After another vital intervention from Robert Green last weekend, he has his
sights on Saturday's derby
27.02.2008
Robert Green expects West Ham United players and fans to pull together with
the hope of seeing off Chelsea at the Boleyn Ground this Saturday.
Chelsea will head across the capital determined to put the pain of Carling
Cup defeat behind them while Green and his team-mates will look to build on
the 1-0 win at Fulham - secured in large part thanks to the goalkeeper's
heroics just before Nolberto Solano's winning strike. The England goalkeeper
expects the team to show the same resilience and form as in 2-1 and 1-0 home
wins against Manchester United and Liverpool respectively this season.
"In true West Ham style it seems to be the games where we excel," he said.
"They had a big game on Sunday and they have a big [Champions League] game
on the Wednesday after our game and you know they won't be looking forward
to coming to Upton Park. I don't think anyone ever does really. Between
ourselves and the fans we can make it as intimidating as possible and really
get stuck into them and make it a double over the west London clubs."
Solano's 87th-minute winner last weekend at Craven Cottage came just after
Jimmy Bullard found himself bearing down on the West Ham United goal. He let
fly for what looked like being the decisive moment when Green came to the
rescue. "I was fortunate," he said. "It was one of them where I have made
myself as big as possible and just managed to react as I am going down to
where he has hit the shot. It is something I don't really think about and
thankfully got a hand on it. We scored just after that so it was pleasing in
what was a pretty terrible game."
Green's honest assessment of the derby was matched by his verdict on his
overall performance, which he described as "scrappy" despite yet another
clean sheet, adding: "It was very difficult to play in such a scratchy game.
If you go on who played well in the whole game you are struggling to pick
out one or two players really." That said, he added the result was the main
thing especially as relegation candidates Fulham, like Wigan Athletic and
Birmingham City previously, "were desperately keen not to lose" and had also
beaten high-fliers Aston Villa in their previous home fixture.
It will be a different proposition against Chelsea, and Green knows it is
just the beginning of a difficult spell that sees the club go to Liverpool
on Wednesday and then Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday week. "Chelsea will be
tough but we have got a tough few games coming ahead. We are looking up
though and we can put a positive spin on the Fulham result. We have played
better this season and not won. We created a lot of chances and on another
day we would have taken them. It seems to be happening quite a lot this
season."
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Coley and Anton show support - WHUFC
For both Anton Ferdinand and Carlton Cole, promoting the Richard House
hospice is very important
27.02.2008
Anton Ferdinand and Carlton Cole have led the way at West Ham United this
season in backing the good work done by the Richard House children's
hospice.
From pedalling away on exercise bikes in front of a busy business community
to getting up on stage in front of a large crowd at an evening ball, the duo
have been keen to raise the profile of one of two official club charities -
the other being the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research. Richard House has
since 2000 helped hundreds of life-limited children and their families. This
Saturday's home game against Chelsea has been dedicated in the charity's
honour.
Ferdinand saw at first hand just what Richard House was all about when he
visited the hospice with team-mate Mark Noble earlier this season. He then
took part in a cycle challenge with Cole at Canary Wharf to promote a London
to Paris bike ride for Richard House. The fundraising event will happen in
September, with participants departing the Beckton hospice for a 300km cycle
to the French capital.
Homegrown defender Ferdinand revealed he was well aware of the
responsibilities of his position: "We have the power and the presence to
make young children happy, especially those with illnesses. There was one
kid called Thomas who really touched me. To be able make these children's
day and see them smile stands means a lot to me."
Cole added: "I am taking Anton's lead here because he knows more about the
hospice than I do. I have been to few events with him and he has filled me
in on some of the people that he has met and how it has touched him. I
wanted to get involved." The striker did that to much more high-profile
effect at the hospice's annual charity ball last November when he and
Ferdinand suddenly found themselves on stage entertaining the crowd.
Ferdinand takes up the story. He said: "It all started as a joke really. I
said in passing that if someone bid £5,000 I would get up on stage and sing
one verse of a song. Then Coley added in that he would do a moonwalk! We
obviously didn't think anyone in the room would pay that sort of money to
see us two jokers even if it was for charity but we didn't realise there was
another footballer and a good friend of both of ours at the ball."
The good friend the defender is referring to is former Hammers midfielder
Joe Cole who became an ambassador for Richard House during his time with the
club and remains involved to this day. He was more than willing to pledge
the money to see two former team-mates perform to a room of 500
distinguished guests and Anton and Carlton were more than happy to oblige.
"When I saw Joe's hand go up to offer to pay the money I knew I would have
to go through with it but to be honest I was more than happy because I
believe so strongly in the charity and what they do," Ferdinand added. "When
I went to the hospice I was so touched by what a wonderful warm place it was
and how hard the staff work to make sure the children there are always
having fun but also being stimulated. I have also been told my voice isn't
that bad so I knew I wasn't going to embarrass myself which I think Joe was
hoping for!"
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Pantsil pleased to be back - WHUFC
John Pantsil has told WHUTV about his affection for the fans and his
determination to achieve with the club
28.02.2008
John Pantsil has spoken of his happiness in returning to the fold at West
Ham United after his experience with semi-finalists Ghana at the Africa Cup
of Nations.
The 26-year-old right-back, capped 39 times, played every minute of his
country's five games at the finals and his big-game experience could prove
invaluable if selected against Chelsea this Saturday. While Pantsil was
giving his all for the host nation his thoughts were never too far away from
the Boleyn Ground. "I am so happy to be back with my group and the team at
West Ham. When I was playing at the Cup of Nations, people were shouting the
name of West Ham at me and I was so happy and proud to hear my club's name
mentioned in Ghana."
While naturally focused on the task at hand, Pantsil tuned in to as many
games as he could on TV - notably the 1-0 defeat at Manchester City in the
FA Cup third-round replay and the famous home success by the same scoreline
against Liverpool at the end of January. The latter win came as Pantsil was
preparing for a memorable 2-1 quarter-final victory against Nigeria. "I was
watching every game that was happening, especially when we played the FA Cup
against Man City. At the end I felt so bad about that and after we won
against Liverpool I was so happy."
Since returning Pantsil found himself back on the bench for the first time
in the 1-0 win at Fulham last Saturday and was overawed to get such a
rapturous response from the travelling fans when he ran out to warm up
including a special song in his honour. "It was so amazing to see the fans
last Saturday and I am very happy to come back to the club. The song was
amazing, it just showed me that I am back with the team and I must be ready
for any chance that comes my way."
The defender, known to his team-mates as Johnny P, is a popular figure at
the training ground for his enthusiastic approach. That was very much in
evidence as he played the full 90 minutes for the reserves in a 3-1 win
against Tottenham Hotspur on Monday. Afterwards, manager Kevin Keen
described the international as a "super player" and Pantsil is hopeful of
being involved against Chelsea - especially as he wants to help the club
finish as high as possible. "I can't wait to play in Europe with West Ham. I
believe that this year we will make it," he added.
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Av some of that - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 27th February 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has told Chelsea boss Avram Grant that he is under pressure
to achieve ahead of this weekend's big London derby. Curbishley, talking in
today's Daily Mirror told Grant that he needs to start getting results after
some sections of the Chelsea support turned on him following last weekend's
Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham. "Everything Avram Grant does is going to be
analysed - and that is something he has to handle," said the Hammers boss.
"If you are lucky enough to be a manager of a top-four club then that comes
with the territory. Unless you get results and success quickly then you
don't get the same time anymore. "If it's not Avram Grant it's Rafa Benitez,
and if Arsenal weren't doing so well it would be Arsene Wenger. Being a
manager is getting tougher - that honeymoon period has gone."
Meanwhile Curbishley has his own problems ahead of the game; despite winning
1-0 at Fulham last weekend he came in for heavy criticism from United fans
during the game for his perceived negative approach. He has since called for
his team to be more adventurous in future. However Curbishley is unlikely to
change his favoured 4-5-1 formation which led to home wins against both
Manchester United and Liverpool earlier in the season, despite Bobby Zamora
being fit once again giving him a decent pool of strikers from which to
choose.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Disappointed - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 27th February 2008
By: Staff Writer
Robert Green has confessed to being 'disappointed' at not being involved in
Fabio Capello's first England squad. The Hammers keeper, who has been
enjoying an excellent season between the sticks was left out of the squad
which beat Switzerland 2-1 at Wembley last month in favour of veteran David
James and rookies Chris Kirkland and Scott Carson. Capello names his second
squad for the forthcoming friendly with France in Paris soon, but Green -
who has taken to wearing gloves insigned with the motto 'England's number
six' in reference to his perceived standing in the goalkeeping order - is
not expecting to be named despite having been watched by Capello and
goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence at Fulham last weekend. "It is still very
early in Mr Capello's reign and it would be foolish to rule myself out for
the future," he said. "It's become apparent that maybe I'm not going to
feature. I'll just keep playing, but it's disappointing not to be involved."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs in Grant warning - SSN
Chelsea manager told to deliver success quickly
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 27th February 2008
Alan Curbishley has warned Avram Grant that he will not be given much time
to bring success to Chelsea. The Blues turned in a lacklustre performance
as they lost 2-1 to Tottenham in the Carling Cup final. Some of Grant's
decisions have been questioned and Curbishley, whose West Ham side face
Chelsea on Saturday, believes the manager will continue to come under
scrutiny. He feels the only way for Grant to alleviate the pressure is to
deliver some silverware to Stamford Bridge this season. "It's the life we're
in at the moment," Curbishley said in the Daily Mirror. "Unless you get
results and success quickly then you don't get the same time anymore.
"Everything Avram Grant does is going to be analysed and that is something
he has to handle. "If you are lucky enough to be a manager of a top-four
club then that comes with the territory. "If it's not Avram Grant it's Rafa
Benitez, and if Arsenal weren't doing so well it would be Arsene Wenger.
"Being a manager is getting tougher. That honeymoon period has gone."
Curbishley has sympathy for managers who come in for such criticism, but
does not think Chelsea approached the Carling Cup final in the right manner.
He said: "I think you get applauded over the top when you win, then you get
over castigated when you lose. "I looked at the cup final and the start was
the most important thing and Tottenham made much the faster start."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green not expecting call - SSN
Goalkeeper frustrated by England snub
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 27th February 2008
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has admitted he is losing hope over an
England call-up. Green was left out of the England squad for the recent
friendly against Switzerland, with new manager Fabio Capello preferring
David James, Scott Carson and Chris Kirkland. Green, who has been
consistently excellent for The Hammers this season, felt he perhaps deserved
to be included. And the 28-year-old accepts that being overlooked does not
bode well for his chances of making it into the squad for the game against
France next month. "I don't know what I've got to do to get in the England
squad," Green said in the Daily Star. "It's become apparent that maybe I'm
not going to feature. "It is still very early in Mr Capello's reign and it
would be foolish to rule myself out for the future, so I'll just keep
playing. "But it's disappointing not to be involved."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green warning for Chelsea
Hammers out to inflict more misery on Blues
By Chris Burton Last updated: 27th February 2008
West Ham keeper Robert Green has warned Chelsea not to expect an easy time
at Upton Park on Saturday. The Blues have endured a difficult week following
a Carling Cup final defeat to Tottenham on Sunday and reports of a training
ground bust-up between club captain John Terry and assistant manager Henk
Ten Cate. They also trail current Premier League leaders Arsenal by nine
points and cannot afford any more slip-ups if they are to claim an unlikely
title success. Taking all that into account, West Ham are far from ideal
opponents going into a make-or-break week which also includes a UEFA
Champions League second leg tie with Olympiakos the following Wednesday. The
Hammers have already beaten Manchester United and Liverpool at home this
season and are confident of claiming another high-profile scalp this
weekend. "In true West Ham style it seems to be these games where we excel,"
Green told the club's official website. "Chelsea had a big game on Sunday
and they have a big game on the Wednesday after our game and you know they
won't be looking forward to coming to Upton Park. "I don't think anyone
every does really. "Between ourselves and the fans we can make it as
intimidating as possible and really get stuck into them."
The Hammers edged past Fulham in a scrappy 1-0 win at Craven Cottage last
Saturday, and with a game in hand on most of the sides above them will still
harbour realistic ambitions of claiming a European place come the end of the
season. They do have some difficult games coming up though and Green is well
aware that the Hammers must become more clinical in front of goal if they
are to ultimately threaten the top six. "Chelsea will be tough, but we have
got a few tough games coming ahead," Green said. "We are looking up though
and we can put a positive spin on the Fulham result. We have played better
this season and not won. "We created a lot of chances and on another day we
would have taken them. It seems to be happening quite a lot this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United locked in money battle with agent - The Times
Gary Jacob
West Ham United's protracted dispute with Kia Joorabchian threatens to be
reignited in the next few weeks after the club said that they would mount a
"vigorous defence" against a multimillion-pound compensation proceeding
brought by the agent. The club will respond this week to Joorabchian's High
Court claim for £7.1 million, believed to relate to the contracts of Carlos
Tévez, the forward who helped to rescue West Ham from relegation last season
while being at the centre of a bitter dispute between the parties. The case
is being scrutinised by Sheffield United, who began arbitration proceedings
against West Ham in the summer. The Yorkshire club are seeking compensation
after estimating that relegation from the Barclays Premier League last
season cost them £30 million.
Joorabchian is claiming a payment of £4.5 million and a further sum of £2.6
million, which he asserts should have been made by January 31. He has not
provided the court with the reasons for his claim – as he is required to do
after launching the case - and it is not being brought on behalf of Tévez or
Media Sports Investments (MSI) and Just Sports Inc (JSI), the companies that
own the economic rights to the forward. Joorabchian's claim refers to
agreements between the parties on May 4 and August 2 last year. He is
believed to have held a meeting with West Ham on May 4 to clear Tévez to
play against Bolton Wanderers in a crucial match at a time when the Premier
League had asked the club to terminate the third-party agreement. He struck
a deal with West Ham on August 2 to release Tévez's registration so that he
could join Manchester United. MSI and JSI paid West Ham £2 million for this.
Joorabchian is thought to have written communication with West Ham officials
to support his case. On the playing front, Alan Curbishley believes that his
team can exploit weaknesses in Chelsea at Upton Park on Saturday. The
manager is likely to continue playing Carlton Cole alone up front against
the bigger teams – although he surprisingly used the system in the 1-0
victory away to Fulham last weekend – so Dean Ashton is again left out for a
significant match. "In true West Ham style, it seems to be the games where
we excel," Robert Green, the goalkeeper, said. "Chelsea won't be looking
forward to coming to Upton Park. We need to make it as intimidating as
possible and really get stuck into them."
Curbishley has targeted finishing in the top seven, which could offer the
chance of European football next season, but they face difficult matches
against Liverpool, Tottenham Hotspur and Everton in the next month. "Chelsea
will be tough, but we have a tough few games ahead," Green said. "We are
looking up, though, and we can put a positive spin on the Fulham result. We
have played better this season and not won."
Curbishley has been boosted by Bobby Zamora being about to return after six
months out with a knee injury and Scott Parker resuming full training after
a similar problem.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scudamore in line of fire as Joorabchian seeks answers - The Times
Gary Jacob
Kia Joorabchian is willing to fund an inquiry into the Carlos Tévez affair
to clear up inconsistencies that appear to remain. Speaking for the first
time since the forward moved from West Ham United to Manchester United,
Joorabchian accused Richard Scudamore, the Premier League chief executive,
of breaking the organisation's constitution.
Joorabchian, who represents the two companies that hold Tevez's "economic
rights", believes that his image and that of third-party investment
companies has been blotted by the League's handling of the matter, and
blames Scudamore.
"Scudamore has, in an indirect way, made suggestions and dragged me, West
Ham, my players through the mud," Joorabchian said. "It has clouded people's
perceptions of me. I want an inquiry and if the clubs agree, I'm willing to
finance it. We have nothing to hide. I am asking for transparency."
He has questions for Scudamore. "Why were we never asked for paper-work?" he
said. "Why would Scudamore want to continue to conduct the affairs of West
Ham in relation to Carlos after the club had been fined for breaches? Is
there something to hide?"
Joorabchian also said that the League had no right to intervene when Tévez
wanted to move to Manchester United. "They insisted on a transfer from West
Ham, then tried to determine the price. That is not their role, and it is
against the constitution of the League."
The League has since changed the rules, so that it receives documents
relating to player registration. "Scudamore said that the policy is to let
him be the judge," he said. "Does that mean, if I'm a friend of the chief
executive I can get it passed?"
Joorabchian would be happy for third-party ownership to be outlawed in
England, if clubs wanted that, but added: "We provide an opportunity for a
club who can't afford £30 million players to have them. I wanted to create a
new style of business."
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West Ham No1 Green convinced Chelsea there for taking
tribalfooball.com - February 27, 2008
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is convinced they can shock Chelsea
this weekend. It has not been the best of weeks for Avram Grant and his
squad, with extra-time defeat in the Carling Cup final to Tottenham at
Wembley followed by reports of a bust-up between captain John Terry and
coach Henk ten Cate. "In true West Ham style it seems to be the games where
we excel," said former Norwich goalkeeper Green. "Chelsea had a big game on
Sunday and they have a big [Champions League] game on the Wednesday after
our game and you know they won't be looking forward to coming to Upton Park.
"I don't think anyone ever does really. "Between ourselves and the fans we
can make it as intimidating as possible and really get stuck into them."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham to pounce for Tottenham's Bent
tribalfooball.com - February 27, 2008
West Ham United are ready to pounce for Tottenham striker Darren Bent. The
former Charlton Athletic forward has failed to establish himself at White
Hart Lane this season and the Daily Telegraph says Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley is ready to try again for Bent after being turned down last year.
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West Ham's Upson confident of keeping England place
tribalfootball.com - February 28, 2008
West Ham United centre-half Matthew Upson believes that he can retain his
place in the England team, despite other defenders returning from injury.
"Training sessions and performances when you are with England are more
important [than club matches]," he said.
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What have West Ham fans got to complain about? - Footballing World
February 27, 2008 – 10:10 pm
There are three big negative creeds in politics – conservatives (small 'c'),
technocrats and idealists.
Conservatives mostly look back and rarely give change a chance; technocrats
are preoccupied with means and not ends; idealists often expect too much and
provide too little. At a time when it is difficult to please West Ham fans –
no, actually I mean at a time when it is difficult to please a large section
of West Ham home fans – there is a little bit of all three of these creeds
at work. Let me explain.
The backdrop to this article is based around a few facts. First, West Ham's
style of football is currently not as attractive to watch compared to the
football played under Redknapp or the football of the 05-06 season under
Pardew. Second, this season, West Ham's forwards have been goal shy. The
final fact is that facts one and two have given a significant section of the
home support reason to boo tactics and players. The more reasonable of us
Hammers note that the length of the injury list itself explains all, and
that this season is in fact looking like sure and steady progress despite
notable absences from the first team. Alas, this washes over some, so hear
goes nothing.
Despite being a Hammer himself, Curbishley came to Upton Park with baggage.
Charlton were famous for being a well-organised and stubborn side to break
down, often grinding out results as opposed to attacking the game with guile
and flair. In short, not a brand of football that the claret and blue
faithful buy into. So some of the current negativity is a continuation of
the mistrust felt towards Curbishley's tactical approach. Fellow fans often
recall his days at Charlton and ask me: "Is that what you want? Cos that's
what you've got!"
And here we find the conservative, preoccupied with Curbishley and Charlton
rather than Curbishley and West Ham. This blinkered position claims that
both teams under Curbishley played a defensive way because that's the way he
likes it. Of course, this is nonsense. With Charlton, there was no other
way; it was a case of being well organised defensively or being relegated. I
think history proves the point clearly. Just ask any Charlton fan who went
to Blackpool away recently.
With Curbishley and West Ham, likewise, there was no other way. After a
season of flirting with relegation, a manager shouldn't subsequently
instruct his players to bomb forward and dazzle the crowds; and when a team
has the chance of a Uefa cup spot, as West Ham currently do, a manager
should stick to the players and the formation that works best whether it's
conservative or not. This would be done not out of choice but out of a
desire to bring some success which West Ham has very rarely tasted. Only
technocrats of the footballing world would be so obsessed with style to the
detriment of achieving anything. Sometimes fans just get too close to it all
and miss the bigger picture.
The biggest sin of not seeing the wood for the trees goes to the idealists,
those that expect all parts of the West Ham team to consistently function in
perfect harmony. Their intentions might be good, but their behaviour gets us
nowhere. Luis Boa Morte and Carlton Cole have been the targets of this
brigade, hounded for poor finishing and passing, while Dean Ashton has also
taken flack for not closing the opposition down and working hard enough. No
doubt, the lack of goals is disappointing. But in each case the individual
makes a notable team contribution. LBM work-rate is high, and his closing
down of defenders has hurried opposition players into mistakes.
Cole has found a first touch and his movement has improved tenfold. With
some composure to improve his goal ratio, he could become an established
striker. Ashton is West Ham's best finisher and arguably most valued asset.
Give him the opportunity, and he is most likely to score. Having to find
match fitness and form on the job is not easy and until now he has been our
only viable alternative to Cole. The fact that he is also struggling to
adapt to a system that is based on a more direct approach only compounds the
problem. But there is no choice.
How can any manager leave Ashton out of first team squads when he is deemed
fit enough to be considered? He cannot.
It doesn't matter which angle it is looked at from, the current
disgruntlement amongst some home fans is bewildering. Maybe it is being
stuck in the past, or taking it all too seriously, or expecting too much, or
all three. I am not entirely sure. But what I do know is that given last
season's turmoil and given an injury list that would create a relegation
season for most clubs, the vast majority of West Ham fans should be enjoying
the stability, professionalism and safety of this season.
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Plans on New West Ham Utd Stadium Site looks Doomed - cmonyuirons.org
Posted by Joe J on February 27th, 2008
The plans to build a new stadium at the old parcel-force site may be
scrapped if Government Health & Safety Executives deem it unsafe. Surrey
County Cricket Club's plans to redevelop The Oval with a hotel and new stand
that would expand capacity by 5,000 have been left in disarray after the
Health & Safety Executive requested a "stop notice" preventing the granting
of planning permission. As previously revealed here the HSE was motivated by
fears of an explosion at a nearby gas repository which could have endangered
spectators. It will now consider whether to ask government to "call in" the
development, leading to delays in the construction process that could kill
off the project. This has intriguing implications for West Ham United, who
are exploring the possibility of developing a 31-acre site in Newham
previously used as a Parcel-force depot. The site's owner, the London
Development Agency, last month gave the club until July to come up with
outline plans for development after a previous deadline expired. But now the
Hammers' development proposals must consider the impact of a gas repository
facility to the west of the site.
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Green shrugs off England concerns to focus on the Hammers
By Guardian-series
DESPITE voicing his concerns again about possibly being left out of the next
England squad, West Ham keeper Robert Green remains focused on only one task
ahead of him. The 28-year-old former Norwich stopper (pictured) stated this
week: "I don't know what I've got to do to get in the England squad, because
it's become apparent that maybe I'm not going to feature." Yet, while Green
may still have concerns about being overlooked by new England boss Fabio
Capello for next month's friendly with France - his only real worry this
week remained helping the Hammers beat Chelsea on Saturday. And he is hoping
that the fans can help kick-off a difficult period of fixtures by winning in
style against the Blues to follow last weekend's scrappy 1-0 win at Fulham.
He said: "They (Chelsea) had a big game on Sunday and they have a big
Champions League game on the Wednesday after our game and you know they
won't be looking forward to coming to Upton Park. "I don't think anyone ever
does really. Between ourselves and the fans we can make it as intimidating
as possible and really get stuck into them and make it a double over the
west London clubs."
The Irons follow Saturday's game with tough away encounters with Liverpool
(on Wednesday) and then Tottenham Hotspur (on Sunday week) respectively.
"Chelsea will be hard but we have got a tough few games coming ahead," said
Green. "We are looking up though and we can put a positive spin on the
Fulham result. "We have played better this season and not won. We created a
lot of chances and on another day we would have taken them.
"It seems to be happening quite a lot this season."
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Ashton mucks in with West Ham reserves
tribalfooball.com - February 27, 2008
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton was prepared to muck in with the
reserves on Monday night. Ashton was relegated to the reserves by manager
Alan Curbishley, but showed he is ready to fight for his place by scoring in
a 3-1 victory over Tottenham reserves.
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Curbishley: Time Is Running Out For Grant - Goal.com
In the wake of Chelsea's Carling Cup final defeat, manager Avram Grant is
now under pressure to restore the club's aura as winners, reckons Alan
Curbishley. West Ham United meet Chelsea this weekend in an always keenly
contested London derby. And ahead of the clash, Hammers' boss Alan
Curbishley has warned that for his Chelsea counterpart Avram Grant, the
clock is already ticking for him to turn the club's fortunes around after
their Carling Cup Final defeat by Spurs. Curbishley believes the pressure is
now on Grant to start winning trophies to satisfy Chelsea's owner Roman
Abramovich, who will demand continuing eturns on his huge financial
investment in the club. One of the Barclays Premier League's longest-serving
managers, Curbishley says Grant will not be given the sort of time that
Arsene Wenger and Sir Alex Ferguson were to win trophies. The Hammers boss
was at Charlton Athletic for 15 years before taking over at the Boleyn
Ground 14 months ago. He says Grant will be under intense scrutiny after
vibrant Spurs came from behind at Wembley to beat a Chelsea side that looked
unbalanced and tactically limited - especally as his predecessor, Jose
Mourinho, won three out of three domestic cup finals in his three full
seasons at Stamford Bridge, as well as two Premier League titles. Curbishley
told The Mirror: "It's the life we're in at the moment. Unless you get
results and success quickly then you don't get the same time anymore. "When
you get to a high profile club everything you do is going to be looked at -
body language, the way you walk onto the pitch, the way you dress, every
last detail. "Everything Avram Grant does is going to be analysed and that
is something he has to handle. I looked at the cup final and the start was
the most important thing and Tottenham made much the better start. If you
are lucky enough to be a manager of a top-four club then that comes with the
territory. "If it's not Avram Grant, it's Rafa Benitez and if Arsenal
weren't doing so well it would be Arsene Wenger. "Being a manager is getting
tougher. "That honeymoon period has gone. You even look at someone like Dave
Jones at Cardiff who was under pressure and then he turned it around. "I
think you get applauded over the top when you win, then you get over
castigated when you lose. You have to take it with a pinch of salt. "I've
never been under too much pressure as a manager, apart from maybe when I was
first at Charlton when I wanted to do things and change things. "Even Sir
Alex had a period where it wasn't going so well, but United showed the
foresight to stick with it and I don't know if that is there any more. I
managed my last game at Charlton at Old Trafford and I had done 15 years and
Alex had done 20 years. I said to him the days of the two managers doing 35
years between them have gone."
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Green losing England hope - Setanta
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 27 February 2008
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has admitted he is fast losing optimism in
his wait for an England call up. The 28-year-old has just one cap to his
name – an appearance against Colombia in May 2005 – and has long been viewed
as a real candidate to establish himself as a regular starter for The Three
Lions. However, Green was overlooked by Fabio Capello for his first game in
charge of the national side at Wembley at the start of February and the
former Norwich shot-stopper is losing hope with a friendly against France in
Paris looming in March. "I don't know what I've got to do to get in the
England squad," said an exasperated Green in the Daily Star. "It's become
apparent that maybe I'm not going to feature. "It is still very early in Mr
Capello's reign, and it would be very foolish to rule myself out for the
future, so I'll just keep playing. "But it's disappointing not to be
involved
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West Ham target Italian talent spotter Gianluca Nani - The Mirror
By David McDonnell 27/02/2008
The Italian who West Ham want as their new sporting director signed Roberto
Baggio and Pepe Guardiaola for Brescia. Gianluca Nani also launched the
career of Italy striker Luca Toni at the club now sixth in Serie B. The
Hammers want him to take responsibility for transfer policy, contract
negotiations and youth development. Previous chairman Eggert Magnusson had
the role at Upton Park before he left the club in December. Nani's
appointment has the blessing of boss Alan Curbishley, who helped interview
the Italian.
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West Ham's Upson sets his targets for club and country
By Guardian-series
SUCH is the confidence of Matthew Upson this season, that the defender has
his sights set on an impressive personal double target of keeping hold of
his England shirt and firing West Ham into Europe. The 28-year-old has
become the focal point of the Hammers solid back line, a defence that has
conceded just 23 goals in 26 Premier League games. And it is precisely this
record that has propelled the former Arsenal and Birmingham star back into
the England fold. He was selected in Fabio Capello's first side earlier this
month as reward for his consistently high displays, and would not have
disappointed the watching Italian again during Saturday's 1-0 win at Fulham.
After almost four years in the international wilderness, the centre back is
not going to surrender his place without a fight. "I want to keep that shirt
100 per cent," Upson said. "It is something I have worked really hard to
achieve, to get myself back in the reckoning. "It was a massive personal
goal of mine and I'm really hungry to represent my country and do whatever
it takes to stay in there. "Your domestic form is important, to show the
manager how you are playing at the moment, and then obviously when you do
meet up with the squad, your training sessions and your performances for
England is just as important, if not more."
The centre half position is arguably where England are strongest at present
and Upson knows that he must continue to churn out the performances if he is
to keep his place in the squad. To maintain his place in the starting line
up though, might take something extra again. That thought was echoed at
Wembley on Sunday, with Capello paying a visit to watch the Carling Cup
final between Chelsea and Spurs on Sunday to run checks on two of Upson's
main contenders, John Terry and Ledley King. Upson though, is unpreturbed.
"The pressure is on in the sense of the competition," he said. "It is a very
difficult achievement to get that shirt and then to hang on to it, but it
makes the challenge that much bigger. "To get in that position means I must
be doing something right."
It is because Upson is "doing something right" that West Ham find themselves
still embroiled in the hunt for a UEFA Cup spot. The east Londoners game
plan this season has been largely based on a strong defensive unit, and
Upson is the mainstay. However, while it is continuing that form for his
club - and aiming to help them achieve a top seven finish in the Premier
League - that remains top of his agenda, Upson knows West Ham face a huge
task to qualify for continental football. The club are in tenth place, seven
points behind seventh-place Portsmouth with only 12 games to go. Upson said:
"We still do have a chance, but it is going to take a really good run of
form in the next couple of months to really get amongst those teams, but
with a win (against Fulham)it's given us more hope. "We desperately needed
to get something to give us something to play for still in the league. "I've
played in Europe for Arsenal, and I'm desperate to do it again. It is
exactly what I need."
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Curbishley Welcomes More Stable, Lower Profile Hammers- Goal.com
After the turmoil and turbulence at the club in recent years, West Ham
United manager Alan Curbishley says he is happy that his side are not in the
media spotlight this season. West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has welcomed
the relative absence of the Hammers from the headlines this season, because
it is a sign that the club is more solid and more stable than in recent
years - and last season in particular. "We need a bit of stability because
in the last four or five years we've had a play-off final we lost, a
play-off final we won and then last season was played out across the back
pages," said Curbishley ahead of this weekend's meeting with Chelsea. A
place in next season's Uefa Cup is still within the Hammers' grasp, and he
added: "We have to win at least half of our remaining games - and perhaps do
a little bit more than that. "I feel very confident."
Meanwhile, the club's reserve-team coach, Kevin Keen, has said they are
excited about the current crop of youngsters coming through the system.
Keen told WHUTV: "We have got a set of young players here at the moment who
will die for the club. That's from Jack Collison to Tony Stokes who are a
little bit older in midfield right down to the younger ones - Freddie Sears,
Zavon Hines, Ashley Miller and Jordan Spence. "There is a real determination
to do well for the club and for themselves. There is a super spirit in this
reserve team and, when you look at the youth team results as well, things
are bubbling along quite nicely. "Whatever happens, they are a getting a
good education and they are a good set of lads. We are pleased at the
moment."
West Ham have a tradition of producing talented youngsters. Frank Lampard,
Rio Ferdinand, Joe Cole, Michael Carrick, Jermain Defoe and Glen Johnson are
all graduates from the Hammers youth set-up.
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