Daily WHUFC News - 16th October 2013

Rav delighted with England goals
WHUFC.com
Ravel Morrison scored twice as England beat Lithuania 5-0 in a UEFA European
Championship qualifier
15.10.2013

West Ham United's Ravel Morrison was delighted after producing a man of the
match display in which he scored twice for England Under-21s against
Lithuania in a European U21 Championship qualifier at Portman Road. The
midfield maestro scored his first after just two minutes when he turned home
a Wilfried Zaha cross to set the young Lions on their way on a night when
they racked up five unanswered goals in Suffolk. His second strike was
reminiscent of his magnificent solo goal against Tottenham Hotspur as he
glided past two defenders before sitting the goalkeeper down and calmly
slotting the ball into the net.
Morrison deservedly won the Man of the Match award and the midfielder was
pleased with both his and his team's display. He told West Ham TV: "I'm very
happy with the performance on my second game for the Under-21s. "My
performance was good and so was the team performance and we couldn't have
hoped for much better tonight."

West Bromwich Albion forward Saido Berahino also scored twice with
Southampton's James Ward-Prowse also netting as Gareth Southgate's side
followed up their 4-0 win over San Marino on Friday in expert fashion. It
was an exciting performance in which Morrison linked up seamlessly with his
team-mates and displayed composure every time he received the ball, although
he admitted to a few pre-match butterflies. "No matter what game I'm going
into I always get nervous," he revealed. "Sometimes nerves can be a good
thing and they certainly were tonight. "I've found it great being part of
the squad, I've come in and the lads have treated me well and I've got on
with everyone really well so it's been good."

The young midfielder will have once again grabbed the headlines with his
second goal, which was a superb individual run and finish. Morrison himself
displayed refreshing modesty when describing the strike. He said: "I can't
remember it, I've not seen it back yet to be honest! "I just thought I might
as well drive it in because I drove it in before when I should have got my
shot off but it got intercepted. "I thought I might as well chance this one
and try and break through the lines and that's what I did."

The midfielder will have been pleased with the way he carried his excellent
club form into his two appearances in an England shirt. His goal against
Tottenham was Morrison's fourth for the Hammers this season but Morrison is
not about to be caught dwelling on the past and is instead relishing
Saturday's Barclays Premier League visit of Manchester City. "I'm very
excited because obviously I used to play for Manchester United but I never
played against their first team so I'm really looking forward to it. "Of
course we can cause a shock. We're a great team and we should have had a lot
of goals this season but for some reason we haven't. "Against Tottenham we
managed to get the goals which have been missing which was pleasing. The
defence has been solid so if we carry on doing what we're doing we can cause
an upset."

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Internationals take centre-stage
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's international players will be in action over the coming
days
15.10.2013

West Ham United's international players take centre-stage again this week,
with a number of vital FIFA World Cup qualifying issues to be resolved.
Romania captain Razvan Rat had the biggest game of the Hammers in action for
their countries, captaining his nation safely into the UEFA Play-Offs in a
2-0 home win over Estonia in Bucharest on Tuesday. Elsewhere, James Collins
played for 57 minutes as Wales drew 1-1 with already-qualified Belgium in
Brussels on Tuesday evening. The match was an emotional one for his friend
and former Hammer Craig Bellamy, who made his 78th and final appearance for
Wales.
Joey O'Brien and Stephen Henderson were unused siubstitutes as Republic of
Ireland finished a disappointing FIFA World Cup qualifying campaign on a
positive note with a 3-1 win over Kazakhstan in Dublin in Group C. Former
Hammer Robbie Keane was among the Irish scorers. Modibo Maiga opened the
scoring for Mali against South Korea in a friendly in Seoul, only for the
Asians to battle back to win 3-1.

Later on Tuesday, Winston Reid's New Zealand continue their tour of North
America and the Caribbean by taking on Trinidad and Tobago at the Hasely
Crawford Stadium in Port of Spain. The All Whites have contested two
training matches in recent days, taking on Ventura County Fusion and Chivas
USA in the United States, as they continue their build-up to a potential
2014 FIFA World Cup qualifying play-off against Honduras, Mexico or Panama
in November.

Closer to home, Ravel Morrison continued his outstanding early-season form
with two goals as England U21s thrashed Lithuania 5-0 at Ipswich Town's
Portman Road. Morrison made his U21 debut in Thursday's 4-0 UEFA European
U21 Championship Group 1 qualifying win in San Marino. In the same
competition, goalkeeper Raphael Spiegel's Switzerland were defeated 2-0 by
Croatia in Lugano in Group 5 on Monday evening, ending their own 100 per
cent start.
Jamie Harney's Northern Ireland U19 lost their third and final UEFA European
U19 Championship Group 4 qualifier 1-0 to Iceland on Tuesday. The Northern
Irish bounced back from a 2-0 defeat by Belgium to draw 1-1 with France on
Saturday, but defeat by Iceland meant Harney and company failed to reach the
Elite Round of qualifying.

Finally, Kyle Knoyle and Reece Burke were with England U18s for a 4-0
behind-closed-doors friendly win over Hungary at St George's Park on Monday.
Knoyle started the game, while Burke was introduced as a substitute.

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'I'm available for selection'
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is fit and ready to face Manchester City in the Barclays
Premier League on Saturday
15.10.2013

Carlton Cole is fit and ready to face Manchester City in the Barclays
Premier League on Saturday. The striker, who re-joined West Ham United on
Monday, has been working hard on his physical condition at Chadwell Heath
for the past few weeks with the aim of earning a contract with the Hammers.
Having worked hard with strength and conditioning coach Mathew Monte-Columbo
for more than a month and proved his fitness in a behind-closed-doors
friendly with Charlton Athletic last Thursday, Cole is now hoping to feature
against the Sky Blues. "I'm available for selection," the new No24 confirmed
to West Ham TV. "I'll train all week with the team and then it's just up to
the manager to see what he wants to do. Hopefully I will make the bench and
take it from there."

With Andy Carroll recovering from a plantar fasciitis problem, Cole will
battle Croatia international Mladen Petric, Ricardo Vaz Te and Modibo Maiga
for the central striker role against Manuel Pellegrini's side - assuming Sam
Allardyce picks a recognised forward after opting to go without one in the
3-0 win at Tottenham Hotspur. Whatever Big Sam chooses to do tactically, the
England international is eager to make his mark. "Obviously I take pride in
playing up there alone and helping the team to try and get results," said
Cole. "That's what I'm going to try and do. "It's no secret how I play. I'm
obviously very physical and try to be a presence up front and impose myself
on defenders, create space and nick a few goals as well. I hope I can do
that up until Christmas and see where that gets me."

Cole's contract runs until 13 January 2014, but the striker knows there is a
lot of football left in him, and he would love that football to be in a
claret and blue shirt. "If I'm doing the business and doing well and making
a difference in the team, we are in good shape and the manager and the
Chairmen want to keep me on, I'll always be available and hopefully we can
crack on after that."

News of Cole's return has been met with widespread enthusiasm by West Ham
supporters, many of whom are grateful for the big forward's contribution
during his previous spell at the Boleyn Ground. Now, he wants to repay that
support by way of goals, hard work and victories. "Of course me and the fans
have been through thick and thin with this Club," he confirmed. "I've been
here for quite a while and I know the emotions of us getting relegated and
getting back up.
"It wasn't all roses, but I will always have a special bond with the Club
because we've been through everything together. "I think the fact they
realise I am a fan and will always be here means I will earn their respect a
second time and make a positive impact on the team."

For Cole himself, there also remains the burning ambition to prove to the
football world that he has still got plenty left to give at Barclays Premier
League level.
"I've always wanted to prove myself and hopefully, with this second chance
at West Ham, I can help the team. That's all I want to do. I want us to stay
in the top league where we deserve to stay. "Hopefully I can play a big part
in that with my presence on the field and by scoring a few goals here and
there."

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Dev Squad off to Cambridge
WHUFC.com
Nick Haycock's U21s will take on Conference National leaders Cambridge
United on Wednesday
15.10.2013

West Ham United's in-form Development Squad will travel to face a Cambridge
United XI on Wednesday evening. In the absence of a Barclays U21 Premier
League fixture this week, Nick Haycock will take his squad to the R Costings
Abbey Stadium to take on the U's in a 7pm kick-off. The likes of George
Moncur, Sebastian Lletget, Blair Turgott, Matthias Fanimo, Pelly Ruddock and
Elliot Lee are all expected to feature against Richard Money's side, who
currently sit top of the Conference National division. Cambridge are
unbeaten in 15 league matches this season, having conceded just six goals,
and come into Wednesday's game following a goalless draw at Chester City on
Saturday. Haycock's youngsters are also top of their table, having won five
and lost just one of their seven Barclays U21 Premier League fixtures so
far. The Development Squad beat Norwich City 2-0 at home last time out. U's
Director of Football Jez George is looking forward to the game. He said:
"Richard Money explained the importance of these games in his programme
notes a few weeks ago. "On the last occasion it was necessary to fill the
team with trialists due to injuries, but with almost a clean bill of health
within the squad at this moment in time, it is really important that one or
two players coming back from injury and others who have not been playing
regularly are able to get some competitive game time.
"It is also a brilliant opportunity for one or two of our younger players to
gain valuable experience alongside our senior professionals. I would urge
our fans to support the evening because having an atmosphere inside the
stadium makes a massive difference to the intensity of the game."

The Main Stand will be open at Cambridge from 6pm, with admission charged at
£5 for Adults and Over-65s and free for Under-16s.

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Man of the Match Morrison inspires England Under 21s
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 15th October 2013
By: Staff Writer

West Ham United's Ravel Morrison was in scintillating form as he led
England's Under 21s to victory against Lithuania at Portman Road tonight.
The 20-year-old midfielder scored two, drew the foul that led to a third and
took the Man of the Match award as he tormented his opponents with a
five-star show that enthralled the healthy 17,067 crowd. Morrison - who is
currently West Ham's leading scorer with four goals to his name - notched
his first of the evening with just two minutes on the clock. A low centre by
Manchester United's Wilfried Zaha found it's way to a prowling Morrison, who
turned it over the line, albiet somewhat fortuitously. The young Hammer also
had a major influence on England's second, a stunning free kick by
Southampton teenager James Ward-Prowse midway through the first half.
Morrison's clever footwork attracted four defenders towards him before he
drew the foul that Ward-Prowse went on to convert with such aplomb.

However it was his second goal - deja vu for poor Tottenham fans - that will
no doubt have YouTube enthusiasts rapidly editing their highlight
compliations. Just as he did at White Hart Lane recently, Morrison skipped
through a rapidly-retreating defence before wrong-footing the Lithuanian
goalkeeper and passing the ball into an empty net. He may have been
compared to Paul Gascoigne in recent weeks, but the sheer impudence of the
goal (see below) had George Best written all over it.

Morrison might have been celebrating a hat-trick when England were awarded a
penalty with the game at 4-0, but West Brom's Berundi-born Saido Berahino
stepped up to score his second of the night instead. By way of consolation,
the young Hammer had to settle for being named Man of the Match - a decision
that was warmly greeted by an appreciative crowd.

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Gareth Southgate expects Ravel Morrison to make impact for England U21s
Last Updated: October 15, 2013 9:00am
SSN

England U21 coach Gareth Southgate is excited by the prospect of seeing
Ravel Morrison in action against Lithuania at Portman Road on Tuesday
evening.
Morrison made his debut at U21 level in the 4-0 win over San Marino last
week only a few days after his starring role in West Ham's surprise 3-0
victory over Spurs at White Hart Lane. He is part of the exciting attacking
talent at Southgate's disposal and should start again, with Raheem Sterling
having joined up with Roy Hodgson's senior squad for the clash with Poland.
"Well, he's a different type of player to the others that we've got here.
He's capable of things that are very, very different, there's no question
about that, and it's exciting to watch," Southgate said. "We're a squad with
lots of exciting players and I don't want to heap all of that focus on to
one. I want him to be able to go on the field and express himself."

Wilfried Zaha is expected to come into the side in Sterling's absence and
Southgate does not see any difference in his confidence despite not having
played a Premier League game for new club Manchester United since his move
from Crystal Palace. "It is tough for him," Southgate said. "It is tough for
any player when they are not playing regularly. Wilf has joined a new club
with all the difficulties that brings. "But it was never my intention to
play him in both of our matches this week. He understood that. But he has
got the opportunity now to show people what he is capable of. "Have I
noticed a lack of confidence in him? No. There is probably some frustration
because he just wants to play. "But he is at a fantastic club and he
realises that to get in the team is going to take a lot of work and
patience."

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BILLY BONDS, SIX FOOT TWO, EYES OF BLUE
By Tony Hanna 15 Oct 2013 at 14:50
West Ham Till I Die

There have been many legends over time at our wonderful club, but I doubt
any of them would have had a bigger heart than Billy Bonds? Playing nearly
800 first team games in a span of 21 years, Billy played in several
positions including right back, right wing, midfield, central defence and
even as a forward on occasions under Ron Greenwood. He of course would go on
to manage the club after his playing career for four eventful years which
saw two promotions and one relegation.


It is impossible to cover Billy's fantastic career at West Ham in one short
article, so I thought a look back at some of his early comments after he
first joined the club would suffice today. Bill joined the Hammers from
Charlton in 1967 for a figure just shy of 50 thousand pounds. After playing
in Ken Brown's testimonial he made his league debut against Sheffield
Wednesday in the opening game of the 1967-8 season. He was an immediate club
favourite for his overlapping runs from right back where he and winger Harry
Redknapp formed a great playing relationship. Young Bill was clean shaven
and had tidy hair but as time passed we would get to know and love his long
hair, bearded, swashbuckling style that would become a fearsome sight for
the opposition.

Billy's first impression of West Ham was that the side gave away goals too
easily. He was once quoted as saying "There isn't anyone around to get hold
of us. That's what we need. There is not enough talking on the field. I
talk, and so does Alan Stephenson. But West Ham players have too much
respect. They think everyone is capable of doing a job" Billy went on to say
how much he admired Ron Greenwood, Bobby Moore and Geoff Hurst before saying
that despite reputations, his respect never led him to be frightened of
anyone in the game. He told of Ron Greenwood demanding that West Ham players
never hurt or try to hurt any opponent whilst it was evident that many other
teams had players that would deliberately chop or hack down opponents if
they thought it necessary. Billy said around the time, "there is a lot of
dirty play in today's game – It's "in" you might say".

West Ham in those days were highly regarded as a footballing team but one
that would also let the opposition play. The Hammers on song could beat
anyone on the planet but the soft edge to the side would often see our
dreams fade and die as more uncompromising teams often took advantage.
Eventually, Billy would go on to provide a new steel on the field that West
Ham were missing, but it would take time. His seventh game for West Ham was
to unveil the soft belly he was talking about. A 3-0 lead at Upton Park
against Stoke was turned incredibly into a 4-3 defeat. In his early days
Billy's worst footballing moment came with the 3-0 FA Cup defeat at 3rd
division Mansfield in 1969. Not only was this one of the biggest cup shocks
of all time, but the Mansfield coach that day, Jock Basford, was also the
coach that "discovered" Billy in his early days. Jock told Billy after the
game that Mansfield's tactics were simple. Throw the long ball into the
penalty area whenever and as often as they could – West Ham can't deal with
that.

But Billy would have better times ahead in his career. He was six foot two
and had eyes of blue………

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Raging Ravel and Zaha come to blows for England U21 as Morrison is denied
hat-trick chance after ANOTHER wonder goal
By SUNNI UPAL
PUBLISHED: 01:29, 16 October 2013 | UPDATED: 02:22, 16 October 2013
Daily Mail

Ravel Morrison soured his impeccable performance for England Under-21s by
going head-to-head with fellow starlet Wilfried Zaha in the 5-0 thumping of
Lithuania. Morrison opened the scoring for the Young Lions inside two
minutes, and capped off his performance with another wonder goal after a
mazy dribble through the visitors' defence. However, after Saido Berahino
scored from the penalty spot for his second of the evening, Morrison
appeared incensed at not being given the chance to complete his hat-trick.
After a free-kick was headed wide by John Stones, Manchester United winger
Zaha confronted Morrison, and the two started pushing and shoving each
other. Morrison thrusted his arm in his team-mate's face, and it was left to
substitute Nathan Redmond to act as peacemaker, breaking up the
confrontation between the two young stars. James Ward-Prowse scored the
other goal for Gareth Southgate's side in a comfortable victory to put them
second in the Under-21 Euro 2015 Qualifying Group Morrison didn't speak
about the incident after the game, instead focusing on his latest incredible
goal. 'I can't remember it, I've not seen it back yet to be honest,' he
said. 'I just thought I might as well drive it in because I drove it in
before when I should have got my shot off but it got intercepted. 'I thought
I might as well chance this one and try and break through the lines and
that's what I did.'

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