Daily WHUFC News - 23rd November 2010

Edgar eager to return
WHUFC.com
There has been positive news from the treatment room on young winger Anthony
Edgar
22.11.2010

Anthony Edgar's recovery from a knee problem is going well and he could
return to light training later this week. The flying winger, who was a
revelation with the first team in pre-season with two goals, saw his
progress hampered by injury in a reserve-team friendly at Queen's Park
Rangers on 24 August. He had surgery a week later and has been committed to
returning to form and fitness as soon as possible. The homegrown Hammer, who
made his senior debut in last season's FA Cup third-round match against
Arsenal, signed a new deal in the summer. It was a major lift for the
youngster and he is pleased with his rehabilitation to date. "I am doing
really well," he said. "I have been running for a week or two. Hopefully I
will be in light training this week and push on from there. I am in the gym
every day and working hard. It has been a long haul. "The other lads have
kept me going. They put their hand on my shoulder and said 'You did well [in
the summer], just go again'. I believe in my ability. In a way I am happy it
happened at the start of the season rather than in the middle. I just have
to get back on my feet and keep going."

Edgar has remained busy off the pitch and took time out last week to attend
a Premier 4 Sports event in tandem with the West Ham United Community Sports
Trust at Royal Docks Community School in Custom House. Local youngsters also
took part in an afternoon designed to raise awareness of judo as an Olympic
sport - with Stratford-based British judo star Jermaine McIntosh the main
attraction. "It is really good to see the guys in action," added Edgar.
"After watching their performances I will be looking out for them at the
Olympics. Nowadays it is better to keep healthy, keep fit and do sports. It
is good for the community and it is good to see so many children involved.
"Judo looks like a physically demanding sport so to get this far in the
sport is a good achievement. Hopefully they can push on get stronger."

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Ladies surge ahead
WHUFC.com
The Hammers are riding high after proving too strong for hosts Colchester
United
22.11.2010

Colchester United Ladies 0-4 West Ham United Ladies

West Ham United Ladies have pushed further ahead at the top of the FA
Women's Premier League table after a thumping victory at local rivals
Colchester United. The game had been in some doubt all week due the muddy
conditiions at Colchester's Stanway Rovers ground but the Hammers were
delighted it got the go ahead. Gemma Shepherd, Rosey Sullivan, Tracey
Duxbury and Nina Downham (pictured) were all on target in a comprehensive
win. Shepherd opened the scoring on the quarter-hour mark and ten minutes
from half-time Sullivan doubled the Hammers' advantage. Duxbury put the game
beyond doubt shortly before the hour and Downham weighed in with a fourth on
72 minutes as the Hammers warmed up in perfect style for their League Cup
quarter-final with Leicester City next weekend. With rivals Kenysham Town's
match postponed, the Hammers have stretched their lead to six points at the
top of the table

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Petrovic set for Japan?
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd November 2010
By: Staff Writer

Zeljko Petrovic could be on his way to the Far East - just four months after
being appointed as Avram Grant's number two. The 45-year-old former
Yugoslavian international could be on his way out of West Ham this week with
some sources claiming that he is set to be fired by co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold. The duo, who purchased 50 per cent of West Ham United last
January, have come under fire this week from supporters following the team's
horrendous opening third of the 2010/11 Premier League campaign - a start
that has produced a solitary win against Tottenham. However news from
Montenegro suggests that Petrovic has already agreed to join Japanese
J-League outfit Urawa Red Diamonds in a coaching capacity - and that a deal
has been in place for some time. Stories of unrest within the first team
squad first began to emanate some weeks ago following reports of
dissatisfaction amongst the players with the training methods employed by
Grant and Petrovic, his new assistant. Additionally, a report in today's
Sun newspaper quoted 'an insider' who stated: "I think to a man the players
don't like him. They think he is full of himself for someone with so little
experience of football over here. "It's his first job in English football
and he doesn't seem to work the players hard enough."

Sullivan and Gold are rumoured to have axed Petrovic in order to save Grant,
whom they awarded a four-year contract to in the summer.

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'Arrogant' Petrovic faces the axe
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today

WEST HAM are set to sack Avram Grant's right-hand man in the first step
towards digging the club out of trouble. Assistant boss Zeljko Petrovic will
pay the price for a deep rift with the players at the rock-bottom Hammers.
SunSport revealed exclusively how the first team squad are unhappy with the
Montenegran's training methods and his 'arrogant' personality. And as the
first cracks appear in the management team, under-pressure boss Grant is
poised to fire the man he appointed only four months ago. The club hope to
bring in more specialist coaches to bring the best out of a bunch of
woefully under-achieving players. Saturday's dismal 3-0 defeat at Liverpool
exposed the breakdown in relations between Petrovic and the squad. Striker
Carlton Cole appeared to vent his frustration at Grant's No 2 when
substituted. Grant himself is under enormous pressure, even though he was
only appointed in the summer. But West Ham have been in the relegation zone
all season - and are already five points from safety. Club chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold are doing their best to stick by Grant but it is
believed both men are fast running out of patience.

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Hammers sound out former skipper Lomas for shock return
Published 23:00 22/11/10 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror

West Ham are ready to give Avram Grant a new coach to help him out of a
crisis – and are moving for former skipper Steve Lomas as the surprise
choice.
The Hammers hierarchy badly want Grant to succeed after appointing him in
the summer and plan to help him with new staff. Lomas was a favourite at
West Ham and has picked up his coaching badges, as well as experiencing a
brief spell as a non-league manager. Lomas has been sounded out about the
post and it's thought he would take it to get back into the senior game. The
former Northern Ireland international, 36, could be an ideal addition for
Grant, whose current No.2, Zeljko Petrovic, will be gone by the end of the
week. Lomas was with West Ham for years and will command respect from the
dressing room, where many will remember him from his playing days. Grant
needs results quickly and West Ham have identified Saturday's meeting with
Wigan as their "save our season" game, cutting ticket prices in a bid to
attract a full house. But the high-risk strategy will pile pressure on Grant
if his side do not end a run of nine games without a win against their
relegation rivals. The Premier League's bottom club are now five points from
safety after winning only one match this season. And the Irons have failed
to beat any of the newly-promoted teams in their last three matches at Upton
Park. Vice-chairman Karren Brady gave Grant a public vote of confidence last
week but after travelling fans voiced their displeasure during the 3-0
defeat at Anfield on Saturday, the board issued an email to fans yesterday
to rally support. The message said: "The board has designated this match the
'save our season game' and, in an unprecedented move, has made available
5,000 adult tickets for just £20 to ensure a bumper Boleyn crowd."

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Di Canio could be Hammers candidate
November 22, 2010
ESPN
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent

West Ham legend Paolo Di Canio will return to Upton Park for the visit of
Wigan Athletic on Saturday - just at the time the club's fans are calling
for their icon to return to rescue the team from the bottom of the Premier
League. Di Canio, who became a cult hero during his four years with the
Hammers, is visiting the hospitality suite named in his honour at the Boleyn
Ground, but there is a strong possibility that he could soon be moving into
the stadium's dugout to be a part of the staff, with assistant Zeljko
Petrovic on his way out of Upton Park. However, a West Ham insider told
ESPNsoccernet: "The name of Di Canio has been mentioned, but he has no
coaching experience whatsoever. The fans might want Di Canio, but this might
not be the right way to go. They need a defensive coach and a coach who
specialises in free-kicks. "Most of all they need to sign some top quality
players in January. They spent £8 million in the summer, and that is not
enough." Current West Ham boss Avram Grant has just three games left to
persuade the board not to sack him before Christmas, a run of matches that
begins against Wigan. At Anfield, Hammers fans started to walk out before
half time with the team 3-0 down, and those who stayed called for former
striker Di Canio to return.

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Avram Grant hangs on at West Ham but No 2 Zeljko Petrovic faces boot
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 7:40 PM on 22nd November 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham are on the brink of sacking Avram Grant's No 2 Zeljko Petrovic.
Grant, who is under pressure with the Hammers rock bottom of the Barclays
Premier League, is set to lose his right-hand man, who failed to win over
the players. Paul Groves and Kevin Keen prepared West Ham in pre-season but
Montenegrin Petrovic was appointed above them just two weeks before the
season started. Yet, the 45-year-old was not welcomed in the dressing room
by the players, who have become disillusioned by their poor start to the
season. Despite facing a relegation battle, West Ham have so far stood by
Grant.
Sections of the travelling support at Liverpool, where they lost 3-0 on
Saturday, called for his sacking. But vice-chairwoman Karren Brady has
insisted that Grant will not be axed. The defeat at Liverpool means Grant
has only won once in 14 games and Petrovic will now pay the price. Co-owners
David Sullivan and David Gold could bring in new defensive and striking
coaches to aid Grant. West Ham, who are five points adrift of safety, face
fellow strugglers Wigan on Saturday in what is already a must-win match.

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Petrovic chop reports surface
Monday 22nd November 2010 18:44
TeamTalk

Avram Grant's number two at West Ham, Zeljko Petrovic, is understood to be
on the brink of getting the axe at Upton Park. Grant is under extreme
pressure with the Hammers at the foot of the Premier League, but it is
Petrovic who is believed to be close to the sack. Vice-chairwoman Karren
Brady has insisted that Grant will not be axed despite calls for his head by
some sections of fans in the last few games. And reports have suggested
Petrovic, who has failed to gain the respect of the players, will carry the
can for the Hammers' poor start to the season. Paul Groves and Kevin Keen
prepared West Ham in pre-season but 45-year-old Petrovic was appointed above
them just a few weeks before the season started.

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West Ham ponder Paolo Di Canio comeback as No 2 Zeljko Petrovic is sacked
ahead of 'save our season' Wigan clash
By LAURA WILLIAMSON
Last updated at 12:18 AM on 23rd November 2010
Daily Mail

West Ham have sacked Avram Grant's No 2 Zeljko Petrovic and declared
Saturday's clash with Wigan their 'Save Our Season' match. The club's owners
decided against axing Grant despite Saturday's limp defeat at Liverpool,
instead dismissing Petrovic just four months into his job. Now they want to
bring in two new coaches. Former West Ham icon Paolo Di Canio has been
considered as a forwards' coach but his appointment is thought to be
unlikely, while former Brentford boss Wally Downes has been lined up to work
on the defence. The club's joint owners, David Sullivan and David Gold, have
also decided to lower ticket prices for the clash against thirdbottom Wigan
in a bid to ensure a sell-out crowd at Upton Park. They will make 5,000
adult tickets available for just £20 each, where prices normally range
between £36 and £52. With the Hammers lying bottom of the Barclays Premier
League with just nine points, a club statement read: 'A full house of loyal
vociferous supporters is needed to help the team as they go all-out for
victory. 'Fans are being urged to snap up tickets and show their support yet
again - having once more provided terrific backing at Liverpool on
Saturday.' Sullivan and Gold are reluctant to sack Grant, 55, who has a
four-year contract, but they believe he needs help. When he took over in
June, Grant outlined his desire to appoint Petrovic, 45, a former Yugoslavia
and PSV Eindhoven midfielder, who had previously worked under Martin Jol at
Hamburg. He joined West Ham two weeks before the start of the season, but
failed to gain the respect of the players during his short spell at the
club.

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Is the Door Now Open for Di Canio?
West Ham Till I Die

There are reports circulating that, West Ham Assistant Manager, Zeljko
Petrovic is leaving the club. KUMB have reported that there are rumours
that Petrovic has agreed to leave to become coach to the Red Dragons in
the Japanese J - League. If true, this would seem to create the ideal
vacancy for Di Canio to work under Avram Grant. Will it happen? Well, the
club's board could certainly do with an inspired appointment to defuse the
mounting discontent within the ranks of the Hammers faithful and distract
their attention on to the prospect of the return of their idol!

There is an element of risk, because we do not really know how Di Canio
will operate in an assistant manager/senior coaching role? We all know that
he was a player who was defined by his passionate approach to the game. Has
a older and wiser Di Canio learnt how to control, harness and channel that
passion; whilst also avoiding damaging serial bust ups and controversies?
One thing is certain, Di Canio possesses the footballing brain and tactical
nous to succeed. Harry Redknapp has in the past recounted how seriously Di
Canio approached tactical issues as a player; analysing opponents and
offering his manager possible opinions/solutions. For me, the key issue is
whether he can get his passionate (ying) in balance with his footballing
knowledge (yang)? If he can then he can definitely become a top manager.
And, after all, everyone needs to be given a first break in their career and
it just feels right that West Ham should provide that opportunity for Di
Canio. Having rescued his playing career, after the infamous ban for
pushing over a referee whilst with Sheffield Wednesday, perhaps the Hammers
will now set him on the road to a successful management career?

It would definitely be a calculated gamble, but one that we should take.
His knowledge, passion and gravitas would re-energise both the dressing
room and the training ground; and get the squad playing to their full
potential. Of course, all of this assumes that the owners will continue to
persevere with Avram Grant. The likelihood is that they will refuse to
dismiss Grant to avoid the accusation that the move was a da facto admission
that their judgement was at fault for making the appointment in in the first
place! If Grant is dismissed then they will probably need to find a ready
made, top quality, replacement to dig us out of this hole. In that
situation the bold move would be to offer someone like Martin O'Neill a
lucrative short-term deal to keep us up. Under that scenario, Di Canio could
still be brought in to a revamped coaching set up.

The other rumour abroad is that they are at last seeking to appoint a
specialist defensive coach. I advocated this solution some weeks ago in
response to the club's stubborn, reoccurring defensive problems. However, I
conceived of someone like Gerorge Graham or even Alvin Martin being
appointed. Yet, the Sportsmail has reported that the name under
consideration is former Brentford boss, Wally Downes. I guess we shall just
have to wait and see?

The wheels of change appear to be starting to turn. Who knows, the deal
could be done and Di Canio might be introduced as the new Assistant Manager
on Saturday? If things have not yet reached that stage, then supporters
have the perfect opportunity to demand the Italian's appointment at the
Wigan match, in the presence of the great man himself! However, I fear that
the board are too conservative to consider such a radical, bold move. But
as we all know from history, it is not conservatism that digs clubs out of
relegation trouble, it is thinking outside the box and making the bold
moves that transforms the negative status quo and makes positive things
start to happen!

SJ. Chandos.

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

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Daily WHUFC News - 22nd November 2010

Pet hate adds to Hammers plight
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today

WEST HAM'S survival problems have deepened with a growing rift between the
players and Avram Grant's No 2. Zeljko Petrovic was only appointed in July
by new boss Grant but virtually the entire first-team squad are unhappy with
his training methods and his 'arrogant' personality. An insider said: "I
think to a man the players don't like him. They think he is full of himself
for someone with so little experience of football over here."

The players feel training sessions with Petrovic are too basic and not
challenging enough to bring the best out of them as they scrap for survival
at the foot of the Premier League table. The insider added: "It's his first
job in English football and he doesn't seem to work the players hard
enough."

West Ham were unbeaten in their seven-match pre-season campaign working
under coaches Paul Groves and Kevin Keen. Petrovic was brought in over their
heads by Grant on July 28 - just over two weeks before the season started.
The in-fighting has been largely kept secret until now, although Hammers
striker Carlton Cole appeared to make his feelings clear to the unpopular
Petrovic when he was substituted in the second half of West Ham's woeful 3-0
defeat by Liverpool on Saturday. West Ham have won only one league match
this season - a 1-0 victory over Tottenham in September - and are now five
points adrift of safety. The club's top brass, chairmen David Gold and David
Sullivan, plus vice-chair Karren Brady are determined to stick by Grant
despite awful results and feeble displays. They are hoping to bring in even
more new coaches to assist Grant in his job of turning around a disastrous
run of form and results. Saturday's home fixture against fellow strugglers
Wigan has already taken on massive proportions with so much at stake so
early in the season.

West Ham fans called for Grant's head at Anfield on Saturday evening,
chanting 'you're getting sacked in the morning' to their own manager as the
team put up little resistance to trail by three goals at half time. The
insider said: "The place is unhappy from top to bottom. Petrovic is just one
of problems in the mix of things."

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Vinny's Liverpool Report
Vinny - Sun Nov 21 2010
West Ham Online
Liverpool 3 West Ham United 0

There is not much to say which has not been said already. This performance
showed everything which is wrong with West Ham this season. There was no
quality, no fight and no desire. The West Ham travelling support who
travelled the long distance to Liverpool were provided with a pathetic
attempt to get anything out of the game.

The moment the game had started we quite clearly had no belief that we could
get anything out of the game. There are far too many players in our squad
who do not look interested in playing for the team and if they are then
their form is so bad it is giving off this impression. Tactically Grant does
not help himself because playing this formation which leaves Cole up front
on his own and our best strikers Obinna & Piquionne on the wings does not
work. It hasn't worked this season and will continue not to work. We concede
goals far too easily and have so little quality at the back it makes it
simply for teams to slice us open.

Ilunga is inept and has been for such a long time. He is not good enough to
be starting at the moment and is nothing like the player who had such a good
season and voted the WHO Hammer Of The Year in 2008/09. The fans turned on
Avram Grant yesterday. The chants of 'Sacked in the morning' were a tad
harsh you could think but I could understand the anger from the supporters
given the way we crumbled so easily against the worst Liverpool side we are
likely to ever play.

David Sullivan has intimated that Grant will not be sacked but surely a loss
against Wigan next Saturday will make his postion untenable. We are still
bottom of the league and have won just the one game this season. We cannot
continue like this. I've tried to support Grant and I hate sacking managers
but just like Zola last season the facts are there for all to see and we are
in big big trouble. I cannot write a full match report on this game mainly
because I cannot imagine anyone actually wanting to go through that game
again.

Team: Green, Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga (Tomkins 76), Kovac, Noble,
Boa Morte, Obinna (Barrera 46), Piquionne, Cole (McCarthy 69)
Subs Not Used: Stech, Spector, Reid, Nouble
Bookings: Noble

Man Of The Match: Robert Green
Attendence: 43.024

Goals: Johnson (18), Kyut (27 Pen), Maxi (38)

The View From Grant

"It was not a good performance, "In the last weeks we have performed well,
better than our opponents, but we didn't win. Today we deserved to lose.
"It was not easy but I can take some positives from the second half. It
showed that it is not easy to break us even in a bad situation. "We have to
take that spirit into the next game against Wigan because that is very
important for us. We need to win. Even if there are a lot of games left we
need to start winning now." "The movement was not good. We didn't play well.
We conceded in the second phase of a corner [for the Johnson goal] and a
penalty [for the second from Kuyt] that was not a dangerous situation. "As
well as Parker, we missed a lot of players that were in good shape. Even
without them we should have performed better - as we did for the second
half." "The fans are always right. They came all the way. They wanted to see
a good performance and they didn't see that. That is what is important. It
was not because of the supporters that we didn't perform. They are always
right behind the team." "I am concerned only with my job and what I can
affect. "I will not only analyse this game but will remember the way we
played in the other games in recent weeks. We can still do a good job in
this situation and take ourselves out of it."

Season 2010/11 Scorers and Bookings

Scorers

Frederique Piquionne 5 (4 League, 1 Cup)
Scott Parker 5 (3 League, 2 Cup)
Victor Obinna 2 (2 Cup)
Mark Noble 2 (2 league)
Carlton Cole 1 (1 League)
Valon Behrami 1 (1 League)
Manuel Da Costa 1 (1 Cup)

Bookings

Noble - 4
Parker - 3
Boa Morte - 3
Cole - 2
Upson - 2
Gabbidon - 2
Tomkins - 1
Faubert - 1
Behrami - 1
Piquionne - 1
Obinna - 1
Ben Haim - 1
Ilunga - 1
Kovac - 1

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Taunted Avram Grant is safe for the time being at West Ham
By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 1:32 AM on 22nd November 2010
Daily Mail

It was an attempt, at least, to sound supportive, but West Ham co-owner
David Gold could do no better than offer backing for Avram Grant 'as we
speak', moments after his side's capitulation at Anfield. Grim-faced after
a performance that had relegation stamped all over it, Gold chose his words
with care, as he considered how much longer the Barclays Premier League's
bottom side might stick by their tormented manager. Those West Ham fans who
made the journey north might have hoped he had chosen differently, and there
was a case for wondering whether the same may even have applied to Grant
himself. Pride has so far prevented him walking away, but the limits to his
endurance cannot be too far off, after a public humiliation by the side of
the pitch. His motive for lingering at the edge of the technical area may
have been to pass on instructions, but its effect was to make him a sitting
duck for the away section at the Anfield Road end. They opened fire with
'You're getting sacked in the morning' and, as Liverpool cruised into a 3-0
lead inside 38 minutes, followed up with 'It's just like watching Brazil'
and 'Ole' at any semblance of a passing move. Finally, when Victor Obinna
ballooned a shot yards over, just before half-time, a refrain of 'That's why
we're going down' filled the air. Gold interpreted a solitary chant of
'Avram, Avram give us a wave' as a flicker of hope for Grant but misread
what was, without doubt, more mischief-making. It came within seconds of
another taunt about facing the sack and was delivered in mocking tones. Had
he responded, it would have met with howls of derision, and he knew it. His
hand stayed in his pocket. In a brief press conference afterwards, before
being ushered off to the waiting team coach, he looked downbeat and
despondent but did his best to sound defiant.
'We were very poor in the first half and did not come to the game,' he said.
'The fans? They are always right. They have come a long way and wanted to
see a good peformance, but, instead, we deserved to lose. It was not their
fault we did not perform. 'Will the owners let me see the job through? You
can only ask me about things I can control. I am concentrating on my job.
'The minute I think I cannot do it, I will not be here, but I know I can
take this team forward.'

Asked about the way Grant was ridiculed throughout, Gold said: 'It was
sardonic singing - it is what fans do. 'They are disappointed and there is
no question that we have to do better. We have got to do more. The situation
is worrying. 'As we speak, we are standing by the manager. We all have to
stick together now. It is not a time to run scared. But, by the same token,
we know we have to do a lot better.' Glen Johnson opened the scoring in the
18th minute, then revealed how he had cleared the air with Roy Hodgson after
the Liverpool manager claimed he had not been playing like an England
right-back. 'Today felt good and was more like it,' he said. 'I'm an honest
man, and I don't need to hear it from the manager that I haven't been
playing well. I know when I'm playing well and when I'm not. 'Believe me, no
one wants me to find my best form more than me, and I was aware of what I
had to do. 'It was a little reminder from the boss, and he told me that was
what he meant by it. 'We spoke, and he explained he wanted it to help me, to
push me, and I said to him then, I don't need people to tell me. I know
where I'm at in terms of form, and I knew it all already. 'The gaffer told
me he has faith in my ability, so we spoke about it and cleared things up.
'Sometimes comments like that can be made to look more negative than they
are meant.
'The boss explained that he didn't mean it in a negative way, just that he
knew I had more to offer than I was showing.'

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Gold backs Grant but Hammers fans sing a different tune
Liverpool 3 West Ham 0
Independent
By Simon Hart at Anfield
Monday, 22 November 2010

The sight of a beleaguered manager and the sound of his club's supporters
singing an old favourite's name is not exactly a novelty at Anfield this
season. That he was in the away dugout may explain why Roy Hodgson expressed
sympathy for Avram Grant's plight after the West Ham fans turned on their
manager with chants of "Paolo Di Canio" and "You're getting sacked in the
morning" during this hammering.

Hodgson has been a target himself during his first few months on Merseyside
and believes the fickleness and impatience he frowned upon when working
abroad have filtered into the English game. "Today you know what is coming –
you are losing at half-time and you go in to jeers and catcalls, at
full-time there are boos and the next day everyone is going to get sacked
and every player is going to get thrown out."

But while Hodgson can point to an upturn in Liverpool's fortunes – his side
are back in the top half and have lost just once in eight games – the jeers
for the Premier League's bottom team were fully justified and Grant, who has
overseen just one win in 14 matches, may be running out of time. Saturday's
defeat at a ground where the Hammers have not won since 1963 was no surprise
but it was the ease with which Liverpool dismissed opponents – sorely
missing Scott Parker, absent with a chest infection – which led their fans
to mock Grant.

West Ham's failure to turn draws against Birmingham, West Bromwich and
Blackpool into wins came back to bite them and next Saturday's game with
Wigan has a make-or-break look to it for the Israeli. He is struggling to
inspire confidence in a squad whose morale has plummeted and arguably the
biggest thing in Grant's favour is that West Ham's owners are desperate to
avoid another change of manager six months after sacking Gianfranco Zola and
handing him a four-year contract. Joint-chairman David Gold said: "We have
to accept we are bottom of the league but there's no question of a change of
manager now. But we must do better."

Hodgson, by contrast, was happy to reflect on a display that, in Steven
Gerrard's absence, "stops people accusing us of being a one-man or a two-man
team". Man of the match Glen Johnson got the first goal against his old
team, an impressive low finish after controlling a corner on his chest, and
provided the perfect response to his manager's recent suggestion he had not
played like England's best right-back this term.

Liverpool had the match won by half-time with Dirk Kuyt converting a penalty
after Danny Gabbidon's handball and Maxi Rodriguez profiting from slack
marking to head in.

West Ham fielded three forwards – Victor Obinna and Frédéric Piquionne
supporting Carlton Cole – but the biggest threat to Pepe Reina's goal was
accidental, a Piquionne cross that dipped beneath the bar.

Scorers: Liverpool Johnson 18, Kuyt 27 (pen), Rodriguez 38

Substitutes: Liverpool Shelvey (Meireles, 83), Babel (Torres, 84), Aurelio
(Ngog, 73). Unused Jones (gk), Kyrgiakos, Kelly, Eccleston. West Ham Tomkins
(Ilunga, 76), McCarthy (Cole, 69), Barrera (Obinna, 46). Unused Stech (gk),
Reid, Spector, Nouble.

Booked: West Ham Noble.

Man of the match Johnson Match rating 6/10

Possession Liverpool 62% West Ham 38%

Shots on target Liverpool 11 West Ham 1

Referee L Probert (Gloucestershire) Att 43,024

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham fans ridicule Avram Grant after defeat to Liverpool at Anfield
Liverpool 3 West Ham United 0
Telegraph.co.uk
By Graham Chase 6:00AM GMT 22 Nov 2010

The attempts of West Ham United's great and good to support Avram Grant may
be admirable but his hold on the manager's position looks shakier than ever.
Just a few days after vice-chairman Karren Brady gave assurances that Grant
is safe and will have money to spend in January, another abject performance
was ridiculed by the club's fans. Saturday's match against Wigan is already
being viewed as his last chance to save his job. West Ham's travelling
support have had little choice but to turn to self-mocking at Anfield over
the years, but rarely has a manager ever been taunted by his own club's fans
in such a way as Grant was.

There was a clear message behind the chants of "Paolo Di Canio". It was
reminiscent of the reception received by Gerry Francis as his Tottenham side
slipped to a 4-0 defeat at Anfield just over 13 years ago, when each
Liverpool goal was greeted with chants of "Bye, bye Gerry". One week and
another defeat later, Francis had resigned. Grant also retains the support,
publicly at least, of co-owners David Gold and David Sullivan and maintains
he can sort out a squad who have won just once in 14 Premier League matches
and are five points from safety. "We've played 14 games now and have a lot
of time to improve it but we need to start quickly," Grant said. "I'm
optimistic. The next game is very important and we need to win."

For Liverpool, the return of Glen Johnson, who has struggled with an ankle
injury in recent weeks, made a significant difference but, like his team, he
will be better judged at White Hart Lane on Sunday. Against little
resistance, Johnson opened the scoring from a Raul Meireles corner, Dirk
Kuyt added a second from the penalty spot before Maxi Rodríguez claimed
Liverpool's third before half-time. Johnson's impressive performance came a
week after sources close to the player suggested his relationship with Roy
Hodgson had broken down completely in the wake of what were perceived as
negative comments from his manager.

On the evidence of much of this year, talk of Bayern Munich or Real Madrid
waiting in the wings is surely fanciful and it makes sense for Johnson to
attempt to resolve any remaining issues with Hodgson. After all of the
apparent discord, Johnson was clearly hoping to move the situation on, even
managing to say "nice" half a dozen times in the space of a minute. "I
didn't need to hear it from the boss that I wasn't playing well," he said.
"I'm an honest man and I know how well I can play and I hadn't been doing
that so it's nice to do well. "It's always nice to get back off the
treatment bench and nice to get back with a goal. It's nice to play again.
I'd missed six out of the last seven games so it's nice to get back into it
and it was nice to come back with a goal."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
WHATEVER HAPPENED TO FRANK MCAVENNIE?
Date: 21st November 2010 at 12:31 pm | Written by James Ireson
Football Fancast

Whenever I hear the name, Frank McAvennie, I instantly remember the legacy
he left after appearing on Soccer AM. After failing to get the ball through
the hole in the car-park game 'Wembley', he blasted the ball in frustration
straight into a ball-boys face. The car-park is still known to this day as
the 'Frank McAvennie car-park.' But after digging a little further, I
realised the former West Ham and Celtic striker represents much more than a
funny anecdote.

The story of McAvennie's career could be used as a warning to any young
professional footballer. Swept from a life as a street cleaner, the Scot's
life exploded into a tale of fame and fortune, which he now openly admits
contributed to the demise of his career.

He became the poster-boy of the '80s. Scoring goals for fun, winning medals,
drinking champagne and having glamour models hanging on his arms would have
been just an ordinary Saturday night for the striker. But as with most
celebrity-footballers, it was all too good to be true, and after becoming
involved in drugs McAvennie found himself broke, unemployed and facing jail
sentences.

Ironically, before becoming a professional footballer, McAvennie attempted
to join the British Army, only to be rejected for his inability to hit the
target but he soon started his career in Scotland playing for St. Mirren.
Good form and plenty of goals attracted the attention of clubs south of the
boarder, and in 1985, he signed for West Ham, forming a formidable
partnership up front with Tony Cottee. Macavennie scored 26 in his first
season, helping the Hammers to their highest ever league position; finishing
third, only four points off winning the league. Not bad for someone who
can't hit the target.

West Ham's failed to build on their promise and McAvennie became stale at
Upton Park. In 1987 he signed for his boyhood club, Celtic. The striker
earned himself a place in the record books at Parkhead. Chasing a league and
cup double, Macavennie scored twice in the final late on to win the game
2-1.

Despite recapturing his goal-scoring form at Celtic, McAvennie yearned for
the London lifestyle and resigned for West Ham in '89 for £1.2 million,
becoming the Hammers' record signing. Upton Park felt like home to the Scot,
but after turning down Arsenal to return to his old stomping ground, he
signalled the end of Frank McAvennie as a top quality striker. Arsenal went
on to win the league that season and West Ham were relegated.

A broken leg and lack of form saw McAvennie leave Upton Park once again for
Celtic, via Aston Villa for a brief and unsuccessful period. The next few
years were spent trying to find his feet at different clubs: Celtic,
Swindon, (where he suffered another relegation, this time for the Premier
League) Falkirk and he finally ended his career at 35, where it had begun,
St. Mirren.

Disappointingly for 'Macca', as he's known his Scotland, he now understands
the errors of his ways. In 2000, he gave a brutally honest interview to the
Guardian newspaper admitting that drugs have ruined his life. The thought of
his kids growing up knowing his dad was a drug-dealer and not a professional
footballer scares the former Scotland international, as does the thought of
some of today's stars following the same destructive path.

In 2009, McAvennie was handed a suspended four month jail sentence for
affray, so the troubled Scot still has his problems, but he is trying to put
right all of his wrong-doings. He often takes part in charity football
matches and drugs are officially off the agenda.

So, when trying to remember the 'good old days' it is worth taking the time
to really think about the career of Frank McAvennie; once, he really was a
quality footballer. But the warning is there for anyone who considers taking
the highlife.

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

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my sisters Kenyan Cycle ride for Women v Cancer
http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-kenya

Daily WHUFC News - 21st November 2010

Grant demands Reds reaction
WHUFC.com
The manager has raised the expectation ahead of the visit of Wigan Athletic
following defeat at Liverpool
21.11.2010

Avram Grant has already identified next weekend's vital visit of Wigan
Athletic as hugely significant to the season after the Hammers came up
second best in a 3-0 defeat at Anfield. Liverpool proved too strong on a
disappointing evening in front of 1,900 travelling fans who had arrived full
of hope of a first victory away to the Reds in 47 years despite the absence
of Scott Parker with a chest infection. What they saw was Glen Johnson, Dirk
Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez fire first-half goals that put Liverpool in full
control and they were to cruise to victory. The one-sided scoreline was a
repeat of the previous trip to Liverpool back on 19 April - the last time
Parker was absent - but Grant can take comfort from the fact the Hammers
followed the 3-0 setback with a stirring 3-2 home win against Wigan seven
days later. In that pulsating contest, Parker was back in the ranks and
stole the show with an electrifying strike that proved the pivotal moment of
the campaign. "It was not a good performance," said Grant as he faced the
press at Anfield after a match in which Robert Green had to be at his best
to deny Liverpool even more goals. "In the last weeks we have performed
well, better than our opponents, but we didn't win. Today we deserved to
lose. "It was not easy but I can take some positives from the second half.
It showed that it is not easy to break us even in a bad situation. "We have
to take that spirit into the next game against Wigan because that is very
important for us. We need to win. Even if there are a lot of games left we
need to start winning now."

Although lamenting Parker's absence when asked about the impact of the No8
missing out, along with Manuel da Costa, Kieron Dyer and Valon Behrami,
Grant refused to dwell on his selection headaches for too long. "The
movement was not good. We didn't play well. We conceded in the second phase
of a corner [for the Johnson goal] and a penalty [for the second from Kuyt]
that was not a dangerous situation. "As well as Parker, we missed a lot of
players that were in good shape. Even without them we should have performed
better - as we did for the second half."

He also understood the supporters' frustration and rejected outright
reporters' questions that had suggested crowd discontent affected his
players. "The fans are always right. They came all the way. They wanted to
see a good performance and they didn't see that. That is what is important.
It was not because of the supporters that we didn't perform. They are always
right behind the team."

With Wigan's next visit to the Boleyn followed by Manchester United in the
Carling Cup quarter-finals on Tuesday week, the manager remains committed to
the task and retains the belief that the story of the season could change
quickly. "I am concerned only with my job and what I can affect. "I will not
only analyse this game but will remember the way we played in the other
games in recent weeks. We can still do a good job in this situation and take
ourselves out of it."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
U18s shoot down Gunners
WHUFC.com
Dylan Tombides scored the only goal of the game as West Ham United U18s beat
Arsenal
20.11.2010

Dylan Tombides scored the only goal of the game as West Ham United defeated
Arsenal 1-0 in the FA Premier Academy League. The Australia U17 striker was
on target following a flowing move down the right flank involving George
Moncur and Blair Turgott. Academy Director Tony Carr MBE was delighted with
his side's display as they followed up a 3-2 victory over Chelsea with
another outstanding result. "It was our best performance of the season. It
was a very good all-round team display and a great day," Carr confirmed. "In
terms of our togetherness, we could be faulted. Arsenal could not have
complained if we'd won three or four-nil. It all came together in terms of
our work ethic and football. I'm very pleased. "Our goal was superb. It was
a good move down the right-hand side. George Moncur played in Blair Turgott
and he squared for Dylan, who controlled and drilled a right-foot shot into
the net."

West Ham U18s have a weekend off next Saturday before travelling to Norwich
City on Saturday 4 December and hosting Aldershot Town at the Boleyn Ground
in the FA Youth Cup third round on Tuesday 7 December.

West Ham United U18s: Mehmet, Modelski (Chambers 75), Driver, Hunt, Sanchez,
Moncur, Wearen, Turgott, Lletget (Hall 80), Tombides (Hurley 82), Vose

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Liverpool 3 - 0 West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Maxi Rodriquez put Liverpool three goals up against West Ham in the 38th
minute
By Chris Whyatt

Liverpool's first-half barrage secured an easy win over a West Ham side that
looked worryingly weak at Anfield. Former Hammer Glen Johnson cracked a low
shot past over-worked Robert Green to give the hosts an 18th-minute lead.
Dirk Kuyt then coolly slotted home a penalty after lively Fernando Torres
had caused Danny Gabbidon to handle. Maxi Rodriquez nodded in a simple third
before half time, while bottom-of-the-table West Ham created nothing in a
largely stale second period. Now with just one win in 14 Premier League
matches this season, Avram Grant's Hammers were desperate for something
positive from their trip to the north-west - a performance if not a tangible
result - to convince supporters that their team is not destined for
relegation.
But, at a ground where the club has not won since 1963, the Irons put in a
poor show - one which could increase pressure on Grant just days after his
board backed him to steer them clear of trouble. The visitors - who have not
won a league match on the road since the opening day of last season - were
almost completely compliant, offering little resistance to a club equally in
need of some cheer. And Roy Hodgson's determined team got it, despite the
absence of injured captain Steven Gerrard, as they played with intent and
energy to claim a fifth win in seven matches. Impressive French youngster
David Ngog forced a good early stop from Green after jinking his way into
space before Raul Meireles, who appears to be winning over the Kop faithful,
just failed to release Torres.

In the 10th minute, the Spaniard got his first chance after Ngog had danced
across a line of dallying defenders. But the World Cup winner smashed a low
shot just wide of the post as the hosts set about dominating possession with
almost embarrassing ease. Radoslav Kovac did make a superb block with Torres
ready to pounce again, before Meireles's stinging shot was tipped over by
Green. But the barriers inevitably burst, and it was England right-back
Johnson who made the breakthrough. Competing for the ball under more
pressure from his team-mates than the opposition, he managed to chest a
Meireles corner into space before zipping a low drive firmly past Green with
consummate technique. Johnson then did his defensive duties with a clearing
header from a Kovac cross with Obinna lurking, but Liverpool continued to
flood forward. Torres - full of inventive running but still not yet hitting
peak form - escaped easily down the wings time after time, but failed to
find well-positioned team-mates in the box. And - when Johnson chipped a
cross to the back post - the former Atletico Madrid forward could only scuff
a volley into the ground. But Torres won the 27th-minute penalty, chipping
the ball over Matthew Upson's foot onto Gabbidon's hand to leave the
linesman flagging furiously for a spot kick. Dutchman Kuyt finished down the
middle as Green dived too early.

Full of frustration, West Ham's travelling support even began chanting the
name of former player Paulo Di Canio as Lars Jacobson frantically cleared
off the line following a desperate scramble in the box. A decent chance did
fall to Carlton Cole soon after, though the occasional England striker could
not convert Luis Boa Morte's cross despite climbing high above the hosts
captain Jamie Carragher to make a clean connection. Yet that was a rare
opening for a side seeming to lack any inspiration, and Liverpool added a
crushing third soon after. From a narrow angle, rampant Torres forced a
smart save from the feet of Green but former Hammer Paul Konchesky steered a
cross straight back into the box and Maxi angled a simple header across the
visiting goalkeeper.

Grant did make a change at the break, bringing Victor Obinna off for Pablo
Barrera, and changed his formation from 4-5-1 to 4-4-2. But tactics seemed
to have little relevance for the ambition-free Hammers as they failed to
make any impression on the second 45 minutes, bar keeping a clean sheet and
keeping the score respectable. That tiny chink of consolation was threatened
in the 67th minute, when Maxi burst forward into the box and almost lifted
an inadvertent chip into the top corner of Green's goal from the left. But
the ball drifted just past the post before going out. Green then made a
stunning double stop when, firstly, he pushed Torres' powerful 20-yard shot
onto the bar before tipping Christian Poulsen's equally impressive effort
around the post. The rest of the action resembled a testimonial match as
Liverpool closed out a win which will put each club in contrasting moods.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Avram Grant blames injuries for West Ham defeat
BBC.co.uk

West Ham boss Avram Grant shrugged off the reaction of angry Hammers fans to
blame his team's defeat at Liverpool on the absence of injured players.
Despite making their disapproval of the team's performance in the 3-0 loss,
Grant said the supporters were "great". But the Israeli added: "But they
must know it is not easy to play with so many players that couldn't play."
He cited central midfielders Scott Parker, Kieron Dyer and Valron Behrami as
key absentees from his team. Defenders Tal Ben Haim and Manuel Da Costa are
also out with injury or illness, along with Jack Collison and Thomas
Hitzlsperger, and Grant selected a team with only one recognised central
midfielder - Mark Noble - for the club's disappointing defeat at Anfield.
West Ham remain bottom of the Premier League on nine points, having won just
one of their 14 matches. "In the past few weeks we played well and we didn't
win games we deserved to win," Grant told BBC Sport after a match in which
travelling supporters chanted 'you're getting sacked in the morning' at
the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss. "But we didn't come into the game in
the first half, though in the second I was happy with the response of the
players. "The players looked like they wanted to succeed in this game, but
something's not going well. "We didn't play well like we did in the last
weeks.
"It was not like we played against Arsenal [in a narrow 1-0 defeat], maybe
because so many players were missing in the key area of central midfield.
But we'll take the second-half performance and I'm sure we can win one of
the next games, because they are games we can win."

Five points adrift of safety, West Ham face Wigan before travelling to
Sunderland in their next two league matches. Liverpool manager Roy Hodgson
said he was pleased with the way his side coped without the inspirational
qualities of captain Steven Gerrard, as the match was won comfortably thanks
to first-half goals from Glen Johnson, Dirk Kuyt and Maxi Rodriguez. "It was
important to win and I think we did it in some style," said Hodgson. "We
knew what we had to do. "We were concerned we would have to do it without
Steven and Lucas Leiva [who was suspended], but the players selected did
really well. We got the three points we needed and we got it with not only a
good performance, but a thoroughly professional performance."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant remains confident
Under-pressure boss brushes off sack speculation
Last updated: 20th November 2010
SSN

Avram Grant remains convinced that he can prove a success at West Ham
despite increased speculation about his future following Saturday evening's
defeat at Liverpool. The Hammers remain stuck at the bottom of the Premier
League after first-half goals from Glen Johnson and Maxi Rodriguez
sandwiched a Dirk Kuyt penalty. Grant was taunted with chants of, 'you're
getting sacked in the morning' but he brushed those aside. "The fans are
always right. They came all the way and want to see a good performance and
they saw us not so good in the first half," he said. "I am concentrating on
my job. Even now in this situation we can get out of this.

Important

"If I can take West Ham to the place I want to take them that is what is
important. "The minute I think I cannot do my job I will not be here." He
added: "We were very poor first half. We didn't come to the game, our
movement was not good," he said. "I think we missed a lot of players who are
in good shape, we were without four players who have played well in recent
weeks. "In the last weeks we have performed well but today we deserved
this."

:::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant future under scrutiny
Speculation mounts over patience of Sullivan and Gold
Last updated: 20th November 2010
SSN

Man of the match: Raul Meireles. Pulled all the strings in midfield as
Liverpool exploited the space allowed by the Hammers.

Goal of the match: None were classics, but Liverpool's third was certainly
the best. Paul Konchesky whipped in a perfect cross from the left for Maxi
Rodriguez to score with a glancing header.

Save of the match: Liverpool looked certain to go 4-0 in front when Fernando
Torres shot from the edge of the area, but Robert Green did brilliantly to
dive full length to his right and tip it onto the bar.

Moment of the match: Liverpool's first goal set them on their way as that
familiar losing feeling returned to West Ham heads. Glen Johnson had acres
of space to chest a corner down and fire through the crowd.

The future of Avram Grant as West Ham manager was plunged into deeper
uncertainty following a horribly lifeless 3-0 defeat to Liverpool at
Anfield.
Glen Johnson, who was under pressure to perform on his return to fitness, a
Dirk Kuyt penalty and a Maxi Rodriguez header ensured the game was as good
as over by half-time. The three points also eased the troubles of Liverpool
boss Roy Hodgson after last weekend's defeat at Stoke, but the wider
implications focused upon the position of Grant, whose side now sit five
points from safety at the foot of the Premier League. Anfield fans chanted,
'you're getting sacked in the morning' at West Ham's boss and it remains to
be seen whether the patience of co-chairmen David Sullivan and David Gold
will remain after a winless run in the league was stretched to eight
matches. It was hardly a proper test of being able to cope without talisman
Steven Gerrard but Liverpool did more than enough to dispose of a woeful
West Ham. With the captain out for a month with a hamstring tear manager
Hodgson called for his players to step up to fill the void and the league's
bottom side provide the perfect opposition. Raul Meireles looked better in a
more accustomed central position, filling Gerrard's place, while Johnson and
Rodriguez also did well and even the much-criticised Christian Poulsen had
his best game since joining in the summer.

If there was one criticism it was that Hodgson's side eased up so much after
the break they lost all the momentum and rhythm built up in the first half.
But they never looked in danger of conceding and the clean sheet was Jose
Reina's 134th in all competitions, taking him past Tommy Lawrence into
fourth on the club's all-time list.

Message

West Ham's league record at Anfield is woeful, as they have not won this
fixture for 47 years and scored just four Premier League goals in 16
attempts.
The writing was on wall early on as David Ngog forced Robert Green into a
low save to his left before Rodriguez and Fernando Torres both fired wide.
Green's goal was being peppered even if the goalkeeper was not being
properly extended but that changed in the 18th minute when Raul Meireles'
long-range effort was tipped over by the England international. Meireles
swung over the corner and Johnson chested it down before drilling a low shot
straight down the middle of the goal with the goalkeeper unsighted by Danny
Gabbidon.

It was the first time since the opening weekend of the season a Liverpool
goal had not been scored or created by Torres or Gerrard. England full-back
Johnson, criticised by manager Roy Hodgson earlier this month for his poor
form, appeared to have got the message on his comeback from a three-match
injury absence. He was a major force down the right in the first half and
his cross set up Torres but he uncharacteristically fluff his first-time
shot. But the Spain international contributed to the second goal as it was
his flick into the penalty area which bounced off Matthew Upson on to the
arm of Gabbidon, allowing Kuyt to roll home a 27th-minute penalty.

Worries
Gabbidon was better placed to hook Torres' volley away from an empty net
after Green failed to properly clear a Meireles free-kick. The goalkeeper
did better in blocking Torres' shot with his legs but was powerless to stop
Paul Konchesky whipping in the rebound to the unmarked Rodriguez, the
smallest man in the penalty area, who guided the ball inside the far post
with his head. When Victor Obinna blasted a shot from close range into the
top tier of the Anfield Road stand despondent Hammers fans replied with,
'that's why we're going down'. The second half had much less to offer than
the first as both teams knew the game was over and while West Ham continued
to fail to pose a threat Liverpool were content to coast safe in the
knowledge the three points were already wrapped up. Had it not been for
Green the score would have been double as he tipped Torres' fierce shot onto
the crossbar at full stretch and, in the same move, then turned Poulsen's
long-range effort around his left-hand post. Substitute Fabio Aurelio,
making only his second appearance since the end of August, also drove just
over.Liverpool missed the chance to claw back another position or two in the
table by failing to improve their goal difference but that was the least of
their worries after some indifferent recent performances. For West Ham and
Grant the problems continue to mount.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Woeful Hammers provide no test
By Richard Jolly, Anfield
(Archive)
November 20, 2010
ESPN

Humour, cruelty and piercing honesty can go hand in hand on the terraces.
The greater a club's plight, the more illuminating the insights from the
supporters can prove, and the more absurd their flights of fancy can become.
If it tends to be worth watching the side at the top of the league, it's
instructive to listen to the fans at the foot of the division.

West Ham's faithful provided more entertainment than their embarrassment of
a side mustered at Anfield. In a match that had been billed as a private
duel between the leaders of the sack race, respite for Roy represented
anguish for Avram. On the field, an impressive Liverpool side were his
tormentors; off it, his own fans were.

Taunted and mocked, it made for a harrowing 90 minutes for Avram Grant. A
manager who can look beleaguered at the best of times cut a lonely figure.
He didn't respond when the visiting supporters in the Anfield Road Stand
asked for a wave; little wonder, either.

They, rather than their Liverpool counterparts, were the ones suggesting he
would be sacked in the morning; they advocated Paolo Di Canio, loudly and
regularly, as his replacement; they chorused "that's why we're going down"
when Victor Obinna's shot landed in the upper tier of the Anfield Road
Stand; they chanted "Avram, sign him up" when referee Lee Probert
intercepted a pass from Christian Poulsen; they borrowed Barnsley's chant of
"it's just like watching Brazil" and laced it with irony.

The facts can provide a rationale to underpin the words. Grant has four wins
in 34 league games, a solitary victory in his time at Upton Park and has
spent a whole year in the relegation zone. Portsmouth, admittedly, was a
poisoned chalice of a job. West Ham represented an opportunity.

Yet, with seven signings made and a squad that, man for man, certainly isn't
the weakest in the division, the Hammers remain a one-man team. And when
that one man is missing, as Scott Parker was, it left a gaping void in the
centre of midfield. Important as the injured Steven Gerrard is to Liverpool,
West Ham's talismanic No. 8 seems still more significant to his club.

Grant, whose mumbled moanings have become a constant, accepted defeat was
justified but attempted to use injuries as an excuse, though Liverpool have
as many absentees. "The minute I think I cannot do my job, I will not be
here," he said. "If I can take West Ham to the place I can take them, that's
important to me."

The concern is that their destination is the Championship. "In the first
half, we were very poor," he admitted. They were dreadful. The opening 45
minutes amounted to a surrender. Waves of attacks yielded three goals and
could have brought more. It had been an example of Liverpool's reliance upon
their two marquee players that the last time they scored a league goal that
didn't involve Fernando Torres or Gerrard, either as creator or finisher,
was the opening day of the season. This was a game where there were plenty
of willing contributors in the final third.

"We have showed we are more than just a two-man team," said Dirk Kuyt after
his penalty was sandwiched by strikes from Glen Johnson and Maxi Rodriguez.
The opener came from a new combination, Raul Meireles' corner being met by
Johnson on his chest before the former Hammer was allowed to drill in a low
shot.

Then Kuyt converted from 12 yards after Danny Gabbidon handled a pass from
Torres before Robert Green denied the Spaniard, only for the rebound to fall
for the on-rushing Paul Konchesky. He whipped in a cross and Rodriguez
diverted his header

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ohnson helps Reds shrug off the loss of Gerrard
Liverpool 3 West Ham United 0
Independent
By Simon Hart at Anfield
Sunday, 21 November 2010

Avram Grant once came to Merseyside to study Bob Paisley's methods when
Liverpool were dominating English football in the 1970s. If that visit
provided illumination, this trip will have only brought dark thoughts as
Liverpool's comprehensive victory underlined the size of the task he faces
to lift West Ham United off the bottom of the table.

And that is if the Israeli is given the chance. Despite vice-chairman Karren
Brady's words of support for Grant in midweek, West Ham have won only once
in the Premier League this season and this defeat, which ended a run of
three draws, had the away fans chanting: "You're getting sacked in the
morning." Liverpool were out of sight by the interval, the hosts' bright
display in the first half having been rewarded by goals from Glen Johnson,
Dirk Kuyt, from the penalty spot, and Maxi Rodriguez.

"We were very poor first half," admitted Grant, though he was defiant about
his ability to revive the Londoners' fortunes. "The minute I think I cannot
do my job I will not be here. But I am sure I can do a good job and take the
team forward."

While Grant rued the absence of Scott Parker – victim of a chest infection –
along with Valon Behrami, Kieron Dyer and Manuel da Costa, for once
Liverpool did not miss Steven Gerrard, sidelined by the hamstring injury
sustained on England duty, as they bounced back from last weekend's
disappointment at Stoke City, climbing to ninth on the back of this third
straight home victory.

Liverpool's manager Roy Hodgson said: "We were concerned to some extent we
would have to do it without Steven Gerrard and [the suspended] Lucas Leiva
but luckily the players selected today did really well."

Johnson set the tone for Liverpool's performance with a surging run into the
box in the opening minute that won the game's first corner.

David Ngog, starting alongside Fernando Torres, had a low effort saved by
Robert Green soon after and Liverpool's early pressure paid off through
Johnson's opening goal.

After Green had tipped over Raul Meireles's strike, the midfielder swung
over a corner that Johnson, emerging from a cluster of players, took on his
chest before firing low past Green.

Hodgson had been critical last week of Johnson's performances this season
but he was full of praise for the defender on his return from injury. "I
thought he was full of running, and he scored a very important goal."

Liverpool's second came when Danny Gabbidon handled in the box as Torres
sought to burst through. Kuyt, following a tip from Gerrard, beat Green down
the middle.

Liverpool's third came from Rodriguez. Although Green foiled Torres with his
feet, Paul Konchesky crossed the ball back into the middle where the
unmarked Argentinian steered a header inside the far post.

West Ham created only one chance in the second half and that was in injury
time when Frédéric Piquionne headed wide from Pablo Barrera's cross. Pepe
Reina's only save of the half came when Piquionne's cross almost dipped
beneath the crossbar.

Green managed to spare West Ham further embarrassment with two flying stops,
first turning a searing Torres strike on to the crossbar, then tipping
behind Christian Poulsen's 20-yard drive.

Attendance: 43,024

Referee: Lee Probert

Man of the match: Johnson

Match rating: 7/10

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http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Please donate to my sisters Kenyan Cycle ride for Women v Cancer
http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-kenya

Daily WHUFC News - 20th November 2010

Liverpool match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background ahead of Saturday's trip to face Roy
Hodgson's Liverpool
19.11.2010

Liverpool v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Anfield
Saturday 20 November 2010
5.30pm
Referee: Lee Probert

Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Anfield looking to end a 47-year wait for a win
away to Liverpool. The Reds are without captain Steven Gerrard while the
Hammers have a major concern over Scott Parker, who has a chest infection.
• The Hammers have still not won away in the Barclays Premier League since
the opening day of last season on 15 August 2009 away to Wolverhampton
Wanderers.
• Liverpool are playing at 5.30pm on Saturday for the second successive
week, having lost 2-0 at Stoke City last weekend.
• The Hammers have lost their last three matches against Liverpool with the
Reds scoring three goals in each of those contests. Four fixtures ago, there
was a goalless draw at Anfield on 1 December 2008. Eight of the 12 Hammers
used in that contest are still at the club, including goalkeeper Robert
Green.
• This is the 106th league meeting between the two sides. Liverpool have won
56, West Ham have won 21 and there have been 29 draws.

• As it was last season at Anfield, Saturday's match will be screened live
by ESPN, as was the other meeting between the clubs in the 2009/10 season at
the Boleyn Ground. West Ham have never won a match shown live on ESPN.
• The visitors will be looking to record their first win on Merseyside since
14 September 1963, when a 2-1 victory came courtesy of goals from Martin
Peters and Geoff Hurst. Jim Standen also saved a penalty from Ronnie Moran
in the match.
• Liverpool's record home win against West Ham was a 6-0 success on 7 April
1984, a month before they became crowned champions of Europe in Rome.

Last time out
Saturday 13 November 2010
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 0-0 Blackpool
West Ham United: Green, Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga, Parker, Noble,
Dyer (Barrera 18), Boa Morte (Cole 71), Piquionne (McCarthy 83), Obinna
Subs not used: Stech, Kovac, Spector, Tomkins
Saturday 13 November 2010
Barclays Premier League
Stoke City 2-0 Liverpool
Liverpool: Reina, Kyrgiakos, Konchesky, Carragher, Skrtel, Rodriguez (Babel
73), Gerrard, Raul Meireles (Ngog 66), Lucas (sent off 90), Kuyt, Torres
Subs not used: Jones, Jovanovic, Shelvey, Kelly, Poulsen

Last meeting
Last season's meeting at Anfield took place on 19 April 2010. Yossi Benayoun
opened the scoring on 19 minutes before Davd Ngog doubled the Reds'
advantage ten minutes later. A Robert Green own goal just before the hour
rounded out the scoring.
Liverpool: Reina, Kyrgiakos, Carragher, Agger, Johnson, Rodriguez, Benayoun
(Degen 78), Gerrard (Mascherano 72), Lucas, Ngog (Babel 81), Kuyt
Subs not used: Cavalieri, Aquilani, El Zhar, Ayala
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Spector (Daprela 80), Da Costa, Upson,
Kovac, Noble, Behrami, Stanislas (Franco 45) , Cole (McCarthy 72), Ilan
Subs not used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Diamanti, Mido

Last six meetings (Premier League unless stated)
19 April 2010 Liverpool 3-0 West Ham United
19 September 2010 West Ham United 2-3 Liverpool
9 May 2009 West Ham United 0-3 Liverpool
1 December 2008 Liverpool 0-0 West Ham United
5 March 2008 Liverpool 4-0 West Ham United
30 January 2008 West Ham United 1-0 Liverpool

Overall record v Liverpool (all competitions) W 23 D 34 L 63

Ten-year records
West Ham United
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted to Premier League via
play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
2000/01 Premier League 15th (42 points)
Liverpool
2009/10 Premier League 7th (63 points)
2008/09 Premier League 2nd (86 points)
2007/08 Premier League 4th (76 points)
2006/07 Premier League 3rd (68 points)
2005/06 Premier League 3rd (82 points)
2004/05 Premier League 5th (58 points)
2003/04 Premier League 4th (60 points)
2002/03 Premier League 5th (64 points)
2001/02 Premier League 2nd (80 points)
2000/01 Premier League 3rd (69 points)

Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Lee Probert.
• Aged 37, Probert has been a Premier League referee since summer 2007.
• Born in Gloucestershire, Probert made his way through the local leagues
before joining the Football Conference list, being promoted to the Football
League list of referees in 2003.
• Probert has yet to take charge of West Ham United this season. However,
the official was the man in the middle for Liverpool's 1-0 home win over
West Bromwich Albion on 29 August. Probert's last appointment for a Hammers'
fixture was the 2-1 home defeat by Bolton Wanderers on 6 March this year.
West Ham United
• Carlton Cole, with one goal so far this campaign, will make his 100th
start for West Ham United in all competitions should he be in Avram Grant's
XI at Anfield.
• No Barclays Premier League player has had more shots without scoring this
season than Victor Obinna (38).
• No team has been caught offside more than West Ham this season with the
Hammers falling foul of the referee's assistant on 47 occasions.
Liverpool
• Two Liverpool players, Jamie Carragher and Dirk Kuyt, made their debuts
against West Ham. Carragher's first appearance came at Anfield in January
1997, while Kuyt's came at Anfield in August 2006.
• Striker Fernando Torres scored a hat-trick against West Ham in Liverpool's
4-0 win at Anfield on 5 March 2008.. He has five goals in four appearances
against the Hammers.

Team news
West Ham United
• Manager Avram Grant is definitely without Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) and
Jack Collison (knee). Collison is hoping to return around the turn of the
year, Hitzlsperger has a February comeback date having had surgery on his
torn muscle.
• Junior Stanislas has been in training for a week after a groin problem
while Zavon Hines played 30 minutes for the reserves in the goalless draw at
Aston Villa on Monday. Hines could start for the reserves next Wednesday
night against Chelsea.
• Robert Green and Scott Parker will both hope to maintain their
ever-present records this season in the Barclays Premier League. Green is on
a run of 139 consecutive league starts for the club. Parker is a major
doubt, however, with a chest infection.
• Manuel da Costa has had surgery a week ago on an ankle injury that has
kept him out of the last three matches. He is likely to be missing for up to
three months as a result of the problem, which followed a late Cesc Fabregas
foul.
• Valon Behrami, meanwhile, has a hip injury but has been back on the
training pitch. Tal Ben Haim is also on the way back from a foot injury.
• Julien Faubert is available again after a three-game suspension for his
red card in the reserves at Arsenal last month. He played 90 minutes
alongside Winston Reid in Monday's reserves match.
• Freddie Sears has extended his loan spell at Championship side Scunthorpe
United until 3 January 2011.

Liverpool
• Captain Steven Gerrard has been ruled out for four weeks with a hamstring
injury suffered on international duty.
• Lucas Leiva is suspended for the Reds after his red card against Stoke
last weekend.
• Full-backs Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio could return after injury.

Old boys
• Glen Johnson, 25, came through the ranks at West Ham, making 15 league
appearances in the 2002/03 season. He was transferred to Chelsea for £6m in
summer 2003 and subsequently moved on to Portsmouth before Liverpool snapped
him up in June 2009.
• Left-back Paul Konchesky made 70 appearances for West Ham between July
2005 and July 2007, scoring one of only two goals for the club in the 2006
FA Cup final.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Craig Bellamy,
Yossi Benayoun, Tom Bradshaw, David Burrows, Titi Camara, Charles Cotton,
Julian Dicks, Ray Houghton, Don Hutchison, Paul Ince, David James, Rob
Jones, George Kay, Mike Marsh, Neil Mellor, Neil Ruddock, Danny Shone,
Rigobert Song and Thomas Stanley.

General information
• For ticket information, click here. For details on getting to Anfield,
click here
• Saturday's weather forecast in Liverpool is for an overcast day with
temperatures peaking around the 8C mark.

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Avram on Friday
WHUFc.com
Avram Grant has spoken to the press ahead of Saturday's Barclays Premier
League trip to Liverpool
19.11.2010

Avram Grant has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's
Barclays Premier League trip to Liverpool. The West Ham United manager
discussed a wide range of issues, including his optimism ahead of the
weekend visit to Anfield, receiving backing from the Board, the 'Club v
Country' issue and the future of international friendly matches. Grant also
pushed Scott Parker's England claims and welcomed news that he could have
funds to spend in January.

Avram on the challenge of going to Anfield…

"I enjoy it. It is the first club that I came to when I was 20 or 21 - it
was a long time ago! It was the first time I visited a team and I was at
Anfield with Bob Paisley. I enjoyed it very much. "Nobody can say more than
what people already know about the history of Anfield. It's one of the
temples of football and I enjoy going there, but I enjoy more taking points
there. "It's always not easy to play at Anfield, especially when they need
the points like now. They are a good team. They won three games in a row and
played good football. They lost at Stoke but they could also have not lost
there. "In any case, it's not easy to play in Anfield against Liverpool but
our target is like it was in the last games - to be hard to beat. We lost
only two games in eleven - one of them against Arsenal in the last moment.
We want to continue with this and also get a little bit more."

Avram on Pablo Barrera targeting a positive result at Anfield…

"I like that my players are optimistic rather than pessimistic because with
pessimism you cannot achieve anything. I think he has based this on the fact
we are playing good football. "In the last game, we created so many chances.
OK, I must also say that Blackpool created two or three big chances, but we
created eight or nine big chances. It means that we know how to create big
chances. "In the two games before we scored two goals in each so I like when
they are optimistic. I know the history books, but I don't like to read
these books."

Avram on being happy with a draw at Liverpool…

"It depends on how the game goes. Sometimes, like when we went to
Birmingham, we knew it was a very tough place to go because they had lost
only one game, but we were disappointed with one point. "I think in any game
of football, situations occur where you can make surprises. This is our
target, but we will see how the game goes. We want to win."

Avram on needing to register a victory…

"I think we played three games in a week, we didn't lose but we didn't win a
game but we were very close to winning the games. We were the better team in
all three games, I can say, and we feel it is very close. "We are desperate
for a win because we feel, when it comes, it won't come by coincidence but
by a matter of procedure of how we played. We want to make this win and if
it will be Saturday I will be happy.
"We hope that it will be, but I know that Liverpool are also desperate for
points."

Avram on closing out matches…

"It depends how you play. If the other team come on top of you, then you
need to close the game. If you play like we did against Birmingham when we
kept possession and continued to play very well, hitting the bar and having
two big chances to make it 3-0, it is no use to say after 60 minutes to
close the game. "We need to read the situation - sometimes you need to do it
and sometimes not. When you come to the last 15 minutes, the most important
thing is winning, but I don't think either Birmingham or West Bromwich
scored when they put the pressure on us - it was two free-kicks, not an open
goal."

Avram on receiving support from the Board…

"I think it's good to know and I know from inside that everybody shares the
visions of the club, even though we are having difficult times. We know that
we are doing the right things. Of course there are areas that we want to
improve, but everybody shares the same vision and everybody knows that, even
if we are bottom of the league, we are doing the right things and it will
come. "It's not easy. It's like a pregnancy of 20 months, but it will come.

Avram on January…

"It's always good that we have money to spend because football without money
is very difficult. I think we have a good squad. We are a little bit unlucky
with injuries to players who were in good shape, but there are some areas in
which we could do better."

Avram on Scott Parker's England claims…

"I don't like to give other coaches advice unless they ask me, but I don't
think there is another player who could do more than Scott Parker did this
year to be in the squad. He is the most modern player

Avram on Steven Gerrard being injured on international duty…

"Of course I have sympathy, yes, because if you lose a player in this
situation I understand. I have experience about this. If you remember,
Thomas Hitzlsperger played for Germany. He was in a very good condition,
then he played for Germany three days before the league started and played
65 minutes. This was at the beginning of the season, which I thought was not
so good. "I was a national coach for four years so I know the problem from
both sides. I think everybody needs to understand that the players belong to
the teams, with all respect to the national team. When they are friendly
games, like it was with Thomas and Germany, they need to think twice. "He
didn't play and of course I don't like it. Of course things like that happen
in football but I'd prefer if it had happened in the league and not in a
friendly international game. "He is a very good player, but Liverpool is a
very good team anyway, so we will have a difficult game tomorrow."

Avram on the 'Club v Country' issue…

"There is an issue about this and because I was on both sides as a manager
of clubs and a national team it's not so easy. I know that it isn't easy for
the national teams either because they have only one or two games to
prepare, but I think it's also good for them to take care of the players.
"The medical departments of the national teams and the clubs need to be very
close like we did last week with the national teams."

Avram on clubs making agreements with national teams…

"Don't take me to this area because I don't know what they agreed about. We
only read in the newspaper what they agreed about. Of course, if they agreed
something they need to do it, but I'm not sure they agreed about something.
I heard that Fabio Capello asked Gerrard in the first half.
"This is not the issue. The issue is that they need a very close
relationship between the medical departments of the teams and the national
team. This is for coaches also because in friendly games, and I was a coach
in friendly games, you want to win but this is not the most important thing.
"I prefer that if they agreed about one friendly game, they should not have
them between two league games, but now you take me to an area that is not my
area. I understand that they want one friendly between September and March
to test some things, but it's not so easy when you are playing and
concentrating on the league and some players have injuries."

Avram on the future of international friendly matches…

"It's an issue that everybody needs to think about very, very carefully
because friendly games, many years ago, were more than friendly games.
Everybody liked to be there and everybody was excited. Now you see that
players look for excuses not to be there because they know the most
important thing is the league. "On the other hand, sometimes you want a
friendly game to test something. There are plusses and there are minuses,
but I think today there are more minus than plus."

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Noble knows the score
WHUFC.com
Midfield marvel Mark Noble is looking to lead the Hammers up the table and
is remaining positive
19.11.2010

Mark Noble is in confident mood despite knowing history is against the
Hammers when they go to to Anfield on Saturday. The 23-year-old is well
aware of the 47-year wait for a win at Liverpool but said all that matters
is what Avram Grant's produce on the pitch come kick-off at 5.30pm. "At the
end of the day, it is eleven men v eleven men. Anyone can beat anyone.
Blackpool went to Liverpool and won so we know it can be done."

Noble's passion shines through as much off the pitch as it does when he
pulls on the claret and blue. Reflecting on the season so far, he knows what
goes through fans' minds when they look at the club's position in the
Barclays Premier League. "It hurts. If you have got enough pride in what you
do, in your job - it will hurt. It hurts you deeply when you don't get three
points. It ruins your weekend. That is what happens. I haven't had too many
good weeks this year because we ain't won that much. The only way is up. "I
have got belief in myself and the team. We know if we play to our
capabilities and get a bit of luck we will push up the table."

Noble has been involved in relegation battles for three of the past four
seasons at the Boleyn Ground and admitted he now knows what it takes to
ensure survival. "It helps to have the experience," he admitted. "We hate
being in this position. We don't like it and going into work is not
enjoyable. It is always in the back of your mind, you enjoy football but as
professionals and as players and staff we have to pull together and change
the outcome. "We just need to come together as a group and keep working
hard. I have got confidence that we will get out of it. I stil believe in
us. This is the team I play for and I still believe in us."

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Sir Geoff honoured
WHUFC.com
Sir Geoff Hurst has been presented with an honorary degree by the University
of East London
19.11.2010

West Ham United and England great Sir Geoff Hurst has been conferred with an
honorary degree by the University of East London. Hurst, who scored a
hat-trick in the 1966 FIFA World Cup final victory over West Germany,
received an honorary Master of the Arts degree. Now 68, the striker scored
249 goals in 502 appearances for the Hammers during a glittering 14-year
career at the Boleyn Ground, winning the FA Cup in 1964 and European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965. Hurst was presented with his degree by UEL
Vice-Chancellor Patrick McGhee at a special ceremony in central London. It
is a great honour to be recognised in this way by the University of East
London, and I am tremendously proud to have had this award conferred upon
me. Many of you will be familiar with my long-standing connections to the
local area. "However, rather than looking back, I believe it's time to look
forward. I understand the University of East London is aiming to become
London's number one university for sport. A brand new £20m sports centre is
to open at the university's Docklands campus in 2012, a centre so advanced
that it will house the American Olympic team during the games. "Clearly the
long-term benefits will lie with the students and the local community. I am
well aware of the importance of sport to east London, and I am also aware
of the number of fantastic sportsmen and women the area has produced down
the years. "I therefore think it is a fitting that that the University of
East London is rising to meet the challenge of ensuring that sporting
excellence is kept firmly on the map. I sincerely hope today will mark the
first step in an ongoing relationship between myself and UEL. "

McGhee said the university was delighted to honour Hurst, who also played
for Stoke City, West Bromwich Albion and Seattle Sounders. "We are extremely
proud to be honouring one of England's greatest sporting heroes. Sir Geoff
is an iconic figure who will always have a unique place in football history.
"However, he is also someone who has selflessly dedicated much of time since
professional football to supporting children's charities. Sir Geoff is the
current President of children's charity Sparks, which was founded by sports
people and funds high quality medical research that is intended to have a
practical and positive effect on the lives of less fortunate children. He
has also been a leading light in the development of football at grass roots.
"As a global university committed to becoming the best in the capital for
sport within five years, sport in east London is a major aspect of work.
With our new state-of-the-art on campus sporting facilities, our work in
Olympic legacy, and through our international partners, we will have a key
role in bringing exceptional world class opportunities to all communities.
"UEL aims to offer all students the very best sporting environment possible
to develop their talents. Honouring Sir Geoff as one of the nation's
sporting greats, as a role model for our current and future students, is a
natural extension of that commitment."

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Liverpool v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Anfield Date: Saturday, 20 November Kick-off: 1730 GMT
Coverage: Watch live on ESPN, highlights on Match of the Day; listen live on
talkSPORT and coverage on BBC Radio 5 live and local radio; text commentary
on BBC Sport website and mobiles

TEAM NEWS

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will be out of action for up to a month
after suffering a hamstring strain on England duty. Jay Spearing could be
out for six weeks with an ankle problem, while fellow midfielder Lucas is
suspended, but Glen Johnson and Fabio Aurelio are back.

West Ham manager Avram Grant has reported no new injury doubts following the
midweek internationals. Striker Carlton Cole will be hoping to make his
100th start for the Hammers.

Liverpool
Suspended: Lucas (one match)
Injured: Agger (calf), Cole & Gerrard (hamstring), Spearing (ankle)

West Ham
Injured: Ben Haim (foot), Collison, Hines & Kurucz (all knee), Hitzlsperger
(thigh)

MATCH PREVIEW
Both Roy Hodgson and Avram Grant received the dreaded vote of confidence
this week in a sure sign that pressure is mounting at both these clubs.
Liverpool's malaise was brought into sharp focus with defeat at Stoke last
time out, a result that left the Anfield club hovering just three points
above the relegation zone and renewed some fans' calls for the return of
legend Kenny Dalglish. John W Henry, the club's new American owner, was
quick to back his manager and warned there is no "quick fix" to Liverpool's
travails, but Hodgson will be well aware that patience is a virtue in short
supply in the world of football. His cause has not been helped by the loss
of talisman Steven Gerrard for up to a month with a hamstring strain.

West Ham vice-chairman Karren Brady also made it clear this week that Avram
Grant has the full support of the club's board, despite the Hammers'
worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Grant's side are five points
from safety and without a victory since September. Their last win on the
road came at Wolves on the opening day of last season, an abysmal record
that is unlikely to change at Anfield on Saturday - the Hammers have gone 47
years without winning there.

MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• West Ham haven't won at Anfield since September 1963 and have scored just
four goals in 15 Premier League matches there.
• The Hammers have failed to score in 12 of their 15 Premier League visits
to Anfield.
• Fernando Torres has scored five goals in four Premier League appearances
against the London club.
Liverpool
• Torres has hit 44 goals in 47 Premier League appearances at Anfield.
• Twelve of Liverpool's 13 league goals this season have been scored or
set-up by either Torres or Steven Gerrard. The exception was David Ngog's
goal on the opening day against Arsenal.
• The Reds have lost all five league games this season in which they have
conceded the first goal.
• Liverpool have lost 49 Premier League matches at Anfield.
West Ham
• West Ham are without a win in their last seven Premier League matches.
• Their sole victory in the league this season was a 1-0 win at home to
Tottenham on 25 September.
• They have scored just five goals from open play, fewer than any other side
in the top flight.
• The Hammers are without a Premier League win on the road in 24 outings.
LEADING GOALSCORERS

Liverpool
Gerrard: 7 goals (3 league); Ngog: 7 goals (1 league);
Torres: 5 goals (5 league)

West Ham
Piquionne: 5 goals (4 league); Parker: 5 goals (3 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Lee Probert
Assistant referees: Stephen Child & Ceri Richards
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Liverpool (L0-2 v Stoke, a): Reina; Carragher, Kyrgiakos, Skrtel, Konchesky,
Meireles (Ngog 66), Lucas, Gerrard, Maxi (Babel 73), Torres, Kuyt. Subs not
used: Jones, Jovanovic, Poulsen, Shelvey, Kelly.
West Ham (D0-0 v Blackpool, h): Green; Jacobsen, Upson, Gabbidon, Ilunga,
Boa Morte (Cole 71), Noble, Parker, Dyer (Barrera 18), Obinna, Piquionne
(McCarthy 82). Subs not used: Stech, Tomkins, Kovac, Spector.

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Boleyn Ground for sale
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 19th November 2010
By: Staff Writer

West Ham have placed an advertisement seeking potential developers
interested in purchasing the club's 106-year-old home. The Boleyn Ground -
where West Ham United have played their home games since 1904, more than a
century ago - is set to be redeveloped if and when the club move to the
Olympic Stadium at Stratford following the culmination of the 2012 London
Olympic Games. Property Week report that the club have requested
applications from potential bidders in order to begin 'informal discussions'
regarding the future of the club's current home - even though it remains to
be seen if United are successful in their bid for the Stratford stadium,
which lies some some two miles from Upton Park. Despite opposition from many
supporters the club are continuing to push ahead with preparations for the
move which, if successful, would see the Hammers in their new home in time
for the start of the 2014/15 season.

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Sears extends stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 19th November 2010
By: Staff Writer

Freddie Sears has extended his stay at Championship outfit Scunthorpe
United. The 20-year old striker had been set to return to West Ham after the
Iron's clash with Derby this weekend, but will now remain at Glanford Park
until the beginning of January (3rd). Despite having made six starts for
Scunthorpe since joining them on loan in mid-October the young striker is
yet to hit the target. His last goal in first-class competition came in
March 2008, two-and-a-half years ago when he scored the winner in a 2-1
victory over Blackburn on his first team debut for West Ham.

West Ham will retain a 24-hour recall option on Sears for the duration of
his loan spell.

Sears at Scunny: the story so far

Preston 2 Scunthorpe 3: played 90 minutes
Watford 0 Scunthorpe 2: substituted on 85 minutes
Scunthorpe 1 Leeds 4: played 90 minutes
Hull 0 Scunthorpe 1: substituted on 89 minutes
Scunthorpe 0 Middlesbrough 2: played 90 minutes
Scunthorpe 2 Cardiff 4: substituted on 82 minutes

What they say: Iron fans on Sears

"Bad news-the young lad is NOT good enough - should have been sent back to
West Ham."
- billpuntonsghost

"I honestly believe if this skinny lad starts scoring he will be a
revelation. He is doing everything right except the final touch."
- Brianiron

"He hasn't scored yet but he has brought so much more to the team. We should
appreciate having a player of this calibre at the club."
- crozzer_is_a_legend

"Christ, that's all we need - retaining another bottler."
- BadApple

"Give the lad a break, [he's] certainly better than some players we have.
[He's] been very unlucky; Loach made an out-of-this-world save at Watford
and with any luck he could have had a couple at Preston (one he hit the post
under pressure from the keeper and the other was deflected wide). I know he
missed that chance last week but better players have missed them as well."
- mistertonmick

"He is fast, direct and seems to have the confidence that we sadly lack up
front, but he has not scored. Plenty of opportunities and unlucky on
occasion, but he is not what we need up front."
- IronIronIron

All comments originally posted at iron-bru.net

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Iron extend Sears spell
Hammers forward staying with Iron until New Year
Last updated: 19th November 2010
SSN

Scunthorpe have agreed the extension of Freddie Sears' loan from West Ham
until 3rd January. Sears featured heavily for the Iron during his first
month with the Championship club and will continue to be utilised at
Glanford Park until the New Year. But any hopes of Scunthorpe landing the
London-born striker permanently look unlikely as the Hammers retained their
24-hour recall on the 20-year-old front man. "I know Freddie has not scored
but in the seven games he has played for us, he has been involved in half
our goals," said Scunthorpe manager Ian Barraclough. "It's not just about
putting the ball in the back of the net - and I am sure that will come for
him. "I know fans will look back at the chance he missed last week against
Cardiff - but that is not the Freddie I see every day. "You see him in
training day in, day out and he has got all the attributes to be a top
goalscorer."

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Noble keeps Hammers belief
Midfielder feels past experience will help to secure survival
Last updated: 19th November 2010
SSN

Mark Noble is confident West Ham United can climb out of trouble and
believes the team's previous experience will help the club stay in the
Premier League. The Hammers sit bottom of the table after just one win in
their opening 13 games this season and head to Liverpool on Saturday. The
club's plight has left Noble hurting, but the midfielder retains belief that
Avram Grant'sside can clamber to safety. "It helps to have the experience,"
Noble, who has been involved in relegation scraps in three of the past four
seasons, told the club's official website. "We hate being in this position.
We don't like it and going into work is not enjoyable. It is always in the
back of your mind, you enjoy football, but as professionals and as players
and staff we have to pull together and change the outcome.

Confidence

"We just need to come together as a group and keep working hard. I have got
confidence that we will get out of it. "I still believe in us. This is the
team I play for and I still believe in us." He added: "It hurts. If you have
got enough pride in what you do, in your job - it will hurt. It hurts you
deeply when you don't get three points. It ruins your weekend. That is what
happens. "I haven't had too many good weeks this year because we ain't won
that much. The only way is up. "I have got belief in myself and the team. We
know if we play to our capabilities and get a bit of luck we will push up
the table."

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Liverpool v West Ham preview
Hammers travel to Anfield looking to change woeful record
Last updated: 19th November 2010
SSN

PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: Liverpool 1 West Ham 0
SKYBET odds: Liverpool 1/2, Draw 3/1, West Ham 6/1

One to watch: Dirk Kuyt

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will have to watch from the sidelines as
his side host West Ham in the Premier League. The Reds skipper faces four
weeks out after injuring his hamstring whilst playing for England in
midweek, sparking a furious reaction from the Anfield outfit. Gerrard played
25 more minutes than initially intended against France and his absence will
be a major blow for Liverpool, who have failed to build on their victory
over Chelsea earlier in the month. The impressive win over the Blues was
seen as a turning point in Roy Hodgson's reign at the club, after a
difficult start to his time on Merseyside. However, a draw against Wigan
followed by a lacklustre defeat at Stoke last weekend has seen Hodgson's men
take another step backwards.
Failure to pick up all three points at home to struggling West Ham would be
another blow for Liverpool, but there is no doubt that they will miss their
talismanic captain. All 12 of their goals since the opening day of the
season have been scored or assisted by Gerrard or Fernando Torres, and with
the Spaniard still not on top form, it will now be up to other players to
step up to the plate.

The Hammers, though, have a dreadful record at Anfield and have failed to
win on their last 38 visits - their last triumph coming back in September
1963.
Indeed, the East Londoners have won none of their last 24 away games in the
Premier League and currently sit rock bottom of the table after a dreadful
start. Avram Grant is a man under pressure at Upton Park and even at this
early stage of the campaign the Israeli boss will be concerned that they lie
five points adrift of safety. The stats do not lie and Grant has led West
Ham to their worst ever start in the Premier League - having only managed
one win so far this term.

Team news

While Liverpool will be without Gerrard, the likes of Torres, Dirk Kuyt,
Martin Skrtel, Fabio Aurelio and Glen Johnson have all been declared fit to
play.
Skrtel missed Slovakia's clash with Bosnia in midweek but could return,
while Johnson is back in training after missing the last three matches. But
the Reds may suffer in midfield as Lucas is suspended while Joe Cole is will
miss out and Daniel Agger is injured.

Scott Parker is a major doubt ahead of the trip as the in-form midfielder is
suffering with a chest infection and will need a late fitness check. West
Ham could be boosted by the return of Julien Faubert, though, who makes his
comeback after suspension. They will be without Anthony Edgar, Peter Kurucz,
Thomas Hitzlsperger, Jack Collison and Zavon Hines while Tal Ben Haim, Valon
Behrami and Manuel da Costa are doubts. Another poor result this weekend
could be the final nail in the coffin for Grant, although he has recently
claimed that he will never walk away from the job.

Possible starting XIs:
Liverpool: Reina, Carragher, Skrtel, Konchesky, Kyrgiakos, Meireles, Maxi,
Poulsen, Jovanovic, Kuyt, Torres.

West Ham: Green, Upson, Jacobsen, Ilunga, Gabbidon, Noble, Kovac, Boa Morte,
Behrami, Piquionne, Obinna.

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Cesc sickener has Costa us
The Sun
By MIKE McGRATH
Published: Today

WEST HAM boss Avram Grant has blasted Cesc Fabregas for the tackle that left
Manuel da Costa out until next year. Portuguese centre-back Da Costa had an
operation this week on an ankle injury picked up at the Emirates Stadium.
Arsenal skipper Fabregas fouled Da Costa at the end of his team's 1-0 win
last month. But the incident was not picked up by pundits. And that has left
Grant furious as his team fight to drag themselves off the foot of the Prem.
He blasted: "It was a bad tackle. It was a bad injury and he will not play
for a 10 weeks. And he was very good this season. "The TV likes to pick up
things like Scott Parker with the referees. "If they were going to highlight
mistakes from referees against us they would need a whole programme."
Da Costa was the club's player of the month for September and seen as a key
man to get them out of relegation bother. Grant was hit with a fresh blow
yesterday when Parker, 30, was ruled out of today's crunch game at Liverpool
with a chest infection. Grant said: "I think he is the best midfield player
in England. "He gives everything and always tries to play." Grant also
reacted to the public backing he received this week from vice-chairman
Karren Brady.
Sunsport columnist Brady insisted Grant would not be sacked despite the club
being bottom of the table. The Hammers boss said: "I'm happy that everyone
is sticking to the vision. I give everything to the team."

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Parker loses fight to make Anfield trip
Published 23:00 19/11/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror

West Ham talisman Scott Parker has been ruled out of today's trip to
Liverpool with a chest infection. Hammers boss Avram Grant wanted to give
the midfielder every chance to prove his fitness but the 30-year-old did not
travel to Anfield. "Firstly, he is a good player and, secondly, he is a good
influence," said Grant. "Not just for West Ham, I think he is the best
midfield player in England. "He gives everything and always tries to play –
he is one of the best."
The Hammers will also be without Manuel da Costa after a challenge from
Arsenal skipper Cesc Fabregas that left Grant fuming. "It was a bad, bad
tackle from Fabregas in the last moments of the game," Grant added. "The TV
likes to pick up things for other teams. If they were to highlight all the
mistakes from referees against us they would need a whole programme. "It's a
bad injury and he will not play for weeks."

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