Fulham match preview - WHUFC
All the news and background for Saturday's return to top-flight action in
the derby at Craven Cottage
21.02.2008
Barclays Premier League
Craven Cottage
Saturday 23 February
3pm
Referee: Howard Webb
WHUTV - Pre-match press conference
WESTHAM.WAP.COM - All the news, on the move
PHOTO GALLERY - Exclusive training photos
Introduction
West Ham United go to Fulham with the memory of Bobby Moore looming large
over the Barclays Premier League fixture. The legendary defender served the
club between 1958 and 1974 before a three-year stint with Fulham. During his
Hammers career, Moore helped the club to FA Cup and European Cup Winners'
Cup glory as well as winning 108 England caps and lifting the World Cup
trophy.
* While West Ham United are secure in the top half of the table, it is the
third league match running where they will take on a team fighting for
survival in the relegation zone. Fulham are 19th in the 20-team division
although they did beat high-flying Aston Villa 2-1 in their last home game
on 3 February. It was their only win in the last 16 league and cup outings.
* West Ham United have not lost away to Fulham since a 2-1 defeat in the
English League Cup in the 1974/75 season, the same campaign that the Hammers
got the better of their London rivals in the FA Cup final. Moore played for
Fulham in that Wembley showpiece as West Ham United won 2-0. The last league
reverse at Craven Cottage was a 4-2 defeat on 15 October 1966.
* West Ham United have won the last eight league meetings between the two
clubs, stretching back to 3 November 2001 when they lost 2-0 to a Fulham
side boasting current Hammers forward Luis Boa Morte.
* Speaking to whufc.com, Anton Ferdinand said: "I can't wait to get back to
playing. The game on Saturday is what you train all week for. The away fans
are quality. It is a London derby, which is always enjoyable. The atmosphere
is always good."
* Jonathan Spector could potentially come up against five US international
team-mates. He told whufc.com: "We certainly want to win, we want to push on
and get a result but it is tough when you are playing against some friends
and team-mates who you know are struggling down at the bottom."
* Mark Noble is bidding to return and told whufc.com that victory is vital.
"It is a similar situation to last season ... we can just crack on now and
really give everything we have got to put the points on the table. That is
the most important thing. If we do that I am sure we can consolidate and
keep on catching everyone."
Last match
West Ham United 1-1 Birmingham City (9 February): Green, Neill, Ferdinand,
Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg, Mullins, Bowyer, Etherington (Camara 83),
Ashton (Spector 90), Cole (Faubert 62).
Subs not used: Wright, Collison
Goals: Ljungberg 7, McFadden 16
Middlesbrough 1-0 Fulham (9 February): Niemi, Stalteri, Baird, Hangeland,
Konchesky, Davies, Murphy, Bullard, Andreasen, Kamara (Dempsey 46), Nevland
(McBride 64)
Subs not used: Keller, Volz, Bocanegra
Goals: Aliadiere 11
Team news
* From the matchday 16 that faced Birmingham, Alan Curbishley could
potentially also call upon the likes of John Pantsil, Nolberto Solano, Mark
Noble, Luis Boa Morte and Bobby Zamora.
* Zamora has come through two reserve-team games, scoring a hat-trick in
getting 90 minutes in the 4-1 win against Birmingham on 12 February before
another full run-out on Wednesday night in a 2-0 defeat of Fulham. It is
thought he may play again for the reserves on Monday at Tottenham Hotspur
before returning to contention.
* Faubert, a substitute in the 1-1 draw against Birmingham, followed that up
by playing the whole reserve game against the same opposition.
* Scott Parker will join in full training on Monday, having stepped up his
recovery from a knee injury unrelated to the condition he had previously in
the season. Kieron Dyer also continues to make progress from his double
leg-break. James Collins (cruciate knee ligaments) and Calum Davenport
(neck) will not return this season.
* Craig Bellamy had an abdominal strengthening operation on Wednesday and
will be out for a minimum of six weeks.
* Young trio Jack Collison, James Tomkins and Freddie Sears also showed good
form for the reserves against Fulham and could travel with the team to
Craven Cottage.
* Fulham were busy in the transfer window and may have a number of new faces
on view. Brede Hangeland (Copenhagen), Leon Andreasen (Werder Bremen), Tony
Kallio (Young Boys), Paul Stalteri (Tottenham Hotspur), Jari Litmanen
(Malmo) Erik Nevland (Groningen) and Eddie Johnson (Kansas City Wizards) all
arrived in west London.
* The home team could also have Brian McBride in attack as he continues his
return from six months out with a knee injury. New Zealand midfielder Simon
Elliott got 90 minutes in the midweek reserve match after achilles and calf
problems. Hameur Bouazza is out with a shoulder injury.
Background
* Curbishley's side are in good league form, with seven wins and six draws
from the last 17 fixtures.
* Victory could take the Hammers up to ninth - with Blackburn Rovers, who
are two points ahead, not playing until the visit of Bolton Wanderers on
Sunday. The club are five points ahead of Tottenham Hotspur in eleventh,
with a game in hand on every other team in the division bar Liverpool. Spurs
have no league game this weekend.
* West Ham United and Fulham last met on 12 January 2008 when Dean Ashton
(28) and Anton Ferdinand (69) cancelled out Simon Davies' eighth-minute
opener at the Boleyn Ground.
The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Spector, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Ljungberg
(Faubert 89), Mullins, Noble, Etherington, Bowyer (83), Ashton, Cole (Boa
Morte 65)
Subs not used: Wright, Collins
Fulham: Niemi, Baird, Stefanovic, Bocanegra (Hughes 14), Konchesky, Volz
(Bullard 77), Davis, Murphy, Davies, Healy (Smertin 78), Dempsey
Subs not used: Warner, Ki-Hyeon
* The Hammers have still not lost in all 13 league games this season when
they have taken the lead.
* West Ham United have conceded only ten goals away from home in the league
this season, a mark bettered only by Liverpool (eight), Manchester United
and Chelsea (both nine).
* Only last-placed Derby County (24) have conceded more than Fulham's 22
goals against at home this season.
* George McCartney - who like Lucas Neill, Noble and Boa Morte is on four
cautions and would only earn a one-match ban if yellow-carded again on
Saturday - is bidding to make his 32nd appearance this season in all
competitions. After the Fulham game, only a player receiving ten cautions
before the second Sunday of April will earn a suspension - although it would
be for two matches not one.
* McCartney is the only West Ham United player who has featured in every
league and cup game to date, starting in each one.
* In terms of the Premier League, only Robert Green and Matthew Upson have
played every minute of the 25 matches.
* No other top-flight club still has two league ever-presents while Upson,
along with Stephen Kelly of Birmingham, is one of only two outfield players
in the whole division to have achieved that feat.
* Ashton, with six goals, five in the league, is the club's leading scorer.
* Boa Morte will be hoping to figure against the team where he made 205
league appearances, scoring 44 goals, between July 2001 and January 2006
when he headed east to West Ham United. Alan Curbishley will know all about
the Fulham trio of Paul Konchesky, Aleksei Smertin and Danny Murphy as all
played under him at Charlton Athletic.
* Fulham boast three former Hammers in the shape of defenders Ian Pearce and
Konchesky plus midfielder Jimmy Bullard. Pearce played 142 league games,
with nine goals, between September 1997 and January 2004 while Konchesky
figured in 59 league games, scoring one goal, between July 2005 and July
2007. Bullard was at West Ham United between February 1999 and May 2001
without playing a game.
* Clint Dempsey, one of five US internationals at Craven Cottage alongside
Keller, Bocanegra, McBride and Johnson, is Fulham's leading scorer with six
goals, all of which came in the top flight.
* Dempsey is also the club's only league and cup ever-present, while Davies
has also featured in each top-flight match.
* Fulham have had five players sent off in the league this season - Chris
Baird, Konchesky, Elliot Omozusi, Moritz Volz and Hameur Bouazza. Only Lee
Bowyer against Birmingham a fortnight ago, has been dismissed for the
Hammers although that was later overturned on appeal.
Head to head (last six meetings in all competitions)
12 January 2008 - West Ham United 2-1 Fulham (league)
13 January 2007 - West Ham United 3-3 Fulham (league)
23 December 2006 - Fulham 0-0 West Ham United (league)
23 January 2006 - West Ham United 2-1 Fulham (league)
17 September 2005 - Fulham 1-2 West Ham United (league)
24 February 2004 - West Ham United 0-3 Fulham (FA Cup)
Overall record v Fulham (all competitions): W 33, D 18, L 27
Barclays Premier League fixtures (all 3pm unless stated)
Saturday 23 February
Birmingham City v Arsenal (12.45pm)
Liverpool v Middlesbrough
Newcastle United v Manchester United (5.15pm)
Portsmouth v Sunderland
Wigan Athletic v Derby
Sunday 24 February
Blackburn Rovers v Bolton Wanderers
Reading v Aston Villa (12.30pm)
Monday 25 February
Manchester City v Everton (8pm)
General information
Tickets: Please note this match is SOLD OUT. For ticket information, click
here. For details of getting to Craven Cottage, click here
Travel information: The District Line is suspended between Plaistow and
Barking due to planned engineering works, while the Hammersmith and City
Line will be suspended between Whitechapel and Barking for similar reasons.
There is no service on the Victoria Line. Replacement bus services will be
operation. Click here for further information
Weather: The forecast is for a cloudy afternoon with the temperature is set
to peak at around 13C.
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Spector puts friendships aside - WHUFC
There may be several US stars on view this Saturday but Jonathan Spector
aims to be the only winner
22.02.2008
Jonathan Spector has said he cannot afford to show any mercy against the
sizeable American contingent in the Fulham ranks when West Ham United travel
to Craven Cottage on Saturday.
Fulham have five US internationals on their books - namely Kasey Keller,
Carlos Bocanegra, Brian McBride, Clint Dempsey and Eddie Johnson. Spector is
naturally eager for his compatriots to do well in their fight for Barclays
Premier League survival - but only after this weekend. While Fulham need
precious points, West Ham United are looking to maintain their good away
record and know victory would see them finish Saturday in ninth and
potentially just four points off fifth place.
"We certainly want to win, we want to push on and get a result but it is
tough when you are playing against some friends and team-mates who you know
are struggling down at the bottom," the versatile Spector admitted. "At the
same time, you cannot have any mercy on the team you are playing against.
You have got to go out and get the result."
Having established himself as a regular in the matchday 16, the defender who
turns 22 on Saturday week, is especially eager to start. "I like to be
involved in every game but particularly this one just because there is a big
American contingent there and to play against the players I play with and
have played with in the national team is always good fun. It is also good to
play in London derbies."
Spector did get the chance to play against Fulham when the two sides met at
the Bolen Ground on 12 January. Then the visitors took the lead through
Simon Davies' speculative eighth-minute free-kick before Dean Ashton and
Anton Ferdinand ensured all three points for the Hammers. Spector played the
whole of that contest at right-back but his most recent outing in claret and
blue came at left-back.
Against Birmingham City reserves ten days ago, Spector was the senior figure
in a youthful back four that did well against highly rated forwards Mauro
Zarate and Daniel De Ridder. "They had two tricky players up front but I
thought we coped well and countered," Spector recalled. "When you have
tricky players like that running at you, it allows you to get significantly
more out of the game than when you are playing up against younger players."
That experience could stand him in good stead if selected on Saturday and he
finds himself up against the lively Johnson. The striker is the most recent
American recruit at Fulham, having signed from Kansas City Wizards last
month, and impressed in the midweek reserve game between the two clubs. He
played for an hour and showed good ability, even if he was ultimately
frustrated by the West Ham United defence as the Hammers won 2-0.
The 23-year-old Johnson has scored eleven goals in 31 internationals and
could form a potent partnership with Dempsey, a top-class player who Spector
simply describes as "a threat", while fit-again McBride's ability is well
known. Turning to Johnson, Spector concluded: "Hopefully for him and the
club he will be able to make an impact." After Saturday, that is.
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Zamora 'looking good', says Curbs - WHUFC
The manager is delighted with Bobby Zamora's progress while also giving the
latest on Craig Bellamy
21.02.2008
Bobby Zamora may well have another reserve-team run-out on Monday before
making his first-team comeback while Alan Curbishley has updated on Craig
Bellamy's progress.
Both strikers had been bidding for a first-team return around the same time
but while Zamora has come on with three successive reserve-team appearances,
Bellamy has had to undergo an abdominal strengthening operation to
complement the rehabilitation work he has been doing of late. The manager
expects him to be out for a minimum of six weeks, but the news is more
upbeat on Zamora.
The striker was a constant threat in the 2-0 midweek defeat of Fulham
reserves - this Saturday's first-team opponents - and is in line to figure
again for Kevin Keen's side against Tottenham Hotspur. "Bobby hasn't played
since 28 August so it is nearly five months out," the manager said. "It has
been a long lay-off. He played the 90 minutes [against Fulham] and he wants
one more game before he declares himself in contention.
"He is looking good and got a freshness about him. He is training very well.
He wanted to play every minute on Wednesday and wants to play on Monday as
well. We will see." Curbishley also underlined the effort that Zamora has
put in to get over his persistent knee troubles. "He is always one of the
first ones in and works at it before everybody else. He is desperate that he
has missed five months."
Of Bellamy's operation, which he had on Wednesday, Curbishley added: "It has
been a long struggle and we have gone down different routes. We are hoping
this is what sorts it out. He will be out for at least six weeks now so he
has got a bit to do to see the end of the season." The manager also
confirmed the Wales captain had had a "tidy up" of a previous knee
procedure. "We decided we might as well have a recondition all round," he
explained.
Scott Parker has again been out on the training ground and will step up to
full training on Monday as he nears his return from a knee injury suffered
on 29 December, a problem unrelated to his previous problem. Added to that
the manager updated on Kieron Dyer. "He is working really hard, he has got a
bit about him," he said, while also confirming that Nolberto Solano was also
"fully fit" after hamstring troubles.
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Young trio in the frame - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley is keeping a close eye on James Tomkins, Jack Collison and
Freddie Sears
21.02.2008
Alan Curbishley will have no hesitation in giving some of his younger
talents a chance to shine before the end of the season if the time is right.
A trio of Academy products are on the verge of breaking through - namely
defender James Tomkins, midfielder Jack Collison and striker Freddie Sears.
All have been familiar faces in and around the first-team squad in recent
weeks. The trio shone again in a midweek reserve victory against Fulham,
this weekend's first-team opponents - especially Sears, who capped a good
run of U18s form with another goal for the second string.
"We are really pleased with Freddie - the last couple of months he has come
on a bundle," said Curbishley, who has already handed Collison his
first-team debut at Arsenal on New Year's Day and had him on the bench
against Birmingham City a fortnight ago. "He has been around the first team
and has been around the squad training with us. We have got high hopes for
him. I would not be afraid to play Tomkins, Collison and Sears.
"We have got 13 games left and I need to look at one or two things - other
clubs will do the same. Obviously Tomkins and Collison have been around it
for the last couple of months. Freddie has been in the squad on a couple of
occasions. I am not afraid to put them in. I will put them in if I think it
is right."
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Fulham v West Ham - BBC
Craven Cottage
Saturday 23 February
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
BBC coverage: Live on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live &
highlights on Match of the Day.
Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Fulham need to beat a London club in the Premier League for the first time
this season, and hope Birmingham lose to Arsenal, if they're to claw their
way out of the relegation zone when the final whistle is blown. Even then
they will also need a six-goal swing.
Roy Hodgson has 12 games remaining to save Fulham's top-flight status. Their
current tally of 19 points from 26 matches is 10 points fewer than their
previous lowest to this same stage of a Premier League season.
West Ham have won two more away Premier League games (five) than Fulham have
managed in total home and away. The Eastenders have been static in 10th
place in 2008, with the best defensive record outside the 'Big Four'.
The Hammers hold an unbeaten Premier League record at Craven Cottage; they
have picked up 10 points out of 12 on their trips to Fulham since 2002.
CLUB FORM
FULHAM
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 17th
Lowest could fall: 19th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Gained one in 14 outings, two in 24, and only three in 26 all season.
2. The 2-1 victory over Aston Villa in the last game at Craven Cottage is
their only victory in eight matches under Roy Hodgson (all competitions). It
is also their only maximum this season against a club currently in the
top-half of the Premier League.
3. Drawn 10; only Liverpool have finished level more often (11).
4. Dropped 59 points, kept only three clean sheets and failed to score in 10
games in this league season; only Derby have an inferior record on all three
counts (69 points dropped, two clean sheets, and failed to score in 15).
5. Managed one clean sheet in 16 outings; the goalless draw with Bolton at
the Reebok on 29 January.
6. Lost the lead in 11 matches, and flittered away an unequalled 25 points
from winning positions. They were in front against Arsenal (a),
Middlesbrough (h), Aston Villa (a), Chelsea (h) and West Ham (a), and went
on to lose all five games.
7. Conceded a higher percentage of goals in the second half than any other
side (33 of 44, 75%).
8. The next victory will be their 75th all-time in this league.
9. Lost the last four London derbies, and not won any of the last 14; drawn
eight and lost six since Chris Coleman's side beat Arsenal 2-1 at the
Cottage on 29 November 2006.
10. Five fixtures are scheduled for March, the first three against
north-west opposition; home to Manchester United, away to Blackburn, and
home to Everton. Then it's a long trip to Newcastle and not so long journey
to Derby.
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 9th
Lowest could fall: 10th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Gained one win in five in all competitions; 1-0, home to Liverpool on 30
January.
2. Lost one of the last five; 1-0, against Wigan in their most recent away
match on 2 February.
3. Won 18 and lost 18 of 46 under Alan Curbishley.
4. Their 25 games have produced fewer goals than any other club; 53 (30 for,
23 against).
5. Boasting the third strongest second half defence with nine goals
conceded; Manchester United and Chelsea have leaked eight each.
6. Looking for a first away win since Christmas.
7. Drawn one and lost two on the road in 2008, as well as an FA Cup replay
at Manchester City since their 1-2 victory over Middlesbrough at the
Riverside on 22 December.
8. Four tough fixtures follow this; home to Chelsea, away to Liverpool and
Tottenham, and home to Blackburn. March ends with a long trip to Sunderland,
after a visit to Everton.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
FULHAM
Clint DEMPSEY is Fulham's top scorer with six Premier League goals.
If selected:-
Chris BAIRD will be playing two days before turning 26.
Paul KONCHESKY will be facing a former club. The 26 year old defender made
70 appearances (59 in the league) and scored two goals (one league) in two
years for West Ham from July 2005.
Ian PEARCE will be facing former club mates. The 33 year old defender made
163 appearances (142 in the league) and scored 10 goals (nine league) for
the Hammers between September 1997 and his move to Craven Cottage in January
2004.
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON is West Ham's top scorer with six goals.
ASHTON is also the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen with five.
The club's Premier League goalscorers list is predominately comprised of
English players (eight of 12).
Matthew UPSON and Robert GREEN are the only remaining players to have been
on the field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League
matches this season. The Hammers are the only club to have as many as two
genuine ever-presents remaining in this Premier League campaign.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
Nol SOLANO needs a hat-trick to total 50 Premier League goals (Newcastle,
Aston Villa and West Ham).
Fredrik LJUNGBERG is also three shy of 50 Premier League goals (Arsenal and
West Ham).
If selected:-
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Luis BOA MORTE will be facing a former club. The 30 year old Portugal
international made 250 appearances (205 in the league) and scored 54 goals
(44 league) for Fulham between June 2000 and his £5m move to Upton Park in
January 2007.
HEAD TO HEAD
The 0-2 victory at Upton Park on 3 November 2001 is Fulham's only triumph
over the Hammers in the nine Premier League meetings.
The Cottagers' last home league maximum over them was the 4-2 top flight
triumph on 15 October 1966 - over 41 years ago.
West Ham are chasing a second Premier League double over Fulham. The first
was in 2005-06.
FULHAM and WEST HAM UNITED
League (inc PL): Fulham 24 wins, West Ham 31, Draws 16
Prem: Fulham 1 win, West Ham 5, Draws 3
at Fulham only
League (inc PL): Fulham 16 wins, West Ham 11, Draws 8
Prem: Fulham 0 win, West Ham 3, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Fulham 0-0 West Ham United
23 December 2006 - Ref: Chris Foy
Sent Off: Paul Konchesky (West Ham) 85
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
West Ham United 2-1 Fulham
12 January 2008 - Ref: Mike Riley
West Ham scorers: Ashton 28, Ferdinand 69
Fulham scorer: Davies 8
REFEREE
Howard Webb (Yorkshire)
Premier League referees' table
Howard Webb's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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Injured Bellamy out for six weeks - BBC
Craig Bellamy faces another six week lay-off after undergoing a second
operation on an abdominal injury. The 28-year-old West Ham striker has made
just eight starts since a £7.5m move from Liverpool in July 2007. Hammers
physio George Cooper said: "There is a feeling that if he carries on with
slight symptoms they are likely to get worse. The symptoms have to go." The
Wales captain will now miss his country's friendly away in Luxembourg on 26
March. The problem first flared up in West Ham's Carling Cup win over
Bristol Rovers in August and the Hammers initially resisted surgery for a
second time. Bellamy has featured just once since October, coming off the
bench in the 1-0 defeat away at Wigan at the beginning of February.
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Six weeks, says Curbs - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 21st February 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley says he is hopeful that Craig Bellamy will return to action
before the end of the season. Curbishley, talking today to Sky Sports said
that he expects the Welsh striker to be out until April - although remains
confident that he will still play some part in the season. "Craig has had an
operation on this groin injury and stomach injury that he's had for some
time," he said. "We've been trying all other routes to try and get him fit
but in the end we've had to go for the operation. "He'll be out for about
six weeks and we hope it's successful. He's had a tough time of it over the
last six months." Curbishley also revealed that he expects Scott Parker is
back running and expected to be 'joining in quite soon' whilst Kieron Dyer
'is full of optimism and in there every day attacking it.'
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All guns blazing - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 21st February 2008
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Paul Konchesky has added fuel to the fire ahead of the
weekend's visit to Fulham by saying 'we need to win'. 26-year-old Konchesky
moved across the City last year having been let go by Alan Curbishley for
the second time in his career last summer. But the left back insinuated that
his new team will be more 'up for it' when the teams clash this weekend due
to Fulham's perilous position. "With us being at home we've always got a
chance," he told fulhamfc.com. "But we also need to win, probably a bit more
than they need to. "I think the players here know that and are up for a
fight, whereas West Ham know they're not going to get relegated and I think
they'll be happy with a top ten finish."So if they were to stay where they
are that's fine for them - but we know we need to win and we'll go out all
guns blazing."
The former England international, who made his last appearance for the
national side when still at West Ham has seen his side plummet into the
relegation zone in recent weeks. But despite his acrimonious relationship
with former manager Curbishley, Konchesky still praised his old boss for the
strength of the squad that he has built at West Ham. "They lost a few in the
summer but he [Alan Curbishley] brought some in and they've got a good
squad," he added. "To be a good Premier League team I think you need a good
squad, so that, if there are injuries, there are people to step into their
shoes and do well.
"Obviously they've got that, because they've had a few big injuries, but
they've had the players to come in and take their place."
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West Ham Utd v Fulham - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 20th February 2008
By: Matthew Coker
It's time to shuffle off down the District Line, as we head west to take on
Fulham in our next Premier League fixture in a traditional Saturday, 3pm
kick off.
If our opponents league position is anything to go by (19th place, though
just three points from safety), there is a chance that we may not be
returning to Craven Cottage next season, which, bearing in mind that they
are competing for survival with many a sworn enemy of West Ham (Birmingham,
Wigan, Bolton) would be a shame.
However, being stung for forty five notes for the privilege of seeing this
one has left many a West Ham fan less than enthusiastic about a return
(especially as if the rate of price increase over the last three seasons
continues, you'll be looking at over £50 to attend next year's encounter). I
can only assume that our hosts have assigned a legion of butlers to the away
enclosure and that they'll be handing out complimentary glasses of Pouilly
Fume as part of the entrance fee.
"We have been trying to get one foot on the first rung of the ladder, now we
have to start climbing it."
Roy Hodgson's slowly, slowly, catchy monkey approach to survival.
Having faced Fulham at our place less than a month ago, I assume that we are
all fairly familiar with our opponents. On the day at the Boleyn, they
played the role of relegation strugglers and offered little in terms of top
flight quality. Digging deep in a search for some signs of hope for their
well spoken supporters, you could perhaps point to the energy of Konchesky,
the goalkeeping ability of Niemi and the all round play of Danny Murphy in
the centre of midfield as the highlights, that day, of a disappointing side.
The rest of the line up, at that stage, looked very much to be doomed for
the drop. Their success at playing away had been on a par with Ashley
Cole's, they were struggling to score or even create chances and not since
Battersea Dog's Home cleared out the store room had so many leads been
thrown away.
This had been in part due to the absence of key players such as Brian
McBride and Jimmy Bullard but the squad had been continually weakened over
the last few seasons and when Mohammed Al Fayed had finally got the
chequebook out last summer, previous manager, Lawrie Sanchez had pretty much
squandered the money.
However, since we last met, there have been a few signs that there might
just be some fight in the Cottagers yet. The most significant change was
that they registered a first win under Roy Hodgson, a notable 2-1, Jimmy
Bullard inspired win over European hopefuls, Aston Villa. No doubt the
points from this were welcome, but as much as that, it would have provided a
huge psychological boost, not least because they came from behind to seal
the win.
The team will feature an improved line up to the one we last faced. Bullard
has now returned to first team action and McBride was fit enough to come on
from the bench in the last couple of outings. Hodgson has also been shopping
and has tried to address the numerous weaknesses in the side.
Defensively he has bought in Brede Hangeland, an American born centre back
who has impressed the Fulham faithful with his playing ability and they have
also drafted in Paul Staltieri on loan from the Spuds. However, if they
persist with Chris Baird as Hangeland's partner, they are far from
impenetrable.
In the middle of the park, they have secured the services of Dane, Leon
Andreasen, who fitted alongside Murphy and Bullard in a five man midfield
against Middlesbrough and has played well enough to suggest that he would
keep his place at the expense of Murphy if the side reverts to 4-4-2 against
us.
Hodgson has also attempted to bolster his strike force but it is slightly
early to judge how effective this is going to be. He has bought two strikers
to the club, Erik Nevland, an experienced Norwegian, who was with Manchester
United for a couple of years early in his career and Eddie Johnson, another
American international, who has joined from Kansas City Wizards, a MLS side.
Both are fairly slightly built and appear to be skilful rather than
traditional centre forwards. Nevland started up front on his own at Boro,
but did not appear to be a natural lone striker and you would imagine that
Hodgson will look to pair McBride with one of the others.
Overall, they will be a different animal to the side that we faced earlier
in the year and will certainly have more quality about them. They will also
view this particular game as crucial to their survival chances, as apart
from a series of six pointers against relegation rivals, they still have
many of the top sides still to come to Craven Cottage (Liverpool, Man Utd
and Everton) making us one of their few home fixtures against a side with
little to play for.
Curbs a chameleon
There has been a great deal of discussion recently about what a Curbishley
side is all about and the zeitgeist amongst a notable number of supporters
is that the side has become too dull. There are complaints about him playing
a lone striker (despite the results it has got us) and also that we give the
opposition too much respect, rather than enforcing our own style on the
game.
My own view is that up until very recently, our manager has had very little
choice as to the line up and tactics that he uses as the injuries to,
predominantly, strikers and creative players had meant that we only had the
option of Carlton Cole up front for many games. In a sense, this forced him
into a strategy, though co-incidentally, that strategy happened to be the
sort of Charlton blueprint that had served him well but that is not the
aesthetic football that West Ham supporters want to see.
I think that he should be given a break in respect of what he is trying to
do. Scotty Parker aside, most of his summer signings (Dyer, Faubert, Solano,
Fjungberg, Bellamy) are all in the classic West Ham mould, are all quick,
attack minded players and when they are able to get a run of games behind
them, I am sure that they will start to bring some much desired flair to the
side.
It is also time to cut him some slack over playing a 4-5-1 as that is a
strategy that half the teams in the Premier League play (Manchester City,
Everton, Arsenal, Liverpool, Chelsea). This was a significant factor in
Pardew's downfall as everyone played five across the middle against us and
he could never work out how to overcome that. We simply don't have good
enough players to beat an opposition midfield that has a one man advantage
over us.
The two limitations that we have with a 4-5-1 is that we have to use Cole on
his own, which has meant that we have to leave out the more exciting option
of Ashton, and this will be worse when Zamora and Bellamy return. Therefore
Curbs is under pressure to succeed before the crowd start belting out "Ole,
Ole" and the manager's belief in a system is at loggerheads with the fan's
perception of a best eleven.
The second problem is that we lack a playmaker in the midfield. Everton, for
example, have Arteta, City have Elano and I am sure that Curbs would be
shown more patience if we had someone who could unlock the opposition
defence. One up front does not have to be defensive with the right line up.
It can encourage quick, on the floor, passing football with the right
balance of midfielders and does not necessarily compromise West Ham
principles.
For all my defence of Curbishley, I do think that, in order to take West Ham
to the next level, he does need to shift his perception from believing that
we need to match the opposition. Whilst games against the top teams need to
have a close look at the details, games against weaker sides should be
approached with the mentality that we are the better side and to employ the
tactics to match.
This metamorphosis into an enemy's nemesis has seen us raise our standard to
the Manchester Uniteds and Liverpools of the world in the games with them,
but has also seen us get dragged down to playing as poorly as Birmingham or
Wigan when we have faced them. We now need to get into the mindset of
viewing, say, Fulham away as an opportunity, not a threat and to play to our
strengths, not their weaknesses.
Fulham Forecast
If you compare our two teams on football ability, we should take this one
pretty easily. They have only managed three home wins in the league this
year and despite the mini revival, player for player we should have the
edge.
However, we all know that the threat of relegation tends to bring out a
fight in teams as we displayed at the end of last season and that Fulham
displayed against Villa. For us to win, we need to get game played on a
football basis, for them, they and the crowd need to inject some emotion and
passion into the proceedings, as I understand they did in their last home
game.
I think I'll have to settle for predicting a 1-1, which is my way of
admitting that, as usual, I've no idea what is going to happen.
Enjoy the game ...
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Club slammed for Portsmouth fiasco - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 21st February 2008
By: Staff Writer
A number of supporters have criticised the club for failing to inform them
of the cancellation of the Portsmouth fixture earlier. West Ham United
announced earlier this week that the home fixture with Portsmouth, initially
set for April 5th was being moved due to engineering works on the London
Underground that weekend. However supporters were still able to buy tickets
for the Saturday game right up until the announcement was made via the
club's website at whufc.com on Tuesday - and many of those, either
travelling long distances, working or at school will be unable to make the
re-arranged fixture. Additionally, Transport For London - whose website
carries news of all engineering works on the London Underground - give
notice of impending works up to six months ahead of schedule, which has left
those out of pocket asking why the club have given supporters just six weeks
notice. The company's 'Track Closure' pdf, available here, clearly states
that the District Line will be closed between Upminster and East Ham on the
weekend of Saturday 5th/Sunday 6th April.
Although it is unclear when the above document was made available - indeed,
it only lists works beginning February 16th - the problem illustrates an
unacceptable lack of communication between the club and their main transport
link, at best.
One Welsh-based supporter, talking on KUMB.com's forums said: "I bought my
tickets on the phone [on Tuesday]. Because of work commitments and the poor
train service back to Wales my plans are now messed up. "Why wasn't I told
about the fixture change when I bought my tickets? Surely the operators knew
about this, even if us fans weren't informed until a few hours later."
Although the club are yet to comment, one would hope that common sense would
prevail and all those who bought tickets in recent days who are unable to
attend on the re-arranged date will be fully reimbursed.
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A captain's role - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 21st February 2008
By: Staff Writer
Lucas Neill has confessed to 'trying to hard' when being named as West Ham
United's latest captain last year. The 29-year-old full-back succeeded Nigel
Reo-Coker as club captain shortly after joining the club from Blackburn in
January 2007. In an interview with whufc.tv, the Australian defender
admitted that he took some time to adjust to his new role - but feels that
he is finally settling in. "I know I've still got work to do but I'm trying,
trying to be the best I can be at it, trying to be a leader," he said. "I
hope I'm doing a good job but I obviously know that I've still got work to
do. "I suppose earlier in the season I was trying too hard, trying to be too
much of a captain rather than just a player and letting people follow you
naturally. "It's still a surprise that I got it. It still surprises me now
that I'm leading out a talented squad. I'm working it out - but I hope it's
the first season of many."
This weekend marks the 15th anniversary of the death of perhaps West Ham
United's greatest captain - Bobby Moore, who died on 24th February 1993.
Fittingly West Ham play Moore's only other league club, Fulham this weekend
- and Neill admits that he is enormously proud to follow in the great man's
footsteps. "Even now it makes me tingle. It's a great honour," he added. "To
be able to put your name on lists with great names such as that [Bobby
Moore], is truly remarkable. "I don't see it as an achievement, I see it as
a privilege and an honour."
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Curbs urges Deano patience - SSN
Ashton struggling to get back to his best
By Ben Collins Last updated: 21st February 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has urged Hammers fans to be patient as
Dean Ashton attempts to rediscover his scoring touch. Ashton was on the
verge of an England debut before being ruled out for the whole of last
season with a broken ankle and the 24-year-old has failed to hit top form
since returning from injury this term, scoring six goals in 22 appearances.
Ashton has also struggled to regain full fitness having played the full 90
minutes on just 10 occasions, but Curbishley is confident Ashton can get
back to his best. The Hammers' boss feels Ashton has had limited service and
has called on his creative players to make a greater contribution to the
Hammers' European push. "Dean had a big injury which kept him out for a
year," said Curbishley. "Everyone wants everything now and sometimes when
you have had that lay-off it is not always so easy. "But we know what we
have got in Dean Ashton. It is just a question of him plugging on, working
at it hard in training and the sharpness has got to come back. "As a team we
haven't been playing so well, we haven't created too many chances or scored
too many goals ourselves and it has been difficult for the boys up front.
"The midfield and the front boys have got to start contributing. The back
five have done well but in the last four or five games we have not been
prolific. We have got to ask them to contribute a bit more, and the same
goes for Deano."
Ashton had been hoping to link up with the likes of Craig Bellamy, Keiron
Dyer, Julien Faubert and Scott Parker this season, but Curbishley's summer
signings have been ravaged by injury. "They are big players and Ashton was
looking at that thinking: 'That ain't bad. If we can get going, I can be a
part of that'. But those four have played 14 games between them," said
Curbishley. The Hammers' boss has therefore had to play Ashton alongside
Carlton Cole for much of the season, which he feels goes against the club's
footballing traditions. "They are very similar in their attributes - both
attacking the same ball - and perhaps they haven't been that compatible,"
said Curbishley. "My big complaint after the Birmingham draw was that when
we weren't winning with 25 minutes to go, we started to panic and it was one
touch and then the long ball forward. That wasn't us."
Curbishley's attacking options are set to be boosted by the return of Bobby
Zamora, who has been out since August with a hamstring injury but has now
come through three reserve games unscathed. However, the Hammers will be
without Bellamy for at least another six weeks after he underwent a second
operation on a persistent abdominal problem. The former Liverpool striker
returned to action off the bench in West Ham's defeat at Wigan three weeks
ago but had failed to shake off the injury. Parker is set to resume training
on Monday after recovering from a knee injury, while Dyer is still
recovering from an horrific leg break.
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Bellamy out for six weeks - SSN
Curbishley confirms striker blow
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 21st February 2008
Alan Curbishley has confirmed that Craig Bellamy will be sidelined for at
least six weeks after undergoing surgery. Bellamy has been struggling with
an abdominal injury for most of the season but Curbishley had been reluctant
to send him for another operation. However, the West Ham medical team
finally decided there was no other option and the Welshman went under the
knife on Wednesday. Bellamy is now likely to miss at least eight more
matches before making a possible return in early April. "We have got some
more bad news," Curbishley told Sky Sports News. "Craig has had an operation
on this groin injury and stomach injury that he's had for some time. "We've
been trying all other routes to try and get him fit but in the end we've had
to go for the operation. "He'll be out I think for about six weeks and we
hope it's successful. He's had a tough time of it over the last six months."
A number of other West Ham players are closing in on a return to action,
with Bobby Zamora, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer all making good progress in
their recoveries from injury. Curbishley said: "We've got some good news
because Bobby's played the last two reserve games and he's looking strong.
We're happy his back. "Scott Parker's running so we think he will be joining
back in quite soon. "Kieron Dyer is full of optimism and he is in there
every day attacking it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble tips Jack to be Hammers star as Bobby continues comeback - Daily Mail
Last updated at 17:22pm on 21st February 2008
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble believes reserve-team captain Jack Collison
will be the next Academy player to make the grade in the first team. Noble
said: "He is a fantastic player and a really nice kid as well. He handles
himself well and is definitely one for the future." Meanwhile Bobby Zamora
continued his comeback from a knee injury by playing 90 minutes for West
Ham's reserves in their 2-0 win over Fulham yesterday. The 27-year-old is
not expected to start against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday but could
be among the substitutes.
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Alan Curbishley urges Fulham to reproduce his team's run - The Times
Sometimes it pays to be a manager and Alan Curbishley has some
straightforward advice for Fulham if they want to repeat West Ham United's
dramatic escape from relegation last season: begin a run of victories,
starting tomorrow when the teams meet at Craven Cottage.
West Ham were five points from safety at the same stage of the last
campaign, but ended the season by climbing from ten points adrift, as they
were with nine games left, to exit the relegation zone after the penultimate
match. Similarities extend to both clubs; changing managers in mid-season
and spending relatively heavily in the January transfer window.
"We know what they are going through," Curbishley said. "We went through a
similar thing last season. We know what they are up against. [My advice is]
win another six games – that is what you have to do. You can get out of the
relegation zone with a good result but then drop back in again in the next
game. You need a run."
Curbishley has been bitterly disappointed by his team picking up just one
point from each of Wigan Athletic and Birmingham City in the past two
matches, but maybe not as irritated as some fans who booed at the final
whistle. They expect a brand of attacking football synonymous with their
tradition, and the team has not scored more than once in each of the past
five matches.
Even Curbishley has admitted that Dean Ashton and Carlton Cole have perhaps
not been compatible as a strike force because they tend to occupy the same
positions on he pitch. "We fizzled out against Birmingham, we were poor," he
said. "My big complaint after the game was that with 25 minutes to go, a bit
of panic set in and it was one touch and bang. I was disappointed with it.
The back five have done great. One of the things that we spoke about this
week is that the mid-field and forwards need to start contributing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Alan Curbishley says Fulham need to win six more games to survive - The
Mirror
By Neil Mcleman22/02/2008
(What's this?)Alan Curbishley has given Roy Hodgson his formula for Premier
League survival: Win another six games! Fulham have copied West Ham's
January transfer blitz of last year by bringing in six new players during
the window. The two London sides clash tomorrow at Craven Cottage, with new
Fulham coach Hodgson desperate to start a revival to lift his team out of
the bottom three. Hammers boss Curbs has told his opposite number he must
now replicate his side's late season surge to pull clear of the relegation
zone. "They have to in another six games - that is what they have to do!"
said Curbishley. "Last year we were in a very similar position with 12
games to go so we know what Fulham are going through and what they are up
against. You have got to get on a run to push yourselves out of it. "You can
get out of it one weekend and then the following weekend can drop you back
in it again. It is very difficult."
Curbs also confirmed Craig Bellamy underwent groin surgery on Wednesday and
is unlikely to play again this season. "We are hoping the op will sort it
out because it has been a long struggle," he said. "He will be out for at
least six weeks. He may be back this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy's injury-ravaged season continues
Striker ruled out until April for further treatment on a persistent
abdominal problem
Staff and agencies
Thursday February 21, 2008
guardian.co.uk
Craig Bellamy has struggled to make an impact at Upton Park. Photograph:
Christopher Lee/Getty Images
The West Ham striker Craig Bellamy faces another six weeks on the sidelines
after undergoing a second operation on his persistent abdominal injury.
Bellamy has been plagued with the problem all season, making just seven
Premier League starts for the Hammers since his £7.5m summer switch from
Liverpool. The Wales captain came off the bench during West Ham's defeat at
Wigan three weeks ago but was evidently still suffering from the injury, and
club doctors decided he needed another operation, having first gone under
the knife in October.
West Ham physio George Cooper said of Bellamy this week: "He has been
absolutely brilliant. Everything he has done has got him back to almost
being ready and there is a feeling that if he carries on with slight
symptoms they are likely to get worse rather than better. The symptoms have
to go." Bellamy took advantage of the abdominal surgery by also undergoing a
procedure on his knee.
But the Hammers' manager Alan Curbishley has received some better news as
the club's treatment room slowly empties. Midfielder Scott Parker is set to
resume training on Monday following a knee injury and Kieron Dyer is also on
the mend following a double fracture of his right leg at the start of the
season. Striker Bobby Zamora, meanwhile, played a full 90 minutes for the
reserves last night and is set to have one more run-out on Monday before
returning to first-team contention.
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Craig Bellamy facing further lay-off - Telegraph
Staff and agencies
Last Updated: 4:03pm GMT 21/02/2008
Craig Bellamy's miserable first season at West Ham continues: he will be out
for another six weeks after undergoing a second operation on his persistent
abdominal injury. Bellamy has struggled with the problem all season, making
just seven league starts for the Hammers since his £7.5 million summer
switch from Liverpool, and he first went under the knife in October. The
Wales captain returned to action off the bench in West Ham's defeat at Wigan
three weeks ago, but he was still suffering and it was decided he needed
another operation. "He has been absolutely brilliant. Everything he has done
has got him back to almost being ready and there is a feeling that if he
carries on with slight symptoms they are likely to get worse rather than
better," said the West Ham physio George Cooper earlier this week. "The
symptoms have to go."
Bellamy took advantage of the enforced surgery by also undergoing a
procedure on his knee. West Ham's season has been plagued by an almost
macabre sequence of injuries to their expensive summer signings. But Scott
Parker is set to resume training on Monday after recovering from a knee
injury, while another former Newcastle midfielder, Kieron Dyer, is also on
the road to recovery following his horrific leg break. The striker Bobby
Zamora also played a full 90 minutes for the reserves last night and is set
to have one more run-out on Monday before returning to first-team
contention. But any thoughts of a partnership with Bellamy will have to wait
a little longer.
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Konch: We'll have all guns blazing - teamTalk
Fulham defender Paul Konchesky hopes victory over his boyhood club West Ham
this weekend can help kickstart the Cottagers' survival bid. Konchesky, 26,
was born in Barking and played for the Hammers at their academy before
joining Charlton. Some eight years later, the full-back returned to Upton
Park in July 2005 and went on to help West Ham in their successful battle
against relegation last season - under his former Addicks boss Alan
Curbishley.
Konchesky, who has two full England caps, moved on to Fulham in a
£3.25million deal last summer and is now targeting three points for
19th-placed Fulham from his old team-mates. "With us being at home, we have
always got a chance. But we also need to win, probably a bit more than they
need to," said Konchesky. "I think the players here know that and are up
for a fight, whereas West Ham know they are not going to get relegated. "I
think they will be happy with a top-10 finish, so if they were to stay where
they are that is fine for them - but we know we need to win and we will go
out all guns blazing."
Konchesky is confident Fulham have the ability to help themselves. "At
home, we can beat anyone and we have proved that by beating some good teams
here - so there is no doubt we can get a result on Saturday," he said. "If
the fans get behind us like they did against Villa then who knows what can
happen? I hope we can get three points and our season can start then."
Fulham beat Aston Villa in their last home game but missed the opportunity
to build some momentum when they lost at Middlesbrough on February 9.
Konchesky knows the Cottagers need more of those battling performances if
they are to stay up. Speaking to the Fulham matchday programme, he said:
"The manager has told us every game is a cup final - and we've got to treat
every game like that. "You forget what it feels like. But winning that game
felt so good, so obviously we want to do more of that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Konchesky out to Hammer his old club
By Guardian-series
FORMER West Ham defender Paul Konchesky says his Fulham side will go out all
guns blazing' in Saturdays clash with his old club at Craven Cottage, writes
James Randall. Fulham who are languishing second from bottom are in
desperate need of a win, but Konchesky thinks home advantage may be the key.
He said:"With us being at home, we've always got a chance, but we need to
win, probably more than they need to." He added:" We know we need to win and
we willll go out all guns blazing." The 26 year old who moved to Fulham from
north Londoners West Ham in July 2007 for a fee of £2 million thinks his old
side have a good squad: "They've got a great squad, they lost a few in the
summer, but he Alan Curbishley obviously brought some in . They've had a few
big injuries, but they've had the players to come in and take their place."
Konchesky thinks the difference might be the a lack of desire, with Fulham
fighting to stay in the league they will want the victory more than the
Hammers: "West Ham know they're not going to get relegated and I think
they'll be happy with a top 10 finish, so if they were to stay where they
are that's fine for them, but we know we need to win."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble tips Jack to be Hammers star as Bobby continues comeback - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:52am on 21st February 2008
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble believes reserve-team captain Jack Collison
will be the next Academy player to make the grade in the first team. Noble
said: "He is a fantastic player and a really nice kid as well. He handles
himself well and is definitely one for the future." Meanwhile Bobby Zamora
continued his comeback from a knee injury by playing 90 minutes for West
Ham's reserves in their 2-0 win over Fulham yesterday. The 27-year-old is
not expected to start against Fulham at Craven Cottage on Saturday but could
be among the substitutes.
NEXT FIVE GAMES: Saturday: Fulham (a); 1 Mar: Chelsea (h); 5 Mar: Liverpool
(a); 8 Mar: Tottenham (a); 15 Mar: Blackburn (h).
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McCartney has focus on Fulham
By Guardian-series
GEORGE McCartney reckons Fulham's precarious position could play into West
Ham's hands when the two sides clash on Saturday. The Cottagers are second
bottom of the Premier League after collecting just three wins all season.
Although the Irons travel to Craven Cottage looking to overturn their own
recent run of bad form, full back McCartney believes that the pressure
Fulham are under could be used to West Ham's advantage. He said: "Fulham
desperately need the three points so will look to come at us and hopefully
that will give us a chance to play some football - it could play into our
hands.
"Teams at the bottom look to keep things tight and try to make it
frustrating and we have struggled to break teams like that down at times
this season.
"It was like that when we played Fulham four weeks ago. "Alhtough we got
the thee points that day, it was a struggle."But we go there with nothing to
fear, we're going to win the game."
The 26-year-old believes the team need a positive result to get their
European push back on course following the 1-0 defeat at Wigan and 1-1 draw
with Birmingham in their last two outings. "If we could have taken another
two or three points from those two games then we'd be right in there pushing
for a top five or six place," McCartney said. "It is frustrating and a bit
disappointing. What we now need to do is take all three points on Saturday
to try and push up the league."
Despite the recent set backs, the Hammers are in tenth place and just seven
points behind seventh-placed Manchester City. And McCartney insists that the
chase for Europe will mean there is no reason for their season to fizzle
out. "There are a lot of lads in the squad and we don't want to sit back,
relax and see the season out," said the Belfast-born defender. "We want to
try and push on and get as high up the league as possible. "If we get into
Europe then that would be an added bonus given our season last year. Any
finish now would be a big improvement. "If we can get some sort of run
together- which would be a big ask - then there's no reason why we can't get
one of those European places."
McCartney (pictured) has featured in every one of West Ham's 31 games this
season and added: "It's just good to be playing every week. "I'm happy with
my form this season, which has been pretty consistent. "To finish the season
having played in every game in the league and cup would be a good
achievement personally. "But the main thing is that I can hopefully help the
team to go on a good run between now and the end of the season."
8:57am today
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Up for the Battle - FulhamFC.com
Thursday 21st February 2008
Saturday's match against West Ham is one of great importance for everybody
connected with Fulham Football Club, but for Paul Konchesky, the game will
take on extra significance, coming as it does against the club he supported
as a boy and with whom he successfully escaped relegation last season. But,
there will be no question of divided loyalties come 3pm on Saturday for the
full-back who has made a career out of his tenacity and willingness to fight
for the cause, as Konchesky is desperate to build upon the positive result
achieved in Fulham's last home game against Aston Villa.
"It was a great relief," he describes of the side winning their first game
since early November. "It felt like winning a cup final, and that's what the
Manager has said, every game is a cup final and we've got to treat every
game like that. You forget what it feels like, but winning that game felt so
good, so obviously we want to do more of that.
"If we'd taken three points at Middlesbrough as well it would have been
terrific for us, but now we have West Ham at home, and at home anyone is
beatable. We've proved that by beating some good teams here, so there's no
doubt we can get a result on Saturday. If the fans get behind us like they
did against Villa then who knows what can happen? Hopefully we can get three
points and our season can start then."
Speaking to the matchday programme ahead of the weekend, the 26-year-old
England international emphasises the need for togetherness as the team fight
to escape the drop and he confirms that, with an array of new signings and
experienced players returning from injury, various factors are coming
together at just the right time for Fulham.
"We all need to stick together like we are, I think that's part of football.
Maybe a lot of us don't spend time together away from football, but at the
training ground and at Craven Cottage we all stick together and that's what
we've got to do for the rest of the season.
"[Having people back from injury] keeps everyone on their toes, because you
want to be playing all the time, and if you know those players are pushing,
you have to work harder, like Jimmy has proved that he is fit and he's ready
so he's been playing. We know that, it's great to have a terrific squad and
hopefully the boys will be pushing us in every position, which will
hopefully help us play even better to try and win games."
And speaking about the club he left last summer, Konchesky believes that,
although the Hammers have an impressive team, Fulham's desire and need to
win will prove the decisive factor this weekend.
"They've got a great squad," he considers. "Yeah, they lost a few in the
summer, but he [Alan Curbishley] obviously brought some in and they've got a
good squad, and to be a good Premier League team I think you need a good
squad, so that, if there are injuries, there are people to step into their
shoes and do well. Obviously they've got that, because they've had a few big
injuries, but they've had the players to come in and take their place.
"With us being at home, we've always got a chance, but we also need to win,
probably a bit more than they need to. I think the players here know that
and are up for a fight, whereas West Ham know they're not going to get
relegated and I think they'll be happy with a top 10 finish, so if they were
to stay where they are that's fine for them, but we know we need to win, and
we'll go out all guns blazing."
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Craig Bellamy out for another six weeks - Times Online and agencies
Craig Bellamy faces another six weeks on the sidelines after undergoing a
second operation on his persistent abdominal injury. The West Ham United
striker has struggled with the problem all season, making just seven league
starts since his £7.5 million summer switch from Liverpool, and he first
went under the knife in October. The Wales captain returned to action off
the bench in West Ham's defeat at Wigan Athletic three weeks ago, but he was
still suffering and it was decided he needed another operation. "He has been
absolutely brilliant," George Cooper, the West Ham physiotherapist, said
earlier this week. "Everything he has done has got him back to almost being
ready and there is a feeling that if he carries on with slight symptoms they
are likely to get worse rather than better. The symptoms have to go."
Bellamy took advantage of the enforced surgery by also having a procedure
performed on his knee. Scott Parker is set to resume training on Monday
after recovering from a knee injury, while Kieron Dyer is also on the road
to recovery following an horrific leg break. Bobby Zamora played a full 90
minutes for the reserves last night and is set to have one more run-out on
Monday before returning.
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