Black Cats were expected to arrive in east
London en masse on May 22nd for the final game of the 2010/11 Premier League
campaign. However many are now threatening to stay away after West Ham
confirmed that away fans would be expected to pay £46 per ticket - up from
£36. Supporter's website, Salut! Sunderland raged: "Be prepared to pass by
the mortgage broker on your way to paying for the West Ham United match. The
appalling rip-off merchants who have charge of West Ham have decided that
Sunderland supporters should be mugged for £46 apiece for the dubious honour
of a seat at the Boleyn [Ground]."

Meanwhile the London branch of the SAFC Supporters' Association confirmed
that they had considered balloting members with regards to boycotting the
game but had since reached the conclusion that "this is a matter of personal
choice and for many members, games in London offer the only opportunities to
follow the team."

West Ham's Premier League future could yet rely on the outcome of the game.
Sunderland are unlikely to be affected although currently sit just six
points clear of the relegation zone (and West Ham) in ninth place, having
already amassed 38 points.

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Tottenham OS statement
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 30th March 2011
By: Staff Writer

Tottenham have confirmed that they are considering legal action in regards
to the decision to name West Ham United as the OPLC's preferred bidder. We
reported earlier how the north Londoners were threatening to seek judicial
review over the decision to award West Ham the tenancy of the stadium after
the 2012 games.
And Tottenham have since issued a brief statement confirming that they are
'raising a number of concerns' over the decision, which some have claimed
was a foregone conclusion prior to the decision to award United preferred
bidder status. "At this stage the club has not issued any proceedings
against the Olympic Park Legacy Company (the OPLC) or any other party in
respect of the decision regarding the award of the Olympic Stadium," Spurs'
statement read. "The club's lawyers have written letters to the OPLC, the
Mayor of London, the Minister of Sport and the Secretary of State for Local
Government and a separate letter to the London Borough of Newham raising a
number of concerns with the processes which led to the award. "The letters
also requested - in the interests of transparency - for the provision of
certain information concerning the processes, which the club considers that
it is entitled to. Tottenham Hotspur will determine its next step as and
when it receives a response to these letters."

The OPLC have four weeks to respond to Tottenham's 'enquiry'.

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Spurs seek OS review
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 30th March 2011
By: Staff Writer

Tottenham are set to take legal action over the decision to award the use of
the Olympic Stadium post-2012 to West Ham United. It was confirmed today
that the north Londoners - who were defeated in their bid to land preferred
bidder status last month - have informed the Olympic Park Legacy Committee
(OPLC) of their decision to seek judicial review of the process. The OPLC -
who insisted this lunchtime that the entire process was conducted as a
'rigorous and transparent' process - now have four weeks in which to reply
to Tottenham, who will then decide whether to process with legal action in a
bid to overturn the decision. "We can confirm that a letter in relation to
potential judicial review proceedings has been issued," a spokesperson for
the OPLC told the BBC. "The Olympic Park Legacy Company ran a very rigorous
and transparent process in its selection of the recommended preferred
bidder. We have been supported by independent experts in their field in
terms of legal, financial, commercial and technical advice. "We have been
consistent, fair, objective and entirely equal in our dealings with the
bidders from start to finish. We are confident that if these judicial review
proceedings are pursued, our approach will be entirely vindicated by the
courts."

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Consistency is key
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 30th March 2011
By: Kwame Boakye

As I sat down with my pint to watch our recent draw with Tottenham at the
Lane I was very comfortable in the fact that I knew exactly what the back
four would be, I knew who'd be lining up in our midfield and I knew who
would be leading the line.

The squad is finally around 95 per cent fit and with it the likes of
Faubert, Kovac and Ilunga can't even win a place on the bench these days.
The change in recent performances has been remarkable.

Defensively without accidents waiting to happen i.e. Spector, Faubert, and
Ilunga, (one can only imagine the horrors of what we would've witnessed at
the Lane had any of the aforementioned taken the field) we looked robust,
strong and decisive.

There is little doubt we were under the cosh for large periods but that
inevitable feeling that we were about to concede and that suddenly we would
all be hit with a barrage of texts never really seemed like occurring.

Over the last few weeks our back four has been made up of the same
characters; the tinkering has finally come to an end and it seems we've
stumbled across a back four that can stand up to the scrutiny.

I think I speak for us all when I decree that we all just feel that little
bit safer when any of Tomkins, Da Costa and Upson are at centre half;
Tomkins has matured and improved from last season immeasurably, Da Costa
looks like the no nonsense centre-half we've needed for years and Upson on
his day is still in the upper echelons of Premier League centre backs.

At right back Lars Jacobsen looks positively cultured and assured compared
to the very erratic Faubert and anyone who saw how masterfully Wayne Bridge
shackled the twin threats of Bale and Lennon would surely agree with Mr
Redknapp that he was arguably the signing of the transfer window.

The horrendous errors at the back that have blighted us for the majority of
the season have gradually been weeded out; the stability and consistency of
picking four from the same five has coincided with us just looking far more
solid.

The recent victory over Liverpool being the perfect example; just how many
clear cut opportunities did they carve out?

This leads me rather nicely on to our midfield trio of Parker, Noble and
Hitzlsperger…isn't it refreshing to have midfield players who can pass,
tackle and shoot! Remember when we lost 0-3 at home to Arsenal? Parker and
Hitz were injured and Noble went off early with an injury and we were left
with Kovac, Boa Morte and Spector!

It was embarrassing to watch as that midfield three literally couldn't
retain the ball for more than about two passes; that game was a rude
awakening as to how limited as footballers the like of Spector, Boa and
Kovac truly are.

They got completely overran without putting up as much as whimper.

Now as much as it pains me to say it, going to White Hart Lane is just about
as difficult a fixture as you can get in English football these days. So to
see the way our first choice midfield three not only battled and scrapped
but actually passed the ball was a joy to behold. Parker, Noble and Hitz
actually do something that's golden in football (beyond Spector and the
like!) They keep the ball! Keep it ticking over waiting and probing for the
right opportunity.

The forward line now falls under my scrutiny and the one man on every
Hammers fan's lips…Demba Ba. With the deal in the offing I took a butcher's
of his finest moments on Youtube and I was very impressed. I know it's easy
to look good on Youtube (Step forward Pablo Barrera) but Ba really impressed
me; always looked sharp, a clinical finisher, good in the air, quick and
powerful. It's no surprise to me the impact he's made, but it's not just his
goals; Ba's arrival has finally seen the perennially frustrating Carlton
Cole show a bit of form instead of the odd sporadic moment of genius.

Add to this Robbie Keane and Victor Obinna returning from injury, as well as
Freddie Piquionne who is just as frustrating and brilliant as Cole at times;
it all leaves Avram Grant with a delightful selection headache…the only
shame is that players like Freddie Sears and Junior Stanislas who did
brilliantly for us when we were short of attacking options have now faded
into obscurity.

The challenge now for Avram is to find a trio to lead the line and allow
them to develop a similar understanding to Parker, Noble and Hitz.

There is little doubt, we now have a forward line that's the envy of the
majority of the league and is our best chance for yet another West Ham
United late show; where we sleep through about 90 per cent of the season and
then turn it on when the games start to run out and then in typically
spectacular fashion (Tevez winner at Old Trafford in '07 and Scotty Parker's
winner against Wigan last season) we survive.

The 'decision' to stick with Avram Grant despite the way it came about… I
think we all know what really happened there…for goodness sake the man was
waving goodbye to the fans after the Arsenal game!

Grant must be given credit for turning things around and particularly the
manner in which he has done it. I must confess in my weaker moments, staring
squarely into the abyss I contemplated - I'm ashamed to admit - Sam
Allardyce and his particular brand of 'football' in a desperate bid to get
us out of the squalor.

I pictured a five-man midfield with endless long balls aimed up towards
Coley for flick-ons and knock-downs; I pictured endless what I call 'Stoke
City goals' which are basically really scrappy finishes from set-pieces
inside the six yard box. I pictured a real conflict between the fans who
would be equally relieved to stave off relegation (again) but also disgusted
that in order to save ourselves we had to betray the footballing legacy and
philosophy that the likes of Lyall and Greenwood had put in place.


So the fact we're getting results without resorting to the methods of the
likes of Tony Pulis and Sam Allardyce actually makes this whole ordeal
easier to cope with.

The credit must go to Grant and his trusted lieutenant Wally Downes and even
in a strangely obscure way to Messer's Gold and Sullivan and of course
Karren Brady; whatever happened or didn't happen they stuck with Grant and
perhaps now we are starting to see the benefits of that decision regardless
of the way it was reached.

To conclude, once again we've got ourselves in a predicament and our
fixtures aren't the kindest, but if we can keep our current team and system
together I feel we can haul ourselves out of yet another mess. We look solid
at the back, we have a midfield that can all retain possession, tackle and
shoot and lastly we have a forward line the envy of most.

We've given ourselves a chance; but I honestly believe this year's
relegation race will go down to the final day with as many as five or six
teams involved.

Consistency in our team selection is the key to our survival as we simply
have more in the locker than the teams around us.

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Spurs to Hammer Olympic move
By PAT SHEEHAN
Published: Today

TOTTENHAM have launched the first steps in getting the decision to allow
West Ham to move into the Olympic Stadium thrown out. The North London
club's legal team have written to the Olympic Park Legacy Committee and
Minister for Sport Hugh Robertson raising concerns that led to the Hammers
getting the vote ahead of Spurs. Among Tottenham's chief points is how
Newham Borough were able to make a £40million loan of local taxpayers' money
to help West Ham move in. The EU and the coalition Government do not like
state aid for private enterprise. Tottenham also feel Newham, the local
council for West Ham's current ground at Upton Park, did not discuss fully
their own proposals to take over the stadium after the 2012 Olympics. It is
widely believed West Ham got the nod as they committed to keeping the
running track around the stadium - but that was never part of the original
criteria for any new tenant. Tottenham reckon there is strong enough legal
opinion for a possible judicial review of the decision. And if any courtroom
move is successful it will mean the original vote in West Ham's favour being
quashed and the bidding process started all over again.

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Spurs continue Olympic Stadium fight
Published 14:17 30/03/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

The battle for the Olympic Stadium could end up in court after Tottenham
challenged the legitimacy of the decision to award it to West Ham following
next year's Games. A bitter contest between the two clubs for the keys to
the £537million Olympic showpiece arena ended in February with the Olympic
Park Legacy Company (OPLC) choosing West Ham as the preferred bidder. The
Mayor of London and the Government rubber-stamped the organisation's
decision this month, meaning the Hammers were entitled to move into the
stadium in the summer of 2013.

Reports today suggested Tottenham had already applied for a judicial review
into the lawfulness of the decision, but the club denied that this
afternoon. The north London club did confirm, however, that they had sent
letters to various people involved in the decision-making process demanding
information regarding how the committee came to award the stadium to West
Ham. A Spurs statement read: "At this stage the club has not issued any
proceedings against the Olympic Park Legacy Company (the OPLC) or any other
party in respect of the decision regarding the award of the Olympic Stadium.
"The club's lawyers have written letters to the OPLC, the Mayor of London,
the Minister of Sport and the Secretary of State for Local Government and a
separate letter to the London Borough of Newham raising a number of concerns
with the processes which led to the award. "The letters also requested - in
the interests of transparency - for the provision of certain information
concerning the processes, which the club considers that it is entitled to.
"Tottenham Hotspur will determine its next step as and when it receives a
response to these letters."

The OPLC appear to have been bracing themselves for the prospect of the club
pressing for a judicial review into the decision, despite Spurs' denial that
that was the case. An OPLC spokesperson said: "We can confirm that a letter
before action in relation to potential judicial review proceedings has been
issued." The 14-person strong OPLC board, chaired by Baroness Ford, sought
advice from a number of bodies and organisations before awarding the Hammers
the Stratford stadium, and they are confident that their decision was
correct. The spokesperson added: "The Olympic Park Legacy Company ran a very
rigorous and transparent process in its selection of the recommended
preferred bidder. "We have been supported by independent experts in their
field in terms of legal, financial, commercial and technical advice. "We
have been consistent, fair, objective and entirely equal in our dealings
with the bidders from start to finish. "We are confident that if these
judicial review proceedings are pursued, our approach will be entirely
vindicated by the courts."

Should Spurs initiate a review, a judge will have to decide whether the
process to award West Ham the stadium was legal. Tottenham originally
planned to move to a 56,000 ground next to their current home in Haringey
before bidding for the Olympic Stadium became an option. A number of Spurs
fans bitterly opposed the proposed move to move to East London, insisting
that the club should stay in N17 as part of the original plan, which was
called the Northumberland Development Project. Tottenham MP David Lammy has
always supported the idea of Spurs staying in Haringey and even lobbied for
for the area around White Hart Lane to be part of an enterprise zone in
order to persuade the club to stay there. He said today: "I'm deeply
disappointed that Spurs are still looking to move to Stratford. "A judicial
review is a costly and lengthy process that will only line the pockets of
lawyers, leaving the club, its fans and the Tottenham community in limbo.
"We have made real progress in the last few weeks to kickstart the
redevelopment at White Hart Lane. "We have got a Mayoral Development
Corporation and we want an enterprise zone to boost Spurs. "I'm calling on
both sides - the club and the government - to come back together to work out
how to get the Northumberland Development Project back on the road. "That is
what fans want, it is what Tottenham wants and it is what London wants."

West Ham have yet to make a comment on today's developments. A spokesperson
for Newham Council, who partnered West Ham in their bid for the stadium,
said: "We have received the letter (from Tottenham) and will be considering
our next steps."

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West Ham WILL stay up - Keane
Published 23:00 30/03/11 By Darren Lewis
The Mirror

Defiant Robbie Keane insists West Ham will not be relegated. The Republic of
Ireland striker, on loan at the Hammers from Spurs, says he has seen enough
quality in the Upton Park squad to convince him that they will be in the
Premier League last season. Keane, who scored for his country against
Macedonia at the weekend, said: "I think, as a group of players, we
certainly believe we won't get relegated." West Ham were outstanding in
their last Premier League match to hold Champions League quarter-finalists
Tottenham to a point. Keane added: "I think we have to believe that, after a
defensive performance like that - and that we certainly have the players in
the team who can score goals. "The table is so close. If we get a couple of
back-to-back wins, we're right back up there again."

LAST FOUR RESULTS - W W D D

REMAINING FIXTURES - April 2: Manchester United (H). April 9: Bolton (A).
April 16: Aston Villa (H). April 23: Chelsea (A). May 1: Manchester City
(A).May 7: Blackburn (H). May 15: Wigan (A). May 22: Sunderland (H)

KEY PLAYER - Scott Parker. Obviously. The England midfielder has been both
outstanding and inspirational in equal measure. The big tip for Player of
the Year.

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Depleted Man United return to scene of thrashing
By Mitch Phillips
LONDON | Thu Mar 31, 2011 3:03am BST
Uk.reuters.com

(Reuters) - Manchester United have already lost 4-0 at West Ham United this
season and, with a patched-up defence, they cannot afford a repeat on
Saturday as the Premier League title race resumes. A second-string United
side crashed out of the League Cup at Upton Park and with Rio Ferdinand,
John O'Shea, Jonny Evans and Rafael da Silva all ruled out, manager Alex
Ferguson will be short of defensive options. The international break came at
a good time for the league leaders and at least they should be boosted by
the return of captain Nemanja Vidic who emerged unscathed from his comeback
game for Serbia. "It has been a bad spell for us," said Ferguson, adding
that injuries were undermining any hopes of emulating the 1999 team who won
the treble of Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup. "It is going to
be more difficult than it was in 1999, we didn't have the injuries we do
now," he added. "There is a great desire to do it but we have so many
injuries to defenders at present."

United lead the standings on 63 points, five ahead of Arsenal who have a
game in hand. United still have to visit the Emirates as well as hosting
third-placed Chelsea (54 points) so the league is still wide open. United,
who have won only four of 15 away league games this season, start Saturday's
action with an 11.45 GMT kickoff and will be hoping the game follows a
similar pattern as the 4-0 league win at West Ham last season. West Ham,
however, are above the relegation zone on goal difference only and a third
home league win a row would boost their prospects of avoiding the drop.
Arsenal, who have to wait until 1630 to play Blackburn Rovers at the
Emirates, have won their last seven home games against them, scoring 25
goals in the process.

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'It's almost as if I was never a footballer' Ashton taking time out to
rediscover his love of game that once promised so much
By IVAN SPECK
EXCLUSIVE
Last updated at 1:53 AM on 31st March 2011
Daily Mail

Dean Ashton spent international weekend with his young family in their
Norfolk idyll, kicking a football around with three-year-old son Ethan on
the semi-circular lawn. There was no running, though, because Ashton no
longer can. He was three months short of his 23rd birthday when he was
called into Steve McClaren's first England squad for a friendly against
Greece in August 2006. The day before his debut, a heavy tackle in training
from team-mate Shaun Wright-Phillips shattered his left ankle and re-shaped
his life. In the changing room, pain, shock and fear took hold. Ashton
cried uncontrollably because he knew the injury was severe. He played only
41 more games, including 45 minutes for England in Trinidad. He knew he was
not the same player and his career was over at the age of 26. The same age
Wayne Rooney will reach later this year; they used to talk about Ashton and
Rooney as England's next strike force.

In spite of the occasional punditry for Sky and a visit to his old club
Norwich with family and friends, Ashton has pulled back from football
because he had to. He needs to love the game again and for that to happen,
the resentment over his fate has to subside. 'I'm still bitter about the way
football is for me personally, so I want to give myself plenty of time to
feel comfortable with it again,' he says with a refreshing candour. 'It's
very difficult when you finish playing the game but all of the players
you've been playing with carry on and players who are older than you are
still playing. 'I was in the same Under 21s team as James Milner, Darren
Bent, Carlton Cole, Michael Dawson and Stewart Downing. They are all in the
England squad now. That's what is hard to watch because you feel you would
have been there and involved in matches like the Wales game. That makes it
very difficult to handle.

'I don't feel bitter towards England. I don't sit in my room depressed when
England are on. And I have no grudge towards Shaun Wright-Phillips. It's
just that I'm not comfortable yet with loving football. The worst thing I
could do would be to rush back into football and really dislike it. 'It's
pretty simple. I just wish I hadn't broken my ankle. But I had a good 10
years in the game and the experience I had was fantastic. My best friends
who were at the Crewe academy with me but who never quite made it soon
remind me, "Hang on, we didn't make it and we've got nine-to-five jobs.
You've got to be grateful for what you had".'

There may be no grudge towards Wright-Phillips but ask Ashton whether the
Manchester City winger phoned him with a message of sympathy or apology
when his retirement was finally confirmed in December 2009 and the answer is
a simple 'No'. Ashton prefers to keep his feelings on the matter private
but you feel that if the boot which ended a fellow professional's career had
been on a different foot — Ashton's foot, perhaps — a phone call would have
been the minimum support offered.
Ashton also prefers to keep details of his financial severance from the game
private, but it is safe to say he does not have to find work until he is
ready. A five-year contract West Ham gave him in the summer of 2008, just a
few months before his ankle gave out for good, helped. 'I was lucky enough
that I managed to play in the Premier League for a few years and that makes
me more secure than a lot of players who retired through injury before the
money came into the game. 'I haven't even thought about managing, let alone
coaching at the moment, although the coaching side is something I want to do
when I feel I'm really ready to do it. 'You can't be retired from 26 for the
rest of your life. You need things to stimulate your mind. Although I've got
young kids at the moment, eventually they will go to school and I will need
to test my mind and keep my brain going. I'm not particularly busy but it's
lovely just to be spending time with the family and doing things I want to
do. It's nice to have free time. There are not many people in the country
who get to spend time with their kids like I am at the moment. 'The phone
didn't particularly ring a lot when I retired. I had the odd text message
but not many deep and meaningful conversations with people. However bad
they feel for you, professional players almost want to block it out. They
don't want to think about what it must be like and to think that it might
happen to them.'

You sense that the emotions at work, even within the articulate and
intelligent Ashton, are complex and still a little raw. At least the pain
has subsided from his left ankle and with it the heartache of fighting a
daily battle which he knew deep down would be lost. 'I was really glad to
retire in the end because I had had enough of operations and recovery and
waking up every morning not being able to walk to the fridge. It was a
weight off my shoulders when I did finish because it was just so difficult
being in so much pain. 'Now I can do normal things. I can walk, cycle, row,
although I can't do anything that involves running. My ankle doesn't hurt
but because it doesn't move any more, there's no flexion. I use my knee and
foot a lot to compensate. 'If I really had to run, then I could, but I would
have a terrible limp and I would look really stupid. I played in a charity
basketball match and it was a case that the ball and everyone went up one
end while I just stood at the other end until they all came rushing back. 'I
can kick the ball absolutely fine with both feet and I can mess around with
the kids, which is really nice because before I finished I wouldn't have
been able to do that. And I can play golf and walk the whole course.
'Obviously in later life I'm going to have trouble with my knees, my foot,
my hip, arthritis in the different areas which take more strain than they
probably should do, but I had no choice but to have the operation. It was
the best chance I had to have a normal life of walking and playing with the
kids.'

Ashton's retirement was also a blessing of sorts for his wife Gemma, who
shared the mental anguish but who could do nothing to ease her husband's
pain through the ordeal. She said: 'It is really hard because you want to be
able to help your husband but there is very little you can do. He has coped
with it amazingly well. I don't know anyone who could have coped with it as
well as he has. I never saw him get upset. 'It's been a different journey
for him to the one the fans have seen. I think he has known himself for a
lot longer than they did that he would have to retire. When it came to it,
he had already dealt with that in his head. It's definitely a change from
when he was playing to have him around all the time, but really nice too,
especially because our children are young.' Being removed from the crowds
and the adulation does have one advantage for Ashton. It takes you away from
intrusion and insinuation like the whispering campaign during his Norwich
days that said that he was gay. He is not, but he wants to see football move
into a position where it becomes a non-issue, so that others do not have to
endure similar treatment. 'When I first came to Norwich, I was 21 and on my
own. Jason Shackell, Ryan Jarvis and Ian Henderson were really nice to me,
showing me around the city, going to the cinema or bowling. Me and Shacks
just went for a meal one night. The next minute it is, "Ashton and Shackell
are lovers". I always wonder who has got the time or the thoughts to do
something like that on the internet. But you can't stop it so why worry
about it? 'We're in such a modern world now that things like that shouldn't
matter any more. I know that football's meant to be a real man's game, as
they say, but it shouldn't be anybody else's business.' There are no
reminders of Ashton's career on show in the living area of the family home,
not his solitary England cap, nor his FA Cup runners-up medal from 2006, nor
any photo of his peroxide blond hair atop a claret and blue West Ham shirt.
Even if there were, he would view them as third-party possessions, such is
the detached perspective he now holds on life in the game. 'Because I've
gone from playing to not playing and not even being able to run, it's almost
like I never actually was a footballer, if that makes sense.
'It's really strange but that's because at the moment the last thing I could
do is play football. And I haven't played for nearly three years now.' When
he does return to football, the likeable Ashton will be an asset, but that
time has not yet arrived.

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Tottenham's lawyers seek clarification over Olympic Stadium decision
Letters written to OPLC, London mayor and minister of sport
Tottenham join Leyton Orient in concerns over process
Jamie Jackson
guardian.co.uk, Wednesday 30 March 2011 15.46 BST

Tottenham Hostpur's lawyers have written to the Olympic Park Legacy Company,
the mayor of London, two government departments and Newham Council,
regarding the awarding of the 2012 stadium in Stratford to West Ham United.
A statement on Tottenham's website said: "At this stage the Club has not
issued any proceedings against the Olympic Park Legacy Company (the OPLC) or
any other party in respect of the decision regarding the award of the
Olympic Stadium. The Club's lawyers have written letters to the OPLC, the
Mayor of London, the Minister of Sport and the Secretary of State for Local
Government and a separate letter to the London Borough of Newham raising a
number of concerns with the processes which led to the award.

"The letters also requested — in the interests of transparency — for the
provision of certain information concerning the processes, which the Club
considers that it is entitled to. Tottenham Hotspur will determine its next
step as and when it receives a response to these letter."

Barry Hearn, the Leyton Orient chairman, has written to David Cameron and
Boris Johnson regarding the decision. He is concerned that, as Orient is the
club nearest to the stadium, it may be unduly affected by West Ham moving to
the venue.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Wednesday, March 30

Daily WHUFC News - 30th March 2011

International round-up
WHUFC.com
Lars Jacobsen and Victor Obinna were both in action on a busy Tuesday across
the globe
29.03.2011

Scott Parker and Robert Green were able to enjoy England's enthralling 1-1
friendly draw with Ghana at Wembley from the safety of the substitutes'
bench on Tuesday evening.

Elsewhere, however, there were plenty of West Ham United players in action
for their respective countries on a busy evening of international football
all over the world. Right-back Lars Jacobsen played for an hour for Denmark
in their 2-1 friendly victory in Slovakia. The Danes triumphed in Trnava
thanks to an own-goal from Kornel Salata after three minutes and a
second-half strike from Michael Krohn-Dehli.

Further afield, Victor Obinna started Nigeria's 3-0 friendly win over Kenya
in Abuja, testing goalkeeper Arnold Otieno with a well-struck 25-yard
free-kick midway through the first half. Ahmed Musa, Ikechukwu Uche and
Victor Anichebe were on target for the Super Eagles.

Marek Stech played the full 90 minutes for the Czech Republic Under-21s as
they went down 1-0 to France in Olomouc. The Czech are taking part in this
summer's UEFA U21 EURO but saw an 16-match unbeaten run ended, despite
Stech's best efforts. The keeper did make a tremendous late save to keep the
scoreline respectable.

Further down at age-group level, Eoin Wearen lined-up for Republic of
Ireland U19s in his country's second match of a short tour of Cyprus. The
central midfielder started Sunday's goal-less draw with the Cyprus U19 side
before appearing in Tuesday's friendly meeting with Cypriot First Division
side Enosis Paralimni on Tuesday evening. Ironically, Paralimni wear claret
and blue colours after being donated a West Ham strip by Hammers legend
Bobby Moore in the late 1960s.

Further afield, no fewer than three West Ham players will be in action for
their respective national sides overnight. Pablo Barrera's Mexico will be
looking to build on their confidence-boosting weekend win over Paraguay when
they take on Venezuela in a friendly in the American city of San Diego,
California.

Elsewhere in the United States, Jonathan Spector and his American team-mates
will host the Paraguayans in Nashville, Tennessee.

Finally, youth-team midfielder Sebastian Lletget is part of the United
States U20 squad that begins its challenge for the CONCACAF U20 Championship
in Guatemala.
The Americans start the tournament with a Group B meeting with Suriname in
Guatemala City this evening before taking on Panama on Saturday 2 April.

The four nations that reach the semi-finals of the 12-team competition will
qualify for this summer's FIFA U20 World Cup in Colombia.

Later this week, the club's youngsters take centre-stage, with both
first-year scholar Blair Turgott and schoolboy Leo Chambers facing
make-or-break matches with England. Turgott has scored in each of the U17s'
opening two UEFA European Championship Elite Round qualifiers against Spain.
The midfielder netted in England's victories over Northern Ireland and
mini-group hosts Belgium, setting up a winner-takes-all meeting with the
Spanish on Thursday. With Spain possessing a better goal difference after
two matches, Turgott and his team-mates know only a win will take the
defending champions through to the finals in Serbia in May. Chambers,
meanwhile, has been named in the U16 squad for their final Sky Sports
Victory Shield fixture against Scotland in Morecambe. England know only a
win will bring them a tenth consecutive title.

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Will Scott Parker be Fit for Saturday?
March 30th, 2011 - 3:41 am by S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die

Thankfully, the Hammers players, selected for their respective nations seem
to have come through the international break largely unscathed. The only
question mark is over the severity of the calve strain suffered by Scott
Parker in last Saturday's Euro-Championship qualifier against Wales. It
remains to be seen whether the injury will prevent Parker appearing in this
weekend's fixture against Man Utd? Hopefully, resting Parker from the Ghana
match, last night, was just a precaution and he will be fit and as
influential as usual, in our midfield, come 12.30pm on Saturday!

A victory against Man Utd would certainly prove to be a major staging post
in a successful campaign against relegation. It is one of those weekends
where the relegation strugglers are either playing each other or one of the
top half teams. For instance, on Saturday, Brum have a tough match against
the greatly improved Bolton Wanderers; Villa face a tough match at Goodison;
Wolves are at St James Park; WBA play host to Liverpool; Wigan face Spurs;
Blackburn are away at Arsenal; and Stoke City face Chelski. While on
Sunday, Fulham take on Blackpool at Craven Cottage. If enough of those
matches go our way, and we can grab a win over Man Utd, then it will further
consolidate our position outside of the bottom three.

This relegation battle is the closest that I can ever recall in the PL. If
we had beaten Spurs last week, we would have actually catapulted up to 13th
place, thus achieving virtual mid-table respectability! As it is, I retain
my season long conviction that we will escape relegation. It is still going
to be potentially tough, with challenging away fixtures at Bolton, Man City
and Chelski. But we have the form and the momentum to grind out the
results, in those type of matches, and eventually climb to safety. We also
have the assurance of very winnable games against Villa, Blackburn, Wigan
and Sunderland. Though heavens knows what the magic safety margin of points
will prove to be this season? Will it be 38, 40 or 42, who can say? All
we can do is ensure that we win our home matches, amass as many away points
as possible, and hope that we do enough to endure.

No doubt a full strength Man Utd line up will be fired up to avenge their
4-0 Carling Cup humiliation at our hands. They may have lost Tevez and
Ronaldo, but they still have top quality players, such as Berbatov, Rooney
and Nani. While Vidic is an absolute rock in their defence and the
veterans, Giggs and Scoles, can still prove influential on their day. But
if we build up an head of steam, and play to our full potential, we will
have every chance of success against them. COYI.

SJ. Chandos.

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Jack the glad eyes stiff test
Published: Today
The Sun

JACK COLLISON will finally return from a long-term knee injury when West Ham
reserves play Manchester United on Friday. The Welsh midfielder, 22, has
been out for a year after surgery. But Collison is still hoping to play a
crucial role in West Ham's battle to avoid relegation.

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Basel slap £6m price tag on Aston Villa and West Ham target
By talkSPORT
Tuesday, March 29

Aston Villa and West Ham have been told they will have to pay £6million if
they want to land Basel's flying winger Valentin Stocker. The two Premier
League sides are among a host of clubs across the continent keeping a close
eye on the 21-year-old, who has scored six goals for the runaway leaders of
the Swiss Premier League.
But, aware of the interest in their star player, Basel have almost doubled
their summer asking price, according to reports in Switzerland. It is
understood that Bayern Munich and Udinese are also hoping to secure Stocker
at the end of the season, but Aston Villa have lined him up as a possible
replacement for Ashley Young, whose future looks uncertain. West Ham's
interest is thought to depend on their Premier League status at the end of
the season.

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Collison on course to make long-awaited West Ham return this week
By talkSPORT
Tuesday, March 29

Jack Collison is finally set to make his long-awaited comeback from a
long-term knee injury when West Ham reserves play Manchester United on
Friday. Collison has been ruled out for the last year with a serious knee
problem which required surgery. The Wales international resumed training at
the start of the year, but the club have refused to rush him back into
action and are not prepared to take any risks over his comeback. Collison is
still hoping to play a major role for the east London club as they look to
force their way out of the bottom three. The talented midfielder is set to
play his first game when the reserves play at Bishops Stortford on Friday
afternoon.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Tuesday, March 29

Daily WHUFC News - 29th March 2011

Holmar on a high
WHUFC.com
There might have been three Hammers in Under-21 action on Monday but only
one was a winner
28.03.2011

Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson had a night to remember up against club colleagues
James Tomkins and Jordan Spence on Monday night. The Hammers centre-back
headed a 66th-minute winner for Iceland Under-21s in a 2-1 friendly win away
to England Under-21s in Preston. The 20-year-old Eyjolfsson more than did
his job at the other end by keeping Ipswich Town starlet Connor Wickham
quiet in an entertaining match at Deepdale. Nathan Delfouneso had put the
Young Lions in front only for Iceland to equalise through Arnor Smarason
just before half-time. Tomkins, who will celebrate his 22nd birthday on
Tuesday, played the whole 90 minutes for Stuart Pearce's under-strength
side, having played for 85 minutes of last Thursday's 4-0 win against
Denmark. He was joined by Spence, on loan at Bristol City, for the last 17
minutes with the right-back having impressed in the last month in the
Championship to earn his maiden cap at this level. England and Iceland are
among the eight nations taking part in this summer's UEFA European Under-21
Championship in Denmark.

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Turgott the England saviour
WHUFC.com
Hammers forward Blair Turgott has continued his excellent progress for club
and country
28.03.2011

Blair Turgott was the main man for England again with the decisive goal in a
2-1 win against Belgium in UEFA European Under-17 Championship Elite round
qualifying. Turgott had scored a crucial goal on Saturday in a 3-1 group
opener against Northern Ireland and came off the bench in the 53rd minute on
Monday evening to score the winner 13 minutes later. The victory against the
Group 5 mini-tournament hosts has set up a crucial showdown with Spain on
Thursday, when only a win will take the Young Lions to the summer finals in
Serbia between 3 and 15 May. West Ham United continue to be well represented
at all levels for England, with Jordan Spence and James Tomkins on U21 duty
on Monday night while Robert Hall - who helped England win the 2010 U17
finals - and George Moncur will face Italy away in an U18 friendly on 12
April.

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Piquionne pushing hard
WHUFC.com
A frustrating foot injury will hopefully not prevent Frederic Piquionne from
facing Manchester United
28.03.2011

Frederic Piquionne is hoping to return to first-team training this week
before Saturday's visit of Manchester United after being forced to sit out
since the FA Cup defeat by Stoke City. The French striker was hurt in a
collision with Robert Huth as he scored the Hammers' only goal in that 3-1
defeat back on 13 March. Piquionne suffered a painful foot injury that
required him to rest it completely, meaning he finished last week focusing
his efforts on fitness and bike work in the Chadwell Heath gym. "I am
recovering well," Piquionne told West Ham TV. "The physio and I are hoping
this week I can train with the first team. My right toes were injured, it
was really painful. "It was a shame because I started the Stoke game slowly
but I was able to score. I needed to come off and it was a shame for the
rest of the game. I think I could have scored again and we might have won
the game."

Although Piquionne had to sit out the trip to Tottenham Hotspur a week ago,
he has been helped by the enforced international break. "It has been good
for me. I have two weeks to come back. I have extra time to prepare for the
big game against Man U and I hope I can be back."

He has nine goals from 35 appearances so far for the Hammers but believed he
could yet add more to that tally in the hope of helping the team's survival
fight. "It is time to take points now because there are just eight games
until the end of the season. We need to stay in the Premier League.
"Confidence is high. In the Premier League we have had some good results
against Stoke and Liverpool at home and we need to keep this confidence
against Man U. Maybe we can win the game.
"Home matches are very important. We have Man U, Aston Villa and Blackburn
at home and we need to take nine points from these matches."

As ever, the popular Piquionne is aware that the team game at West Ham
extends beyond the pitch and into all four corners of the Boleyn Ground.
"The supporters are very good and we need them for the rest of the season. I
hope we stay in the Premier League and the team will do the maximum for
that. For that I need to stay cool to help my team and I need to train hard
to get back into the team."

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Blackburn Rovers 4-1 Reserves
WHUFC.com
Anthony Edgar's penalty cannot prevent Steve Lomas suffering his first
defeat as reserve-team manager
28.03.2011

BLACKBURN ROVERS v WEST HAM UNITED
BARCLAYS PREMIER RESERVE LEAGUE
MONDAY 28 MARCH 2011
KICK-OFF: 2PM

Full-time score - Blackburn Rovers reserves 4-1 West Ham United reserves

92 mins - The final whistle is blown and it's handshakes all-round. Lomas
tells opposite number Gary Bowyer that his side deserved to win and he's
right. Blackburn were clinical in the early and late stages of the game.
West Ham had a spell before and after scoring their goal, but it wasn't
enough. Don't forget to keep an eye on whufc.com and West Ham TV for
reaction and highlights. The reserves return to action on Friday, when
Manchester United are the visitors to Bishop's Stortford FC.
90 mins - We're going to have at least two added minutes. It's been a tough
afternoon for the young Hammers and one I'm sure they will learn from. It's
always difficult to get back into a game when you concede twice in the
opening ten minutes and that has certainly been the case this afternoon. It
is not that West Ham have not given their all, but they have just been
second-best on the day.
89 mins - Edgar sends a high free-kick to the far post where McNaughton wins
the header, but he's penalised for a push.
87 mins - GOAL! He's not offside this time. Molina switches play with a
fantastic pass to Evans that by-passes Driver. He plays a neat pass to the
over-lapping full-back and when the ball is pulled back, Hitchcock belts a
first-time finish high into the net. Clinical. The goal-scorer is rewarded
by being replaced by Hanley.
86 mins - Blackburn have the ball in the net again, but Hitchcock is
offside.
83 mins - From the corner, Pearson powers a header goalwards and Abdulla
blocks on the line.
81 mins - Blackburn bring on Wylie for Knowles. From the kick-off, Rovers
win the ball quickly and Osawe is in again, only for Abdulla to track back
and make a fine challenge.
80 mins - GOAL! That's probably that. Blackburn win the ball back in
midfield and substitute Osawe streaks away past McNaughton and belts his
shot across Larkins and into the far corner. Fry was hurt in the build-up to
that goal. It looks like a groin problem. Declan Hunt is on to replace him.
77 mins - Edgar is fouled wide on the right. Another chance to deliver some
quality into the box. Lomas urges Fry and McNaughton to get forward for
Abdulla's delivery, but it is headed clear of danger.
75 mins - Edgar sends in a fierce, dipping free-kick that is headed out for
a corner by Molina. Edgar takes the left-wing corner and Molina is there
again to head clear.
74 mins - Superb play from Lee as he chops back on his right foot and is
brought down a couple of yards outside the box on the left. Edgar to take...
73 mins - Blackburn make their first chance, with Osawe coming on for
MacLaren. The Hammers have got a boost from that goal and are pushing hard
for an equaliser. Great spirit from the visitors.
71 mins - That's a let-off. Abdulla loses possession in midfield and Evans
runs at Modelski and Edgar before slotting the ball inside. It is poked back
into the path of the No7 but he can only drive a low shot wide from 20
yards.
68 mins - GOAL! The corner is a poor one but it finds Hall at the near post.
He controls and shoots and the ball hits a Blackburn hand. The referee
points to the spot. Edgar strolls up and strokes the ball into the bottom
left-hand corner.
67 mins - That's better. Modelski and Hall combine before Moncur finds Lee
18 yards out. He strikes the ball first-time and it flicks off a defender
and wide.
66 mins - Lee gets involved, collecting a long pass down the left from Fry
before winning a throw, but it comes to nothing.
64 mins - McCallum is the man to come off. Lee comes on for his reserve-team
debut. West Ham go 4-4-1-1 with Hall behind Lee and Edgar wide on the right
wing.
62 mins - Lomas has his three outfield substitutes warming up. Elliot Lee
will be on shortly.
60 mins - That should be 1-2. Abdulla collects the ball from Fry inside his
own half before turning and releasing Hall. He slots a pass inside for the
advancing Modelski, who cuts it back into the path of the unmarked Edgar,
but the No7 slides his left-foot shot wide of the far post from 12 yards.
58 mins - Montano has suffered a hamstring injury and is receiving treatment
in the dressing room. Back on the pitch, it's still not happening for the
Hammers, no matter how hard they are trying to get back into this game.
Driver goes forward and beats one and then another before losing control as
he enters the penalty area.
54 mins - Hall nicks the ball in midfield and tries to play in Subuola. It's
close to being a great ball, but Pearson gets a foot in to intercept. That's
a shame, because Subuola would have been in on goal.
51 mins - Hall takes the free-kick but it's cleared to Driver on halfway. He
lofts the ball back in, but it's too high for Fry and Kean collects on the
bounce.
50 mins - Blackburn counter-attack through Morris, but his left-foot shot
flies a long way over the top. West Ham immediately go forward again and
Ramm brings down Hall. A chance for the Hammers to deliver some quality into
the area.
49 mins - Edgar works Kean with a savagely-dipping shot from 25 yards. The
goalkeeper plunges to his right and helps the ball around the post. Moncur
takes the corner, but it's easily cleared at the near post.
48 mins - The Hammers have started on the front foot, but two attempts from
Hall to get the ball into the penalty area are unsuccessful.
46 mins - Blackburn get the second half underway shooting from right to
left. Lomas demands that his players start the second half at a high tempo.

Half-time score - Blackburn Rovers reserves 2-0 West Ham United reserves
Montano has taken a whack to the back of his leg. He has been taken into the
training ground building treatment room for a check-over, but hopefully it
will not be too serious.

48 mins - That's half-time. Lomas calls his players together for a chat by
the away dugout, He needs to rally his troops ahead of the second 45
minutes.
45 mins - Montano needs to be stretchered off. I'm not sure of the extent of
his injury, or even what part of his body the No11 has hurt, but I'll do my
best to find out. The medical staff are taking their time before bringing
Montano off. After three minutes or so, Subuola is on.
43 mins - Henley tries to pick out the run of right-back Ramm, but Montano
is there with the header back to Fry. Ramm runs into the Colombian and
Montano is down and needs treatment. He's not going to be able to continue
and Subuola is immediately told to get ready by manager Lomas.
41 mins - That's West Ham's best period of possession of the game so far.
The Hammers switch flanks a couple of times and pull Rovers around a bit.
Moncur finally finds Edgar in plenty of space, but his shot is scuffed and
rolls well wide. McCallum tries to make something of it, but he is offside
as he slides in.
38 mins - It has been a largely frustrating opening half so far, but at
least West Ham are still putting in 100 per cent. Abdulla finds Montano, who
turns his defender and shoots low and hard from 25 yards. It's straight at
Kean, though, who collects at the second attempt.
36 mins - Driver is back on and tells manager Lomas he is OK to continue.
34 mins - Hitchcock is the first player to be booked after catching Driver
on the left ankle as the full-back cleared his lines. Driver needs the
physio on.
29 mins - Good save by Larkins to prevent a third goal for Blackburn. Evans
skips past Montano and Driver before crossing for the No9, who catches his
volley well. It is going in at the near post until Larkins dives low to his
left to keep the ball out with a strong arm. Fry completes the clearance.
27 mins - Chance for Rovers. Morris beats his marker down the left flank and
cuts the ball back to MacLaren on the edge of the penalty area, but he
screws his left-foot volley well wide of the near post.
25 mins - There are probably about 100 people watching the game this
afternoon. It's a beautiful afternoon and the birds are singing in a very
idyllic setting, but unfortunately it is Blackburn who are enjoying the
surroundings more than their opponents. West Ham certainly haven't given up
the ghost, though, and a goal back could change the whole face of the game.
23 mins - Better from the visitors. Fry and Moncur before the latter finds
Edgar. He feeds McCallum and the ball drops to Hall. The England U18 forward
takes it forward and shoots from 25 yards. It's a low shot and goalkeeper
Kean does well to catch at the first attempt.
21 mins - Driver defends a long ball well and finds Edgar, who smashes a
superb 40-yard ball diagonally across the pitch to Modelski. He releases
Montano, but left winger Evans is lightning quick and forces the No11 to
concede a goal kick.
18 mins - West Ham are working hard for an opening, but not much is working
at present. The ball is given away in midfield and worked inside to Knowles.
The No8 has time to take a touch, but his 25-yard shot flies well over the
crossbar and into some rather tall trees behind the goal.
15 mins - Blackburn look full of confidence, while West Ham look a bit
shell-shocked after their two early mistakes led to goals for the home side.
Blackburn have another chance as Abdulla concedes a free-kick wide on the
left level with the edge of the Hammers box. The ball is delivered and
McCallum heads powerfully clear.
13 mins - Lomas tells his players to keep trying to pass the ball and do the
right things. It's going to be a real test of character now, though.
11 mins - Montano goes through on to Abdulla's pass and tries to poke the
ball past the goalkeeper but Kean is out fast and smothers the ball bravely
at the forward's feet.
10 mins - GOAL! It goes from bad to worse. Fry's back pass is a bit short
and Larkins is challenged by Hitchcock on the edge of the penalty area. The
ball runs just a few yards to Knowles, who slots into the unguarded net.
8 mins - Moncur plays a neat ball through for McCallum, but the No9 is a
yard offside.
5 mins - GOAL! Moncur is penalised for a soft free-kick about 35 yards out,
just right of centre. Josh Morris sends the ball into the penalty area
left-footed and McCallum heads the ball past his own goalkeeper. Rovers take
the lead in unfortunate circumstances.
2 mins - Good again from the visitors as Modelski beats his defender and
crosses towards McCallum, but goalkeeper Kean is there to claim.
1 min - Some encouraging stuff early on from West Ham as Hall and Montano
combine before Moncur finds Edgar wide on the right. He tries to play the
ball inside to Abdulla, but the central midfielder slips.

1,58pm - Abdulla and Hall kick-off...

1.56pm - I have never seen two teams ready earlier for kick-off! The two
sets of players are on the pitch waiting for the officials to get the game
underway!

1.50pm - I'm going to apologise now if there are any lapses in the live text
updates. The internet connection is not that strong up here in the
Lancashire hills. I'll do my very best to keep you updated as often as
possible. Both teams are wearing their home shirts, with West Ham in claret
and blue and Blackburn in blue and white halves. The Hammers are sporting
light blue shorts and light blue socks.

1.35pm - The two teams are out on the pitch warming up. The playing surface
looks superb from up close. With so many players away on international duty,
today's match features two very young and inexperienced teams. However, it
does offer West Ham a chance to continue their superb recent run in the
Barclays Premier Reserve League. Manager Steve Lomas has not suffered a
single defeat since taking over last month, and the former Hammers
midfielder will not want to chalk up his first loss this afternoon.

Good afternoon and welcome to Blackburn Rovers' training ground for today's
Barclays Premier Reserve League fixture. It is a bright, sunny yet somewhat
chilly day in the north east of England.

West Ham can close to within one point of Southern Group leaders Arsenal
with victory in Lancashire today. The Hammers would still have a game in
hand on the Gunners, too. However, Steve Lomas and his players face a
difficult task against a Blackburn team that sit atop Northern Group B.
Lomas has brought a very young and inexperienced side to Blackburn, with
Matt Fry (pictured) and Anthony Edgar the only players on duty to have
played senior football. Fry has spent the majority of the 2010/11 season on
loan at League One outfit Charlton Athletic, while Edgar has previously
spent time with AFC Bournemouth and has made one first-team substitute
appearance for West Ham this term. Alongside them will be first-year
professionals Callum McNaughton, Ahmed Abdulla and Cristian Montano and
scholars Filip Modelski, Callum Driver, George Moncur, Robert Hall and Paul
McCallum. The bench will also be filled with four scholars and promising
schoolboy forward Elliot Lee. Montano has been in excellent form in recent
matches, scoring four times in his last five reserve league matches, while
McNaughton has impressed in captaining the side in victories over Newcastle
United and Blackpool. There has already been good news for Moncur and Hall
this morning as both have been included in England's U18 squad for a
friendly international against Italy in Carpi on Tuesday 12 April.

Blackburn Rovers reserves: Kean, Ramm, Henley, Molina, Pearson, Parry,
Evans, Knowles (Wylie 81), Morris, Hitchcock (Hanley 87), MacLaren (Osawe
73)
Subs: Dilo, Edwards

West Ham United reserves: Larkins, Modelski, Driver, McNaughton, Fry (Hunt
80), Abdulla, Moncur, Edgar, Hall, Montano (Subuola 45), McCallum (E.Lee 64)
Subs: Cowler, Powell

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Groves relishing role
WHUFC.com
Senior coach Paul Groves has given an insight into the morale in the camp
and the big week ahead
28.03.2011

Paul Groves is looking forward to a strong week in training before the small
matter of a Saturday lunchtime meeting with the might of Manchester United.
The Hammers senior coach and the rest of the backroom staff have an extra
challenge this week with so many of the squad away on international duty,
but Groves said the recent good form had made things easier for all. The
club entered the break outside of the bottom three and knowing that
top-flight destiny over the last eight matches lies in their hands. Speaking
exclusively to West Ham TV, Groves said: "There is a very good atmosphere
around the place. Obviously the wins and the results and the performances
bring that about. "There has been a gradual gaining of momentum from the
turn of the year and that has culminated in the position and the state of
where we are now in respect of the whole group. "The whole squad has pulled
together and there has been a big change in terms of the atmosphere around
the place. The results have a big impact but it is also the way people have
come back from injury, the way new players have been integrated into the
squad. It is a combination of small things and they all matter in the end in
bringing it all together."

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Watch Ba score for Senegal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th March 2011
By: Staff Writer

Demba Ba continued his recent run of good form with the only goal in
Senegal's 1-0 win over Cameroon at the weekend. The Hammers striker was just
one of a number of players out on international duty at the weekend and hit
the only goal of Saturday's game to send his country top of the 2012 African
Cup of Nations Group E qualifying table. Elsewhere around the globe, Pablo
Barrera played a vital role in Mexico's 3-1 win over Paraguay. The winger's
seventh minute cross was converted by Manchester United's Javier Hernandez
to give the Mexicans an early lead in a game the won comfortably. Right back
Lars Jacobsen played a full 90 minutes for Denmark as they secured a 1-1
draw with neighbours Norway in Oslo, in Group H of the Euro 2012 qualifiers.
Jacobsen's side took the lead through Dennis Rommedahl on 27 minutes and led
til the 81st when Bari's Erik Huseklepp saved a point for the home side. In
one of the weekend's surprise results, Jonathan Spector's USA held an
Argentinian side including Lionel Messi to a 1-1 draw in New Meadowlands.
The West Ham reserve played the first half of the game before being replaced
by debutant Timmy Chandler. Closer to home Robbie Keane scored for Ireland
as they edged past Macedonia by two goal to one, whilst Scott Parker player
88 minutes for England as they overcame Wales 2-0 in Cardiff.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker staying strong
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th March 2011
By: Staff Writer

Scott Parker has been talking about the devastating loss of his father - and
how he is coping with the loss. Parker's father Mick passed away just over a
week ago after a long illness. But instead of taking time off to deal with
his bereavement, the West Ham and England midfielder has represented both
his club and country since.
To continue to play football is an important part of the process, according
to Parker - who dedicated his latest England performance to his dad in an
emotional interview with the BBC last night. "My father passed away last
Friday but I've cracked on with things because I know that's what he would
have wanted me to have done," said Parker. "It's a shame that he wasn't
around to see me play and that's probably my biggest disappointment. But
he's probably looking down on me and smiling up there. "My father was ill
for a long while and we knew he was ill. I was dealing with it in my own
way; I was with him all day Friday. I left the hospital then went to the
hotel to meet up with the squad - then as soon as I got to the hotel, I
heard that my father was seriously ill. "I was with him on that Friday and I
know the sort of stuff he was saying to me, like he always would say to me.
Before I left him he was telling me about the game and how to play, to look
forward to it and everything like that. "I needed to go out there for him
and I suppose that was the one day when football didn't really come into it.
However bad I would have played that day I just went out there for him
really. " Somethimes it's a relief becasue you come into football and it
takes you away from it a little bit. When you step out you have to do all
the other stuff. Today and certainly Saturday took me out of it a little bit
but that's the way it is. "We have to stay strong, I've got my mum and my
sister to look after now. We'll stay strong and crack on."

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Parker wants England chance
Midfielder feels he is in good form after impressive Wales display
Last updated: 27th March 2011
SSN

Scott Parker is hoping to be given more opportunities for England following
his impressive performance against Wales. The midfielder made his England
debut back in November 2003, but his appearance in Saturday's Euro 2012
qualifier against Wales was just his fifth for the national team. Parker has
been in imperious form despite West Ham United's Premier League struggles
this season and was rewarded with a start at the Millennium Stadium. The
30-year-old ran Ashley Young close for the man-of-the-match award and is now
keen to establish himself in Fabio Capello's side.

Competition

"I got 45 minutes against Denmark, and I thought I did well, and it has gone
well personally again against Wales," said Parker. "I just need to keep the
form up and hopefully get a bit more of a chance. "There is a lot of
competition but I do feel I have been in some really good form this season.
"I thought the midfield combination worked pretty well. It is easy for me
when you are playing with two very good players in Lamps and Jack. "It gives
them licence to go forward a little bit and it makes life easier for me."

Parker feels the key to England's success was silencing the crowd with two
early goals from Frank Lampard and Darren Bent. He said: "It was a very
difficult place to go. First and foremost we got three points. "The
atmosphere was very tense and we quietened the crowd down. We knew we had to
do that and we killed the game."

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Piquionne hopeful on fitness
West Ham striker targets Man Utd return
Last updated: 28th March 2011
SSN

West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne is determined to return from injury
against Manchester United this weekend. Piquionne sustained a foot problem
during the FA Cup defeat to Stoke earlier this month and sat out the
goalless draw at Tottenham. However, he has not had to miss any more games
due to the international break and hopes to put himself in contention for
Saturday's clash with the Red Devils. Having stepped up his recovery
sessions in the gym, Piquionne is pleased with the improvement in his
condition. "I am recovering well," said the 32-year-old. "The physio and I
are hoping this week I can train with the first team. "My right toes were
injured, it was really painful. It was a shame because I started the Stoke
game slowly, but I was able to score. "I needed to come off and it was a
shame for the rest of the game. I think I could have scored again and we
might have won the game."

Piquionne hopes to hit the ground running after an extended break, saying:
"It has been good for me. "I have two weeks to come back. I have extra time
to prepare for the big game against Man Utd and I hope I can be back."

Confident

A four-game unbeaten run has seen Avram Grant's men climb out of the bottom
three and Piquionne is confident the Hammers can pick up what would be a
morale-boosting third straight home win against Manchester United. "It is
time to take points now because there are just eight games until the end of
the season. We need to stay in the Premier League," he told West Ham TV.
"Confidence is high. In the Premier League we have had some good results
against Stoke and Liverpool at home and we need to keep this confidence
against Manchester United. Maybe we can win the game. "The supporters are
very good and we need them for the rest of the season. I hope we stay in the
Premier League and the team will do the maximum for that. "For that I need
to stay cool to help my team and I need to train hard to get back into the
team."

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Parker - I'm in top form
Hammers midfielder pleased with individual display
Last updated: 28th March 2011
SSN

Midfielder Scott Parker feels he is in the best form of his career after
helping England to victory over Wales. The West Ham captain won his fifth
cap at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday as England secured a 2-0 Euro 2012
qualifying victory. And 30-year-old Parker, who shone for the Three Lions
with a man-of-the-match winning performance, was delighted to carry his good
form this season into his international game. "I feel like I am probably
playing the best football of my career," Parker said in The Sun. "I went
into the game confident and in form and, hopefully, I showed that out there.
"I was really happy I got a start, got to play and finished up on a winning
side." Parker admits the last week has been particularly hard for him after
his father passed away just eight days before England's victory.

Tough

"It has been a tough week. I suppose the one disappointing fact was that my
dad wasn't here to see me play," he said. "But I am sure he is looking down
and is very proud. "My father had been ill for a long time and I have been
dealing with that in my own way and trying to stay strong in my own way."
Parker's involvement in the international set-up has been limited since
making his England debut back in November 2003, with four of his caps coming
under different managers. But the midfielder insists he has not been
discouraged by his lack of opportunities, adding: "It hasn't baffled me. In
football, nothing baffles me. "At times, it has been a bit disappointing for
me. But, as always, I have just cracked on with it and seen what happened."

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Piq's in the mix to face United
The Sun
Published: 28 Mar 2011

WEST HAM striker Frederic Piquionne is aiming to return to fitness in time
to face Manchester United. The Frenchman missed the goalless draw at
Tottenham after injuring his foot when he scored in the 2-1 FA Cup defeat at
Stoke on March 13. But, after stepping up his recovery sessions in the gym,
the nine-goal hitman hopes he will be fighting fit when the
relegation-battling Hammers look to put a dent in United's title at Upton
Park in Saturday's lunchtime kick-off. Piquionne said: "I am recovering
well. The physio and I are hoping this week I can train with the first team.
"My right toes were injured, it was really painful. It was a shame because I
started the Stoke game slowly, but I was able to score. "I needed to come
off and it was a shame for the rest of the game. I think I could have scored
again and we might have won the game. "But the break has been good for me. I
have two weeks to come back. I have extra time to prepare for the big game
against Manchester United and I hope I can be back."

A four-game unbeaten run has seen Avram Grant's men climb out of the bottom
three and Piquionne is confident they can pick up what would be a
morale-boosting third straight home win. He said: "It is time to take points
now because there are just eight games until the end of the season. We need
to stay in the Premier League. "Confidence is high. In the Premier League we
have had some good results against Stoke and Liverpool at home and we need
to keep this confidence against Manchester United. "The supporters are very
good and we need them for the rest of the season. I hope we stay in the
Premier League and the team will do the maximum for that."

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Please keep Scott in the team Fabio
The Sun
IAN WRIGHT - Columnist
Email the author
Published: Today

FABIO CAPELLO admits Jack Wilshere is now a certain starter for England. But
I'd also love to see Scott Parker given the same guarantee for the rest of
our Euro 2012 qualifiers. For years, I have never understood why this guy
has been continually overlooked and I have said so many times in this
column. We cannot just blame boss Capello either, with both Sven Goran
Eriksson and Steve McClaren guilty of ignoring a player who is clearly the
answer to a specific problem in central midfield. Although aged 30, Parker
made only his fifth England appearance on Saturday but he fitted perfectly
into a 4-3-3 system against Wales. People talk about born leaders and Parker
is definitely one of those, especially when you consider he has played on
for club and country following the death of his father. I know from
experience that when you are suffering personal problems, a football pitch
is the one place where you can get away from everything. You can see Parker
absolutely adores the game. If he was playing for England, West Ham or
Dulwich Hamlet, he would play with the same passion. We still have some
tricky matches in Group G, such as Bulgaria and Montenegro away. They could
both be horrible games on difficult pitches but I really hope Capello sticks
with Parker and plays him in front of our defence. We will be given tougher
tests than Saturday but Parker would comfortably make the step up and I'd
keep him in the team for the Euros. If we qualify, of course.

West Ham fans continue to rave about him and if you speak to supporters of
Chelsea and Newcastle - let alone Charlton where he made his name - you will
not hear a bad word said about him. Capello will field a totally different
team against Ghana tonight but I hope he sticks to his guns and uses Parker
in the same position against Switzerland in June. As we now know, Wilshere
will certainly be there - if fit. It is amazing to think that, back in
August, Arsene Wenger was still thinking of returning him on loan to Bolton.
He certainly looks at home in international football and is clearly a
terrific talent but I do wish people would stop comparing him with Paul
Gascoigne, as they are two totally different players.

In terms of quality, though, Wilshere is going to be top-drawer as he
doesn't give the ball away, gets around the pitch, has legs like tree trunks
and spots a nice pass.
He must also learn as much as possible from Steven Gerrard and Frank
Lampard. Some say both players have had their day but they will still play
key roles within the new system. There would be room for another midfielder
alongside Parker and Wilshere so those writing off Gerrard and Lampard are
foolish. Capello's decision to allow the five English players involved in
the Champions League to return to their clubs was a good idea. With Wilshere
and Parker given starts in a system that suited us, maybe Capello is
starting to understand after all. We will wait and see.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham talk England out of starting Parker
Published 23:00 28/03/11 By John Cross
The Mirror

Scott Parker is set to be left on the bench against Ghana - after a
desperate plea from West Ham. Hammers manager Avram Grant spoke to England
boss Fabio Capello on Monday and asked him not to risk Parker ahead of the
Eastenders' clash with Manchester United on Saturday lunchtime. Parker
suffered a calf injury against Wales on Saturday, but trained yesterday
despite also having a shoulder problem. The West Ham midfielder went for a
scan and was cleared to play but Grant believes he has convinced Capello not
to use him from the start. It means Arsenal midfielder Jack Wilshere is
likely to start, even though Capello admitted yesterday that the number of
games the teenager has played recently might be a concern. Capello said: "I
don't know if Parker will be completely fit, and also Wilshere has played a
lot of games. I will play Wilshere, but I don't know if he'll play all the
game or half a game."

Arsenal are unlikely to be impressed that Parker can be rested but Wilshere
will be played - especially as England want the midfielder and Liverpool's
Andy Carroll to play in this summer's European Under-21 Championship in
Denmark. Liverpool's Glen Johnson is also set to start at right-back,
despite missing training, because a long-standing problem means his fitness
is carefully managed. Aaron Lennon, who had been set to start the match, has
instead returned to Tottenham because of a minor hamstring injury.

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West Ham 'annoyed' Scott Parker retained by England for Ghana game
Metro.co.uk

Scott Parker's continued involvement in the England squad and the potential
for him to play in the friendly against Ghana on Tuesday night has emerged
as a bone of contention at West Ham. A source at the club has suggested
manager Avram Grant is 'disappointed' Fabio Capello has chosen not to
release Parker back to the Hammers this week ahead of Saturday's crucial
fixture against leaders Manchester United. Newly reinstated captain John
Terry has been released by the national team to return to training, while
fellow Chelsea stars Frank Lampard and Ashley Cole, Spurs defender Michael
Dawson, and - perhaps most controversially - key United striker Wayne Rooney
were also sent back to their clubs. And it seems this has caused some
consternation at Upton Park before this weekend's crunch clash, as Capello
is said to have rejected a specific request from the east Londoners. 'We're
disappointed Scott hasn't been released,' the source is reported as saying.
'To a clubs like us, fighting relegation is just as important as the
so-called 'big' clubs playing in the Champions League. 'We are still hopeful
that different players will be used [against Ghana] and Scott will come back
to us fit and well.' As the team's main playmaker, Parker is arguably
Grant's most important asset in the battle against the drop. And a surprise
victory over United - currently five points clear at the top of the table -
would go some way to lightening the mood at West Ham, who are only outside
the drop-zone on goal difference.

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Fabio sees fit to keep Parker despite pleas from West Ham to rest star
midfielder
By MATT BARLOW Last updated at 12:36 AM on 29th March 2011
Daily Mail

Fabio Capello has resisted pressure from West Ham to release midfielder
Scott Parker from the England squad. The Hammers have made it clear they
are not keen for Parker to play against Ghana on Tuesday night because he
has a minor calf injury and a nagging shoulder problem. West Ham have a
crucial clash at home to Manchester United in the Barclays Premier League on
Saturday and are worried Parker, who played 88 minutes against Wales last
Saturday, will aggravate one of the injuries. England sent the 30-year-old
for a scan on his calf on Monday and decided it was worth keeping him in the
squad, with Capello insisting he will start for the second time in four days
if he is fit. Having impressed against Wales, Parker will not want to miss
the chance to win his sixth cap and play at Wembley for the first time. If
he is not fit enough, Capello is likely to start with Jack Wilshere, which
will annoy Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger, who has already said England are
asking too much from the 19-year-old by playing him in the senior side and
looking at sending him to the European Under 21 Championship in June.
Capello's decision to release the five Champions League players who started
in the win against Wales on Saturday - Manchester United's Wayne Rooney,
Chelsea trio Frank Lampard, John Terry and Ashley Cole and Tottenham's
Michael Dawson - was intended as a gesture of goodwill but has backfired by
antagonising other clubs who feel they have not received any favours.

West Ham, who are out of the relegation zone on goal difference, will be
disappointed if their inspirational captain Parker ends up playing his third
game in seven days against United, who will have a fresh Rooney after his
week-long rest. Ben Foster and Kyle Walker have left the England squad
because of injury and Tottenham winger Aaron Lennon withdrew last night with
a minor hamstring problem. Lennon, who did not feature in Cardiff, had been
pencilled in to play against Ghana but felt discomfort after training
yesterday and was allowed to return home. He is not expected to miss Spurs'
clash at Wigan on Saturday. His absence means Wolves winger Matt Jarvis is
likely to be on the bench and is in line for his international debut.
Capello has promised to make seven changes against Ghana, with Joe Hart,
Glen Johnson, Ashley Young and one of Wilshere or Parker expected to keep
their places.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WEST HAM FAIL TO WIN BACK SCOTT PARKER
Daily Express
Tuesday March 29,2011
By Matt Law

ENGLAND manager Fabio Capello last night resisted an attempt by West Ham to
pull Scott Parker out of tonight's friendly against Ghana. After hearing
Capello had allowed seven players to return to their clubs, West Ham asked
whether midfielder Parker, could be released after he suffered a slight calf
injury and aggravated a shoulder problem in Saturday's victory over Wales.
But after Parker underwent a scan yesterday afternoon, it was decided he
will remain with the England squad and a decision will be taken this morning
whether he is fit to play at Wembley. Capello wants to include Parker in his
starting line-up, but may decide on caution by naming him on the bench. West
Ham, who are fighting relegation from the Premier League, face Manchester
United on Saturday lunchtime and will be furious if Parker is not available
to play. Capello, though, finds himself in a potentially no-win situation,
as he is likely to start with Arsenal youngster Jack Wilshere if he decides
to appease the Hammers and allow Parker to rest. Gunners' boss Arsene Wenger
is already upset Wilshere has been lined up to play in this summer's
European Under-21 Championship finals and does not want his fitness risked.

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GLEN HODDLE BACKING THE GREAT SCOTT PARKER
Daily Express
Tuesday March 22 2011 by Tony Paskin

GLENN HODDLE says Scott Parker could be sensational for England if Fabio
Capello makes him the anchorman of a new-look midfield. England face Wales
at the Millennium Stadium on Saturday knowing victory is important if they
are to qualify for Euro 2012 and make up for a frustrating World Cup. And
Glenn Hoddle, who used a 5-3-2 formation when he was in charge of the
national team at France '98, believes now is the time to look at new ideas
to prove the future can still be bright.
"This is a crossroads for England and we need to try to get some pride back
after the World Cup; it wasn't just the results in South Africa, it was the
way we played as well," said Hoddle. "I believe we'll qualify from the
group, but how we'll do in the tournament is more difficult. We are still in
a transition period and we need to think about how to go forward. "It needs
to start with the formation. I'm not saying 4-4-2 is dead, I'm just saying
it doesn't suit England in international football."

Hoddle believes the answer to England's prayers lies in two overlapping
full-backs and, even more importantly, in West Ham midfielder Parker, who
played in England's last match in Denmark and who has been one of the
Premier League's best players this season. "Scott Parker is an excellent
footballer. He is a terrific all-round modern-day footballer. And at 30
years of age, he's a fit lad," said Hoddle. "I tried to get him when I was
at Tottenham but Chelsea came in at the last minute and we lost him. "He
could play all different roles. If you want him to burst forward, he'd do
it, he has that ability. But if you said, 'I want you to be the sitter and
allow Frank Lampard and Jack Wilshere to go forward', then he would be
perfect. "He gets on the ball quickly, he sees the picture quickly. And if
you told him to keep it simple and feed people, he would be sensational in
there. Also, if you do need to change the shape or system because you need
to change the game, he will give you a thrust from midfield as well. So he
would be a surprise element at times. "I'd also say that, in games where we
had more possession, you could use David Beckham as a sitting, holding
midfield player. With the experience he has, I could see him in front of the
centre-halves, picking out passes. But Parker gives you more tenacity."

Hoddle would like to see England adopt a similar 5-3-2 formation to the one
used in his reign, but believes there are other options that could also
prove effective.
"When I was England manager, when we were in possession we played with five
at the back, three in midfield and still kept the two up front because that
keeps the opposition full-back on the cover and allows you to outnumber them
in midfield. But what you need is flexibility," he said. "We have probably
the best attacking full-backs around in Glen Johnson and Ashley Cole. With
those two, you have a real licence to push them forward and, if you are
brave enough, let them go at the same time. Cole and Johnson are two vital
cogs of how I would like England to play. "Of course you need to protect
them with an experienced and cute third midfielder like Parker - and perhaps
that's the conundrum for Fabio Capello. "Maybe you can play two and then ask
someone like Aaron Lennon to start wide and come from out there to inside
and make the three. So one second you look at it and it looks like 4-4-2 and
then suddenly it has changed when you are in possession."

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