Hines returns for reserves
WHUFC.com
Zavon Hines could return to Alex Dyer's reserve squad for Monday's trip to
Aston Villa
14.11.2010
Alex Dyer has urged his West Ham United reserve team to emulate Aston Villa,
who they face in the Barclays Premier Reserve League on Monday evening . The
Hammers - with Zavon Hines back in contention for the first time in a year -
travel to Hinckley United FC's De Montfort Park stadium on Monday evening to
face Villa, who have won the South division title in each of the last three
seasons. Meanwhile, a host of the club's youngsters have graduated to the
first team in recent months, including winger Marc Albrighton, midifleder
Barry Bannan and defenders Ciaran Clark, Eric Lichaj and Jonathan Hogg.
Such success and progress is exactly what Dyer is aiming for. "They have a
good reputation and set about things in the right way and have won the
reserve league for the last three seasons, so it will be a good test for our
boys, whatever side they put out," he said. "They have invested in their
reserve team and it's coming to fruition now because a lot of those young
boys are getting into the first team. You can see what happens when you put
it all in in the reserves. If you do well, then all of a sudden people start
looking and they move on to the first team."
While Villa have done well in the recent past, Dyer's side have also
impressed, winning on their travels at Everton and Liverpool already this
term.
With the likes of Jordan Brown, Ahmed Abdulla and Cristian Montano eager to
make their mark, Dyer is hoping his side can add to that list of victories
on Monday. "We've been good this year. The last couple of games have been
disappointing because we've been beaten by Arsenal and Manchester City, but
I'm now looking to go to Villa, give a good account of ourselves and return
to winning ways."
One player who could assist Dyer in his aim is Hines, who looks set to
return to action at Hinckley after eleven months out with a knee injury. The
England Under-21 forward has been in full training for the past few weeks
and could be given a run out off the bench against Villa.
Kick-off at De Montfort Park is at 7pm.
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Paolo back at the Boleyn
WHUFC.com
Supporters should move quickly to secure their place in the all-new Paolo Di
Canio Lounge
14.11.2010
Paolo Di Canio will be back at the Boleyn for visit of Wigan Athletic on 27
November and will once again visit the new Boleyn Ground hospitality suite
named in his honour. Situated in the imposing West Stand, the Paolo Di Canio
Lounge is proving hugely popular - providing fans with a truly unique venue
in which to enjoy their visit to the home of the Hammers. Themed around Di
Canio's four unforgettable years in east London, the Paolo Di Canio Lounge
was opened by the man himself earlier this season in a special ceremony.
This will be his first trip back and will give even more fans the rare
chance to meet their idol. Packages are available from only £110 per person
plus VAT.
The opening of the Paolo Di Canio Lounge continues the club's commitment to
honouring the former Hammers greats including Bobby Moore, Ron Greenwood,
John Lyall, Sir Trevor Brooking and Billy Bonds. Supporters can expect a
relaxing and comfortable environment and will be able to watch all the match
action from some of the best seats in the house, situated in the VIP area of
the West Stand. For more information, call the Corporate Sales Team on 0871
221 2700 or email corporatesales@westhamunited.co.uk
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Cole called up
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole has been added to England's squad for Wednesday's friendly
meeting with France
14.11.2010
Carlton Cole has been drafted into Fabio Capello's England squad for
Wednesday's friendly against France at Wembley. Cole has been called up as
cover for Newcastle United forward Andy Carroll and Aston Villa's Gabriel
Agbonlahor, who both suffered unspecified injuries during Saturday's round
of Barclays Premier League fixtures. The West Ham United striker has earned
seven senior caps - all as a substitute - since making his debut in the 2-0
defeat in Spain in February 2009. Cole joins club-mate Robert Green in
Capello's squad for the fixture, which is already a 90,000 sellout at the
Home of Football.
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Wigan is Kids for a Quid
WHUFC.com
West Ham-Wigan matches are usually high on drama and this season's is set to
be no different
14.11.2010
West Ham United welcome Wigan Athletic on Saturday 27 November - and the
club is once again running the hugely popular Kids for a Quid scheme once
again.The club have previously run the offer for the Bolton Wanderers and
Fulham matches this season, meaning the Wigan game will complete a hat-trick
of cut-price games for young fans this season. Adults can purchase child
tickets for this Barclays Premier League showdown for just £1 - with the aim
being to get a full house for this major Barclays Premier League encounter
at the Boleyn Ground. Kick-off is at 3pm. Carlton Cole said: "It is good to
encourage the kids to come along, they are the next generation. We want more
coming to matches and it will be great to have a full stadium cheering us
on. "
The Hammers will hope for a repeat of last season's Boleyn Ground showdown
with the Latics, when Scott Parker scored a memorable second-half goal to
seal a 3-2 victory and all but secured the club's top-flight place.
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A Diamond in the rough
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 14th November 2010
By: Staff Writer
Alessandro Diamanti has been called up to the Italian squad for the first
time - just three months after he was sent packing by West Ham. The
27-year-old attacking midfielder - who was named as West Ham's best signing
of 2009/10 by readers of KUMB.com - was sold to Brescia a week before the
close of the August transfer deadline yet is one of four new faces named by
current coach Cesare Prandelli for the Azzurri's forthcoming friendly with
Romania.
Meanwhile, Carlton Cole is back in the England squad along with Rob Green
after receiving a late call-up from Fabio Capello earlier today. The initial
23-man squad sans Cole had been named yesterday but the 27-year-old striker
has now been added to the roster to face France at Wembley on Wednesday
night.
Full England squad
Goalkeepers: Ben Foster (Man Utd), Robert Green (West Ham Utd), Joe Hart
(Man City).
Defenders: Ashley Cole (Chelsea), Rio Ferdinand (Man Utd), Kieran Gibbs
(Arsenal), Phil Jagielka (Everton), Joleon Lescott (Man City), Micah
Richards (Man City), Chris Smalling (Man Utd), John Terry (Chelsea).
Midfielders: Gareth Barry (Man City), Steven Gerrard (Liverpool), Jordan
Henderson (Sunderland), Adam Johnson (Man City), James Milner (Man City),
Theo Walcott (Arsenal), Jack Wilshere (Arsenal), Ashley Young (Aston Villa).
Forwards: Gabriel Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Jay Bothroyd (Cardiff), Andy
Carroll (Newcastle), Carlton Cole (West Ham Utd), Peter Crouch (Tottenham).
Full Italy squad
Goalkeepers: Antonio Mirante (Parma), Salvatore Sirigu (Palermo), Emiliano
Viviano (Bologna).
Defenders: Davide Astori (Cagliari), Federico Balzaretti (Palermo), Leonardo
Bonucci (Juventus), Mattia Cassani (Palermo), Domenico Criscito (Genoa),
Daniele Gastaldello (Sampdoria), Andrea Ranocchia (Genoa), Davide Santon
(Inter).
Midfielders: Alberto Aquilani (Juventus), Daniele De Rossi (AS Roma),
Alessandro Diamanti (Brescia), Cristian Ledesma (Lazio), Claudio Marchisio
(Juventus), Stefano Mauri (Lazio), Andrea Pirlo (AC Milan).
Forwards: Mario Balotelli (Manchester City), Alberto Gilardino (Fiorentina),
Giampaolo Pazzini (Sampdoria), Fabio Quagliarella (Juventus), Giuseppe Rossi
(Villarreal).
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Holloway on... West Ham Utd
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 14th November 2010
By: Staff Writer
Entertaining as always and fresh from his post-match rant at Villa Park in
midweek, Ian Holloway looks back at his first trip to the Boleyn as a
Premier League manager...
Ian: Would that team have got a draw [at Aston Villa]?
I don't know, I didn't play that team. I dunno. Man United did [today] and
we should have with the team I picked there.
You had two great chances today at the end of the game?
I can tell you that some of the chances they [West Ham] were looking like
they were going to get, I wasn't that confident that they wouldn't score if
you know what I mean. I think it was a fantastic game of football which I'd
have been happy to pay to watch myself. Two very good teams both trying to
win. I can't believe the hype that was put on themselves by West Ham, I
think there's an awful lot of the season left, I think they've been really
unfortunate and they looked a really good team today. We haven't got that
expectation or those pressures and I glad we haven't, it can't be a nice
place to be.
But I found a bit of pressure this week by apparently picking some people
that I wasn't supposed to pick; the new rules, should let me pick whoever I
like - particularly when I've spent a lot of money on them, more that on
Charlie Adam. Just for you lot, we've got a lot more in our team than just
Charlie Adam. Charlie Adam is a very good player and I've got lots of very
good players - so I can hopefully pick them and use them whenever I like.
I want to apologise to Mick McCarthy. I started off by saying I don't want
to talk about anybody else's club becasue I didn't know what Mick had
actually said. He would never say he's going to go somewhere and lose, quite
rightly - he's a decent manager and if I ever do half as much as Mick's done
in the game I'll be absolutely delighted, and keep my dignity like he does.
But I just lost the plot the other evening because I took a risk picking
that team as they hadn't played and they could have got injured and they
might not be up to the level. I risked buying them, spent a lot of money on
that team - [Chris] Basham, Ludovik [Sylvestre] - and I spent more on both
of those than I did on Charlie Adam so they've worked with me for 12 weeks,
they know what I want them to do and they've earned the right to play.
I tried to win both games, as you can see. Did I come here and sit on a
point? No. Did I come here and go over the top? I thought it was an
entertaining game and the best nil-nil draw I have seen in my entire life.
That's full credit to both teams and hopefully all the supporters will go
away thinking 'our team aint bad', because both teams were very, very good.
Isn't all this complete nonsense though? You as the manager should be free
to pick whoever you want and at the end of the day if you don't win, you
answer to people within your club rather than anyone else, surely?
Well any team you pick you're putting your heart in your mouth anyway
because at this level, it can get beat - and it can get beat heavily. But
what you've got to try and do is believe in your convictions, believe why
you're doing it, plan what you're doing and make sure your lads know their
job. If you look at my team tonight, the way my other team played the other
night, I think they all know their jobs so brilliant - well done to my
staff, well done to myself, a little pat on the back, well done - and I've
got some good players. Just becasue you don't know who they are and because
you aint seen them, don't judge before you've seen them.
So if you've seen them play and then come back and ask me 'why did you pick
that team, it's under-strength?' - how dare you? Make sense - they were
brilliant, they played fantastic football. Man United just managed to get a
2-2 - we were 2-2 with the last kick of the game and one of the blokes who's
supposed to be a superhero, Evra, didn't make his man and let one in. So all
I'm trying to say to you is last year was last year, I was in the
Championship and Mick was in the Premiership which he stayed in - fantastic,
Premier League, beautiful - I come [here] today, I didn't think that my
better team might beat West Ham - I don't so those things.
[Holloway's mobile phone rings] Is that me? That is a hefty fine. See I'm
trying to be professional and all of a sudden some complete lunatic is
ringing me!
It's Mick...
[talks into phone] Hello luv... Sorry, in the board room? I'll be up soon.
Okay... alright, bye luv, bye...
It was Mick then?
Humour in the room? I remember that, that's more like it!
What was wrong with your goalkeeper?
Oh he's got a sore knee, that's as much as I know. [It's a] patella tendon
problem and every time he kicks with his good foot that's jamming into the
ground and he's very sore. That's why I played the other one the other day -
he would have been coming on in a game like this, of this magnitude, without
any games under his belt.
[raises bottle to microphone and pours water] I love that sound, don't you?
There we are, really.
You said you had other players bar Charlie Adam, today I thought your centre
halves were really putting their bodies on thie line?
Yeah. What I've manged to do now is take control of my football club and
there's not just a 'them' and 'us', there's 'us'. All the ones that were
waiting to play that I was asking to work, they played and they did
brilliantly so I can pick any one of them now. I've kept a promise to the
ones that got me up last year, you will play, you will get your chance.
We've had 12 games now, that's our 13th I think - is that right? I've said
'gloves are off now, you make a mistake and you're out becasue that bloke
can take your place', I know that.
I think that's management and I'm learning. I've made some mistakes in the
past and I don't want to make too many now becasue I love my job and I don't
want to leave it. I should shut my face and threaten to do all sorts of
things because I got a bit emotional when I lost 3-2 and I didn't think my
team should have. At the end of the day all's happy because we've come here,
again we've been involved in a fantastic game of football, we've tried to
win it. We didn't we get on our coach and go back home and see what we can
do against Wolves next.
The last thing I want to do is upset Mick because the respect I've got for
Mick - and you saw yesterday how many other managers were 'what's your
problem?' Rules are rules and I've got to live by them, of course I will,
but what happened last year was last year, this is this year.
It's a 25 man squad isn't it, so you're allowed to use any?
They haven't sent me a letter, they haven't asked. [points to Blackpool
media officer] That's the man they'll be sending a letter to so why did you
even, you know... ah, what is going on.
Do you think it would have been an issue had you won?
No, no-one would have mentioned a damn thing, would they. What they should
have been saying is 'good God, how is he doing that with all them people we
don't know?' 'How do they know how to play as well as the other lot, without
Charlie [Adam], without [David] Vaughanie' - and how do I know who I'm going
to keep by January? I don't, do I? However well my boys have done I might
have a big queue of shopping trolleys and they're all getting chucked in by
there other rich people, all these other rich clubs. Becasue they might look
at what we're doing and think 'I like him, I like him and I like him' - and
I might not be able to compete with them.
Hopefully my boys will want to stay with me because I'm fair, I'm a man of
my word, I keep going and try to play decent football. I should be allowed
to manage them however I like, like I do my own home with my own children. I
don't give them an ice cream unless they deserve it. Mind you, they're
20-odd now - they can buy their own...
[laughs all round]
When you looked at those two games - Villa and West Ham - did you regard
them as equal?
Absolutely, every point I'm after I don't care who it is, I'm going to try
and get it. I actually went to Arsenal believing I could win, after 30
minutes we were only one goal down then Ian Evatt got caught and was sent
off - and then we had to play the rest of the game with ten men having been
2-0 down. All the best to anybody who's going to do that. So we've learnt.
Then we went to Chelsea. I was gutted with the first half - it probably
scared me more than I should ever be scared, so easily they brushed us
aside. Second half, we had six shots on their goal. I wish it'd been the
other way around because we'd have built our belief but we proved - and I
played a defensive player instead of an attacker and never again will I pay
anybody that respect - we're going to go for it, that's what I'm trying to
do.
You were so close to winning today, you had three good opportunies at the
end?
Yeah, but by the end of the season so close might be so far. But from what
everybody expected us to do - we could have capitulated, we could be slower
than all of them, not passed the ball as well as them - we could be the
biggest embarrassment ever and I don't think we are. But that's for you to
write and not me. I'm going to get on with my job, I'm going to duck under
the radar. I'm ever so sorry, I'm just going to get on with my job.
First few weeks I was pretty serious, I'm still serious now. I felt so
strongly about people writing about my players that I felt I've got to stand
up and fight for them. Do you know what I mean? I think that's absolutely
disgraceful and I will fight anyone who's going to tell me that that's a
weaker team. What it shows is a lack of education on everybody else's part
how good my team is. My Chairman needs to see them play because I've bought
them, I've been working with them and hopefully he'll be quite impressed
because I'm sure he went 'oh my God, who are we playing tonight?' But as he
said on the phone, 'I pay you to do your job - thanks son'.
No one should tell a manager who to pick, not any Chairman just because you
own the club. You should guide it the right way for the fans - end of story.
The manager should have the final say, that's including England as well - he
should have the final say. Not you lot, writing about your favourites.
That's only a joke, come on! He's looking far too serious over there!
This is it, I'm going - thanks.
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Grant on... Blackpool
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 14th November 2010
By: Staff Writer
A cagey Avram Grant fends off some difficult questions from the assembled
press pack following the goalless draw with Blackpool...
Avram: I think you created enough chances to win two games, not one?
I think enough chances to win three games and enough penalties to win two
games... We did everything right, I cannot say anything bad about the
players. We pressed well, we moved, passed the ball well and created a lot
of chances but football is a game of goals and we didn't score today
unfortunately - and almost conceded from a counter-attack at the end.
You mentioned penalties; how many do you think West Ham should have had?
I'm waiting for the day that I don't need to speak about the decisions of
referees that everybody saw on the television. What's happened this season
is a disgrace. Every game there's a decision against us. It was a clear two
penalties - one to hand where he made a better save than the goalkeeper and
then one on Pablo [Barrera].
My players are also too honest. Lars [Jacobsen] didn't fall [at Birmingham
last week] and Pablo tried to stay on his feet, but it was a penalty.
They've given soft penalties to Man Utd and others last week, so I'll wait
until the day when I don't need to speak about them.
Blackpool scored a goal that was ruled out for offside; these things tend to
even themselves out a little bit.
You know what - I'll agree that we weren't given two penalties and they
weren't given one. Okay? Let's make a deal.
Parker handled in the box.
Did he? You asked me about the referee; I'm still thinking about the two
penalties for us, if you think different that's ok. But I really don't want
to speak about the referees.
But it's not just about the referees though, is it?
No, it's not about referees but we want the right decisions from referees.
We created enough chances but we didn't score.
How much of a concern is that?
It's a concern because I think maybe the players lost a bit of confidence
becasue we are bottom of the league but at the end of the day they played a
good game, we created a lot of good chances. It's a concern that in the last
two games we've scored two goals in each game and conceded two goals. Today
we kept a clean sheet but didn't score.
I don't know what to say after a game like this, I cannot say 'this was not
good' or 'this was not good'. Everything was right, the players gave
everything - I can't complain that any player didn't fight and the spirit
was good.
If they've given everything what can change now, Avram? Two consecutive home
draws against teams that you'd be looking to beat, bottom of the table...
I think this is the right question but the answer is to say that we need to
continue like this. We need to continue to create chances because in
football, what can we do better? We defended well, we pressed well, we
created chances; if they say we are at the bottom of the league and don't
play good football, the spirit is not good, mentally it's not good, not
creating a chance I could say 'okay, maybe we need to change something' -
but I cannot say that. I hope the players will continue to play like this
because at the end of the day we will score, and from less chances than we
created today.
When you look at the last two home games - West Brom and today - you must
have been hoping for at least one win?
Yeah. I wanted six points, I wanted nine points from this week but we don't
have it. But we don't intend to give up, we'll continue fighting.
You have five games now before Christmas. Realistically speaking, how many
points do you think you need to gather?
I don't think it's like this, I think we need that first win because I think
that with the football we play once we have that first win we'll have more
confidence and will win many games after. We need that first win first; it's
very hard but I'm sure that it will come.
One win in 13 league games; do you think you're getting the best out of your
players?
It's a very strange situation because when you have one win out of 13 games
you'd expect the football, players and everything to be no good. But the
players personally - 70 per cent have developed and they are better from
month to month so I don't know what to say to you because this is a fact but
I'm sure that if we continue to play like this it will be okay.
Look at the players who played today. Mark Noble is better than at the
beginning of the season, Scotty [Parker] is always good and other players
are better and better. Everything has improved except the winning [games]
but I believe that at the end of the day we will have our wins.
What happened to Kieron Dyer today?
I don't know yet but Kieron gave everything in the last game and he thought
that he was ready to play this game. But he couldn't do it.
Some fans behind the press box were quite angry and calling for your head
after the game. Are you concerned that you're losing the support of the
fans?
I think the supporters are great, they support us 'til the last minute. They
saw the effort that everybody is giving, it's not a team that you can
complain even one player is not giving everything. At the end I saw that
some were disappointed by the game but of course, the result is not good and
the result is everything - but not everything.
How long can this carry on though? Seven games without a win, at what point
do you start to question whether you're the right man for the job?
I don't speak about myself. With all respect, I think we are doing a good
job and we need to continue with this. I have no intention to give up.
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Grant - Fans still back me
Avram Grant staying up beat about West Ham survival hopes
Last updated: 14th November 2010
SSN
Avram Grant has moved to distance himself from a rift with the West Ham fans
after sections of their support started calling for his head. The Hammers
played out a goalless draw with Blackpool at Upton Park and are now winless
in their last seven matches. Unrest among the fans is growing as the Hammers
remain bottom of the Premier League but Grant insists he still has the
support of the majority. "The fans are great. A few of them sometimes show
their disappointment, but I don't have a problem with them," he said. "They
are behind us, so it's good."
Grant acknowledges his team are now in the mist of a mental battle - as well
as a relegation one - and desperately need a win to kick-start their
faltering campaign. West Ham travel to Anfield next weekend, who themselves
will be desperate for a win after their defeat against Stoke. Grant, though,
is certain his team will turn things around. "When you have one win from 13
games you think everything is not good, so it is very strange to analyse
this situation," he added. "You need that first win. After this, we will
win. We are doing everything, but sometimes when you don't win, it gets that
much harder. "Of course it's also a psychological thing, but when you have
big psychological problems you can't perform like we did. "We need to
improve, but we did good things and I believe that if we continue to do the
right things, we will win games."
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Cole gets England call-up
West Ham striker called-up cover for Carroll and Agbonlahor
Last updated: 14th November 2010
SSN
Carlton Cole has been called up to the England squad as cover for injury
doubts Andy Carroll and Gabriel Agbonlahor. Newcastle hot-shot Carroll and
Aston Villastriker Agbonlahor are thought to be struggling for fitness
following Saturday's Premier League matches. West Ham forward Cole has now
been called up as cover, with all the players due to report to the team's
hotel on Sunday evening to be assessed ahead of Wednesday's friendly against
France. Cole, who names Aston Villa, Charlton, Wolves and Chelsea among his
former clubs, have won seven caps for England without scoring. In-form
Carroll, who is struggling with a groin injury, will be particularly upset
if he misses out as he received his maiden England call-up for the friendly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Vinny's Blackpool Report
Vinny - Sun Nov 14 2010
West Ham Online
West Ham United 0 Blackpool 0
West Ham are now five points from safety as another poor result against
Blackpool made it one win from thirteen.
It is difficult not to take from the last game against West Brom as this was
very similar and despite not being beaten again we have to start winning
games if we want to remain a Premiership side and I cannot see this
happening any time soon.
Everything was horrible about this game from the way we played, to our
struggle in front of goal and of course the fans reaction to certain
players. The atmosphere around Upton Park is frankly quite depressing as
everyone seems to just hate everyone. Certain players have been singled out
which can only suggest that certain sections of our support believe it is
their fault that we are in the position we are.
For me it the entire team who need to be criticised and not just one or two.
It is everything about this club that seems wrong and things have not been
right for such a long time I am beginning to think a happy West Ham is
something of myth and rumour.
Blackpool looked the more likely to win the game in the second half
especially in the last fifteen minutes and although we did have chances we
should have taken I never felt as though we were good enough to take the
three points.
The last three games gave us the chance to get out of trouble and just maybe
move up the table and have a decent season. We all debated on how many
points would be acceptable and of course all wanted nine but would have been
happy with seven at least but to have just three and still be rooted to the
bottom of the league with Liverpool at Anfield to come next makes it all so
very bleak.
Avram Grant made two changes to the side who were held by West Brom on
Wednesday night. In midfield there was a welcome return for Mark Noble who
had been out after having his appendix removed only a couple of weeks ago.
He replaced Pablo Barrera who dropped to the bench. This saw Boa Morte on
the left wing with Kieron Dyer starting on the right.
Up front Carlton Cole was dropped to the bench and placed by Victor Obinna
who took his place up front alongside Frederique Piquionne.
On the bench for Blackpool was former Hammer Marlon Harewood who played 149
games for the club between 2004 and 2007 scoring 56 goals. Harewood has
scored more goals for the club than any player since Trevor Morley (who
scored 57).
After the disappointment of the West Brom game a win simply had to be
produced by our underachieving players. Even a win would have made most fans
simply content as Blackpool at home you would look at as one which a win
should come - that isn't being disrespectful to Blackpool but when we all
scan the fixtures at the start of the season you would identify this game as
one we should win.
There were few chances in the opening moments of the game but we looked the
more dangerous going forward, forcing a few corners which were easily
cleared.
With just 18 minutes on the clock Kieron Dyer had to come off injured which
was another setback in the long line of setbacks Dyer continues to have. On
in his place was Pablo Barrera who had struggled against West Brom.
Barrera was quickly involved when some great skill from Obinna saw the
Nigerian get into the area but totally missed his shot but the ball did
break for Barrera who seemed to be brought down by Cranie in the area but
neither Referee nor Linesman decided to give the penalty.
A corner swung into the area was met by the head of Piquionne who should
have done better but the attempt went well wide.
Blackpool were generally forced into long range efforts which usually went
wide or deflected away for corners.
The best of these efforts came from David Vaughn who was allowed to run
quite a way before hitting a left foot effort which had Green scrambling to
his right but the shot went wide.
A long ball forward by Green was flicked on by Piquionne which saw Barrera
get into the area. The Mexican did well to head the ball back for Obinna to
strike only for the shot to be charged down Cathcart. It looked as clear as
day that it was blocked by the defenders arm and the West Ham players
surrounded the referee Kevin Friend but only a corner was given.
The second half was not much better but both sides did have some clear cut
chances which they should have taken. Thinking back to the quality of the
chances produced how this ended 0-0 is quite astonishing.
The first attempt of the half came from Blackpool's Charlie Adam who spotted
Robert Green off his line and tried an audacious shot from around 50 yards
out which had Green scuttling back towards his line and he would have been
happy to see it come off the roof of the net.
We then had a glorious chance to score when Scott Parker played a wonderful
pass through to Boa Morte who had the goal at his mercy but his finish was
poor and it went wide. His finishing since signing for the club has been
abysmal and that is why he has scored so few goals.
Marlon Harewood came on for Blackpool and received a positive reaction from
most of the supporters and it was Harewood who had the ball in the back of
the net only a few minutes after coming on but the offside flag was raised
to save us.
Another great chance came our way when a nice exchange of passes from Parker
and Boa Morte saw the former burst into the area and square the ball for
Barrera whose shot was cleared off the line.
Boa Morte was taken off by Avram Grant and replaced by Carlton Cole in an
attempt to add another body up front as we searched desperately for the goal
which would surely win us the game.
Boa Morte was booed by many of the supporter who were unhappy with this
performance which had not been very good but the reaction was over the top
and unnecessary. Boa Morte cupped his ears and signalled for the crowd to be
a bit louder in their booing which I am sure will enrage many but I see no
problem with him having a pop back.
The chances continue to come and a wonderful pass from Obinna set Barrera
down the left and the winger crossed for Cole to go in with the Blackpool
defender Evatt and the ball was bundled onto the post and away.
Blackpool began to look dangerous on the counter attack and left winger Luke
Varney was causing Lars Jacobsen all sorts of problems. One of these breaks
saw Varney cross perfectly for Taylor-Fletcher but his half volley was
blazed over from just about 10 yards out. This should have been goal and was
an awful miss.
Harewood should have won the game for Blackpool when a left wing cross found
him in space but his shot from only around six yards out went well wide.
Mark Noble was unlucky when he showed good technique and skill to get past
his man and hit a curling right foot effort which was saved by Kingson in
the Blackpool goal.
A last gasp winner was nearly found by the visitors when a corner was only
cleared by Green as far as Cathcart who hit a volley from just a few yards
out which was somehow kept out by Green in what was a terrific save.
Boo's could be heard all around Upton Park as the final whistle blew. Five
points separate us and Wigan in 17th place. A gap is forming already and I
can only see it getting bigger.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Decent display from Green and only his second clean sheet of the season. His
save near the end secured a point.
Lars Jacobsen
Had a solid first half but in the second he seemed to always be slightly out
of position which allowed the ball to be played over the top of him and
Varney on the left destroyed him.
Danny Gabbidon
Solid, assured and didn't make many mistakes.
Matthew Upson
A few wild clearances aside he like Gabbidon were solid at the back although
Blackpool's lack of firepower may have had something do with this.
Herita Ilunga
Still puzzled by his lack of form and how nervous he looks on the ball.
Maybe he isn't nervous on the ball and I am just nervous looking at him as
he seems slow and clumsy.
Kieron Dyer
Didn't last long and had little impact in his time on the pitch. We need him
playing.
Mark Noble
Great to have him back. Looked a little leggy and did lose the ball a few
times, but he still put in a hard working shift and was unlucky with a good
effort in the second half.
Scott Parker
Still think he was out best player again as he just ran the show in our
midfield. Set up Boa Morte who should have scored and did the same for
Barrera who also should have put the ball beyond the defenders and keeper.
Parker was excellent but we can't just continue to be a one man team.
Luis Boa Morte
Worked hard, covered a lot of ground but when in possession he was again
awful. His passing was poor, he often held on to the ball for too long and
his finish from the Parker pass was dreadful. Was correctly taken off but
the reaction from the crowd was disgusting.
Frederique Piquionne
Often so eager to get on the ball he would drift wide which is exactly what
we do not want him to do. Had a chance in the first half from a corner but
was rarely involved in the rest of the game.
Victor Obinna
Always involved and willing to take on players and move forward with pace.
His final ball again lets him down and it is worrying that he is still yet
to score a league goal for the club.
Subs Used
Pablo Barrera (on for Dyer 18 mins)
Much better than Wednesday night. Was more involved - should have been given
a penalty, set Obinna up for the shot which was handled, should have scored
when Parker crossed the ball for him and set up Cole for the chance which
came off the post.
Carlton Cole (on for Boa Morte 71 mins)
I found it humorous that Boa Morte was booed coming off and the same people
booed Cole coming on. It seems we just hate everyone. Cole was hardly in the
game, did little to suggest he deserves to start against Liverpool and maybe
could have done better with the chance that came off the post.
Benni McCarthy (on for Piquionne 82 mins)
Big Bad Benni didn't get into the game I can't recall him even having many
touches of the ball.
Subs Not Used: Stech, Tomkins, Spector, Kovac
Bookings: None
Man Of The Match: Scott Parker
Blackpool: Gilks (Kingson 46), Eardley, Crainey, Evatt, Cathcart, Vaughan,
Varney, Adam, Grandin (Phillips 59), Taylor-Fletcher, Campbell (Harewood 67)
Unused Subs: Euell, Sylvestre, Edwards, Carney.
Attendance: 31, 194
Overall
So that was the last of the three games which were meant to see us pick up
the points to take us away from the relegation zone. No defeats, but no wins
and bottom of the Premiership seems to have become a familiar place for West
Ham.
I can't say that the last three games have been the worst I have seen us
play but given our plight the lack of victories are highlighted.
Pressure is on everyone at the club and whilst Avram Grant has been backed
by the owners you know that a few consecutive defeats and we may be looking
at yet another manager. Grant has set himself up by claiming we will be out
of the relegation zone in a month and a half. It is brave talk and he does
seem totally convinced by what he is saying.
Personally, I see no reason to have any confidence about anything and am
fully disillusioned about the way the club are at the moment. I need
something to give me some sort of hope because at this moment in time I see
nothing but relegation.
Next Game - Liverpool (a)
So we need a win badly and all we have to do is go to a place we haven't won
at since the 60's. Should be easy then.
I want to think we will go there and pull off a remarkable victory but if
anyone can explain to me why I should be confident I would appreciate the
advice.
Another game, another poor result. When will things change?
Avrams View
"We need that first win, with the football we play, once we have that win,
that will give us confidence and many wins will follow. It is very hard but
I am sure that it will come. We will continue to fight.
"It is very strange situation. When you have one win in 13 matches, you
might say things are not good but the players have developed, they are
better from month to month."
"The supporters are great. They supported us to the last minute. They saw
the effort - this is not a team where you can complain that one player
didn't give everything.
"We are doing a good job and the wins will come. I have no intention to give
up on this."
"We had enough chances to win two games. We did everything right, I cannot
say any bad words about the players. They pressed the ball well, they passed
and moved and they created a lot of chances.
"We want the right decisions from referees but we also created enough
chances and didn't score. Maybe the players lost a bit of confidence because
we are at the bottom of the league. We created a lot of chances. I don't
know what to say after a game like this. Everything was right, the players
gave everything. There wasn't one player who didn't fight."
"The answer is to continue like this and keep creating chances. In football,
we know what we can do better but only if the spirit and mentality wasn't
good would we need to change things. This is not the case."
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England manager Fabio Capello calls up Carlton Cole amid doubts over Andy
Carroll's fitness
West Ham striker Carlton Cole has been drafted into the England squad to
face France on Wednesday as cover for Andy Carroll and Gabriel Agbonlahor.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies 2:00PM GMT 14 Nov 2010
The Football Association have confirmed that the 27-year-old has been called
up to offer manager Fabio Capello an extra option in attack with Newcastle's
Carroll and Aston Villa's Agbonlahor both picking up unspecified injuries
for their clubs yesterday. Cole, who played 19 minutes for West Ham against
Blackpool yesterday, won the last of his seven England caps as a second-half
substitute against Egypt in March. Carroll played the whole of Newcastle's
0-0 draw with Fulham yesterday and twice came close to making it eight goals
for the season, although it is thought he may have suffered a groin injury
in the process.
Agbonlahor started his first game since September 26 against Manchester
United yesterday, having missed the best part of two months following a
groin operation. He picked up a knock against United, though, and was
withdrawn after 78 minutes. The in-form Carroll received his maiden call-up
to the senior squad last night after a run of impressive performances for
his club. The 21-year-old has scored seven goals for Newcastle so far this
season – their first back in the Barclays Premier League – and has won
numerous plaudits for his all-action style of play. However, with him
currently on bail after being charged with assault, his selection had to be
approved by Club England managing director Adrian Bevington, with Capello
then pledging to do his best to help the player. "Everybody makes mistakes
when they are young," Capello said after picking his squad. "It is very
important for him to be in the seniors because we have a lot of important
players, who can stay with him and speak with him about what happens outside
the pitch. That is important."
Both the 24-year-old Agbonlahor and Carroll were given spots in a squad
already light on forwards. Wayne Rooney is missing with an ankle injury, as
is Jermain Defoe, while Bobby Zamora has a broken leg.
Bolton's Kevin Davies was given his debut at the age off 33 in last month's
European Championships qualifier with Montenegro but has been left out
despite continuing his impressive form for Bolton, with Capello opting to
select Cardiff's Jay Bothroyd instead. Tottenham's Peter Crouch, who scored
his first league goal since May against Blackburn yesterday, is the other
striker in the squad. Cole's only goal this season came in the 2-1 defeat to
Newcastle yesterday, a match in which Carroll netted the winner.
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West Ham and Blackpool show off their blunt side
Paul Doyle at Upton Park
guardian.co.uk, Saturday 13 November 2010 17.18 GMT
Ian Holloway railed midweek at the suggestion that his controversial
decision to omit 10 regular first-teamers for the trip to Aston Villa was
motivated by a desire to keep them fresh for this clash with West Ham
United, with whom Blackpool could conceivably find themselves battling
against relegation.
He nonetheless gave credence to that claim by recalling all those who had
been rested and deploying an entirely different line-up to the one that
started at Villa Park. It is hard to know whether this madcap draw at the
Boleyn Ground justified his decision. What is certain is that he remains
unrepentant. "I tried to win both games – I've got some very good players at
this club, not just Charlie Adam, even if you don't know them," he said. "No
one should tell a manager who to pick."
This was an eventful but error-strewn match that Blackpool could have won
handsomely or lost by a hat-full. The West Ham striker Victor Obinna has hit
more shots without scoring than anyone else in the Premier League this
season but here it was as if every other player on the pitch was competing
to top that table of infamy, as two rickety defences were constantly spared
by atrocious finishing. The one time that a player did manage to bundle the
ball into the net – Marlon Harewood in the second half after David Vaughan's
shot ricocheted into his path – the officials incorrectly ruled it out for
offside.
The lack of class could be decried but not the teams' attitudes, as both
sides attacked with zeal. Luis Boa Morte glanced a header wide in the third
minute after a strong run and cross by Hérita Ilunga, and that was a portent
of things to come. Blackpool showed greater fluency early on but could not
forge clear chances from their possession, their best in the first period
being long-range efforts from Vaughan and Elliot Grandin.
Avram Grant was forced to perform a familiar chore in the 18th minute when
the unfortunate Kieron Dyer suffered yet another hamstring injury and had to
be substituted. In the 44th minute his replacement, Pablo Barrera,
squandered the best opportunity of the first half. Scott Parker launched a
counterattack and released the Mexican, who cut inside Stephen Crainey only
to clip high and wide from 16 yards.
The ever-dynamic Parker was again the creator in the 50th minute when he
split the Blackpool defence with a canny pass, but Boa Morte curled wide.
Moments later Adam produced the game's first flash of inspiration but,
mercifully for Rob Green, the Scot's extravagant chip from 45 yards dropped
on to the roof of the net.
As the half progressed Blackpool poured forward with greater numbers but
little precision. They seemed to finally snatch a reward for their good
intentions when Harewood scuffed the ball into the net after Vaughan's shot
from the edge of the area deflected to him. The goal was incorrectly chalked
off and the reprieve seemed to spur the home side into a higher gear as,
shortly afterwards, they created – and wasted – two glorious goal-scoring
chances. The first was spurned by Barrera, whose weak close-range shot after
neat play by Parker was blocked on the line by Ian Evatt. Moments later the
substitute Carlton Cole hit the post from four yards, under pressure from
the ubiquitous Evatt. Then it was Blackpool's turn to miss a sitter, Gary
Taylor-Fletcher wafting embarrassingly over after a cross from Matt
Phillips.
Incredibly the worst miss of the match was still to come. In the 83rd minute
Luke Varney raced down the left and teed up Crainey, whose low shot hurtled
to Harewood, standing three yards from goal. Somehow the striker sidefooted
wide. West Ham might have snatched only their second league win of the
season in stoppage time but Barrera chose to shoot from the edge of the box
rather than pass to Cole, who was in a better position. Inevitably the
effort was wayward.
West Ham fans booed at the final whistle but Holloway defended both teams'
performances. "That was a fantastic game which I would have been happy to
pay to watch myself," he said. "I can't believe the hype that has been put
on West Ham – they look a really good team."
Unsurprisingly Grant agreed and dismissed suggestions that his job was in
jeopardy by declaring: "I have no intention of giving up."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive - Warnock: 'There is no truth in link to West Ham'
TalkSport
By Michael Wade
Sunday, November 14
Queens Park Rangers boss Neil Warnock has told talkSPORT he is not
interested in the West Ham manager's job. Some Sunday newspapers had linked
Warnock with a move to east London following the Hammers poor start to the
Premier League season which sees hem rooted to the foot of the table.
Pressure is increasing on West Ham boss Avram Grant who has only overseen
one league win all season. Warnock's side in comparison are unbeaten in 17
league games and are only off the top of the league by one point. Warnock
told Sunday Exclusive: "They've probably got nothing to write about. Over
the years I must have been linked with about 150 jobs and I've had about 150
managers linked with my job while I've been working as well. "If you don't
say anything there's a story about it, if you say something there's a story
about. "I'm very very happy. I think it's one of those things, you're going
to get speculation when things aren't going well at places. I'm really
enjoying it at QPR."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will miss Scott Parker's vintage when he inevitably leaves in
January
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 11:27 PM on 14th November 2010
Daily Mail
With Saturday's trip to Anfield still to come in what was promised to be a
decisive quartet of matches for them, West Ham's players cannot meet the
seven-point target set for them by co-owner David Sullivan. That failure
will add up to a January exit for some. The conundrums which are still to
be solved are what will constitute a loss of confidence in manager Avram
Grant and whether millions in the bank will be worth the loss of Scott
Parker if relegation is the result.
Parker's haste in heading down the tunnel was almost indecent. Yet such was
the gargantuan nature of his performance that there cannot be any criticism
of him. Nor should there be in January when, as seems likely, he departs. As
for Grant, murmurings of discontent are beginning to be heard around Upton
Park. And no wonder. West Ham's position means that on November 26, Grant
will have spent an entire calendar year managing a team in the bottom three
of the Barclays Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham find hope in character of Scott Parker and Mark Noble despite being
held by Blackpool
West Ham United 0 Blackpool 0
By Jeremy Wilson 6:30AM GMT 15 Nov 2010
Of all the qualities that are required for a club to remain in the Premier
League, there can be few more important than character and confidence. For
the former, West Ham United could derive some considerable solace on
Saturday from the determined performances of Scott Parker and Mark Noble,
who was playing just 12 days after surgery to remove his appendix. The
deepening problem, however, relates to the crumbling self-belief of so many
of Noble and Parker's team-mates. And it prompts a simple question: does
Avram Grant have the personality to revive the confidence of those players
who currently seem to find matches at Upton Park an ordeal rather than an
opportunity?
Despite just one win from 13 league games, the indications from the West Ham
boardroom are that they are prepared to give their manager until at least
December to reverse the club's fortunes. They play Liverpool on Sunday, with
Grant's future then expected to be defined by two home matches in the space
of four days against Wigan and Manchester United.
West Ham again had few problems creating chances on Saturday, but the
finishing of Victor Obinna, Frederic Piquionne, Pablo Barrera, Carlton Cole
and Luis Boa Morte was woeful. "We need to put the ball in the net," Grant
said. "Of course it's also a psychological thing but when you have big
psychological problems you can't perform like we did."
While Parker's displays have prompted Grant to describe his captain as the
best midfielder in the Premier League, the swift return of Noble has been
particularly uplifting. Noble, whose stitching on his stomach has yet to
dissolve, revealed how close he had been to suffering a burst appendix. "I
was in agony," he said. "The doctor said we had to go to the hospital right
away, chucked me in his car and I was on a drip within two hours. The
surgeon said it was a couple of times the size it should have been and was
within hours of bursting."
Noble was expected to be ruled out for at least a month but trained for the
first time on Thursday, just 10 days after the operation. "I said I wanted
to try. They said it's impossible and I couldn't do it. I said that I felt
OK. I trained and it felt fine. I asked before the game if anything could go
wrong inside. The surgeon said it would be OK and thankfully he was right."
While Noble's involvement had been a shock, there was little surprise at Ian
Holloway's decision to make 11 changes to the Blackpool team which so
controversially lost against Aston Villa on Wednesday. Holloway again
defended his selections but admitted that he should have reacted more calmly
after the Villa game. "I'm a horrible little bugger when I don't get what I
want," he said. "I didn't feel my lads deserved the stick they got and I
took it as an insult."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Three Points Out of Nine is Just Not Good Enough!
West Ham Till I Die
Of course it is not! November should have been the month that we won some
very winnable fixtures to achieve lift off out of the bottom three. The
opportunities were there for the taking, but our residual defensive problems
and inability to take our chances have conspired to de-rail our efforts. We
should have secured nine points from the last three games, but we literally
threw six away. If they had delivered then we would now be sitting pretty
on 15 points, out of the bottom three. And our prospects would seem a whole
lot better.
Having said that, I have to admit that Blackpool played well, they moved the
ball around with surprising assurance and gave 100% commitment. It was,
perhaps, fortunate for us that we were not facing a more accomplished PL
team, because they would surely have punished us via the free kicks that we
conceded, in dangerous positions, around the penalty box. The fact that
their finishing was slightly worst than ours (at least we hit the target!
once or twice!) guaranteed a share of the points. But respect to Ian
Holloway for giving such an honest post-match assessment about his
nervousness that West Ham would claim all three points; and in stating that
West Ham are a far better than their league position suggests. There are
quite a few top PL bosses that could learn from his honest and unbiased
appraisal.
West Ham's goal scoring problems were illustrated by three incidents, in
particular, during this match. Firstly, Boa Morte's one-on-one with the
Blackpool goalkeeper, which he failed to convert. Secondly, on another
occasion, Barrera's shot straight in to the middle of a pack of Blackpool
defenders scrambling on the goal line. Surely a cooler head would have made
the snap decision that with the sheer number if bodies on the line, it
would have been better to have picked out one of the corners of the net?
Finally, deep in to extra time, Barrera broke forward on the right flank,
with the Blackpool defence fully stretched, and went for a shot from an
angle, rather than picking out an unmarked and on-side Benni McCarthy on the
far post! Both Parker and McCarthy were seen remonstrated with Barrera
afterwards, presumably about his poor decision-making in taking the wrong
option!
At the closure of the summer window, I expressed my unease that we had
failed to land Loic Remy or another recognised goal scorer. And it appears
that we are now suffering for that failure. Because the team are carving
out numerous clear cut chances that a goal poacher would lap up.
Unfortunately, securing a player of that kind costs money that the Board are
not seemingly prepared to commit, whether that is due to a veto on signings
by the banks that hold a significant proportion of our debt or not. That
could well prove to have been a false economy for all parties, after all it
has to be better to invest £8-12m on a decent striker, rather than risk
losing £40m plus through relegation.
However, that debate is academic, at least until the window opens, and we
have to concentrate upon working with what we have. And it is a squad that
should be strong enough to lift us out of trouble, providing that we have a
manager and coaching staff that can motivate the players and adopt the right
tactics. So, what happens now? David Sullivan said that change would be
afoot if West Ham failed to kick up seven points from the Brum, WBA and
Blackpool matches. If so, will it be a change of manager and the back room
staff or a decision to add Di Canio or someone else to the existing coaching
set up? It will probably be the latter course of action, in order to
prevent losing face by sacking Grant with 25% of the season gone. But you
never know, because the financial disaster of relegation could possibly
necessitate a more extreme response?
Basically, we are now in the league situation that Spurs found themselves
in a couple of seasons ago under Ramos' management. Then the Spurs board
took decisive action and moved Ramos out and brought in Harry Redknapp.
There can be little doubt that it was the right decision and that has paid
(Carling Cup, top 4 and Champions League) dividends since! Will West Ham
bite the bullet and take similar decisive action? Even if they do, can we
attract a manager of sufficient quality to improve upon our current
prospects? All I keep hearing is Martin O'Neill's name on the lips of
fellow supporters and that would be a good appointment if we could get him,
but can we? Remember O'Neill left Villa over a lack of investment in their
squad, would he jump from the Villa frying pan in to the West Ham fire, in
that respect?
I see that the Sports Mail have started their annual round of negative
speculation on our potential transfer losses in January, stating that Scott
Parker's departure is 'inevitable!' While the News of World ( press outlet
that regularly spreads doom and gloom stories about us) reckon that Spurs
will offer £500,000 for Matt Upson when the transfer window opens! Well
that is big of them, is it not? We need to treat all such speculation as
just that. It is bound to occur with us in our current league position and
could get worse in the run-up the the New Year, if things do not improve.
However, better news to cheer us beleaguered Hammers is that Zavon Hines is
due to appear in the mid-week reserves outing against Villa. Lets hope that
it goes well and he, and Jack Collison, get back as quickly as possible.
Rather less cheering, is news from Italy that Diamanti is playing so well
for Brescia that he has been called up to the full Italy Squad!
Congratulations to Mr Diamanti, but it does seem to confirm the view, held
by many of us, that he should not have been sold (or was it given away?) in
the summer. No doubt Daprela will be the next ex-Hammer to make an impact
in Serie A and internationally?
Finally, the West Ham bid team have got on the short-list for taking over
the Olympic Stadium, post-2012. So, it's West Ham vs Spurs for the tenancy!
Looking at the political and other circumstances, West Ham should be odds on
to emerge as the successful bidder. After all, is it politically viable for
the power- to-be to support a Spurs bid that allegedly involves relocating
the running track and, even, the demolition of the OS and a complete
rebuild? Now that would, indeed, be a very surprising outcome!!
SJ. Chandos.
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