Daily WHUFC News - 29th August 2012

West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra
WHUFC.com
Modibo Maiga nets his first goal as the Hammers secure a Capital One Cup victory
28.08.2012

WEST HAM UNITED v CREWE ALEXANDRA
CAPITAL ONE CUP SECOND ROUND
TUESDAY 28 AUGUST 2012
KICK-OFF: 7.45PM
REFEREE: FRED GRAHAM
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV

Final score - West Ham United 2-0 Crewe Alexandra

94 mins - Into the final minute and Crewe come again. Murphy opens his body up but cannot get the necessary curl on the shot and it floats wide. A few seconds later and the final whistle is blown. West Ham are through to the third round. We'll have exclusive post-match reaction and highlights on West Ham TV and whufc.com soon.
93 mins - Clayton hasn't given up, but nor has O'Brien as the skipper makes a fine tackle on the edge of the penalty area. West Ham break through Maynard down the right and he cuts the ball back for Maiga. The Mali man takes a touch and stings Martin's palms again with a well-struck shot.
91 mins - We're going to have at least four more minutes. West Ham try to start them with a goal, but Hall's first-time shot flashes wide of the right-hand post.
89 mins - Tonight's attendance is 18,053.
88 mins - The Man of the Match is Nicky Maynard. He has worked his socks off and calmed the nerves with a fine finish. The decision is applauded by both sets of fans. Fair play!
87 mins - I hope I'm not tempting fate, but the third-round draw is on Thursday evening...
85 mins - This has been good tonight. West Ham have pressed high, worked hard and created numerous chances. Maiga and Diarra have caught the eye, while O'Brien and Potts have defended well in the main.
83 mins - A third and final substitution for West Ham, who replace Nolan with George Moncur. O'Brien takes over as captain. Moncur gets a real ovation as he runs on for his debut. That's three debuts tonight, then - Henderson, Fanimo and now Moncur, who wears No42.
82 mins - Hall and Fanimo are enjoying themselves. This time Fanimo crosses and Dugdale heads clear. West Ham keep up the pressure and Maiga works Martin with a rasping shot that the goalkeeper does well to turn behind. The corner is cleared.
80 mins - So close to a debut goal for Fanimo as he collects a pass from Nolan and sees his low shot flicked just wide by Martin for a corner. It's taken short by Hall to O'Neil. The No46 picks out Diarra, whose towering header goes a yard over the top. Before the corner was taken, Turton replaced Leitch-Smith.
78 mins - Crewe win a corner and keep the ball alive from a headed clearance. The second cross is fired in to the penalty area but is too strong for Mellor, whose header goes high and wide.
76 mins - That will do Henderson the power of good. Leitch-Smith gets in behind O'Brien and Potts. He controls and tries to round the Irishman, but Henderson is quick and spreads himself before blocking with both hands and plunging on the ball. Great keeping.
75 mins - Nice play there again. Maynard swaps passes with Hall before curling a cross to the far post that is inches too far ahead of Nolan. His first-time shot is into the side-netting.
74 mins - Good pressing again from O'Neil wins the ball back and then Maynard wins a free-kick. Hall will take it wide on the right. He curls it over but the ball lands in the hands of Martin.
73 mins - Before the game restarts, Vaz Te is replaced by the in-form Rob Hall. I am told he was unplayable in Sunday's 5-1 Development Squad win at Everton. Crewe replace Ellis with Adam Dugdale.
71 mins - Crewe win a corner and Henderson just gets a hand to it. The follow-up shot is blocked before play is stopped for Ellis to receive treatment. Time for the players to get some water on board while the No5 receives treatment for a facial injury.
69 mins - Maiga is looking the part tonight. This time another good move involving Diarra and O'Neil ends with the No11 flashing a header that bounces just wide.
65 mins - Another sweeping attack sees Nolan find Spence. He clips the cross in and Maiga's header is deflected wide for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's cleared at the near post.
62 mins - Crewe make a change as Osman is on for Bunn. The Hammers are turning it on now as Maiga sets up Vaz Te, who tests Martin with a searing drive from 20 yards that the goalkeeper does well to parry.
61 mins - Fanimo involved for the first time and he so nearly gets an assist with his first touch. He nips past Mellor and crosses for Maiga, who somehow volleys over from six yards.
60 mins - Fanimo is on at left-back for Matt Taylor. This is his debut. Good luck young man. West Ham attack down their right and Spence sends over the cross. Maiga's header is blocked.
59 mins - We're going to see England Under-18 Matthias Fanimo in a moment. Before then, Crewe want a penalty again as Leitch-Smith goes down under O'Brien's challenge. Again, nothing is given.
57 mins - West Ham need another goal and perhaps they can give a couple of the youngsters a run. Before then, Henderson does well to hold on to a fierce shot from Bunn from the left corner of the penalty area. West Ham break and O'Neil picks out Maiga with a nice ball. The Malian gets the cross in but it's cleared. West Ham keep up the pressure, but Nolan's curler is wayward.
54 mins - GOAL! That free-kick works so often! The ball is rolled into the feet of Nolan by Taylor and he turns his marker and works Martin with a powerful shot. The goalkeeper cannot hold on and Maiga reacts quickest to finish smartly with his left foot.

54 mins - Mellor becomes the second right-back to be booked for bringing down Vaz Te as the No12 was romping into the Crewe half on the break.
51 mins - Spence gives the ball away and Crewe attack again from halfway. Leitch-Smith gets to the edge of the box, where O'Brien makes a good challenge. Crewe are not done and the away fans want a penalty as Diarra challenges Bunn just inside the box. Both players go to ground. The referee waves away the claims.
49 mins - The corner is cleared to Leitch-Smith, whose fierce shot is blocked. Bunn goes down injured as Vaz Te brings the ball clear and the game is stopped for the No25 to receive attention.
47 mins - West Ham have started positively. Maiga forces Ellis to put the ball behind for a corner with a loose touch. Taylor's near-post delivery is headed clear and Crewe break dangerously through Bunn. West Ham resist the initial attack but the visitors keep it alive and Henderson has to claw Murphy's long-range shot away for a corner.
46 mins - No changes at the break from either manager. Crewe kick-off and the ball is fired straight out for a throw on the near side.

Half-time score - West Ham United 1-0 Crewe Alexandra

47 mins - West Ham win another corner in added-time. Last chance to add to the lead before the break. Taylor trots across in front of the Crewe fans to take it... Diarra wins it again at the far post but his downward header bounces a yard wide. That's half-time.
45 mins - Good build-up involving Maiga - who has come into the game more and more - and O'Neil. Vaz Te collects and shoots wildly from 30 yards. Goal kick, and nearly another shot that results in a throw-in!
44 mins - Spence bursts forward again and gets to the byline. His pullback is cut out, but Vaz Te wins it back inside the penalty area before running to the byline himself. He slams the cross into the six-yard box, where Martin makes the catch. Good handling.
42 mins - You have got to admire Crewe's ethos. West Ham are pressing them high inside their own penalty area, but still they play the ball to feet patiently before clearing upfield.
40 mins - West Ham win another corner. Taylor will take again left-footed. Spence attacks the ball at the far post but the defender in front of him knocks the ball behind. O'Neil takes this time and Martin saves well from Diarra's goalbound header.
38 mins - Maynard is everywhere. This time he tracks left-back Davis and blocks the cross almost on his own goalline. The corner is taken short and passed back to Murphy, whose deep cross flies out for a goal kick.
36 mins - Maynard threatens again as his cross-shot hits a defender and bounces behind for a corner. Taylor's delivery is headed goalwards but hits a defender and loops to Maynard on the edge of the box. His powerful first-time volley is batted away by Martin. Crewe scramble the ball away. They are creaking a bit at the back.
34 mins - GOAL! He'll have enjoyed that, will Nicky Maynard! It's a good goal too. West Ham pick up the pace and sweep through the Crewe defence as Maiga and Vaz Te are involved in a one-touch move that ends with Maynard sweeping the ball into the bottom left-hand corner with a sweetly-struck half-volley.
33 mins - Potts launches the ball in and Maiga heads down for Nolan, but he cannot get the purchase on his shot.
32 mins - Vaz Te is looking to impress tonight. He has picked up the ball deep a few times already and does so again. He swaps passes with Maiga before the ball drops to Taylor from a clearing header. The No14 looks up but his cross is too close to goalkeeper Martin.
31 mins - My mention of no goals being scored has led to a glut of strikes all over the country.
30 mins - Vaz Te drops his shoulder to get around Westwood and shoots from 30-odd yards. It's not Brighton all over again, unfortunately, as the ball flies high into the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. Goal kick.
29 mins - Crewe come again. Leitch-Smith drives the shot in from just outside the box and Henderson makes a save low to his right. He holds on to the ball. The visitors are looking more likely at present...
28 mins - Oooh! Moore nutmegs Taylor and then cuts into the penalty area. He cuts the ball back for Clayton, but O'Brien JUST gets something on the ball to stop the pass getting through.
26 mins - Maiga gives the ball away and Crewe break down their left. Bunn cuts inside but mis-hits his shot so poorly that it slides out for a throw in front of the Alpari Stand!
25 mins - There are 23 ties going on tonight, and goals have only been scored in three of them so far. West Ham have a chance again as they win a corner over in front of the Crewe fans. Taylor whips the cross in and Vaz Te diverts it goalwards, but it's straight at Martin.
23 mins - Spence loops the ball forward down the right channel and Maynard wins the header for himself. He cuts the ball back but Mellor is there to intercept and bring the ball clear with a neat drop of the shoulder. Confident defending from the Crewe No14.
21 mins - Taylor is getting forward regularly and he does so again. This time, however, his first-time cross is too strong and Maynard cannot keep it in on the far touchline.
19 mins - Crewe might have lost 5-1 at the weekend but they were on a long unbeaten run until recently. Their confidence is there for all to see as they knock the ball around. Leitch-Smith tries to tee-up Clayton, but Taylor gets an important foot in. West Ham break and Martin flaps at a cross from the right, but there is no West Ham player there to benefit as both Maiga and Vaz Te had challenged for the cross.
17 mins - A positive run by Spence takes him across the face of the box before he finds Taylor in space on the left. His cross hits Mellor and goes behind for a corner. O'Neil takes but it's over-hit and goes out for a throw on the far side.
16 mins - West Ham are back on the offensive but they've yet to force an opening.
13 mins - Spence is booked for a second foul in two minutes. Crewe had just gone close as Leitch-Smith's low cross just eluded Clayton. The free-kick is headed clear by Vaz Te and West Ham break. Maiga races away down the right wing and then tries to pick out Vaz Te in the middle. Crewe have one defender back and he volleys clear from the edge of the penalty area. It's been an open and attractive game so far.
12 mins - West Ham concede a free-kick about 25 yards out to the right of Henderson's goal. Westwood takes and curls it over the wall. Henderson gets there first and elects to punch. The ball hits Mellor and rebounds over the crossbar. Close!
10 mins - It's all West Ham. Vaz Te picks out Maynard on the right and he is one-on-one with Mellor. The No8 takes on his marker on the inside before curling a left-foot shot narrowly wide. Goalkeeper Martin dives but the ball beats the post.
8 mins - Potts launches the ball down the inside-left channel for Vaz Te. He keeps the ball in superbly before beating Robertson. The Scot keeps to his task and makes an perfect challenge on the byline to concede a corner. That could easily have been a penalty. The corner comes over and Spence wins the header at the far post, but it loops onto the roof of the net.
7 mins - A little moment there as Potts allows the ball to run inside the penalty area. For a moment it looks like he'll let in Clayton, but he recovers quickly and clears upfield. After Saturday, we don't want any indecisive defending!
4 mins - It's been all West Ham so far, bar one cross into the box cleared by Potts. Good build-up involving Potts and Vaz Te sees the ball passed square for Nolan. He lets it run across his body, but the ball just gets away from him a little and he screws his shot off-target from 25 yards. That was a decent opening for the skipper, who is normally accurate from all ranges.
2 mins - The Hammers attack again. Good build-up down the right flank. Spence drives the cross over at head height and Martin makes the catch above Maiga's head.
1 min - West Ham show first, but Maynard cannot beat his marker and the ball rolls out for a goal kick.

7.44pm - We're off a minute early! West Ham get things started shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand end of the Boleyn Ground. Maiga is through the middle, with Vaz Te to the left and Maynard wide right.

7.42pm - For those wondering how we'll lineup tonight, it's Spence at right-back, O'Brien and Potts in the middle and Taylor at left-back. Diarra will play behind O'Neil and Nolan in midfield. Maiga, Vaz Te and Maynard will form the front three. Oh, and Henderson will start in goal.

7.41pm - Here come the two teams, led by captains Kevin Nolan and Ashley Westwood. The Boleyn Ground isn't full, but there is still a decent about of noise being generated. Crewe's players are doing some last-minute shuttle runs before kick-off.

7.37pm - It's time for a bit of Coldplay's 'Paradise'. As anyone who was at Wembley will recall, the song has become a bit of a terrace anthem here in east London. It'll never replace 'Bubbles' of course, but the fans do like a good sing-along!

7.32pm - We've got some special guests here tonight. Members of the Ukrainian and Finnish Paralympic teams are at the Boleyn Ground. The London 2012 Paralympic Games start tomorrow, of course. If they are half as good as the Olympic Games, it will be a fantastic event.

7.30pm - It's a nice late summer's evening here in east London. There is a bit of cloud, but I'm going to put my neck on the line and say we won't see any rain tonight. On the touchline, fitness coach Eamon Swift is putting the starting XI through their final paces before they head off to change into their match shirts. Over on the far side of the pitch, Development Squad coach Ian Hendon is playing keep-ball with the substitutes.

6.50pm - Team news is in! Ten changes from Big Sam! Stephen Henderson makes his full debut, while Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga both make their first starts in claret and blue. No fewer than five uncapped players are on the bench.

West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum

Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels

Good evening and welcome to the Boleyn Ground for tonight's Capital One Cup second-round tie with Crewe Alexandra - the 200th League Cup tie in West Ham United's history!
Both the Hammers and the Railwaymen will be seeking a victory that will see them keep alive hopes of a second-consecutive Wembley appearance. West Ham, of course, beat Blackpool 2-1 at the Home of Football in the npower Championship Play-Off final, while Crewe defeated Cheltenham Town by the same scoreline in the League Two Play-Off final.
West Ham have reached the League Cup final twice, finishing as runners-up in 1966 and 1981, and got to the semi-finals as recently as 2011, when they were beaten by Birmingham City in a thrilling clash that went to extra-time.
Supporters who have taken advantage of the discounted ticket prices for tonight's game can also expect to see goals, as Sam Allardyce's men have failed to score in just one of their last 16 League Cup fixtures and Crewe's record win in the competition came in this year's first round as they beat Hartlepool United 5-0.
Both clubs will be seeking to bounce back after recording disappointing league results at the weekend. West Ham were beaten 3-0 at Swansea City in the Barclays Premier League, while Crewe went down 5-1 at Brentford in npower League One.
Big Sam is set to name a strong starting XI, with captain Kevin Nolan, Wembley hero Ricardo Vaz Te, Matt Taylor, Guy Demel and Gary O'Neil all in the squad. Nicky Maynard could start against his first club. Alou Diarra and Modibo Maiga could make their first starts in a Hammers shirt, while Stephen Henderson is set to make his debut in goal. A host of Academy graduates could be named on the bench, including Rob Hall, Callum Driver and George Moncur.
West Ham United: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor (Fanimo 60), O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te (Hall 73), Maiga, Maynard
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, McCallum
Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis (Dugdale 73), Bunn (Osman 61), Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith (Turton 80), M.Clayton
Subs not used: Garratt, Guthrie, Ray, Daniels

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The Big Interview: Dean Ashton
WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton has spoken to West Ham TV as his two former sides went head to head on Tuesday night.
28.08.2012

Dean Ashton was on media duty at Swansea City on Saturday and after the game he spoke to West Ham TV about all things claret and blue. The former West Ham United striker shared his thoughts on his old club, the season ahead and the special place Hammers fans will always hold in his heart. The former England international was forced to retire from the game just over three years ago, after injuring his ankle during his first training session with the Three Lions.

Dean, great to see you looking so well. What did you make of the Swansea game?

DA: "It just wasn't West Ham's day. I thought they did try and turn it around at the start of the second half but once Swansea scored their third, then it was game over. Maybe it was just one to forget. These days happen to everyone - they got a good home win against Aston Villa last week and there is the whole season ahead."

Do you still keep an eye for your old clubs like Crewe and West Ham?

DA: "I do keep an eye on all the clubs I have played for - West Ham, Norwich and Crewe. Crewe did really well to go up and it is good to see them climbing up the leagues again. It is great to see West Ham back in the Premier League and Norwich went back up and did well to stay up last year."

And what are you up to these days, Dean?

DA: "I am doing some media work at the moment. I am enjoying being back in the studio for some matches and it is nice to come to the games. It is good to be back at the stadiums and everything instead of sat at home watching them! It was difficult with what happened but you have to move on and try to enjoy football again."

You were popular with the West Ham supporters who still ask after you. Do you still meet them when you are out and about?

DA: "Yes, they do come up to me still. The support I have had was fantastic and the things people have said and the wishes I was sent after having to retire were just great. I loved my time at West Ham, I really did, and it was sad that I couldn't continue what I started there as I would have loved to."

What are your thoughts for the team this season and what are your thoughts on some of your old team-mates that are still here?

DA: "West Ham managed to keep a lot of the players that have played in the Premier League before when they went down last year and have also managed to add to that with players who also have that experience. This season, bringing back someone back like James Collins is a good move, he again has a wealth of experience at this level now. Mark Noble is still there, someone I played with while at West Ham and he is an established part of the side. "It is also good to see players like James Tomkins, who had a great season last year, carrying on his form this season back in the Premier League. I think it is exciting for them and perhaps the manger is looking to bring in another player or two before the window shuts. I want the team to do well back in the Premier League. There are a few lads there that I played with and it is great to see the club back in the top flight of football again, where they belong."

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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
Maynard 34′Maiga 55′
29 August 2012

Modibo Maiga scored his first West Ham goal as the Premier League side beat battling visitors Crewe in the League Cup second round. The Mali striker, a recent signing from Sochaux, pounced from close range when Alex goalkeeper Alan Martin failed to hold Kevin Nolan's shot on 55 minutes. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard refused to celebrate after sweeping home Ricardo Vaz Te's 34th-minute cross for the Hammers' opening goal. Luke Murphy went closest for Crewe. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the Cheshire club before moving to Bristol City in 2008 and then to West Ham in January. And the 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress against his former club. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat by Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only survivor as new arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club. League One Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park until Maynard's opener, a low volley into the bottom corner. Crewe's Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post before the Hammers wrapped up victory when Maiga scored from close range after Nolan's free kick was parried into his path.

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West Ham boss Sam Allardyce praises psychologist boost
BBC.co.uk

West Ham boss Sam Allardyce says the use of sports psychology at Upton Park has become a crucial part of the club's pre-match preparations. Allardyce has used a psychologist since he was appointed manager last summer. He told BBC London 94.9: "It does a huge amount of good work in looking at that area. "I've always said a player who plays in the Premier League plays there because of his intelligence and his brain, not because of his skill ability." He continued: "It is very important we all go down the route of setting our targets, our goals and how we can achieve them. "We set out for the players what they've got to go through in the season. The better they handle it mentally, the better they perform."

And Allardyce believes other football teams could be missing out on possible benefits because they are afraid to embrace the use of a sports psychologist. "Most of this country generally ignores that type of training because they feel it's for weak people, perhaps," he added. "It's not. It's about getting everybody correctly mentally focused. "If you look at other sports in the world; a golfer, a tennis player, a swimmer or certainly a lot of the Olympic teams, they would not dream of not having a psychologist on their team. "It's about integration and talking to players and staff on a casual basis and talking about how things are going. "Over the last 10 years at least, using one has given a small advantage to us whatever club I've been at. "I've been a great believer in it so I will continue to go down that route."

And Allardyce believes that a psychologist can noticeably boost a player's performances on the pitch. "It's how his brain tells him to use that skill ability. "That is a very difficulty area. It's easy to make somebody stronger, fitter or improve someone's motor skills. "It's not as easy to talk about the psychology that is needed in football to keep people focused and mentally strong."

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West Ham Utd 2 Crewe Alexandra 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2012
By: Staff Writer

West Ham strolled through to the third round of the Capital One Cup after a comfortable win over League One side Crewe at the Boleyn Ground tonight. A goal either side of the half time whistle was enough for Sam Allardyce's side to secure passage through to the next round of the competition, the draw for which takes places on Thursday evening. Former Crewe striker Nicky Maynard put the Hammers ahead shortly before the break, finishing a well-worked move between tonight's front three of Modibo Maiga, Ricardo Vaz Te and former Alex player Nicky Maynard. New boy Maiga and play-off Final hero Vaz Te combined well before setting up former Crewe striker Maynard who finished with some aplomb into the bottom corner - before celebrating his effort in muted style out of respect to his former employers.

The deciding goal arrived just nine minutes after the restart and came from the boot of recent arrival Modibo Maiga, scoring his first goal for West Ham. Crewe 'keeper Martin failed to properly deal with captain Kevin Nolan's fierce effort and Maiga was on hand to stroke the ball home from close range. Sam Allardyce rang the changes from Saturday's hugely disappointing 3-0 reversal at Swansea by giving first appearances of the season to Danny Potts, Stephen Henderson, Jordan Spence, Rob Hall and Gary O'Neill - plus full debuts to Alou Diarra and Academy products George Moncur and Matthias Fanimo.

The draw for the third round of the competition is due to take place on Thursday.

West Ham Utd: Henderson, O'Brien, Spence, Diarra, Potts, Taylor, O'Neil, Nolan, Vaz Te, Maiga, Maynard.
Subs: Spiegel, Driver, Demel, Moncur, Fanimo, Hall, McCallum.

Crewe Alexandra: Martin, Davis, Ellis, Bunn, Robertson, Mellor, Westwood, Murphy, Moore, Leitch-Smith, M.Clayton.
Subs: Garratt, Dugdale, Turton, Guthrie, Ray, Osman, Daniels.

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Duo bid for Addicks ace
West Ham & Bolton chase Solly deal
By Pete O'Rourke - Follow me: @skysportspeteo. Last Updated: August 28, 2012 1:32pm
SSN

Sky Sports understands West Ham and Bolton have bid for Charlton Athletic defender Chris Solly. A number of clubs have been linked with Solly, who has caught the eye at Charlton over the last 12 months. Solly enjoyed a fine campaign with Charlton last term, playing a key role in their promotion back to the Championship and he was named as the club's Player of the Year by supporters as well as Young Player of the Year by the club's management team. West Ham have been tracking Solly for some time with Sam Allardyce in the market for a new right-back and they have now firmed up their interest with an offer. However, they could face competition from Bolton for the 21-year-old with Owen Coyle also believed to have tabled a bid. Charlton are reluctant to lose Solly as Chris Powell looks to keep hold of his best players and it remains to be seen if they can fend off the growing interest in the player.

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Maynard 'important to Hammers'
Hammers No.2 not expecting forward to leave
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:35pm
SSN

West Ham assistant manager Neil McDonald says Nicky Maynard remains an 'important member of the squad' despite being linked with a move away from Upton Park. Maynard contributed a goal to crown a man-of-the-match performance as the Hammers beat his former club Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday night. He had been linked with a departure after the Londoners recruited attacking reinforcements over the summer in the shape of Modibo Maiga and Matt Jarvis.

Lively

McDonald also confirmed after Tuesday's win that West Ham are in the market for another forward before the transfer window closes. But Sam Allardyce's assistant added that Maynard remains in their plans. The 25-year-old's volley put West Ham ahead as part of a lively individual performance, although he refused to celebrate in front of the Crewe supporters. Maiga then doubled West Ham's lead from close range and the Mali striker would have had more had more but for a string of saves from Crewe keeper Alan Main. "Nicky Maynard needed a game and he scored against his old team. He has put in a decent performance and that is all you can do - a decent performance and a goal," said McDonald. "He is certainly a goal-scorer and he took his goal very, very well. "He is involved all the time, he is on the bench. Nothing that I have heard (suggests he won't be here this time next week). "He is an important member of the squad and he has put in a good performance today and given the manager something to think about, that's for sure." Crewe had strong penalty appeals rejected when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Alou Diarra but the only mystery of the evening was how Maiga did not score more.

Pleased

The answer came in the form of Crewe goalkeeper Main, who twice denied Maiga from distance, while the Mali striker volleyed over from close range and sent a header wide. But given it was his first start in English football, McDonald was pleased with his contribution. "I thought he was fantastic. He is still getting used to the pace of English football and that takes time to settle in to," he said. "Foreign players have to adjust to the English style of football and the pace of football. I thought he got stronger as the game went along."

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Maynard helps Iron past Alex
Last Updated: August 28, 2012 11:10pm
SSN

Nicky Maynard scored against his former club but did not celebrate as West Ham beat Crewe 2-0 in the Capital One Cup at Upton Park. Maynard, a product of the famous Crewe academy, opened the scoring for the Hammers with a sweet volley from inside the box and in front of the travelling support. Modibo Maiga marked his full debut by doubling the lead from close range after the interval as West Ham eased into the third round. Maynard first joined Crewe as a seven-year-old and scored 35 goals in 67 appearances for the club before moving to Bristol City in 2008, for £2.25million, and then to West Ham in January. The 25-year-old, who has been linked with a move away from Upton Park, took his chance to impress tonight as a youthful West Ham side flooded forward. Manager Sam Allardyce made 10 changes from Saturday's 3-0 Premier League defeat to Swansea, with captain Kevin Nolan the only player retained in the side. New arrivals Maiga, Alou Diarra and Stephen Henderson made their first starts for the club while the likes of Maynard were given their first chance of the season to impress. After Jordan Spence had looped a header over the bar, Maynard cut in from the right flank and attempted a curling left-footed strike which flew wide. Henderson made a nervy start, punching a ball he should have caught. It deflected off Kelvin Mellor's knee and, thankfully for the West Ham goalkeeper, over the bar.

Crewe conceded five against Brentford at the weekend but they were resilient at Upton Park, keeping West Ham at bay until Maynard's 32nd-minute opener. The visitors had their moments. Ajay Leitch-Smith tried to tee up Max Clayton on the edge of the West Ham box but they were denied by a timely interception from Matt Taylor. Byron Moore then nutmegged Taylor and cut into the penalty area before pulling the ball back to Clayton but Joey O'Brien reacted smartly to shut down the danger. West Ham were dominating but they were not ruthless enough. They began to get sloppy in midfield and Ricardo Vaz Te almost blasted one shot into the upper tier of the Sir Trevor Brooking Stand. But then came the goal. Maiga and Vaz Te created the opening with a sharp one-touch move and Maynard, with a perfect technique he learned at Crewe, swept the low volley into the bottom corner.

West Ham's gander was up and they won a corner, which fell to Maynard but this time his fierce volley from inside the box was well saved by Alan Main. The Crewe goalkeeper was a busy man and he needed to produce another stop to keep out Diarra's header and preserve West Ham's 1-0 lead at the interval. Crewe's Luke Murphy saw a stinging 30-yard shot tipped around the post for a corner and the visitors then had strong claims for a penalty when Harry Bunn went down under a challenge from Diarra. The Frenchman was desperately trying to rescue the situation after West Ham had lost possession on the edge of their own box and referee Fred Graham waved away Crewe's appeals.

West Ham effectively wrapped up the win when Nolan received a free-kick from Taylor, forced Main to parry his shot and Maiga pounced to score from close range.
The only issue that will furrow Allardyce's brow after the victory was how Maiga only scored one. Shortly after the goal he met Taylor's deep cross with a stretched volley that went over the bar from just six yards out. West Ham were in their stride now and Main was bombarded with shots as he denied Vaz Te's fierce drive and then two more long-distance efforts from Maiga. In between time, Henderson did well to keep his feet and deny Leitch-Smith as the Crewe striker tried to round the Hammers keeper. West Ham finished on the front foot with Maiga directing a header just wide and substitute Robert Hall just missing with an angled shot. As West Ham accepted the victory applause, Maynard made a point of acknowledging the Crewe supporters he had helped to send home disappointed.

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West Ham 2 Crewe 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 29th August 2012

SAM ALLARDYCE had his M&Ms to thank for the sweet taste of victory. Nicky Maynard and Modibo Maiga netted to fire West Ham safely into round three. The two Hammers also responded on a night when Big Sam made nine changes to his team that were beaten 3-0 at Swansea on Saturday in a bid to solve his goalscoring problems. Maynard struck first on 33 minutes with a goal that could go a long way to keeping him at Upton Park. Last season's £2.5million signing from Bristol City has been heavily linked with a return to the Championship and a move to Leeds. But his goal last night looked Premier class and, with just three days left of the transfer window, it may help him secure a future in East London. Maynard struck at the end of a clever interchange of passes between Maiga and Ricardo Vaz Te.
Vaz Te eventually swept the ball into the box and Maynard hooked it past Crewe keeper Alan Martin from 12 yards. New £4.7m striker Maiga also marked his full debut with West Ham's second nine minutes after the break. Skipper Kevin Nolan let rip with a powerful shot from the edge of the box which Martin could not hold and Maiga followed up to bury the rebound. Hammers assistant boss Neil McDonald said: "Nicky put in a decent performance and he needed a game. "This was a perfect night. Two goals, a clean sheet and no injuries. And now some players have every right to go knocking on the manager's door."

DREAM TEAM RATINGS
STAR MAN: Nicky Maynard (West Ham) 9
WEST HAM: Henderson 7, Spence 7, Potts 7, O'Brien 7, Taylor 6 (Fanimo 6), O'Neill 6, Diarra 7, Nolan 7 (Moncur 5), Vaz Te 7 (Hall 6), Maiga 8, Maynard 9. Subs not used: Spiegel, Demel, Driver, McCallum.

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West Ham 2 Crewe 0: New boy Maiga's off the mark as he wins it for Hammers
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 21:57, 28 August 2012 | UPDATED: 00:04, 29 August 2012
Daily Mail

Modibo Maiga scored his first goal for West Ham as the Barclays Premier League side eased into the third round of the Capital One Cup. But League One Crewe's visit to east London had neither the glamour or excitement of the Olympic Stadium under the lights, and that was illustrated by the abundance of spare seats at the ground.
Maiga, a £4.7million summer signing from Sochaux, scored after 55 minutes to wrap up the tie after Nicky Maynard's 34th-minute opener. Hammers assistant manager Neil McDonald said: 'I thought Maiga was fantastic. He's had a couple of cameos but this was his first start. 'He needs time to settle into English football, but I thought he got stronger as the game wore on. So did (Alou) Diarra, who made his first start. 'It was a good night for us. Two goals, a clean sheet. We showed a good attitude and did things at the right time. And the players that we felt needed a game played and got through 90 minutes. Those players can knock on the manager's door now and say, "I should keep my place".' West Ham manager Sam Allardyce showed where the Capital One Cup lies in his list of priorities this season by making wholesale changes from the side that slumped to defeat by Swansea on Saturday, while Crewe boss Steve Davis made just three changes to the side beaten 5-1 by Brentford.

Maynard carved out the first real opportunity in the 10th minute, cleverly working himself a yard of space on the edge of the box before curling a left-foot shot just wide. But Crewe were not intimidated by their Premier League opponents and Stephen Henderson was nearly embarrassed in the 12th minute after what should have been a routine punch ricocheted off Crewe right back Kelvin Mellor and, luckily for the Hammers keeper, over the cross bar. Highly rated West Ham defender Dan Potts then made an excellent interception on the edge of his six-yard box with Max Clayton waiting to pounce on Ajay Leitch-Smith's dangerous low cross. Maiga looked threatening, but the Mali forward was a rare bright spot for Allardyce's side early on as they struggled for intensity. It did not take long for the Upton Park faithful to make their feelings known as the moans and groans that have become synonymous with Allardyce's reign soon started bellowing from the stands. But Maynard eased home supporters' concerns in the 34th minute with a spectacular strike against the club he left in 2008. Ricardo Vaz Te's pacy run down the right culminated with a cross that Crewe made a hash of clearing, leaving Maynard to fire an acrobatic volley past keeper Alan Martin. Maynard threatened to rub salt in the visitors' wounds moments later with an identical effort that was blocked, unknowingly, by Crewe skipper Ashley Westwood. Maynard's opener helped the Hammers emerge from their slow start and Diarra twice went close with towering headers before the interval.

But West Ham were nearly left to rue Diarra's misses when Henderson saved superbly low down from Luke Murphy's rasping 25-yarder. Maiga added the goal his first-half display threatened 10 minutes after the restart, prodding home from close range after Kevin Nolan's low, angled effort was parried by Martin. That was the cue for Allardyce to throw on promising youngsters Matthias Fanimo, George Moncur and Robert Hall. Clearing the decks: West Ham's Jordan Spence vies with Crewe's Mark Ellis and Ashley WestwoodMaiga, the impressive Fanimo and Diarra all went close to extending the Hammers' lead as the Premier League side strolled to victory. West Ham may yet strengthen their squad before the transfer window closes on Friday. McDonald added: 'We are scouring all over the place to find players so, if the right one comes along and the chairman can stump up the money again, then maybe we can.'

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Robert Green's future in doubt after QPR's £2.5m signing of Brazil goalkeeper Julio Cesar from Inter Milan
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Percy11:31PM BST 28 Aug 2012

Green, the England international, will be relegated to No 2 goalkeeper less than two months after his arrival, with Cesar expected to officially seal his surprise move on Wednesday. Green only joined Rangers in July but is already set for the axe after a string of high-profile mistakes this season. The 32 year-old endured a nightmare debut against Swansea City on the opening day of the season and was the subject of taunts from Paddy Kenny, who left Loftus Road for Leeds this summer, while he also looked unconvincing against former club Norwich. Hughes, the Rangers manager, has moved swiftly to replace Green after sealing a deal for Inter's Brazil international Cesar. The 32 year-old could even make his debut in Rangers' next game at Manchester City, with Green starting on the bench. Cesar, who helped Inter win the Champions League in 2010 and has been capped by Brazil 64 times, is poised to sign a three-year deal. Cesar's arrival is the latest humilation for Green, who has struggled to rebuild his reputation after a costly blunder for England in the World Cup game against the US two years ago. Hughes could even allow him to leave on loan for a Championship club when the loan window opens.

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