Wednesday, November 30

Daily WHUFC News - 30th November 2011

Big Sam hails big Boro win
WHUFC.com
The manager was singing a familiar tune as he reflected on the Hammers
latest win on the road
30.11.2011

Sam Allardyce was once again left to marvel at another outstanding away
performance as his Hammers won 2-0 at Middlesbrough. It was a sixth victory
out of seven unbeaten and significantly strengthened their hold on second
place in the npower Championship. Big Sam's men have a six-point margin on
third-place Cardiff City and are a further two ahead of their Tuesday night
hosts, who could have cut the gap to just two points with a home win.

Freddie Piquionne, one of four changes from the weekend, rewarded the
manager's faith with a headed opener on nine minutes from a Matt Taylor
cross, himself making a welcome return to the starting eleven. Big Sam was
delighted, especially as he was without the injured Sam Baldock (hamstring)
and John Carew (knee) from the weekend. Carlton Cole then came off the bench
as a late replacement for Piquionne and scored his seventh of the season in
the dying seconds of the match. In between, the Hammers rearguard stood
firm, with Guy Demel making his first appearance in claret and blue after
his deadline-day arrival. It was actually his first competitive match action
since April, and the right-back barely put a foot wrong.

"It was as close as it can get I think to the perfect away performance,"
said the manager, who was delighted to see his men express their
free-flowing passing game at times. "It was a fantastic start. We were on
the front foot, we wanted to impose our own football on them and we did just
that. "Freddie Piquionne might have scored before he did from Matt Taylor.
It was a good ball from Kevin Nolan, an excellent cross from Matt Taylor
that showed what we have been missing since he was injured, and Freddie
headed it in. "We were glad to see Freddie score because he had three good
chances on Saturday and missed them. That got us off to a fantastic start.
You would expect Middlesbrough to come back as they haven't lost here for a
long time but the defence was solid."

The manager warned his men at half-time to beware a Boro fightback,
especially as Scott McDonald and Marvin Emnes were always a threat and
Robert Green had needed to make three smart stops in the first 45. As it
was, the second half was one of complete Hammers domination, topped off by
that Cole clincher. "We said to go out in the second half as we did in the
first half. Shut them down first, stop them playing how they wanted to play
and then go and attack them with our ability and skill. "Really it should
have been all over before Carlton Cole scored. Kevin Nolan missed a very
good chance and Robert Green hardly had to make a save against a
Middlesbrough side that hasn't been defeated here for a long time. It is a
great win and 2-0 was deserved."

Reflecting on the many positives, such as Green's assured display and
Demel's "outstanding debut", the manager said he hoped Carew and Jack
Collison, not needed on the bench, with Papa Bouba Diop returning to play a
marauding midfield role, would be in contention to face Burnley on Saturday.
"The squad is being used to its full potential. We just scraped four subs on
the bench, there was no more after that. It really was a great performance
and a great victory. We could have had more. Mark Noble felt he was brought
down for a penalty but in the end it didn't make any difference."

Much of the talk at half-time was about Southampton trailing at home to Hull
City but the leaders ultimately retained their two-point advantage on the
Hammers with a second-half turnaround to win 2-1. It didn't bother the
manager one bit that their rise to first place in the 'as it stands' table
lasted barely the time it took to have a cup of tea at the interval. "I
think we are being a bit greedy to think Southampton would lose at home with
such a fantastic record. It is a great comeback. But it is about the
distance we have put between ourselves and Cardiff and Middlesbrough. That
is now considerable, that takes the pressure off the lads. "It is getting
greater and greater. It leaves the challenge open for us and Southampton to
fight it out but really it is far to early to say that will be the case. We
are only 19 games in of a 46-game season. It is a long haul yet but it we
are playing some fantastic stuff and winning games of football. "We are all
happy. I look at the 1,500 fans who have travelled all this way on a Tuesday
night. They are sat out there in the freezing cold but they will be happy to
have seen a victory and it will have made the journey home that much
better."

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Piq praise for supporters
WHUFC.com
Man of the moment Frederic Piquionne was delighted to help the Hammers win
away again
30.11.2011

Frederic Piquionne was keen to make sure he said 'Thank you' as he waited to
board the team bus at the Riverside on Tuesday night. The striker, always an
upbeat presence around the squad and mentor to many, wanted to let the
supporters know how much it meant to hear his name sung as he left the
pitch. His ninth-minute goal - his second in successive away matches - paved
the way for a fine 2-0 defeat of Middlesbrough. "I am very happy to hear the
fans sing," he told whufc.com. "They are fantastic. I am doing my best for
the team but for the fans as well. We have to give our best for them."

Ever a perfectionist, Piquionne believed the team could have delivered more
than the two goals they managed. Certainly he knows he had a great chance to
score from Matt Taylor's cross even before the wide-man repeated the trick
in making his goal. "I had two chances from Matt. He is very good at
crossing. He said to me before the game to go and get in the box and when I
saw him the second time, I moved into position so he could give me the ball.
I jumped and scored the goal. I was very happy to do that. "It was another
goal [after scoring at Coventry] but it was about the team and we played
very well. Maybe we could have kept the ball a little bit more but in the
second half we were very good."

Piquionne had a watching brief for the closing stages, having understandably
tired in his main striker's role but he was a full and lively part of the
wild celebrations that greeted Carlton Cole's added-time second. "We stayed
strong and showed we had more experience than our opponents. At the end,
Coley killed the game off which was great and we were all happy to see that
goal go in. "We took three points again and it is a perfect week so far
because we have six points from two games. We are not finished yet though
because we want to have nine points by Saturday night. Hopefully I can give
the fans another present with another goal as well."

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Middlesbrough 0 - 2 West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 23:00 GMT, Tuesday, 29 November 2011

Second placed West Ham won their fourth successive match after goals from
Frederic Piquionne and Carlton Cole earned them a win over Middlesbrough.
Piquionne headed in Matt Taylor's early cross although Hammers goalkeeper
Robert Green had to be sharp to deny Scott McDonald an instant equaliser.
Tony Mowbray's Middlesbrough had not lost at home for 16 matches, but could
not find a way past Green. Cole rounded goalkeeper Jason Steele to seal the
win in injury time. Marvin Emnes looked the most likely home player to force
a breakthrough, but he and McDonald were denied by Green as the first half
drew to a close. Mowbray's side increased their work-rate in the second
period, and Faris Haroun shot wide after Joe Bennett played a dangerous ball
into the penalty box.

West Ham could have increased their lead on the hour mark when Papa Bouba
Diop was presented with a clear opportunity but shot wide instead of passing
to Kevin Nolan - the former Bolton man would have loved to have marked his
400th career game with a goal. Despite bringing on Bart Ogbeche, Julio Arca
and Alex Nimely from the bench, Boro were to lose their unbeaten home
record, and Cole secured all three points when he benefited from a poor Boro
clearance. The England striker rounded Steele and finished calmly despite
the presence of two Boro defenders on the goal-line - sending the 1,243
travelling fans in to raptures as they celebrated their fourth straight win
away from home.

After Middlesbrough's defeat, only Southampton and Birmingham now have
unbeaten home records in the Championship this season. West Ham manager Sam
Allardyce said after the game: "We got every element right today. When we
had to defend, we defended well, when we attacked, we exploited the spaces
they were leaving to show our quality in the final third. "We're a very
happy bunch at the minute, we're just keeping our feet on the ground,
enjoying our training and enjoying our time together. We prepared right for
this one today."

Middlesbrough boss Mowbray was frustrated with his side's performance,
saying: "It was one of those nights we huffed and puffed and had a few
chances but I never really sat on the edge of my seat. "They've got a lot of
Premier League experience and I think it showed. We'll take it on the chin
and move on."

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Baldock out 'til Christmas
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 29th November 2011
By: Staff Writer

Sam Baldock has been ruled out until Christmas with a hamstring injury. The
22-year-old striker sustained the injury during last weekend's 3-1 defeat of
Derby County at the Boleyn and was told earlier today that he'll miss a
minimum of three weeks, possibly more. West Ham's number seven arrived at
the club at the end of August and opened his account with a brace against
Blackpool, in his second start after moving from League One outfit MK Dons.
He repeated the feat in his fourth start when scoring two of West Ham's
three goals against Leicester City at the end of October, before scoring his
most recent goal in the 2-0 win at Hull (on 5th November). Prior to scoring
his five goals for West Ham this season, Baldock had hit six for his former
club - including a hat-trick against Chesterfield in front of a watching Sam
Allardyce - giving him a season tally of 11 goals from 17 appearances (three
as a substitute). Also out of contention this evening is John Carew, leaving
Sam Allardyce with just Carlton Cole and Freddie Piquionne as fit, first
team strikers.

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Hammers end Boro's Riverside run
Last updated: 29th November 2011
SSN

Goals from Frederic Piquionne and Carlton Cole put paid to Middlesbrough's
unbeaten home record as West Ham won 2-0 on Teesside on Tuesday. The Hammers
claimed a fourth straight Championship victory, and a fourth on the road, as
Tony Mowbray's Boro lost for the first time at the Riverside this season. A
home record stretching back to February last year came undone as Piquionne
nodded Mark Noble's cross home with nine minutes played. West Ham dominated
throughout and, despite a spirited second-half performance from their
opponents, Cole took advantage of a late Matthew Bates error to slot in a
second. Sam Allardyce had promised to shake up his team, and did so, making
four changes at the Riverside. Ivory Coast international Guy Demel made his
debut, with Piquionne, Matt Taylor and Papa Bouba Diop also included. Boro
drafted in Merouane Zemmama for the injured Barry Robson. Tony Mowbray had
intended to give the visitors an uncomfortable night on Teesside, but
Allardyce's men looked the more assured side for most of the first half.
Taylor forced Jason Steele to parry clumsily with his dipping free-kick as
the match sparked into life. The hosts laboured to recover the ball as the
Hammers set up camp, and within nine minutes their poor retention had cost
them dearly. Nicky Bailey dithered in possession in his own half, only for
Noble to ghost in and supply a killer cross for Piquionne to nod home. With
seven league goals to his name going into this encounter, Marvin Emnes was
repeatedly forced out onto the flanks by the wary Hammers defence. But in
the 26th minute, he turned this to his advantage, whipping in a cross which
Faris Haroun might have tucked away with a better connection. Scott McDonald
then weaved in from the right wing to alarm Rob Green with a snapshot that
the former Norwich stopper could only bundle away for a corner. Their
renewed vigour afforded Boro the best opportunities before the break,
Zemmama given time and space to blast narrowly above the target, with Emnes
forcing a stunning fingertip save from Green as he cut in once more from the
left.

West Ham led the Championship table at the half-time interval by merit of
Southampton's losing position at home to Hull. Perhaps softened by reports
from St Mary's, Allardyce's charges relaxed their complete dominance as the
second half began. Haroun was unlucky to fire wide after Joe Bennett had
sent a dangerous ball into the penalty box. And on the hour mark, Rhys
Williams glanced Tony McMahon's cross carelessly off target with the goal
gaping. The spectre of Boro's last meeting with the east London side arrived
as Cole was introduced for Piquionne with 20 minutes remaining. Cole was
among the scorers as the north east club bowed out of the Premier League
with a 2-1 defeat at Upton Park in May 2009. Iron skipper Kevin Nolan,
making his 400th career league appearance, marshalled his midfield superbly
as Boro grew in confidence and began to run into channels towards the final
whistle. And Mowbray's side finally waved goodbye to their excellent record
as Cole seized on the loose ball exposed by Bates' slip to round Steele and
pass into the net. But with the Saints recovering to beat Hull, the quest
for top spot continued for Allardyce and his fluent Hammers outfit.

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Allardyce - Big statement
Mowbray left frustrated as Boro's unbeaten home run ends
Last Updated: November 29, 2011 11:09pm
SSN

Sam Allardyce believes West Ham will have sent out a message to their
Championship rivals by ending Middlesbrough's unbeaten home record. The
Hammers enjoyed a 2-0 success at the Riverside Stadium with Frederic
Piquionne opening their account and Carlton Cole making the game safe in the
closing moments.
Boro battled hard to preserve their record, which had stood since a 3-0
reverse to QPR in February 2010, but Scott McDonald and top scorer Marvin
Emnes were both denied. "The squad is being used to its full potential and
it's looking pretty good for us," Allardyce said.

Big statement

"We've missed some big players today and we came and performed like that and
in the end won the game very comfortably against a team that hadn't lost a
game here. "We got every element right today. When we had to defend, we
defended well, when we attacked, we exploited the spaces they were leaving
to show our quality in the final third. "We created good chances to win the
game and deservedly so. "We're a very happy bunch at the minute, we're just
keeping our feet on the ground, enjoying our training and enjoying our time
together. We prepared right for this one today. "Kevin Nolan was talking
about it (the unbeaten record) before the game, that we could make a big
statement tonight and I think we have on the quality of our performance. "We
comfortably won the game tonight and long may it continue. "We're getting to
know each other's strengths and weaknesses and that makes us, as a team,
better and better and better as time goes on."

Huffed and puffed

Unhappy Middlesbrough boss Tony Mowbray spoke briefly after a disappointing
defeat on a cold night on Teesside. "It was frustrating as we didn't play
particularly well," he said. "It was one of those nights we huffed and
puffed and had a few chances but I never really sat on the edge of my seat.
"They've got a lot of Premier League experience and I think it showed. "They
know when to put their foot through it, they know when to clear it, they're
big and strong. "We got in behind them once or twice, but we needed the back
of the net to ripple. We'll take it on the chin and move on. Good luck to
them."

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Middlesbrough 0-2 West Ham: Big Sam's boys Hammer home superiority
Published 21:50 29/11/11 By Simon Bird
The Mirror

Sam Allardyce's away game experts are in danger of making the Championship a
two club race - after Frederic Piquionne and Carlton Cole clinched a
comfortable victory. Even against fourth places Boro, the Hammers were
superior in all departments, clinching a fourth consecutive win. "A big
statement," boss Sam Allardyce called this result. Allardyce loves his
stats, and the most pleasing is a run of 16 points out of a possible 18,
with only one loss on their travels all season at main rivals Southampton.
It was more of the same at the Riverside, with a tough West Ham defence
weathering squalls of attacks from Boro, but never really looking troubled.
If Allardyce's men keep up the same work rate, they will be home and dry
back in the top flight. The gap with Boro, who consider themselves
contenders is now eight points. Allardyce said: "The run we are on and the
confidence in the team is looking pretty good for us now. We missed big
players today but performed like that and won against a team who had not
lost at home. "Fantastic and great performance and we are rolling on and on.
We are now creating a gap between third and ourselves and gives confidence
to keep performing like that. Watford was our best away game but this is
close. "Having four good strikers is a big plus. Piquionne and Cole have
come up with the goods and played their part. But all around the squad it
looks good because we are moving the team around, but the team keeps playing
well. "We keep our feet on the ground and enjoy our training. We are getting
to know each other. It could be a big nine point week for us if we don't
slip up against Burnley."

As for Tony Mowbray's side they will need to find a more ruthless streak to
keep pace, although they did threaten during the second half with good
possession.
Mowbray said: "West Ham have the best pedigree in the Championship and we
needed a win to keep pace. "But in the first 20 we never got going and were
a goal down. We were insipid and didn't show we were making a game of it.
They are a big strong side with Premier League players and we could feel
that. "We only huffed and puffed. We conceded a poor goal. They had one man
in the box and scored with a free header. "We didn't do enough, but they are
good at grinding out results. We never asked enough questions of their goal
keeper. We had a few chances first half but I never really sat on the edge
of my seat thinking the goal is coming.
"I am disappointed because I didn't think we had a goal."

The power, strength and experience in West Ham's line up should eventually
have them out of sight of promotion rivals. But it took only nine minutes
for the visitors to take command with a Piquionne header - his second of the
season. Sam Allardyce's men were his typical mix of organisation and getting
the ball into danger areas in the box, which Matt Taylor did with precision
when picking out the French striker at the back post for a simple nod into
the bottom corner. West Ham should have made the game safe earlier but in
the 93rd minute a dreadful slip by Matthew Bates let Carlton Cole, on as a
sub for Piquionne, collect the ball, round the keeper and fire home.
Allardyce's arm waving dance showed how crucial he felt the win was.

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Mowbray laments gulf in experience
8:00am Wednesday 30th November 2011 in
The Northern Echo
By Scott Wilson >

TONY Mowbray last night admitted West Ham's extensive Premier League
experience had played a key role in his side's 2-0 defeat at the Riverside.
Goals at the start and end of the game from Frederic Piquionne and Carlton
Cole condemned Middlesbrough to their first home defeat of the season and
left the Teessiders eight points adrift of the automatic promotion places.
Both Piquionne and Cole played for the Hammers as they dropped out of the
top-flight last season, and the likes of Kevin Nolan, Mark Noble and Robert
Green were also influential figures as the visitors strengthened their grip
on a top-two place. Middlesbrough boast a number of players with Premier
League experience, but more than half of last night's starting line-up have
never played in the top-flight and Mowbray feels that when they face a side
like West Ham, Boro occasionally suffer from a lack of more seasoned stars.
"I would think that all of West Ham's players have played in the Premier
League and that obviously helps," said the Boro boss. "I'm not sure how many
Premier League appearances we have in our team, but I can't imagine it's all
that many. "People like Matthew (Bates) and Tony (McMahon) have probably
played one or two, but there aren't too many more footballers with Premier
League experience in our team.
"At times, I think that showed this evening. They had a lot of Premier
League knowledge in their team and I think you could feel that."

West Ham's victory was their fourth on the bounce, and Sam Allardyce's side
already look extremely strong contenders for an automatic promotion place.
Boro have now lost to both the Hammers and league leaders Southampton, but
Mowbray does not feel there is a vast gulf separating his side from the top
two. It could be argued that the Teessiders were outclassed at St Mary's,
but that was never the case last night with Boro paying a heavy price for a
lack of composure in front of goal. Scott McDonald missed a golden
opportunity in the first half, while Faris Haroun, Marvin Emnes and Merouane
Zemmama all failed to find the target with decent half-chances. "There's a
disappointment because I don't think we did enough," said Mowbray, who was
deprived of the services of thigh injury victim Barry Robson. "We started
very poorly and found ourselves a goal down. We recovered okay and were the
ones that looked like scoring in the latter stages of the first half, yet I
always felt as though they were reasonably comfortable.

"What are the reasons for that? I don't know. We had a number of chances
without really having glaring opportunities. We needed a goal to give the
crowd a lift, but it never came and it felt as though we were going to
struggle to break them down the longer the game went on. We finished with
five or six strikers on the pitch, but still didn't really threaten their
goal."

There was drama before kick-off as Jason Steele appeared to tweak a muscle
in the warm-up. Mowbray does not name a goalkeeper on the Middlesbrough
bench, and while Danny Coyne was helping to put Steele through his paces,
the Teessiders would have had to seek permission from West Ham to parachute
him into the starting line-up. As it happened, that was not necessary as
Steele recovered sufficiently to take his place in the team. "It looked for
a time like he might not be fit, but he came through okay," said Mowbray.
"In the end, I don't think he had that much to do and he was fine throughout
the game."

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Hammers impress with disciplined Boro win
London 24
Nathaniel John, West Ham correspondent
Tuesday, November 29, 2011
9:48 PM

Championship: Middlesbrough 0 West Ham United 2

West Ham returned to winning ways on a Tuesday night as they produced a
disciplined away performance to beat fourth-placed Middlesbrough at the
Riverside Stadium. On a chilly night in the north east, Freddie Piquionne's
ninth-minute header, plus a stoppage-time strike from substitute Carlton
Cole proved to be enough to end Boro's 16-game unbeaten home run, as the
Hammers moved six points clear of third-placed Cardiff in the Championship
table. West Ham boss Sam Allardyce made four changes from the team that beat
Derby County on Saturday, as Guy Demel made his Hammers debut, and Matt
Taylor, Papa Bouba Diop and Piquionne came in for substitutes Joey O'Brien,
Jack Collison, Cole and the injured Sam Baldock. And it was the Hammers who
immediately started the better of the two sides, almosty breaking the
deadlock in the second minute, when Taylor's 30-yard free-kick was parried
by Jason Steele in the Boro goal. Moments later, and the visitors were ahead
through lone striker Piquionne. After a period of pressure in the Boro half,
West Ham captain Nolan found Taylor wide on the left. The former Bolton
Wanderers midfielder then delivered a pin-point cross to Piquionne, who
headed confidently past Steele to send the 1,243 Hammers fans behind the
goal wild.

After conceding, the home side looked to bounce back straight away, and
almost did so when James Tomkins misjudged a long ball forward from Boro
captain Matthew Bates, which Scott McDonald collected, but Green was on hand
to save from close range. Midway through the first half, and the visitors
came close to doubling their lead when Taylor tried an audacious 30-yard
right-footed half-volley that landed on the roof of Steele's net with the
Boro keeper back-pedalling furiously.

The Hammers then had Green to thank once again as he made sure the visitors
went into the break ahead with two smart saves. First of all, the England
keeper had to be on hand to save Merouane Zemmama's effort when he connected
with a Marvin Emnes cross, before the West Ham number one made his best stop
of the half, denying McDonald after the lively Australian striker had beaten
both George McCartney and Tomkins. West Ham began the second half in similar
fashion to the first, and had the better of the opening exchanges. However,
hearts were in mouths just three minutes late, when Tomkins went down under
an ugly challenge from McDonald. Fortunately, the England under-21 defender
picked himself up after some treatment on the pitch and the game resumed.

With the half 10 minutes old, the Hammers thought that they should have had
a penalty, when Mark Noble checked inside the box before appearing to be
brought down, but referee Mike Dean waved away the visitors' appeal. Minutes
later and Diop spurned the first clear-cut chance of the second half, when
he did the hard work in beating two Boro defenders, before poking his shot
wide of Steele's left-hand post from six yards. With the home side stepping
up the pressure on the visitors' defence, Allardyce responded by introducing
Cole for the hard-working Piquionne. And the striker's first contribution
was to chase a long ball from Demel, putting pressure on Steele, who handled
outside of his area. However, Taylor could only curl the subsequent
free-kick over the bar.

As the half wore on, the game became scrappy, with both sides pressing to
score a decisive goal. Then, with six minutes remaining, Hammers captain
Nolan was gifted a chance to put the game to bed, when Taylor's cross was
controlled into the path of the former Newcastle man by Cole. However, Nolan
failed to replicate his clinical finish against Derby County, as his
left-footed half-volley flew over the bar from 12 yards. As Boro pushed
forward in search for an equaliser, West Ham didn't stop advancing either,
and the visitors got their reward in the 94th minute with a second goal.
Striker Cole chased a long ball forward from George McCartney, forcing Boro
skipper Bates into a mistake. The England striker then raced clear, before
beating Steele and slotting into an empty net, securing the three points and
sending the visitors home as happy Hammers.

Middlesbrough: Steele, Bennett, Bates, Zemmana (Hines, 84), McManus,
McDonald, McMahon, Bailey (Ogbeche, 74), Williams (Arca, 84), Emnes, Haroun.
Subs not used: Tchuimeni-Nimely, Hoyte.

West Ham: Green, Demel (O'Brien, 79), Tomkins, Faye, McCartney, Faubert,
Nolan (c), Diop, Noble, Taylor, Piquionne (Cole, 69). Subs not used: Stech,
Collison, Sears.

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Hammers are a happy bunch, admits Sam Allardyce
30 Nov 2011
Evening Standard

Sam Allardyce believes his West Ham side have made a real statement of
intent by ending Middlesbrough's unbeaten home record in the npower
Championship.
Frederic Piquionne set them on their way to a 2-0 win with a ninth-minute
header following a mistake by Nicky Bailey. Boro, until last night were
unbeaten at the Riverside since a 3-0 reverse to QPR in February 2010,
battled in vain to preserve their record, with Scott McDonald and top scorer
Marvin Emnes both denied from well-crafted opportunities. But Carlton Cole
popped up deep into injury time to seal a sixth league win in seven games
for the Hammers, this time home captain Matthew Bates erring to allow the
striker to tap home unopposed. West Ham keep up the pressure on leaders
Southampton, who rescued a 2-1 win from a losing position in their game with
Hull at St Mary's. Allardyce said: "The squad is being used to its full
potential and it's looking pretty good for us. "We've missed some big
players today and we came and performed like that and in the end won the
game very comfortably against a team that hadn't lost a game here. We got
every element right today. When we had to defend, we defended well, when we
attacked, we exploited the spaces they were leaving to show our quality in
the final third.
"We created good chances to win the game and deservedly so. We're a very
happy bunch at the minute, we're just keeping our feet on the ground,
enjoying our training and enjoying our time together. We prepared right for
this one today. "Kevin Nolan was talking about it (the unbeaten record)
before the game, that we could make a big statement tonight and I think we
have on the quality of our performance. We comfortably won the game tonight
and long may it continue. "We're getting to know each other's strengths and
weaknesses and that makes us, as a team, better and better and better as
time goes on."

The victory also marked a personal milestone in Allardyce's managerial
career, as he claimed the spoils for the first time at the Riverside after
fruitless exertions while in charge of Bolton, Newcastle and Blackburn. He
said: "I've had a few draws, a couple of defeats and it's the first time
I've won here so I'm very pleased."

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We Didn't Have A Go
www.mfc.co.uk

BORO'S failure to pile some pressure on a solid but not unbeatable West Ham
side was the biggest let down for Tony Mowbray as his side surrendered their
long home unbeaten run. Mowbray's men had not lost at the Riverside since
last season's champions QPR won 3-0 on Teesside in February, but after
conceding early on they were unable to mount a sustained fightback against
the second-placed Hammers. "I'm disappointed because I didn't think we had a
go," said Mowbray. "West Ham are a strong and experience team and they can
grind out results, as they did tonight. "But they're there to go and attack
and ask questions of, and we didn't do that enough. We looked
half-threatening on the break but we never really asked enough questions of
the goalkeeper. "We had a few chances without ever having glaring
opportunities. We needed a goal to give the crowd a lift but we ended up
with four or five strikers on the pitch and still didn't really threaten a
goal."
Boro never got their usual passing game together and were the architects of
their own downfall after losing possession from an early throw-in and going
behind to Frederic Piquionne's ninth-minute header. "We started very
poorly and in the first 20 minutes we never got going and found ourselves a
goal down," said Mowbray.
"It was a very, very poor goal. They got a free header in the six-yard box
and goals like that shouldn't happen. "We recovered okay and we were the
ones who looked like we'd score and Steeley never had a save to make. "But
they were the side with Premier League experience and you could see that. I
always felt they were reasonably comfortable - they're big, strong side."

The result against one of the promotion pacesetters will be seen as a blow
to Boro's own hopes of claiming an automatic place, coming after two
successive draws.
However, although Mowbray was dissatisfied with tonight's performance, he
feels there isn't too much wrong with his side's current form. "The last
two performances were good, the Blackpool performance was as good as we've
played since I've been here and for an hour at Peterborough we were very,
very dominant," he said. "The team are doing okay."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Tuesday, November 29

Daily WHUFC News - 29th Movember 2011

Big Sam on Boro
WHUFC.com
The manager looks forward to Tuesday's npower Championship fixture at the
Riverside Stadium
28.11.2011

Sam Allardyce believes his West Ham United side have every chance of
inflicting Middlesbrough's first home npower Championship defeat of the
season on Tuesday.
The Hammers travelled to the North East on Monday afternoon ahead of a
fixture that, should they win, could see them go top of the table. Big Sam
revealed to West Ham TV that, despite the absence of the injured Sam Baldock
and John Carew, he and his squad are full of confidence as they look to make
it six league games unbeaten. "I think our form at the moment tells us that
we have a lot of confidence," said the manager, who revealed Baldock had
undergone a scan on his.injured hamstring on Monday. "The only couple of
small issues we have at the moment is the recovery of players and I think
that is a big question for myself - who to risk, when to risk them and
whether it be from the bench or from the start. "Unfortunately we picked up
the injury to Sam [against Derby County on Saturday] and an injury to John
in training on Sunday, sadly. That limits our numbers a little bit. We've
only travelled with 17 including young Dan Potts, so you can see how short
of numbers we are again. "We're generally full of confidence because our
away form has been brilliant, but we face a very tough game against
Middlesbrough. Saying that, they have conceded a lot of winning positions
where they have drawn. "Their problem is far too many draws at home, which
tells us that they're not quite as good at home as people think they are.
While they have played very well, they have left a few gaps for the
opposition to capitalise on. "On Saturday, they went ahead twice against
Blackpool but allowed them to pull it back to 2-2. From our point of view,
we know we've got a real good chance if we play to our best, which is what
you always have to do when you play away from home - especially at
Middlesbrough."

Looking back to Saturday's victory over the Rams, Allardyce pointed out that
suggestions of West Ham struggling for form and results at home were well
wide of the mark. The Hammers have the fourth-best home record in the npower
Championship, having won five and drawn two of their nine league matches at
the Boleyn Ground. "I think people are suggesting that all the time -
particularly the media lads - because our away form is better than our home
form. "After the early season slip-ups when we were all getting to know each
other - I was getting to know the players and we weren't so sure about
ourselves and one or two of results suffered - and we're over that now.
"We're in our best spell of form in the last six games and we want to
continue that on Tuesday and, at least, be undefeated when we come off the
field."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faye's midweek mission
WHUFC.com
Abdoulaye Faye has vowed to help the Hammers to end their Tuesday hoodoo at
Middlesbrough
28.11.2011

Whether it be improving a previously horrific away record, stopping a
troublesome run of conceding last-gasp goals or coming from behind to win,
West Ham United have overcome plenty of obstacles this season. The next
hurdle in the Hammers' way as they continue the race to gain promotion is a
Tuesday night date at fourth-place Middlesbrough - a night of the week on
which Big Sam's side have won just one of their four npower Championship
fixtures so far this season. Abdoulaye Faye, who has been outstanding in
West Ham's recent six-match unbeaten run, is confident that the Hammers can
improve that record at the Riverside Stadium. "It's very good because
everybody is now playing very well and playing with confidence," he told
West Ham TV immediately after Saturday's game. There were too many early
games where it was not easy and we used to have little problems every time
we played at home, but on Saturday we kept the ball and had confidence. "I
hope we'll play like that every home game from now on - we have to - and
everybody will be happy."The next game against Middlesbrough will be very
tough. "The next game against Middlesbrough will be very tough. They are
very close to us in the table and we have to be strong every time when we
play away. I have confidence we'll win this game and we can look forward.
"It's not easy physically to play Saturday and then again on Tuesday. In the
Premier League you play every Saturday and have time to get over it. I think
the Championship is harder than the Premier League. "There are lots of young
players who are very, very fit and run everywhere. You don't see so many
experienced players. I think it's hard, but we have to keep strong and win
this game. "When we are winning on a Saturday and a Tuesday night I think
we'll be flying. We have to be strong and look forward because the
Championship is not easy."

West Ham's fine away form this season - six wins and just one defeat in nine
matches and just five goals conceded - has been based on a fine defensive
record.
With Winston Reid sidelined with a dislocated shoulder, Faye and partner
James Tomkins have proved to be an outstanding tandem, and the Senegal
international has enjoyed playing alongside his much-younger colleague. "He
is a very good young English player. He is strong mentally and I think he is
a very good defender. I like both Tonks and Reidy. They are both good young
defenders. "I think Tonks can go to the top. He is 22-years-old and has more
time. "I'm very happy with my form and being here. I'm fit now and I don't
have the problem I had with my groin that I had before. I look fit and I'm
happy."

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Sam remembers Gary Speed
WHUFc.com
With many at Chadwell Heath mourning the loss of Gary Speed, the manager has
given his tribute
28.11.2011

The manager has given his personal tribute to close friend Gary Speed after
he passed away on Sunday

I would first like to start with a word for Louise and the boys, his
parents, family, close friends. My thoughts and deepest sympathies are with
them at this moment in time. They are the ones left behind. It is a very
difficult time for them and they will need support to cope with this huge
shock. Gary Speed, the footballer, was someone held in the highest regard
because of his outstanding career over many, many years holding the record
number of Premier League outfieldappearances until it was broken by his good
friend Ryan Giggs.

For me to talk about him is as a man and a human being. That is the most
important thing. He joined me at Bolton Wanderers in what some would say was
the twilight of his career but he gave the club so much in what was a hugely
successful period. Often when you sign an older professional, they might
question new methods such as taking on fluids, nutrition, ice baths,
cryotherapy, recovery periods and yoga. Gary would have a go and take it all
on board. He became the icon for all the other players at the club for new
techniques. They saw if it was good enough for Gary, it was good enough for
them.

As a leader on and off the pitch, he would always want to learn and
question. He had an aura that when he came into a room people always
instantly wanted to listen to what he might have to say. I kept in touch
with him when he moved on to the coaching and management side. We would talk
about the structure and philosophies that we both believed in. As he
developed as a coach and manager, his strong beliefs and abilities was just
beginning to shine through for Wales until his life sadly came to an abrupt
end.

Many, many people have rang in the last day or two and we are all trying to
understand what has happened but of course we can't. Here at my club, lots
of people had great affection for him, including my goalkeeping coach Martyn
Margetson who was recommended to me by Gary last summer. Jack Collison had
great support from Gary after the death of his father and as he coped with
his injury. Kevin Nolan, Abdoulaye Faye, Joey O'Brien and my assistant
manager Neil McDonald were all very close to him in those good times at
Bolton. We will all miss him immensely.

Rest in peace Gary.
Sam Allardyce

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Middlesbrough v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Page last updated at 17:38 GMT, Monday, 28 November 2011

Npower Championship
Venue: The Riverside Stadium Date: Tuesday 29 November Kick-off: 1945 GMT
Coverage: Listen on BBC Radio 5 live and BBC local radio; text commentary on
the BBC Sport website

TEAM NEWS
Middlesbrough will make a late decision on midfielder Barry Robson, who has
experienced tightness in his thigh. Marvin Emmes (calf) and Scott McDonald
(illness) are also doubts, while Kevin Thomson (hamstring) will miss out.

West Ham midfielder Matt Taylor is likely to settle for a place on the bench
after returning from a calf injury in the weekend win over Derby. Winston
Reid (shoulder), Gary O'Neil (ankle), Henri Lansbury and David Bentley (both
knee) are all still out.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head

. West Ham have won 23 and Middlesbrough 22 of 56 previous league
matches against each other.
. The Hammers have claimed 13 of the last available 15 Premier League
points against the Teesside club, since 'Boro's 1-0 home victory on 11
November 2006.
. Their most recent meeting at the Riverside was in the FA Cup in
February 2009, when 'Boro prevailed 2-0 in a replay, to gain a place in the
quarter-finals.

Middlesbrough

. Middlesbrough are the draw specialists of the Championship (eight),
have lost fewer games than any other club (two), and with West Ham, boast
the tightest defence in the division.
. Five points outside the automatic promotion spots, the fourth-placed
Teesside club are defending one of three remaining unbeaten home records in
the second tier.
. Tony Mowbray's side are undefeated in four home and away (W2, D2),
but have not lost in 16 games at the Riverside, having won seven and drawn
nine since QPR's victorious visit on 26 February.

West Ham United

. West Ham could find themselves at the top of the table, if they
complete a fourth successive league win and fourth in a row on the road.
. They are yet to take a point off a fellow top-four club, but hold
the best away record in the division.
. Kevin Nolan is poised to make his 400th career league appearance.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Middlesbrough v West Ham United - Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th November 2011
By: Preview Percy

We've finally thought of a way to get rid of Preview Percy. After his last
effort in which he predicted the Derby result, named their scorer as "danger
man" and threw in a Bristol City victory over Southampton for good measure,
we reported him for witchcraft. Unfortunately the council told us that they
didn't have a department that issued permits for burning people at the
stake. When we asked exactly what we pay our council tax for they hung up.
Unbelievable. Here's Percy's look at Tuesday night's visit to the North
East, with added history from John Northcutt to arrive by carrier pigeon
shortly.

Our second match in four days sees us make the long trip up to the North
East where we visit the Riverside Stadium for a 7.45pm kick off against
Middlesbrough. Thanks fixtures guy. You spoil us again. Not.

Our hosts currently lie in 4th spot, one place lower than when they went
into Saturday's fixture at Peterborough, thanks to an 81st minute equaliser
from the home side. Boro' currently have 32 points from their 18 matches.
Five points behind ourselves, and two points behind Cardiff in 3rd place,
over whom they (like us) have a game in hand.

Their current form has seen them win and lose three of their last eight, the
other two drawn matches coming in their last two matches at home to
Blackpool and away to Peterborough. At home, although unbeaten this season
they've drawn six of the nine played, their last victory coming on Guy
Fawkes day courtesy of a 1-0 win over Watford. The other two home victories
came back in August against Birmingham (2-1) and Derby (2-0) whilst they've
drawn with Portsmouth (2-2), Coventry (1-1), Ipswich & Leicester (both 0-0),
Millwall (1-1) and Blackpool (2-2).

The boss is Tony Mowbray, who has recently celebrated his second anniversary
in the job following the resignation of Gordon Strachan in October 2010. The
former Celtic boss (Mowbray not Strachan)is credited , when a Celtic player,
with coming up with the pre-match "huddle" that Celtic players still perform
before matches, something that I recall Paolo Di Canio trying to get off the
ground at the Boleyn years ago.

In goal is likely to be Jason Steele. Steele has been first choice in recent
weeks following the return to Wolves of loan signing Carl Ikeme at the end
of October. Ikeme was with the club for three months as cover at the start
of the season for the injured Steele who, in a nice coincidence of timing,
returned to fitness just as Ikeme picked up a knock of his own. Steele
played for England U19 in the 2009 European U19 championships, captaining
the team in one match.

At right back they have ex-Arsenal defender Justin Hoyte, a player who, from
time to time we've been linked with. Hoyte's transfer to the Riverside in
2008 represented a return to the North East for the player, a season in
2005-06 with Sunderland not putting him off the weather and the grub up
there.

In the middle of defence is the skipper Matthew Bates. Part of Boro's
2003/04 Youth Cup winning side, last season saw the player finally managing
to put a proper run of games together, his earlier career being blighted by
number of knee injuries that saw him have no fewer than four operations in
three years. Until recently he may have been better known for his, er,
photographic skills. A number of what you might refer to as "self-portraits"
somehow made their way onto the internet a few years ago, the Sun, with
their usual subtlety, coming up with the side-splitting headline "what a
tackle".

A former holder of the armband (for a few matches back in 2008 anyway) is
Julio Arca who signed from Sunderland back in 2006. Where does the time go?
Arca signed a new two-year deal at the start of the season though he has
been on the bench in recent weeks - six of his twelve appearances thus far
have been as substitute. Surprisingly he never made the full Argentina side,
though he did skipper the U20 side to World Cup victory at that age group.

Top scorer at the moment is Marvin Emnes. In the league he has 7 from his 18
appearances thus far this term. Although he has been with Boro' since 2008
it is only fairly recently that he has been in favour at the Riverside. The
Strachan reign saw him employed largely as a heating device for the
substitutes' bench. A trial with Fortuna Dusseldorf ensued but nothing came
of it. A one month loan at Swansea in 2010 saw him earn himself free beer
for life in that particular city, the Dutchman netting the only goal in a
1-0 win over Cardiff. He'd probably best be careful about where he drinks in
the Welsh capital though. Mowbray clearly thinks more of the player than his
predecessor - Strachan though him a waste of a squad number - and he signed
a new three-year contract at the start of this season.

Arca's usual strike partner is Scott McDonald. The diminutive (5'7") striker
was born in Melbourne and has been capped by the Aussies, though his lack of
goals at international level saw him omitted from the 2010 World Cup squad.
His bio helpfully points out that he is of Scottish extraction - like we
wouldn't have worked that one out. After an early career down under he came
to the UK and, following an uninspiring career at Southampton, Huddersfield
(loan), Bournemouth (loan) and Wimbledon he finally ended up in the country
of his ancestors. He made a name for himself with both Motherwell and Celtic
in the six years in the land of the deep-fried Mars bar, netting over a
century of goals in the SPL. McDonald was just one of a number of ex-Celtic
players that made the trip across the border at the behest of Gordon
Strachan, though the culture shock of a move from the third to the first
world was tempered by the fact that the move was only to Middlesbrough.

Another possible partner for Emnes is Estonian Tarmo Kink. Kink has mainly
been on the bench this season and has but one appearance to his name. Why
mention him? Well despite the lack of entertainment here at the Avram Grant
Rest Home for The Bewildered I have manfully resisted all temptation to
comment on a squad containing the surnames Arca and Bates. However, once we
added Kink into the mix I'm afraid we were overcome by the giggles which got
even more uncontrollable when someone pointed out that they have a Smallwood
in the squad - something I understand Pele can help with. As I say we don't
get out much around here.

Having calmed down a little I suppose I ought to turn my attention to us.
Team news suggests that Sam Baldock won't be available having limped off
with a hamstring problem in the first half of Saturday's match. Even if, as
hoped, it's only minor damage it'll be a while before it's sensible to even
think about a return to action. Other than that it's a case of round up the
usual (fit) suspects. Taylor's run out from the bench sees him available for
a start.

This being an away fixture - and one of the tougher ones at that on paper -
I'd expect us to go with just the one (or three) up front as is the
manager's wont on these occasions. If so Carlton Cole can expect to get
through a few more miles to add to the hard work he's put in in recent
matches. Diop might come in to provide a bit of sturdiness to the midfield
whilst Demel, having finally made the bench on Saturday, can probably expect
some more of the same on Tuesday night.

The second half on Saturday included some decent passing spells, albeit
against a pretty out of sorts Derby. That makes three on the trot for the
first time since I started getting my pension at the higher rate and it has
to be said our results on the road have been jolly impressive of late - even
if we've had to win the matches one half at a time. We were much better in
the second halves at both Hull and Coventry but Boro' might be a different
proposition so we'll to see a better first 45 from this one.

Which brings us on to my prediction. I'd like to apologise for Saturday's
prediction which, in terms of the score, the opposition danger man and the
side comment on Bristol City v Southampton was 100% correct. I really don't
know what came over me and I'm sure it won't happen again. For this one we,
who tend to play things tight on the road, will be up against what is
(alongside ours) statistically the joint meanest defence in the division.
This says "draw" to me - and probably not a high scoring one. I'll plump for
a 1-1 as we learn to love the point once more.

Enjoy the game!

When last we met: We met on four occasions in the 2008/09 season. In
November '08 we drew 1-1 up there, Hayden Mullins getting ours, their late
equaliser coming from a dubiously-awarded free-kick from some bloke called
Mido.

On Valentine's day 2009 we then drew 1-1 in the 5th round of the Cup.
Ilunga's late header cancelled out Downing's first half effort to give a
replay nobody really wanted. Savio played.

Ten days later Downing's free-kick and an effort from Sanli were enough to
see Boro' to the quarters.

The series concluded at the Boleyn in the final match of the season. The
visitors arrived in need of a big win and a hideously complex series of
other results to go their way to avoid relegation. In the end we turned them
over 2-1. Cole and Stanislas were our scorers whilst Gary O'Neill (bless
him) was on the score sheet for the visitors.


Danger man: Scott McDonald Missed out against Peterborough but picked up a
brace against Blackpool as well as the winner against Watford that ended a
dry spell for the player. A possible absentee through illness though. Top
scorer Emnes is also one to keep an eye on, though he too is an injury
doubt.

Referee: Tony Bates Oh come on I was struggling enough to get through the
Boro' squad list without resorting to schoolboy humour. Then they send this
guy along. Refereed our home match against the other Boro' (of Peter) and
awarded the penalty from which Noble scored the only goal of the game. Did
their 0-0 draw over Leicester a few days later and has yet to issue a red
card this season.

Daft fact of the week: I honestly research these and, when there is nothing
interesting of note to share, I may (occasionally) make stuff up. However,
sometimes one discovers something that really defies description. I am
therefore indebted to a website called the bestofbritish.tribe.net from
which the following is genuinely taken:

Fact: Middlesbrough is located in the North East of England. More
interesting facts about Middlesbrough next week.

I can hardly wait!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Best: no trouble with fans
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th November 2011
By: Staff Writer

Karren Brady's claims that former West Ham player Clyde Best was regularly
greeted with 'a rain of bananas' have been refuted - by the player himself.
Speaking in an interview with Bernie Friend of the Evening Echo back in
2009, the former Hammer talked openly about the racism he encountered during
his career. However he categorically denied that, contrary to Brady's claims
in her weekend newspaper column, West Ham supporters had ever targeted him.
Speaking about the racism that was rife in both football and wider society
during the 1960s, Best said: "It was a different culture altogether. You
must also remember, this was 40 years ago and England was a different place
to what it is now, with very different attitudes. "The supporters pay their
money and are entitled to their opinions, but sometimes people crossed the
line. You will always come up against nutters in your life, but you can't
let these people see they are getting under your skin. "All you can do is
just get on with your job - in my case, scoring goals - and do all your
talking on the pitch. I just ignored it and concentrated on playing the game
for West Ham. "I never had any trouble with the West Ham fans. All I felt
from them was love. East End people are good people and they will always
love somebody who gives their all. I always tried my best for them."

Best - who ironically made his debut for West Ham in a 1-1 draw against
Arsenal in August 1969, the club supported by Karren Brady - became the
second black player to represent West Ham, following trailblazer John
Charles who made his debut six years earlier in May 1963. The Bermudian was
also one of a trio of black players - along with John Charles' younger
brother Clive and Ade Coker - to feature for West Ham against Tottenham in
April 1972. It was the first occasion on which an English league team had
featured three black players - some six years before Ron Atkinson was lauded
for employing his 'Three Degrees' - Laurie Cunningham, Brendan Batson and
Cyrille Regis - to great success. "They were fantastic days I will never
forget as long as I live," added Best, who turned 60 earlier this year. "I
was playing with so many great players during what I consider to be West
Ham's golden age. "It feels really good to say I was was part of that."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dicks returns to the dug out
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 28th November 2011
By: Staff Writer

Julian Dicks is set to return to management with Blue Square Bet South
outfit Dorchester Town. The former Hammer, who spent two spells at the club
in the 1990s looks set to succeed the recently-departed Ashley Vickers at
the Avenue Stadium after being confirmed as Town's 'preferred candidate' for
the position. Darren Lewis, speaking on behalf of the former West Ham
captain told the Dorset Echo: "We have been asked what sort of package
Julian would like, we have put one forward and we are just waiting to hear
back. So we are in negotiations. "Julian is very keen and I guess the club
are as well. He feels he can take the club forward so hopefully we are not
too far away from getting something sorted."

Dicks - who heads a short list that also contains former Portsmouth
goalkeeper Alan Knight, Frome Town boss Darren Perrin and current caretaker
Phil Simkin - has previously managed twice although both spells proved to be
short-lived. His first foray in management came at Wivenhoe Town in 2009,
although that role was to last for just five months after Dicks left the
Eastern Counties League side by mutual consent. Three months later he was
named as the manager of Grays Athletic, where he remained for almost two
years before parting company with the Isthmian League Division One North in
May of this year. Prior to leaving Grays, Dicks was linked with a return to
West Ham in a coaching capacity although that particular move failed to
materialise.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Middlesbrough v W Ham preview
Last updated: 28th November 2011
SSN

Team news ahead of Tuesday evening's Championship clash between
Middlesbrough and West Ham at the Riverside Stadium. Middlesbrough will make
a late decision on Barry Robson. The midfielder played the full 90 minutes
in the 1-1 draw at Peterborough but has since experienced tightness in his
thigh. Marvin Emnes was substituted at London Road with the striker
complaining of a calf injury and he too will be assessed before boss Tony
Mowbray names his starting XI. Scott McDonald is hoping to recover from
illness to resume his place up front but midfielder Kevin Thomson is
unlikely to return from the hamstring injury which has sidelined him for the
last six matches. Full-back Justin Hoyte (hamstring) was fit enough for a
place on the bench on Saturday and looks set to be named among the
substitutes again for the visit of the Hammers. Mowbray's men are five
points behind the east London outfit following a four-match unbeaten run.

West Ham are looking to secure their fourth win in a row but boss Sam
Allardyce has some injury problems to deal with. Midfielder Matt Taylor
returned from a calf injury to play the last eight minutes of the 3-1 win
over Derby at the weekend but he is likely to have to settle for a place on
the bench again. Carlton Cole was handed a start in attack against the Rams
and responded by scoring the equaliser on the stroke of half-time, ensuring
he will be at the forefront of the manager's mind for the trip to the
Riverside. The Hammers were boosted by the return of right-back Joey O'Brien
on Saturday and he completed 90 minutes for the first time since recovering
from a hamstring injury. Winston Reid (shoulder), Gary O'Neil (ankle), Henri
Lansbury and David Bentley (both knee) are still out. Following
Southampton's loss against Bristol City, Allardyce's side are just two
points off the Championship summit.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Middlesbrough v West Ham preview: We don't like Tuesdays admits Allardyce
Published 22:00 28/11/11 By The Mirror

Sam Allardyce fears his West Ham side have a midweek mental block that
threatens to derail their Championship promotion bid, writes Nick Ive . West
Ham's weekend form is excellent, but they now take on fellow high-fliers
Middlesbrough at the Riverside having failed to win any of their last three
games on a Tuesday night. Hammers boss Allardyce said: "There is some
fatigue left in the lads from playing and we have a long journey there, so
we are trying to recover the lads as quickly as we can. You have to keep
going on at them and if they do it 100 per cent then we will start to win
games on a Tuesday - if we keep believing that what we are doing is the
right thing. "If you are slightly fatigued physically then mentally you have
to be stronger and say, 'No. It is not going to make any difference. I don't
care, I am going to play my normal game.'"

West Ham are now just two points behind leaders Southampton after clocking
up three wins on the bounce. Allardyce added: "It is the first time we have
won three games on the trot this season. We are churning out the wins, so we
have to be very confident in going to Middlesbrough and getting a result.
"Whether that is a win or not, we don't know. It is a difficult place to go.
Not many people win there but not many people lose. "It is about keeping the
undefeated run going. With a division that is so difficult and one that
everyone can beat everyone else, it is hard to get an undefeated run going."

***
Tony Mowbray reckons his Middlesbrough side's clash with West Ham is a
promotion crunch, writes Simon Bird . A win would take Boro within two
points of Sam Allardyce's high-flying Hammers, a loss would open a
tough-to-close eight point gap between the two. "Any team that finishes
above West Ham will go up this season," predicted Mowbray. "Any club who can
take Carlton Cole off and put John Carew on, and with Nolan, Noble,
Collison, will be up there for promotion. "It is not a league you expect
their team to be in. Sam is making a good fist of taking them back there.
"I've watched them a lot lately and they find a way to win. "They didn't get
much of a kick against Brighton and won 1-0 - West Ham couldn't get the ball
and won. Against Coventry last week the goals were off the striker's
shoulder. "It has been a while since we lost at home and we aim to give them
an uncomfortable night. We are in a confident mood. "We want to close the
gap to a manageable two points. We are frustrated by two draws when we could
have taken maximum points. We fell short in both games by not seeing it over
the line.
"The fine detail and margins of football make the difference and the fine
margins of missed chances, hitting the woodwork." "Because it is West Ham, I
hope it stirs the sinews of a few Boro fans who are at home debating on
whether or not to come to the match. "It will only be a victory if we can
cope with their physicality and, at times, their directness. "Sam has found
he can get results by putting the ball in the opposition's box and keeping
it there. Once it is in there, it doesn't come out too easily."

Middlesbrough are likely to be without Marvin Emnes, and fellow striker
Scott McDonald is a doubt with a virus. Boro defender Matthew Bates says
Mowbray's squad are aware of the significance of this encounter. He said:
"If we have any aspirations of promotion - and we do - then we need to be
getting something. "They are a strong side and we know it will be a real
test for us, but it's important that we don't let the top two get away.
"We're unbeaten at home for a long run of games now and have to keep that
going and make the Riverside a fortress. "West Ham will come and fear us.
Well, if not fear us, certainly respect us. We have that unbeaten record and
teams will know that when they come here it will be tough. They won't be
looking forward to it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers hope over Tomkins
Allardyce keen to tie down youngster
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
November 29, 2011 8:45am
SSN

Sam Allardyce is hopeful that defensive ace James Tomkins will sign a new
contract at West Ham. The 22-year-old has two-and-a-half years left on his
current deal, but West Ham are looking to extend this to ward off potential
interest. Queens Park Rangers are reported to be one of a number of Premier
League clubs checking on the Under-21 international. But Allardyce is keen
to see Tomkins stay at Upton Park. "James is not one of those running short
of a contract term. It still has about two-and-a-half years to run. "We've
been negotiating with him and will continue that in January. I am
optimistic. We can ill afford to lose any players at this stage of the
season."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Monday, November 28

Daily WHUFC News - 28th November 2011

Gary Speed - 1969-2011
WHUFC.com
All at West Ham United were shocked and saddened by the death of Wales
manager Gary Speed
27.11.2011

Gary Speed - 1969-2011

All at West Ham United would like to send their condolences to the family
and friends of Gary Speed. The 42-year-old Wales manager passed away on
Sunday morning, and the news was received with shock and deep sadness during
training at Chadwell Heath. Speed was known to many at the club, not least
manager Sam Allardyce, who signed Speed for Bolton Wanderers in July 2004
and selected him more than 100 times over three seasons. He became the first
player to make 500 Premiership appearances when he played in the Trotters'
home victory over West Ham in December 2006.

He was also a former team-mate of Kevin Nolan, Joey O'Brien and Abdoulaye
Faye, while Jack Collison played under him with the national team. Hammers
goalkeeper coach and former Wales international Martyn Margetson fulfilled
the same role with the national side and was a close friend of Speed, while
West Ham sports therapist Takahiro Yamamoto is also part of the Welsh
backroom team. The thoughts of everyone at the club are with his loved ones
at this very difficult time.

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Ladies edge seven-goal thriller
WHUFC.com
The Hammers women are pushing on at the top of their league after another
fine win
27.11.2011

West Ham United Ladies 4-3 Portsmouth Ladies

West Ham United leapfrogged opponents Portsmouth into second place with a
thrilling victory by the odd goal in seven. Carly Roache, Jess Barling,
Gemma Shepherd and Becky Merritt were all on target at Thurrock, with
Joint-Chairman David Gold among the large crowd in attendance on a chilly
Sunday afternoon. It was a fourth win in five games unbeaten. The Hammers
are just two points behind leaders Colchester United at the top of the FA
Women's Premier South standings, but crucially have a game in hand on their
Essex rivals. They are next in action on Sunday, making the short trip to
west London to face Queen's Park Rangers. Look out for a special Ladies
feature on top of the usual regular coverage of Julia Setford's team in next
Saturday's men's matchday programme against Burnley

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Joy for Julien
WHUFC.com
A smiling Julien Faubert has told West Ham TV he is feeling great and
enjoying his football
28.11.2011

Julien Faubert has plenty of reasons to be happy at present. The No18
recently chalked up his 100th appearance for West Ham United before capping
a fine run of performances with a man of the match display in Saturday's 3-1
npower Championship victory over Derby County. The 28-year-old put his
improvement down to a combination of factors - most notably the influence of
manager Sam Allardyce. "Saturday was the perfect day," Faubert told West Ham
TV. "It was a team performance as well, because we didn't do well in the
first half but the second half was better. Personally it was a great
performance for me as well. I didn't score, but I tried to give my best for
my team-mates, the manager and the fans so I'm happy to have a bottle of
Champagne. "I think I give everything to win the ball every time when I can.
I try to get the ball in behind all the time to Freddie Piquionne or Coley
or whoever is running. That time I saw Jack Collison and it was quite good
because we took advantage of the game and we were more comfortable once we
had a two-goal lead. "We don't have any secrets, but we have confidence and
the manager changed the tactics as well. I think Sam can read the game
properly when he needs to and he changed the team and it helped us. We
changed the formation at half-time and everything changed - we played more
football and further forward. "In the last two games, we were 1-0 down and
we came back. This is good for the team and good for our character and good
for the future. "We know the manager is experienced and he knows this league
more than us. When he says something, we all believe him and we all want to
work for him and for the team. We are pulling the same way and we are all
together. "Everything has changed now we are all together on the pitch.
That's why it's good for us."

Faubert is hopeful West Ham can extend their npower Championship-best away
record at Middlesbrough on Tuesday, but the France international knows the
Hammers will not have everything their own way against Tony Mowbray's
fourth-placed side. "We will try to win. Every game in this league is hard.
Middlesbrough are another team who like to play so we'll go there and we
haven't lost for quite a long time. "We need to keep the same shape and
mentality and do the same things to win the game. It can be good. We need to
be strong and concentrate and we can win there. "I think it's a big week for
us if we can win all three games. We saw Southampton lost a game on Saturday
so we're only two points behind them. Six points this week can be good, but
nine can be lovely!"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Allardyce on... Derby County
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th November 2011
By: Staff Writer

Sam Allardyce was understandably pleased with the three points against Derby
- but unhappy with his team's failure to play consistently well over the
course of 90 minutes...

Sam: At half time you changed things and it made an immense difference; a
very comfortable victory in the end?

Yes. We weren't very good in the first half, let's face it, but at least we
went in at 1-1. The 442 system didn't really work today so when we got back
to 433 and were able to control midfield then we saw the best of our
players. We saw better movement, better options, more fluent football and a
fantastic goal from Kevin Nolan.

Then the penalty, but [we had] many, many more chances to score goals.
Particularly Freddie Piquionne, I thought he had an excellent game when he
came on. Two headers at goal and one one-on-one with the 'keeper would have
made it even more comfortable than it was. So at least Freddie's making the
chances for everbody else. But the old adage [applies]; a game of two
halves.

Julien Faubert, he's played under several managers here. If I'm being
polite, he hasn't performed particularly well for them but he seems to be a
different player under you. What are you feeding them these days?

Well, it's about the atmosphere that we have and the culture we're building
at the training ground on a daily basis about being comfortable with each
other and looking forward to coming in to training together. Working hard
and enjoying all the benefits together by producing results which builds
confidence. So I think he's felt comfortable in the environment for the
first time.

I appreciated his ability and of couse somebody like Julien, we had to get
the best out of him if we could because it was big money when he came here.
He hadn't quite produced but now we're seeing the benefits of him playing
consistently and consistently well - not only in wide positions but also at
right back.

He was well deserving of Man of the Match today for me and long may he keep
it up. But the bottom line is it's because he's working really hard. He's
working so hard that he's creating himself so many opportunities to receive
the ball and cause problems for the opposition - and that's the real benefit
for Julien.

The amount of crosses and the passes, particularly after Derby's goal -
particularly the three goals. Where does that stand among the performances
this season?

Well Bristol City were better than this and we drew 0-0. When we started, we
went all the way through the game created 20-odd attempts at goal and
double-figure attempts on target. But because you draw 0-0 it's all, "ooh,
it's a crap performance".

Performances and results are two different things related by people who
watch a game of football. If it's a win ??? If it's a draw but the
performance was brilliant, "oh, it's not so good the performance, is it?" In
my eyes, Bristol City from start to finish was much, much better than
today's performance. Today's performance was only for 45 minutes which needs
to be, particularly at home, a lot longer than 45 minutes.

But it was 45 minutes of really, really good football with the goal of the
day from Kevin Nolan that got us in front. It was very important that we
scored just before half time by the way because that knocked Derby back.
They felt a little bit unjust, I think, by going in at 1-1 but second half
they never got in our half. Never had a shot at goal and had about one
corner, I think, in the entire 45 minutes. It shows how much better we got
by changing the system.

The personnel, again - Freddie Piquionne coming on made a big contribution
and that shows the strength of the bench is also very, very important. Then
of course in the end, Matt Taylor getting a little run out after a long
injury and John Carew coming on up front, holding it up and creating more
chances. So I'm really, really pleased for the players as they were all
disappointed with the way they played in the first 45 minutes but they're
delighted in the dressing room now.

Only Cardiff won in the top eight today apart from ourselves, so it gave us
an opportunity to get closer to Souhampton and still create the gap between
Cardiff and ourselves. Only this time, we have a game in hand on Cardiff
whereas Middlesbrough are close to us on the same [number of] games. So it's
stretching that little gap between us and third, which is very important.

We've started a big week again and now all we have to fear is the dreaded
Tuesday night match because we've done rock all in terms of results on a
Tuesday night, apart from a draw against Bristol City that we should have
won.

In the last three games you've been slightly disappointing in the fiirst
half. Is that a worry for you?

I'd say it's the opposite to how we started the season. We started the
season by going out and controlling the game and scoring the first goal,
maybe scoring another; Watford and Nottingham Forest come to mind, games
like that. So it is a slight concern. But we're finishing so strongly and
changing it round from a position that we're still winning football matches.
But yes, I want a more consistent performance over 90 minutes and not too
big a difference between each half. We've got to get a more consistent
performance over 90 minutes.

[Unintelligible question]

These are differences in whatever division you're playing. Quality. If
you've got quality. This league is a tough, tough league. Nobody gives up,
nobody gives you an inch.Everybody organises themselves well, the players
are really fit and they run and close you down. You're going to need to open
the door on some occasions with the quality that you have and it opened the
door for us for the win today.

The little flick up from Jack Collison, I'm sure everybody thought, "well,
this is going to be difficult for him even to get a connection on it". Two
Derby players shut him down - bang. But I've seen him do it for nigh on 12
years or more now, because he used to do it when he was a kid at Bolton with
me and he's been doing it all his life. That's why we bought him.

People have a misconception that Kevin Nolan, because he's got a midfielder
tag that he becomes a passer and creator. He can do it but it's never been
his top level. His top level is in the opposition's box scoring goals like
that. I'm glad he's scored one here today because he's scored all of his
other four goals away from home. He openly admits that he's missed a few
that he knows he should have scored and he's still just one behind Carlton
Cole as leading goalscorer with six.

What's the situation with Sam Baldock?

Hamstring. Yeah, very disappointing. We'll know more tomorrow after the
scan.

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Clough on... West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 27th November 2011
By: Staff Writer

A disappointed Nigel Clough saw his team fall to a fourth successive defeat
against West Ham United - but still found reason for optimism...

Nigel: no lack of heart; not that much in it?

Yeah. I feel a bit hard done by with the free kick leading up to the first
goal. Initially Ben Davies seemed to have got the ball, I think he even got
a booking for his troubles as well. You just need those little things like
that, when you come to a place like this, to go in your favour.

A couple of decisions didn't go for us. First half, we could have got in 1-0
up at half time. The dual effect of what it does to us and also the lift it
gives to West Ham as well, becasue t hey came straight out of the blocks and
put us under a bit of pressure.

A great finish from Tamas [Priskin]?

Oh, a lovely goal. A lovely first goal, I'm delighted. Jamie Ward, great
ball - a great finish though. It will do his confidence good; a striker, to
get a goal on his debut. Very pleased with him today; he didn't get an awful
lot of decent balls at times but he played ok.

What did you think about the penalty?

I haven't seen it but I've been told it was outside. The referee gave it
very enthusiastically. It's one of those things isn't it, is it half a yard
outside, do you get them or not get them. A free kick that leads to the
first goal... Just little things like that. But certainly the quality that
they possessed, they can hurt you at any time.

Some of your players came back [from injury] today?

Yeah, they're fine, just [difficult] when it went to 3-1. Big ask for them
today but they've got to get on the pitch sooner or later and I thought
today was as good an opportunity as any. Seven months out, Paul Green; James
Bailey, 11 weeks out. John Brayford on one leg. Having said all that, they
gave everything they've got and they'll be better off for it in the next few
weeks.

John Brayford, is he ok?

He is. He's playing on one leg at the moment as his thigh is still sore but
he's getting through it.

Is that the problem at the moment with your bad run? Is it an injury related
run?

Well it hasn't helped. I didn't see too many from West Ham coming back fit
yesterday who have not played for seven months; so very confident,
experienced, full of Premier League players. We don't quite have that at the
moment.

We have to be at our best to get results in this league and it's very
difficult when you've got four players who haven't played for so long.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Derby Report
Vinny 1:22 Sun Nov 27
West Ham Online

West Ham United 3 Derby County 1

Derby County were the latest side to be beaten by promotion chasing West Ham
as the visitors were brushed aside by a strong second half display from the
Hammers. Like the last two league games it was certainly a 'game of two
halves' considering how poor we were in the first period but like those
games the half time team talk obviously did the job because we came out
after the break and dominated and fully deserved to win. This was out fifth
win from the last six games and with Southampton losing away at Bristol City
the gap at the top has been cut to just two points. We are going along very
nicely and have started to really grind out results which every West Ham fan
has to be happy with.

Although Derby did score the first goal they were nothing to write home
about and Robert Green was not tested at any point I can recall. Derby like
most Championship sides we have played this season were a decent passing
team but had nothing going forward. We have the ability to go through the
gears which is evident from our recent second half performances. The quality
we have in our side does seem to be coming out when we need it and we are on
a bit of a roll at the moment.

The second half also saw us play some good passing football and the 'long
ball' game seemed to be a secondary option as the midfielders were all
playing the ball about on the floor with Faubert offering the option of
width on the right hand side.

The Team

There were two changes made by Sam Allardyce from the team who disposed of
Coventry City last weekend. Joey O'Brien was back in the starting line up at
right back with Faubert pushing further forward in a 4-4-2 formation.
O'Brien was in for Papa Bouba Diop who was missing from the squad with what
I suspect was injury.
The other change came in the forward position with John Carew dropping to
the bench and Carlton Cole coming in to the starting line up. On the
substitutes bench there was a return for Matthew Taylor and also a first
involvement for transfer window signing Guy Demel.

First Half

We actually started the half well and took the game to them in the opening
five minutes with passes into the channel for Baldock to run onto being a
successful option.
A chance nearly presented itself when Collison played Baldock in down the
left and the striker crossed low towards Julien Faubert who was racing into
the area but the defender Roberts got there just before him to put out for a
corner. Baldock was continuing to start the game well as a long ball towards
him was won in the air as he knocked the ball down for Kevin Nolan but the
captain saw his effort go well wide as he attempted to take the shot early.

Despite some promising early signs we never kicked on during the second half
and Derby began to see more of the ball. Over the next fifteen minutes we
really struggled to get anything going. To make matters worse on the 20
minute mark we were forced to make a change when Sam Baldock went down with
what looked like a hamstring injury and was taken off. He was replaced by
last weeks goal scorer Frederique Piquionne. Not much was going on in the
game and frustration was beginning to tell with Carlton Cole controlling a
pass, turning and hitting a shot from way out which went well wide.

Our first real effort on goal came with a half hour gone when some link up
play involving Collison and Piquionne saw the former get his strike off and
force Derby keeper Frank Fielding into a decent save as Faubert was stealing
in to try and get onto the rebound. On 34 minutes out of nothing Derby took
the lead. Collison was caught in possession and Derby broke forward in
numbers. The left winger Jamie Ward (who was impressive throughout his time
on the pitch) cut inside and played in on loan striker Tomas Priskin who was
afforded too much space by our defenders and he calmly stroked the ball past
Robert Green to make it 1-0. The Derby fans celebrated as the West Ham
faithful looked on in annoyance yet again as our first half display had
again failed to meet expectations.

Expectations are the issue amongst many supporters at the moment and it
seems that many believe that we are going to turn up and win 4-0 every game.
Those few minutes after the goal saw many 'fans' sitting around me rip into
multiple players. Cole was shit, Piquionne was useless, and Nolan was a
c*nt. Maybe this happens at other football clubs but I can't believe it
happens as frequently as it does at West Ham. Just to let these fans know,
we will go 1-0 down again and we will probably lose again too so just
preparing you for that. Who do these people think that we are? What have
they been watching for the past years? Did I miss this successful free
flowing football playing trophy winning club?

With half time approaching, Cole received the ball on the left, turned his
man and ran toward the area only to be brought down from behind by Davies.
The Derby players protested to the referee but the free kick was given and
Davies went into the book. The free kick was taken by Noble and Derby
cleared to the right for Joey O'Brien to cross back into the area with the
ball finding the head of Carlton Cole whose effort went over the line to
make it 1-1. Whilst the first half had not been good, it was pleasing to go
in at 1-1.

Second Half

Derby were never in this half and we controlled all the play. Our first
decent chance was from a corner taken by Faubert whose cross found Piquionne
but his header went wide in what was a decent chance to score. Some
excellent football saw the ball come to the feet of Carlton Cole whose low
cross was begging for someone to get on the end of but it was Fielding who
was out to claim the ball down low.

Our formation had slightly changed with Collison in a more central position.
This saw Piquionne and Cole take turns to drift out wide to collect the
ball. This helped us create a lot more space and get numbers forward. On the
hour mark we should have score the second goal when Collison and Faubert
combined to put Piquionne through but instead of taking the shot first time
he decided to control the ball with his touch taking him slightly wide and
the shot was kept out by Fielding. From the resulting corner taken by
Collison the header from Faye went over the bar. The goal was clearly coming
and when it did it was a spectacular finish.

With 64 minutes on the clock Cole received the ball and played it to
Collison who put the ball back to Nolan with a high pass and Kevin Nolan
watched the ball drop before delivering a volley past Fielding to make it
2-1. It was a really excellent finish from a player who has taken a lot of
criticism in recent weeks for his lacklustre performances.

Derby offered little from this point and only a poor pass from Tomkins
allowed Priskin to get a shot off by this was blocked by Faye and out for a
corner. From this corner the ball was cleared powerfully by the head of Cole
and out to Julien Faubert who raced forward and played a pass to Collison
who in turn played an excellent ball through to Piquionne who was just
bursting into the area only for Bryson to bundle him over. It was a clear
foul and a penalty was given by the referee although replays do suggest that
the foul was just outside the area.

Stepping up to take his third penalty of the season was Mark Noble who had
made no mistake with either of his previous two efforts so far and once
again he scored from the spot to make it 3-1 and effectively end the game.
Two minutes after the third goal Carlton Cole was replaced by John Carew.
Cole earned a standing ovation from the supporters after another good
display. Piquionne broke forward and looked as though he had a chance to
score but his shot was poor and way over the bar.

Matthew Taylor was brought on for the last ten or so minutes and replaced
Julien Faubert who also received an excellent reception from the crowd. He
was also voted the SBOBET Man of the Match. A fourth goal nearly came when
Collison cross for Piquionne but his glancing header was cleared off the
line. It just wasn't to be Piquionne day in front of goal.

A mammoth five minutes of injury time was awarded by the referee but we were
superb in those five minutes as we kept the ball, played it about and looked
so much stronger than the opposition. This wasn't a great game but it was
another great win and at the moment we are looking very strong.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
Routine catches aside there was nothing really for Green to have to do. I
don't recall him having to make one save in the entire game.

Joey O'Brien
Got forward well and although he doesn't have much ability on the ball he
supported Faubert and played some decent passes forward and into the area.
Also can claim an assist for the first goal with a fine cross to Cole.

As I write this I have just seen the new that Gary Speed has died. Not much
shocks me but that has really stunned me. R.I.P.

James Tomkins
A few misplaced passes and unnecessary passes back to the keeper but overall
this was good display from Tomkins who has been subject of transfer
speculation during the week.

Abdoulaye Faye
Another top performance from Faye whose form over the last few weeks has
been outstanding and he is really starting to become one of our star
performers of the season.

George McCartney
After a bit of a poor game last week he was solid in this one and was very
steady throughout.

Julien Faubert
He really put in a shift in this one and any questions about his commitment
over the last few seasons can almost be forgotten when he is putting in
displays like this. Hardworking, good on the ball, only a couple of poor
crosses (you will always get them with Julien) but this was a very good
display in a midfield role he seems to be relishing.

Mark Noble
Very comfortable on the ball, good link up play with his team mates and his
vision to get the ball wide was also evident again. Scored his third penalty
of the season and continues to be a very consistent performer.

Kevin Nolan
At half time I think we were all questioning his effectiveness as he simply
hadn't been in the game. But fair play to him for his second half display as
he worked harder and score as very good goal and took his tally to five for
the season.

Jack Collison
His best performance of the season without a doubt. He was involved in the
game which was the big thing because he has been anonymous too many times
this season. He was on the ball, making passes, getting the ball forward and
I thought he played quite well.

Sam Baldock
Was out most dangerous players for the first 20 minutes before he had to
come off and after watching Piquionne, I really hope he isn't out for long.

Carlton Cole
Derby found it hard to cope with him especially when he got the ball to his
feet and was allowed to turn. I'm a bit surprised Derby gave him so much
room on the ball as he punished them a few times with the foul leading up
the first goal, the space he had for the second when he brought the ball
down from the throw in. Cole scored his 6th of the season and is looking
fitter than he has done for a while.

Subs Used

Frederique Piquionne (on for Baldock 20 mins)
Had chances to score but looks incredibly unconvincing.

John Carew (on for Cole 76 mins)
Put himself about as he will always do and showed a quite wonderful piece of
skill at one point which I didn't know he had in him.

Matthew Taylor (on for Faubert 82 mins)
Good to have him back and did quite well in his short amount of time on the
pitch.

Subs Not Used: Stech, Demel

Bookings: McCartney

Man Of The Match: Julien Faubert

Derby County: Fielding, Brayford, Roberts, Barker, Shackell, Bryson, Ward,
Bailey, B.Davies, Green, Priskin
Subs: Legzdins, O'Brien, Doyle, Buxton, Hendrick

Attendance: 27, 864

Overall

The second half was pleasing given how routine it all seemed. I think many
of us sensed that we would have enough to beat Derby during that second
period and I am beginning to feel a real confidence about our ability to get
results in this division. The passing football was pleasing to see and
without Carew to just pump the ball to we were able to get the midfielders
working which really brought out the best in Faubert and Collison who put in
a much improved display. With Cole up front we have a real threat going
forward and his best performances will be when he is able to get the ball at
his feet and run at players because I have noticed in the Hull, Coventry and
Derby games that opposition players seem to fear him when he is running at
them and he is starting to make things happen.

Next Game - Middlesbrough (a) Tues, 29th November 7.45pm KO

This will be a real test as Boro' are one of the better sides in this
division. We have closed the gap on Southampton so we will want to keep this
chase for the top going without any blips. I am really looking forward to
this game and will be travelling up and staying overnight in glorious
Middlesbrough. We should not fear any team in this league and although Boro'
are decent, we can beat them.

Sam's View

"We have become the second-half team,At the start of the season we were the
first-half team, scoring within 15 minutes of nearly every game. "I have to
say it was tough going today in the first half. It was probably down to the
system we played, the 4-4-2. We weren't controlling midfield enough and we
weren't really at the races compared to our normal form. "The second half
performance was more like we know we can be. We saw the best of our players,
better movement, better options and more fluent football. "It is always
difficult to recover when you go down one nil. We have done that twice on
the trot now, not that I want to carry on like that mind. It was a great win
in the end, a great second-half performance and off we go to Middlesbrough
on Tuesday."

"One we weren't playing very well and two, Sam had been our strongest player
for sneaking behind their back four. We had him in a couple of times in the
first 15 minutes but Mark Noble and Kevin Nolan couldn't get a grip of the
game. "So we put Jack Collison into midfield, changed to a 4-3-3 and those
three talented players got us control of the match. It worked an absolute
treat and they never got out of their half in the second half."

"It is about the atmosphere we have, and the culture we are building at the
training ground. It is about being comfortable with each other and looking
forward to training. Working hard and enjoying all the benefits together by
producing results. "Julien has felt comfortable in the environment for the
first time. I appreciate his ability and of course someone like Julien, we
had to get the best out of if we could because it was big money when he came
here. Now we are seeing the benefit of him playing consistently and
consistently well. "He was well deserving of the man of the match award and
long may it continue. The bottom line is he is working hard. He is creating
so many opportunities to receive the ball and hurt the opposition, that is
the real benefit for Julien."

"For the second time, Freddie Piquionne has come on and done a really good
job. The only disappointing thing is he should have scored again. He needs
to crown a good performance off with a goal. "He had two headers and one he
ran into with his touch. We know he is getting the chances which is the
pleasing thing."

[On Nolan}"It was the goal of the game, and his first one here which is
really pleasing. The fans saw his outstanding quality. To get one at home, I
hope he can kick on from there." "It is just a disappointing loss with Sam.
That is why you have to go with four strikers. At least we have Freddie,
John Carew and Carlton Cole still to choose from. Bearing in mind where we
came from today, I thought it was an outstanding recovery and an outstanding
performance in the second half."

Season 2011/12 Scorers and Bookings

Carlton Cole - 6 (6 League)
Sam Baldock - 5 (5 League)
Kevin Nolan - 5 (5 League)
Mark Noble - 3 (3 League)
John Carew - 2 (2 League)
Jack Collison - 2 (2 League)
Own Goal - 2 (2 League)
James Tomkins - 1 (1 League)
Joey O'Brien - 1 (1 League)
Scott Parker - 1 (1 League)
Winston Reid - 1 (1 League)
Matthew Taylor - 1 (1 League)
Henri Lansbury - 1 (1 League)
Julien Faubert - 1 (1 League)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (1 League)
Junior Stanislas - 1 (1 Cup)

Yellow Cards

Kevin Nolan - 4
Julien Faubert - 4
Mark Noble - 3
Henri Lansbury - 2
Joey O'Brien - 2
James Tomkins - 2
George McCartney - 2
Abdoulaye Faye - 2
Carlton Cole - 1
Matthew Taylor - 1
Sam Baldock -1
Winston Reid - 1
John Carew - 1
Papa Bouba Diop - 1

Red Cards

Callum McNaughton - 1 (vs Aldershot home)
Frederique Piquionne - 1 (vs Portsmouth home)

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A Tribute to Gary Speed
November 27th, 2011 - 1:32 pm by Iain Dale
West Ham Online

Yesterday I read a heartfelt article by Stan Collymore about his on going
battle with depression. Last night I watched a documentary called 'We Need
to Talk About Dad' about a family coming to terms with the fact that the
father had hit the mother over the head with an axe - an apparent
spontaneous act, which he can't explain to this day.

About half an hour ago I heard about the death of Welsh team manager Gary
Speed. Apparently he has taken his own life. I've never met Gary Speed and I
therefore find my own reaction to the news a little strange. I feel
absolutely devastated by it. Here is a man who, on the face of it, has
everything. Just like Stan Collymore. Just like the father in the
documentary. And yet behind closed doors none of us know what goes on. We
don't know what we are capable of. We don't know what others are capable of.
How could someone, no matter what pressures they are under, do what Gary
Speed has done? How could he do it to his wife. To his two teenage sons?
It's too early to analyse. It's too early to even understand. But it's not
too early to think. To mull. To try to come to terms with something that is
so shocking it almost defies logic.

I am sure we all send our heartfelt condolences to Gary Speed's family. We
pay tribute to his wonderful record as a professional footballer, and we
think of the fans of the clubs he played for, who will be shocked, appalled
and devastated by his death at such a young age.

We don't know exactly what caused Gary to take the ultimate step, but it may
well be depression. Some people, to this day, not only think depression is
something invented by people of weak minds, I hope they will think again.
Think about German goalkeeper Robert Enke. Think about Stan Collymore's
ongoing battles. Read Alastair Campbell's diaries. We all need to try to
understand more about depression.

RIP Gary Speed. You were a hero to many. While the manner of your passing
doesn't befit the career you enjoyed. you leave with our respect, admiration
and sympathy.

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West Ham 3 Derby 1
By BRAD ASHTON
Published: Today
The Sun

THE movie career may be on hold but Sam Allardyce is enjoying watching his
players fight for the lead role at Upton Park. Reports had linked the
Hammers boss with a cameo appearance in East End filmmaker Danny Dyer's next
production. But after seeing his men close to within two points of leaders
Southampton, he insisted there were no immediate plans for a stroll down the
red carpet. Allardyce said: "I know nothing about it but if someone gives me
a ring and values my services as an actor then I'll think about it. "I'd
need an audition first, although I have done an advert or two and I do a bit
of acting in the dressing room when I need to." Hammers captain Kevin Nolan
had no such qualms about turning it on in front of the cameras and it was
his sweet 25-yard volley that put Big Sam's side in control. And fellow
midfielder Jack Collison saluted the strike, saying: "We know we've got a
lot of big-name players - just look how Kevin has dug us out with a
spectacular goal. "We see him do that every day in training and it's nice
that he produced one in a game. But we've got that quality throughout the
side and we want that to take us back to the Premier League." Nolan's goal -
his first at Upton Park since his summer switch from Newcastle - befitted
the Hammers' dominant second-half display. But before the interval they were
anything but convincing while striker Sam Baldock limped off with an injury
after just 20 minutes. And Nigel Clough's Derby had clearly failed to read
the script as they then took a shock lead. Jamie Ward picked out Ipswich
loanee Tamas Priskin, who marked his debut with a tidy 35th-minute finish
across Robert Green. But Carlton Cole, making his first start in eight
games, pulled West Ham level on the stroke of half-time with a magnificent
header from Joey O'Brien's first-time cross. After Nolan's show-stopper,
Mark Noble struck from the spot after Craig Bryson's pushed Frederic
Piquionne. Derby, on the other hand, were reeling after a fourth straight
defeat. Hungarian star Priskin said: "I was just happy to play 90 minutes as
I've only played once for Ipswich this term."

SUN STAR MAN KEVIN NOLAN (West Ham). A goal fit to decide any game.

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West Ham inspired by Saints' surprising defeat
GILES LUCAS MONDAY 28 NOVEMBER 2011
The Independent

West Ham manager Sam Allardyce suggested his side only sprang to life to
claim a 3-1 win over Derby in the Championship on Saturday because his
players earlier saw rivals Southampton consigned to defeat. "We weren't very
good. The players saw the Southampton result and that, plus the 4-4-2
formation I picked, affected them," said Allardyce of his side who closed
the gap at the top to just two points with the win after leaders Saints had
lost 2-0 to Bristol City. "It was very important that we scored just before
half-time, it knocked Derby back," added Allardyce, whose team scored
through Carlton Cole after Tamas Priskin had found the net for Derby, with
Hammers' captain Kevin Nolan and Mark Noble scoring in the second half.
Allardyce added: "The performance was only good enough for 45 minutes. That
needs to be better at home and it's something we want for 90 minutes,
starting Tuesday at Middlesbrough."

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Southampton stumble sees West Ham re-emerge as favourites
Saints' lead at the top is cut to two points ahead of vital midweek round
News.ladbrokes.com

It was a near perfect Saturday for West Ham as they closed to within two
points of Championship leaders Southampton and reassumed the mantle of
favourites following a 3-1 victory over out-of-form Derby The Irons were
involved in the day's late kick-off so knew that there was a massive
opportunity to put pressure on their title rivals, who suffered their first
defeat in nine earlier in the afternoon away to rejuvenated Bristol City. On
the few other occasions that the Saints had stuttered so far this season,
Sam Allardyce's side had struggled to take advantage and a repeat briefly
appeared to be on the cards when Tamas Priskin fired the Rams in front on
his debut.

Carlton Cole equalised before the break though and the hosts did the damage
in the second half for the third match in a row, with Kevin Nolan and Mark
Noble scoring to earn their team a third straight win, a feat that they
hadn't previously achieved. The task of maintaining that momentum is sure to
be a tricky one however as the midweek set of fixtures sends them to
fourth-placed Middlesbrough, who haven't been beaten at home in nine months.
West Ham won't be too fearful of that streak as they boast the best
travelling record in the division - triumphing on their last three away days
- but their one loss came against a similarly strong home side in
Southampton.

The newly-anointed 11/8 favourites to claim top spot are rated at 6/4 to win
at the Riverside, yet tellingly the same odds are offered on Tony Mowbray's
men.
Southampton, now out to 13/8 to finish first, will relish a return to St
Mary's given their run of one victory in seven on the road, and are 4/7 to
react by making it 30 points from a possible 30 in front of their fans
against play-off hopefuls Hull.

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