Julien Faubert made an instant impact on his return to action for West Ham
United
07.01.2008
Aston Villa reserves 2-1 West Ham United reserves
Julien Faubert took just 39 seconds to score on his return for West Ham
United on Monday night as the reserves went down to two late goals.
The France winger was making his first appearance since suffering a serious
achilles injury on 17 July. After an intensive rehabilitation programme, he
returned to the starting eleven at Walsall's Bescot Stadium - and made an
instant impact. As well his goal, he was a lively presence throughout the
first 45 minutes but was substituted at half-time.
Villa kept going and earned a deserved equaliser in the 87th minute when
substitute Barry Bannan - on for former Hammers striker Marlon Harewood,
shot low beyond Richard Wright. Then, as the visitors looked like making it
six games unbeaten at this level against the league leaders, Tobias
Mikaelsson scored from close range in the dying seconds.
Along with Faubert, Luis Boa Morte got more than an hour of action up front,
while at the back Calum Davenport and James Collins were a solid pairing
with both coming through the full 90 minutes. James Tomkins played at
right-back and, other than feeling the impact of a couple of hefty
challenges, showed up well - particularly in support of Faubert in the first
half. Further forward, Christian Dailly played a holding midfield role
alongside Collison who was his usual industrious self.
You can read the text commentary as it happened by clicking here
Aston Villa: Stuart Taylor, Erik Lund, Danny Earls, Ciaran Clark, Stephen
O'Halloran ,Chris Herd, Moustapha Salifou, Jonathan Hogg, Marlon Harewood ,
(Barry Bannan 75), Tobias Mikaelsson, Dominik Hofbauer (Nathan Delfouneso
63)
Subs not used: David Bevan (GK), Yago Bellon, Damian Bellon
West Ham United: Richard Wright, James Tomkins (Jordan Spence 90), James
Collins, Calum Davenport, Joe Widdowson, Julien Faubert (Zavon Hines 46),
Christian Dailly, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Luis Boa Morte (Freddie Sears
63), Jack Jeffrey
Subs (from): Marek Stech (GK), Bondz N'Gala, Lorcan Fitzgerald
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert display leaves Keen upbeat - WHUFC
Kevin Keen was cheered by Julien Faubert's return along with three other
first-teamers
08.01.2008
Kevin Keen has paid tribute to Julien Faubert after his goalscoring
contribution for West Ham United reserves on Monday night away to Aston
Villa.
The 24-year-old Frenchman made an instant impact - scoring a superb goal
inside a minute after a driving run and one-two with Jack Collison - in a
valuable 45 minute run-out that will only stand him in good stead for the
future. He had not played since suffering an achilles injury in a pre-season
friendly against Sigma Olomouc on 17 July.
Walking off the pitch at half-time with a smile on his face but tired by his
exertions, Faubert could be more than content with his return to action.
Keen was also delighted, as he was with all of the first-teamers on view in
the 2-1 defeat. "The big plusses from our point of view for West Ham is that
Julien Faubert, Luis Boa Morte, James Collins and Calum Davenport came
through their first games for quite a long time - in Julien's case for six
months which is fabulous for him."
"It showed you what he's about," Keen said of that superb solo goal. "He's
direct, he's pacy but at the same time he will work hard for the team. We
hope once he's back to full fitness that he can really go into the first
team and make a difference on that right side for us."
Stressing that "we don't want to get too excited" and that Faubert is still
a little way of being up to full speed, Keen said there was nothing to read
into the 24-year-old summer signing going off at half-time. "It was his
first game since pre-season, it was just a matter of easing him into it -
giving him a little taste of playing at Walsall, at the Bescot Stadium," he
added with a smile.
What particularly impressed Keen was Faubert's willingness to defend. "He's
a super kid. He's enthusiastic. He's not someone who is just going to go
forward, he's going to work hard for the team which is something we need at
the moment."
Reflecting in general on the game at Walsall's Bescot Stadium, Keen said
Villa, the league leaders, probably deserved their victory - secured by two
late goals. "Aston Villa were very good. They had a young team that have
played a lot of reserve games together and I thought their movement and
passing was a little bit better than ours.
"We defended really well - especially in the second half - but just in the
last five minutes, with players coming back from injury and a few things
like that, the fitness told. Overall I am pleased because those lads got
back and come through it well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reserves at Villa - as it happened - WHUFC
All the updates from the reserve-team away fixture against Aston Villa on
Monday night
07.01.2008
Barclays Premier Reserve League South
Aston Villa reserves v West Ham United reserves
7pm
Referee: R Wigglesworth
FINAL SCORE - 2-1 to Villa
90min - GOAL! - Villa win it in the last few seconds. Herd's cross was
stopped by Wright but the ball went into the path of Tobias Mikaelsson and
he made no mistake from a couple of yards.
90min - We are playing two minutes of added time. Another scare for Keen's
side but Collins heads back to Wright with Delfouneso ready to pounce.
90min - Tomkins is coming off and Jordan Spence will play out the final
moments.
90min - Clark heads for goal and it looks a certain winner for Villa until
Davenport stretches to head off the line. The home side are going for it,
even though Tomkins is down injured in the area.
87min - GOAL! - Villa get the equaliser. Bannan pounces on a loose ball on
the edge of the penalty area and fires low into the net. Wright had no
chance.
85min - West Ham United are closing on a sixth game unbeaten at this level.
Villa will feel hard done by though if it stays like this.
84min - Davenport has the ball in the net but is penalised for a foul. His
header came from a Reid free-kick.
82min - Taylor nearly spills a low Reid cross just as Davenport sensed an
opportunity to score.
81min - A lovely flick header by Sears sets Jeffrey away but the Villa
defence crowd him out. Corner to West Ham United. Reid takes it short to
Sears but the substitute cannot get a shot on target.
80min - Collison is fouled after a good defensive clearance. More and more
fouls are creeping into the game as both sides tire.
78min - Bannan shows an eye for goal. He cuts inside past Tomkins before
unleashing a shot that Wright does well to hold.
77min - It has been a quiet second half but that's no surprise given that
the reserves have not played for a month and that the likes of Collins and
Davenport are only just back from injury. The duo have not wanted for effort
though and have made some timely clearances.
75min - Harewood limps off shaking his head. Barry Bannan is on for the
unhappy striker.
73min - Collison has been solid all night. He has showed why he has recently
earned first-team recognition. Tomkins is also doing well, and appears fine
after that earlier scare.
71min - Harewood gets a chance to run through on goal. Davenport is racing
back into position but the No9 cuts inside and shapes to shoot. Just as the
crowd expect the equaliser, the No9 trips over and appears to have injured
himself in the process.
70min - Clark does brilliantly with a run through the middle but Delfouneso
cannot do anything with his pass into the box. Widdowson concedes a
free-kick but the tireless Dailly gets it away.
66min - Villa attack on the left but, just when a number of players had
raced into the box, Lund wastes the opportunity with a cross that goes high
and wide.
64min - Sears is already proving a menace. A good little run at the Villa
defence sees him crowded out but the young striker looks hungry. Such a
quality will surely stand him in good stead.
63min - Boa Morte goes off to be replaced by Freddie Sears. Villa also make
a change with Hofbauer off and Nathan Delfouneso on.
62min - Harewood goes down under firm but fair pressure from Dailly. The
former Hammer is appealing for a free-kick but his claims fall on deaf ears.
60min - Tomkins is running gingerly on the sidelines. It looks as if he will
be OK to continue and the referee waves him back into play.
58min - Tomkins is down and getting treatment to his right foot. He looks in
some discomfort. Kevin Keen takes the opportunity to have a word with his
captain Collison.
56min - A good surge forward from Villa sees Wright ultimately fail to deal
with Erik Lund's cross. The ball dropped at Hogg's feet but he couldn't get
his shot away.
54min - The play since the interval is in marked contrast to the first half.
Nothing much is really happening. A few fouls here and there and a couple of
hopeful crosses.
53min - League leaders Villa have been the form team in this division this
season and it has not been hard to see why. West Ham United have several
first-teamers on view but the home side have more than held their own.
50min - Neither side has really got going in this half. Harewood surged into
the penalty area only for Davenport to tidy and then Joe Widdowson dealt
with the next ball into the box.
47min - Villa get a corner and nearly work a shooting opportunity. The
visitors get it away and Hines races out from defence. Just as he looked
likely to go through on the attack, Hofbauer brings him down from behind.
Yellow card for the Villa No11.
46min - We are under way again. Hines goes on the attack straight away.
Villa get the ball away though.
The teams are back out on the pitch. West Ham United are making a change
with Faubert going off and Zavon Hines replacing him. The French winger gave
his all in that first half and will have a well-earned rest.
Half-time: 0-1
The half-time whistle blows and what a return it has been for Julien
Faubert. The No7 is the last player off the pitch and has a big smile on his
face after giving his all on his first game back since 17 July. Even if he
does not get the full 90 minutes, he will be well pleased with his run-out
so far. Villa have been bright and have looked particularly dangerous going
forward. Credit to both teams for a competitive contest, and in truth the
home side are unlucky not to be level at the break.
45min - With respect to the inexperienced opposition, Faubert has been
outstanding. He wins the ball in the Villa half with his back to goal and
with Hofbauer in close pursuit. With a drop of the shoulder, he swivels on
the spot and races away before finding a good pass.
43min - On the counterattack, Villa swing a ball into the back post but
Faubert is there to help Tomkins out and the ball runs behind for a
goalkick.
42min - Boa Morte takes advantage of poor control by Clark to race through
on goal. Taylor comes out and smothers just as Boa Morte was about to shoot
for goal from a tight angle.
41min - Jeffrey shows quick thinking to control and turn on the ball despite
the close attention of two defenders. He is fouled though and from the
resulting free-kick, Collins finds Davenport in the box. However, the No4
cannot get his header anywhere near goal.
40min - The loudest cheer of the night is reserved for a wayward Wright
clearance that goes over the main stand.
38min - Faubert wins the ball under pressure from two defenders. He is not
afraid to play a simple pass if nothing is on - as another neat pass inside
for Collison suggests seconds later.
36min - Collins intercedes with a superb diving header just as Villa looked
certain to get the goal perhaps their bright play deserves. It has been a
lively first half from both teams.
35min - Boa Morte does really well to win the ball back in midfield and then
starts moving forward. Villa are quickly back behind the ball though and the
move comes to nothing.
34min - Faubert chests the ball down tight to the touchline and in one neat
movement lays it off for Boa Morte. The Portuguese cannot control though and
Villa are able to go again.
33min - Faubert wins the ball back and an attack is only broken down by the
referee getting in the way. From the counterattack, the ball is played in to
the area and Jonathan Hogg heads against the post with Wright diving low.
Davenport clears the danger.
31min - A strong run through the middle from Ciaran Clark opens up the
visitors' defence. The move ends in a corner to Villa. Salifou takes and
again Tomkins rises highest. The ball is played back in and Harewood has a
gilt-edged chance to score from Earls cross. He should have equalised but
Wright saves from close range.
29min - Salifou wins a free-kick and takes it himself. This time Dailly is
able to get the ball away. It is all the home team.
28min - Villa are on top and win another corner. Salifou takes it again but
Tomkins is able to head clear with ease.
26min - Villa twice mis-kick in the penalty area when a shot at goal seemed
certain. Some dogged defending by Faubert puts pressure on the Villa attack
and the ball is lofted safely into Wright's hands.
25min - A great sliding challenge to win the ball by Faubert in the
right-back position underlines that he is not unduly worried about only just
coming back. Salifou for Villa looks a threat in midfield.
23min - Villa look lively at the moment and a decent ball into the box
requires a saving header from Tomkins.
22min - Faubert has not wasted a single ball all night. He also looks to
have good aerial ability, despite being up against a taller defender.
21min - Wright comes and misses a deep corner from Salifou. Fortunately,
Davenport is on hand to head behind to safety.
20min - A stinging shot from Harewood tests Wright but in truth it was
straight at the keeper. Once again he had no problems.
18min - Davenport does well to clear a Villa attack but the ball comes back
into the box for another Villa chance. Dominik Hofbauer meets it with his
head but again Wright is able to collect.
16min - Reid takes a corner for the visitors but his ball into the box
eludes everyone. Faubert tries to build on the right with Collison but the
home side get the ball away.
14min - Villa win a corner. Moustapha Salifou takes it and it is met by
Stephen O'Halloran on the volley but Wright claims his shot under the bar.
12min - West Ham United are playing the ball around at the back but nothing
much is happening going forward just at the moment. James Tomkins is playing
at right-back with Calum Davenport and James Collins in the centre of
defence. Dailly is providing plenty of protection.
10min - The game is a bit scrappy at the moment. Jeffrey chases down a loose
pass but Villa recover well.
7min - Young striker Jack Jeffrey tries his luck with a low shot that Stuart
Taylor comfortably takes. It came about after a good header won by Faubert.
6min - Faubert is giving young Villa left-back Danny Earls a torrid time.
Another run sees him dash through before a good cross inside. The move
eventually breaks down, however.
5min - Villa try to build but the experienced Christian Dailly tidies up and
nods safely back to Richard Wright.
3min - Boa Morte, in a central striker's role, fires over with a speculative
effort.
2min - Villa are stunned by the goal. The No7 showed electric pace and real
confidence to drive forward. He only had one thing in his mind when he
picked the ball up just inside the Villa half. He is playing in a wide right
position by the way.
1min - GOAL! - Faubert scores in 39 seconds! A tremendous surge forward from
midfield saw him play a one-two with Collison and race past the static
defence. He then slotted in with real composure with the keeper closing him
down. What a start!
1min - Villa get us under way
KICK-OFF
6.58pm - Captains Jack Collison and Marlon Harewood lead out the teams. West
Ham United are naturally wearing their change strip of white shirts and
claret shorts.
6.50pm - The teams are back in the dressing rooms to receive their final
instructions. There is a good crowd building up, including several managers
from other clubs here to check out the talent on view.
6.41pm - Faubert is warming up in the centre of the picth with Boa Morte,
who himself is just back from a thigh injury. The French winger has not
featured for the club since being hurt on the pre-season tour of Austria on
17 July. It is a chilly evening in the Midlands.
6.22pm - Welcome to The Banks's Stadium, Walsall for live minute by minute
coverage of the reserves match away to Aston Villa. Kevin Keen's side boast
plenty of first-team experience while Julien Faubert makes his long-awaited
return from an achilles injury.
Team news
Aston Villa: Stuart Taylor, Erik Lund, Danny Earls, Ciaran Clark, Stephen
O'Halloran ,Chris Herd, Moustapha Salifou, Jonathan Hogg, Marlon Harewood
(Barry Bannan 75), Tobias Mikaelsson, Dominik Hofbauer (Nathan Delfouneso
63)
Subs: David Bevan (GK), Yago Bellon, Damian Bellon
West Ham United: Richard Wright, James Tomkins (Jordan Spence 90), James
Collins, Calum Davenport, Joe Widdowson, Julien Faubert (Zavon Hines 46),
Christian Dailly, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Luis Boa Morte (Freddie Sears
63), Jack Jeffrey
Subs (from): Marek Stech (GK), Bondz N'Gala, Lorcan Fitzgerald
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sheffield United lie in FA Cup wait - WHUFC
West Ham United will go to Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round if
they get past Manchester City
07.01.2008
West Ham United will play Sheffield United in the FA Cup fourth round should
the club come through next Wednesday week's replay at Manchester City.
Following today's draw at FA headquarters in Soho Square, the tie will take
place on the weekend of 26/27 January. Saturday's third-round fixture
against City at the Boleyn Ground was a 0-0 draw - meaning the two sides
will settle the televised tie at the City of Manchester Stadium on 16
January, kick-off at 8.05pm.
The draw in full
Arsenal v Stoke City or Newcastle United
Coventry City v Walsall or Millwall
Oldham Athletic v Huddersfield
Swindon Town or Barnet v Fulham or Bristol Rovers
Wigan Athletic v Chelsea
Luton Town or Liverpool v Swansea or Havant and Waterlooville
Southend United v Barnsley
Southampton v Norwich City or Bury
Manchester United v Tottenham Hotspur or Reading
Portsmouth v Plymouth Argyle
Derby County or Sheffield Wednesday v Preston North End
Watford v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Peterborough United v Charlton Athletic v West Bromwich Albion
Sheffield United v West Ham United or Manchester City
Mansfield Town v Middlesbrough
Tranmere Rovers or Hereford Town v Cardiff City
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert makes West Ham comeback - BBC
West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert has returned to action as he continues to
recover from a serious Achilles injury. Faubert took just 39 seconds to open
the scoring during West Ham's reserves 2-1 away defeat by Aston Villa before
he was withdrawn at the interval. Faubert was injured during West Ham's 1-0
friendly defeat against Czech side Sigma Olomouc in Austria on 17 July. The
24-year-old Frenchman joined West Ham from Bordeaux for £6.1m during the
summer transfer window. Faubert, who scored on his only international
appearance for France in 2006, signed a five-year contract with the Upton
Park side. Faubert had been with Bordeaux since 2004 but after the French
club rejected a reported £4m offer from Rangers he refused to train with his
team-mates.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert returns - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 7th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Julien Faubert celebrated his return to action with a goal after just 39
seconds against Aston Villa reserves tonight. The French winger - out of
action since the summer after tearing an achilles - played the first half of
tonight's 2-1 defeat against Aston Villa. His goal - a well taken one-two
with Jack Collison - gave the stiffs a perfect start. However two late goals
for the home side - featuring former Hammer Marlon Harewood, who joined
Villa in a £4m deal last summer - condemed the Irons to defeat.
West Ham Utd: Wright, Tomkins (Spence 90), Widdowson, Davenport, Collins,
Dailly, Faubert (Hines 46), Collinson, Jeffery, Boa Morte (Sears 63), Reid.
Subs not used: Stech, Fitzgerald, N'Gala.
Goals: Faubert (1).
Aston Villa: Taylor, Lund, Earls, Clark, O'Halloran, Herd, Salifou, Hogg,
Hofbauer (Delfouneso 63), Harewood (Bannan 74), Mikaelsson.
Subs not used: Bevan, Y Bellon, D Bellon.
Goals: Bannan (87), Mikaelsson (90 +2).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bring on the Blades - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 7th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham will face Sheffield United should they win their third round replay
with Manchester City.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sheepshanks - Duo not for sale - SSN
Ipswich chairman says club are under no pressure to sell
By Chris Burton Last updated: 7th January 2008
Ipswich chairman David Sheepshanks has dismissed speculation that Jon
Walters and Danny Haynes are about to be sold. Striker Walters has been
linked with Newcastle and Wigan and that speculation has continued to grow
since his omission from the club's squad for their FA Cup tie with
Portsmouth on Saturday.
Midfielder Haynes has attracted the interest of West Ham and Everton, but
after only signing a contract extension in October it is unlikely that the
club would be willing to let him go. Sheepshanks did admit that a number of
Ipswich's players are currently being looked at, but made it clear that Jim
Magilton is under no pressure to sell. "There is always speculation in
January and it's not surprising that there are clubs that admire our players
who have been doing so well but we have had no offers for our players," he
told the East Anglian Daily Times. "While you can never say we will never
sell any of our players, you don't get promoted by selling your best
players. "We are not looking to sell our best players. On the contrary we
are looking to add to improve our squad."
Whilst being understandably reluctant to part with their better players,
Sheepshanks did reveal that the club would be willing to listen to offers
for those on the fringes of the squad. Gary Roberts has been linked with a
move to Leeds or Swansea, but as yet neither side have made a bid for the
midfielder. Defender Dan Harding is another player who may be allowed to
leave if the right offer comes along. "We would entertain offers for players
who are not involved with the squad on a regular basis," the chairman
admitted. Finally, Sheepshanks has confirmed that whilst money will be made
available to Magilton during the transfer window the club may have to be
patient in their efforts to improve the squad. "We have funds available and
we are anxious to invest in the right players," he said. "We would like to
get a deal done but we are not in a desperate hurry. "We will wait until
next week, or even the one after that if it means securing the right calibre
of player for Jim's team."
The club have also revealed that they will be appealing against the red card
picked up by Liam Trotter during Saturday's 1-0 FA Cup defeat to Porstmouth.
The club feel that the decision was harsh on the midfielder and will attempt
to get his three-game ban overturned.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fulham Away Protest - West Ham Online
stepney hammer - Mon Jan 7 2008
Following on from yesterday's thread about the prices for the away match at
Fulham being £45, I think some sort of protest should be organised to show
our disgust at this extortionate price.
Looking at my booking history I have noticed that this is the second season
in succession the prices have been hiked up for our fans travelling to
Craven Cottage. 2005/06 the price was £28, last season the cost went up to
£35 and this year a further £10 has been added on to that price, totalling
the current rate of £45. Is this going to be a continuing trend? Will it be
£50 or more next year? (Assuming Fulham maintain their premiership status)
And are we as fans simply going to stand for it?
When you consider that this is the season football clubs have received
additional revenues from a massive new TV deal and campaigns in the media
have been widespread about lowering the prices of tickets at games, then
there appears to be no justification at all for this current price hike. Is
it simply down to the fact that West Ham generally has a good away following
and therefore its supporters are being exploited for this? Or is the
decision for this drastic price rise a result of bitterness from Fulham? Who
as you'll recall, were one of last summer's 'gang of four.'
In retrospect, it could be argued that the likes of Chelsea, Arsenal and
Spurs charge us similar prices for away games. Although admittedly these
games are equally overpriced, these prices have at least been consistent
since our return to the premiership and in fairness they do get charged
around the same to come to our place.
Fulham supporters on the other hand are paying a maximum £34 to come to the
Boleyn Ground this coming Saturday, and are able to offer additional
incentives to their supporters such as 'kids for a quid' as shown on their
official website:
http://www.fulhamfc.com/Club/News/NewsArticles/2007/December/WestHamAway.asp
x
The lowest price concession were getting for the away match on February 23rd
is £20 for under 16's. Senior citizens who follow West Ham that wish to
attend the game at Craven Cottage are being charged £10 more than their
Fulham counterparts visiting our place this weekend.
http://www.whufc.com/page/TicketNewsDetail/0,,12562~1207101,00.html
Although probably the most effective form of action would be for our fans to
simply boycott the game, it's unrealistic that it would be workable. Even if
some of us did decide to vote with our feet in all likeliness others would
snap the tickets up anyway. Also it would be detrimental to our players if
no one were there getting behind them.
The suggestion I would make would be to protest in a similar way Manchester
United supporters did last season and that is to simply not part with any
money in the ground.
http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport1/hi/football/6380273.stm
Do not buy match day programmes, food, drink or any other form of
merchandise from within the concourses and continue to line the clubs
coffers any further. If more clubs fans take action like this against clubs
who are constantly raising the price of away tickets for opposition fans
season after season, then perhaps the price hikes will stop and a more
consistent reasonable price will be put into place.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cisse could make Prem return - SSN
Interest building in French striker
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 7th January 2008
Djibril Cisse is believed to be attracting the interest of a host of English
clubs according to L'Equipe. The French striker has endured a disappointing
Ligue 1 campaign so far, scoring just two goals, and Marseille have admitted
that they are prepared to listen to offers for the player. Cisse spent time
in England with Liverpool between 2004 and 2006, and despite winning the
UEFA Champions League during his time at Anfield he struggled to adapt to
the Premier League and make a swift return to France. Manchester City are
believed to be the player's preferred destination, but Bolton, West Ham and
Blackburn are also reported to be showing an interest. Mark Hughes is
apparently already planning a 10million euros (£7.5million) bid for the
player. Sven Goran Eriksson has always been a fan of Cisse and may see him
as the answer to his attacking problems, but he has also been linked with
Lyon's Brazilian striker Fred and a whole host of other forwards. Bolton
could emerge as favourties to land the French international should Nicolas
Anelka decide to leave the Reebok during the transfer window, as they would
need a proven goalscorer to fill the gap. Cisse does still have
four-and-a-half years left on his current deal at the Stade Velodrome though
and with discussions planned to be held with club officials in the next week
the player may yet decide to ignore all the English interest in favour of
remaining at Marseille.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy back running - SSN
Forward returns to training after abdominal injury
By James Dall Last updated: 7th January 2008
West Ham United have been handed a major boost with the news that striker
Craig Bellamy has resumed training. Bellamy underwent surgery last October
in a bid to resolve a troublesome abdominal injury. However, the Wales
international suffered a recurrence of the problem during October's 0-0 draw
with Portsmouth, and has not played since. Alan Curbishley's squad has been
plagued with injuries this season, but there does now appear to be light at
the end of the tunnel. Bellamy is running once more, while fellow forward
Bobby Zamora has also returned to training following a knee injury. Bellamy
is running," Curbishley said on the club's official website. "Slowly they
are coming back which is great for us but we need everyone back now. "We are
hopeful he is going to be not too long. In the first game of the season
against Manchester City, Bellamy and Zamora started up front. "They both
look as if they are going to start full training together."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert back in action - SSN
Hammers midfielder scores for reserves
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 7th January 2008
Julien Faubert has returned to action following a serious Achilles injury.
The French midfielder played for West Ham reserves against Aston Villa on
Monday night and quickly made an impact. He scored after just 39 seconds and
continued to catch the eye until being replaced at half-time. Villa won the
match 2-1 with late goals from Barry Bannan and Tobias Mikaelsson. Alan
Curbishley may now be tempted to include Faubert in his squad for this
weekend's clash against Fulham or next week's FA Cup game against Manchester
City. However, it is likely that he will play again for the reserves before
being considered for the first team. Faubert has yet to make his competitive
debut for West Ham, after rupturing his Achilles tendon in pre-season. He
suffered the injury less than a month after signing from Bordeaux in a
£6.1million move.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye up £9.5 million Portuguese star - all3points.com
8th January 2008
By Staff Writer
West Ham are ineterested in signing Portuguese midfielder Tiago Mendes from
Juventus according to reports over the weekend. Mendes moved from Lyon to
Juventus last summer for a fee of £9.5 million but the former Chelsea star
has struggled to settle in Italy. Mendes told the Sunday Mirror: "I thought
it would be a great move, but it's not been easy" West Ham are not alone in
their interest in Mendes and could face competition for his signature from
London rivals Tottenham.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Goalscoring return for Hammers star Faubert - Daily Mail
Last updated at 07:52am on 8th January 2008
West Ham midfielder Julien Faubert, just back from a bad achilles injury,
scored after 39sec of the reserves' 2-1 defeat at Aston Villa. Reserve team
boss Kevin Keen told the club's official site: "The big plusses from our
point of view for West Ham is that Julien Faubert, Luis Boa Morte, James
Collins and Calum Davenport came through their first games for quite a long
time - in Julien's case for six months which is fabulous for him. Keen
continued: "He's a super kid. He's enthusiastic. He's not someone who is
just going to go forward, he's going to work hard for the team which is
something we need at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United eye £2million Haynes - FansFC.com
07:01 January, 8, 2008
West Ham United Football Club are keen on Danny Haynes. The Hammers are
believed to have made contact with Ipswich Town about the 19-year-old
midfielder before the weekend, and speculation grew when the youngster was
omitted from the FA Cup side on Saturday. It is being reported that Alan
Curbishley is lining up a bid in the region of £2million for Haynes, yet
Tractor Boys chairman David Sheepshanks insists none of his players will be
leaving this month. "There is always speculation in January and it's not
surprising that there are clubs that admire our players who have been doing
so well but we have had no offers for our players," he told the East Anglian
Daily Times. "While you can never say we will never sell any of our players,
you don't get promoted by selling your best players. We are not looking to
sell our best players. On the contrary we are looking to add to improve our
squad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham coach Keen hails "super" Faubert
tribalfootball.com - January 07, 2008
West Ham reserve-team coach Kevin Keen says fans can be excited by the
imminent return of summer signing Julien Faubert. Against Aston Villa last
night, the 24-year-old Frenchman made an instant impact - scoring a superb
goal inside a minute after a driving run and one-two with Jack Collison - in
a valuable 45 minute run-out that will only stand him in good stead for the
future. He had not played since suffering an achilles injury in a pre-season
friendly against Sigma Olomouc on 17 July.
Keen told whufc.com: "The big plusses from our point of view for West Ham is
that Julien Faubert, Luis Boa Morte, James Collins and Calum Davenport came
through their first games for quite a long time - in Julien's case for six
months which is fabulous for him." "It showed you what he's about," Keen
said of that superb solo goal. "He's direct, he's pacy but at the same time
he will work hard for the team. We hope once he's back to full fitness that
he can really go into the first team and make a difference on that right
side for us."
Stressing that "we don't want to get too excited" and that Faubert is still
a little way of being up to full speed, Keen said there was nothing to read
into the 24-year-old summer signing going off at half-time. "It was his
first game since pre-season, it was just a matter of easing him into it -
giving him a little taste of playing at Walsall, at the Bescot Stadium," he
added with a smile. What particularly impressed Keen was Faubert's
willingness to defend. "He's a super kid. He's enthusiastic. He's not
someone who is just going to go forward, he's going to work hard for the
team which is something we need at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Upson hopes to catch Capello eye
tribalfooball.com - January 07, 2008
West Ham United defender Matthew Upson hopes with Fabio Capello's
appointment a new England chance will come his way. "I hope so," the central
defender told WHUTV. "I like to think that everyone's coming from a clean
sheet and that he makes his opinion on everyone on how they are playing and
what their form is. That's all you can ask for. I will keep doing my best -
working hard, looking to improve - and see how far it takes me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert impresses on West Ham comeback
tribalfootball.com - January 07, 2008
West Ham's big summer signing Julien Faubert was impressed in last night's
reserves clash with Aston Villa. Faubert made his return to action following
a serious Achilles injury and scored within a minute for West Ham reserves
against Aston Villa. The France winger took just 39 seconds to open the
scoring at Walsall's Bescot Stadium before getting substituted at the
interval. Villa won the match 2-1 with late goals from Barry Bannan and
Tobias Mikaelsson.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boost over Bellamy fitness
tribalfootball.com - January 07, 2008
West Ham United have been handed a major boost with the news that striker
Craig Bellamy has resumed training. Bellamy underwent surgery last October
in a bid to resolve a troublesome abdominal injury. However, the Wales
international suffered a recurrence of the problem during October's 0-0 draw
with Portsmouth, and has not played since. Alan Curbishley's squad has been
plagued with injuries this season, but there does now appear to be light at
the end of the tunnel. Bellamy is running once more, while fellow forward
Bobby Zamora has also returned to training following a knee injury. "Bellamy
is running," Curbishley said on the club's official website."Slowly they are
coming back which is great for us but we need everyone back now. "We are
hopeful he is going to be not too long. In the first game of the season
against Manchester City, Bellamy and Zamora started up front. "They both
look as if they are going to start full training together."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Transfer speculation: David Nugent to West Ham United (Unknown) -
SquareFootball
Mark Carlton
07/01/2008 14:47:17.
It looks as if West Ham United will no longer pursue their chase for Darren
Bent. The Tottenham Hotspur striker looks unlikely to move to the Hammers,
even on a loan deal. Instead, Alan Curbishley has turned his attentions to
the Portsmouth striker David Nugent. How quickly football can change? Nugent
was fast becoming the forgotten man at Portsmouth after a less than
impressive start at Fratton Park; however a goal at the weekend in the FA
Cup has propelled Nugent back into the spotlight and probably at the wrong
time for Harry Redknapp. With Redknapp's squad looking threadbare in the
next month it is unlikely he will be selling, but buying instead. Nugent may
well get his chance to prove his worth and start to pay back some of the £6
million transfer fee paid for him in the summer. The 22-year old has made
just a handful of appearances this season; his only goals for the club have
come in Pompey's cup matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Transfer Window Round-up Week 1 - SquareFootball
Mark Carlton
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Mark is a football fan first and foremost, but loves nothing more than
removing the football demons from his head and placing them on paper for
everyone to share and see. Isn't he kind?...
[full biography]
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
07/01/2008 10:00:00.
"With Curbishley arguably getting the best out of Bent when he was at
Charlton Athletic, this could be a good purchase, but will Spurs cut their
losses and get rid of £16.5 million worth of striker?"
With an injury-plagued squad it is sure to be a busy month for Alan
Curbishley as he hopes to improve on West Ham's erratic season so far.
Sitting comfortably in mid-table, the Hammers will probably not be as active
as they were this time last season when Curbishley was preparing his squad
for a relegation battle; however there are some minor tweaks he will need to
make.
Defensively West Ham are pretty well covered, with Anton Ferdinand coming
back from injury recently, but most of their injury problems seem to be in
midfield and with their forward line, so its no surprise that they have been
linked with a host of attacking players.
Derby County's Giles Barnes is rumoured to be joining West Ham for £3.5
million (The Times). The young midfielder has caught the attention of Alan
Curbishley but the Hammers may face stiff competition for his signature from
Aston Villa. However, West Ham have already had an offer turned down for the
player in the summer and Derby may well hold out for more money again.
Leading up to the transfer window, the Hammers had been linked with former
West Ham striker, now Tottenham bench-warmer, Jermaine Defoe and former
Charlton Athletic forward, now Tottenham bench-warmer, Darren Bent (Daily
Telegraph).
With Curbishley arguably getting the best out of Bent when he was at
Charlton Athletic, this could be a good purchase, but will Spurs cut their
losses and get rid of £16.5 million worth of striker?
More concerning to the Upton Park faithful is keeping the players that they
already have at the club happy. After four days of the transfer window,
rumours were circulating that striker Dean Ashton was unhappy at his lack of
first-team football since his return from injury. Curbishley vehemently
denied a rift between the two and explained that Ashton had been dropped for
tactical reasons. According to the Daily Star, Ashton's disgruntlement has
alerted the likes of Chelsea, Manchester City, Newcastle United, Portsmouth
and Tottenham Hotspur.
Another player West Ham may well struggle to keep hold of in the future is
goalkeeper Robert Green, who has impressed this season and has been
recommended for an England call-up to honour his good form. According to The
Sun in October, Green's next destination was likely to be the Emirates
stadium as Arsene Wenger was looking to strengthen his goalkeeping staff.
With rumours of Jens Lehmann moving on in the very near future, Wenger may
well need to fill that position sooner rather than later
One player that has moved away from Upton Park is young winger Hogan Ephraim
who has moved to QPR for an undisclosed fee. Ephraim never made a first-team
start for the Hammers and spent much of his four-year stint on loan to
Colchester United and his new permanent club, QPR.
Premier League Jan 2008 Transfer Window - Week 1 Round-up
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boost for Hammers as Bellamy hits the ground running - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:54pm on 7th January 2008
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy is running in training after his abdominal
injury and is edging closer to joining in full sessions. The 28-year-old had
an operation in Germany in October but his problem persisted. He and Bobby
Zamora, who is out with a knee complaint, are on the comeback trail and
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is keen to bring them back into his squad.
Bellamy is running," Curbishley said. "Slowly they are coming back which is
great for us but we need everyone back now," he said. "We are hopeful he is
going to be not too long. In the first game of the season against Manchester
City, Bellamy and Zamora started up front. They both look as if they are
going to start full training together."
Meanwhile, Hammers centre-back Matthew Upson has joined the growing calls
for goalkeeper Robert Green to be selected for England. He told WHUTV:
"Greeny has been pretty safe all season. Everyone was commenting on how he
wasn't in the squad when Steve McClaren was manager and he had quite a lot
of backing from the public and the media. "Robert is due a call-up and is
one of our top three goalkeepers in the country." Upson is hoping he can
also catch the eye of new England boss Fabio Capello. "I like to think that
everyone's coming from a clean sheet and that he makes his opinion on
everyone on how they are playing and what their form is," Upson added.
"That's all you can ask for. I will keep doing my best - working hard,
looking to improve - and see how far it takes me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's boss says Green and Upson have a chance to catch Fabio Capello's
eye - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:03pm on 7th January 2008
Alan Curbishley believes Fabio Capello should waste no time in running the
rule over West Ham pair Robert Green and Matthew Upson as the new England
coach looks to pick his first team. Green, watched by England scout Ray
Clemence in the goalless FA Cup third-round tie against Manchester City,
again looked solid while Upson, who has been outstanding this season, was
also impressive. Capello officially began his new job today and England play
their first match under his control, against Switzerland at Wembley, in a
month's time. "It's a clean slate with Capello coming in," said Curbishley.
"I know Ray Clemence was at Upton Park for our match and all the English
players should be looking at it now and thinking, 'If I play well, I have a
chance'. "It was the same when Sven-Goran Eriksson started as England coach.
He picked Charlton's Chris Powell because, of all the games he watched,
Chris was one of the best left-backs. This is a similar situation. Sven went
on what he saw and perhaps Capello will do the same regarding all the
positions. "Before Scott Parker was injured recently we had a real good
spine of English players here at West Ham with him, Matty Upson and Robert
Green. "I spoke to my back five before the Manchester City game. I told them
that, despite constant change in front of them, they have stood firm. I told
them they had to do it again against City because they are very expansive on
the break and they did that. "I was delighted with the goalkeeper and the
back four once again. I think everyone knows we need to do a bit more going
the other way but with the players out, it's a bit difficult at the moment.
"Perhaps Capello should come and have a look at the replay on Wednesday week
but he'd better ring me first to see who's playing!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Are Spurs, Newcastle, Everton and West Ham really BIG clubs? - Sportigo
Mon, Jan 7, 08 14:00
Thierry Adams
Dimitar Berbatov's agent says his client want to join a big club - so what
does that make Tottenham? An Arsenal fan asks what makes a club BIG in this
era of Champions League obsession. 'The danger is that the ever-widening gap
between the three separate leagues within the Premier League will continue
to get larger' Not meaning to rub salt in the wounds, but following Dimitar
Berbatov's agent's comments about his client wanting to join a big club, it
made me wonder if Spurs are a BIG club, and more importantly what
constitutes a big club?
Does having 50,000-plus crowds instantly make your club big, even if they
haven't won a significant trophy in decades? And, yes, this is a
thinly-veiled reference to Newcastle. Conversely, does winning a major
honour make a club 'big'?
In these days of Champions League obsession, it appears that anything less
than a fourth-place finish is worthless. Any club not making that grade will
always find it hard to recruit the best talents or, indeed, find it even
harder to keep the players they have.
I realise as an Arsenal supporter that my query may be considered a jibe.
But I am totally sincere in my questioning. I think the emphasis has got
totally skewed. Michel Platini's idea to reward the FA Cup winners with a
Champions League place would have been a good start, but it was never going
to happen as it would be like getting turkeys to vote for Christmas.
Many managers are axed, many fans are upset with their side, but in truth
only a handful of clubs can win the major honours, and anything else is now
seen pretty much as failure. The Sky-Premier League axis has a lot to answer
for and for all the money that has been brought into football, a lot of harm
has been done to the game by the same token.
It now leads players to be frankly disloyal to their side, as in Berbatov's
case (that is, of course, if he follows his agent's advice). Players being
able to use the excuse of furthering their career is, of course, not a new
one, but now it seems that furthering your ambitions gives carte blanche for
millionaire stars to get a hike in their salaries or indeed auction
themselves to the highest bidder.
The danger is that the ever-widening gap between the three separate leagues
within the Premier League will continue to get larger. It wouldn't surprise
me if we ended up with another breakaway league or indeed the idea of feeder
clubs will continue to fester and cup competitions will further lose their
meaning.
All the clubs mentioned in my headline are big. I am just using them to
illustrate my case, so please do not knee-jerk react to the reference. I am
in fact supporting these clubs in their pursuit of glory, even though that
glory is getting further and further from becoming reality.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
