Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 26th September 2007

Curbs looking ahead to Carling Cup tie - WHUFC
25/09/2007 12:30

Alan Curbishley is looking ahead to tomorrow's Carling Cup tie against
Plymouth and assessing his options for team selection. "Our new signings
Nobby Solano and Henri Camara are cup-tied but we're hoping Scott Parker
will be back. With Craig Bellamy, we have to see. He wants to give it a go
but we'll have to see if we decide to risk it tomorrow or wait for Arsenal."

Curbs is very eager for the Hammers to continue to progress in the Carling
Cup, but is anticipating a tricky tie against the Pilgrims at Upton Park.
"We are keen to attack this competition and go for it," he said. "I feel
that a Premier League side are going to win it. After Bristol Rovers my main
concern was Kieron but now we are fully focused on getting through another
tricky tie and progressing in this competition. "Plymouth are a steady side
and they have the opportunity to be a big club. They have a substantial fan
base and will be bringing lots of fans tomorrow night. Ian Holloway has put
together a competitive side and the atmosphere will be really good."

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McCartney: Hammers looking to bounce back - WHUFC
25/09/2007 18:19

Hammers defender George McCartney admitted the players found last weekend's
defeat at Newcastle difficult to fathom. "All the lads were sitting in the
changing room not really knowing what's gone on," he said. "We've played
pretty well the whole match, but mistakes cost you. We've not defended well
enough today and I think once they got the early goal it helped them to kick
on for the rest of the match."
The Hammers kept their discipline, despite conceding an early goal to Mark
Viduka. "We lost the goal after two minutes and the lads kept their heads
up," George said. "We worked hard, created chances, passed it well and got
back in the match. But then we conceded another stupid goal and you can't do
that at this level. You have to defend well as a team and we didn't do that.
It cost us in the end."
The result spelt the end of the Hammers' excellent away run, but George
insisted the players are ready to bounce back. "The away form's been great -
even towards the end of last season it was really good," he said. "If
anything, the away form has been better than the home form. "After winning
3-0 last week everyone was coming here expecting good things and, at the
very least, a draw but you can't win all your matches. We just had an off
day and Newcastle punished us for that. We'll pick ourselves up and move
onto Plymouth on Wednesday and Arsenal on Saturday."
"They're not looking too bad are they?" George joked about the in-form
Gunners. "They're the form team of all the top four."They're looking the
best and rightfully so, they're top of the league. If we can correct the
silly mistakes, pass it the way we know we can and perform to the best of
our ability. I'm sure we'll give them a tough game."

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West Ham v Plymouth - BBC

West Ham are without recent signings Nolberto Solano and Henri Camara, who
are cup-tied, while striker Bobby Zamora (knee) is ruled out. Craig Bellamy
(hamstring) is close to a comeback but unlikely to be risked, but Scott
Parker (knee) is available.
Plymouth manager Ian Holloway has no fresh injury concerns. However, on-loan
Paris St Germain defender Larrys Mabiala, who has yet to feature for the
Pilgrims, is still recovering from a knee injury.

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Hammers missing stars for CC clash - TeamTalk

West Ham will be without a number of experienced players for Wednesday
night's Carling Cup clash with Plymouth Argyle at Upton Park. New signings
Nolberto Solano and Henri Camara are both cup-tied and striker Bobby Zamora
is out with a knee injury. Fellow forward Craig Bellamy is close to a
comeback following a hamstring problem but is unlikely to be risked.
Midfielder Scott Parker (knee) is available however.

West Ham (from): Wright, Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, Gabbidon,
McCartney, Bowyer, Mullins, Noble, Etherington, Ashton, Cole, Pantsil,
Collins, Spector, Ljungberg, Parker, Boa Morte, Davenport, Reid, Bellamy.

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Curbishley commited to Carling Cup challenge - Daily Mail
Last updated at 17:49pm on 25th September 2007

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley is sticking by his early season pledge to
take the Carling Cup as seriously as possible. The Hammers, who are at home
to Plymouth tomorrow, know there will be little respite before Premier
League leaders Arsenal arrive at Upton Park on Saturday. Curbishley sent out
an experienced side in the previous round, which saw Bristol Rovers beaten
2-1 thanks to two Craig Bellamy strikes. But although the loss of Kieron
Dyer to a broken leg that night meant victory came at a high cost,
Curbishley made it clear he would continue to use a majority of first-choice
players in a competition he believes his side can win. He said: "I did say
after the Bristol Rovers game how disappointed I was after what happened to
Kieron but we are in these competitions and we have got to attack them.
"Every now and then a team from outside the top four gets to the final so if
you are a team like that then that is what you should be looking to do. "We
have injuries here but we have got enough to attack it."
Bellamy missed Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle because of a hamstring
problem and Curbishley admitted he was likely to leave him out again
tomorrow.
But with Nolberto Solano and Henri Camara both cup-tied and Bobby Zamora out
with a knee injury there are few other attacking options remaining for the
Hammers, who paired Dean Ashton with Carlton Cole at St James's Park. On
Bellamy Curbishley said: "He wants to give it a go but we will have to
decide whether we risk it or give him a week's training ahead of the Arsenal
game. "If Craig doesn't make it we have only two recognised senior strikers.
We could bring in youngsters if we wanted to but I can also play Freddie
Ljungberg or Luis Boa Morte up there. We can cope."
Richard Wright will take over from Robert Green in goal with the former
Everton and Arsenal man having made his debut at Bristol Rovers but then
being dropped back to the bench. Wales defender Danny Gabbidon is likely to
make only his second start of the season, having been used for just four
minutes of Premier League action so far this term. Scott Parker's recovery
from a knee injury means the former Newcastle man, who moved to Upton Park
in the summer for a £7million fee is at last in line for a debut.

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Curbishley vows to field strong side despite Dyer injury - Scotsman
COLIN STEWART

WEST Ham manager Alan Curbishley is sticking by his pledge to take the
Carling Cup as seriously as possible. The Hammers, who are at home to
Plymouth tonight, know there will be little respite before Premier League
leaders Arsenal arrive at Upton Park on Saturday. Curbishley sent out an
experienced side in the last round for the 2-1 win at Bristol Rovers. But,
although the loss of Kieron Dyer to a broken leg that night meant victory
came at a high cost, Curbishley will continue to use a majority of
first-choice players in a competition he believes his side can win. He said:
"I did say after the Bristol Rovers game how disappointed I was after what
happened to Kieron but we are in these competitions and we have got to
attack them. Every now and then, a team from outside the top four gets to
the final, so, if you are a team like that, then that is what you should be
looking to do. We have injuries here but we have got enough to attack it."
Craig Bellamy missed Sunday's 3-1 defeat at Newcastle with a hamstring
problem and Curbishley is likely to leave him out again tonight. He said:
"He wants to give it a go, but we will have to decide whether we risk it or
give him a week's training ahead of the Arsenal game. If Craig doesn't make
it we have only two recognised senior strikers. We could bring in youngsters
if we wanted to, but I can also play Freddie Ljungberg or Luis Boa Morte up
there. We can cope."
Richard Wright will take over from Robert Green in goal after the former
Everton man made his debut at Bristol Rovers before returning to the bench.

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Stoke move for West Ham defender Davenport
tribalfooball.com - September 25, 2007

Stoke City are moving for West Ham defender Calum Davenport. The Mirror says
Stoke hope to take the former Tottenham defender on-loan.

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Parker set for West Ham debut
tribalfooball.com - September 25, 2007

Scott Parker makes his West Ham debut tonight against Carling Cup opponents
Plymouth following his £7million switch from Newcastle. The midfielder
damaged his knee in pre-season. Boss Alan Curbishley said: "He's not the
kind of player you can tell to ease himself in. "He will give it the full
gun for as long as he is on the pitch."

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Curbishley fears for Zamora - Hammers striker showing no signs of getting
fit - Daily Mail
Last updated at 07:58am on 26th September 2007

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley admits Bobby Zamora's knee injury has
become a concern. As Craig Bellamy has still not fully recovered from a
hamstring injury and Dean Ashton has only just made his comeback from a year
out rebuilding a broken ankle, Curbishley would have been sure to give
Zamora a run-out in the Carling Cup at home to Plymouth tonight. Instead it
remains unclear when the former Spurs front-man will be able to resume a
season that was put on hold following the 2-1 victory at Bristol Rovers in
the previous round at the end of August. Curbishley said: "We started the
season with Zamora and Bellamy and on Sunday it was Ashton and Carlton Cole.
It's just the way things go. Since the Bristol Rovers game Bobby's knee
keeps swelling up. It's not the same problem he was struggling with last
season but we have tried one or two things and it hasn't quite happened so
we will have to re-assess that now.
"He has been out for three weeks and he is still not training. If Craig
doesn't make it we have only two recognised senior strikers. We could bring
in youngsters if we wanted but I can also play Freddie Ljungberg or Luis Boa
Morte up there. We can cope."
Midfielder Scott Parker could be granted his long-awaited debut, which was
put on hold by a knee injury sustained not long after his £7million switch
from Newcastle in June. But fellow ex-St James' Park favourite Nolberto
Solano and on-loan striker Henri Camara, who arrived on transfer deadline
day last month, will play no part as they are both cup-tied. Summer signing
Richard Wright will replace Robert Green in goal and Danny Gabbidon is
expected to reclaim one of the central defensive berths for the visit of Ian
Holloway's side. Curbishley praised Holloway for his work at QPR and
Plymouth. He said: "I know Ian quite well. He is someone who can lift a club
when he goes in there. He did a terrific job at QPR and Plymouth have the
opportunity to be a big club with their fan base. They always threaten to
get in and around those play-off places and I'm sure that will be their aim
this season. "Plymouth are a steady side and they will bring a lot of fans
so the atmosphere should be good. "It's game on for us. Plymouth can come
and enjoy it somewhat but we have had them watched and we know we will have
a game on our hands."

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STRIKE DUO SET FOR CUP RETURN - This Is Plymouth
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07:30 - 26 September 2007

Top scorer Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Barry Hayles are set to return as
Plymouth Argyle's strike force for the Carling Cup third round tie against
West Ham United at Upton Park tonight (7.45pm).Manager Ian Holloway picked
Nick Chadwick and Rory Fallon to lead the attack for the Pilgrims' 3-2
defeat away to Stoke City in the Championship on Saturday. He chose his two
tallest strikers for the trip to Britannia Stadium because Stoke have got so
many 6ft-plus players. Ebanks-Blake and Hayles came on as second half
substitutes for Chadwick and Fallon, and are expected to play from the start
against West Ham - who are currently in seventh position in the Premier
League. Holloway said: "I have looked at what I think are any weaknesses
West Ham have got, and we are going to need some pace and power to try to
exploit that. "On Saturday, I felt we needed height and strength until the
game opened up, which explains why I picked the team I did. "Barry has had a
bit of a rest, because he is 35, but he came into the game late so I see him
going on until he is 37 or 38. "Look at Teddy Sheringham. If you are good
enough and you want to do it enough, then who knows? "And he (Sheringham)
isn't the only one. There's Paul Furlong and Dean Windass. "All these
strikers seem to be going on and on and on because all the young fellas are
being stacked and racked in the academy set-ups. "They aren't really getting
their chances early enough I would suggest, but that's another story."
Ebanks-Blake has netted five goals this season, with four of them coming in
the Championship and one in the Carling Cup. The latter was in the 2-0 home
defeat of Doncaster Rovers in the second round on August 28. Ebanks-Blake,
21, has made excellent progress over recent months, and that will be put to
the test against West Ham.
Hammers' boss Alan Curbishley can choose any two from four top-class
centre-backs in Anton Ferdinand, Matthew Upson, James Collins and Danny
Gabbidon. Holloway is excited about the prospect of playing against West
Ham, who beat his former club Bristol Rovers 2-1 in the Carling Cup second
round at the Memorial Stadium. He said: "I know what my team is going to be,
and I have planned it for the last couple of weeks, which is unlike me. "I
have had to stay ahead of the game, and I still believe I have got it right.
Unfortunately, we have had some tough games and we haven't got the points we
deserved from the performances."
Holloway continued: "It's going to be a huge test for us tonight. "I think
at this level (the Championship) we are proving we can compete and we can
score goals, although we are a little bit leaky at times. "Maybe that's
because we are a tad too attack-minded. "When I pick Akos (Buzsaky), Peter
(Halmosi) and Chuck (David Norris) in the midfield, sometimes it can be too
cavalier. "But I would still rather do that because I quite enjoy watching
us play. "I don't enjoy watching us lose, but I still quite enjoy watching
us attack."
Holloway added: "You attack as a team and you defend as a team. So when I
say 'We should defend better' I mean every single one of them. "I don't mean
my back four because I'm very protective over them. I can see them getting
better and better, whoever I pick in there." The Argyle squad flew to London
from Newquay last night, and will return to Plymouth by coach immediately
after the cup tie. They can then start preparing for the Championship clash
against Wolverhampton Wanderers at Home Park on Saturday (3pm).

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Ashton ready for England - SSN
Hammers ace available for McClaren
By James Pearson Last updated: 25th September 2007

West Ham striker Dean Ashton says he is ready to solve England's striking
crisis for their upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers. Steve McClaren has a major
selection headache for the upcoming games with Estonia and Russia with Emile
Heskey set to miss out and Michael Owen doubtful. The pair combined well
recently to help England to home wins over Israel and Russia, although they
are likely to be absent for the next two qualifiers next month. Aston,
however, who missed the whole of last season after picking up an injury
while training with England, is nearing his best for The Hammers. "I would
not be playing if I was not ready for England," said the uncapped striker.
"I have been ready for a long time. "I am 100 per cent fit and feel strong
and quick so I do not think there is much more to do now. "As for sharpness,
I am improving day by day. It was a long, long time to be out and I really
believe I am getting very close."

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Dyer looks to positives - SSN
Hammers midfielder wants to be back 'sooner rather than later'
Last updated: 25th September 2007

Kieron Dyer is focused on making a full recovery from a double fracture to
his leg. The midfielder suffered the injury against Bristol Rovers in the
Carling Cup last month on just his third appearance for West Ham United. He
is expected to be out for six months and Dyer is aiming to be back in the
West Ham team 'sooner rather than later'. The England international also
revealed that he has been given a lift by the support he has received from
his team-mates and the Hammers faithful. "I have been passed so many
messages that the fans have been sending in," Dyer told the Daily Mirror.
"Nearly every member of the squad came to see me and a lot of the staff as
well. "That was brilliant and really gave me a lift, considering I have only
been at Upton Park a short space of time.
"I have been trying to stay as positive as I can. The physios and my
specialist were really pleased with how the operation went and said there is
no reason why I shouldn't make a full recovery. "I'm focusing on that for
now and getting some rest before I begin my rehab shortly. "They don't give
exact timescales with this type of injury because some people heal a lot
quicker than others. Also, there can be complications when you have screws
put in, so you have to play it by ear really. "But I am just staying
positive and focusing on being back and playing for West Ham sooner rather
than later."

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BREACKER ALL SET FOR UPTON PARK RETURN - this is plymouth
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07:30 - 26 September 2007

Argyle assistant boss Tim Breacker will make a nostalgic return to Upton
Park for the Carling Cup third round tie at West Ham United tonight.Breacker
made a total of 296 appearances for the east London club as an extremely
dependable right-back. He was also part of two promotion-winning squads in
1991 and 1993, when the Hammers were promoted to the top flight of English
football on both occasions. Breacker has only been back to Upton Park for
one competitive match since moving from West Ham to Queens Park Rangers in
February 1999. That was in November 2004, when he was a coach at QPR and
they lost 2-1 to West Ham in the Championship. Breacker told Herald Sport:
"I'm looking forward to going back there, but it has changed quite a lot
since I was a player there. "I still know a few of the backroom boys,
including Ludo Miklosko, their goalkeeping coach. "We were team-mates at
West Ham and I got on really well with him. We both went to QPR at roughly
the same time and used to travel over there together. "I keep in touch with
him and he's a great guy, so I will be looking forward to seeing him."
Breacker was signed for West Ham by then manager Billy Bonds from Luton Town
for £600,000 in October 1990. Two seasons earlier, Breacker had been part of
the Luton team which beat the Hammers 5-0 on aggregate in the semi-finals of
the League Cup. He said: "I had a brilliant time at West Ham. The first
season I was there we got promoted. "We got relegated straight away, but we
were promoted the following year and then stayed up there. "I really enjoyed
my time there, especially the way they like to play football and the way
they encourage you to do that. "But I do remember talking to Frank McAvennie
one time. He was still there when I first signed and he was a bit of a God
to the fans. "He told me 'All you have got to do is if you get a chance put
somebody in the stand and they (the supporters) will love that. "I thought I
would try that and he was right. They were the sort of fans who as long as
you gave 100 per cent then they would be with you, which was good. "I was
quite lucky to play there, really."
West Ham spent vast sums of money on strengthening their squad this summer
after narrowly avoiding relegation from the Premier League last term. They
are currently in seventh spot in the table, and Breacker is impressed with
the talent available to manager Alan Curbishley. He said: "They have got a
massive squad with a lot of quality, but you need that in the Premier
League. They will be expecting to be in the top half of the table, rather
than the bottom half this season. "For example, (Danny) Gabbidon and (James)
Collins aren't really their first choice centre-backs at the moment, so that
says everything. "They have four top Premier League centre-backs because
they have also got (Anton) Ferdinand and (Matthew) Upson. "They need that,
though, because if somebody gets injured between the transfer windows, they
can't buy anybody else or get a loan player in."
Breacker admitted Argyle faced a very difficult task against the Hammers. He
said: "We have got to enjoy it, and not be frightened to do what we do well.
"When you look at their team, they didn't all start in the Premier League.
Look at Dean Ashton, Matthew Etherington, Hayden Mullins and people like
that.
"It will be a good chance for our boys to test themselves against that sort
of quality and see where they are at. I'm sure some of our players could
definitely play at the highest level," added Breacker.

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Curbishley concern over Zamora - Evening Echo
26/09/2007 - 8:01:21 AM

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley admits Bobby Zamora's knee injury has
become a concern. As Craig Bellamy has still not fully recovered from a
hamstring injury and Dean Ashton has only just made his comeback from a year
out rebuilding a broken ankle, Curbishley would have been sure to give
Zamora a run-out in the Carling Cup at home to Plymouth tonight. Instead it
remains unclear when the former Spurs front-man will be able to resume a
season that was put on hold following the 2-1 victory at Bristol Rovers in
the previous round at the end of August. Curbishley said: "We started the
season with Zamora and Bellamy and on Sunday it was Ashton and Carlton Cole.
It's just the way things go. Since the Bristol Rovers game Bobby's knee
keeps swelling up. It's not the same problem he was struggling with last
season but we have tried one or two things and it hasn't quite happened so
we will have to re-assess that now. "He has been out for three weeks and he
is still not training. If Craig doesn't make it we have only two recognised
senior strikers. We could bring in youngsters if we wanted but I can also
play Freddie Ljungberg or Luis Boa Morte up there. We can cope." Midfielder
Scott Parker could be granted his long-awaited debut, which was put on hold
by a knee injury sustained not long after his £7million switch from
Newcastle in June. But fellow ex-St James' Park favourite Nolberto Solano
and on-loan striker Henri Camara, who arrived on transfer deadline day last
month, will play no part as they are both cup-tied. Summer signing Richard
Wright will replace Robert Green in goal and Danny Gabbidon is expected to
reclaim one of the central defensive berths for the visit of Ian Holloway's
side. Curbishley praised Holloway for his work at QPR and Plymouth. He said:
"I know Ian quite well. He is someone who can lift a club when he goes in
there. He did a terrific job at QPR and Plymouth have the opportunity to be
a big club with their fan base. They always threaten to get in and around
those play-off places and I'm sure that will be their aim this season.
"Plymouth are a steady side and they will bring a lot of fans so the
atmosphere should be good. "It's game on for us. Plymouth can come and enjoy
it somewhat but we have had them watched and we know we will have a game on
our hands."

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Stoke lead chase for Davenport - The Mirror
25/09/2007

Stoke City boss Tony Pulis is set to take West Ham centre half Calum
Davenport on loan for the rest of the season. Davenport cannot break into
the side and has been told he can go once he is 100 per cent fit. Stoke also
hope Manchester United will let them have a couple of squad players as Pulis
has around £4m to invest in wages for loan deals.

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WEST HAM v Plymouth: Stars missing from Hammers line-up - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:38pm on 25th September 2007

West Ham will be without a number of experienced players for tomorrow's
Carling Cup clash with Plymouth at Upton Park. New signings Nolberto Solano
and Henri Camara are both cup-tied and striker Bobby Zamora is out with a
knee injury. Fellow forward Craig Bellamy is close to a comeback following a
hamstring problem but is unlikely to be risked. Midfielder Scott Parker
(knee) is available however.

Provisional squad: Wright, Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, Gabbidon,
McCartney, Bowyer, Mullins, Noble, Etherington, Ashton, Cole, Pantsil,
Collins, Spector, Ljungberg, Parker, Boa Morte, Davenport, Reid, Bellamy.

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Dyer aiming to repay West Ham fans with quick recovery - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:35am on 25th September 2007

Kieron Dyer revealed that he has been given a huge lift by the support he
has received from his team-mates and the Hammers faithful as he recovers
from a double fracture to his leg. The midfielder suffered the injury
against Bristol Rovers in the Carling Cup last month on just his third
appearance for West Ham United. The England international is expected to be
out for six months and Dyer is aiming to be back in the West Ham team
'sooner rather than later'. "I have been passed so many messages that the
fans have been sending in," Dyer told the Daily Mirror. "Nearly every member
of the squad came to see me and a lot of the staff as well. "That was
brilliant and really gave me a lift, considering I have only been at Upton
Park a short space of time. "I have been trying to stay as positive as I
can. The physios and my specialist were really pleased with how the
operation went and said there is no reason why I shouldn't make a full
recovery. "I'm focusing on that for now and getting some rest before I begin
my rehab shortly. "They don't give exact timescales with this type of injury
because some people heal a lot quicker than others. Also, there can be
complications when you have screws put in, so you have to play it by ear
really.
"But I am just staying positive and focusing on being back and playing for
West Ham sooner rather than later."

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 25th September 2007

Bowyer reflects on return to Newcastle - WHUFC
24/09/2007 14:15

It wasn't quite the return to St James Park former Newcastle United player
Lee Bowyer had been hoping for, but the Hammers midfielder thought the 3-1
score-line flattered his former club.

"I thought we played quite well in patches," he said. "We matched them but
they took chances and we didn't. They did to us what we've been doing to
other teams - hitting them on the break. I fancied us to win but it wasn't
meant to be. They got three goals from inside the six-yard box. We've got
another game on Wednesday. Hopefully we'll turn it around and move on.

"It's always a difficult ground to come to. To concede early and give them a
one-goal lead is not recommended. We went behind and they went on from
there. They didn't really cause us many problems, I don't think. It was just
on the break, across goal, three yards out. We did just as well
playing-wise. There were highs and lows in today's performance. We've just
got to move on."

With two goals under his belt already this season, Lee came close to
claiming an equaliser when the Hammers were 2-1 down.

"I thought I'd done him," he admitted. "It went through the defender's legs.
I just thought there were so many bodies I had to try and keep it low, it
might get a deflection. It went straight through his legs and I thought
'yes, it's in!' He just got an arm to it. He's a top-class goalkeeper and,
maybe another time I'll beat him.

"It was good to come back and see old faces but we've gone away with the
wrong result so it's not so good in that respect. We'll just keep moving on
and see how we go."

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Small number of Arsenal tickets available - WHUFC
24/09/2007 10:38

A small number of tickets are available for the weekends clash with Arsenal,
these tickets which are mainly singles are available to club members only
from the ticket office on 0870 112 2700 (option 1)

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Manager on Monday - WHUFC
24/09/2007 08:55

Alan Curbishley was left to reflect on what might have been after Mark
Viduka's destructive double left West Ham United's unbeaten five-match run
all washed up down the Tyne. "We're obviously disappointed because we
thought that we could've got something and should've got something from the
game," insisted the Hammers' boss after seeing goals by the Aussie striker
and Charles N'Zogbia sink his side in the 1-3 defeat at St. James's Park.
"And if we'd applied ourselves a bit better against Newcastle United, then
we would have done. "To be honest, I felt that the scoreline was a bit harsh
on us in terms of the overall match but our defending obviously cost us
dearly. "There are certain situations that you just can't afford to get
yourselves into, especially when you're away from home and getting caught in
your own penalty box with only two minutes gone is exactly one of those.
"After that, we had to work very hard to get back into the game and, once
Dean Ashton equalised, I thought we were the better side but three or four
minutes before half-time - just when we were looking to get back into the
dressing room to sort one or two other things out - we gave away a poor
second goal. "There was a big hole in our full back position and, although
we had three men in our penalty area, Viduka still managed to get the ball,
despite being the only Newcastle player in there with them. "Lee Bowyer's
late shot might have turned the game if he'd made it 2-2 before they tapped
home their third goal from two yards out. You just can't defend like that.
"We've been beaten 3-1 yet I can't remember Robert Green having to make a
decent save for us."
Although Hammers left Tyneside still looking for their first win at St
James's Park since October 1998, Curbs did, at least, have the consolation
of seeing Dean Ashton mark his continuing recovery with his second strike in
two games. And his clever 31st-minute leveller was also 100th league and cup
goal of his career.
"Deano still needs more football but when you compare his performances
against Newcastle and Middlesbrough to his first start of the season at
Reading three weeks ago, then you can see the difference in his fitness
levels," continued Curbs, who saw his counterpart Sam Allardyce again lose
Michael Owen with a recurrence of a niggling groin strain. "We've had to
handle Dean in a similar fashion to that of Michael and, fortunately, he's
having an injury free run at the moment. "Thankfully, he's not had any
setbacks like Michael and, after coming through pre-season, he's now looking
stronger and stronger. Deano spent the summer concentrating on the fact that
he needed to get through pre-season to give himself a base and we're really
pleased for him, right now. "Dean's been out for a year and a bit and he's
just happy to be back playing at the moment. We've not even discussed his
chances of getting a call-up for England because we're not looking any
further than just getting him through matches for West Ham United. "Steve
McClaren and his people have been to our recent games and they would've all
seen that he's getting himself stronger and sharper, so we'll just have to
wait and see. "Anything can happen in this game and things can change so
quickly. Only yesterday, I had two players - Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy
- whom we thought would be involved against Newcastle and, all of a sudden,
they were pulled out of the squad after our final training session. "Like
other teams, we've been dealt a few blows on the injury front - that's not
an excuse - but we have been particularly hit and that's how it is for us at
the moment. "The losses of Julien Faubert, Kieron Dyer, Parker and Bellamy
have been big losses for us but other players have come in and have got us
where we are in the Premier League and it wasn't lost on us that the winning
team was going to push into the top four or five in the table.
"Unfortunately, we just didn't have enough against Newcastle and we're down
because we haven't taken anything to keep our run going," concluded Curbs,
who will be looking to get back on track in the Carling Cup third round tie
against Plymouth Argyle at Upton Park on Wednesday evening. "On the face of
it we should have got something but at the end of the day, Newcastle
probably deserved it because they defended better than us."

by Steve Blowers

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boss curbs Ashton recall talks - SSN
West Ham boss wants striker to make steady comeback
By Steven Morrison Last updated: 24th September 2007

West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley insists Dean Ashton needs to play
more football for his club before he can think of an England recall. The
Hammers striker has been battling back from injury after spending a year on
the sidelines, but has been in good form - prompting talk of an
international call-up. Ashton was set to make his England debut last year
when he broke his ankle in training and his current manager says he needs
more minutes under his belt . "Dean has been out for a year and a month and
while he is slowly getting stronger and sharper anything can happen in the
next few weeks," Curbishley said in the Daily Mirror. "He's just happy to be
playing again. We haven't really discussed whether he's ready for England
because he still needs more football." The former Chalrton manager added
that he does not want to rush his striker back to action too soon. "We have
got to handle Dean very carefully, in a similar way to how Newcastle have
handled Michael Owen. The difference is Dean has not had any setbacks yet."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
A View from Home Park - A Plymouth fans view - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Mon Sep 24 2007

Many thanks to Gerald from Rub of the Green for supplying the answers this
week.

What do you expect from Plymouth this season?

We have seen steady progress over the past few seasons and would expect that
to continue. Sneaking into the play-offs would be fabulous.

Who do you think will be your star men this season?

Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Peter Halmosi.

Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?

Geoff Crudgington. Needs to get fitter.

How did you rate your performances so far this season?

Argyle have not yet fired on all cylinders. Whilst we have been hard to
beat, we should have killed off Leicester and Ipswich at home and should
never have let a two goal lead slip against Cardiff. We are very capable of
winning away from home.

Has Ian Holloway spent well?

Halmosi at £400k and Ebanks-Blake at £250k are fabulous deals. Rory Fallon
at £300k......hmmmmmmm.

What do you think rich overseas owners taking over clubs is good for the
game now it's spread to the Championship and QPR?

I am reasonably philosophical about this. Should the money be spent well and
increase our enjoyment of football at club level, then brilliant. It would
be good to see some of their money going into local schools and clubs to
bring on our home grown talent too.

There is talk in the Championship that parachute payments for relegated
clubs giving relegated teams an unfair advantage. What's your view on
the subject?

What happened to Norwich? Why are Green and Ashton now with West Ham? Some
teams will be able to take advantage of the parachute payments, others, like
Norwich, will completely cock it up.

How do you view the league cup?

Love it.

What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?

Down in the Championship, the Leeds affair was of greater concern.

How do you think West Ham will do this season?

West Ham will play good football, entertain many people, but win nothing.

What West Ham players worry you most?

If he plays, Bellamy. His pace may cause our centre backs some concern. We
also lack height to defend set pieces, so Ashton could be a blonde threat.

How do you view West Ham fans?

West Ham fans are great. We'd rather have the away end at Home Park stuffed
with happy Hammers than a handful of dull people from Hull.

What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?

Burts Bloody Mary flavour (they use vodka to make them)

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England call-up in Dean Ashton's mind - Telegraph
By Rob Stewart
Last Updated: 1:23am BST 25/09/2007

Dean Ashton, the West Ham striker, is setting his sights on realising a
"dream" by finally breaking into the England team after putting a season on
the sidelines firmly behind him. Ashton strengthened his claims for
international selection with his second goal in consecutive matches at
Newcastle two days ago when he completed his first full Premier League match
since breaking an ankle during England training session in August last year.
"I feel very good," Ashton, 23, said last night. "I'm glad I got 90 minutes
under my belt and I was glad to get a goal [in a 3-1 defeat] but, above all,
I want my team to do well and I'd like to think that my progression will
help us climb the table. "I am 100 per cent fit. I can last the games well
and I feel strong and quick. As for sharpness, I'm improving day-by-day. It
was a long, time to be out so it does take time to get all that back but I
am getting close. "I just have to play well for West Ham and it's down to
Steve McClaren who he picks and I would be delighted if I was one of the
players chosen for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers. I wouldn't be playing
if I wasn't ready for an England call-up. I have been ready for a long time.
"It would be lovely to realise that dream of winning my first England cap
but I have to be patient and hopefully it will come."
The former Crewe and Norwich player is hoping to carry on the good work done
by Emile Heskey for England should his Wigan counterpart fail to overcome a
metatarsal injury. "I thought Emile was outstanding against Israel and
Russia," Ashton said. "It was a great for him to be re-called and he
responded with two excellent performances. And hopefully that shows that
there is room for a big guy up front."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton in Macca cap hint - The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
September 25, 2007

DEAN ASHTON has handed Steve McClaren a boost by declaring himself fit for
international football. The West Ham striker broke an ankle training with
England in August last year. But he has scored in his last two games and is
looking back to his best just as boss McClaren has lost hitmen Michael Owen
and Emile Heskey to injury. Ashton, 23, said: "I wouldn't be playing if I
wasn't ready for an England call-up. "It would be lovely to finally realise
that dream of winning my first cap but I just have to be patient."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer: I'll bounce back for fans - The Mirror
EXCLUSIVE How club backing boosted Prem's unluckiest player Dyer: I'll
bounce back for dream supporters
Darren Lewis 25/09/2007

Kieron Dyer admits he has been staggered by the massive support shown to him
by West Ham fans during his latest injury nightmare. Luckless Dyer broke his
right leg in the last round of the Carling Cup following an overzealous
challenge from Bristol Rovers' Joe Jacobson. The double fracture has ruled
him out for six months, with cynics claiming the club should never have
taken a £7million gamble to sign the injury prone England international from
Newcastle in the summer. But genuine Hammers fans have swamped Dyer with
cards and letters, revealing they cannot wait for him to return. Dyer, whose
team-mates face Plymouth at home tomorrow, said: "I have been passed so many
messages that the fans have been sending in. "They have been saying how
gutted they all are for me and that they are wishing me well. That really
means a lot to me. "Nearly every member of the squad came to see me and a
lot of the staff as well. That was brilliant and really gave me a lift,
considering I have only been at Upton Park a short space of time. I have
been trying to stay as positive as I can. The physios and my specialist were
really pleased with how the operation went and said there is no reason why I
shouldn't make a full recovery. "I'm focusing on that for now and getting
some rest before I begin my rehab shortly. "They don't give exact timescales
with this type of injury because some people heal a lot quicker than others.
"Also, there can be complications when you have screws put in, so you have
to play it by ear really. "But I am just staying positive and focusing on
being back and playing for West Ham sooner rather than later. "At the time I
knew straight away that I had broken both bones. As I hit the floor my leg
was just wobbling from side to side, so I knew it was a break as opposed to
anything else. "It actually wasn't as painful as it probably looked to other
people because my body went into shock. That was a blessing in disguise in a
way. "But I knew that I would be out for several months, which was just
devastating."
West Ham have been at pains to stress that the damage to the attacking
midfielder is in no way related to past injuries which sidelined him for so
long at St James' Park. And Dyer, 28, added: "That is definitely not the
case and I am determined to prove people who think that wrong. "The doctors
were delighted with the way my surgery went. "If there are any consolations
to this, they explained that the 'best' place to break your leg is the
middle of the shin, like I did. There are usually more complications when it
is closer to the ankle, like Dean Ashton."
Dyer will draw inspiration from former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse, who
recovered from a broken leg at Anfield and is now a leading star for French
side Marseille. He said: "Djibril had precisely the same injury as me. He
has obviously come back and made a full recovery. "I plan to do exactly the
same and be back playing for West Ham and England."

CROCK BOT TOM! THE INJURY LIST

2001: Operation to remove cyst on shin rules him out for nine months.
2004: Four hamstring tears on the left leg in the space of six months.
2005: Goes off with hamstring tear in second leg of quarterfinal of Uefa Cup
against Sporting Lisbon.
2005-06: Misses six months with hamstring injury. Medicine for an illness
makes him more susceptible to muscle injuries.
2006-07: Misses the first three months with hamstring problem.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant eyes loan swoop - ESS
Last Updated: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:37

Norwich City are said to be showing an interest in West Ham defender Calum
Davenport but face competition from Stoke City. Davenport is struggling for
first-team action at Upton Park and has been told by Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley that he can go out on loan to get games under his belt. The
Potters are after a new central defender after losing loanee Jody Craddock,
who was recalled by his parent club Wolves, while Canaries boss Peter Grant
is also looking for defensive reinforcements. Both clubs are said to have
made an approach for the highly-rated defender and it will be down to
Davenport and the Hammers to decide where he will end up. Davenport has been
on loan with Norwich in the past and that could make the Canaries favourites
to land him.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley: Ashton getting stronger every day
tribalfooball.com - September 24, 2007

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is excited with Dean Ashton's return to
full fitness. Reflecting on Ashton's goal scoring performance in Sunday's
defeat at Newcastle, Curbs told whufc.com: "Deano still needs more football
but when you compare his performances against Newcastle and Middlesbrough to
his first start of the season at Reading three weeks ago, then you can see
the difference in his fitness levels. "We've had to handle Dean in a
similar fashion to that of Michael Owen and, fortunately, he's having an
injury free run at the moment. "Thankfully, he's not had any setbacks like
Michael and, after coming through pre-season, he's now looking stronger and
stronger. Deano spent the summer concentrating on the fact that he needed to
get through pre-season to give himself a base and we're really pleased for
him, right now. "Dean's been out for a year and a bit and he's just happy
to be back playing at the moment. We've not even discussed his chances of
getting a call-up for England because we're not looking any further than
just getting him through matches for West Ham United. "Steve McClaren and
his people have been to our recent games and they would've all seen that
he's getting himself stronger and sharper, so we'll just have to wait and
see.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bowyer: Newcastle keeper Harper top class
tribalfooball.com - September 24, 2007

West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer hailed former Newcastle teammate Steve Harper
after being denied on Sunday with the scores at 2-1. The Toon eventually ran
out 3-1 winners and Bowyer is convinced Harper's save was a turning point.
"I thought I'd done him," he admitted on whufc.com. "It went through the
defender's legs. I just thought there were so many bodies I had to try and
keep it low, it might get a deflection. It went straight through his legs
and I thought 'yes, it's in!' He just got an arm to it. He's a top-class
goalkeeper and, maybe another time I'll beat him. "It was good to come back
and see old faces but we've gone away with the wrong result so it's not so
good in that respect. We'll just keep moving on and see how we go."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Ashton: I'm fit for England
tribalfooball.com - September 24, 2007

West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has declared himself fit and ready for
an England recall. He said: "I wouldn't be playing if I wasn't ready for an
England call-up. I've been ready for a long time. It would be lovely finally
to realise that dream of winning my first England cap but I know I just have
to be patient."

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 24th September 2007

Newcastle 3 Hammers 1 - WHUFC
Viduka(2), N'Zogbia
Ashton
Barclays Premier League 23rd September 2007 Kick-off: 13:30
Venue: St James' Park Attendance: 50,104 Referee:Mike Riley

Two-goal Mark Viduka ended West Ham United's unbeaten five-game run with a
clinical first-half double that sent the Magpies flying over Alan
Curbishley's men in the Premier League table. And although ton-up Dean
Ashton had given Hammers' hope with the 100th goal of his career on the
half-hour mark, Charles N'Zogbia's 75th-minute strike finally sunk the
plucky visitors. Curbs had made two changes from the side that had so
comprehensively beaten Newcastle's neighbours, Middlesbrough, last weekend
as fit-again Anton Ferdinand replaced James Collins, while Carlton Cole came
in for injured former Tynesider, Craig Bellamy. In the absence of Nolberto
Solano, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer, that meant that Lee Bowyer was the
only returning Magpie out of the five former St James's Park stars now on
the Upton Park roll-call. Unbeaten since the opening day of the season,
sixth-placed West Ham United may not have won on Tyneside since an Ian
Wright double and a Trevor Sinclair strike had earned them a 3-0 win back in
October 1998, but they had drawn their last two matches at St. James's Park.
And they certainly started confidently, too, when almost straight from the
kick-off Cole scooped an 18-yarder over Steve Harper's right-hand angle.
Following his ninth-placed side's dismal defeat at Derby County six days
earlier, Sam Allardyce had also made a couple of changes as Habib Beye was
handed a full debut at the expense of Steven Taylor, while Shola Ameobi was
replaced by Viduka. And despite that early scare, the Newcastle boss soon
saw the Magpies get off to a flier thanks to his fit-again Aussie striker.
The game had been preceded by a minute's poignant applause for 15-year-old
youth player, Jordan Thompson, who had tragically died last weekend but
within just two minutes of the kick-off, the St. James's Park crowd were
clapping in much happier circumstances after James Milner laid the ball back
to N'Zogbia and his left-wing cross into the six-yard box was nodded home at
the near post by the diving Viduka. Not surprisingly, that early Newcastle
opener left the visitors on the back foot but the Hammers gradually found
their feet and as the half-hour mark approached, the unlucky Mark Noble saw
his low 18-yarder expertly diverted aside by the outstretched right-palm of
Harper, who then bundled Cole's point-blank effort behind shortly
afterwards. And on 31 minutes, West Ham forced an equaliser, when Lucas
Neill's long-throw created mayhem in the Magpies' six-yard box and after a
scrappy rally of impromptu head tennis, Cole finally nodded the ball into
the path of Dean Ashton, who spun and claimed that century of league and cup
goals with a crisp eight-yard, left-foot shot to the left of Harper. But
just when it looked like Curbs was going to be going into his half-time
team-talk all square, he again saw his defence unlocked by the dangerous
N'Zogbia and Viduka combination, four minutes before the break. This time,
the flying French U-21 international got the better of the retreating Bowyer
before sending a deep, low centre beyond both Ferdinand and Matthew Upson
and, ghosting in at the far post, Viduka slid Newcastle back into an
interval lead.

Just after restart, both Hayden Mullins and Cole were booked for fouls on
Viduka and N'Zogbia respectively and, after the subdued Michael Owen hobbled
away to be replaced by Obafemi Martins, both David Rozehnal and Nicky Butt
went close with 25-yarders. As passions ran high, referee Mike Riley was
then forced to lecture both the marauding Noble and Butt after a midfield
skirmish and, on the hour, Hammers also introduced Freddie Ljungberg at the
expense of the unfortunate Mullins as the workmanlike Bowyer moved into
central midfield. And after Dean Ashton sent a low 25-yard free-kick into
Harper's midriff before agonisingly back-heading beyond the far post, Curbs
upped the stakes further when he replaced Cole with fresh-legged Henri
Camara. On 70 minutes, Bowyer latched onto Rozehnal's clearance but Harper
was equal to his low 15-yarder and, with West Ham desperately looking for
that elusive leveller, Allardyce sacrificed Viduka in favour of Spanish
defender Jose Enrique. But with a quarter-of-an-hour left, N'Zogbia
extinguished all hopes of a West Ham recovery when he picked out the
overlapping Martins with a perfect pass before racing into the six-yard box,
getting the better of Noble and bundling home the Nigerian's return to the
tangible relief of St James's Park.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle 3-1 West Ham - BBC
By Owen Phillips

Mark Viduka scored twice to help Newcastle to a win which was marred by
another injury scare for Michael Owen. Viduka got in front of West Ham's
Anton Ferdinand to head the Magpies ahead from Charles N'Zogbia's superb
cross. Dean Ashton volleyed the Hammers level following Lucas Neill's long
throw but Viduka bundled in his second from close range after more good work
by N'Zogbia. Owen limped off with what looked like a recurrence of his groin
problem before N'Zgobia tapped in the third. Despite Viduka's double and
N'Zogbia's man-of-the-match display the talking point of an open and
entertaining game will once again be Owen's fitness. The England striker,
who hurt his groin in last Monday's defeat against Derby, was a surprise
inclusion in the starting line-up. The problem reared up again soon after
the break and he was once again forced off after 51 minutes. Newcastle had
settled any nerves they may have been feeling on the back of a depressing
defeat against the struggling Rams within two minutes. James Milner laid the
ball back to N'Zogbia who whipped in a cross from the left flank and Viduka
got in front of Ferdinand and crashed a near-post header past Robert Green
and into the bottom of the net. That goal should have provided the perfect
platform for Newcastle but it was the Hammers, who adopted a more direct
approach in the absence of the injured Craig Bellamy, who began to get on
top. Mark Noble was once again impressive in the heart of the Hammers
midfield and a typical driving run almost bought an equaliser but Steve
Harper tipped his fierce 20-yard strike away for a corner. A slip by Claudio
Cacapa then almost let Carlton Cole in and the warning signs were there for
the home side. And for a manager who built a reputation on being defensively
organised and maximising set-pieces, Sam Allardyce will have been furious
about the manner of West Ham's equaliser. Neill hurled in a long throw which
Ashton nodded up in the air and Cole showed excellent strength before
flicking the ball on to Ashton who had continued his run and volleyed in
from six yards.
The home side responded, Viduka was denied by a fabulous defensive header by
Ferdinand but within seconds the Australian restored the home lead. N'Zogbia
skipped his way down the left flank again and picked out Viduka and the
burly frontman bundled the ball home from six yards. The second half was
less eventful although both sides pressed forward. Owen's injury seemed to
hand West Ham the impetus and they had a couple of half-chances. First
Ashton sent a flick header just wide of the far post and Steve Harper made a
fabulous one-handed stop to deny Lee Bowyer a goal against his former club.
But Newcastle wrapped up the points with a quarter of an hour to go when
Obafemi Martins picked out N'Zogbia and the young Frenchman tapped the ball
in from close range. Martins missed a glorious chance to add a fourth late
on when he somehow shot wide after capitalising on a mistake by Matthew
Upson and rounding Green.

Newcastle assistant manager Nigel Pearson: "The most important thing was
getting the result. "At times we were a bit scrappy but we played well
enough to win the game. Generally we're very, very pleased. "The early goal
was a huge help and I'm pleased for Mark Viduka and there's more to come. It
takes time to settle but he looks like he is getting his confidence."

West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: "You can't defend like we did and expect
to get something from the game. You can't let in goals after two minutes -
otherwise you don't give yourself a chance. "We got back into it and were
the stronger side in the first half but more poor defending at the end left
us 2-1 down at half time. "Overall I feel we've done enough to take
something from the game. We played well to get back into it and it's
desperately disappointing.
"Our attitude to defending, especially stopping the cross, was poor today."

Newcastle: Harper, Beye, Cacapa (Taylor 78), Rozehnal, N'Zogbia, Smith,
Geremi, Butt, Milner, Owen (Martins 51), Viduka (Jose Enrique 73).
Subs Not Used: Given, Faye.
Booked: Geremi.
Goals: Viduka 2, 41, N'Zogbia 76.

West Ham: Green, Neill, Upson, Ferdinand, McCartney, Bowyer, Noble, Mullins
(Ljungberg 62), Etherington (Spector 80), Cole (Camara 68), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Collins.
Booked: Mullins, Cole, Bowyer.
Goals: Ashton 32.

Att: 50,104.
Ref: Mike Riley (Yorkshire).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle Utd 3 West Ham Utd 1 - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 23rd September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

The Hammers have been well beaten in this afternoon's Premier League clash
at St James' Park. The home side ran out comfortable 3-1 winners despite
rarely threatening the Hammers goal. Disappointingly the Hammers only had
themselves to blame for a first reversal in four, as they were on top for
much of the first half. Mark Viduka - a transfer target of Alan Curbishley's
earlier in the summer - opened the scoring for the home side after just two
minutes when he profited on a mistake by international colleague Lucas
Neill. But the Hammers responded well and deservedly drew level on 31
minutes after Dean Ashton swivelled expertly to fire home following a bout
of head tennis in the home side's penalty box. The home side regained the
lead five minutes before the break after Mark Viduka added a second from a
cross by Charles N'Zogbia, who had left Lee Bowyer trailing in his wake on
the left flank. Newcastle wrapped up the win fifteen minutes from time when
N'Zogbia - who has probably been Newcastle's best player on the park -
tapped home a third.

West Ham United: Green, Neill, McCartney, Ferdinand, Upson, Mullins
(Ljungberg 62), Noble, Bowyer, Etherington (Spector 80), Cole (Camara 68),
Ashton.
Subs not used: Wright, Collins.
Goals: Ashton (31).
Booked: Mullins (48), Cole (53), Bowyer (81).

Newcastle United: Harper, Beye, N'Zogbia, Capaca (Taylor 78), Rozehnal,
Geremi, Butt, Milner, Smith, Owen (Martins 51), Viduka (Enrique 73).
Subs not used: Given, Faye.
Goals: Viduka (2, 41), N'Zogbia (76).
Booked: Geremi (79).

Referee: M.Riley.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Viduka brace fires Toon -SSN
Newcastle cruise to victory over Hammers
Last updated: 23rd September 2007

Newcastle bounced back from their shock defeat to Derby as they beat West
Ham 3-1 at St James' Park to climb into the top five. Mark Viduka gave The
Magpies a perfect start as he powerfully headed Charles N'Zogbia's left-wing
cross past Robert Green in only the second minute. West Ham levelled in the
32nd minute when Carlton Cole beat Claudio Cacapa in the air and Dean Ashton
capitalised with a sweet finish into the bottom right corner. Newcastle's
lead was restored four minutes before the break as Viduka bundled the ball
home from close range after a terrific run by N'Zogbia. Michael Owen was
withdrawn early in the second half after appearing to aggravate his groin
injury, before Newcastle pulled two goals clear through N'Zogbia after 76
minutes. West Ham battled hard in an attempt to get back into the game but
Newcastle's defence was considerably tighter than their own and they could
do little as they slipped to their first defeat since the opening day of the
season.
The visitors endured a disastrous start which had seen Viduka power home a
second-minute header from N'Zogbia's near-post cross, but for much of the
half, they were the better side. Allardyce's men lacked width on the right
with Alan Smith sitting in-field and Habib Beye getting forward from
full-back only fleetingly. That left Viduka and Owen isolated, and the
Hammers prospered with Mark Noble forcing a fine one-handed save from Steve
Harper. On 32 minutes, West Ham's strike duo combined to beat Harper, Cole
climbing well to flick on Lucas Neill's long throw for Ashton to fire into
the bottom corner.
Owen, whose fitness has been the subject of an intense debate all week, was
a largely peripheral figure, although he almost opened the door for Viduka
once again six minutes before the break after running on to Nicky Butt's
ball over the top. The striker looked up before sending in an inviting
cross, and it took a good block by Anton Ferdinand to keep out the
Australian's header.
However, there was nothing Ferdinand, or anyone else for that matter, could
do to deny Viduka four minutes before the break as he provided further
evidence of the wisdom of Sam Allardyce's summer swoop for him. Once again,
it was N'Zogbia who created the opening, bursting past former Magpie, Lee
Bowyer, from David Rozehnal's clearance before crossing to the far post for
the former Middlesbrough front man to bundle home his second goal of the
game and his third in a black and white shirt. N'Zogbia wasted a 47th-minute
free-kick in a promising position after Owen had shown a rare burst of pace
to round George McCartney, but was felled in the process. That proved to be
Owen's last contribution of any note and he was replaced by Obafemi Martins
four minutes later with the England international worryingly heading
straight down the tunnel. Rozehnal almost caught keeper Green on his heels
with a left-foot drive from distance on 53 minutes, and Butt tested the
keeper with an equally well-struck effort two minutes later. But referee
Mike Riley had to stop the game two minutes later after Noble reacted
furiously to a robust challenge by Butt.
Harper saved well from Ashton's 64th-minute free-kick, which bounced
dangerously in front of him, and Ashton flicked a header wide as West Ham
rallied, but the home side were defending with greater resilience than they
had before the break. However, Harper had to be at his best once again in
the 72nd minute when Bowyer latched on to Rozehnal's weak header and forced
a fine save low to the keeper's right. But N'Zogbia made sure of the points
with 14 minutes remaining when he fed Martins on the left and then met his
cross to make it 3-1, and the Nigerian should have added his name to the
score sheet three minutes from time, but fired wide after rounding Green.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley slams defending - SSN
West Ham boss disappointed with loss
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 23rd September 2007

Alan Curbishley blasted West Ham's defensive performance following the 3-1
defeat to Newcastle. The Hammers have been in fine form on their travels
this season but fell behind in only the second minute when Mark Viduka
headed home Charles N'Zogbia's cross. Dean Ashton equalised and there were a
number of other chances for West Ham in an open first half. But Newcastle
regained the lead through Viduka and clinched the points when N'Zogbia found
the target midway through the second half. Curbishley was disappointed that
his side had not salvaged a draw but admitted it was a poor display at the
back. "We didn't do enough defending, but we think we've lost at least a
point here," Curbishley told Sky Sports. We can't afford to go 1-0 down
after two minutes away from home. "We got ourselves back in the game and I
thought we looked the stronger side, until another poor bit of defending at
the end of the first half. "We're desperately disappointed because 3-1 was a
bit harsh but if you defend the way we did you're not going to pick anything
up."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle 3-1 West Ham - Soccernet

Mark Viduka announced his arrival on Tyneside with a first-half double as
Newcastle saw off West Ham 3-1. The Australian got his side off to the
perfect start with a second-minute bullet header, and then converted Charles
N'Zogbia's cross four minutes before half-time. In the meantime, Dean Ashton
had dragged the visitors back into it with his second goal in as many games
since his return from injury, and the Hammers could count themselves
unfortunate to go in behind at the break after pinning their hosts back for
long periods. Keeper Steve Harper had to produce excellent one-handed saves
to deny first Mark Noble and then former team-mate Lee Bowyer, but the
Magpies dominated the second half and were rewarded when N'Zogbia slotted
home their third goal after 76 minutes. The win was just what manager Sam
Allardyce needed after an insipid display in defeat at Derby on Monday
evening, and the fact that it came courtesy of a less than fluent
performance will not spoil his enjoyment of an important result. The home
side had taken to the pitch for the warm-up wearing tee-shirts bearing the
slogan ``Rock Steady'', a message of solidarity with troubled bank Northern
Rock, the club's shirt sponsor. Allardyce could have been forgiven as he
headed for the dressing room at half-time for wishing the same could have
been said of his defence. In an intensely uncomfortable 45 minutes, David
Rozehnal and Claudio Cacapa, the latest recruits in the seemingly endless
quest to stem the tide of goals which has blighted Newcastle for so long,
were given the sternest of examinations by Carlton Cole and Ashton. It was
no surprise when the pair combined on 32 minutes to beat Harper, Cole
climbing well to flick on Lucas Neill's long throw for Ashton to fire into
the bottom corner. The goal came as the visitors recovered from a disastrous
start which had seen Viduka power home a second-minute header from
N'Zogbia's near-post cross, and for much of the half, they were the better
side.
Allardyce's men lacked width on the right with Alan Smith sitting in-field
and Habib Beye getting forward from full-back only fleetingly. That left
Viduka and Michael Owen isolated, and the Hammers prospered with Noble
forcing a fine one-handed save from Harper. Owen, whose fitness has been the
subject of an intense debate all week, was a largely peripheral figure,
although he almost opened the door for Viduka once again six minutes before
the break after running on to Nicky Butt's ball over the top. The striker
looked up before sending in an inviting cross, and it took a good block by
Anton Ferdinand to keep out the Australian's header. However, there was
nothing Ferdinand, or anyone else for that matter, could do to deny Viduka
four minutes before the break as he provided further evidence of the wisdom
of Allardyce's summer swoop for him. Once again, it was N'Zogbia who created
the opening, bursting past former Magpie Bowyer from Rozehnal's clearance
before crossing to the far post for the former Middlesbrough front man to
bundle home his second goal of the game and his third in a black and white
shirt. N'Zogbia wasted a 47th-minute free-kick in a promising position after
Owen had shown a rare burst of pace to round George McCartney, but was
felled in the process. That proved to be Owen's last contribution of any
note and he was replaced by Obafemi Martins four minutes later with the
England international worryingly heading straight down the tunnel. Rozehnal
almost caught keeper Robert Green on his heels with a left-foot drive from
distance on 53 minutes, and Butt tested the keeper with an equally
well-struck effort two minutes later. But referee Mike Riley had to stop the
game two minutes later after Noble reacted furiously to a robust challenge
by Nicky Butt. Harper saved well from Ashton's 64th-minute free-kick, which
bounced dangerously in front of him, and Ashton flicked a header wide as
West Ham rallied, but the home side were defending with greater resilience
than they had before the break.
However, Harper had to be at his best once again in the 72nd minute when
Bowyer latched on to Rozehnal's weak header and forced a fine save low to
the keeper's right. But N'Zogbia made sure of the points with 14 minutes
remaining when he fed Martins on the left and then met his cross to make it
3-1, and the Nigerian should have added his name to the scoresheet three
minutes from time, but fired wide after rounding Green.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Newcastle Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Mon Sep 24 2007

Newcastle United 3 West Ham United 1

""We're desperately disappointed because 3-1 was a bit harsh but if you
defend the way we did you're not going to pick anything up."

Those words from Alan Curbishley perfectly sum up today's defeat at St
James' Park, where a decent first half performance was let down by defensive
errors which in the end was our downfall. We failed to get going in the
second period and a lacklustre showing resulted in Newcastle getting the
killer third goal.

Two changes were made to the side which beat Middlesbrough 3-0 last weekend.
In defence James Collins was dropped to the bench in favour of the returning
Anton Ferdinand, this despite the team keeping a clean sheet last weekend.
The other change was made in the striking department with Carlton Cole
replacing the injured Craig Bellamy who was still out despite reports that
he would return.

All that talk of having so many ex-Newcastle players seem to mean little as
only one actually took part in this encounter – that being Lee Bowyer.

As the game kicked off we could have had a goal within thirty seconds as a
long ball towards the Newcastle area was poorly cleared by goal keeper Steve
Harper and it went straight to Lee Bowyer who was unfortunate that his first
touch was not better because if it was I am sure he would have had the
technique to lob the keeper who was well off his line. As Bowyer was closed
down the ball bounced through to Carlton Cole who cut inside the defender
and hit a curling left foot shot at goal, but it rose and went over the bar
as we signalled our intentions straight from the off.

But those intentions would mean little as Newcastle took the lead on the two
minute mark.

Usually when I am shocked by a goal it is because it is a fantastic strike
from far out, but Newcastle's first wasn't like that at all – but it still
shocked me as when I was watching it I really didn't think there was much
danger.

Milner received the ball on the left hand side and managed to knock the ball
back for N'Zogbia who got hit left foot around the ball and put in a nice
cross which went towards Mark Viduka. It looked as though Ferdinand was
close enough to him to deal with the ball but somehow Viduka managed to
stretch out and get his head to the ball and it flew past Robert Green.

Obviously it was a bad start and it would be a test of character to see how
would react to going behind so early on.

We started to see more of the ball and although it took us a while we
eventually settled and were looking the better side. It was clear to see
that the long ball was our game plan and I am usually strongly opposed to
this type game plan, but Newcastle struggled to compete with Ashton and to
an extent Cole in the air.

It took us about twenty five minutes to get our first shot on target but it
was one which we nearly equalised from. A good passage of play led to Mark
Noble receiving the ball just outside the area and the youngster hit a good
low shot at goal which was brilliantly saved by Harper and out for a corner.

Moments later a mix up in the Newcastle defence gave Carlton Cole a half
chance but the keeper was on it quickly and it went out for another corner.
From that resulting corner the ball was met by Matthew Upson but he seemed
to go for his header to early and it went over the bar when on another
occasion it may have gone in.

The mood had changed and there was a little more about our play and the
pressure was mounting. I got the feeling that it wouldn't be long until we
got a goal and thankfully my feeling was correct.

A long throw from Lucas Neill caused mayhem in the Newcastle area as Ashton
went up with the defender. The ball was then excellently flicked back to
Ashton by Cole and Ashton brilliantly adjusted his body shape and volleyed
past Harper to equalise.

Of course it doesn't matter who scores just as long as West Ham are getting
goals but I like many others could not hide their delight for Ashton who was
scoring his second goal in as many games. We all know how good this guy can
be and this is exactly what we want to see him do.

As Newcastle kicked off we still had that air of danger surrounding our play
and I was really looking towards winning this one with Newcastle being
pretty poor.

But chances didn't come and although the remainder of the half was not what
I would call awful we still lack that cutting edge.

To make things worse, shortly before half time we would fall behind once
again and the same man would be our tormentor.

A short pass from a Newcastle defender was closed down by Ashton but
Rozehnal got to the ball first by hoofing the ball towards our area. And
this is where the problem began as N'Zogbia chased the ball he had Lee
Bowyer a few yards in front of him but Bowyer's lack of pace really showed
and the Newcastle left back beat him to the ball, cut inside and rolled it
across for the unmarked Viduka to easily finish.

It was hard to believe at half time that we were losing a game that we
should have at least been on level terms in. Newcastle looked every bit as
poor as they did against Derby but in Mark Viduka they had that something
extra and so far it had given them the edge.

We had to hope that the second half would see us up the tempo and play our
fast counter attack football. But it was never to be.

The second half was very niggily and there were many fouls and quite a
number of bookings. Hayden Mullins (who had been involved in a couple of
incidents in the first half with Alan Smith) received a yellow card for a
poor foul and in similar fashion Carlton Cole was booked for a wild swipe
after being caught in possession.

A gust of wind then blew over St James' Park and Michael Owen was caught in
the eye of the storm. He hobbled off and was replaced by Martins.

The game was void of any real chances and we were struggling to do anything
with the possession we saw.

More tackles flew in and somehow Nicky Butt did not get a booking after a
two footed lunge on Mark Noble. The youngster was incensed by this tackle
and the two squared up with Butt looking worried as Noble got right in his
face.

Mullins was taken off and replaced by Freddie Ljungberg around the hour
mark. Ljungberg went to the right hand side with Bowyer moving into the
middle.

This change coincided with a mini resurgence from our boys and we a few half
chances. The first came from a free kick from about 30 yards which Dean
Ashton fired at goal. If anything the shot was hit too well, and even though
it bounced just in front of Harper he was equal too it.

A free kick from a similar area was this time played into the box where Dean
Ashton tried a back flicked header which went agonizingly wide. It was a
great piece of quick thinking from a player who was looking as though his
best form was coming back.

Our best chance of the second half came in this period when a ball into the
area towards the sub Camera (who had replaced Cole) and the defender
Rozehnal made a clearance to the edge of the area but only as far as Lee
Bowyer who met the ball on the half volley by Harper again made a good save
to deny him.

Unfortunately that would be it for us as Newcastle again out of nothing,
broke and scored a goal which should have been defended better.

N'Zogbia started and finished the move. He played a good pass through to
Martins who managed to get the ball across for N'Zogbia to tap in after
getting ahead of Noble. Upson and Ferdinand were nowhere to be seen.

Newcastle had a wonderful chance to extend their lead even further when
Upson took his eye off the ball and set Martins away (much like the home
game last season when Gabbidon did the same) and he rounded Robert Green but
then missed an open goal.

The third goal was enough to kill the game completely and the game fizzled
out and Newcastle saw out the remainder with ease.

Player Reviews

Robert Green
Nothing he could do about any of the goals with them all coming from very
close range.

Lucas Neill
Had a bit of a tough time during this one. He gave the ball away quite a few
times and seemed to go missing from his right back slot at times which was
to our detriment. I think we expect a little more from our captain.

Matthew Upson
It's a shame that he has no pace because if he did he might be a very good
defender instead of a pretty average one. So far this season it is clear
that when up against pace he looks poor – when defending against players
with no pace he looks pretty good. Today, along with Ferdinand he just kept
getting caught too many times and beaten to the ball far too easily.

Anton Ferdinand
Continues to put in inconsistent performances. For periods in the game he
will look calm and assured but then his distribution will let him down or he
will get caught in possession after dallying on the ball. I still think he
is the best defender at the club and has the potential to go all the way -
but I doubt he ever will get there.

George McCartney
Good solid performance from McCartney and bar far our best defender
throughout the ninety minutes. Got forward well and was our only threat on
the left as Etherington remained static throughout. Made a few good runs but
often took too long to get the ball into the midfield or attack, but overall
a good display.

Lee Bowyer
Much more involved than he was earlier in the season. Obviously his lack of
pace cost us the second goal. He had a head start on N'Zogbia but still
managed to get beaten. His off the ball stuff was very good, and he was
often up with play and in the box waiting for a chance to come his was –
there was one instance was Cole completely ignored him when if he had of
looked up he would have found him in acres of space. Had our best chance of
the second half and although I still think we need better than Bowyer his
display today was adequate.

Hayden Mullins
Had to have an extra edge about his game today as it was a real battle with
Alan Smith and Nicky Butt in the centre of midfield. Had a few scuffles with
Smith in the first half, and was booked in the second. Failed to really get
hold of the game but if you think back, very little went past him and
Newcastle's play was often forced out wide even when they were trying to
play through the middle. The question is did Mullins do enough to keep
Parker from starting next weekend?

Mark Noble
Like Mullins he too had to really battle against two tough opponents. He got
stuck in and showed a bit of skill too. Was very unlucky not to score in the
first half when his well struck shot was saved well by Harper. Continues to
flourish.

Matthew Etherington
His form so far this season has been impressive but today he was anonymous
and never in the game at all. Was static throughout and failed to make any
telling runs against a right back making his debut for the home side.
Hopefully this was just a blip.

Carlton Cole
It is clear to anyone who has watched Carlton Cole that he isn't good enough
and it is shocking that we have to resort to a player who is not premiership
material. Saying that I can only review him on this performance which was
full of energy and effort. His touch was very inconsistent – one moment he
would have a classy first touch, the next it would be shocking. Failed to
attack the ball enough for my liking and often waiting for the ball to
bounce or fall to him. Obviously he made the goal and that is three assists
in two games so not all bad.

Dean Ashton
Very impressed with him today. Despite a few times when he wanted to long on
the ball, Ashton looked every bit the centre forward that we have been
craving for. Strong, good in the air and has brilliant technique. Took his
goal well and that two in two. There is more to come.

Subs Used

Freddie Ljungberg (on for Mullins 62 mins)
Failed to make any real impact in the time he was on the pitch. Will be
itching to start and I expect to see him play the 90 minutes against
Plymouth.

Henri Camera (on for Cole 68 mins)
Like Ljungberg he found it very difficult to get into the game and with
Newcastle scoring the third and decisive goal not long after he came on the
game was void of chances.

Jonathan Spector (on for Etherington 80 mins)
I don't understand why he came on.

Overall

This result is not exactly shocking as this is where West Ham are at the
moment. We will win a couple of games and then lose a couple – it is what
mid table sides do, and we are a mid table side who in time will hopefully
be able to push on further up the table.

Defensively we look frail and this is a position that has not been mentioned
by the masses as the focus has been on midfield and forward positions.

We played some decent football in the first half and that was cause to be
positive – but when our creative players (Etherington and Noble) were not
able to get into the game we had no other options to change our style of
play and try something different. This is what Bellamy gives us, and
Ljungberg will in time.

Plymouth are up next in the cup and hopefully a few other players will get
their chance to show us what they can do.

Don't get too down about this result – we are going to lose a few this
season.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle's Michael Owen faces operation - Telegraph
By Rob Stewart
Last Updated: 2:49am BST 24/09/2007

Newcastle United (2) 3 West Ham United (1) 1

Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce last night admitted for the first time he
was worried that Michael Owen would need surgery to tackle a groin problem
that is jeopardising his chances of leading England's attack in next month's
Euro 2008 qualifiers.

Ominously for club and country, the £17 million striker departed a game
early for the second successive time after seemingly aggravating a
troublesome groin, and today he will undergo further scans, with Allardyce
ready to call for immediate surgery.

Such action would seem likely to keep Owen out of England's crunch matches
with Estonia and Russia on Oct 13 and 17. Allardyce has already ruled him
out of tomorrow's Carling Cup tie at Arsenal. "I'm worried he asked to come
off because he felt it, whereas it was me who took him off against Derby.
Although the midweek scan was clear, there's a persistent area causing him a
problem so we'll have to look deeper into that.

"I look after Michael's interests more than anybody else's; he's our most
expensive asset so you must address the injury straight away. It must not go
on any longer than need be."

Allardyce added: "For me, England don't come into the equation. If he needs
an operation he'll have it straight away. It's still a tightening of the
groin area [rather than a hernia] so we'll have to get a specialist report
now, not just a scan. If it needs to be surgery then we will find the best
in the world. When we find the best in the world they recover quicker."

Owen's unfortunate plight overshadowed an impressive display by Mark Viduka
that brought him his second and third Newcastle goals which moved them into
fifth place.

advertisementHe brilliantly put Newcastle in command with a diving header in
the second minute, beating Anton Ferdinand to Charles N'Zogbia's curling
near-post cross.

Steve Harper, preferred in goal to Shay Given, repaid Allardyce's faith with
an excellent save to keep out Mark Noble's 20-yarder as West Ham gained the
upper hand against a side stymied by lack of width and midfield creativity.

After Harper denied Carlton Cole with a point-blank save, the powerful Dean
Ashton bolstered his England chances by volleying past Harper in the 32nd
minute for his second goal in consecutive games. The peroxide blond was head
and shoulders above opposing defenders, holding off David Rozehnal to win
Lucas Neill's long throw, then reacting quickest to volley the ball beyond
Harper from six yards after Cole had won the next aerial challenge.

His good work was undone four minutes before half-time as West Ham's defence
was caught out again when Rozehnal's clearance fell kindly to N'Zogbia, who
darted forward, beating Lee Bowyer before finding the unmarked Viduka who
restored Newcastle's lead with a close-range finish.

A hitherto subdued Owen left the field in the 51st minute following a George
McCartney challenge that left him grimacing.

Freddie Ljungberg replaced Hayden Mullins to invigorate the Hammers and the
Swede's introduction almost yielded an equaliser, but Harper expertly turned
away Bowyer's volley following a move initiated by the former Arsenal
player.

N'Zogbia, though, delivered a telling blow in the 76th minute, taking
advantage of sizeable defensive shortcomings to guide home a low cross from
substitute Obafemi Martins as West Ham meekly slumped to their first defeat
since the season's opening day.

"Overall, the scoreline was harsh, but defending cost us," West Ham manager
Alan Curbishley said. "We could have, should have, got something and if we'd
applied ourselves better we would have. We lost 3-1 but I can't remember
Robert Green having to make a save, so it's disappointing."

• West Ham have moved a step closer to building a 60,000-seat stadium. The
London Development Agency have granted the club exclusive negotiating rights
on a 32-acre area of land near West Ham station.

Negotiations are moving towards agreement on securing the land and the club
are optimistic of playing in the stadium by 2011.

Man of the match

Charles N'Zogbia (Newcastle)

Scored with only shot on target
Created two goals for Mark Viduka
Made four chances overall

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle Utd 3 West Ham 1 - the Sun
By STEVE BRENNER
September 24, 2007

WHEN Mark Viduka is in the mood no one can stop him. And boy was he in the
mood yesterday. The Aussie's deadly double was just what the Toon missed in
their dismal defeat at Derby last Monday.And with Michael Owen's fitness
problems refusing to go away, Vid's best show for Newcastle could not have
come at a better time. Even that was eclipsed by Charles N'Zogbia though,
who made two goals and bagged the other. The Frenchman was the only
midfielder to provide some cutting edge in a Newcastle display which was
deadly effective but short on quality. Toon chief Allardyce was delighted
though and said: "It was a terrific response from the players and I am very
contented. "We got a great start but started to fade a little bit and look a
little bit scared. "There is a lot to work on but to win against one of the
Premier League's in-form teams is very pleasing." Newcastle got off to a
perfect start after two minutes. N'Zogbia curled in a cracking centre and
Viduka sent a bullet header past Hammers keeper Rob Green. But Alan
Curbishley's men have started the season solidly and, slowly but surely,
they crept back into the clash. The lively Mark Noble got things rolling
when his surging run and shot was expertly tipped away by Steve Harper.
Then on 32 minutes, Dean Ashton pounced to shoot West Ham level. Lucas
Neill's throw was flicked on by Carlton Cole and Ashton did not need any
invitation to slam the ball past Harper into the far corner. No wonder West
Ham were so desperate to get the big man back after a year out with a broken
ankle. He was a real handful, not giving the Toon backline a moment's peace.
England boss Steve McClaren take note. With Emile Heskey crocked, Ashton
could find himself back in action for the Three Lions for the upcoming
clashes with Estonia and Russia. England could do worse. The Toon were
starting to go back to their bad old ways but then, out of nothing, Viduka
pounced to bag his second four minutes before the break. N'Zogbia showed his
potential again, ripping down the left and holding off a flimsy challenge
before sliding the ball across the area for Vid to bundle home. It was a
perfect time to score and Allardyce would have told his men to keep their
foot on the gas. But just six minutes after the restart, the Toon chief
played it safe and withdrew Owen from the firing line. The England ace had
barely featured and seemed to land awkwardly after a challenge.
The fact Newcastle's dire lack of creativity in the centre of midfield
failed to provide him with any service did not help his cause. But Owen just
did not look mobile yesterday. Perhaps he needs to go under the knife and
sort out his hernia problem. He hardly got a sniff as Viduka stole the show
and slouched down the tunnel an unhappy man. That gave Oba Martins his
chance but it was Nicky Butt and David Rozehnal who came closest to
extending the home side's lead.
Hammers were not out of it though, Ashton flicking a header inches wide.
And, with 19 minutes left, Harper produced a brilliant stop from Lee
Bowyer's 18-yard drive to justify Allardyce's decision to keep Shay Given on
the bench. Allardyce played it safe again by swapping Viduka for full-back
Jose Enrique. That allowed Alan Smith to finally play in his rightful
position up front. The former Manchester United man can talk about being Mr
Versatile until the cows come home but the truth is he is not a winger. And
Smith instantly showed his class in the final third when his lay-off fed
Martins, who set up N'Zogbia to tap home with 14 minutes left. It was a
welcome return to winning ways but, as always on Tyneside, there is a dark
cloud. The Michael Owen injury soap opera has just made an unwelcome return.

STAR MAN - Charles N'Zogbia (Newcastle)

NEWCASTLE: Harper 8, Beye 7, Cacapa 5 (Taylor 6), Rozehnal 8, N'Zogbia 9,
Smith 5, Butt 7, Geremi 7, Milner 7, Owen 4 (Martins 7), Viduka 8 (Enrique
6). Subs not used: Given, Faye. Booked: Geremi.

WEST HAM: Green 6, Neill 5, Ferdinand 4, Upson 6, McCartney 5, Noble 7,
Bowyer 5, Mullins 4 (Ljungberg 4), Etherington 5 (Spector 4), Cole 5 (Camara
5), Ashton 8. Subs not used: Wright, Collins. Booked: Mullins, Cole, Bowyer.

REF: M Riley 5

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton's not ready for Euro's - The Mirror
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
By Simon Bird 24/09/2007

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has refused to demand an immediate England
recall for goalscorer Dean Ashton. The talented striker continued his
impressive comeback from a broken ankle with another bustling display
against Newcastle and he netted in the 31st minute. England boss Steve
McClaren is in desperate need of striking reinforcements in time for
England's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Estonia and Russia next month. Emile
Heskey has a broken metatarsal and Michael Owen is a major doubt having
limped off during yesterday's clash at St James' Park. But despite Ashton,
who was denied his first cap for his country last year when he broke his
ankle during England training, looking the part now, Curbishley is urging
caution. He said: "We have got to handle Dean very carefully, in a similar
way to how Newcastle have handled Michael Owen. The difference is Dean has
not had any setbacks yet. "Dean has been out for a year and a month and
while he is slowly getting stronger and sharper anything can happen in the
next few weeks. "He's just happy to be playing again. We haven't really
discussed whether he's ready for England because he still needs more
football." West Ham fought their way back into yesterday's game but were
seriously let down by their leaky defence and Curbishley said: "The
scoreline was a bit harsh on us."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle United 3 West Ham 1: Owen concern takes edge off Newcastle's joy -
The Independent
By Michael Walker
Published: 24 September 2007

Michael Owen will have a scan today to discover whether he requires surgery
to correct his stubborn groin injury, a development that will concern the
England manager, Steve McClaren, as much as Newcastle's Sam Allardyce.

A grimacing Owen walked off slowly six minutes into the second half and
Allardyce said afterwards that he was "worried" about his striker's pain.
Owen is out of Newcastle's Carling Cup tie at Arsenal tomorrow and, with
England's European Championship qualifier against Estonia at Wembley 19 days
away, the striker is now a significant doubt for that.

"We'll know tomorrow on Michael," Allardyce said, "he still has a groin
problem we've to look at a little deeper. It's persistent and so we'll have
it scanned again and get another specialist opinion.

"He is still feeling a tightening in the groin area. We'll have to get a
specialist's report now, not just a scan regarding that situation. But he's
definitely out of Tuesday. I'm worried that he had to come off today because
he felt it, whereas it was me who took him off at Derby [last Monday]."

Allardyce said "if it needs surgery" Newcastle will find "the best in the
world" to perform the operation.

Surgery this week, for example, would leave Owen with three weeks to recover
before England's second game of the Euro 2008 qualifying double-header, in
Moscow against Russia – on an artificial pitch.

Allardyce is not unpatriotic, but Newcastle come before England. "We'll look
after Michael Owen's interests first, and the club's – he is the most
expensive asset. For me England does not come into the equation. If he needs
an operation, he will have it straight away."

Speculation about Owen overshadowed a result that lifted Newcastle to fifth
in the table, one that Allardyce described as "very satisfying". It also put
what is possibly an equally bad injury to Claudio Cacapa in the shade.

Owen's presence on the pitch also meant that, just as when Wigan came here
three weeks ago, the opposition's English centre-forward drew a sudden
fascination. Then it was Emile Heskey, yesterday it was Dean Ashton.

The 23-year-old missed the whole of last season having broken his ankle in
an England training session and has only played five times this term. Yet he
scored West Ham's equaliser with a tidy finish and led the line with power
and subtlety. Whether that makes him ready for a first England cap is
another matter.

"In the last international break we gave him two reserve games," the West
Ham manager, Alan Curbishley, said of Ashton, revealing just how far he was
from England contention then. "But two weeks is a long time. We'll wait and
see."

Ashton will need more support than he received in the second half here, that
is certain. Admittedly, Curbishley lost former Newcastle players Craig
Bellamy and Scott Parker to injury on Saturday, but that did not explain
some flat-footed defending that allowed Mark Viduka to score his first
Newcastle goal at St James' Park.

Lucas Neill and Anton Ferdinand were the culprits. Neill gave the ball away
in the second minute and it came to the impressive Charles N'Zogbia. The
young Frenchman bent in a fast cross that Viduka eyed gleefully. Ferdinand
looked at it statically and the big Australian dived across the defender to
place a flicked header just inside Robert Green's right post.

A bitty game played in a sometimes noiseless stadium then unfolded. With
Mark Noble prominent, West Ham nibbled their way back and there was no
surprise when Ashton equalised on 32 minutes. With Carlton Cole bustling his
way around the Newcastle penalty area, Ashton got on the end of a Neill
throw-in to beat Steve Harper comfortably.

That suggested a contest, yet less than 10 minutes later Viduka had his
second, again N'Zogbia supplying the cross after breezing past Lee Bowyer.

After the interval, Owen limped off and Ashton was close with a backward
flick. But Harper made a 72nd-minute save from Bowyer and four minutes later
N'Zogbia slid in to meet a centre from Owen's replacement, Obafemi Martins.

The Nigerian then missed an open goal to make it 4-1. But no matter,
Newcastle got the 1-0 defeat at Derby out of their system. Now, once again,
it is all about Michael's.

Goals: Viduka (2) 1-0; Ashton (32) 1-1; Viduka (41) 2-1; N'Zogbia (76) 3-1.

Newcastle United (4-4-2): Harper; Beye, Rozehnal, Cacapa (Taylor, 78)
N'Zogbia; Smith, Geremi, Butt, Milner; Viduka (Enrique, 73) Owen (Martins,
51). Substi-tutes not used: Given (gk), Faye.

West Ham United (4-4-2) Green; Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney; Bowyer,
Noble, Mullins (Ljungberg, 62) Etherington (Spector, 80); Cole (Camara, 68)
Ashton. Substitutes not used: Wright (gk), Collins.

Referee: M Riley (West Yorkshire).

Booked: Newcastle Geremi; West Ham Mullins, Cole, Bowyer.

Man of the match: N'Zogbia.

Attendance: 50,104.

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West Ham boss keen to protect Ashton
tribalfooball.com - September 23, 2007

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley insists Dean Ashton is still some way from
full fitness, despite his impressive showing at Newcastle. Ashton scored the
Hammers' lone goal in the 3-1 defeat and Curbishley said: "He needs some
more football, he needs as much as he can get. "If you had seen Dean three
weeks ago at Reading and last week against Middlesbrough and now today, he
is slowly getting stronger and stronger." Asked what he would tell Steve
McClaren if he inquired about Ashton, Curbishley said: "I would just say to
him he has been out a year and a bit. "Steve McClaren has been to our games
and he has seen Dean. "They have been watching all the games and they will
have seen Dean has slowly got stronger and sharper. "We will have to see.
Two weeks is a long time. Anything can happen."

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West Ham boss Curbishley: Ferguson wouldn't last today
tribalfooball.com - September 23, 2007

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley claims "short-termism" in football means the
likes of Sir Alex Ferguson and himself are now a dying breed. Before taking
over at West Ham in December 2006, Curbishley had been in charge at Charlton
for 15 years, with Ferguson at Manchester United for almost 21 years. "You
will not see many managers getting into double figures, in terms of years
spent at the same club, these days," said Curbishley. "What is happening is
short-termism, brought on by the fact that everything is so pressurised.
"There are different expectation levels, and people coming into football
clubs who have not owned them before, or been chairmen of them
before."Perhaps they do not understand the history so much, and it is all
about now. "Managers have grasped that, and realised that we have to be
successful straight away. "When I first came to the club, I said I had two
briefs. "The first was a short-term one, which was to keep us in the Premier
League last season, and the second was a long- term one, which was to build
something at the club. "We are working on the second one at the moment."

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