WHUFC.com
George McCartney is confident the Hammers can recover quickly from their
Southampton disappointment
19.10.2011
George McCartney insisted West Ham United's players will recover from their
short bout of travel sickness in time for Monday's npower Championship trip
to Brighton & Hove Albion. The Hammers suffered their first away defeat of
the season at Southampton on Tuesday, going down to a 1-0 reverse courtesy
of Jos Hooiveld's first-half header. The loss prevented Sam Allardyce's side
from leap-frogging the Saints to go top of the table, leaving the No3
feeling that West Ham had missed out on a big opportunity to put some
daylight between themselves and the chasing pack. With that in mind,
McCartney is targeting a happier night out on the south coast when he and
his team-mates visit the American Express Community Stadium early next week.
"Games like Tuesday you have to win if you want to win the league. You have
to try to pull away from other teams. The longer you hang around third,
fourth or fifth place, the harder it gets because games run out. "We have to
put it behind us. We're all disappointed but we're all confident of
finishing in first or second place come the end of the season. "You try to
go as long into the season not losing away from home or at home. We had good
away form before Tuesday night so we'll get back on the training pitch and
see where we went wrong. "We have another tough game down at Brighton on
Monday night and we have to improve, bounce back and get the three points
down there. "It's a long season and there are going to be ups and downs.
It's about how you bounce back after a defeat and I'm sure everyone will be
working hard on the training pitch to try and put things right and eradicate
the mistakes."
While McCartney and his team-mates had been fantastic on the road in their
previous five away fixtures, the left-back admitted they had not been at
anywhere near their best at St Mary's. The full-back turned in a typically
committed performance against the leaders, defending resolutely and joining
the attack down the left flank wherever possible. It was from one forward
run that McCartney won a free-kick that so nearly turned into a late
equaliser for Mark Noble, whose effort was tipped over by Kelvin Davis. One
defeat does not define a season, though, and the 30-year-old knows there is
still plenty of time remaining for him and his colleagues to put things
right. "Obviously it was our first defeat away from home. All the lads were
disappointed in the changing room because we could have played better in the
first half. We played a bit better in the second half and came into the bit
more and created some more chances, but it wasn't to be. "We just couldn't
get the goal to get us back into the game. "They passed the ball well in the
first half without creating too many chances, so to concede a goal right on
half-time and especially from a set piece, was disappointing. We just lost a
bit of concentration. "In the second half we played a little bit better, but
nowhere near as well as we can play. We created a few more chances, but the
ball just wouldn't fall in their box to allow us to get the goal we needed."
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Sebastian Coe rejects 'white elephant' Olympic Stadium claims
Page last updated at 15:05 GMT, Wednesday, 19 October 2011 16:05 UK
BBC.co.uk
London 2012 chairman Lord Coe has rejected claims the Olympic Stadium is set
to become a "white elephant". West Ham's deal to buy it fell through this
month, the government instead revealing the venue would be leased. London
assembly member John Biggs said: "The decision... is at very high risk of
creating a white elephant." Coe responded: "I do think it is very important
that we maintain a commitment to an Olympic legacy and to a mix of tenancies
in there." He added: "That is a commitment we made and I think we should see
it through." West Ham's deal collapsed amid concerns over delays caused by
the legal dispute with Tottenham and League One side Leyton Orient.
The Olympic Park Legacy Company, government and mayor of London instead came
to the agreement that the stadium, which will retain the running track, will
be leased out to a mixture of sporting events. London 2012 and Olympic
Delivery Authority officials met in London on Wednesday to answer questions
about the preparation for the Games. When Lord Coe was asked whether he
believed athletics meetings had the potential to fill the Olympic Stadium
after the Games, the two-time 1500m Olympic champion noted that the capital
was bidding for the 2017 World Athletics Championships in the belief there
would be full crowds. He added that Britain's successful hosting of two
Diamond League meetings at Crystal Palace shows there is sufficient interest
in the sport. "London is now the only city that stages two of those
back-to-back," he commented. "We not only sell out for every one of those
meetings but we would also probably be able to sell five times that number
of tickets. "There is no lack of demand for top-class track and field in
this country but clearly sitting alongside the use of the stadium for local
events, English schools championships and the plethora of events and other
competitions that are there."
The Olympic Stadium's 80,000-seat capacity will drop to 60,000 after the
Games, but with Diamond League meetings in Brussels or Paris drawing crowds
of 50,000-70,000 people, Coe is adamant they can fill the stadium. "If we
had a larger venue we would fill that venue," he added. "You have only got
to go to Crystal Palace for any of those Diamond League meetings to know how
many people turn up on spec hoping to get tickets. "Don't run away with the
idea that track and field is a sport that is not supported."
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Anti-OS protest plans announced
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th October 2011
By: Staff Writer
A group of West Hams fans have confirmed details of a meeting to discuss the
club's failure to consult supporters over the planned move to Stratford. The
board's plans to move West Ham to the Olympic Stadium from the Boleyn Ground
- United's home for the last 107 years - have split the club's fan base
since they were first announced. Despite being granted use of the
£500million stadium in February, West Ham found itself back at stage one
recently when the original decision was overturned amidst a series of legal
challenges. Yet as was the case prior to the club's first bid for the
Olympic Stadium, there are still no signs of West Ham seeking any kind of
meaningful representation with regards to the move from its supporters - a
situation that some fans feel is simply unacceptable. A spokesman for the
meeting's organisers - who are considering staging a demonstration in
protest at the lack of representation - told KUMB.com: "There is concern at
the lack of a proper consultation of fans before an irreversable and
uncertain process begins. "Supporters who frequent KUMB and other websites
will meet at Hamilton Hall, Liverpool Street on Thursday 20th October to
discuss how their opposition to the move and their wish for a full
independent poll can be taken forward. "Anything agreed will be put forward
for wider agreement. The organisers have no agenda other than bringing fans
together to discuss matters."
The meeting is scheduled to start at 7:00pm; all supporters are welcome to
attend and share their views.
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Hammers blast Hearn's 'squatters'
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 19th October 2011
By: Staff Writer
West Ham have issued a statement reiterating the club's commitment to the
Olympic Stadium. Following comments made by Orient chairman Barry Hearn last
night regarding the League One club's chances of moving into the stadium
post next summer's games, West Ham released a statement on whufc.com that
re-affirmed their own 'legacy proposals'. Hearn claimed last night that
Orient would go out of business should West Ham be awarded use of the iconic
£500million stadium for a second time. "We don't want West Ham on our
doorstep", he told BBC FiveLive. That rather spurious claim saw West Ham
fire back in their statement, accusing Hearn - whose club have never been
located within the Olympic borough of Newham - of being a trespasser, rather
than the other way round. "The club remain committed to east London and
believe we are the right choice," read West Ham's statement. "In contrast,
back in May 2009, our neighbours Leyton Orient were looking at a move away
to Harlow or Basildon. "The Olympic Stadium is in Newham and Leyton Orient
is in Waltham Forest. We will not move away from Newham, after all its our
home borough. "We have always focused on our legacy plan for the stadium,
and in turn the East End and London as a whole, and already have the right
permissions from the game's governing bodies to tender again."
Irons v Os: timeline
1881 Leyton Orient FC formed by members of the Glyn Cricket Club, which
consisted of former members of Homerton College (Cambridge). In 1886 they
became the Eagle Cricket club.
1888 The Eagle Cricket Club renamed Orient Football Club - in honour of, say
some, the Orient Shipping Company.
1895 Thames Iron Works FC formed. The club play at Hermit Road, Canning Town
(LB of Newham).
1897 TIWFC move home venue temporarily to Browning Road, East Ham (LB of
Newham).
1897 TIWFC move to the newly-built 100,000 capacity Memorial Ground,
Plaistow (LB of Newham).
1898 Orient FC renames Clapton Orient to represent their local area (LB of
Hackney).
1900 West Ham Utd formed from the ashes of TIWFC. The new club continue to
play at the Memorial Ground.
1904 West Ham Utd move to the Boleyn Ground in Upton Park (LB of Newham).
1937 Orient move from Clapton (in the borough of Hackney) to Leyton.
1966 Clapton Orient FC renamed Orient FC after Leyton is absorbed by the
London Borough of Waltham Forest.
1987 Orient renamed once again - this time they will be known as Leyton
Orient.
Feb 2011 West Ham Utd granted use of the Olympic Stadium, Stratford (LB of
Newham).
Sep 2011 OPLC announce new bidding process.
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Glovers a perfect fit for Stech
Last Updated: October 19, 2011 1:15pm
SSN
On-loan goalkeeper Marek Stech wants to extend his temporary stay in Yeovil,
despite only having been at the club for a matter of days. Stech, who
previously enjoyed a week-long trial at Huish Park, joined on a one-month
deal from West Ham on Friday after injury curtailed Jed Steer's loan from
Norwich. And despite conceding three goals on his debut in the 3-0 home
defeat to Carlisle on Saturday, the Czech Under-21 international told BBC
Somerset he would be more than happy to remain with the Glovers for longer
than the length of time originally stipulated in the terms of his
arrangement. He said: "I am really happy to get some games and hopefully, if
I do well for this month, then maybe they will extend it. "But that's not up
to me, and we'll see what happens. So far I've really been enjoying it and
hopefully everything will go well."
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McCartney issues Irons warning
Wednesday 19th October 2011 15:07
TeamTalk
George McCartney has warned his West Ham team-mates there is little room for
error if they are to achieve automatic promotion. The Hammers were beaten
1-0 at league leaders Southampton on Tuesday night - their first away defeat
of the campaign - and the 30-year-old left-back admitted it is crucial they
respond immediately when they travel to Brighton on Monday. "Games like
Tuesday you have to win if you want to win the league," the Northern Ireland
international told the club's official website. "You have to try to pull
away from other teams. The longer you hang around third, fourth or fifth
place, the harder it gets because games run out. "We have to put it behind
us. We're all disappointed but we're all confident of finishing in first or
second place come the end of the season. "You try to go as long into the
season not losing away from home or at home. We had good away form before
Tuesday night so we'll get back on the training pitch and see where we went
wrong."
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Tony Cottee column: Saints loss is a blow but no disaster for West Ham
London 24
Tony Cottee, London24 West Ham Columnist
Wednesday, October 19, 2011
2:36 PM
Make no mistake about it, the defeat at Southampton was disappointing, for a
number of different reasons. We all knew before the game that St Mary's was
a difficult place to go, as the Saints were unbeaten in 16 games, but West
Ham had their chances but failed to take them. In this league, as we have
already seen, anyone can beat anyone on their day, and if you don't take
your chances, then you will get punished. Every Hammers fan would have been
pleased with a point from Tuesday night's game and I think that a draw
would've been a fairer result. Southampton started the game the better side
and may have had one or two more chances, but West Ham's opportunities were
clear cut, we hit the post, but we should have made Kelvin Davis work a lot
harder in the Saints' goal. From what I've seen of Southampton this season
and last, they are the best team in the Championship when they are playing
at home, and their unbeaten record of 17 games is just ridiculous.
Another blow on Tuesday was when Matty Taylor had to be taken off with a
calf injury. I am a big fan of Taylor's and when he is not playing, we
really miss the width that he gives us. The last time we had that sort of
width and delivery from the left-hand side was probably when Matty
Etherington was at the club a few years ago.
So to lose someone like Taylor really affects the team. Sam Allardyce chose
to replace Taylor with Freddie Piquionne, and I thought that this was a bold
move and it showed West Ham's attacking intent. Unfortunately, it didn't pay
off and we ended up coming away from St Mary's with nothing. The only plus
from the game was that the teams around us like Middlesbrough, Derby and
Brighton lost or drew, so we remain in second place, which I think gives
West Ham a psychological edge, even if it is only on goal difference.
Looking at the league table, there are just three points separating 10
teams, which just goes to show how strong the teams in the Championship are.
Luckily for West Ham, their goal difference is quite strong, so that could
really help them out as the season progresses. After Tuesday's win,
Southampton are five points clear at the top, but I think that the other
teams can still catch them. As I have said before, it is a long season, but
Hammers fans should be pleased that West Ham are in the automatic promotion
places. This season being in the top two would be ideal, but being in the
top six is a necessity. West Ham have no divine right to get promoted to the
Premier League, they have to earn it and the season will be tough and there
will be setbacks along the way. On a more positive note, it was great to see
Sam Baldock get off the mark last weekend. I am a big fan of his and I met
him at the training ground last week and told him to make the most of any
opportunity he got to play and he certainly did that with his two goals.
Some people are comparing him to me as a striker, due to our height and
similar style, but I want him to be the first Sam Baldock, not the next Tony
Cottee. Having lost on Tuesday, I think that the Hammers now have to go to
Brighton and get a positive result. It won't be easy, but I am confident
that if we play like we did against Blackpool then we will get the three
points and return from the south coast as happy Hammers.
Tony Cottee was talking to Nathaniel John
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