The Big Interview - Kevin Nolan
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan on Saturday's win against Fulham, the transfer market and the
challenges ahead
03.09.2012
West Ham United captain Kevin Nolan led from the front in Saturday's
Barclays Premier League victory over Fulham - on and off the pitch. Nolan
fired the Hammers in front after just 53 seconds, setting them on their way
to a valuable 3-0 home win. Afterwards, the skipper spoke at length to the
national and international media.
The skipper talked about the fantastic win, bouncing back after the defeat
at Swansea City, the arrival of friend Andy Carroll and an encouraging start
to the 2012/13 campaign.
Kevin, a second Barclays Premier League home match, a second home win and
another goal - not a bad day for you?
KN - "Yes, it was a great win for us. I am absolutely delighted with how we
won it as well. For me to score again was great, the header on from Andy
(Carroll) and then Vaz geared me up and it was great to see it hit the back
of the net. We were very pleased to start off in such a way early on. It
settles the nerves and you have your game plan. So when it comes together
like that so early on, you can put it all into action. We were buzzing from
the off. I thought we were great from the first minute to the last - except
we may have got a bit sloppy near the end and have Jussi (Jaaskelainen) to
thank for the good saves he made at that time to ensure we kept a clean
sheet - although we did that to keep Jussi on his toes! After the
disappointment of losing away at Swansea we were determined to bounce back
straight away, which we have done with the Capital One Cup game midweek
against Crewe and now in the league, so we're delighted at that."
There seemed a sense of extra excitement around the Boleyn Ground for
Saturday's match and much of that was to do with the arrival of Andy
(Carroll) and other new faces. Was that felt in the dressing room as well?
KN - "You know, a lot went on before the Fulham game, with the transfer
deadline - not only Andy coming in on the Thursday but getting Yossi
Benayoun really late
on Friday. Those signings gave all the lads a boost and I think you could
see that in our play. The way we started and went on to win was fantastic.
When we got the early goal, then the second and third, it was all about
making sure Fulham didn't get a sniff to get back into the game and we did
that. Our work off the ball was good, as was our ball retention - overall it
was a fantastic afternoon for us. There is a sense of excitement. Everyone
at the club is delighted that we have added top-quality players to what is
already a very strong squad. It is fantastic and hats off to the Gaffer and
the Joint-Chairmen who have worked hard in the transfer window. Praise must
also go to lads like Matt (Jarvis) and the boys brought in earlier in
pre-season, including Mo Diame, Alou Diarra, Modibo Maiga and then Ginge
(James Collins). We are all delighted and hopefully we can repay what the
Gaffer and the owners have done by winning games and putting in top
performances."
It seemed a long time coming, but West Ham finally have their man in Andy
Carroll. As you know him well off the pitch, how pleased are you to see him
in a Hammers shirt?
KN - "Obviously I know Andy well. We get on really well on and off the pitch
so when I knew he was coming down on Thursday night I was excited and really
chuffed about it. We have been lucky to get him, I think everyone knows that
and from the performance he put in on Saturday you can see he will be great
for us. I am delighted for him because he deserves to be playing every week.
How much was Andy looking forward to making his West Ham debut in front of
the home fans?
KN: "He was very excited. I told him before the game that he had nothing to
prove to anyone. We all know his capabilities and I am glad he showed what a
top striker he is in this league. Hopefully he can carry on performing and
put the ball in the back of the net for us this season."
A lot has been said about which style of play is suited to Andy but, with
the qualities he has, can he can fit into any team?
KN: "Absolutely. I don't know why people go on about our style of play or
that he supposedly suits us. The fact of the matter is simple, he is a top
striker and can score goals. Andy works his socks off and makes things
happen. If you put the ball in the box for him he will most probably get on
the end of it and put it in the back of the net. As a team I think the
performance against Fulham speaks for itself. We would be more than happy if
we can play like that every week and win 3-0!"
Three league games in, how are things looking in your opinion and are you
pleased with the squad's strength in depth?
KN: "You know I was confident when we came back for pre-season for the
campaign ahead. I thought we would strengthen and, like everyone else at the
club, I am delighted with who we have brought in. We hope that Andy's injury
is not too serious, but when he came off Carlton (Cole) came on and did his
bit which delighted me. It bodes well for us going into a long season that
we have quality in numbers, if we can all keep fit then we will do well. The
other highlight was that we also had youngsters like Rob Hall coming on and
we have another young lad in Dan Potts in the squad so we are confident
going into the next few games. We have the international break now and we
hope that all the lads do well for their respective countries and then
return to us fit and well. If that happens we will be standing in good stead
to face Norwich in our next game. I think I mentioned the other week that
when we win we won't get too carried away. We will take the confidence it
brings into the next game and, equally, when we lose we will look to bounce
back as we showed today. We can only look to work hard and do the best we
can and we will certainly be doing that."
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Hall targeting first-team role
WHUFC.com
Rob Hall is aiming to feature regularly after two impressive cameo
appearances last week
04.09.2012
Rob Hall has the appetite for first-team football after making his Barclays
Premier League debut in Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham. Hall, who also
impressed as a substitute in last week's Capital One Cup second-round win
over Crewe Alexandra and made four first-team appearances last season, wants
to feature for Sam Allardyce's side on a regular basis. The 18-year-old, who
has been in sensational form for the Development Squad, is enjoying the
rewards after more than a decade working his way through the ranks at the
club. "I am very happy after making my Premier League debut," he told West
Ham TV. "The lads helped me through it and I also played last Tuesday in the
Capital One Cup. "We put in very professional performances in both games and
I am just grateful for the opportunites. It is also great for the other lads
in the youth set-up too see someone make the step up."
After an impressive cameo against Crewe, the Boleyn Ground crowd gave Hall a
stunning reception against Fulham and the young England Under-19 forward
thanked Hammers fans for their support. "It is very nice to receive such a
welcoming atmosphere. The crowd play their part well whether we play home or
away. On Saturday, I just wanted to get on and show them what I can do. "We
had to be very professional and see the game through and I thought we did
that well. I thoroughly enjoyed it and it is obviously nice to hear positive
things said about you after you come off the pitch."
Hall instantly caught the eye in both games with two rasping shots against
Crewe and another against Fulham, but a combination of good goalkeeping and
last-ditch defending mean he is still awaiting his first senior Hammers
goal. However, the No46 vowed to remain patient and insisted the goals will
come. "I think on Tuesday I had two chances, I should have hit the target
with at least one of them and on Saturday the shot I had was blocked. "I
just need to keep doing what I do and, if the ball comes to me, remain
composed. I will continue to work hard on the training ground and I am sure
it will happen."
Hall has been a part of West Ham for more than decade and he paid tribute to
all those he has worked with over the years for helping him develop into the
player he is today. "I was in a very good team when I was younger. Even in
the Development Squad, a lot of the lads have been here since we were as
young as seven, so we have helped each other along the way. "When we got to
youth-team age points started to matter and you get to see a side of the
game you don't when you are younger. We had a lot of positive results when
we were younger and it is definitely hard to adjust, but you have to adapt,
work harder and take everything as it comes."
After late deals secured the services of Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun,
Hall admitted he was unsure whether he would be handed another Barclays
Premier League opportunity in the near future but, after a small taster, he
is ready to do all he can to feature once more. "Last Friday was very hectic
due to it being Deadline Day, so I was not sure whether I would make the
bench. I knew I was in the squad but with players coming in I didn't know
what would happen. "Luckily the manager was brave enough to keep me on the
bench and gave me my Premier League debut which I am very happy about. Thank
God I have got here and now I have to keep pushing on and working hard."
Hall also believes that playing alongside the likes of Carroll, Benayoun and
Matt Jarvis will only have a positive effect on his game. "When I was
younger and I used to sit in the stand and watch so to be on the pitch makes
it all come into reality. You just need to take it all in and make sure you
do not get nervous. "We have definitely brought top players in. Yossi has
come back and I was really young the last time he was here so it is nice to
see him about. "It is also great to have Andy coming in. He is a very big
striker and I hope he and Carlton do well. I am obviously small so I think I
can work well playing off them. Playing and training with them will only
help me to develop my game."
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Carroll out for six weeks
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 4th September 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham's new signing Andy Carroll is going to be out of action until
mid-October after sustaining a hamstring injury on his debut. The
23-year-old forward, who joined West Ham on loan last week has been ruled
out for around six weeks after the extent of the damage to his hamstring was
revealed in tests. Carroll, who was due to join up with England yesterday
was injured after jumping for a header with Fulham's Brede Hangeland during
the second half of Saturday's 3-0 win over Fulham. It was initially hoped
that the damage to his thigh was minor - but KUMB understands this morning
that the club's worst fears have since been realised.
Meanwhile, the club's co-owner David Gold has responded to the confusion
regarding Carroll's contract situation - by muddying the waters even more.
Both West Ham and Liverpool reported on their respective websites last week
that the deal was a season-long loan. However Reds manager Brendan Rodgers,
speaking after his team's 2-0 home defeat against Arsenal on Sunday told the
BBC that he had the option to recall Carroll in January, should he so
desire. Having been bombarded by Tweets from supporters in the past 48 hours
David Gold finally responded to calls for clarification this morning - but
failed to give a definitive answer. "The exact terms of Andy Carroll's
year-long loan deal is subject to a confidentially agreement," he said, "but
we are hopeful he will be with us the whole season."
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Hammers want Carroll stay
Gold optimistic striker will not be recalled to Anfield
Last Updated: September 4, 2012 1:17pm
SSN
Liverpool are believed to have the option to recall Andy Carroll in January
but West Ham United are hopeful of keeping the England international until
the end of the campaign. The 23-year-old striker last week moved to Upton
Park on a season-long loan deal after Brendan Rodgers seemingly decided he
did not fit into his plans at Anfield. But Liverpool's striker crisis, which
has come as a result of a failure to sign anyone on transfer deadline, has
led to reports they will want Carroll back in the New Year. It is understood
the loan of the £35million January 2011 signing from Newcastle can be
cancelled, however, West Ham are optimistic that will not be the case.
Owen is an option
West Ham co-chairman David Gold said on Twitter: "The exact terms of
Carroll's year-long loan deal are subject to a confidentiality agreement but
we are hopeful he will be with us the whole season." With Carroll, who
injured his hamstring on his West Ham debut, gone until at least January and
no replacement signed before the transfer deadline passed, Rodgers has been
linked with a host of free agents. Although a move for former Anfield hero
Michael Owen now appears to be a non-starter, rumours still persist the
likes of Didier Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could return to the Premier
League.
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Are the Hammers Closing in on the Bosman Signing of John Mensah?
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Reports today suggest that West Ham are leading the chase to sign the
ex-Sunderland free agent, John Mensah. The Ghanan international centre-back
was released a year early from his 5 year contract with Lyons. As a free
agent, Mensah can move after the closure of the transfer window and it is
alleged that a number of other English clubs are interested. However, the
rumours on the football grape vine suggest that John Mensah, himself, is
keen to join West Ham. Obviously, 'money talks' and he could get a better
offer, but that should give us an advantage over our rivals for his
signarure.
Mensah is a hugely experienced centre-back and was did well in his previous
loan stints at Sunderland. Unfortunately, his more recent time in French
football has seen him suffer a succession of niggling injuries. The word is
that John Mensah is fit and keen to return to the PL. If so, he would be a
very good Bosman signing and, at only 29 years of age, he should be at his
peak as an experienced centre-back. Mensah, along with James Collins, will
bring substantial experience to the Hammers central defence and supplement
the more youthful ability of Tomkins and Reid. Taken together, the four
centre-backs will bring solid defensive experience and ability to the squad.
Some fans, however, will question whether we have the same type of cover in
the full-back positions? Sam Allardyce obviously feels that Demel, O'Brien
and Spence, at right-back, and McCartney, Taylor and Potts, at left-back,
provides us with sufficient quality and strength-in-depth. And with Driver
and Faminio emerging from the development squad, there is an argument that
we have enough there. Others will point to the relative lack of pace in our
first choice full-backs, McCartney, Demel and O'Brien, together with their
recent injury problems. Prior to the season commencing there were dark fan
predictions that Demel and McCartney would get run ragged by the classy and
pacy wide men in the PL. While acknowledging that is still a distinct
possibility, I also feel that that under-estimates their ability, positional
sense and experience. Personally, I think I would have gone with McCartney,
Potts and Taylor at left-back, but would have recruited another good,
promising right-back like Nathan Clyne from Palace or Chris Solly from
Charlton. That would naturally would have depended upon the state of
readiness of Jordan Spence to step up at right-back, when needed. Although
it is not yet clear whether Spence's best position is right-back or
centre-back, the probability is that his best chance of first team football
this season is currently at right full-back.
Is John Mensah a good potential Bosman signing? With his addition, would we
be far stronger at centre-back than full-back and coud this make us
vulnerable against the best quality PL wide men? Or do we have sufficient
quality and cover at full-back and might the general set up of the team by
Allardyce provide them with cover against the best wingers?
SJ. Chandos.
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No returns: Hammers want to keep Carroll for season despite Anfield striker
crisis
The Mirror
West Ham have made it clear they want to keep on-loan striker Andy Carroll
for the whole season although his parent club Liverpool are believed to have
an option to recall him in January. The 23-year-old England international
moved to Upton Park on a season-long loan deal last week. Liverpool paid
£35million for Carroll in January 2011 but the former Newcastle forward
struggled for form at Anfield. He has now moved to West Ham and impressed on
his debut against Fulham on Saturday before suffering a hamstring injury.
Liverpool boss Brendan Rodgers had hoped to sign a new forward before the
transfer window closed but no deals materialised, sparking suggestions he
could be forced to recall Carroll. It is understood Liverpool can cancel the
loan agreement in January but West Ham co-owner David Gold took to Twitter
to say he wants Carroll to stay for the entire campaign. His Tweet read:
"The exact terms of Carroll's year-long loan deal are subject to a
confidentiality agreement but we are hopeful he will be with us the whole
season."
With Carroll gone until at least the new year and no replacement signed
before the transfer deadline passed, Rodgers has been linked with a host of
free agents to fill the void left by Carroll's departure. Although a move
for former Anfield hero Michael Owen now appears to be a non-starter - with
a deal at Stoke imminent - rumours still persist that the likes of Didier
Drogba and Nicolas Anelka could return to the Premier League.
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West Ham's 25-man Premier League squad: Find out who's in... and who's out
The Mirror
These are the players you'll be cheering on over the coming months...
Premier League clubs are naming their 25-man squads for league games up to
January 1. Only players over the age of 21 count (clubs can use as many
players under that age as the like). Clubs also have to name at least eight
homegrown players (ie one who has been registered with an English or Welsh
club for at least three years prior to them turning 21).
The names on the squad list (excluding U-21s) are as follows:
Yossi Benayoun
Andy Carroll
Carlton Cole
James Collins
Jack Collison
Guy Demel
Mohamed Diame
Alou Diarra
Stephen Henderson
Juusi Jaaskelainen
Matt Jarvis
Modibo Maiga
George McCartney
Mark Noble
Kevin Nolan
Joey O'Brien
Gary O'Neil
Winston Reid
Matt Taylor
James Tomkins
Ricardo Vaz Te
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CRAIG GORDON TARGET FOR ASTON VILLA, CELTIC, WEST HAM AND UDINESE
Wednesday September 5,2012
By Daily Express Reporter
GOALKEEPER Craig Gordon is a target for Aston Villa, Celtic, West Ham and
Italian club Udinese. Sunderland broke the British record for the highest
fee for a keeper in 2007 when former boss Roy Keane paid Hearts £9million
for the Scotland international. But Gordon made just 95 appearances in five
years at the Stadium of Light due to a succession of injuries and is now a
free agent.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Wednesday, September 5
Tuesday, September 4
Daily WHUFC News - 4th September 2012
Dev Squad downed by Bolton
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad suffered their first defeat of the season to Bolton
Wanderers on Monday night
04.09.2012
The Development Squad fell to their first Barclays Under-21 Premier League
defeat, losing 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers at the Boleyn Ground on Monday night.
Despite two consecutive wins and the likes of James Tomkins, Gary O'Neil and
Alou Diarra in the side they failed to take advantage of their dominant
possession and were hit on the counter twice in the second half with James
Kelly and David Ngog the scorers. Speaking post-match West Ham United
Development Squad manager Ian Hendon felt his side should have taken
advantage of their dominance and were unlucky to get nothing from the game.
"We huffed and puffed but we didn't really threaten enough in the second
half and unluckily for us the ball has fallen kindly for them and we have
lost 2-0. "Last weekend everything happened for us and what we wanted to do
was come here in front of our own fans and do it again so it is
disappointing for us. Rob Hall and Paul McCallum both threatened the Bolton
goal in the first half and had Blair Turgott and Danny Potts been available
[both away with the England Under-19s] it may have been a very different
story. "The first goal is a mistake from the goalkeeper but credit to him he
has come in and held his hands up, but we conceded two very soft goals.
"These things happen and I thought we were very solid in the first half, we
created some good opportunities and just didn't get the rub of the green in
the box. On another day we could be talking about a win."
Hendon also hailed the benefits of having first-team regulars in the side,
stating that their influence on the younger players in his squad should not
be underestimated.
"They will have a massive impact on the younger players in the squad, they
will talk to them and give them a lot of information on the pitch which is
something they need to learn. "There are some older players already in the
group. Seb Lletget and George Moncur have both been with me for over a year
so they understand what I want out of them, Callum Driver is another who
helps guide the group and it provides great experience for the younger
lads."
Former Liverpool midfielder Alou Diarra almost levelled midway through the
second half but his header crashed off the crossbar and it was another
former Liverpool man who settled the tie as Ngog added Bolton's second.
Hendon has now challenged his side to bounce back against Braintree Town
next Monday. "It is all about consistency. They set the standard last week
scoring five but a few of them fell well short of that. They are young lads
and they are still learning and I thought Leo Chambers was exceptional
tonight alongside James Tomkins. "I think one or two players who feature
didn't will be disappointed because we made four changes as senior players
came in. They will get their chance next week as will the players who
haven't featured in the league yet." "It is now up to them to make an
impression and push for a regular starting spot."
West Ham United: Henderson, Driver (Wearen 75), Tomkins, Chambers, Fanimo,
O'Neil, Lletget (Vose 75), Moncur Diarra, Hall, McCallum.
Subs not used: Larkins, Hunt, Powell.
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking up after West Ham United's comprehensive win
against Fulham on Saturday
03.09.2012
Sam Allardyce believes the signing of Andy Carroll will help make sure West
Ham United carry on looking up instead of down. Carroll was instrumental in
Saturday's 3-0 win against Fulham after signing from Liverpool on loan on
Thursday. The win ensured Big Sam's side finished the weekend in seventh
spot in the fledgling Barclays Premier League table. "It was a fantastic
performance against Fulham. Instead of a 4-3-3, we played a 4-2-3-1 and
played Kevin Nolan in the hole to get up and around Andy Carroll. I asked
Kevin where he'd like to play and he said to me 'In the hole' so that's what
we did. "Andy's going to be our main man and you've got to get people
supporting him. I thought the support from Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te
was superb alongside Momo Diame. I also really liked the industry of Mark
Noble, who started most things going."
Indeed, Carroll's link-up play with Kevin Nolan was real cause for optimism.
The Hammers' new No8 created chance after chance for his captain and new
team- mates, leaving his manager excited about what the partnership could
deliver as the season progresses. "You can look at what happened at
Newcastle in the first year when Kevin Nolan could feed off Andy. By the
time Andy had been transferred to Liverpool, he had scored eleven goals and
by the time Kevin had finished the season, he had scored 13 and they were
really comfortable in the division. "If Andy scores between ten and 15
goals, it is going to give us a great chance to be out of the relegation
zone. If Andy gets 15 to 20 goals, we can get in the top ten because all we
have to do there is to produce enough clean sheets to make sure we get
points on the board with the goals that he scores. "It is easier for me to
know that there is going to be a goal scored in our team nearly every week
and tell the defenders to get that clean sheet."
The home side dominated their visitors from start to finish, with Nolan
opening the scoring inside a minute from an attack Carroll started by
flicking on a header to Ricardo Vaz Te. Chances for Nolan, Diame and Vaz Te
came and went before Reid headed in a corner - a goal that helped to ease
his manager's anxiety. "I was getting a bit worried before we scored the
second because we were so dominant and created so many chances but had not
got the second. I was thinking 'Wow, in this league we could be punished at
any stage'. "It is really, really important to punish the other team when
you are on top and in the end we did that thoroughly. We did it off two
set-plays and got a very well deserved 3-0 lead."
The only slight concern was the hamstring injury picked up by Carroll in the
second half, which was still being assessed by the Hammers medical staff on
Monday morning. One more positive piece of news, though, was that Matt
Jarvis' thigh injury is not serious and he is expected to be back for the
Hammers' next game away at Norwich City a week on Saturday. "It was a shame
Matt Jarvis was out with a slight thigh injury, although we don't think will
be a problem after this international break. George McCartney and Jack
Collison, who was brilliant for us last season, were also both out through
injury. "We've also got Alou Diarra, who is a top-quality France
international and we've got Modibo Maiga, who was a top scorer in France and
could have a real influence on our squad this year. "We've got a nice blend
of talent and experience there that will be important to us. There are a lot
of people that want to prove they are still Premier League players. "With
the additions, we've got a really good squad now, which is important as you
do get injuries. Against Fulham we had injuries to our record signing and
left-back, but we've filled in and been magnificent. We must now keep that
momentum going when we play Norwich."
Some of Big Sam's first-team squad who did not feature on Saturday will play
for the Development Squad on Monday night at the Boleyn Ground. James
Tomkins, Alou Diarra, Gary O'Neil and Stephen Henderson will all take part
as Ian Hendon's side look to make it three wins in three. "Some of the
first-team players who did not feature on Saturday may now play for the
Development Squad at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening. I'm told entry is
free to Season Ticket holders and just £3 for general admission adults or £1
for kids so hopefully we'll get a good crowd there to cheer on our
youngsters."
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U18s suffer Bolton blow
WHUFC.com
Defensive errors cost the youth team dear in a 3-1 defeat at Bolton
Wanderers
03.09.2012
Academy Director Tony Carr admitted that three uncharacteristic defensive
errors had cost West Ham United dear in a 3-1 Barclays U18 Premier League
defeat at Bolton Wanderers. The Hammers travelled to Lancashire for their
third league match of the 2012/13 season unbeaten after a 2-2 draw at
Reading and 2-1 home win over Everton. However, Carr conceded that the U18s
just did not produce the goods against Jimmy Phillips' side on Saturday,
Kieran Sadlier's second-half consolation goal aside. "We started the game
quite brightly considering we had travelled a long distance and they came
out of the blocks quickly. We started very well but then,
uncharacteristically, Frazer Shaw made a mistake trying to dribble out of
defence and he got dispossessed. "At that point we were all out of shape and
they got in a shot that hit the post and put the rebound in, so after a
bright start we found ourselves one down after ten minutes. "They tried to
pin us inside our own half and pressed very high and we just couldn't live
with that. We tried to play short when we perhaps should have tried to turn
them around and get up the pitch and get the game in their half a bit more.
"We slowly got into the game without threatening, save for a couple of
half-chances. In the second half we tried to change the game by getting the
ball in their half a bit more, but then we made another mistake. "Manny
Onnariase is a 15-year-old schoolboy and is learning but he dribbled out of
defence and tried to make a pass that was intercepted and they went down the
left and a shot came in that Sam Baxter parried and they put the rebound in
again. Two basic errors put us 2-0 down. "We got one back through a good
move down the right. Nana Boakye-Yiadom, who had come on as a substitute,
put in a good cross and their goalkeeper parried it. We intercepted the
loose ball and Kieran Sadlier put it in. With 20 minutes to go, I thought we
might get something out of the game. "They started to go on the back foot
and looked to be tiring, while we were finishing strongly, but then we made
another uncharacteristic mistake. "Josh Siafa, who was playing at
right-back, got the ball just outside our box and tried to pass it square.
The ball was intercepted and bang, we're 3-1 down and the game was over at
that point, really. "Overall, it was disappointing but the positives are
that we're a young side with a young defence that is still learning the
game. "Boys are being pushed up to the Development Squad, who have made a
great start to the season, and not every team can win every game so we have
to move on to the next one."
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Wigan date confirmed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Capital One Cup game with Wigan will take place on 25
September
03.09.2012
West Ham United's Capital One Cup game with Wigan Athletic has been
confirmed for Tuesday 25 September at 7.45pm. The Hammers third-round game
at the Boleyn Ground will once again have discounted tickets on offer for
supporters, the details of which will be confirmed on whufc.com soon. West
Ham won through to the third round thanks to a 2-0 win against Crewe
Alexandra at the end of August. Two Barclays Premier League games have also
been re-arranged due to opposition clubs' European commitments. The away
game with Newcastle United originally set for Saturday 10 November will now
take place a day later on Sunday 11 November at 3pm. The home match with
Liverpool originally set for 8 December will also be moved due to their UEFA
Europa League fixtures. The game will now be played on either Sunday 9
December or Monday 10 December, with the exact date confirmed later this
month once the next round of television fixtures is released.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Moving on up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 3rd September 2012
By: Charlie Clayton
It's been a while since West Ham United have been anything but poor and as
much as it pains me to say that, deep down we all know it's true.
The day we received confirmation that we were no longer a Premier League
club was the day I lost a lot of hope for our club. Thank God however that
after a year of boring Championship football, on 19th May 2012, it happened.
87 minutes into a nail-biting game in an explosive Wembley Stadium against
Blackpool, Ricardo Vaz Te - the Portuguese winger - signed, sealed and
delivered Premier League football back to Upton Park.
Fast forward to Sunday, 26th August, the day after the Swansea defeat. With
successful signings of James Collins, Mohammed Diame, Mobido Maiga, Alou
Diarra and many more, we are looking like a Premier League club at the back
and in the centre but after the Villa game, we all knew we lacked strength
on the wings.
Matt Taylor on one side and Ricardo Vaz Te on the other? We didn't look like
a threat down either side. A few flicks of brilliance from Vaz that
ultimately led to nothing is not going to keep us up. Although we scratched
a win against Villa, we didn't look very strong at all. We undoubtably
needed a winger.
Less than a week down the line and my Twitter feed is telling me West Ham
United have signed Matt Jarvis from Wolves. After so many false reports on
big names however, I didn't give myself the false sense of security like I
did with the countless others and believe this report until Sky Sports News
confirmed it with a picture of him holding a West Ham shirt. That was it, my
prayers had been answered. Cole would step up and score goals and if he
didn't, Maiga would and if he didn't, Vaz would. At this point, I was
excited about the Swansea game.
The whistle blew at 90 minutes and we'd lost 3-0 to a team we should be
pushing for a result against. We may have let in two through silly mistakes
but that doesn't cover the lack of goals. With Cole and Maiga looking poor,
you struggled to find where our goals this season would come from. With a
week left on the clock something had to be done. We undoubtably needed a
striker.
I write this on the morning after deadline day. Thursday night as I browsed
the internet laughing at all the names we'd been linked with over the last
few months, a television was on with Sky Sports News blaring away behind me.
It was just on to get the latest on deals like Berbatov to Fulham and Julio
Cesar to QPR.
I was only half listening until something caught my ear,in a very big way.
Jim White, the Scottish presenter gave me the best piece of West Ham news
possible. "BREAKING NEWS; ANDY CARROLL IS UNDERGOING A MEDICAL AT UPTON PARK
AS WE SPEAK..."
I dropped my mouse and spun my chair, mouth open wider than I can ever
remember it being. Sure enough, the England international was at Upton Park.
I ran downstairs to alert my dad of the news although he was about to come
up to tell me.
Still not being able to believe it, we sat glued to the screen for almost
two hours until the news every West Ham fan who knows what's good for them
had been waiting for. Once again, Jim White, the man of the hour, appeared
on my screen.
"BREAKING NEWS; WEST HAM HAVE SIGNED ANDY CARROLL ON A SEASON-LOAN DEAL WITH
THE OPTION TO BUY AFTERWARDS" he announced, with his usual overreaction
where transfers are involved.
There was suddenly a buzz around my house. My dad and I are lifelong West
Ham fans and after being dragged through the mire with West Ham over the
last couple of seasons we strongly believed things were on the up. I went to
bed a very happy Hammer.
You've got your West Ham kit on and you're rushing out of your house with
one last glance at the TV for team news. It's definitely a home day at Upton
Park. Within a few hours we were sitting watching the Hammers' star signing
himself: Big Andy had made his debut.
A minute in and we were 1-0 up with Andy's header setting up the goal. 45
minutes later and he had been the best player on the pitch. West Ham United
were 3-0 up and no one could believe it. We looked surprisingly... Good?
Berbatov came on for Fulham and immediately gave the ball away. West Ham
fans jumped at the opportunity, singing, "What a waste of money!'
Immediately after this at the opposite end of the field Carroll gave it away
resulting in "What a waste of money!" being directed back at us. However,
the ever-comical Cockneys screamed back with, 'But he was free, but he was
free, Andy Carroll, we didn't pay a fee!' which immediately shut the away
supporters up.
Everyone needed pinching by 60 minutes; every single header was Carroll's.
It seemed all too good to be true. Then that pinch came and it left a big
old bruise.
Just as he had been doing for the last hour, Andy Carroll jumped for the
aerial ball played forward but mistimed his jump and hit the ground hard.
The stadium fell silent. Lifting his hand up for medical attention, everyone
looked at each other. It was typical West Ham. Then, a few seconds later
there was a sigh of relief, as the big man got to his feet and walked off
the field. He was definitely injured, but he couldn't be out for long.
Carlton Cole replaced him and then Rob Hall made his Premier League debut.
The final whistle went and the rumours began to spread like wildfire. A
week? A month? six months? How long was the England striker out for?
It has since been confirmed that Carroll will be out for two to four weeks.
That meant we may struggle in our next four fixtures - before noticing that
our next game wasn't for two weeks because of the impending international
break. Carroll immediately pulled out of the England squad but could be
returning for our next game at Norwich. At worst, he should only miss two
games.
What a result; international duty has actually saved us.
As far as England are concerned, Rot Hodgson is now without his two main
strikers (Wayne Rooney's thigh injury also keeping him out). Nevertheless,
my club means more to me than my country and if, in the future, Leo
Chambers, Robert Hall, Blair Turgott and so many others that are progressing
through our ranks do make it through to the England team, with Carroll a
West Ham player also now, who knows - a repeat of the legendary 1966 could
well be on the cards...
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Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll can help West Ham to finish in the top 10
Last Updated: September 3, 2012 3:44pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Andy Carroll can fire his side to a
top-half finish this season. The 23-year-old made an impressive debut in
their 3-0 win over Fulham at the weekend after joining the Hammers on a
season-long loan from Liverpool last week. Carroll suffered a hamstring
injury in the second half but Allardyce is confident the striker will be a
major asset for them this season. "If Andy scores between 10 and 15 goals,
it is going to give us a great chance to be out of the relegation zone,"
Allardyce told the club's official website. "If Andy gets 15 to 20 goals, we
can get in the top 10 because all we have to do there is to produce enough
clean sheets to make sure we get points on the board with the goals that he
scores. "Andy's going to be our main man and you've got to get people
supporting him. I thought the support (against Fulham) from Matt Taylor and
Ricardo Vaz Te was superb alongside Momo Diame."
West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan, who opened the scoring in the first minute,
played alongside Carroll during their time together at Newcastle and
Allardyce is hoping the friends can rekindle their on-field understanding
for the Hammers. "You can look at what happened at Newcastle in the first
year when Kevin Nolan could feed off Andy," he said. "By the time Andy had
been transferred to Liverpool, he had scored 11 goals and by the time Kevin
had finished the season, he had scored 13 and they were really comfortable
in the division."
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Harry Redknapp's Admission on Playing Style!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Since parting company with Tottenham Hotspurs, Harry Redknapp has regularly
featured as a TV pundit. On Saturday night, he appeared with Gary Lineker
and Alan Shearer on Match of the Day. In commenting on the West Ham Vs
Fulham match, Redknapp praised the Carroll deal and the quality of the
Hammers' performance. In particular, the way that West Ham mixed up their
play, combining slick passing moves and hitting intelligent diagonal balls
in to the box to exploit Andy Carroll's ability in the air.
In the course of his commentary, Redknapp made an interesting admission,
that while he won widespread acclaim for the style of his Spurs team, they
often utilised the diagonal (long) ball in to the box to find Crouch in the
box and that Van der Vaart scored a number of goals by exploiting the
so-called 'second phase' ball. He admitted that this was used frequently as
a tactic, amidst the sharp passing football. Yet did that Spurs team ever
get condemned for playing the so-called 'long ball' or being 'direct?' No of
course not, all commentators saw was a passing team, who played the game the
'right way.'
This admission reinforces the conclusion that with Allardyce it is a case of
'give a dog a bad name.' The media narrative about Allardyce's footballing
style is built upon descriptions of long/direct and ugly but effective
football. Even after the beauty of West Ham's passing on Saturday, match
reports still led with the all too familiar references to the long ball and
a physical style. Yet, Harry Redknapp employed the same tactic with Crouch
and there were no similiar observations, because the overriding narrative
associated with Redknapp is one of passing football and attractive,
attacking play. And there juxtaposed is the stereotypical and labelling
manner in which the media and others think of the two managers and their
respective styles of play.
However, few things in life are that straightforward. Allardyce's previous
teams have played good football, particularly his later Bolton sides which
included a number of technically gifted, quality footballers like Nicholas
Anelka. As I have consistently argued, Allardyce's West Ham side will look
to mix up its style of play, combining both a direct style and short passing
game. I believe that Allardyce is a pragmatist and the best style for him is
essentially 'what works' to deliver the result. I also feel that we can play
exciting and attractive football under Allardyce, although it will be built
upon a foundation of an organised and hard working team unit. Two traits
very rarely associated with past West Ham teams! No doubt, we will witness
some dogged and functional displays this season, especially in matches away
from home, against the top teams. Yet in others, we will see some excellent,
expansive and attacking play, in the best traditions of West Ham Utd FC.
What we probably need to is to attempt a deconstruction of the discourse of
the 'long ball.' We should pose the question: when is a long ball not a long
ball? Was Bobby Moore's free kick for Geoff Hurst's headed equaliser, in the
1966 World Cup Final, a long ball? Was Moore's long pass for Hurst to run on
to and score England's fourth goal a prime example of being direct? Ron
Greenwood preached hitting Hurst's runs on to the near post and West Ham
turned it in to a art form. Was Greenwood advocating direct football in
adopting that tactic? In 1985-86, Devonshire and his fellow midfielders
played numerous long balls forward in to space for Cottee and McAvennie's to
exploit with their pace. Was that the long ball tactic and was Lyall's
greatest side tainted by it? Of course not. In qualitative terms, the
diference lies in the manner in which the ball is played and to what intent.
How Greenwood and Lyall's teams played and the tactics of, for example, the
old Wimbldon FC is as different as the rapier and the cudgel! They are both
weapons, they have that commonality, but one is about skill and finese and
other is about raw, brute force; one precise and the other imprecise!
The truth is that there is a subtle distinction to be made between long
aimless balls continously pumped from the back and intelligent and skilful
balls played in to the box. One can only be excited by the prospect of
skillful players like Matt Javis and Matt Taylor hitting beautifully
flighted diagonal balls in to strikers, with runners in to the box
exploiting the knock down. Especially if it is deployed as a tactic to take
advantage of the defensive weaknesses of opponents and co-exists alongside a
more measured, fluid passing game. Saturday's performance showed how
Allardyce's West Ham side can productively mix up these two approaches to
produce a potent cocktail of attractive and very effective football.
If Harry Redknapp, as a graduate of West Ham's Academy, can deploy that
tactic without being crudely labelled, then why not Sam Allardyce? Is it
just a case of 'give a dog a bad name' or perhaps 'mud sticks.'
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham say Andy Carroll deal is watertight
Exclusive
By HUGH SOUTHON
Published: 03rd September 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM'S owners and legal team are locked in talks to ensure Andy Carroll
stays at Upton Park. Liverpool face a striker crisis after allowing
£35million Carroll to join the Hammers on loan. But the Londoners reckon
they have a watertight deal which avoids any chance of the striker being
recalled to Anfield in January — or being sold to anyone other than
themselves. There is speculation Liverpool will attempt to take advantage of
the clause which declares the agreement hangs on West Ham "not being
relegated". A Hammers source said: "We have a deal which allows us to buy
him tomorrow at around £17-£18m if we chose to. "We are convinced Andy
cannot be sold to any other club. We have him on a year's loan with the
first option to buy but have called in the legal eagles to check
everything."
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Ghana captain Mensah linked to West Ham move
Posted On Tuesday, 4th September 2012
Mensah could be making a second return to the English Premiership with West
Ham
By Ameenu Shardow
GhanaSoccer.net
Ghana captain John Mensah is set to join West Ham this week, the English
press have reported. The 29-year-old is currently a free agent following the
termination of his contract with French club Olympique Lyon. Mensah has been
training with the English Premier League side to prove his fitness and is
now set to seal his move with the Hammers despite interests from other
clubs. "Several clubs want to sign John but he is keen to join West Ham,"
the ex Rennes defender's representative Willie McKay said. Mensah has
already had a taste of the English Premier League during his two-year loan
spell at Sunderland from 2009. Injury however prevented him from playing as
many games at the Stadium of Light leading to his return to Lyon where he
subsequently terminated his contract by mutual consent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham set to snap up free agent defender Mensah despite Sunderland flop
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:44, 3 September 2012 | UPDATED: 22:44, 3 September 2012
Daily Mail
John Mensah is expected to sign for West Ham this week. The Ghana
centre-back is a free agent after leaving Panathinaikos. He struggled for
fitness while on loan at Sunderland but the 29-year-old is training at West
Ham to prove he is in shape ahead of a deal. His representative Willie
McKay said: 'Several clubs want to sign John but he is keen to join West
Ham.'
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Carroll hamstring "too damaged to scan"
September 3, 2012
EmailPrint
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Andy Carroll's hamstring injury is so bad West Ham United had to cancel a
planned scan on Monday. The east London club, who worked so hard to sign
Carroll on loan from Liverpool, fear that they might be without their
powerful centre forward for some time. A Hammers insider told ESPN: "It
looks a bad hamstring, too damaged to scan at the moment." West Ham might
only have Carroll for a limited time after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers
revealed that they have the option to recall him from his otherwise
season-long loan in January. Carroll was adamant that he didn't want to be
forced out of Anfield and even on the morning of the transfer window those
closest to him where convinced there was "no chance" of him moving.
Liverpool planned to sign a new striker in the transfer window meaning
Carroll's chances would be even more limited and he might not even be on the
bench if he stayed at Anfield. However, Rodgers now regrets letting Carroll
go because Liverpool failed to sign either Daniel Sturridge on loan or buy
Clint Dempsey from Fulham. West Ham, though, have ruled out going for
Michael Owen or Emile Heskey as a stop gap while Carroll is out injured.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
The Development Squad suffered their first defeat of the season to Bolton
Wanderers on Monday night
04.09.2012
The Development Squad fell to their first Barclays Under-21 Premier League
defeat, losing 2-0 to Bolton Wanderers at the Boleyn Ground on Monday night.
Despite two consecutive wins and the likes of James Tomkins, Gary O'Neil and
Alou Diarra in the side they failed to take advantage of their dominant
possession and were hit on the counter twice in the second half with James
Kelly and David Ngog the scorers. Speaking post-match West Ham United
Development Squad manager Ian Hendon felt his side should have taken
advantage of their dominance and were unlucky to get nothing from the game.
"We huffed and puffed but we didn't really threaten enough in the second
half and unluckily for us the ball has fallen kindly for them and we have
lost 2-0. "Last weekend everything happened for us and what we wanted to do
was come here in front of our own fans and do it again so it is
disappointing for us. Rob Hall and Paul McCallum both threatened the Bolton
goal in the first half and had Blair Turgott and Danny Potts been available
[both away with the England Under-19s] it may have been a very different
story. "The first goal is a mistake from the goalkeeper but credit to him he
has come in and held his hands up, but we conceded two very soft goals.
"These things happen and I thought we were very solid in the first half, we
created some good opportunities and just didn't get the rub of the green in
the box. On another day we could be talking about a win."
Hendon also hailed the benefits of having first-team regulars in the side,
stating that their influence on the younger players in his squad should not
be underestimated.
"They will have a massive impact on the younger players in the squad, they
will talk to them and give them a lot of information on the pitch which is
something they need to learn. "There are some older players already in the
group. Seb Lletget and George Moncur have both been with me for over a year
so they understand what I want out of them, Callum Driver is another who
helps guide the group and it provides great experience for the younger
lads."
Former Liverpool midfielder Alou Diarra almost levelled midway through the
second half but his header crashed off the crossbar and it was another
former Liverpool man who settled the tie as Ngog added Bolton's second.
Hendon has now challenged his side to bounce back against Braintree Town
next Monday. "It is all about consistency. They set the standard last week
scoring five but a few of them fell well short of that. They are young lads
and they are still learning and I thought Leo Chambers was exceptional
tonight alongside James Tomkins. "I think one or two players who feature
didn't will be disappointed because we made four changes as senior players
came in. They will get their chance next week as will the players who
haven't featured in the league yet." "It is now up to them to make an
impression and push for a regular starting spot."
West Ham United: Henderson, Driver (Wearen 75), Tomkins, Chambers, Fanimo,
O'Neil, Lletget (Vose 75), Moncur Diarra, Hall, McCallum.
Subs not used: Larkins, Hunt, Powell.
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Manager on Monday
WHUFC.com
Sam Allardyce is looking up after West Ham United's comprehensive win
against Fulham on Saturday
03.09.2012
Sam Allardyce believes the signing of Andy Carroll will help make sure West
Ham United carry on looking up instead of down. Carroll was instrumental in
Saturday's 3-0 win against Fulham after signing from Liverpool on loan on
Thursday. The win ensured Big Sam's side finished the weekend in seventh
spot in the fledgling Barclays Premier League table. "It was a fantastic
performance against Fulham. Instead of a 4-3-3, we played a 4-2-3-1 and
played Kevin Nolan in the hole to get up and around Andy Carroll. I asked
Kevin where he'd like to play and he said to me 'In the hole' so that's what
we did. "Andy's going to be our main man and you've got to get people
supporting him. I thought the support from Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te
was superb alongside Momo Diame. I also really liked the industry of Mark
Noble, who started most things going."
Indeed, Carroll's link-up play with Kevin Nolan was real cause for optimism.
The Hammers' new No8 created chance after chance for his captain and new
team- mates, leaving his manager excited about what the partnership could
deliver as the season progresses. "You can look at what happened at
Newcastle in the first year when Kevin Nolan could feed off Andy. By the
time Andy had been transferred to Liverpool, he had scored eleven goals and
by the time Kevin had finished the season, he had scored 13 and they were
really comfortable in the division. "If Andy scores between ten and 15
goals, it is going to give us a great chance to be out of the relegation
zone. If Andy gets 15 to 20 goals, we can get in the top ten because all we
have to do there is to produce enough clean sheets to make sure we get
points on the board with the goals that he scores. "It is easier for me to
know that there is going to be a goal scored in our team nearly every week
and tell the defenders to get that clean sheet."
The home side dominated their visitors from start to finish, with Nolan
opening the scoring inside a minute from an attack Carroll started by
flicking on a header to Ricardo Vaz Te. Chances for Nolan, Diame and Vaz Te
came and went before Reid headed in a corner - a goal that helped to ease
his manager's anxiety. "I was getting a bit worried before we scored the
second because we were so dominant and created so many chances but had not
got the second. I was thinking 'Wow, in this league we could be punished at
any stage'. "It is really, really important to punish the other team when
you are on top and in the end we did that thoroughly. We did it off two
set-plays and got a very well deserved 3-0 lead."
The only slight concern was the hamstring injury picked up by Carroll in the
second half, which was still being assessed by the Hammers medical staff on
Monday morning. One more positive piece of news, though, was that Matt
Jarvis' thigh injury is not serious and he is expected to be back for the
Hammers' next game away at Norwich City a week on Saturday. "It was a shame
Matt Jarvis was out with a slight thigh injury, although we don't think will
be a problem after this international break. George McCartney and Jack
Collison, who was brilliant for us last season, were also both out through
injury. "We've also got Alou Diarra, who is a top-quality France
international and we've got Modibo Maiga, who was a top scorer in France and
could have a real influence on our squad this year. "We've got a nice blend
of talent and experience there that will be important to us. There are a lot
of people that want to prove they are still Premier League players. "With
the additions, we've got a really good squad now, which is important as you
do get injuries. Against Fulham we had injuries to our record signing and
left-back, but we've filled in and been magnificent. We must now keep that
momentum going when we play Norwich."
Some of Big Sam's first-team squad who did not feature on Saturday will play
for the Development Squad on Monday night at the Boleyn Ground. James
Tomkins, Alou Diarra, Gary O'Neil and Stephen Henderson will all take part
as Ian Hendon's side look to make it three wins in three. "Some of the
first-team players who did not feature on Saturday may now play for the
Development Squad at the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening. I'm told entry is
free to Season Ticket holders and just £3 for general admission adults or £1
for kids so hopefully we'll get a good crowd there to cheer on our
youngsters."
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U18s suffer Bolton blow
WHUFC.com
Defensive errors cost the youth team dear in a 3-1 defeat at Bolton
Wanderers
03.09.2012
Academy Director Tony Carr admitted that three uncharacteristic defensive
errors had cost West Ham United dear in a 3-1 Barclays U18 Premier League
defeat at Bolton Wanderers. The Hammers travelled to Lancashire for their
third league match of the 2012/13 season unbeaten after a 2-2 draw at
Reading and 2-1 home win over Everton. However, Carr conceded that the U18s
just did not produce the goods against Jimmy Phillips' side on Saturday,
Kieran Sadlier's second-half consolation goal aside. "We started the game
quite brightly considering we had travelled a long distance and they came
out of the blocks quickly. We started very well but then,
uncharacteristically, Frazer Shaw made a mistake trying to dribble out of
defence and he got dispossessed. "At that point we were all out of shape and
they got in a shot that hit the post and put the rebound in, so after a
bright start we found ourselves one down after ten minutes. "They tried to
pin us inside our own half and pressed very high and we just couldn't live
with that. We tried to play short when we perhaps should have tried to turn
them around and get up the pitch and get the game in their half a bit more.
"We slowly got into the game without threatening, save for a couple of
half-chances. In the second half we tried to change the game by getting the
ball in their half a bit more, but then we made another mistake. "Manny
Onnariase is a 15-year-old schoolboy and is learning but he dribbled out of
defence and tried to make a pass that was intercepted and they went down the
left and a shot came in that Sam Baxter parried and they put the rebound in
again. Two basic errors put us 2-0 down. "We got one back through a good
move down the right. Nana Boakye-Yiadom, who had come on as a substitute,
put in a good cross and their goalkeeper parried it. We intercepted the
loose ball and Kieran Sadlier put it in. With 20 minutes to go, I thought we
might get something out of the game. "They started to go on the back foot
and looked to be tiring, while we were finishing strongly, but then we made
another uncharacteristic mistake. "Josh Siafa, who was playing at
right-back, got the ball just outside our box and tried to pass it square.
The ball was intercepted and bang, we're 3-1 down and the game was over at
that point, really. "Overall, it was disappointing but the positives are
that we're a young side with a young defence that is still learning the
game. "Boys are being pushed up to the Development Squad, who have made a
great start to the season, and not every team can win every game so we have
to move on to the next one."
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Wigan date confirmed
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's Capital One Cup game with Wigan will take place on 25
September
03.09.2012
West Ham United's Capital One Cup game with Wigan Athletic has been
confirmed for Tuesday 25 September at 7.45pm. The Hammers third-round game
at the Boleyn Ground will once again have discounted tickets on offer for
supporters, the details of which will be confirmed on whufc.com soon. West
Ham won through to the third round thanks to a 2-0 win against Crewe
Alexandra at the end of August. Two Barclays Premier League games have also
been re-arranged due to opposition clubs' European commitments. The away
game with Newcastle United originally set for Saturday 10 November will now
take place a day later on Sunday 11 November at 3pm. The home match with
Liverpool originally set for 8 December will also be moved due to their UEFA
Europa League fixtures. The game will now be played on either Sunday 9
December or Monday 10 December, with the exact date confirmed later this
month once the next round of television fixtures is released.
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Moving on up
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 3rd September 2012
By: Charlie Clayton
It's been a while since West Ham United have been anything but poor and as
much as it pains me to say that, deep down we all know it's true.
The day we received confirmation that we were no longer a Premier League
club was the day I lost a lot of hope for our club. Thank God however that
after a year of boring Championship football, on 19th May 2012, it happened.
87 minutes into a nail-biting game in an explosive Wembley Stadium against
Blackpool, Ricardo Vaz Te - the Portuguese winger - signed, sealed and
delivered Premier League football back to Upton Park.
Fast forward to Sunday, 26th August, the day after the Swansea defeat. With
successful signings of James Collins, Mohammed Diame, Mobido Maiga, Alou
Diarra and many more, we are looking like a Premier League club at the back
and in the centre but after the Villa game, we all knew we lacked strength
on the wings.
Matt Taylor on one side and Ricardo Vaz Te on the other? We didn't look like
a threat down either side. A few flicks of brilliance from Vaz that
ultimately led to nothing is not going to keep us up. Although we scratched
a win against Villa, we didn't look very strong at all. We undoubtably
needed a winger.
Less than a week down the line and my Twitter feed is telling me West Ham
United have signed Matt Jarvis from Wolves. After so many false reports on
big names however, I didn't give myself the false sense of security like I
did with the countless others and believe this report until Sky Sports News
confirmed it with a picture of him holding a West Ham shirt. That was it, my
prayers had been answered. Cole would step up and score goals and if he
didn't, Maiga would and if he didn't, Vaz would. At this point, I was
excited about the Swansea game.
The whistle blew at 90 minutes and we'd lost 3-0 to a team we should be
pushing for a result against. We may have let in two through silly mistakes
but that doesn't cover the lack of goals. With Cole and Maiga looking poor,
you struggled to find where our goals this season would come from. With a
week left on the clock something had to be done. We undoubtably needed a
striker.
I write this on the morning after deadline day. Thursday night as I browsed
the internet laughing at all the names we'd been linked with over the last
few months, a television was on with Sky Sports News blaring away behind me.
It was just on to get the latest on deals like Berbatov to Fulham and Julio
Cesar to QPR.
I was only half listening until something caught my ear,in a very big way.
Jim White, the Scottish presenter gave me the best piece of West Ham news
possible. "BREAKING NEWS; ANDY CARROLL IS UNDERGOING A MEDICAL AT UPTON PARK
AS WE SPEAK..."
I dropped my mouse and spun my chair, mouth open wider than I can ever
remember it being. Sure enough, the England international was at Upton Park.
I ran downstairs to alert my dad of the news although he was about to come
up to tell me.
Still not being able to believe it, we sat glued to the screen for almost
two hours until the news every West Ham fan who knows what's good for them
had been waiting for. Once again, Jim White, the man of the hour, appeared
on my screen.
"BREAKING NEWS; WEST HAM HAVE SIGNED ANDY CARROLL ON A SEASON-LOAN DEAL WITH
THE OPTION TO BUY AFTERWARDS" he announced, with his usual overreaction
where transfers are involved.
There was suddenly a buzz around my house. My dad and I are lifelong West
Ham fans and after being dragged through the mire with West Ham over the
last couple of seasons we strongly believed things were on the up. I went to
bed a very happy Hammer.
You've got your West Ham kit on and you're rushing out of your house with
one last glance at the TV for team news. It's definitely a home day at Upton
Park. Within a few hours we were sitting watching the Hammers' star signing
himself: Big Andy had made his debut.
A minute in and we were 1-0 up with Andy's header setting up the goal. 45
minutes later and he had been the best player on the pitch. West Ham United
were 3-0 up and no one could believe it. We looked surprisingly... Good?
Berbatov came on for Fulham and immediately gave the ball away. West Ham
fans jumped at the opportunity, singing, "What a waste of money!'
Immediately after this at the opposite end of the field Carroll gave it away
resulting in "What a waste of money!" being directed back at us. However,
the ever-comical Cockneys screamed back with, 'But he was free, but he was
free, Andy Carroll, we didn't pay a fee!' which immediately shut the away
supporters up.
Everyone needed pinching by 60 minutes; every single header was Carroll's.
It seemed all too good to be true. Then that pinch came and it left a big
old bruise.
Just as he had been doing for the last hour, Andy Carroll jumped for the
aerial ball played forward but mistimed his jump and hit the ground hard.
The stadium fell silent. Lifting his hand up for medical attention, everyone
looked at each other. It was typical West Ham. Then, a few seconds later
there was a sigh of relief, as the big man got to his feet and walked off
the field. He was definitely injured, but he couldn't be out for long.
Carlton Cole replaced him and then Rob Hall made his Premier League debut.
The final whistle went and the rumours began to spread like wildfire. A
week? A month? six months? How long was the England striker out for?
It has since been confirmed that Carroll will be out for two to four weeks.
That meant we may struggle in our next four fixtures - before noticing that
our next game wasn't for two weeks because of the impending international
break. Carroll immediately pulled out of the England squad but could be
returning for our next game at Norwich. At worst, he should only miss two
games.
What a result; international duty has actually saved us.
As far as England are concerned, Rot Hodgson is now without his two main
strikers (Wayne Rooney's thigh injury also keeping him out). Nevertheless,
my club means more to me than my country and if, in the future, Leo
Chambers, Robert Hall, Blair Turgott and so many others that are progressing
through our ranks do make it through to the England team, with Carroll a
West Ham player also now, who knows - a repeat of the legendary 1966 could
well be on the cards...
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Sam Allardyce says Andy Carroll can help West Ham to finish in the top 10
Last Updated: September 3, 2012 3:44pm
SSN
West Ham boss Sam Allardyce believes Andy Carroll can fire his side to a
top-half finish this season. The 23-year-old made an impressive debut in
their 3-0 win over Fulham at the weekend after joining the Hammers on a
season-long loan from Liverpool last week. Carroll suffered a hamstring
injury in the second half but Allardyce is confident the striker will be a
major asset for them this season. "If Andy scores between 10 and 15 goals,
it is going to give us a great chance to be out of the relegation zone,"
Allardyce told the club's official website. "If Andy gets 15 to 20 goals, we
can get in the top 10 because all we have to do there is to produce enough
clean sheets to make sure we get points on the board with the goals that he
scores. "Andy's going to be our main man and you've got to get people
supporting him. I thought the support (against Fulham) from Matt Taylor and
Ricardo Vaz Te was superb alongside Momo Diame."
West Ham skipper Kevin Nolan, who opened the scoring in the first minute,
played alongside Carroll during their time together at Newcastle and
Allardyce is hoping the friends can rekindle their on-field understanding
for the Hammers. "You can look at what happened at Newcastle in the first
year when Kevin Nolan could feed off Andy," he said. "By the time Andy had
been transferred to Liverpool, he had scored 11 goals and by the time Kevin
had finished the season, he had scored 13 and they were really comfortable
in the division."
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Harry Redknapp's Admission on Playing Style!
By S J Chandos
West Ham Till I Die
Since parting company with Tottenham Hotspurs, Harry Redknapp has regularly
featured as a TV pundit. On Saturday night, he appeared with Gary Lineker
and Alan Shearer on Match of the Day. In commenting on the West Ham Vs
Fulham match, Redknapp praised the Carroll deal and the quality of the
Hammers' performance. In particular, the way that West Ham mixed up their
play, combining slick passing moves and hitting intelligent diagonal balls
in to the box to exploit Andy Carroll's ability in the air.
In the course of his commentary, Redknapp made an interesting admission,
that while he won widespread acclaim for the style of his Spurs team, they
often utilised the diagonal (long) ball in to the box to find Crouch in the
box and that Van der Vaart scored a number of goals by exploiting the
so-called 'second phase' ball. He admitted that this was used frequently as
a tactic, amidst the sharp passing football. Yet did that Spurs team ever
get condemned for playing the so-called 'long ball' or being 'direct?' No of
course not, all commentators saw was a passing team, who played the game the
'right way.'
This admission reinforces the conclusion that with Allardyce it is a case of
'give a dog a bad name.' The media narrative about Allardyce's footballing
style is built upon descriptions of long/direct and ugly but effective
football. Even after the beauty of West Ham's passing on Saturday, match
reports still led with the all too familiar references to the long ball and
a physical style. Yet, Harry Redknapp employed the same tactic with Crouch
and there were no similiar observations, because the overriding narrative
associated with Redknapp is one of passing football and attractive,
attacking play. And there juxtaposed is the stereotypical and labelling
manner in which the media and others think of the two managers and their
respective styles of play.
However, few things in life are that straightforward. Allardyce's previous
teams have played good football, particularly his later Bolton sides which
included a number of technically gifted, quality footballers like Nicholas
Anelka. As I have consistently argued, Allardyce's West Ham side will look
to mix up its style of play, combining both a direct style and short passing
game. I believe that Allardyce is a pragmatist and the best style for him is
essentially 'what works' to deliver the result. I also feel that we can play
exciting and attractive football under Allardyce, although it will be built
upon a foundation of an organised and hard working team unit. Two traits
very rarely associated with past West Ham teams! No doubt, we will witness
some dogged and functional displays this season, especially in matches away
from home, against the top teams. Yet in others, we will see some excellent,
expansive and attacking play, in the best traditions of West Ham Utd FC.
What we probably need to is to attempt a deconstruction of the discourse of
the 'long ball.' We should pose the question: when is a long ball not a long
ball? Was Bobby Moore's free kick for Geoff Hurst's headed equaliser, in the
1966 World Cup Final, a long ball? Was Moore's long pass for Hurst to run on
to and score England's fourth goal a prime example of being direct? Ron
Greenwood preached hitting Hurst's runs on to the near post and West Ham
turned it in to a art form. Was Greenwood advocating direct football in
adopting that tactic? In 1985-86, Devonshire and his fellow midfielders
played numerous long balls forward in to space for Cottee and McAvennie's to
exploit with their pace. Was that the long ball tactic and was Lyall's
greatest side tainted by it? Of course not. In qualitative terms, the
diference lies in the manner in which the ball is played and to what intent.
How Greenwood and Lyall's teams played and the tactics of, for example, the
old Wimbldon FC is as different as the rapier and the cudgel! They are both
weapons, they have that commonality, but one is about skill and finese and
other is about raw, brute force; one precise and the other imprecise!
The truth is that there is a subtle distinction to be made between long
aimless balls continously pumped from the back and intelligent and skilful
balls played in to the box. One can only be excited by the prospect of
skillful players like Matt Javis and Matt Taylor hitting beautifully
flighted diagonal balls in to strikers, with runners in to the box
exploiting the knock down. Especially if it is deployed as a tactic to take
advantage of the defensive weaknesses of opponents and co-exists alongside a
more measured, fluid passing game. Saturday's performance showed how
Allardyce's West Ham side can productively mix up these two approaches to
produce a potent cocktail of attractive and very effective football.
If Harry Redknapp, as a graduate of West Ham's Academy, can deploy that
tactic without being crudely labelled, then why not Sam Allardyce? Is it
just a case of 'give a dog a bad name' or perhaps 'mud sticks.'
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham say Andy Carroll deal is watertight
Exclusive
By HUGH SOUTHON
Published: 03rd September 2012
The Sun
WEST HAM'S owners and legal team are locked in talks to ensure Andy Carroll
stays at Upton Park. Liverpool face a striker crisis after allowing
£35million Carroll to join the Hammers on loan. But the Londoners reckon
they have a watertight deal which avoids any chance of the striker being
recalled to Anfield in January — or being sold to anyone other than
themselves. There is speculation Liverpool will attempt to take advantage of
the clause which declares the agreement hangs on West Ham "not being
relegated". A Hammers source said: "We have a deal which allows us to buy
him tomorrow at around £17-£18m if we chose to. "We are convinced Andy
cannot be sold to any other club. We have him on a year's loan with the
first option to buy but have called in the legal eagles to check
everything."
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Ghana captain Mensah linked to West Ham move
Posted On Tuesday, 4th September 2012
Mensah could be making a second return to the English Premiership with West
Ham
By Ameenu Shardow
GhanaSoccer.net
Ghana captain John Mensah is set to join West Ham this week, the English
press have reported. The 29-year-old is currently a free agent following the
termination of his contract with French club Olympique Lyon. Mensah has been
training with the English Premier League side to prove his fitness and is
now set to seal his move with the Hammers despite interests from other
clubs. "Several clubs want to sign John but he is keen to join West Ham,"
the ex Rennes defender's representative Willie McKay said. Mensah has
already had a taste of the English Premier League during his two-year loan
spell at Sunderland from 2009. Injury however prevented him from playing as
many games at the Stadium of Light leading to his return to Lyon where he
subsequently terminated his contract by mutual consent.
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West Ham set to snap up free agent defender Mensah despite Sunderland flop
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
PUBLISHED: 22:44, 3 September 2012 | UPDATED: 22:44, 3 September 2012
Daily Mail
John Mensah is expected to sign for West Ham this week. The Ghana
centre-back is a free agent after leaving Panathinaikos. He struggled for
fitness while on loan at Sunderland but the 29-year-old is training at West
Ham to prove he is in shape ahead of a deal. His representative Willie
McKay said: 'Several clubs want to sign John but he is keen to join West
Ham.'
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Carroll hamstring "too damaged to scan"
September 3, 2012
EmailPrint
By Harry Harris, Football Correspondent
Andy Carroll's hamstring injury is so bad West Ham United had to cancel a
planned scan on Monday. The east London club, who worked so hard to sign
Carroll on loan from Liverpool, fear that they might be without their
powerful centre forward for some time. A Hammers insider told ESPN: "It
looks a bad hamstring, too damaged to scan at the moment." West Ham might
only have Carroll for a limited time after Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers
revealed that they have the option to recall him from his otherwise
season-long loan in January. Carroll was adamant that he didn't want to be
forced out of Anfield and even on the morning of the transfer window those
closest to him where convinced there was "no chance" of him moving.
Liverpool planned to sign a new striker in the transfer window meaning
Carroll's chances would be even more limited and he might not even be on the
bench if he stayed at Anfield. However, Rodgers now regrets letting Carroll
go because Liverpool failed to sign either Daniel Sturridge on loan or buy
Clint Dempsey from Fulham. West Ham, though, have ruled out going for
Michael Owen or Emile Heskey as a stop gap while Carroll is out injured.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Monday, September 3
Daily WHUFC News - 3rd September 2012
Taylor on target
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer Matt Taylor believes every squad member will have a part to play for the Hammers this season
02.09.2012
Matt Taylor was happy to hit the target in West Ham United's exceptional 3-0 win over Fulham at the Boleyn Ground. Taylor, who scored his first Barclays Premier League goal for the Hammers, revealed his pleasure at a solid attacking and defensive performance. The No14 stated his belief that hard work and desire fuelled the Hammers on their way to victory. "It was a very good day," he said. "It was great to get a goal [from Kevin Nolan] in the first few minutes because it seemed to settle everybody down and we played very well in and out of possession today. "Out of possession I thought we did very well too keep our shape. we put them under pressure when we needed to and we won the ball back in good areas. That allowed us to create good opportunities and ultimately score three good goals."
The Hammers made the perfect start with captain Nolan opening the scoring after 53 seconds. "We were very confident after the start we made. There was a big time between when we scored the first goal and the second goal - it was probably too long. We got the second and third close together and you can tell that deflated them as they went in 3-0 down. "There wasn't a way back for them in the second half. We kept things very tight and could and probably should have got a another goal. Jussi also did well at the end making two fantastic saves to ensure we kept a clean sheet which is always great to do, especially at home."
After scoring his first goal of the season Taylor insisted that he has no personal targets. Instead, he paid tribute to a wonderful team performance. "I have no targets this season personally. It was nice to see my shot go in,as it seemed to take an age to fall for me and I didn't catch it as well as would have liked, but luckily it flew in and killed the game off. "We started the second half with a clean sheet and that is something we wanted to keep. We limited them to few opportunities even when they brought on Dimitar Berbatov, who is a wonderful player. The second half was all about consolidation, we did that and it was a good all-round team performance."
Taylor also feels the side and staff will settle even more now the transfer window has closed, stating that everyone now knows where they stand. "You will probably see the manager a lot more relaxed now the window is closed. He worked very hard towards the end to get the players in we needed, and he has done exactly that.
"It is now three or four months until it re-opens, and that allows the lads to settle. We know where we are and who we have got to work with, it is a very good squad and hopefully one that can work its way up the league."
Competition for places is key and Taylor believes that the calibre of player Big Sam has brought in will bring huge positives. "We have brought in Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun who are two very good players. But that will only spur the rest of the squad on to work harder as competition for places will be very tough. "I think that showed on Tuesday night [in the Capital One Cup victory over Crewe Alexandra], as some of the lads came in and did very well. In this league you need a squad, it is not about eleven players, There are always changes through form, injuries and tactics, so you just need to ensure you are ready when called upon."
The Hammers next game is now two weeks away as domestic football takes an international break and Taylor is delighted to be entering it on a positive note.
"It is vitally important to end on a high, especially at home when are next game is away at Norwich. It is going to be a massive test for us. "Everybody can relax a little now, I myself won't be on international duty but will continue to work hard in training, but it will be nice to have a few days off and spend some time with my family. "I am sure we have a few lads away with their national sides and I just hope that the lads who are away come back fit and ready for the challenges ahead."
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Big Sam beaming at fine few days
WHUFC.com
West Ham United completed a memorable week with a 3-0 win against Fulham on Saturday
01.09.2012
Sam Allardyce could hardly contain his joy as West Ham United rounded off a week to remember with a superb 3-0 against Fulham at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
New signing Andy Carroll made his debut for the home side and had a hand in two of the goals as Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor did the damage with a goal each. The win caps off a fine seven days for the Hammers, who clinched the signings of Carroll and Yossi Benayoun on the back of a comfortable 2-0 win against Crewe Alexandra in the Capital One third round on Tuesday. "It is a tremendous start to the game for us of course and the overall performance that continued from there was very much pleasing to us all," Allardyce said. "None more so than the squad of players we have got and the staff and the owners who have worked so tirelessly, particularly in terms of the signings we have got. "I think what is important is the delight of everybody when Andy walked through the door. "He is a quality centre-forward and he is our number one. We can hopefully play to his strengths and he can hopefully help us do what we want to do and that is be winning as many football matches as we can. Hopefully we can provide him with the service to score lots and lots of goals."
Carroll's impressive performance is likely to grab all of the headlines but he was ably assisted by those around him. His strong header set up Ricardo Vaz Te to tee up Nolan to open the scoring with just 53 seconds on the clock and the strike was a tantalising taster of what was to come. "Andy's arrival brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well. "Kevin could have probably had a hat-trick because if he knows the ball is going to Andy he knows he can go beyond and get into areas where Andy can find him. "The quality of his finish was very important and from there on in it was just a case of us playing better than Fulham."
Soon after Nolan's opener, another Carroll knockdown found Mohamed Diame, but his cleanly-struck volley was superbly tipped onto the crossbar by Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal. The onslaught continued and Vaz Te and Nolan both went close before the inevitable second arrived when Reid nodded in Taylor's corner.
The claret and blue assault continued and it was three before half-time when Taylor smashed in from the edge of the area after Brede Hangeland - under pressure from Carroll - had headed back James Collins' free-kick into his path. The manner of the performance was also pleasing for the 33,458 packed into the Boleyn Ground, with Kids for a Quid offer seemingly proving popular with the Hammers' faithful. What made it all the sweeter was that it arrived on the back of a 3-0 defeat in West Ham's last Barclays Premier League outing at Swansea City. "Bouncebackability! I remember that was a good one from Iain Dowie and it was that we needed," Allardyce added with a smile. "We did it with great effect and style and thrust and skill. I think that for a team that is newly promoted to have a game like that, it is never over until it's over, but against Fulham we were 3-0 up at half-time and deservedly so "For everybody concerned it is a great bounce-back from last weekend and six points out of three games at the start of the season means we can move on and try and get more points and move the pressure away that can easily come on you when you slip towards the bottom of this league. "We all know that after ten games if you have not quite done what you planned, you are under pressure. We, at the moment, are relieving that pressure to try and bring more out of the players."
The only downside was that Carroll was forced from the field with a hamstring injury midway through the second half. Although the injury will keep him out of England's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week, Big Sam will wait for a full report on Monday before judging how long he could be out for. "Andy's injury looks like a hamstring which is obviously the most disappointing thing from today. "We had Carlton Cole to come on anyway - another two minutes or so and Andy would have been off. He would have been fatigued because he hasn't played as many games as he wanted after he came back from holiday and the European Championships. "We were ready to bring him off and unfortunately on that last jump he got hit by Hangeland and that twisted his body and pulled his hamstring by the looks of it. "I think almost definitely that he is out of the England squad but we will just have to pray that it is not too severe."
Allardyce and his medical staff are now likely to make full use of the two-week international break to ensure Carroll is fighting fit in time for the away game with Norwich City on 15 September.
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'I'm delighted to be here again'
WHUFC.com
Yossi Benayoun cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United shirt again after re-joining the club
01.09.2012
Yossi Benayoun cannot wait to pull on a claret and blue shirt again after re-joining West Ham United. The Israel captain, who enjoyed two fantastic seasons at the Boleyn Ground between 2005 and 2007, has moved back to east London on loan from Chelsea. Now 32, the mercurial midfielder is looking forward to showing the Hammers faithful that he has lost none of his old poise, ability and skill. "Thank you very much to everyone who has welcomed me back," said the No15. "I'm delighted to be here because I've been here before and this is a great club and I just cannot wait to start playing here again. "I think the deal went through about one minute before the deadline! We had a long day because I had conversations with a lot of teams during the transfer window and a few of them made offers to me.
"West Ham actually came in during the last few hours of the transfer window and, when they did, we tried to seal the deal and I was delighted when we did it."
Benayoun netted eight goals and set up many more in the 72 appearances he made for West Ham before leaving for Liverpool in 2007. Having enjoyed spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, where he spent last season on loan, the Dimona-born player is looking forward to pulling on a Hammers shirt and showing the same form he displayed during his first spell in the East End. Benayoun will go away with Israel this week for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Azerbaijan and home to Russia before he gets ready to line up alongside the likes of Andy Carroll and Matt Jarvis. "I think any time is a good time to be at West Ham. When I was here the first time, I really enjoyed it because it's a great club with great people. Hopefully the future will also be bright and we can get some success as well. "I think it's a bit too soon to say what role I will play. I will go away with Israel and then come back after the international break and start work with my new team-mates. "We have got a lot of quality in the team and a great manager, so it should be easy for me to fit in."
Benayoun revealed that he could actually have joined forces with Sam Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers seven years ago, but instead chose to join Alan Pardew's Hammers. "I actually could have signed with Sam at Bolton but in the last minute I went with West Ham, so I know Sam. West Ham is a great team and a great club and I just cannot wait to start."
A popular figure during his first spell with the club, Benayoun is looking forward to showcasing his talents in front of the adoring Boleyn Ground faithful again soon.
As if to illustrate the point, when he and fellow new boy Jarvis were introduced to the crowd before kick-off ahead of Saturday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League over Fulham, the pair received a loud and sustained ovation. "I hope so. I always had a good relationship with the supporters, even when I came with other teams to play here. They gave me a warm welcome back so I'm sure we'll have a good relationship and hopefully I can give them something back on the pitch and excite them if I can."
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Rodgers: I may recall Carroll
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 2nd September 2012
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists that he has the option to recall Andy Carroll from his loan spell at West Ham halfway through the season, should he so desire. Liverpool, who were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal this afternoon - a defeat that leaves the Merseysiders one place off the bottom of the Premier League and five points adrift of the Hammers - allowed the England striker to move to Upton Park on loan last week.
It was thought at the time that Carroll would spend the entire campaign at the Boleyn Ground after West Ham claimed that a season-long loan spell had been agreed.
"The 23-year-old has moved from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League campaign, with the Hammers having the option to complete a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee next summer," read an item on whufc.com last Thursday. However that is NOT the case according to the Liverpool manager, who told the BBC's Conor McNamara after today's defeat by the Gunners that the terms of the loan agreement mean he can take the striker back to Anfield in January. "Rodgers tells me he has option of recalling Andy Carroll in January," said McNamara via Twitter this afternoon. "He only let him go, because he thought another forward was coming in."
Carroll was involved in two of West Ham's three goals yesterday as they beat Fulham 3-0 at the Boleyn Ground. However he was forced to retire injured on the hour mark after sustaining a hamstring injury.
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Allardyce on... Fulham
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 2nd September 2012
By: Staff Writer
There was a buzz in the stands, on the pitch and in the press room after the game as Sam Allardyce reflected on a job well done in the post-match conference, which we once again bring to you exclusively in full...
Sam: There was a buzz around the ground before the start of the game because of the signings you've made this week - and there was a buzz on the pitch when you got the [first] goal?
Yes. It was a tremendous start to the game for us, of course, and the overall performance from there on was absolutely pleasing to us all. We've all worked tirelessly, particularly in terms of the signings and with the players that we've had from July the 1st when we started back.
I think that was 'bouncebackability' [today]; I remember that one from Iain Dowie! It was that we needed today and we did it with great effect, style, thrust and skill. For a team that's newly promoted to have that sort of game? I mean, it's never over 'til it's over but it was this time when it was 3-0 at half time - and deservedly so.
For everybody concerned it's a great way to bounce back from last week. To have six points from three games at the start of the season means that we can keep the pressure away. That can easily come on you when you slip near the bottom this early in the season. At the moment we are relieving that pressure and that will hopefully bring more and more out of the players.
How's Andy Carroll?
Not good I'm afraid. It looks like a hamstring which is obviously the most disappointing thing from today - especially as Carlton Cole was ready to come on. Another two minutes or so and Andy would have been off anyway, because he would have been fatiguing as he hasn't played as many games as he would have wanted since coming back from holiday - and of course, playing in the European Championships.
So we were ready to bring him off but unfortunately, on that last jump, he got hit by Hangeland, twisted his body and it's pulled his hamstring by the looks of it.
So he's out of the England squad?
I think almost definitely he's out of the England squad. We just have to pray that it's not too severe.
What did you make of his debut apart from that?
Very good. I think that what's important was the delight everybody felt when Andy walked through the door today. It made us all feel that little bit better, having a £35million centre forward walk through the door - whether you've got him on loan or not. He's a quality centre forward and he's our number one.
Hopefully we can play to his strengths and he can help us do what we want to do - and that's to win as many football matches as we can. Hopefully we can provide him with the service to score lots of goals.
Kevin said he's brought an excitement to the players; could you sense that?
We he brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively. Kevin could have had a hat-trick today. He knows if the ball is going to Andy he can go; he knows he can go beyond and get in areas where Andy can find him, or if Andy doesn't the defender will end up knocking the ball down to him. And of course the quality of his finish was very important. For us, from thereon in, it was just us playing better than Fulham, creating more than them.
It's well documented that Andy was perhaps a bit reluctant to come to West Ham; you had to work very hard to get him here. You've had to settle in to London, how will you help him adjust to that?
There are three factors. He knows me, but one of the biggest factors is that he knows Tim D'Eath who is our player liaison officer, as well. Tim's the England chef and Andy knows him really well; Tim looks after all our players in terms of settling into a new area. And of course his relationship with Kevin [Nolan]. So I think that helps him settle into London and West Ham quicker than if he'd gone anywhere else where he doesn't quite know some of the personnel. But he knows a lot of the players, myself and some of the staff here so that will hopefully help him settle in.
The disappointing thing is obviously the injury; it's a cruel blow for him and a cruel blow for us if it keeps him out for any length of time other than the two weeks we're off on international break now. It's all about getting him match fit and back up to speed - and the way to do that is obviously to play in matches. That might not be able to happen now for a week or two.
What did you say to him when he came off, did you have a chance to have a chat [about the injury]? What did he have to say?
Well he's not interested in that, he's just so gutted because he's got injured and he can't join England. That's why he's most disappointed because he wanted to get off there. Hopefully he's going to play every week for us and if he score goals then Roy's going to pick him, isn't he?
If [Danny] Wellback doesn't play as often as he used to at Manchester United because [Robin] Van Persie's there with [Wayne] Rooney then Andy could be the number one England striker - that's if he's playing for us regularly, playing well and scoring. He wants to do both; he wants to do well for us and he wants to do well for England.
Do you have him for another day and then he goes to England? Or does he go immediately?
I don't know to be honest with you, that's down to the medical department. They'll contact whoever they need to contact and England will decide rightly or wrongly. They can ask him to go but I think they know us well enough - and Roy knows us well enough - to know that if he's not going to be any good to them, we can send them the scan results.
Is it a pull or a strain?
A slight, slight strain but we won't know the extent of the damage until his MRI.
Would it be fair to say this has been a dream transfer window for you?
I think so, yeah. The long, arduous task of finding players is a gruelling one in the window. You get through the [post-season] break and try, but everybody wants too much. You start the pre-season and they're still too much for what you can afford. Then you get to panic stations, they start getting cheaper and you have to move, pounce!
Karren Brady, David Sullivan, Martin (my recruitment officer), myself and David Gold have really gone to town and pressed the button on many things as early as we can and that's why we've got the squad we've got together. Hopefully we can build on what we've done over the last three games. We disappointed at Swansea but the two home performances have been really encouraging, particularly this one.
Martin Jol has been in talking about his team's performance. He wasn't particularly positive about Fulham but he described your goals as set-pieces and long balls. Is that a fair assessment?
The three goals we scored were a ball up to Andy Carroll, which he flicked on, and two set pieces which are 38-40 per cent of goals scored in the game today. How did Liverpool draw against Manchester City?
I didn't actually see that game...
Did you not? [laughs]
No...
One was a corner and one was a set piece. In between our three long-ball goals we outplayed Fulham, it's that simple. Totally and utterly. So if Martin's team can't defend properly then he really shouldn't criticise the way we scored our goals, should he?
A quick word on Yossi Benayoun. What will he bring to West Ham?
Quality. It's all about quality in this division. I have to say Yossi was absolutely brilliant yesterday, to help get himself here at this football club. It wasn't just about us negotiating with Chelsea, it was about him stepping in and saying "I want to go to West Ham". I was absolutely delighted to hear that from the very start because he's looking forward to playing here and giving us extra quality in the final third which we know he's got and we know he delivered that last time he was here.
Can I just check - will Andy Carroll now go to England's camp to be checked?
I don't know. It depends on the communication between our medical staff and England's medical staff. Then they'll revert to Roy [Hodgson] and they'll make a decision. We know there's damage there and we know that at this moment in time we wouldn't think he'd be available.
Has he gone off for a scan now, tonight?
I don't think so, I think that'll be tomorrow at the earliest. Thank you.
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Sam reflects on 'dream window'
Hammers boss delighted with summer business
Last Updated: September 2, 2012 12:16pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce admits things could not have gone much better for him in the summer transfer window, with West Ham making a number of shrewd additions. The Hammers saw deadline day pass with 11 new players having been drafted into the Upton Park ranks. Among the more notable arrivals were Andy Carroll on a season-long loan from Liverpool, Yossi Benayoun returning to the club on loan from Chelsea, Matt Jarvis making a big-money move from Wolves and Mohamed Diame opting to link up with the Hammers on a free transfer. Allardyce is delighted with the calibre of player he has been able to acquire, with West Ham having strengthened in all areas of the field. A 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, in which Carroll and Diame starred, suggests the Hammers have every right to believe that their fresh faces can help them push for a top-half finish in the Premier League this season.
Panic stations
"I think you could say this was a dream transfer window for me," said Allardyce. "It's a gruelling task finding the right players. "You get to the summer break when everyone wants far too much for the players you want. You get to pre-season and they are still asking far more than what you can afford. Then you get to the last-minute, panic stations sets in and it gets a bit cheaper. "But Karren Brady, David Sullivan, David Gold and myself have really gone to town and pressed the button on a lot of things we wanted to do."
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Carroll springer
West Ham 3 Fulham 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 03rd September 2012
MARTIN JOL has vowed to build his team around Dimitar Berbatov and backed the Bulgarian hitman to shine for the Cottagers. The Fulham boss missed a trick when he did not start the former Manchester United marksman – and when he was introduced at the break the damage had already been done. Jol revealed: "You build teams around good players – and Berbatov is excellent. He showed that when I was at Spurs." Jol was frustrated to lose playmaker Mousa Dembele and admitted: "Berbatov was looking forward to playing with him." Jol added: "I told him that Dembele was off to Spurs when Dimitar had his medical. We managed to keep him in the building so he couldn't get away!"
MATT TAYLOR is feeding off the feel-good factor that is swirling around Upton Park. Newly-promoted, playing alongside a big-name signing in Andy Carroll and bagging a quality goal in a comfortable win had winger Taylor declaring everything was coming up roses for West Ham. He said: "It always gives you a lift when new players come in to a club, and the guys that we have signed this week have been no different. "It's difficult with all the speculation about who is coming in and who is going, and the Andy Carroll thing was particularly protracted. "So it was nice to get them in and to get them playing, and great to see Andy play so well. "Andy had only been here a day but he's professional and he knows a couple of the guys here so he has done very well. "First of all, he brings competition for places, secondly — obviously I have only seen him as an opposing player other than yesterday and today — he is very good on the ball. When he flicks the ball on he doesn't do it aimlessly — he tries to pick people out. He's very good on the floor, strong and quick — he was exceptional. "Unplayable is what the manager said and it was really, really good to see him play well. "It was nice to get three goals at home and keep a clean sheet, especially being our first home London derby and given the performance last week. "It was a very good all round performance, we were very good with the ball but equally as good without it. After all the videos and information we had on Fulham we knew how they were going to play so we set up to counteract that. "I've been in the game long enough not to make any predictions about what might happen this season because sometimes you can get a little ahead of yourself and it can come back to bite you. "Hopefully the future is bright here.Everything is pointing in the right direction for this football club and long may that continue."
Taylor's classy strike from the edge of the box was the final blow for Fulham — wrapping up victory before half-time. Carroll played a part in it, using his 6ft 4in frame to cause havoc in the visitors' defence and force Brede Hangeland into a mistake. That freed up Taylor for a pop at goal with yards of space around him. The new man also teed up pal Nolan for the first goal after less than a minute. He again used his head to provide the excellent Ricardo Vaz Te with the chance to slip a neat ball to the Hammers skipper. Nolan did the rest bv unleashing a crisp shot past keeper Mark Schwarzer. In between, Taylor delivered a corner on to Winston Reid's head to power home a header on 29 minutes. It was pretty much one-way traffic from start to finish and on this evidence, once Carroll is recovered from an unfortunate hamstring injury, he will soon be scoring goals again. Allardyce said: "It is really important to punish the other team when you are on top and we did that thoroughly. "In the end we did it off two set-plays and got a very well deserved 3-0 lead."
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Lion barred? Carroll now set to miss first FOUR World Cup qualifiers
The Mirror
Andy Carroll is in danger of missing England's World Cup qualifiers next month after suffering a hamstring injury on his West Ham debut. The on-loan Liverpool striker is definitely out of the matches in Moldova on Friday and Ukraine at Wembley next week. But the Upton Park club fear Carroll could be out for a month, leaving him only one match against Arsenal on October 6 to prove his fitness before the double-header against San Marino and Poland. West Ham were last night awaiting the results of MRI scans on the injury suffered in the 68th minute of the 3-0 win against Fulham. "He is just so gutted because he has got injured and he can't go to join up with England – that is why he is most disappointed because he wanted to get off there," said manager Sam Allardyce. "He'll probably be on the treatment bench for a while."We will just have to pray that it is not too severe."
Carroll scored his second international goal against Sweden at Euro 2012 and had been called up by boss Roy Hodgson before completing his loan deal to West Ham.
Allardyce said Carroll's desire to maintain his England place had been a key motivation behind the move to Upton Park. "Andy had to accept he had to move to make sure he gets first-team football because he's got his England place to protect," said the Hammers' boss. "It's all right saying he's going to sit on the bench at Liverpool but he'd lose his England place. "I said, 'Come and play first-team football in the Premier League and be the big fish in a small pond for a while'."
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Hammer blow for Carroll as Allardyce fears hamstring injury is worse than first thought
By PHIL GRADWELL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 2 September 2012 | UPDATED: 00:03, 3 September 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham fear Andy Carroll's hamstring injury is worse than expected. The problem showed no sign of improvement on Sunday which suggests it is 'significant'. The Hammers were hoping Carroll would be out for just three weeks and fit to return for the home game against Sunderland on September 22. That now seems unlikely and he will have a complete scan on Monday. Sam Allardyce, though, insists that once fit again, Carroll will relish being the 'big fish in a small pond' at Upton Park.
That seems an odd statement to make about the most expensive British footballer - you would expect a player who cost £35million to be a dominant figure in any team. But Carroll often seemed overwhelmed at Liverpool and had been on the margins of the first team, especially since the new manager came in. Despite being seemingly unwanted at Liverpool, Allardyce revealed that Carroll was not keen to swap Anfield for Upton Park, saying: 'He didn't want to leave, but he had to accept that Brendan Rodgers wanted to go down a different route, which every manager's entitled to. 'We're not as big a club as Liverpool but Andy can come and play first-team football in the Premier League.' He certainly relished being the big fish on Saturday. He made a dream start to his Claret-and-blue debut, flicking the ball on for Ricardo Vaz Te to set up Kevin Nolan to score after 53 seconds of the 3-0 win over Fulham.
Carroll also unsettled the visiting defence in the build-up to Matt Taylor's third goal, which came after Winston Reid's header. Carroll benefits from an arm round the shoulder and he was shown a lot of love before, during and after the match. The crowd were singing his name prior to kick-off, his team-mates appreciated his efforts and encouraged him, and Allardyce sang his praises in interviews. According to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day, Carroll was a 'square peg in a square hole' at Liverpool. West Ham will play to his strengths, showcased in his bullying of Brede Hangeland. The downside was the injury in the 68th minute, which meant he had to pull out of the England squad. Allardyce knows how important Carroll's international career is to him, saying: 'Andy had to accept he had to move to make sure of first-team football. It's all right saying he's going to sit on the bench at Liverpool but he'd lose his England place.' If he is going to stay in the England frame he will have to play consistently and score. Should this happen, West Ham will be in a healthy position. Allardyce acknowledged this, adding: 'If Andy scores between 10 and 15 goals, it is going to give us a great chance to be out of the relegation zone. If he gets 15-20, we can get in the top 10.' To do this, he will need supply. The likes of Taylor will be important, therefore, and the midfielder is looking forward to providing the ammunition for Carroll. Taylor said: 'He is good on the ball. When he flicks it on he doesn't do it aimlessly - he tries to pick people out. He's very good on the floor, strong, quick. Unplayable, the manager said.' From unwanted to unplayable in the space of a few days. If Carroll carries on like this, he could prove quite a catch.
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Andy Carroll's new start at West Ham comes to painful end with hamstring injury
Once upon a time, Andy Carroll read bedtime stories to Kevin Nolan's children and for an hour on Saturday he penned a fairytale of his own, dovetailing well with his former landlord on his West Ham United debut.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Henry Winter8:00PM BST 01 Sep 201210
West Ham beat Fulham 3-0 but, unfortunately for Carroll, there was a twist to the plot with a tweak to his hamstring, and he has been written out of England's adventure in Moldova this week. Carroll took two strides forward on Saturday before a hobbling step back. Incapacitation during international week will at least allow him to work at Chadwell Heath, familiarising himself with his new surroundings and focusing on West Ham's trip to Norwich City on Sept 15. The damaged tissue is more an issue for country than club. Already, Carroll has lifted the claret-and-blue mood. In turn, West Ham have embraced him quickly. Before kick-off, Carroll received a few words of encouragement from Nolan. "You have nothing to prove to anyone,'' Nolan told Carroll. Leaving aside the captain's understandable desire to ease expectations on the loan signing, the reality remains that Carroll has plenty to prove. The England striker must prove to the myriad doubters that he is good enough to lead the line of an ambitious team. He has to prove to Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager who considered him ill-suited to his preferred system, that he could have fitted in to a more measured style.
Carroll's prominence for 67 minutes will inevitably intensify the debate over whether Rodgers was right to exclude him from his Liverpool thoughts. Anfield would be marginally more relaxed if Rodgers had brought in more forward cover in case any mishap befalls Luis Suárez or Fabio Borini. Yet it is hardly the greatest surprise to learn that Sam Allardyce's more direct approach suits Carroll better than the possession game. The 6ft 4in centre-forward loves battling for an aerial ball, getting on to crosses while demonstrating occasional left-footed dexterity on the ground. West Ham were set up for Carroll, who had taken Nicky Maynard's old No 8 shirt, exploiting his old Newcastle understanding with Nolan, who was playing in the hole. Nolan will benefit from Carroll's knock-downs and the space he creates. West Ham's wide players, Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te, hoisted in crosses towards Carroll, who will also relish the service from Matt Jarvis, injured yesterday. Even if he needed some persuading to leave Anfield, effectively accepting that he had failed there, Carroll quickly felt at home at the Boleyn. He knows Allardyce and particularly Nolan from their Newcastle United days. He is friends with Tim De'ath, West Ham's popular player-liaison officer and England chef. West Ham have paid a £1 million loan fee (and all his wages) for the 23 year-old with an option to buy him for £17 million next summer if they stay up. As depreciating assets go, Carroll's fall from his £35 million valuation in January 2011 is huge.
If that £17 million clause was triggered next summer, and he stayed south, Carroll's 11 goals at Liverpool would have worked out at £1.6 million each. These are early days, and Carroll must deliver far more consistently than he did at Anfield, but West Ham will surely consider making the deal permanent on this evidence. Upton Park really took to Carroll.
Even before kicking a ball or winning a header, he was being lauded. As Carroll warmed up, fans leaned over the hoardings to get close-up snaps with their camera-phones. As he waited on the halfway line for the first whistle, Carroll looked back at fans in the Bobby Moore Stand, all standing, all singing, arms aloft. The strains of "I'm forever blowing bubbles" were still floating away up Green Street when Carroll first began bullying Fulham's defence, his aerial prowess seen within 53 seconds as he headed down to Vaz Te and then Nolan applied the finishing touch. No wonder Allardyce smiled. West Ham's manager often resembles a guest an hour into a particularly agreeable wedding reception and his upbeat mood was understandable here. With Carroll's recruitment, West Ham have a focus, an outlet, a battering-ram and willing team-worker. He also kept the tactical shape, dropping to left midfield at one point when Taylor had gone through the middle. He spread confidence through the team, who played with increasing guile.
For all the perception of Allardyce as a long-ball advocate, West Ham occasionally mixed up their play, keeping possession for periods, a pleasing nod to the Academy ethos. There was a darting run from Vaz Te here, a dribble from the excellent Mohamed Diamé there. Mainly, though, West Ham threatened through the drilled long-ball and set-pieces, bringing goals for Winston Reid and Taylor. Carroll played only minor roles in those goals but his work-rate earned constant applause. Another famous debut-maker, Dimitar Berbatov, has never been deemed the most assiduous of workers but the Bulgarian contributed an elegant 45 minutes for Fulham after the break. His movement was typically intelligent, and never rushed. His touch was assured, his composure deep in enemy territory admirable. Berbatov needed better support though.
At times he resembled a celebrated conductor who had found himself with the wrong orchestra. Fulham players will soon read his runs and the feeling remains that Martin Jol has made another smart decision. Ditto Allardyce with Carroll. A new chapter opens.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer Matt Taylor believes every squad member will have a part to play for the Hammers this season
02.09.2012
Matt Taylor was happy to hit the target in West Ham United's exceptional 3-0 win over Fulham at the Boleyn Ground. Taylor, who scored his first Barclays Premier League goal for the Hammers, revealed his pleasure at a solid attacking and defensive performance. The No14 stated his belief that hard work and desire fuelled the Hammers on their way to victory. "It was a very good day," he said. "It was great to get a goal [from Kevin Nolan] in the first few minutes because it seemed to settle everybody down and we played very well in and out of possession today. "Out of possession I thought we did very well too keep our shape. we put them under pressure when we needed to and we won the ball back in good areas. That allowed us to create good opportunities and ultimately score three good goals."
The Hammers made the perfect start with captain Nolan opening the scoring after 53 seconds. "We were very confident after the start we made. There was a big time between when we scored the first goal and the second goal - it was probably too long. We got the second and third close together and you can tell that deflated them as they went in 3-0 down. "There wasn't a way back for them in the second half. We kept things very tight and could and probably should have got a another goal. Jussi also did well at the end making two fantastic saves to ensure we kept a clean sheet which is always great to do, especially at home."
After scoring his first goal of the season Taylor insisted that he has no personal targets. Instead, he paid tribute to a wonderful team performance. "I have no targets this season personally. It was nice to see my shot go in,as it seemed to take an age to fall for me and I didn't catch it as well as would have liked, but luckily it flew in and killed the game off. "We started the second half with a clean sheet and that is something we wanted to keep. We limited them to few opportunities even when they brought on Dimitar Berbatov, who is a wonderful player. The second half was all about consolidation, we did that and it was a good all-round team performance."
Taylor also feels the side and staff will settle even more now the transfer window has closed, stating that everyone now knows where they stand. "You will probably see the manager a lot more relaxed now the window is closed. He worked very hard towards the end to get the players in we needed, and he has done exactly that.
"It is now three or four months until it re-opens, and that allows the lads to settle. We know where we are and who we have got to work with, it is a very good squad and hopefully one that can work its way up the league."
Competition for places is key and Taylor believes that the calibre of player Big Sam has brought in will bring huge positives. "We have brought in Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun who are two very good players. But that will only spur the rest of the squad on to work harder as competition for places will be very tough. "I think that showed on Tuesday night [in the Capital One Cup victory over Crewe Alexandra], as some of the lads came in and did very well. In this league you need a squad, it is not about eleven players, There are always changes through form, injuries and tactics, so you just need to ensure you are ready when called upon."
The Hammers next game is now two weeks away as domestic football takes an international break and Taylor is delighted to be entering it on a positive note.
"It is vitally important to end on a high, especially at home when are next game is away at Norwich. It is going to be a massive test for us. "Everybody can relax a little now, I myself won't be on international duty but will continue to work hard in training, but it will be nice to have a few days off and spend some time with my family. "I am sure we have a few lads away with their national sides and I just hope that the lads who are away come back fit and ready for the challenges ahead."
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Big Sam beaming at fine few days
WHUFC.com
West Ham United completed a memorable week with a 3-0 win against Fulham on Saturday
01.09.2012
Sam Allardyce could hardly contain his joy as West Ham United rounded off a week to remember with a superb 3-0 against Fulham at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
New signing Andy Carroll made his debut for the home side and had a hand in two of the goals as Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor did the damage with a goal each. The win caps off a fine seven days for the Hammers, who clinched the signings of Carroll and Yossi Benayoun on the back of a comfortable 2-0 win against Crewe Alexandra in the Capital One third round on Tuesday. "It is a tremendous start to the game for us of course and the overall performance that continued from there was very much pleasing to us all," Allardyce said. "None more so than the squad of players we have got and the staff and the owners who have worked so tirelessly, particularly in terms of the signings we have got. "I think what is important is the delight of everybody when Andy walked through the door. "He is a quality centre-forward and he is our number one. We can hopefully play to his strengths and he can hopefully help us do what we want to do and that is be winning as many football matches as we can. Hopefully we can provide him with the service to score lots and lots of goals."
Carroll's impressive performance is likely to grab all of the headlines but he was ably assisted by those around him. His strong header set up Ricardo Vaz Te to tee up Nolan to open the scoring with just 53 seconds on the clock and the strike was a tantalising taster of what was to come. "Andy's arrival brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well. "Kevin could have probably had a hat-trick because if he knows the ball is going to Andy he knows he can go beyond and get into areas where Andy can find him. "The quality of his finish was very important and from there on in it was just a case of us playing better than Fulham."
Soon after Nolan's opener, another Carroll knockdown found Mohamed Diame, but his cleanly-struck volley was superbly tipped onto the crossbar by Mark Schwarzer in the Fulham goal. The onslaught continued and Vaz Te and Nolan both went close before the inevitable second arrived when Reid nodded in Taylor's corner.
The claret and blue assault continued and it was three before half-time when Taylor smashed in from the edge of the area after Brede Hangeland - under pressure from Carroll - had headed back James Collins' free-kick into his path. The manner of the performance was also pleasing for the 33,458 packed into the Boleyn Ground, with Kids for a Quid offer seemingly proving popular with the Hammers' faithful. What made it all the sweeter was that it arrived on the back of a 3-0 defeat in West Ham's last Barclays Premier League outing at Swansea City. "Bouncebackability! I remember that was a good one from Iain Dowie and it was that we needed," Allardyce added with a smile. "We did it with great effect and style and thrust and skill. I think that for a team that is newly promoted to have a game like that, it is never over until it's over, but against Fulham we were 3-0 up at half-time and deservedly so "For everybody concerned it is a great bounce-back from last weekend and six points out of three games at the start of the season means we can move on and try and get more points and move the pressure away that can easily come on you when you slip towards the bottom of this league. "We all know that after ten games if you have not quite done what you planned, you are under pressure. We, at the moment, are relieving that pressure to try and bring more out of the players."
The only downside was that Carroll was forced from the field with a hamstring injury midway through the second half. Although the injury will keep him out of England's 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this week, Big Sam will wait for a full report on Monday before judging how long he could be out for. "Andy's injury looks like a hamstring which is obviously the most disappointing thing from today. "We had Carlton Cole to come on anyway - another two minutes or so and Andy would have been off. He would have been fatigued because he hasn't played as many games as he wanted after he came back from holiday and the European Championships. "We were ready to bring him off and unfortunately on that last jump he got hit by Hangeland and that twisted his body and pulled his hamstring by the looks of it. "I think almost definitely that he is out of the England squad but we will just have to pray that it is not too severe."
Allardyce and his medical staff are now likely to make full use of the two-week international break to ensure Carroll is fighting fit in time for the away game with Norwich City on 15 September.
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'I'm delighted to be here again'
WHUFC.com
Yossi Benayoun cannot wait to pull on a West Ham United shirt again after re-joining the club
01.09.2012
Yossi Benayoun cannot wait to pull on a claret and blue shirt again after re-joining West Ham United. The Israel captain, who enjoyed two fantastic seasons at the Boleyn Ground between 2005 and 2007, has moved back to east London on loan from Chelsea. Now 32, the mercurial midfielder is looking forward to showing the Hammers faithful that he has lost none of his old poise, ability and skill. "Thank you very much to everyone who has welcomed me back," said the No15. "I'm delighted to be here because I've been here before and this is a great club and I just cannot wait to start playing here again. "I think the deal went through about one minute before the deadline! We had a long day because I had conversations with a lot of teams during the transfer window and a few of them made offers to me.
"West Ham actually came in during the last few hours of the transfer window and, when they did, we tried to seal the deal and I was delighted when we did it."
Benayoun netted eight goals and set up many more in the 72 appearances he made for West Ham before leaving for Liverpool in 2007. Having enjoyed spells with Chelsea and Arsenal, where he spent last season on loan, the Dimona-born player is looking forward to pulling on a Hammers shirt and showing the same form he displayed during his first spell in the East End. Benayoun will go away with Israel this week for 2014 FIFA World Cup qualifiers in Azerbaijan and home to Russia before he gets ready to line up alongside the likes of Andy Carroll and Matt Jarvis. "I think any time is a good time to be at West Ham. When I was here the first time, I really enjoyed it because it's a great club with great people. Hopefully the future will also be bright and we can get some success as well. "I think it's a bit too soon to say what role I will play. I will go away with Israel and then come back after the international break and start work with my new team-mates. "We have got a lot of quality in the team and a great manager, so it should be easy for me to fit in."
Benayoun revealed that he could actually have joined forces with Sam Allardyce at Bolton Wanderers seven years ago, but instead chose to join Alan Pardew's Hammers. "I actually could have signed with Sam at Bolton but in the last minute I went with West Ham, so I know Sam. West Ham is a great team and a great club and I just cannot wait to start."
A popular figure during his first spell with the club, Benayoun is looking forward to showcasing his talents in front of the adoring Boleyn Ground faithful again soon.
As if to illustrate the point, when he and fellow new boy Jarvis were introduced to the crowd before kick-off ahead of Saturday's 3-0 Barclays Premier League over Fulham, the pair received a loud and sustained ovation. "I hope so. I always had a good relationship with the supporters, even when I came with other teams to play here. They gave me a warm welcome back so I'm sure we'll have a good relationship and hopefully I can give them something back on the pitch and excite them if I can."
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Rodgers: I may recall Carroll
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 2nd September 2012
By: Staff Writer
Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers insists that he has the option to recall Andy Carroll from his loan spell at West Ham halfway through the season, should he so desire. Liverpool, who were beaten 2-0 at home by Arsenal this afternoon - a defeat that leaves the Merseysiders one place off the bottom of the Premier League and five points adrift of the Hammers - allowed the England striker to move to Upton Park on loan last week.
It was thought at the time that Carroll would spend the entire campaign at the Boleyn Ground after West Ham claimed that a season-long loan spell had been agreed.
"The 23-year-old has moved from Liverpool for the remainder of the 2012/13 Barclays Premier League campaign, with the Hammers having the option to complete a permanent deal for an undisclosed fee next summer," read an item on whufc.com last Thursday. However that is NOT the case according to the Liverpool manager, who told the BBC's Conor McNamara after today's defeat by the Gunners that the terms of the loan agreement mean he can take the striker back to Anfield in January. "Rodgers tells me he has option of recalling Andy Carroll in January," said McNamara via Twitter this afternoon. "He only let him go, because he thought another forward was coming in."
Carroll was involved in two of West Ham's three goals yesterday as they beat Fulham 3-0 at the Boleyn Ground. However he was forced to retire injured on the hour mark after sustaining a hamstring injury.
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Allardyce on... Fulham
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 2nd September 2012
By: Staff Writer
There was a buzz in the stands, on the pitch and in the press room after the game as Sam Allardyce reflected on a job well done in the post-match conference, which we once again bring to you exclusively in full...
Sam: There was a buzz around the ground before the start of the game because of the signings you've made this week - and there was a buzz on the pitch when you got the [first] goal?
Yes. It was a tremendous start to the game for us, of course, and the overall performance from there on was absolutely pleasing to us all. We've all worked tirelessly, particularly in terms of the signings and with the players that we've had from July the 1st when we started back.
I think that was 'bouncebackability' [today]; I remember that one from Iain Dowie! It was that we needed today and we did it with great effect, style, thrust and skill. For a team that's newly promoted to have that sort of game? I mean, it's never over 'til it's over but it was this time when it was 3-0 at half time - and deservedly so.
For everybody concerned it's a great way to bounce back from last week. To have six points from three games at the start of the season means that we can keep the pressure away. That can easily come on you when you slip near the bottom this early in the season. At the moment we are relieving that pressure and that will hopefully bring more and more out of the players.
How's Andy Carroll?
Not good I'm afraid. It looks like a hamstring which is obviously the most disappointing thing from today - especially as Carlton Cole was ready to come on. Another two minutes or so and Andy would have been off anyway, because he would have been fatiguing as he hasn't played as many games as he would have wanted since coming back from holiday - and of course, playing in the European Championships.
So we were ready to bring him off but unfortunately, on that last jump, he got hit by Hangeland, twisted his body and it's pulled his hamstring by the looks of it.
So he's out of the England squad?
I think almost definitely he's out of the England squad. We just have to pray that it's not too severe.
What did you make of his debut apart from that?
Very good. I think that what's important was the delight everybody felt when Andy walked through the door today. It made us all feel that little bit better, having a £35million centre forward walk through the door - whether you've got him on loan or not. He's a quality centre forward and he's our number one.
Hopefully we can play to his strengths and he can help us do what we want to do - and that's to win as many football matches as we can. Hopefully we can provide him with the service to score lots of goals.
Kevin said he's brought an excitement to the players; could you sense that?
We he brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively. Kevin could have had a hat-trick today. He knows if the ball is going to Andy he can go; he knows he can go beyond and get in areas where Andy can find him, or if Andy doesn't the defender will end up knocking the ball down to him. And of course the quality of his finish was very important. For us, from thereon in, it was just us playing better than Fulham, creating more than them.
It's well documented that Andy was perhaps a bit reluctant to come to West Ham; you had to work very hard to get him here. You've had to settle in to London, how will you help him adjust to that?
There are three factors. He knows me, but one of the biggest factors is that he knows Tim D'Eath who is our player liaison officer, as well. Tim's the England chef and Andy knows him really well; Tim looks after all our players in terms of settling into a new area. And of course his relationship with Kevin [Nolan]. So I think that helps him settle into London and West Ham quicker than if he'd gone anywhere else where he doesn't quite know some of the personnel. But he knows a lot of the players, myself and some of the staff here so that will hopefully help him settle in.
The disappointing thing is obviously the injury; it's a cruel blow for him and a cruel blow for us if it keeps him out for any length of time other than the two weeks we're off on international break now. It's all about getting him match fit and back up to speed - and the way to do that is obviously to play in matches. That might not be able to happen now for a week or two.
What did you say to him when he came off, did you have a chance to have a chat [about the injury]? What did he have to say?
Well he's not interested in that, he's just so gutted because he's got injured and he can't join England. That's why he's most disappointed because he wanted to get off there. Hopefully he's going to play every week for us and if he score goals then Roy's going to pick him, isn't he?
If [Danny] Wellback doesn't play as often as he used to at Manchester United because [Robin] Van Persie's there with [Wayne] Rooney then Andy could be the number one England striker - that's if he's playing for us regularly, playing well and scoring. He wants to do both; he wants to do well for us and he wants to do well for England.
Do you have him for another day and then he goes to England? Or does he go immediately?
I don't know to be honest with you, that's down to the medical department. They'll contact whoever they need to contact and England will decide rightly or wrongly. They can ask him to go but I think they know us well enough - and Roy knows us well enough - to know that if he's not going to be any good to them, we can send them the scan results.
Is it a pull or a strain?
A slight, slight strain but we won't know the extent of the damage until his MRI.
Would it be fair to say this has been a dream transfer window for you?
I think so, yeah. The long, arduous task of finding players is a gruelling one in the window. You get through the [post-season] break and try, but everybody wants too much. You start the pre-season and they're still too much for what you can afford. Then you get to panic stations, they start getting cheaper and you have to move, pounce!
Karren Brady, David Sullivan, Martin (my recruitment officer), myself and David Gold have really gone to town and pressed the button on many things as early as we can and that's why we've got the squad we've got together. Hopefully we can build on what we've done over the last three games. We disappointed at Swansea but the two home performances have been really encouraging, particularly this one.
Martin Jol has been in talking about his team's performance. He wasn't particularly positive about Fulham but he described your goals as set-pieces and long balls. Is that a fair assessment?
The three goals we scored were a ball up to Andy Carroll, which he flicked on, and two set pieces which are 38-40 per cent of goals scored in the game today. How did Liverpool draw against Manchester City?
I didn't actually see that game...
Did you not? [laughs]
No...
One was a corner and one was a set piece. In between our three long-ball goals we outplayed Fulham, it's that simple. Totally and utterly. So if Martin's team can't defend properly then he really shouldn't criticise the way we scored our goals, should he?
A quick word on Yossi Benayoun. What will he bring to West Ham?
Quality. It's all about quality in this division. I have to say Yossi was absolutely brilliant yesterday, to help get himself here at this football club. It wasn't just about us negotiating with Chelsea, it was about him stepping in and saying "I want to go to West Ham". I was absolutely delighted to hear that from the very start because he's looking forward to playing here and giving us extra quality in the final third which we know he's got and we know he delivered that last time he was here.
Can I just check - will Andy Carroll now go to England's camp to be checked?
I don't know. It depends on the communication between our medical staff and England's medical staff. Then they'll revert to Roy [Hodgson] and they'll make a decision. We know there's damage there and we know that at this moment in time we wouldn't think he'd be available.
Has he gone off for a scan now, tonight?
I don't think so, I think that'll be tomorrow at the earliest. Thank you.
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Sam reflects on 'dream window'
Hammers boss delighted with summer business
Last Updated: September 2, 2012 12:16pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce admits things could not have gone much better for him in the summer transfer window, with West Ham making a number of shrewd additions. The Hammers saw deadline day pass with 11 new players having been drafted into the Upton Park ranks. Among the more notable arrivals were Andy Carroll on a season-long loan from Liverpool, Yossi Benayoun returning to the club on loan from Chelsea, Matt Jarvis making a big-money move from Wolves and Mohamed Diame opting to link up with the Hammers on a free transfer. Allardyce is delighted with the calibre of player he has been able to acquire, with West Ham having strengthened in all areas of the field. A 3-0 victory over Fulham on Saturday, in which Carroll and Diame starred, suggests the Hammers have every right to believe that their fresh faces can help them push for a top-half finish in the Premier League this season.
Panic stations
"I think you could say this was a dream transfer window for me," said Allardyce. "It's a gruelling task finding the right players. "You get to the summer break when everyone wants far too much for the players you want. You get to pre-season and they are still asking far more than what you can afford. Then you get to the last-minute, panic stations sets in and it gets a bit cheaper. "But Karren Brady, David Sullivan, David Gold and myself have really gone to town and pressed the button on a lot of things we wanted to do."
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Carroll springer
West Ham 3 Fulham 0
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Last Updated: 03rd September 2012
MARTIN JOL has vowed to build his team around Dimitar Berbatov and backed the Bulgarian hitman to shine for the Cottagers. The Fulham boss missed a trick when he did not start the former Manchester United marksman – and when he was introduced at the break the damage had already been done. Jol revealed: "You build teams around good players – and Berbatov is excellent. He showed that when I was at Spurs." Jol was frustrated to lose playmaker Mousa Dembele and admitted: "Berbatov was looking forward to playing with him." Jol added: "I told him that Dembele was off to Spurs when Dimitar had his medical. We managed to keep him in the building so he couldn't get away!"
MATT TAYLOR is feeding off the feel-good factor that is swirling around Upton Park. Newly-promoted, playing alongside a big-name signing in Andy Carroll and bagging a quality goal in a comfortable win had winger Taylor declaring everything was coming up roses for West Ham. He said: "It always gives you a lift when new players come in to a club, and the guys that we have signed this week have been no different. "It's difficult with all the speculation about who is coming in and who is going, and the Andy Carroll thing was particularly protracted. "So it was nice to get them in and to get them playing, and great to see Andy play so well. "Andy had only been here a day but he's professional and he knows a couple of the guys here so he has done very well. "First of all, he brings competition for places, secondly — obviously I have only seen him as an opposing player other than yesterday and today — he is very good on the ball. When he flicks the ball on he doesn't do it aimlessly — he tries to pick people out. He's very good on the floor, strong and quick — he was exceptional. "Unplayable is what the manager said and it was really, really good to see him play well. "It was nice to get three goals at home and keep a clean sheet, especially being our first home London derby and given the performance last week. "It was a very good all round performance, we were very good with the ball but equally as good without it. After all the videos and information we had on Fulham we knew how they were going to play so we set up to counteract that. "I've been in the game long enough not to make any predictions about what might happen this season because sometimes you can get a little ahead of yourself and it can come back to bite you. "Hopefully the future is bright here.Everything is pointing in the right direction for this football club and long may that continue."
Taylor's classy strike from the edge of the box was the final blow for Fulham — wrapping up victory before half-time. Carroll played a part in it, using his 6ft 4in frame to cause havoc in the visitors' defence and force Brede Hangeland into a mistake. That freed up Taylor for a pop at goal with yards of space around him. The new man also teed up pal Nolan for the first goal after less than a minute. He again used his head to provide the excellent Ricardo Vaz Te with the chance to slip a neat ball to the Hammers skipper. Nolan did the rest bv unleashing a crisp shot past keeper Mark Schwarzer. In between, Taylor delivered a corner on to Winston Reid's head to power home a header on 29 minutes. It was pretty much one-way traffic from start to finish and on this evidence, once Carroll is recovered from an unfortunate hamstring injury, he will soon be scoring goals again. Allardyce said: "It is really important to punish the other team when you are on top and we did that thoroughly. "In the end we did it off two set-plays and got a very well deserved 3-0 lead."
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Lion barred? Carroll now set to miss first FOUR World Cup qualifiers
The Mirror
Andy Carroll is in danger of missing England's World Cup qualifiers next month after suffering a hamstring injury on his West Ham debut. The on-loan Liverpool striker is definitely out of the matches in Moldova on Friday and Ukraine at Wembley next week. But the Upton Park club fear Carroll could be out for a month, leaving him only one match against Arsenal on October 6 to prove his fitness before the double-header against San Marino and Poland. West Ham were last night awaiting the results of MRI scans on the injury suffered in the 68th minute of the 3-0 win against Fulham. "He is just so gutted because he has got injured and he can't go to join up with England – that is why he is most disappointed because he wanted to get off there," said manager Sam Allardyce. "He'll probably be on the treatment bench for a while."We will just have to pray that it is not too severe."
Carroll scored his second international goal against Sweden at Euro 2012 and had been called up by boss Roy Hodgson before completing his loan deal to West Ham.
Allardyce said Carroll's desire to maintain his England place had been a key motivation behind the move to Upton Park. "Andy had to accept he had to move to make sure he gets first-team football because he's got his England place to protect," said the Hammers' boss. "It's all right saying he's going to sit on the bench at Liverpool but he'd lose his England place. "I said, 'Come and play first-team football in the Premier League and be the big fish in a small pond for a while'."
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Hammer blow for Carroll as Allardyce fears hamstring injury is worse than first thought
By PHIL GRADWELL
PUBLISHED: 22:30, 2 September 2012 | UPDATED: 00:03, 3 September 2012
Daily Mail
West Ham fear Andy Carroll's hamstring injury is worse than expected. The problem showed no sign of improvement on Sunday which suggests it is 'significant'. The Hammers were hoping Carroll would be out for just three weeks and fit to return for the home game against Sunderland on September 22. That now seems unlikely and he will have a complete scan on Monday. Sam Allardyce, though, insists that once fit again, Carroll will relish being the 'big fish in a small pond' at Upton Park.
That seems an odd statement to make about the most expensive British footballer - you would expect a player who cost £35million to be a dominant figure in any team. But Carroll often seemed overwhelmed at Liverpool and had been on the margins of the first team, especially since the new manager came in. Despite being seemingly unwanted at Liverpool, Allardyce revealed that Carroll was not keen to swap Anfield for Upton Park, saying: 'He didn't want to leave, but he had to accept that Brendan Rodgers wanted to go down a different route, which every manager's entitled to. 'We're not as big a club as Liverpool but Andy can come and play first-team football in the Premier League.' He certainly relished being the big fish on Saturday. He made a dream start to his Claret-and-blue debut, flicking the ball on for Ricardo Vaz Te to set up Kevin Nolan to score after 53 seconds of the 3-0 win over Fulham.
Carroll also unsettled the visiting defence in the build-up to Matt Taylor's third goal, which came after Winston Reid's header. Carroll benefits from an arm round the shoulder and he was shown a lot of love before, during and after the match. The crowd were singing his name prior to kick-off, his team-mates appreciated his efforts and encouraged him, and Allardyce sang his praises in interviews. According to Gary Lineker on Match of the Day, Carroll was a 'square peg in a square hole' at Liverpool. West Ham will play to his strengths, showcased in his bullying of Brede Hangeland. The downside was the injury in the 68th minute, which meant he had to pull out of the England squad. Allardyce knows how important Carroll's international career is to him, saying: 'Andy had to accept he had to move to make sure of first-team football. It's all right saying he's going to sit on the bench at Liverpool but he'd lose his England place.' If he is going to stay in the England frame he will have to play consistently and score. Should this happen, West Ham will be in a healthy position. Allardyce acknowledged this, adding: 'If Andy scores between 10 and 15 goals, it is going to give us a great chance to be out of the relegation zone. If he gets 15-20, we can get in the top 10.' To do this, he will need supply. The likes of Taylor will be important, therefore, and the midfielder is looking forward to providing the ammunition for Carroll. Taylor said: 'He is good on the ball. When he flicks it on he doesn't do it aimlessly - he tries to pick people out. He's very good on the floor, strong, quick. Unplayable, the manager said.' From unwanted to unplayable in the space of a few days. If Carroll carries on like this, he could prove quite a catch.
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Andy Carroll's new start at West Ham comes to painful end with hamstring injury
Once upon a time, Andy Carroll read bedtime stories to Kevin Nolan's children and for an hour on Saturday he penned a fairytale of his own, dovetailing well with his former landlord on his West Ham United debut.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Henry Winter8:00PM BST 01 Sep 201210
West Ham beat Fulham 3-0 but, unfortunately for Carroll, there was a twist to the plot with a tweak to his hamstring, and he has been written out of England's adventure in Moldova this week. Carroll took two strides forward on Saturday before a hobbling step back. Incapacitation during international week will at least allow him to work at Chadwell Heath, familiarising himself with his new surroundings and focusing on West Ham's trip to Norwich City on Sept 15. The damaged tissue is more an issue for country than club. Already, Carroll has lifted the claret-and-blue mood. In turn, West Ham have embraced him quickly. Before kick-off, Carroll received a few words of encouragement from Nolan. "You have nothing to prove to anyone,'' Nolan told Carroll. Leaving aside the captain's understandable desire to ease expectations on the loan signing, the reality remains that Carroll has plenty to prove. The England striker must prove to the myriad doubters that he is good enough to lead the line of an ambitious team. He has to prove to Brendan Rodgers, the Liverpool manager who considered him ill-suited to his preferred system, that he could have fitted in to a more measured style.
Carroll's prominence for 67 minutes will inevitably intensify the debate over whether Rodgers was right to exclude him from his Liverpool thoughts. Anfield would be marginally more relaxed if Rodgers had brought in more forward cover in case any mishap befalls Luis Suárez or Fabio Borini. Yet it is hardly the greatest surprise to learn that Sam Allardyce's more direct approach suits Carroll better than the possession game. The 6ft 4in centre-forward loves battling for an aerial ball, getting on to crosses while demonstrating occasional left-footed dexterity on the ground. West Ham were set up for Carroll, who had taken Nicky Maynard's old No 8 shirt, exploiting his old Newcastle understanding with Nolan, who was playing in the hole. Nolan will benefit from Carroll's knock-downs and the space he creates. West Ham's wide players, Matt Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te, hoisted in crosses towards Carroll, who will also relish the service from Matt Jarvis, injured yesterday. Even if he needed some persuading to leave Anfield, effectively accepting that he had failed there, Carroll quickly felt at home at the Boleyn. He knows Allardyce and particularly Nolan from their Newcastle United days. He is friends with Tim De'ath, West Ham's popular player-liaison officer and England chef. West Ham have paid a £1 million loan fee (and all his wages) for the 23 year-old with an option to buy him for £17 million next summer if they stay up. As depreciating assets go, Carroll's fall from his £35 million valuation in January 2011 is huge.
If that £17 million clause was triggered next summer, and he stayed south, Carroll's 11 goals at Liverpool would have worked out at £1.6 million each. These are early days, and Carroll must deliver far more consistently than he did at Anfield, but West Ham will surely consider making the deal permanent on this evidence. Upton Park really took to Carroll.
Even before kicking a ball or winning a header, he was being lauded. As Carroll warmed up, fans leaned over the hoardings to get close-up snaps with their camera-phones. As he waited on the halfway line for the first whistle, Carroll looked back at fans in the Bobby Moore Stand, all standing, all singing, arms aloft. The strains of "I'm forever blowing bubbles" were still floating away up Green Street when Carroll first began bullying Fulham's defence, his aerial prowess seen within 53 seconds as he headed down to Vaz Te and then Nolan applied the finishing touch. No wonder Allardyce smiled. West Ham's manager often resembles a guest an hour into a particularly agreeable wedding reception and his upbeat mood was understandable here. With Carroll's recruitment, West Ham have a focus, an outlet, a battering-ram and willing team-worker. He also kept the tactical shape, dropping to left midfield at one point when Taylor had gone through the middle. He spread confidence through the team, who played with increasing guile.
For all the perception of Allardyce as a long-ball advocate, West Ham occasionally mixed up their play, keeping possession for periods, a pleasing nod to the Academy ethos. There was a darting run from Vaz Te here, a dribble from the excellent Mohamed Diamé there. Mainly, though, West Ham threatened through the drilled long-ball and set-pieces, bringing goals for Winston Reid and Taylor. Carroll played only minor roles in those goals but his work-rate earned constant applause. Another famous debut-maker, Dimitar Berbatov, has never been deemed the most assiduous of workers but the Bulgarian contributed an elegant 45 minutes for Fulham after the break. His movement was typically intelligent, and never rushed. His touch was assured, his composure deep in enemy territory admirable. Berbatov needed better support though.
At times he resembled a celebrated conductor who had found himself with the wrong orchestra. Fulham players will soon read his runs and the feeling remains that Martin Jol has made another smart decision. Ditto Allardyce with Carroll. A new chapter opens.
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Sunday, September 2
Daily WHUFC News - 2nd September 2012
West Ham United 3-0 Fulham FT
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor ensure Andy Carroll's debut ends
in a comprehensive victory
01.09.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v FULHAM
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: ANTHONY TAYLOR
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Final score - West Ham United 3-0 Fulham
94 mins - The final whistle is blown. So, to sum up, the debutant played a
massive part in today's win. He may not have scored, but his ability and
mere presence played parts in two of the goals. Kevin Nolan finished
expertly, as did Matt Taylor. Winston Reid's header was also a tour de
force. At the back, West Ham have defended dilligently and Jaaskelainen has
kept a second home clean sheet. All in all, a very good lunch-time's work!
The Development Squad are here at the Boleyn to face Bolton on Monday night
at 7pm. The first team return to action at Norwich in a fortnight's time.
We'll have highlights and exclusive reaction on whufc.com and West Ham TV
soon!
91 mins - Match Sponsor Rileys have voted Andy Carroll Man of the Match. The
No8 receives a loud cheer for his substantial efforts. Four added minutes
being played.
90 mins - Jaaskelainen is making up for last week's error and more. He makes
a fine save to divert Rodallega's shot onto the base of the post. He then
makes another save from the striker's follow-up effort. The corner comes in
and, guess what, Jaaskelainen punches clear.
89 mins - Fulham break immediately and Duff has a shooting chance, but the
Finn stands firm to push the ball around the near post. The corner is headed
powerfully clear.
89 mins - Vaz Te has been back to his best today. He collects again, glides
by his marker and clips in a cross-shot that drifts a yard beyond the far
post. That had Schwarzer scrambling.
88 mins - Kacaniklic's speculative curler is caught by Jaaskelainen - try
typing that after a couple of beers! Anyway, it looks like George Co-Hen has
got it right. West Ham are going to win. The attendance is 33,458.
86 mins - West Ham have worked hard for this victory. Last weekend's defeat
was not as one-sided as the 3-0 scoreline suggested, but this victory has
been. The Hammers have been absolutely superb from the first whistle.
83 mins - Tomkins holds firm against Rodallega to concede the corner after a
neat exchange between the Colombian and Berbatov. West Ham break through Vaz
Te again, who makes 40 yards before finding Hall, whose shot is blocked.
Head in hands for the No46. So close.
82 mins - Nice skill from Nolan sees him control and beat a man before
finding Vaz Te. The No12 dribbles forward again but cannot pick out Hall on
the edge of the box. A fourth goal would be the cherry on the icing on the
cake.
81 mins - Vaz Te plays in Cole, who takes a touch and then chases down as
Hughes prods the ball back to Schwarzer.
78 mins - Demel is going to have to be replaced. He walks off and gets a pat
on the shoulder from Rodallega. He will be replaced by Rob Hall, who makes
his Barclays Premier League debut. Taylor to left-back, O'Brien to
right-back and Hall goes into the front three.
76 mins - If the season finished right now, West Ham would be playing
Champions League football next season. That might be a tad unfair, though.
73 mins - Fulham are definitely not giving up. A neat move ends with
Rodallega collecting and shooting from the edge of the D. Thankfully, it's
straight at Jaaskelainen.
69 mins - Fulham have an attack but Berbatov has surely got away with a tug
on O'Brien? Nothing given as Fulham win a corner. Sidwell nearly benefits,
but his low shot is well saved at his near post by Jaaskelainen.
67 mins - Hmmm. Carroll is down after he challenges Hangeland. While the
physio tends to him, Tomkins comes on for Collins. The big man is up again
but he's going to be replaced. He walks off and gets a big round of applause
from the home fans as Cole comes on. Cole gets a massive reception.
66 mins - Close to a fourth as Vaz Te's cross hits a defender and falls to
Diame. He beats one defender but is crowded out by Hughes. He goes to ground
but nothing is given.
65 mins - James Tomkins was also warming up, but he has now taken his seat
again. Big Sam and Neil McDonald are in conversation inside the technical
area.
63 mins - Cole is on the sidelines warming up. The play comes near him and
he orders Demel to pass inside before applauding as the right-back obeys his
orders! Got to love Coley!
62 mins - Carroll is still plugging away. He tries to get a shot away but is
then challenged. He keeps at it and collects again after Taylor is tackled
before winning a corner. Noble takes, but Reid cannot quite twist to finish.
60 mins - The Swede is on for Richardson.
59 mins - Fulham are showing some fight here. A couple of crosses have come
over, but Reid has dealt with both. Kacaliknic will be on shortly for Fulham
- the live-text writer's nightmare!
56 mins - West Ham are still creating chances. This time the ball is laid
inside for Nolan to strike from 25 yards, but the shot is charged down.
53 mins - Taylor's far-post corner is won by Carroll - again. The ball drops
into the six-yard box and Collins is there, but his touch actually takes the
ball away from Nolan, who might have scored from six yards. In the melee
that follows, Vaz Te commits a foul.
52 mins - Nolan knocks the ball a yard for Taylor, who smashes the low shot
past the wall and Schwarzer just about keeps it out. Fulham scramble the
ball away for a throw. Vaz Te collects from Demel's throw and wins a corner
as his shot is deflected over the top.
51 mins - Vaz Te is looking good. He collects a pass from Taylor and then
beats one man before being brought down by Diarra. Taylor...
47 mins - Big Sam said Carroll is an 'all-round' player and he shows why.
Quick feet see him beat Riise before he is tripped by the Norwegian. The
ball is played forward and Carroll twice challenges for headers, nodding the
ball down to Vaz Te with the second. The No12 shapes and shoots, but the
ball flies high.
46 mins - Fulham replace Petric with deadline day signing Berbatov. The
Bulgarian is involved a couple of times in his first minute in a Fulham
shirt before Duff overhits his cross and the ball bounces away for a throw.
Half-time score - West Ham United 3-0 Fulham
46 mins - Into the one added minute and O'Brien slides in on Duff to concede
the corner. Duff takes and Jaaskelainen challenges Hangeland and diverts the
ball over the top. The Finn punches the second corner clear too and Vaz Te
does superbly to turn. West Ham break and Demel is there again to collect as
the No12 is fouled on halfway. He has only Diame to aim for and Nolan coming
up for the cut-back, but the right-back instead shoots high and wide into
the stand. The half-time whistle blows. Wow!
44 mins - That's amazingly only Matt Taylor's second goal for the Hammers.
Surely it is the goal that brings West Ham's second home league win and
third home win of the season?
41 mins - GOAL! Or a three-goal lead! Vaz Te is fouled on halfway. Noble
lifts the free-kick in and Carroll draws three defenders to him as he rises
for the header. The ball drops off one of them to Taylor inside the D and he
sends a lovely controlled left-foot finish low to Schwarzer's right and into
the net.
39 mins - West Ham are keeping possession well but they are also defending
strongly. Petric collects a pass from Richardson and gets into the
inside-left channel. He draws Reid wide, but the Kiwi blocks the cross and
Nolan clears. Needless to say, it's imperative that West Ham keep a two-goal
lead until half-time.
38 mins - Demel is loving it today. He wins another important header and
then romps off to overlap Vaz Te. The latter ignores the full-back's run and
crosses from deep for Carroll, but Schwarzer makes the catch.
35 mins - West Ham are really in the mood. Virtually every outfield player
touches the ball in a sweeping move before Vaz Te crosses low for Nolan. He
could lay-off for Taylor but elects to try a difficult first-time shot. It
goes a bit wrong and Hangeland clears.
34 mins - Diame is such an all-round player. This time he drives forward and
beats Riether with quick feet, but his powerful low shot is blocked by
Hughes.
33 mins - Fulham build slowly before Petric collects about 25 yards out,
maybe more. Collins gets his body in the way and the ball bounces away.
31 mins - It's funny the way football goes! Fulham had been the better team
in terms of possession for a few minutes, but they hadn't created a
clear-cut chance. West Ham broke, won a corner and Taylor's delivery really
is outstanding. It was again there and Reid just wanted it more than anyone
else. His celebration showed it as he roared with self-approval!
29 mins - GOAL! Taylor whips in the ball about six yards out and Reid gets
above Diarra and simply powers the header into the net. That was an
unstoppable header!
29 mins - Demel and Vaz Te have also combined well so far and they do again
before the Ivorian wins a corner. Taylor to take left-footed...
28 mins - The last five minutes have been Fulham's. They are moving the ball
around well, particularly down their right flank. First Reid has to head
clear from Riether's cross, then Duff's centre is caught by Jaaskelainen.
25 mins - Fulham are having a bit more joy now. Diarra shows a neat piece of
skill before Duff finds Riether in space on the right. His cross is
first-time and into the penalty area, but Demel watches it closely and heads
out for a throw. The Cottagers work the ball across the pitch again and
Petric collects. He looks up and shoots low from 25 yards, but Jaaskelainen
gets his body behind it and, more importantly, holds on.
23 mins - Collins gets a little bit lucky as Rodallega's touch hits him and
the ball squirms away as the two collide and go to ground inside the penalty
area. It's not a foul, but it all looked a bit clumsy.
21 mins - West Ham win another corner, this time in front of the Fulham
fans. Taylor whips the ball in but it's too close to Schwarzer, who collects
unchallenged.
20 mins - It's easy to over-hype, but Carroll is involved in everything. He
challenges on the edge of the box and finds Vaz Te. The No12 then returns
the pass to Carroll, whose shot is charged down.
18 mins - Carroll rises as he tries to get on the end of Noble's diagonal
pass and goes down under a challenge from Riether. The German's arms were
up, but I'm not sure there was enough in that for a penalty to be awarded.
17 mins - Carroll wins another towering header and then wins the ball back
about 25 yards from goal. He tries to drop his shoulder and beat Hangeland
but the Norwegian guesses right and makes the tackle. Moments later Demel
collects on the right touchline and tees-up Nolan, but the captain misses
his kick as he attempts the right-foot volley.
16 mins - Another warning as Hangeland tries to pick out the run of Duff.
The Irishman has got beyond his fellow countryman O'Brien, but luckily he
cannot control and the ball bounces away for a goal kick. West Ham break
immediately from Jaaskelainen's clearance and Vaz Te rolls the ball into the
path of Nolan, whose angled chip lands on the roof of the net.
14 mins - Fulham coming forward and Collins has to be alert to track
Rodallega's run and clear for a throw. The visitors work the ball inside to
Diarra, but his low shot from 25 yards rolls well wide. It's an open and
attractive game so far.
12 mins - West Ham are on fire. Vaz Te plays a one-two with Taylor before
doing likewise with O'Brien inside the penalty area. The No12 shoots low and
hard to the near post, where Schwarzer gets down well to divert the ball
around the post. Noble takes the corner again and this time it is headed
away.
12 mins - West Ham attack again, but this time Vaz Te's cross is hacked
clear by Diarra from inside his own penalty area.
9 mins - Vaz Te involved again. He collects a pass and races away down the
right before crossing for Carroll. The big man nods down into the path of
Diame, whose first-time shot is tipped onto the bar and over by Schwarzer.
Noble takes the corner to the near post where Vaz Te dummies but it is
cleared.
9 mins - Vaz Te now has three assists this season. I'm told the second goal
against Crewe was unassisted as it came from a rebound off the goalkeeper,
but Vaz Te has all the others!
7 mins - Richardson announces himself as a Fulham player with a well-struck
shot from all of 30 yards. Jaaskelainen pushes it away to his left and
O'Brien clears up.
6 mins - Diame turns well in midfield and runs away from Sidwell. He finds
Taylor in space on the left, but the cross is just too strong for the two
players in the penalty area and goes out for a throw on the far side.
5 mins - A murmur goes around the stadium as Carroll stays down after
stretching for a tackle, but he is up again and running forward a short time
later. Vaz Te has the ball again, but Demel's cross towards the new striker
is low and cut out.
3 mins - Can you make it up? Seriously? Carroll rose brilliantly to beat
Hangeland in the air, Vaz Te moved superbly into the space and Nolan
finished as only he can. Fulham try to hit back as Petric controls on the
edge of the box, but his through ball for Rodallega is too strong and
Jaaskelainen collects.
55 seconds - GOAL! A yes Carroll! The big man wins a flick-on to Vaz Te, who
chests down and gets to the edge of the box before passing left for Nolan,
who lets the ball bounce before smashing a left-foot volley past Schwarzer
from 16 yards. Fantastic start, fantastic finish!
12.44pm - West Ham will kick-off shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking
Stand.
12.42pm - Carroll is applauding vigorously as he walks out with his new
team-mates. What a signing! Let's hope he can open his account on his full
debut, just as Modibo Maiga did in midweek. Mark Noble has some lovely lime
green boots on. He gets a loud cheer as he claps the fans in the Alpari
Stand.
12.40pm - The good news is that the Fulham chicken George Co-Hen, which
lives at the Cottagers' Motspur Park training ground, believes West Ham will
win today! I'm told George Co-Hen shares a coop with Brede Hen-geland. I'm
not joking. Anyway, here are the two teams!
12.35pm - Yossi and Matt Jarvis are formally introduced to the fans and each
claps the supporters warmly. Let's hope both are in claret and blue shirts
in a couple of weeks time.
12.30pm - Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun both get a huge ovation as their
names are read out for the first time. The big striker is going through some
last-minute shooting drills out there on the pitch. When you see the likes
of Alou Diarra, James Tomkins and Carlton Cole on the bench, you have to be
excited about the strength of West Ham's squad. Great to see Rob Hall on the
bench, too!
12.25pm - A few familiar faces around the place as usual today. Ray 'Tonka'
Stewart is here. The great right-back is excited about West Ham's prospects
following a productive transfer window. Yossi Benayoun has also just spoken
to West Ham TV. He told how he 'always seemed to score against Fulham', so
it's a bit of a shame that he isn't available this afternoon!
12.10pm - Matt Jarvis misses today's game with a slight thigh strain. He is
expected to be fit to face Norwich City in the Hammers' next league match on
15 September.
12noon - If you are following the game overseas, why not download the new
Digital version of the Official Programme. It's updated with exclusive Andy
Carroll footage! Download yours now here.
11.48am - Andy Carroll makes his West Ham United debut! The new No8 starts
up front alongside Ricardo Vaz Te and Matt Taylor. Big Sam makes seven
changes to the side that beat Crewe Alexandra in midweek, with Joey O'Brien,
Kevin Nolan, Vaz Te and Taylor keeping their places. For Fulham, Kieran
Richardson starts, while Dimitar Berbatov is on the bench.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien, Noble, Diame,
Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Carroll
Subs: Henderson, Tomkins, Diarra, O'Neil, Maiga, Hall, Cole
Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Diarra, Sidwell,
Richardson, Duff, Rodallega, Petric
Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Kasami, Berbatov, Briggs, Kacaliknic
Match Sponsor
• West Ham United would like to welcome Rileys as Saturday's Match Sponsor.
Rileys Sports Bars are the home of Pool, Snooker and Darts in the UK. For
more information about Rileys, click here.
Matchball Sponsor
• West Ham United would like to welcome Essex and County Drylining as
Saturday's Matchball Sponsor.
Introduction
West Ham United host Fulham in their second home Barclays Premier League
home fixture of the 2012/13 season.
Tickets are still available for today's game and can be bought from the
Alpari Stand and Priory Road Ticket Offices right up to kick-off!
The Hammers go into the game having beaten Aston Villa 1-0 in their only
previous league game at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers also defeated Crewe
Alexandra 2-0 at home in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday
evening.
Sam Allardyce's side will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the
Barclays Premier League after last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Swansea City. The
loss left the Hammers tenth in the table. Fulham will also be aiming to get
back to winning ways after a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
Like the Hammers they also won their opening game of the season, notching a
5-0 win over Norwich City at Craven Cottage.
Both clubs have been active during the transfer windows. England striker
Andy Carroll became West Ham United's tenth summer signing when he arrived
from Liverpool on a season-long loan on Thursday and could make his Hammers
debut on Saturday. Yossi Benayoun completed a season-long loan from Chelsea
on Friday evening, but will not be registered in time to appear against
Fulham.
Fulham, meanwhile, have sold Belgium midfielder Moussa Dembele to Tottenham
Hotspur this week. The Cottagers have completed deals for Manchester United
striker Dimitar Berbatov and Sunderland midfielder and former Hammers
schoolboy Kieran Richardson.
If selected to face Fulham, captain Kevin Nolan will make his 50th West Ham
United appearance, while Carlton Cole could make his 150th start for the
club. Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mohamed Diame will be making their 650th and
200th senior club appearances if they feature on Saturday.
The team news will be confirmed at 11.45am and will appear first on the
club's official twitter feed.
Looking further into the future, the Development Squad will be in action at
the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening, when Bolton Wanderers will be the
visitors for a 7pm kick-off. Tickets are priced at £3 for Adults, £1 for
Under-16s and FREE for Season Ticket holders!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International call-ups
WHUFC.com
At least ten West Ham United players will be on international duty over the
coming fortnight
01.09.2012
West Ham United will be strongly represented during the upcoming
international break. James Collins, Guy Demel, Mohamed Diame, Modibo Maiga,
Joey O'Brien, Dan Potts, Winston Reid, Kieran Sadlier, Raphael Spiegel and
Blair Turgott have all been called-up by their respective nations. With CAF
Africa Cup of Nations qualifying up and runnning and 2014 FIFA World Cup
qualifiying already underway in Oceania and about to start across Europe,
the Hammers' international contingent will have all to play for over the
next fortnight. The highlight of the fixture list sees Guy Demel's Ivory
Coast take on Mohamed Diame's Senegal in a 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations
qualifying second-round in Abidjan on 7 September.
*James Collins' Wales will host Belgium in Cardiff on 7 September before
travelling to Novi Sad to face Serbia on 11 September in their opening two
FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A fixtures.
*Guy Demel's Ivory Coast take on Mohamed Diame's Senegal in a CAF Africa Cup
of Nations qualifier in Abidjan on 7 September.
*Modibo Maiga has been called-up by Mali for their CAF Africa Cup of Nations
qualifying second-round first-leg with Botswana in Bamako on 7 September.
*Joey O'Brien has been selected by Republic of Ireland for their opening
FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C fixture with Kazakhstan in Astana on 7
September and an international friendly with Oman at Craven Cottage on 11
September.
*Winston Reid has the longest journey to make as New Zealand continue the
third and final round of Oceania Zone qualifiers by traveling to New
Caledonia on 7 September before hosting the Solomon Islands on 11 September.
*Dan Potts and Blair Turgott have been included in the England Under-19
squad for an international friendly with Germany in Hamburg on 6 September.
*Raphael Spiegel is in the Switzerland Under-20 squad for friendly
international fixtures with Poland in Sulejowek on 5 September and Italy in
Bellinzona on 12 September.
*Kieran Sadlier has been included in the Republic of Ireland Under-19 squad
for a friendly international with Latvia in Riga on 8 September.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benayoun returns
WHUFC.com
Yossi Benayoun has re-joined West Ham United on a one-year loan deal
01.09.2012
West Ham United are pleased to confirm the return of Israel captain Yossi
Benayoun on a one-year loan deal from Chelsea. The skilful and creative
attacking midfielder has moved back to the Hammers five years after leaving
east London for Liverpool. Benayoun, who was a popular figure with fans
during his time at the Boleyn Ground, will further bolster Sam Allardyce's
forward line alongside fellow new recruits Andy Carroll and Matt Jarvis.
Benayoun began his career playing for Ajax at youth level before returning
to Israel and making his mark with Hapoel Be'er Sheva and then Maccabi
Haifa. He scored 15 goals in 25 appearances for the former before going on
to net 16 goals in 29 matches in his first season for the latter in 1998-99.
He finished with 55 goals in 130 appearances and two Premier League titles
for Haifa before moving on to Racing de Santander in 2002.
Benayoun scored 21 goals in 101 appearances for the Spanish outfit before a
host of top clubs across Europe took an interest in him. It was the
newly-promoted West Ham United that finally sealed his signature in July
2005 for a reported £2.5m. He made his debut against Blackburn Rovers a
month later and scored his first goal on 12 September in the 4-0 win against
Aston Villa. His first season in east London ended with an FA Cup final
performance as West Ham United lost a thrilling match to Liverpool on
penalties.
He then moved to Liverpool in 2007, where he scored 11 goals in 48
appearances in his first season, including a hat-trick against Havant &
Waterlooville in the FA Cup. A career highlight followed two years later
when he scored the winner at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against Real
Madrid as Liverpool won a UEFA Champions League quarter-final 1-0. The
32-year-old moved back to London with Chelsea in July 2010, before joining
Arsenal on loan a year later. He has become a key player for his country
since making his debut in 1998 and has scored an impressive 24 goals in 88
games. Benayoun becomes West Ham United's eleventh summer signing as the
Board and Sam Allardyce build a squad capable of making an impression on the
Barclays Premier League this season. The mercurial midfielder, who will wear
the No15 shirt, will not be available to face Fulham on Saturday, but should
make his second debut at Norwich City on Saturday 15 September.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy Carroll to miss England World Cup qualifiers
BBC.co.uk
Andy Carroll has withdrawn from England's World Cup qualifiers against
Moldova and Ukraine next week because of a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old
striker, who joined West Ham in a loan deal from Liverpool on Friday, made
an impressive debut as the Hammers beat Fulham 3-0. Carroll limped out of
the action on 68 minutes at Upton Park. The Football Association will wait
until after Sunday's games before deciding on how to replace Carroll.
Following his side's win, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said it was "unlikely"
Carroll would be fit. "He'll probably be on the treatment bench for a
while," said Allardyce. "He over-extended himself. We won't know the extent
of the injury until the scan and we see how serious it is."
England's road to Brazil 2014 begins with a qualifier at the Zimbru Stadium
in Moldova on Friday 7 September and Roy Hodgson's side are back in action
at Wembley against Ukraine on 11 September. Allardyce added: "We were ready
to bring him off and unfortunately on that last jump he got hit by Brede
Hangeland and that twisted his body and pulled his hamstring by the looks of
it. "He is just so gutted because he has got injured and he can't go to
England, that is why he is most disappointed because he wanted to get off
there. "We are going to play him and hopefully he will play every week for
us and score goals and obviously Roy Hodgson is going to pick him - he wants
to do well for us and he wants to do well for England."
Carroll has joined West Ham on a season-long loan from Liverpool and played
a key part in two of his new side's goals against the Cottagers. Allardyce
added: "I think what is important is the delight of everybody when Andy
walked through the door. "I think it made us all feel that little bit better
when you have got a £35m centre-forward walk through the door whether you
have got him on loan or not. "He is a quality centre-forward and he is our
number one. We can hopefully play to his strength and he can hopefully help
us do what we want to do. "It brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's
performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well.
"Kevin could have probably had a hat-trick today because if he knows the
ball is going to Andy he knows he can go beyond and get into areas where
Andy can find him. "I know people will point at his aerial strength, and he
is one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League, but he is a
fine all round player too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Fulham 0
FT 90 +4
HT 3-0
1 September 2012
Last updated at 15:26
By Owen Phillips
BBC Sport
Andy Carroll set up two goals on an impressive debut as West Ham cruised to
victory against woeful Fulham. Carroll dominated the away defence and set
the Hammers on the way after 53 seconds when his header let Ricardo Vaz Te
tee up Kevin Nolan to fire home. Winston Reid powered in a free header from
a corner to make it 2-0. Carroll, who later limped off with a tight
hamstring, also played a part in the Matt Taylor strike which wrapped up
back-to-back home Premier League wins. Carroll, who has joined on a
season-long loan, left the Upton Park pitch to a standing ovation after 68
minutes and is likely to miss England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers
against Moldova and Ukraine. But by that time the £35m forward had already
played a huge part in a victory that was secured with a rampant first
half-display by the home side. Carroll was undoubtedly the catalyst, with
his physical threat and aerial presence giving the Hammers a cutting edge
and creating a platform for Taylor, Mohamed Diame and the excellent Vaz Te
to run at a constantly exposed home defence. That was evident within a
minute as Carroll's header allowed Vaz Te time to pick out Nolan, who
drilled a fabulous first-time finish back across Mark Schwarzer and in at
the far post. Fulham offered little response to the fastest Premier League
goal of the season and appeared to badly miss the presence of influential
midfielder Mousa Dembele following his move to Tottenham. Steve Sidwell,
Mahamadou Diarra and new recruit Kieran Richardson failed to get to grips
with the pace and movement of West Ham's midfield, which was brilliantly led
by Diame and Mark Noble.
While Carroll will rightly take most of the plaudits, Vaz Te's pace and
willingness to run at the visiting defence provided the biggest goal threat.
He went close with a near-post effort and also played a fine crossfield pass
which saw Carroll nod the ball back to Diame whose strike was tipped onto
the bar by Schwarzer. A second home goal seemed inevitable and came when
Reid was allowed a free run at Taylor's inswinging near-post corner to head
home from six yards. "The game was dominated by Andy Carroll. He made all
the difference between the two teams in the first half and the game was over
by half-time. Fulham were better after the break but just couldn't deal with
Carroll. West Ham fully deserved their win."
Fulham had barely threatened, with long-range efforts from Damien Duff and
Steve Sidwell as much as they could muster, and they could have no
complaints at being 3-0 down at the interval. Carroll's presence from a
free-kick drew the attention of three home defenders and when the ball broke
loose, Taylor reacted first to smash a low half-volley into the corner of
the net. Brede Hangeland almost got a goal back on the stroke of half-time
but Fulham never looked like getting back into the match despite an improved
second-half performance. Their main hope came in the form of their own
deadline day recruit Dimitar Berbatov, who showed flashes of his undoubted
quality during an encouraging appearance as a second-half substitute. He
nearly teed up a late goal for Hugo Rodallega, whose shot forced a decent
block from Jussi Jaaskelainen, while Duff also went close. But West Ham had
already done the hard work before the break and were able to sit deep,
defend their lead and ease to victory.
Fulham manager Martin Jol on his side's failure to deal with Andy Carroll:
"If you are 5ft 8ins or 5ft 10ins tall maybe you have got a problem but we
should have coped with it. "Every game you see him, in the European
Championships, you see he is good in the air, he is probably the best in the
Premier League but I still feel there are a few answers for that but we
couldn't cope with that. "The only positive for today was to see Dimitar
Berbatov again and to see his class and quality, I have missed it. "What I
did see was Berbatov brought other players into his play and that is his
quality. Hopefully with Bryan (Ruiz) available for the next match...we
should be a bit more positive. "I tried everything but we missed out on a
couple of players yesterday and in the end we have to be happy that Berbatov
is there and Rodallega and Petric. "Dembele, I really felt he would have
stayed because £15m is a big clause, but they paid up and they always do
that in the last week, I know that from my time there so it made life
miserable for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jol on....West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st September 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
An understandably downbeat Martin Jol reflects on his team's 3-0 defeat at
the Boleyn...
West Ham were obviously on good form today but do you think your team let
themselves down?
I think so. It started in the second minute. We knew they would play a long
ball and look for the knock-downs. The first goal was disappointing because
we spoke about it. The second goal was a corner kick. Thord goal, same thing
- a ball knocked down and we didn't pick up the second man.
You looked a bit better in the second half. Were there any positives to
take?
Yes but we had already destroyed ourselves. Of course we missed the two
players in the creative department the area behind the striker. Brian Ruiz
couldn't play - he failed a test yesterday. And of course Dembele has gone.
That is a worry because we have to find players for the future. The only
positive thing was to see Berbatov again. To see his class and quality.
Do you think you coped with Andy Carroll today?
No. If you're five foot eight, five foot seven then you will have a problem
but I thought we should have coped with him. As you saw in the European
Championships, he's probably the best in the air in the whole Barclays
Premier League but I still think there are a few answers for him and we
couldn't cope with him.
Did Berbatov not start because of match fitness?
No we agreed on 20 minutes for him if necessary if not he would have stayed
on the bench. I told him that he had to go on so he improved his stretching
at half time.
There were signs of a possible partnership with Rodillega there
Not much. Maybe in the 88th minute - I didn't see a lot before that!
(laughter). What I did see was Berbatov bringing other players into the game
and that is his quality. Hopefully Brian [Ruiz] will be available for the
next game. I want to say that with a lot of work on the training ground that
maybe we can be a bit more positive. The only thing is that they go off
again today and come back next week - Thursday. So hopefully we'll get the
balance right for the next week.
How do you think you'll cope without Dembele?
(Pause) I don't know. I tried everything but I missed out on a couple of
players yesterday. In the end you have to be happy that Berbatov is there.
Rodallega and Petric. Dembele I thought might have stayed. It was a big fee
- £15m but they paid up. They always leave it to the last week - I know that
from my time there at Spurs. I think we have the players. Maybe with another
system or concept we will come up with something.
What did you think of Kieran Richardson?
It wasn't easy for him. I had to replace Dembele - a left footer. You saw
that he hasn't played a lot of 90 minute games and has just been in training
for the last three or four days. But I think he will be fine in time.
Do you see him playing in that central role or do you see him out wide?
I don't think he's a real wing player as I see it. He's more of a midfield
player. Or maybe even a No. 10. Or left back. He doesn't want that but I
imagine he can play at left-back as well.
Thanks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 3 Fulham 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st September 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham produced one of their best performances in recent seasons as they
put London rivals Fulham to the sword with comparative ease at the Boleyn
Ground this afternoon. Sam Allardyce's side, boosted by the inclusion of new
signing Andy Carroll took less than a minute to break down the Cottagers'
defence and that goal - expertly dispatched by captain Kevin Nolan - set the
tone for the rest of the afternoon. Having been well beaten at Swansea last
week this game was a test of the team's resilience - and it was one that
they passed with flying colours, scoring three and creating a hatful of
chances in a game that was mostly one-sided until the closing stages.
Carroll - whose inclusion created a tangible buzz around the stadium ahead
of kick-off- was heavily involved in two of United's three goals. And he had
an instant effect, with his first touch in a claret and blue shirt leading
to the opening goal. It was his header - beating Fulham's Brede Hangeland
for the first of several occasions on the day - that found Ricardo Vaz Te,
which the Portuguese forward turned back inside for Nolan to fire expertly
across the body of Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with less than 60
seconds on the clock.
Sam Allardyce has often stressed the importance of set pieces so it was
therefore no surprise when West Ham's second goal came from such a move.
Matt Taylor, only playing due to the enforced absence of new signing Matt
Jarvis - who was ruled out with a thigh injury ahead of kick-off - delivered
a hanging corner which Winston Reid latched on to and planted firmly beyond
Schwarzer, who was a spectator as the ball flew past him. And the first half
rout was completed four minutes ahead of the break when Mark Noble's free
kick from the halfway line was delivered towards Carroll on the edge of the
penalty box. The 6'3" striker leapt salmon-like to beat three defenders to
the ball, nodding it down for Taylor who fired home with a textbook strike.
The visitors, clearly shell-shocked by West Ham's stunning first half
display sought to make amends by introducing their new star signing for the
second half. But Dimitar Berbatov, signed ahead of the transfer deadline
from Manchester United failed to make any sort of impact despite producing
some neat touches and one or two fancy flicks. Clearly feeling the loss of
Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey who moved to Tottenham in the week, Fulham
were never really at the races despite staging a late rally with West Ham
content to sit back and protect their comfortable three-goal lead. Jussi
Jaaskelainen, who received a deluge of criticism following his error at
Swansea last week atoned for that error with a confident display and was
more than a match for anything the visitors threw at them - even though he
had to call upon the aid of his left-hand post to prevent Hugo Rodallega
from grabbing a late consolation.
The only sour note of the day came 23 minutes from full time with the
enforced withdrawal of new boy Carroll who felt his hamstring after jumping
to head a ball with his marker Hangeland in close proximity. His prompt
removal - which will rule him out of the forthcoming England fixture - drew
a huge round of applause from an appreciative Boleyn faithful who had been
thoroughly encouraged by an excellent debut performance. Sam Allardyce, who
sang Carroll's praises post-match will no doubt be hoping he has the striker
available again for when West Ham resume their Premier League programme
against Norwich City at Carrow Road in a fortnight's time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers crush Cottagers
Allardyce's men wrap up points before half-time
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 5:02pm
SSN
Andy Carroll starred on his debut for West Ham as he inspired the Hammers to
a convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham at Upton Park. The Cottagers had no
answer to the powerful frontman, or those deployed around him by Sam
Allardyce, as the hosts burst out of the blocks and never looked back. Kevin
Nolan opened the scoring inside 53 seconds, with a Carroll knock down moved
on to the Hammers skipper by Ricardo Vaz Te and he made no mistake with a
controlled volley. West Ham could easily have been out of sight by the time
Winston Reid rose highest to meet a Matt Taylor corner on 29 minutes and
powered home a header with Mark Schwarzer caught in no man's land. Taylor
then added the third goal of the afternoon himself shortly before half-time,
with Fulham so concerned about dealing with the aerial threat of Carroll
that they left the former Bolton man all alone on the edge of the box to
coolly dispatch a loose ball which dropped in his direction.
Man of the match: Diame. His work-rate was exceptional and he surely defined
the cliché of "covering every blade of grass".
Goal of the match: Nolan. Carroll's knock down to Vaz Te was wrapped up by a
lovely finish from Nolan who made a terrific run to get into the box.
Attempt of the match: Rodallega's late turn and shot was superb, the striker
incredibly unlucky to see Jaaskelainen tip it on the post.
Save of the match: Jaaskelainen's late save from Rodallega at the far post
was excellent.
Moment of the match: West Ham's early goal left Fulham shell shocked to the
point where they never recovered.
Talking point: Carroll was superb on his Hammers debut, could he be the top
bit of business from the transfer window?
Fulham introduced deadline day signing Dimitar Berbatov at the interval, but
he was unable to sprinkle his own brand of magic on proceedings and the
sight of Carroll limping out of the action on 68 minutes proved to be the
most notable occurrence of the second half.
Finish
Carroll, who was flanked by Vaz Te and Taylor with Matt Jarvis missing
following a knock in training, was involved straight away. A long, clearing
header from James Collins was flicked on by the England international into
the path of Vaz Te who played the ball in to Nolan, with Carroll's
ex-Newcastle team-mate finishing firmly past Schwarzer. Fulham's debutant
Kieran Richardson had the visitors' first real chance when he fired in a low
effort from distance that was palmed away by West Ham goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen.
With less than 10 minutes on the clock Carroll was again involved when he
headed Vaz Te's cross into the on-rushing Mohamed Diame, who saw his effort
tipped onto the crossbar by Schwarzer. The Australian goalkeeper was keeping
his side in the game in the opening exchanges and was called upon once more
to tip Vaz Te's low shot around the post. Nolan came close to adding a
second in the 16th minute as the same combination of players who created the
first goal ran riot once more.
Carroll, who had won every header he contested in the early stages, picked
out Vaz Te who found Nolan on the edge of the Fulham penalty area. This time
the Hammers captain attempted a lobbed effort that landed on the top of
Schwarzer's net with the home side fully in control. Fulham started to enjoy
a little bit more possession as the first half progressed but were soon
further behind.
Thorn
Taylor's 29th-minute corner found Reid on the edge of the six-yard area and
he beat Mahamadou Diarra to the ball to power a header past Schwarzer to
double the home side's lead. Vaz Te, who was full of running and always
wanted the ball, was proving a constant thorn in the side of the Fulham
defence and Nolan should have done better when the Portuguese picked him out
inside the box. It was not long afterwards that the third goal was scored by
the Hammers as Collins' free-kick was headed clear by Fulham's Brede
Hangeland. The loose ball broke free to the feet of Taylor who finished well
from the edge of the penalty area. Fulham had back-to-back corners in
first-half injury time but could not create an opening and were almost
caught on the counter-attack before the half-time whistle. Fulham manager
Martin Jol reacted to the disastrous first half by introducing new signing
Berbatov at the interval with Mladen Petric making way. Carroll started the
second half as he did the first, winning a header that found Vaz Te, who
could not direct his shot towards goal. Taylor almost scored his second of
the game five minutes after the re-start as a short free-kick was worked to
him by Nolan. The 30-year-old's effort was straight at Schwarzer but the
experienced goalkeeper could not hold it and the ball was eventually cleared
for a corner.
Possession
Fulham again had a spell of sustained possession but still lacked a cutting
edge even with Berbatov now involved. Carroll was replaced by Carlton Cole
with just under 25 minutes remaining after seeming to injure his hamstring
after a heavy landing. The visitors continued to press and Steve Sidwell
finally forced a smart save out of Jaaskelainen following a Damien Duff
corner. Jol's side continued to show signs of improvement as Berbatov linked
well with Hugo Rodallega, with the latter again testing Jaaskelainen. West
Ham boss Allardyce was forced to make his third and final substitution when
defender Guy Demel went down injured. Demel was replaced by teenager Robert
Hall with Taylor reverting to full-back. Hall had the chance to put West Ham
four goals ahead after Vaz Te ran the length of the field after collecting
the ball from a poor Fulham corner. The 25-year-old jinked his way into the
box and rolled the ball to Hall but his shot was well blocked. The three
points had long-since been secured by the Hammers who sat back for the
closing stages with Fulham chasing a consolation goal. Berbatov certainly
gave Fulham a cutting edge during the closing stages and almost created
goals for Duff and Rodallega, with Jaaskelainen keeping both efforts out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll ruled out
Striker out of England squad
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
September 1, 2012 8:55pm
SSN
Andy Carroll has been forced out of England's squad for the World Cup
qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine. The new West Ham United loan signing
had an excellent debut in their 3-0 win over Fulham - before he was forced
off with a hamstring injury. Manager Sam Allardyce said after the game it
was unlikely Carroll would be able to join up with the England squad. The
Football Association have now confirmed that Carroll has been ruled out of
contention. The FA also confirmed no decision on a possible replacement
would be made until after Sunday's three Premier League games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll concern for Allardyce
Striker likely to miss England duty after picking up debut knock
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 6:03pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce admits Andy Carroll must be considered doubtful for England
duty after picking up a hamstring injury on his West Ham debut against
Fulham. The Hammers were delighted to secure the services of the powerful
frontman on a season-long loan from Liverpool towards the end of the summer
transfer window.
He was handed his Upton Park bow on Saturday and made a positive first
impression for his new club as he inspired the Hammers to a 3-0 half-time
lead. Carroll's afternoon was to be cut short, though, on 68 minutes as he
limped from the field and it is now unlikely that he will be ready for 2014
World Cup qualification duty with England or West Ham's upcoming Premier
League fixtures. "I think it will be unlikely that he goes now, sadly,"
Allardyce told Sky Sports.
Unusual
"He's desperate to play football and we had Carlton (Cole) ready and warmed
up and ready to go and it was going to be the next couple of minutes or so
to substitute him anyway. "Unusually, he did it on the jump. We will have to
see how it is tomorrow and talk with England. "I don't think he has much
chance, sadly for Roy (Hodgson). That's not to detract from the performance
today and the quality of our goals." West Ham edged in front against the
Cottagers with just 53 seconds on the clock, through Kevin Nolan,and added
two further goals before the interval as Winston Reid and Matt Taylor found
the target. Allardyce was full of praise for the performance from his side
at the final whistle, with the Hammers proving that they are deserving of a
standing back among England's elite.
Terrific
He said: "It was a terrific performance. At the end of the day you have to
make sure you put the result at the end of it and I think there was no
question about the performance or the result being the right one today.
"Fulham were out of sight before half-time, and that doesn't happen too
often to a newly-promoted side just finding its feet back in the Premier
League again. "To create and take the opportunities we created today was
fabulous in the first 45 minutes. The ones we missed were ones that I was
getting disappointed with because all of the good play in the early stages
resulted in only one goal and you know what the Premier League can do to you
- one slip, one mistake and the opposition get back in. "Second half, it was
about us making sure we won the game and we did that. "The only
disappointment is that Andy Carroll might have tweaked a hamstring, which is
hugely disappointing if that's the case."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame - Risk was worth it
Midfielder believes he made the right choice in joining Hammers
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 12:19pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame admits he took a 'risk' in walking away from Wigan as a free
agent, but believes new employers West Ham are capable of pushing for a
top-half finish. The Senegal international built a reputation as one of the
Premier League's most consistent midfield enforcers during a three-year
spell with the Latics.
His efforts at the DW Stadium drew plenty of praise, and admiring glances
from afar, but opting to allow his contract to run down was always going to
be a risk.
As it happens, Diame had plenty of options to consider this summer and
ultimately decided on opening a new chapter in his career at West Ham. The
capital outfit have ambitions of forcing their way up the top flight
rankings, and Diame is convinced that Sam Allardyce's side have what it
takes to break into the top 10 in their first season back in the big time.
Stronger
He told the Daily Star: "I knew it was risky to leave Wigan. I knew I could
get injured or something, but I had to take the chance. "I was a little bit
tired of spending the last day of the season trying to stay up every year
and I knew a club would take me. "I talked with West Ham and they told me
about the people they were going to sign. I knew they were going to make
their mark on the Premier League. "I think I made a good choice because I'm
very happy at this club. I think we can do something. "We can finish in the
top half of the table. We have stronger players than Wigan, we are more
solid and we can score a lot of goals from set plays as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan welcomes fresh faces
Hammers skipper delighted to have Benayoun and Carroll on board
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 4:09pm
SSN
Kevin Nolan admits the arrival of quality additions at West Ham helped to
inspire Sam Allardyce's side to a 3-0 victory over Fulham. The Hammers
enjoyed a productive end to the summer transfer window, with Andy Carroll
and Yossi Benayoun snapped up on season-long loans from Liverpool and
Chelsea respectively.
Benayoun must wait to make his second bow for the Upton Park club, having
returned to the East End five years after announcing himself in English
football with the Hammers, but Carroll is already up and running. He was
forced off with a hamstring injury in a comfortable stroll past Fulham, but
led from the front as West Ham raced into a three-goal lead before
half-time. Nolan told Sky Sports after an impressive performance by all of
those in claret and blue: "Signing Yossi gave all the lads a lift and I
think you saw that today and Andy is a great lad - we get on really well off
the pitch. "When we knew he was coming down on Thursday I was excited and
really chuffed. We've been so lucky to get him and we're delighted for him
because he deserves to be played every week. "We all know his capabilities.
It's disappointing what went on at Liverpool, I think, but he's showed he's
a top player in this league and hopefully he can get some goals for us.
Settled
"An early goal helps settle the nerves and means you can put your game-plan
into action. "We all knew we'd be getting players in and we're delighted
with the quality of players who have come in." Nolan was also delighted with
West Ham's response to a disappointing 3-0 defeat suffered at Swansea in
their last top-flight fixture.
He added: "After the disappointment of last week it was important we bounced
back. "We were confident going into the season but it's back to the drawing
board now. It's nice to go into an international break having done the
business. "Overall it was a fantastic afternoon and we are very happy with
the three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Match Report: West Ham 3 Fulham 0
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Well, hello Andy Carroll! I'd go so far as to say that was one of the most
complete West Ham performances I have seen in years, and one of the most
enjoyable. It was West Ham at their best - entertaining, scoring goals and
never looking under any threat in defence. And it was a real team
performance. After last week's shambles in Swansea I guess a few of us were
a little nervous about what might happen today. But it took only 55 seconds
for our nerves to be settled. A headed clearance from James Collins found
Andy Carroll midway into the Fulham half. He nodded it on to Vaz Te who
crossed to Nolan who hit a superb strike on the half volley into the far
corner. 1-0. And we never looked in any trouble after that. Fulham did have
quite a lot of possession but they rarely threatened the West Ham goal. In
the whole 90 minutes I can only think of one save Jussi had to make.
The second goal came from a Matt Taylor corner. It took three players to
mark Andy Carroll, which left Winston Reid with a relatively simple task of
heading the ball into the net. Schwarzer was nowhere to be seen. And the
third was a great strike from Matt Taylor from the edge of the area. He
deserved it for an impressive first half performance.
It was a shame that we didn't get more in the second half, but that often
happens when you're so far ahead at half time. Sub consciously you take your
foot off the pedal.
Let there be no doubt about the fact that Andy Carroll made a massive
difference. He's a big guy but with a great first touch. He wins everything
in the air and causes havoc. He may not have scored today but he did just
about everything else. His injury prevented us from seeing a bit more of
him, but it was wise to take him off. It didn't look anything too serious,
thank goodness. The great things was how he combined with Taylor, Nolan and
Vaz Te. There already seemed to be a real understanding between them.
Vaz Te was on fire today and covered virtually every blade of grass. If only
his final ball were as dangerous and his dribbling. But it was the midfield
which won this game. The performances of Noble, Nolan and Diame were all
simply outstanding. Noble anchored everything, allowing Noland Diame to
drive forward at every opportunity. If people had doubts about Nolan, surely
this performance will have made them think again. He was brilliant today and
was awarded Man of the Match by Sky.
But this was a superb defensive performance too with Reid and Collins
outstanding in the centre. Joey O'Brien was a strange choice at left back
(Daniel Potts must have been disappointed not to get the nod) but he also
didn't put a foot wrong, and Demel looked sharper on the right.
The only negative to come out of this game was the fact that three players
had to go off injured - Collins, Demel and Carroll. Let's hope none of them
are too serious.
Anyway, we're 4th in the league and it's great already to have six points on
the board after 3 games. We only had one win in our first 14 games the last
time we were in the Premier League. So, to my scores on the doors...
Jussi 7
Reid 8
Collins 8
Demel 7
O'Brien 7
Noble 8
Nolan 8
Diame 8
Taylor 7
Vaz Te 8
Carroll 9
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy's bubble won't burst
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 9 hrs ago
ANDY CARROLL has made his new manager Sam Allardyce's 'dreams' come true in
the transfer window. The 6ft 4in striker is the biggest signing West Ham
have made for years and boss Allardyce reflected on a stunning summer of
buys which have transformed the Hammers. Carroll, Liverpool's £35million
misfit, slotted straight in at Upton Park — even though his debut was
overshadowed by a hamstring injury which has ruled him out of England's
World Cup qualifier in Moldova on Friday. Anfield's loss is the East End's
gain, as Carroll heads up a list of new acquisitions which also include
£10.75million winger Matt Jarvis and the midfield strength of Mohamed Diame.
Israeli schemer Yossi Benayoun signed on deadline day from Chelsea to add
flair and competition for places. Big Sam said: "We are going to play Andy
and, hopefully, he will play every week for us and score goals. He wants to
do well for us and England. "I think what is important is the delight of
everybody when Andy walked through the door. "It made us all feel that
little bit better when you have a £35m centre-forward arrive, whether you
have him on loan or not. "He is a quality centre- forward and he is our No
1. Hopefully, we can play to his strength and he can help us do what we want
to do — and that is winning as many football matches as we can. I hope we
can provide him with the service to score lots and lots of goals. "I think
you could say this was a dream transfer window for me. "It's a gruelling
task finding the right players. You get to the summer break when everyone
wants far too much for the players you want. You get to pre-season and they
are still asking far more than what you can afford. Then you get to the
last-minute, panic stations sets in and it gets a bit cheaper. "But Karren
Brady, David Sullivan, David Gold and myself have really gone to town and
pressed the button on a lot of things we wanted to do."
Carroll is West Ham's marquee man, even though he has signed on a one-year
loan. That will become an £18m permanent move if the club stays up after its
first season back in the Premier League. The Hammers have won both home
matches so far this season, not conceded a goal at Upton Park and now have
two wins from three games to help ease the memories of last week's 3-0
defeat at Swansea. Kevin Nolan scored in just 53 seconds, after a knockdown
from former Newcastle team-mate Carroll set up the move. Centre-half Winston
Reid and winger Matt Taylor scored the other two, as Fulham were beaten by
half-time. Allardyce added: "It brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's
performance, because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well.
"Kevin could probably have had a hat-trick. If he knows the ball is going to
Andy, he knows he can go beyond him and get into areas where Andy can find
him. "Andy knows people at this club — me, Kevin and others. That will help
him settle in much quicker than if he was at another club. "At the moment,
though, he is just gutted about his injury."
Nolan now has two goals and admitted Carroll's arrival is worth more than
just another number on the squad list. He said: "Getting the big lad in and
Yossi has given everyone a huge lift. "Andy's a great lad. I get on well
with him and when I knew he was coming down I was excited and chuffed. We
are so lucky to get him. I told him he has nothing to prove to anyone. He is
a top striker. "I was confident at the beginning of the campaign. I knew
pre-season we would get new players in and I am delighted with the quality."
Previous Allardyce signings Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te also enjoyed
themselves on an afternoon when West Ham could have plundered more goals.
Allardyce added: "After losing 3-0 at Swansea it was important to have that
'bouncebackability'." Fulham boss Martin Jol admitted he expected his
defenders to be better equipped to deal with Carroll's threat. Jol said: "If
you are 5ft 8in or 5ft 10in maybe you have got a problem but we should have
coped with it. "Every game you see him, here and in the European
Champ-ionships. You see he is good in the air, he is probably the best in
the Premier League. "I still feel there are a few answers for that but we
couldn't cope with that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Fulham 0
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 01st September 2012
The Sun
MARTIN JOL was feeling miserable before kick-off. And after his team were
hammered at Upton Park, he felt much worse. The Fulham manager never thought
Mousa Dembele would be flogged on transfer deadline day — and never imagined
his side would be flogged at Upton Park. It was a case of double Dutch as
both came horribly true, with rampant West Ham exposing all Fulham's
failings and Tottenham activating a transfer clause in Dembele's contract
with a £15million bid.
Former Spurs boss Jol was left cursing and mumbling in Dutch on the
touchline, as goals from Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor wiped out
the Londoners' failure at Swansea last week. He admitted: "Dembele? I really
felt he would have stayed with us at Fulham, because £15m is a big clause.
"But Tottenham, they paid up and they always do that in the last week. I
know that from my time there at White Hart Lane. It made life miserable for
me."
At least the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov put a bit of a smile on Jol's face.
Yet the frown quickly returned when he revealed: "I tried everything in the
transfer window but we missed out on a couple of players on Friday and, in
the end, we have to be happy that Berbatov is here and Rodallega and
Petric." Berbatov chose to reunite with Jol, who brought him to the Premier
League when in charge at Tottenham, instead of moving to Fiorentina from
Manchester United. And the Bulgaria international made a huge difference
when he appeared in the second half, though it was far too late to launch
any kind of a comeback. Jol added: "The only positive here was to see
Berbatov again and to see his class and quality. I have missed it.
"Berbatov brought other players into play and that is his talent.
Hopefully, with Bryan Ruiz available for the next match, we should be a bit
more positive."
It is a pity Jol's defenders were not a bit more positive when it came to
handling West Ham's new recruit, 6ft 4in Andy Carroll, who had a big hand in
two of the Hammers' goals. Jol declared: "If you are 5ft 8in or 5ft 10in
maybe you have a problem. But we should have coped with it. "Every game you
see him, here or in the the European Championships. You see he is good in
the air, probably the best in the Premier League. I still feel there are a
few answers for that but we couldn't cope with it."
FULHAM boss says Spurs late bid for Dembele caused him problems and gives
reaction to West Ham defeat It is very early days and there have not been
many strikers like Carroll at West Ham before. But there is strong reason to
suspect the England powerhouse, East London's first skyscraper, could become
a big hit with the punters. Carroll played his part in the first goal scored
by skipper Nolan with less than a minute on the clock. He jumped high to nod
down a ball floated in from the wing and aimed it straight at the feet of
Ricardo Vaz Te. With one touch, Vaz Te slipped the ball left to the lurking
Nolan, who cracked a half-volley away from keeper Mark Schwarzer into the
back of the net.
Carroll has great technical ability too. But even when he does not use it to
his best advantage, it allows his team-mates to play some nice stuff. Vaz Te
sparkled with his snappy, darting runs and pace and is turning out to be a
massive bargain at just £500,000 last season. Mohamed Diame and Mark Noble
ran the show in midfield.
It took Carroll less than 70 minutes to limp off, having won over the fans.
Fulham were long gone before that. Actually, they had hardly shown up as
their bright start to the season evaporated.
West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel (Hall 78), Reid, Collins (Tomkins 67),
O'Brien, Diame, Noble, Nolan, Taylor, Vaz Te, Carroll (Cole 68). Subs Not
Used: Henderson, Maiga, Diarra, O'Neil.
Goals: Nolan 1, Reid 29, Taylor 41.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff, Sidwell, Diarra,
Richardson (Kacaniklic 59), Rodallega, Petric (Berbatov 46). Subs Not Used:
Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Kasami, Briggs.
Att: 33,458
Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Gutted': Andy Carroll ruled out of England's World Cup qualifiers after
injuring his hamstring in West Ham debut
The Mirror
West Ham's new striker Andy Carroll is "gutted" after suffering a hamstring
injury on his debut that is likely to keep him out of the start of England's
World Cup qualifying campaign. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce secured the loan
signing of Liverpool striker Carroll earlier in the week after courting the
23-year-old for most of the transfer window. But, following an impressive
debut in a 3-0 win over Fulham, Carroll was forced off with a hamstring
injury which has cast doubt on his inclusion in Roy Hodgson's squad for the
back-to-back qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine. Allardyce reckons it is
highly unlikely his new frontman will be fit in time to join up with the
national team but believes he will be a mainstay in the future. "I think
almost definitely that he is out of the England squad but we will just have
to pray that it is not too severe," he said. "It looks like a hamstring
which is obviously the most disappointing thing from today. "We were ready
to bring him off and unfortunately on that last jump he got hit by (Brede)
Hangeland and that twisted his body and pulled his hamstring by the looks of
it. "He is just so gutted because he has got injured and he can't go to
England, that is why he is most disappointed because he wanted to get off
there. "We are going to play him and hopefully he will play every week for
us and score goals and obviously Roy (Hodgson) is going to pick him - he
wants to do well for us and he wants to do well for England."
Skipper Kevin Nolan opened the scoring inside the first minute before goals
from Winston Reid and Matt Taylor wrapped up the three points before
half-time. Allardyce, who worked with both Nolan and Carroll at Newcastle,
believes his captain will benefit from the arrival of the Liverpool forward.
e said: "I think what is important is the delight of everybody when Andy
walked through the door today. "I think it made us all feel that little bit
better when you have got a £35million centre-forward walk through the door
whether you have got him on loan or not. "He is a quality centre-forward and
he is our number one and we can hopefully play to his strength and he can
hopefully help us do what we want to do and that is by winning as many
football matches as we can and hopefully we can provide him with the service
to score lots and lots of goals. "It brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's
performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well.
"Kevin could have probably had a hat-trick today because if he knows the
ball is going to Andy he knows he can go beyond and get into areas where
Andy can find him."
The convincing win over Fulham came following last weekend's 3-0 defeat at
Swansea and Allardyce praised the way his players reacted to the loss. He
said: "For everybody concerned it is a great bounce-back from last weekend
and six points out of three games at the start of the season means we can
move on and try and get more points and move the pressure away. "We at the
moment are relieving that pressure to try and bring more out of the
players." Fulham boss Martin Jol admitted he expected his defenders to be
better equipped to deal with the threat of Carroll. "If you are 5ft 8ins or
5ft 10ins maybe you have got a problem but we should have coped with it," he
said. "Every game you see him, in the European Championships, you see he is
good in the air, he is probably the best in the Barclays Premier League but
I still feel there are a few answers for that but we couldn't cope with
that."
Jol introduced his own new striker at half-time as Dimitar Berbatov looked
to find a way back into the game for Fulham. The ex-Manchester United
forward had little chance to shine but Jol was pleased with the impact the
31-year-old had on his team-mates. He said: "The only positive for today was
to see Berbatov again and to see his class and quality, I have missed it.
"What I did see was that Berbatov brought other players into his play and
that is his quality, hopefully with Bryan (Ruiz) available for the next
match...we should be a bit more positive."
Berbatov will take on a pivotal role at Craven Cottage following the sales
of Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Tottenham and Jol revealed he missed
out on securing further new recruits before Friday night's deadline. He
said: "I tried everything but we missed out on a couple of players yesterday
and in the end we have to be happy that Berbatov is there and Rodallega and
Petric. "Dembele, I really felt he would have stayed because £15million is a
big clause, but they paid up and they always do that in the last week, I
know that from my time there so it made life miserable for me."
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http://vyperz.blogspot.com
WHUFC.com
Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor ensure Andy Carroll's debut ends
in a comprehensive victory
01.09.2012
WEST HAM UNITED v FULHAM
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 1 SEPTEMBER 2012
KICK-OFF: 12.45PM
REFEREE: ANTHONY TAYLOR
FULL AUDIO AND TEXT COMMENTARY - WEST HAM TV
Final score - West Ham United 3-0 Fulham
94 mins - The final whistle is blown. So, to sum up, the debutant played a
massive part in today's win. He may not have scored, but his ability and
mere presence played parts in two of the goals. Kevin Nolan finished
expertly, as did Matt Taylor. Winston Reid's header was also a tour de
force. At the back, West Ham have defended dilligently and Jaaskelainen has
kept a second home clean sheet. All in all, a very good lunch-time's work!
The Development Squad are here at the Boleyn to face Bolton on Monday night
at 7pm. The first team return to action at Norwich in a fortnight's time.
We'll have highlights and exclusive reaction on whufc.com and West Ham TV
soon!
91 mins - Match Sponsor Rileys have voted Andy Carroll Man of the Match. The
No8 receives a loud cheer for his substantial efforts. Four added minutes
being played.
90 mins - Jaaskelainen is making up for last week's error and more. He makes
a fine save to divert Rodallega's shot onto the base of the post. He then
makes another save from the striker's follow-up effort. The corner comes in
and, guess what, Jaaskelainen punches clear.
89 mins - Fulham break immediately and Duff has a shooting chance, but the
Finn stands firm to push the ball around the near post. The corner is headed
powerfully clear.
89 mins - Vaz Te has been back to his best today. He collects again, glides
by his marker and clips in a cross-shot that drifts a yard beyond the far
post. That had Schwarzer scrambling.
88 mins - Kacaniklic's speculative curler is caught by Jaaskelainen - try
typing that after a couple of beers! Anyway, it looks like George Co-Hen has
got it right. West Ham are going to win. The attendance is 33,458.
86 mins - West Ham have worked hard for this victory. Last weekend's defeat
was not as one-sided as the 3-0 scoreline suggested, but this victory has
been. The Hammers have been absolutely superb from the first whistle.
83 mins - Tomkins holds firm against Rodallega to concede the corner after a
neat exchange between the Colombian and Berbatov. West Ham break through Vaz
Te again, who makes 40 yards before finding Hall, whose shot is blocked.
Head in hands for the No46. So close.
82 mins - Nice skill from Nolan sees him control and beat a man before
finding Vaz Te. The No12 dribbles forward again but cannot pick out Hall on
the edge of the box. A fourth goal would be the cherry on the icing on the
cake.
81 mins - Vaz Te plays in Cole, who takes a touch and then chases down as
Hughes prods the ball back to Schwarzer.
78 mins - Demel is going to have to be replaced. He walks off and gets a pat
on the shoulder from Rodallega. He will be replaced by Rob Hall, who makes
his Barclays Premier League debut. Taylor to left-back, O'Brien to
right-back and Hall goes into the front three.
76 mins - If the season finished right now, West Ham would be playing
Champions League football next season. That might be a tad unfair, though.
73 mins - Fulham are definitely not giving up. A neat move ends with
Rodallega collecting and shooting from the edge of the D. Thankfully, it's
straight at Jaaskelainen.
69 mins - Fulham have an attack but Berbatov has surely got away with a tug
on O'Brien? Nothing given as Fulham win a corner. Sidwell nearly benefits,
but his low shot is well saved at his near post by Jaaskelainen.
67 mins - Hmmm. Carroll is down after he challenges Hangeland. While the
physio tends to him, Tomkins comes on for Collins. The big man is up again
but he's going to be replaced. He walks off and gets a big round of applause
from the home fans as Cole comes on. Cole gets a massive reception.
66 mins - Close to a fourth as Vaz Te's cross hits a defender and falls to
Diame. He beats one defender but is crowded out by Hughes. He goes to ground
but nothing is given.
65 mins - James Tomkins was also warming up, but he has now taken his seat
again. Big Sam and Neil McDonald are in conversation inside the technical
area.
63 mins - Cole is on the sidelines warming up. The play comes near him and
he orders Demel to pass inside before applauding as the right-back obeys his
orders! Got to love Coley!
62 mins - Carroll is still plugging away. He tries to get a shot away but is
then challenged. He keeps at it and collects again after Taylor is tackled
before winning a corner. Noble takes, but Reid cannot quite twist to finish.
60 mins - The Swede is on for Richardson.
59 mins - Fulham are showing some fight here. A couple of crosses have come
over, but Reid has dealt with both. Kacaliknic will be on shortly for Fulham
- the live-text writer's nightmare!
56 mins - West Ham are still creating chances. This time the ball is laid
inside for Nolan to strike from 25 yards, but the shot is charged down.
53 mins - Taylor's far-post corner is won by Carroll - again. The ball drops
into the six-yard box and Collins is there, but his touch actually takes the
ball away from Nolan, who might have scored from six yards. In the melee
that follows, Vaz Te commits a foul.
52 mins - Nolan knocks the ball a yard for Taylor, who smashes the low shot
past the wall and Schwarzer just about keeps it out. Fulham scramble the
ball away for a throw. Vaz Te collects from Demel's throw and wins a corner
as his shot is deflected over the top.
51 mins - Vaz Te is looking good. He collects a pass from Taylor and then
beats one man before being brought down by Diarra. Taylor...
47 mins - Big Sam said Carroll is an 'all-round' player and he shows why.
Quick feet see him beat Riise before he is tripped by the Norwegian. The
ball is played forward and Carroll twice challenges for headers, nodding the
ball down to Vaz Te with the second. The No12 shapes and shoots, but the
ball flies high.
46 mins - Fulham replace Petric with deadline day signing Berbatov. The
Bulgarian is involved a couple of times in his first minute in a Fulham
shirt before Duff overhits his cross and the ball bounces away for a throw.
Half-time score - West Ham United 3-0 Fulham
46 mins - Into the one added minute and O'Brien slides in on Duff to concede
the corner. Duff takes and Jaaskelainen challenges Hangeland and diverts the
ball over the top. The Finn punches the second corner clear too and Vaz Te
does superbly to turn. West Ham break and Demel is there again to collect as
the No12 is fouled on halfway. He has only Diame to aim for and Nolan coming
up for the cut-back, but the right-back instead shoots high and wide into
the stand. The half-time whistle blows. Wow!
44 mins - That's amazingly only Matt Taylor's second goal for the Hammers.
Surely it is the goal that brings West Ham's second home league win and
third home win of the season?
41 mins - GOAL! Or a three-goal lead! Vaz Te is fouled on halfway. Noble
lifts the free-kick in and Carroll draws three defenders to him as he rises
for the header. The ball drops off one of them to Taylor inside the D and he
sends a lovely controlled left-foot finish low to Schwarzer's right and into
the net.
39 mins - West Ham are keeping possession well but they are also defending
strongly. Petric collects a pass from Richardson and gets into the
inside-left channel. He draws Reid wide, but the Kiwi blocks the cross and
Nolan clears. Needless to say, it's imperative that West Ham keep a two-goal
lead until half-time.
38 mins - Demel is loving it today. He wins another important header and
then romps off to overlap Vaz Te. The latter ignores the full-back's run and
crosses from deep for Carroll, but Schwarzer makes the catch.
35 mins - West Ham are really in the mood. Virtually every outfield player
touches the ball in a sweeping move before Vaz Te crosses low for Nolan. He
could lay-off for Taylor but elects to try a difficult first-time shot. It
goes a bit wrong and Hangeland clears.
34 mins - Diame is such an all-round player. This time he drives forward and
beats Riether with quick feet, but his powerful low shot is blocked by
Hughes.
33 mins - Fulham build slowly before Petric collects about 25 yards out,
maybe more. Collins gets his body in the way and the ball bounces away.
31 mins - It's funny the way football goes! Fulham had been the better team
in terms of possession for a few minutes, but they hadn't created a
clear-cut chance. West Ham broke, won a corner and Taylor's delivery really
is outstanding. It was again there and Reid just wanted it more than anyone
else. His celebration showed it as he roared with self-approval!
29 mins - GOAL! Taylor whips in the ball about six yards out and Reid gets
above Diarra and simply powers the header into the net. That was an
unstoppable header!
29 mins - Demel and Vaz Te have also combined well so far and they do again
before the Ivorian wins a corner. Taylor to take left-footed...
28 mins - The last five minutes have been Fulham's. They are moving the ball
around well, particularly down their right flank. First Reid has to head
clear from Riether's cross, then Duff's centre is caught by Jaaskelainen.
25 mins - Fulham are having a bit more joy now. Diarra shows a neat piece of
skill before Duff finds Riether in space on the right. His cross is
first-time and into the penalty area, but Demel watches it closely and heads
out for a throw. The Cottagers work the ball across the pitch again and
Petric collects. He looks up and shoots low from 25 yards, but Jaaskelainen
gets his body behind it and, more importantly, holds on.
23 mins - Collins gets a little bit lucky as Rodallega's touch hits him and
the ball squirms away as the two collide and go to ground inside the penalty
area. It's not a foul, but it all looked a bit clumsy.
21 mins - West Ham win another corner, this time in front of the Fulham
fans. Taylor whips the ball in but it's too close to Schwarzer, who collects
unchallenged.
20 mins - It's easy to over-hype, but Carroll is involved in everything. He
challenges on the edge of the box and finds Vaz Te. The No12 then returns
the pass to Carroll, whose shot is charged down.
18 mins - Carroll rises as he tries to get on the end of Noble's diagonal
pass and goes down under a challenge from Riether. The German's arms were
up, but I'm not sure there was enough in that for a penalty to be awarded.
17 mins - Carroll wins another towering header and then wins the ball back
about 25 yards from goal. He tries to drop his shoulder and beat Hangeland
but the Norwegian guesses right and makes the tackle. Moments later Demel
collects on the right touchline and tees-up Nolan, but the captain misses
his kick as he attempts the right-foot volley.
16 mins - Another warning as Hangeland tries to pick out the run of Duff.
The Irishman has got beyond his fellow countryman O'Brien, but luckily he
cannot control and the ball bounces away for a goal kick. West Ham break
immediately from Jaaskelainen's clearance and Vaz Te rolls the ball into the
path of Nolan, whose angled chip lands on the roof of the net.
14 mins - Fulham coming forward and Collins has to be alert to track
Rodallega's run and clear for a throw. The visitors work the ball inside to
Diarra, but his low shot from 25 yards rolls well wide. It's an open and
attractive game so far.
12 mins - West Ham are on fire. Vaz Te plays a one-two with Taylor before
doing likewise with O'Brien inside the penalty area. The No12 shoots low and
hard to the near post, where Schwarzer gets down well to divert the ball
around the post. Noble takes the corner again and this time it is headed
away.
12 mins - West Ham attack again, but this time Vaz Te's cross is hacked
clear by Diarra from inside his own penalty area.
9 mins - Vaz Te involved again. He collects a pass and races away down the
right before crossing for Carroll. The big man nods down into the path of
Diame, whose first-time shot is tipped onto the bar and over by Schwarzer.
Noble takes the corner to the near post where Vaz Te dummies but it is
cleared.
9 mins - Vaz Te now has three assists this season. I'm told the second goal
against Crewe was unassisted as it came from a rebound off the goalkeeper,
but Vaz Te has all the others!
7 mins - Richardson announces himself as a Fulham player with a well-struck
shot from all of 30 yards. Jaaskelainen pushes it away to his left and
O'Brien clears up.
6 mins - Diame turns well in midfield and runs away from Sidwell. He finds
Taylor in space on the left, but the cross is just too strong for the two
players in the penalty area and goes out for a throw on the far side.
5 mins - A murmur goes around the stadium as Carroll stays down after
stretching for a tackle, but he is up again and running forward a short time
later. Vaz Te has the ball again, but Demel's cross towards the new striker
is low and cut out.
3 mins - Can you make it up? Seriously? Carroll rose brilliantly to beat
Hangeland in the air, Vaz Te moved superbly into the space and Nolan
finished as only he can. Fulham try to hit back as Petric controls on the
edge of the box, but his through ball for Rodallega is too strong and
Jaaskelainen collects.
55 seconds - GOAL! A yes Carroll! The big man wins a flick-on to Vaz Te, who
chests down and gets to the edge of the box before passing left for Nolan,
who lets the ball bounce before smashing a left-foot volley past Schwarzer
from 16 yards. Fantastic start, fantastic finish!
12.44pm - West Ham will kick-off shooting towards the Sir Trevor Brooking
Stand.
12.42pm - Carroll is applauding vigorously as he walks out with his new
team-mates. What a signing! Let's hope he can open his account on his full
debut, just as Modibo Maiga did in midweek. Mark Noble has some lovely lime
green boots on. He gets a loud cheer as he claps the fans in the Alpari
Stand.
12.40pm - The good news is that the Fulham chicken George Co-Hen, which
lives at the Cottagers' Motspur Park training ground, believes West Ham will
win today! I'm told George Co-Hen shares a coop with Brede Hen-geland. I'm
not joking. Anyway, here are the two teams!
12.35pm - Yossi and Matt Jarvis are formally introduced to the fans and each
claps the supporters warmly. Let's hope both are in claret and blue shirts
in a couple of weeks time.
12.30pm - Andy Carroll and Yossi Benayoun both get a huge ovation as their
names are read out for the first time. The big striker is going through some
last-minute shooting drills out there on the pitch. When you see the likes
of Alou Diarra, James Tomkins and Carlton Cole on the bench, you have to be
excited about the strength of West Ham's squad. Great to see Rob Hall on the
bench, too!
12.25pm - A few familiar faces around the place as usual today. Ray 'Tonka'
Stewart is here. The great right-back is excited about West Ham's prospects
following a productive transfer window. Yossi Benayoun has also just spoken
to West Ham TV. He told how he 'always seemed to score against Fulham', so
it's a bit of a shame that he isn't available this afternoon!
12.10pm - Matt Jarvis misses today's game with a slight thigh strain. He is
expected to be fit to face Norwich City in the Hammers' next league match on
15 September.
12noon - If you are following the game overseas, why not download the new
Digital version of the Official Programme. It's updated with exclusive Andy
Carroll footage! Download yours now here.
11.48am - Andy Carroll makes his West Ham United debut! The new No8 starts
up front alongside Ricardo Vaz Te and Matt Taylor. Big Sam makes seven
changes to the side that beat Crewe Alexandra in midweek, with Joey O'Brien,
Kevin Nolan, Vaz Te and Taylor keeping their places. For Fulham, Kieran
Richardson starts, while Dimitar Berbatov is on the bench.
West Ham United: Jaaskelainen, Demel, Reid, Collins, O'Brien, Noble, Diame,
Nolan, Vaz Te, Taylor, Carroll
Subs: Henderson, Tomkins, Diarra, O'Neil, Maiga, Hall, Cole
Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hangeland, Hughes, Riise, Diarra, Sidwell,
Richardson, Duff, Rodallega, Petric
Subs: Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Kasami, Berbatov, Briggs, Kacaliknic
Match Sponsor
• West Ham United would like to welcome Rileys as Saturday's Match Sponsor.
Rileys Sports Bars are the home of Pool, Snooker and Darts in the UK. For
more information about Rileys, click here.
Matchball Sponsor
• West Ham United would like to welcome Essex and County Drylining as
Saturday's Matchball Sponsor.
Introduction
West Ham United host Fulham in their second home Barclays Premier League
home fixture of the 2012/13 season.
Tickets are still available for today's game and can be bought from the
Alpari Stand and Priory Road Ticket Offices right up to kick-off!
The Hammers go into the game having beaten Aston Villa 1-0 in their only
previous league game at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers also defeated Crewe
Alexandra 2-0 at home in the Capital One Cup second round on Tuesday
evening.
Sam Allardyce's side will be looking to bounce back to winning ways in the
Barclays Premier League after last weekend's 3-0 defeat at Swansea City. The
loss left the Hammers tenth in the table. Fulham will also be aiming to get
back to winning ways after a 3-2 defeat at Manchester United last weekend.
Like the Hammers they also won their opening game of the season, notching a
5-0 win over Norwich City at Craven Cottage.
Both clubs have been active during the transfer windows. England striker
Andy Carroll became West Ham United's tenth summer signing when he arrived
from Liverpool on a season-long loan on Thursday and could make his Hammers
debut on Saturday. Yossi Benayoun completed a season-long loan from Chelsea
on Friday evening, but will not be registered in time to appear against
Fulham.
Fulham, meanwhile, have sold Belgium midfielder Moussa Dembele to Tottenham
Hotspur this week. The Cottagers have completed deals for Manchester United
striker Dimitar Berbatov and Sunderland midfielder and former Hammers
schoolboy Kieran Richardson.
If selected to face Fulham, captain Kevin Nolan will make his 50th West Ham
United appearance, while Carlton Cole could make his 150th start for the
club. Jussi Jaaskelainen and Mohamed Diame will be making their 650th and
200th senior club appearances if they feature on Saturday.
The team news will be confirmed at 11.45am and will appear first on the
club's official twitter feed.
Looking further into the future, the Development Squad will be in action at
the Boleyn Ground on Monday evening, when Bolton Wanderers will be the
visitors for a 7pm kick-off. Tickets are priced at £3 for Adults, £1 for
Under-16s and FREE for Season Ticket holders!
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
International call-ups
WHUFC.com
At least ten West Ham United players will be on international duty over the
coming fortnight
01.09.2012
West Ham United will be strongly represented during the upcoming
international break. James Collins, Guy Demel, Mohamed Diame, Modibo Maiga,
Joey O'Brien, Dan Potts, Winston Reid, Kieran Sadlier, Raphael Spiegel and
Blair Turgott have all been called-up by their respective nations. With CAF
Africa Cup of Nations qualifying up and runnning and 2014 FIFA World Cup
qualifiying already underway in Oceania and about to start across Europe,
the Hammers' international contingent will have all to play for over the
next fortnight. The highlight of the fixture list sees Guy Demel's Ivory
Coast take on Mohamed Diame's Senegal in a 2013 CAF Africa Cup of Nations
qualifying second-round in Abidjan on 7 September.
*James Collins' Wales will host Belgium in Cardiff on 7 September before
travelling to Novi Sad to face Serbia on 11 September in their opening two
FIFA World Cup qualifying Group A fixtures.
*Guy Demel's Ivory Coast take on Mohamed Diame's Senegal in a CAF Africa Cup
of Nations qualifier in Abidjan on 7 September.
*Modibo Maiga has been called-up by Mali for their CAF Africa Cup of Nations
qualifying second-round first-leg with Botswana in Bamako on 7 September.
*Joey O'Brien has been selected by Republic of Ireland for their opening
FIFA World Cup qualifying Group C fixture with Kazakhstan in Astana on 7
September and an international friendly with Oman at Craven Cottage on 11
September.
*Winston Reid has the longest journey to make as New Zealand continue the
third and final round of Oceania Zone qualifiers by traveling to New
Caledonia on 7 September before hosting the Solomon Islands on 11 September.
*Dan Potts and Blair Turgott have been included in the England Under-19
squad for an international friendly with Germany in Hamburg on 6 September.
*Raphael Spiegel is in the Switzerland Under-20 squad for friendly
international fixtures with Poland in Sulejowek on 5 September and Italy in
Bellinzona on 12 September.
*Kieran Sadlier has been included in the Republic of Ireland Under-19 squad
for a friendly international with Latvia in Riga on 8 September.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Benayoun returns
WHUFC.com
Yossi Benayoun has re-joined West Ham United on a one-year loan deal
01.09.2012
West Ham United are pleased to confirm the return of Israel captain Yossi
Benayoun on a one-year loan deal from Chelsea. The skilful and creative
attacking midfielder has moved back to the Hammers five years after leaving
east London for Liverpool. Benayoun, who was a popular figure with fans
during his time at the Boleyn Ground, will further bolster Sam Allardyce's
forward line alongside fellow new recruits Andy Carroll and Matt Jarvis.
Benayoun began his career playing for Ajax at youth level before returning
to Israel and making his mark with Hapoel Be'er Sheva and then Maccabi
Haifa. He scored 15 goals in 25 appearances for the former before going on
to net 16 goals in 29 matches in his first season for the latter in 1998-99.
He finished with 55 goals in 130 appearances and two Premier League titles
for Haifa before moving on to Racing de Santander in 2002.
Benayoun scored 21 goals in 101 appearances for the Spanish outfit before a
host of top clubs across Europe took an interest in him. It was the
newly-promoted West Ham United that finally sealed his signature in July
2005 for a reported £2.5m. He made his debut against Blackburn Rovers a
month later and scored his first goal on 12 September in the 4-0 win against
Aston Villa. His first season in east London ended with an FA Cup final
performance as West Ham United lost a thrilling match to Liverpool on
penalties.
He then moved to Liverpool in 2007, where he scored 11 goals in 48
appearances in his first season, including a hat-trick against Havant &
Waterlooville in the FA Cup. A career highlight followed two years later
when he scored the winner at the Estadio Santiago Bernabéu against Real
Madrid as Liverpool won a UEFA Champions League quarter-final 1-0. The
32-year-old moved back to London with Chelsea in July 2010, before joining
Arsenal on loan a year later. He has become a key player for his country
since making his debut in 1998 and has scored an impressive 24 goals in 88
games. Benayoun becomes West Ham United's eleventh summer signing as the
Board and Sam Allardyce build a squad capable of making an impression on the
Barclays Premier League this season. The mercurial midfielder, who will wear
the No15 shirt, will not be available to face Fulham on Saturday, but should
make his second debut at Norwich City on Saturday 15 September.
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Andy Carroll to miss England World Cup qualifiers
BBC.co.uk
Andy Carroll has withdrawn from England's World Cup qualifiers against
Moldova and Ukraine next week because of a hamstring injury. The 23-year-old
striker, who joined West Ham in a loan deal from Liverpool on Friday, made
an impressive debut as the Hammers beat Fulham 3-0. Carroll limped out of
the action on 68 minutes at Upton Park. The Football Association will wait
until after Sunday's games before deciding on how to replace Carroll.
Following his side's win, West Ham boss Sam Allardyce said it was "unlikely"
Carroll would be fit. "He'll probably be on the treatment bench for a
while," said Allardyce. "He over-extended himself. We won't know the extent
of the injury until the scan and we see how serious it is."
England's road to Brazil 2014 begins with a qualifier at the Zimbru Stadium
in Moldova on Friday 7 September and Roy Hodgson's side are back in action
at Wembley against Ukraine on 11 September. Allardyce added: "We were ready
to bring him off and unfortunately on that last jump he got hit by Brede
Hangeland and that twisted his body and pulled his hamstring by the looks of
it. "He is just so gutted because he has got injured and he can't go to
England, that is why he is most disappointed because he wanted to get off
there. "We are going to play him and hopefully he will play every week for
us and score goals and obviously Roy Hodgson is going to pick him - he wants
to do well for us and he wants to do well for England."
Carroll has joined West Ham on a season-long loan from Liverpool and played
a key part in two of his new side's goals against the Cottagers. Allardyce
added: "I think what is important is the delight of everybody when Andy
walked through the door. "I think it made us all feel that little bit better
when you have got a £35m centre-forward walk through the door whether you
have got him on loan or not. "He is a quality centre-forward and he is our
number one. We can hopefully play to his strength and he can hopefully help
us do what we want to do. "It brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's
performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well.
"Kevin could have probably had a hat-trick today because if he knows the
ball is going to Andy he knows he can go beyond and get into areas where
Andy can find him. "I know people will point at his aerial strength, and he
is one of the best headers of the ball in the Premier League, but he is a
fine all round player too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Fulham 0
FT 90 +4
HT 3-0
1 September 2012
Last updated at 15:26
By Owen Phillips
BBC Sport
Andy Carroll set up two goals on an impressive debut as West Ham cruised to
victory against woeful Fulham. Carroll dominated the away defence and set
the Hammers on the way after 53 seconds when his header let Ricardo Vaz Te
tee up Kevin Nolan to fire home. Winston Reid powered in a free header from
a corner to make it 2-0. Carroll, who later limped off with a tight
hamstring, also played a part in the Matt Taylor strike which wrapped up
back-to-back home Premier League wins. Carroll, who has joined on a
season-long loan, left the Upton Park pitch to a standing ovation after 68
minutes and is likely to miss England's upcoming World Cup qualifiers
against Moldova and Ukraine. But by that time the £35m forward had already
played a huge part in a victory that was secured with a rampant first
half-display by the home side. Carroll was undoubtedly the catalyst, with
his physical threat and aerial presence giving the Hammers a cutting edge
and creating a platform for Taylor, Mohamed Diame and the excellent Vaz Te
to run at a constantly exposed home defence. That was evident within a
minute as Carroll's header allowed Vaz Te time to pick out Nolan, who
drilled a fabulous first-time finish back across Mark Schwarzer and in at
the far post. Fulham offered little response to the fastest Premier League
goal of the season and appeared to badly miss the presence of influential
midfielder Mousa Dembele following his move to Tottenham. Steve Sidwell,
Mahamadou Diarra and new recruit Kieran Richardson failed to get to grips
with the pace and movement of West Ham's midfield, which was brilliantly led
by Diame and Mark Noble.
While Carroll will rightly take most of the plaudits, Vaz Te's pace and
willingness to run at the visiting defence provided the biggest goal threat.
He went close with a near-post effort and also played a fine crossfield pass
which saw Carroll nod the ball back to Diame whose strike was tipped onto
the bar by Schwarzer. A second home goal seemed inevitable and came when
Reid was allowed a free run at Taylor's inswinging near-post corner to head
home from six yards. "The game was dominated by Andy Carroll. He made all
the difference between the two teams in the first half and the game was over
by half-time. Fulham were better after the break but just couldn't deal with
Carroll. West Ham fully deserved their win."
Fulham had barely threatened, with long-range efforts from Damien Duff and
Steve Sidwell as much as they could muster, and they could have no
complaints at being 3-0 down at the interval. Carroll's presence from a
free-kick drew the attention of three home defenders and when the ball broke
loose, Taylor reacted first to smash a low half-volley into the corner of
the net. Brede Hangeland almost got a goal back on the stroke of half-time
but Fulham never looked like getting back into the match despite an improved
second-half performance. Their main hope came in the form of their own
deadline day recruit Dimitar Berbatov, who showed flashes of his undoubted
quality during an encouraging appearance as a second-half substitute. He
nearly teed up a late goal for Hugo Rodallega, whose shot forced a decent
block from Jussi Jaaskelainen, while Duff also went close. But West Ham had
already done the hard work before the break and were able to sit deep,
defend their lead and ease to victory.
Fulham manager Martin Jol on his side's failure to deal with Andy Carroll:
"If you are 5ft 8ins or 5ft 10ins tall maybe you have got a problem but we
should have coped with it. "Every game you see him, in the European
Championships, you see he is good in the air, he is probably the best in the
Premier League but I still feel there are a few answers for that but we
couldn't cope with that. "The only positive for today was to see Dimitar
Berbatov again and to see his class and quality, I have missed it. "What I
did see was Berbatov brought other players into his play and that is his
quality. Hopefully with Bryan (Ruiz) available for the next match...we
should be a bit more positive. "I tried everything but we missed out on a
couple of players yesterday and in the end we have to be happy that Berbatov
is there and Rodallega and Petric. "Dembele, I really felt he would have
stayed because £15m is a big clause, but they paid up and they always do
that in the last week, I know that from my time there so it made life
miserable for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jol on....West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st September 2012
By: Staff Writer No.2
An understandably downbeat Martin Jol reflects on his team's 3-0 defeat at
the Boleyn...
West Ham were obviously on good form today but do you think your team let
themselves down?
I think so. It started in the second minute. We knew they would play a long
ball and look for the knock-downs. The first goal was disappointing because
we spoke about it. The second goal was a corner kick. Thord goal, same thing
- a ball knocked down and we didn't pick up the second man.
You looked a bit better in the second half. Were there any positives to
take?
Yes but we had already destroyed ourselves. Of course we missed the two
players in the creative department the area behind the striker. Brian Ruiz
couldn't play - he failed a test yesterday. And of course Dembele has gone.
That is a worry because we have to find players for the future. The only
positive thing was to see Berbatov again. To see his class and quality.
Do you think you coped with Andy Carroll today?
No. If you're five foot eight, five foot seven then you will have a problem
but I thought we should have coped with him. As you saw in the European
Championships, he's probably the best in the air in the whole Barclays
Premier League but I still think there are a few answers for him and we
couldn't cope with him.
Did Berbatov not start because of match fitness?
No we agreed on 20 minutes for him if necessary if not he would have stayed
on the bench. I told him that he had to go on so he improved his stretching
at half time.
There were signs of a possible partnership with Rodillega there
Not much. Maybe in the 88th minute - I didn't see a lot before that!
(laughter). What I did see was Berbatov bringing other players into the game
and that is his quality. Hopefully Brian [Ruiz] will be available for the
next game. I want to say that with a lot of work on the training ground that
maybe we can be a bit more positive. The only thing is that they go off
again today and come back next week - Thursday. So hopefully we'll get the
balance right for the next week.
How do you think you'll cope without Dembele?
(Pause) I don't know. I tried everything but I missed out on a couple of
players yesterday. In the end you have to be happy that Berbatov is there.
Rodallega and Petric. Dembele I thought might have stayed. It was a big fee
- £15m but they paid up. They always leave it to the last week - I know that
from my time there at Spurs. I think we have the players. Maybe with another
system or concept we will come up with something.
What did you think of Kieran Richardson?
It wasn't easy for him. I had to replace Dembele - a left footer. You saw
that he hasn't played a lot of 90 minute games and has just been in training
for the last three or four days. But I think he will be fine in time.
Do you see him playing in that central role or do you see him out wide?
I don't think he's a real wing player as I see it. He's more of a midfield
player. Or maybe even a No. 10. Or left back. He doesn't want that but I
imagine he can play at left-back as well.
Thanks.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Utd 3 Fulham 0
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 1st September 2012
By: Staff Writer
West Ham produced one of their best performances in recent seasons as they
put London rivals Fulham to the sword with comparative ease at the Boleyn
Ground this afternoon. Sam Allardyce's side, boosted by the inclusion of new
signing Andy Carroll took less than a minute to break down the Cottagers'
defence and that goal - expertly dispatched by captain Kevin Nolan - set the
tone for the rest of the afternoon. Having been well beaten at Swansea last
week this game was a test of the team's resilience - and it was one that
they passed with flying colours, scoring three and creating a hatful of
chances in a game that was mostly one-sided until the closing stages.
Carroll - whose inclusion created a tangible buzz around the stadium ahead
of kick-off- was heavily involved in two of United's three goals. And he had
an instant effect, with his first touch in a claret and blue shirt leading
to the opening goal. It was his header - beating Fulham's Brede Hangeland
for the first of several occasions on the day - that found Ricardo Vaz Te,
which the Portuguese forward turned back inside for Nolan to fire expertly
across the body of Fulham goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer with less than 60
seconds on the clock.
Sam Allardyce has often stressed the importance of set pieces so it was
therefore no surprise when West Ham's second goal came from such a move.
Matt Taylor, only playing due to the enforced absence of new signing Matt
Jarvis - who was ruled out with a thigh injury ahead of kick-off - delivered
a hanging corner which Winston Reid latched on to and planted firmly beyond
Schwarzer, who was a spectator as the ball flew past him. And the first half
rout was completed four minutes ahead of the break when Mark Noble's free
kick from the halfway line was delivered towards Carroll on the edge of the
penalty box. The 6'3" striker leapt salmon-like to beat three defenders to
the ball, nodding it down for Taylor who fired home with a textbook strike.
The visitors, clearly shell-shocked by West Ham's stunning first half
display sought to make amends by introducing their new star signing for the
second half. But Dimitar Berbatov, signed ahead of the transfer deadline
from Manchester United failed to make any sort of impact despite producing
some neat touches and one or two fancy flicks. Clearly feeling the loss of
Moussa Dembele and Clint Dempsey who moved to Tottenham in the week, Fulham
were never really at the races despite staging a late rally with West Ham
content to sit back and protect their comfortable three-goal lead. Jussi
Jaaskelainen, who received a deluge of criticism following his error at
Swansea last week atoned for that error with a confident display and was
more than a match for anything the visitors threw at them - even though he
had to call upon the aid of his left-hand post to prevent Hugo Rodallega
from grabbing a late consolation.
The only sour note of the day came 23 minutes from full time with the
enforced withdrawal of new boy Carroll who felt his hamstring after jumping
to head a ball with his marker Hangeland in close proximity. His prompt
removal - which will rule him out of the forthcoming England fixture - drew
a huge round of applause from an appreciative Boleyn faithful who had been
thoroughly encouraged by an excellent debut performance. Sam Allardyce, who
sang Carroll's praises post-match will no doubt be hoping he has the striker
available again for when West Ham resume their Premier League programme
against Norwich City at Carrow Road in a fortnight's time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers crush Cottagers
Allardyce's men wrap up points before half-time
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 5:02pm
SSN
Andy Carroll starred on his debut for West Ham as he inspired the Hammers to
a convincing 3-0 victory over Fulham at Upton Park. The Cottagers had no
answer to the powerful frontman, or those deployed around him by Sam
Allardyce, as the hosts burst out of the blocks and never looked back. Kevin
Nolan opened the scoring inside 53 seconds, with a Carroll knock down moved
on to the Hammers skipper by Ricardo Vaz Te and he made no mistake with a
controlled volley. West Ham could easily have been out of sight by the time
Winston Reid rose highest to meet a Matt Taylor corner on 29 minutes and
powered home a header with Mark Schwarzer caught in no man's land. Taylor
then added the third goal of the afternoon himself shortly before half-time,
with Fulham so concerned about dealing with the aerial threat of Carroll
that they left the former Bolton man all alone on the edge of the box to
coolly dispatch a loose ball which dropped in his direction.
Man of the match: Diame. His work-rate was exceptional and he surely defined
the cliché of "covering every blade of grass".
Goal of the match: Nolan. Carroll's knock down to Vaz Te was wrapped up by a
lovely finish from Nolan who made a terrific run to get into the box.
Attempt of the match: Rodallega's late turn and shot was superb, the striker
incredibly unlucky to see Jaaskelainen tip it on the post.
Save of the match: Jaaskelainen's late save from Rodallega at the far post
was excellent.
Moment of the match: West Ham's early goal left Fulham shell shocked to the
point where they never recovered.
Talking point: Carroll was superb on his Hammers debut, could he be the top
bit of business from the transfer window?
Fulham introduced deadline day signing Dimitar Berbatov at the interval, but
he was unable to sprinkle his own brand of magic on proceedings and the
sight of Carroll limping out of the action on 68 minutes proved to be the
most notable occurrence of the second half.
Finish
Carroll, who was flanked by Vaz Te and Taylor with Matt Jarvis missing
following a knock in training, was involved straight away. A long, clearing
header from James Collins was flicked on by the England international into
the path of Vaz Te who played the ball in to Nolan, with Carroll's
ex-Newcastle team-mate finishing firmly past Schwarzer. Fulham's debutant
Kieran Richardson had the visitors' first real chance when he fired in a low
effort from distance that was palmed away by West Ham goalkeeper Jussi
Jaaskelainen.
With less than 10 minutes on the clock Carroll was again involved when he
headed Vaz Te's cross into the on-rushing Mohamed Diame, who saw his effort
tipped onto the crossbar by Schwarzer. The Australian goalkeeper was keeping
his side in the game in the opening exchanges and was called upon once more
to tip Vaz Te's low shot around the post. Nolan came close to adding a
second in the 16th minute as the same combination of players who created the
first goal ran riot once more.
Carroll, who had won every header he contested in the early stages, picked
out Vaz Te who found Nolan on the edge of the Fulham penalty area. This time
the Hammers captain attempted a lobbed effort that landed on the top of
Schwarzer's net with the home side fully in control. Fulham started to enjoy
a little bit more possession as the first half progressed but were soon
further behind.
Thorn
Taylor's 29th-minute corner found Reid on the edge of the six-yard area and
he beat Mahamadou Diarra to the ball to power a header past Schwarzer to
double the home side's lead. Vaz Te, who was full of running and always
wanted the ball, was proving a constant thorn in the side of the Fulham
defence and Nolan should have done better when the Portuguese picked him out
inside the box. It was not long afterwards that the third goal was scored by
the Hammers as Collins' free-kick was headed clear by Fulham's Brede
Hangeland. The loose ball broke free to the feet of Taylor who finished well
from the edge of the penalty area. Fulham had back-to-back corners in
first-half injury time but could not create an opening and were almost
caught on the counter-attack before the half-time whistle. Fulham manager
Martin Jol reacted to the disastrous first half by introducing new signing
Berbatov at the interval with Mladen Petric making way. Carroll started the
second half as he did the first, winning a header that found Vaz Te, who
could not direct his shot towards goal. Taylor almost scored his second of
the game five minutes after the re-start as a short free-kick was worked to
him by Nolan. The 30-year-old's effort was straight at Schwarzer but the
experienced goalkeeper could not hold it and the ball was eventually cleared
for a corner.
Possession
Fulham again had a spell of sustained possession but still lacked a cutting
edge even with Berbatov now involved. Carroll was replaced by Carlton Cole
with just under 25 minutes remaining after seeming to injure his hamstring
after a heavy landing. The visitors continued to press and Steve Sidwell
finally forced a smart save out of Jaaskelainen following a Damien Duff
corner. Jol's side continued to show signs of improvement as Berbatov linked
well with Hugo Rodallega, with the latter again testing Jaaskelainen. West
Ham boss Allardyce was forced to make his third and final substitution when
defender Guy Demel went down injured. Demel was replaced by teenager Robert
Hall with Taylor reverting to full-back. Hall had the chance to put West Ham
four goals ahead after Vaz Te ran the length of the field after collecting
the ball from a poor Fulham corner. The 25-year-old jinked his way into the
box and rolled the ball to Hall but his shot was well blocked. The three
points had long-since been secured by the Hammers who sat back for the
closing stages with Fulham chasing a consolation goal. Berbatov certainly
gave Fulham a cutting edge during the closing stages and almost created
goals for Duff and Rodallega, with Jaaskelainen keeping both efforts out.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll ruled out
Striker out of England squad
By Graeme Bailey - Tweet me: @skygraemebailey. Last Updated:
September 1, 2012 8:55pm
SSN
Andy Carroll has been forced out of England's squad for the World Cup
qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine. The new West Ham United loan signing
had an excellent debut in their 3-0 win over Fulham - before he was forced
off with a hamstring injury. Manager Sam Allardyce said after the game it
was unlikely Carroll would be able to join up with the England squad. The
Football Association have now confirmed that Carroll has been ruled out of
contention. The FA also confirmed no decision on a possible replacement
would be made until after Sunday's three Premier League games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll concern for Allardyce
Striker likely to miss England duty after picking up debut knock
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 6:03pm
SSN
Sam Allardyce admits Andy Carroll must be considered doubtful for England
duty after picking up a hamstring injury on his West Ham debut against
Fulham. The Hammers were delighted to secure the services of the powerful
frontman on a season-long loan from Liverpool towards the end of the summer
transfer window.
He was handed his Upton Park bow on Saturday and made a positive first
impression for his new club as he inspired the Hammers to a 3-0 half-time
lead. Carroll's afternoon was to be cut short, though, on 68 minutes as he
limped from the field and it is now unlikely that he will be ready for 2014
World Cup qualification duty with England or West Ham's upcoming Premier
League fixtures. "I think it will be unlikely that he goes now, sadly,"
Allardyce told Sky Sports.
Unusual
"He's desperate to play football and we had Carlton (Cole) ready and warmed
up and ready to go and it was going to be the next couple of minutes or so
to substitute him anyway. "Unusually, he did it on the jump. We will have to
see how it is tomorrow and talk with England. "I don't think he has much
chance, sadly for Roy (Hodgson). That's not to detract from the performance
today and the quality of our goals." West Ham edged in front against the
Cottagers with just 53 seconds on the clock, through Kevin Nolan,and added
two further goals before the interval as Winston Reid and Matt Taylor found
the target. Allardyce was full of praise for the performance from his side
at the final whistle, with the Hammers proving that they are deserving of a
standing back among England's elite.
Terrific
He said: "It was a terrific performance. At the end of the day you have to
make sure you put the result at the end of it and I think there was no
question about the performance or the result being the right one today.
"Fulham were out of sight before half-time, and that doesn't happen too
often to a newly-promoted side just finding its feet back in the Premier
League again. "To create and take the opportunities we created today was
fabulous in the first 45 minutes. The ones we missed were ones that I was
getting disappointed with because all of the good play in the early stages
resulted in only one goal and you know what the Premier League can do to you
- one slip, one mistake and the opposition get back in. "Second half, it was
about us making sure we won the game and we did that. "The only
disappointment is that Andy Carroll might have tweaked a hamstring, which is
hugely disappointing if that's the case."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Diame - Risk was worth it
Midfielder believes he made the right choice in joining Hammers
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 12:19pm
SSN
Mohamed Diame admits he took a 'risk' in walking away from Wigan as a free
agent, but believes new employers West Ham are capable of pushing for a
top-half finish. The Senegal international built a reputation as one of the
Premier League's most consistent midfield enforcers during a three-year
spell with the Latics.
His efforts at the DW Stadium drew plenty of praise, and admiring glances
from afar, but opting to allow his contract to run down was always going to
be a risk.
As it happens, Diame had plenty of options to consider this summer and
ultimately decided on opening a new chapter in his career at West Ham. The
capital outfit have ambitions of forcing their way up the top flight
rankings, and Diame is convinced that Sam Allardyce's side have what it
takes to break into the top 10 in their first season back in the big time.
Stronger
He told the Daily Star: "I knew it was risky to leave Wigan. I knew I could
get injured or something, but I had to take the chance. "I was a little bit
tired of spending the last day of the season trying to stay up every year
and I knew a club would take me. "I talked with West Ham and they told me
about the people they were going to sign. I knew they were going to make
their mark on the Premier League. "I think I made a good choice because I'm
very happy at this club. I think we can do something. "We can finish in the
top half of the table. We have stronger players than Wigan, we are more
solid and we can score a lot of goals from set plays as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nolan welcomes fresh faces
Hammers skipper delighted to have Benayoun and Carroll on board
Last Updated: September 1, 2012 4:09pm
SSN
Kevin Nolan admits the arrival of quality additions at West Ham helped to
inspire Sam Allardyce's side to a 3-0 victory over Fulham. The Hammers
enjoyed a productive end to the summer transfer window, with Andy Carroll
and Yossi Benayoun snapped up on season-long loans from Liverpool and
Chelsea respectively.
Benayoun must wait to make his second bow for the Upton Park club, having
returned to the East End five years after announcing himself in English
football with the Hammers, but Carroll is already up and running. He was
forced off with a hamstring injury in a comfortable stroll past Fulham, but
led from the front as West Ham raced into a three-goal lead before
half-time. Nolan told Sky Sports after an impressive performance by all of
those in claret and blue: "Signing Yossi gave all the lads a lift and I
think you saw that today and Andy is a great lad - we get on really well off
the pitch. "When we knew he was coming down on Thursday I was excited and
really chuffed. We've been so lucky to get him and we're delighted for him
because he deserves to be played every week. "We all know his capabilities.
It's disappointing what went on at Liverpool, I think, but he's showed he's
a top player in this league and hopefully he can get some goals for us.
Settled
"An early goal helps settle the nerves and means you can put your game-plan
into action. "We all knew we'd be getting players in and we're delighted
with the quality of players who have come in." Nolan was also delighted with
West Ham's response to a disappointing 3-0 defeat suffered at Swansea in
their last top-flight fixture.
He added: "After the disappointment of last week it was important we bounced
back. "We were confident going into the season but it's back to the drawing
board now. It's nice to go into an international break having done the
business. "Overall it was a fantastic afternoon and we are very happy with
the three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Match Report: West Ham 3 Fulham 0
By Iain Dale
West Ham Till I Die
Well, hello Andy Carroll! I'd go so far as to say that was one of the most
complete West Ham performances I have seen in years, and one of the most
enjoyable. It was West Ham at their best - entertaining, scoring goals and
never looking under any threat in defence. And it was a real team
performance. After last week's shambles in Swansea I guess a few of us were
a little nervous about what might happen today. But it took only 55 seconds
for our nerves to be settled. A headed clearance from James Collins found
Andy Carroll midway into the Fulham half. He nodded it on to Vaz Te who
crossed to Nolan who hit a superb strike on the half volley into the far
corner. 1-0. And we never looked in any trouble after that. Fulham did have
quite a lot of possession but they rarely threatened the West Ham goal. In
the whole 90 minutes I can only think of one save Jussi had to make.
The second goal came from a Matt Taylor corner. It took three players to
mark Andy Carroll, which left Winston Reid with a relatively simple task of
heading the ball into the net. Schwarzer was nowhere to be seen. And the
third was a great strike from Matt Taylor from the edge of the area. He
deserved it for an impressive first half performance.
It was a shame that we didn't get more in the second half, but that often
happens when you're so far ahead at half time. Sub consciously you take your
foot off the pedal.
Let there be no doubt about the fact that Andy Carroll made a massive
difference. He's a big guy but with a great first touch. He wins everything
in the air and causes havoc. He may not have scored today but he did just
about everything else. His injury prevented us from seeing a bit more of
him, but it was wise to take him off. It didn't look anything too serious,
thank goodness. The great things was how he combined with Taylor, Nolan and
Vaz Te. There already seemed to be a real understanding between them.
Vaz Te was on fire today and covered virtually every blade of grass. If only
his final ball were as dangerous and his dribbling. But it was the midfield
which won this game. The performances of Noble, Nolan and Diame were all
simply outstanding. Noble anchored everything, allowing Noland Diame to
drive forward at every opportunity. If people had doubts about Nolan, surely
this performance will have made them think again. He was brilliant today and
was awarded Man of the Match by Sky.
But this was a superb defensive performance too with Reid and Collins
outstanding in the centre. Joey O'Brien was a strange choice at left back
(Daniel Potts must have been disappointed not to get the nod) but he also
didn't put a foot wrong, and Demel looked sharper on the right.
The only negative to come out of this game was the fact that three players
had to go off injured - Collins, Demel and Carroll. Let's hope none of them
are too serious.
Anyway, we're 4th in the league and it's great already to have six points on
the board after 3 games. We only had one win in our first 14 games the last
time we were in the Premier League. So, to my scores on the doors...
Jussi 7
Reid 8
Collins 8
Demel 7
O'Brien 7
Noble 8
Nolan 8
Diame 8
Taylor 7
Vaz Te 8
Carroll 9
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Andy's bubble won't burst
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 9 hrs ago
ANDY CARROLL has made his new manager Sam Allardyce's 'dreams' come true in
the transfer window. The 6ft 4in striker is the biggest signing West Ham
have made for years and boss Allardyce reflected on a stunning summer of
buys which have transformed the Hammers. Carroll, Liverpool's £35million
misfit, slotted straight in at Upton Park — even though his debut was
overshadowed by a hamstring injury which has ruled him out of England's
World Cup qualifier in Moldova on Friday. Anfield's loss is the East End's
gain, as Carroll heads up a list of new acquisitions which also include
£10.75million winger Matt Jarvis and the midfield strength of Mohamed Diame.
Israeli schemer Yossi Benayoun signed on deadline day from Chelsea to add
flair and competition for places. Big Sam said: "We are going to play Andy
and, hopefully, he will play every week for us and score goals. He wants to
do well for us and England. "I think what is important is the delight of
everybody when Andy walked through the door. "It made us all feel that
little bit better when you have a £35m centre-forward arrive, whether you
have him on loan or not. "He is a quality centre- forward and he is our No
1. Hopefully, we can play to his strength and he can help us do what we want
to do — and that is winning as many football matches as we can. I hope we
can provide him with the service to score lots and lots of goals. "I think
you could say this was a dream transfer window for me. "It's a gruelling
task finding the right players. You get to the summer break when everyone
wants far too much for the players you want. You get to pre-season and they
are still asking far more than what you can afford. Then you get to the
last-minute, panic stations sets in and it gets a bit cheaper. "But Karren
Brady, David Sullivan, David Gold and myself have really gone to town and
pressed the button on a lot of things we wanted to do."
Carroll is West Ham's marquee man, even though he has signed on a one-year
loan. That will become an £18m permanent move if the club stays up after its
first season back in the Premier League. The Hammers have won both home
matches so far this season, not conceded a goal at Upton Park and now have
two wins from three games to help ease the memories of last week's 3-0
defeat at Swansea. Kevin Nolan scored in just 53 seconds, after a knockdown
from former Newcastle team-mate Carroll set up the move. Centre-half Winston
Reid and winger Matt Taylor scored the other two, as Fulham were beaten by
half-time. Allardyce added: "It brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's
performance, because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well.
"Kevin could probably have had a hat-trick. If he knows the ball is going to
Andy, he knows he can go beyond him and get into areas where Andy can find
him. "Andy knows people at this club — me, Kevin and others. That will help
him settle in much quicker than if he was at another club. "At the moment,
though, he is just gutted about his injury."
Nolan now has two goals and admitted Carroll's arrival is worth more than
just another number on the squad list. He said: "Getting the big lad in and
Yossi has given everyone a huge lift. "Andy's a great lad. I get on well
with him and when I knew he was coming down I was excited and chuffed. We
are so lucky to get him. I told him he has nothing to prove to anyone. He is
a top striker. "I was confident at the beginning of the campaign. I knew
pre-season we would get new players in and I am delighted with the quality."
Previous Allardyce signings Taylor and Ricardo Vaz Te also enjoyed
themselves on an afternoon when West Ham could have plundered more goals.
Allardyce added: "After losing 3-0 at Swansea it was important to have that
'bouncebackability'." Fulham boss Martin Jol admitted he expected his
defenders to be better equipped to deal with Carroll's threat. Jol said: "If
you are 5ft 8in or 5ft 10in maybe you have got a problem but we should have
coped with it. "Every game you see him, here and in the European
Champ-ionships. You see he is good in the air, he is probably the best in
the Premier League. "I still feel there are a few answers for that but we
couldn't cope with that."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham 3 Fulham 0
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 01st September 2012
The Sun
MARTIN JOL was feeling miserable before kick-off. And after his team were
hammered at Upton Park, he felt much worse. The Fulham manager never thought
Mousa Dembele would be flogged on transfer deadline day — and never imagined
his side would be flogged at Upton Park. It was a case of double Dutch as
both came horribly true, with rampant West Ham exposing all Fulham's
failings and Tottenham activating a transfer clause in Dembele's contract
with a £15million bid.
Former Spurs boss Jol was left cursing and mumbling in Dutch on the
touchline, as goals from Kevin Nolan, Winston Reid and Matt Taylor wiped out
the Londoners' failure at Swansea last week. He admitted: "Dembele? I really
felt he would have stayed with us at Fulham, because £15m is a big clause.
"But Tottenham, they paid up and they always do that in the last week. I
know that from my time there at White Hart Lane. It made life miserable for
me."
At least the arrival of Dimitar Berbatov put a bit of a smile on Jol's face.
Yet the frown quickly returned when he revealed: "I tried everything in the
transfer window but we missed out on a couple of players on Friday and, in
the end, we have to be happy that Berbatov is here and Rodallega and
Petric." Berbatov chose to reunite with Jol, who brought him to the Premier
League when in charge at Tottenham, instead of moving to Fiorentina from
Manchester United. And the Bulgaria international made a huge difference
when he appeared in the second half, though it was far too late to launch
any kind of a comeback. Jol added: "The only positive here was to see
Berbatov again and to see his class and quality. I have missed it.
"Berbatov brought other players into play and that is his talent.
Hopefully, with Bryan Ruiz available for the next match, we should be a bit
more positive."
It is a pity Jol's defenders were not a bit more positive when it came to
handling West Ham's new recruit, 6ft 4in Andy Carroll, who had a big hand in
two of the Hammers' goals. Jol declared: "If you are 5ft 8in or 5ft 10in
maybe you have a problem. But we should have coped with it. "Every game you
see him, here or in the the European Championships. You see he is good in
the air, probably the best in the Premier League. I still feel there are a
few answers for that but we couldn't cope with it."
FULHAM boss says Spurs late bid for Dembele caused him problems and gives
reaction to West Ham defeat It is very early days and there have not been
many strikers like Carroll at West Ham before. But there is strong reason to
suspect the England powerhouse, East London's first skyscraper, could become
a big hit with the punters. Carroll played his part in the first goal scored
by skipper Nolan with less than a minute on the clock. He jumped high to nod
down a ball floated in from the wing and aimed it straight at the feet of
Ricardo Vaz Te. With one touch, Vaz Te slipped the ball left to the lurking
Nolan, who cracked a half-volley away from keeper Mark Schwarzer into the
back of the net.
Carroll has great technical ability too. But even when he does not use it to
his best advantage, it allows his team-mates to play some nice stuff. Vaz Te
sparkled with his snappy, darting runs and pace and is turning out to be a
massive bargain at just £500,000 last season. Mohamed Diame and Mark Noble
ran the show in midfield.
It took Carroll less than 70 minutes to limp off, having won over the fans.
Fulham were long gone before that. Actually, they had hardly shown up as
their bright start to the season evaporated.
West Ham: Jaaskelainen, Demel (Hall 78), Reid, Collins (Tomkins 67),
O'Brien, Diame, Noble, Nolan, Taylor, Vaz Te, Carroll (Cole 68). Subs Not
Used: Henderson, Maiga, Diarra, O'Neil.
Goals: Nolan 1, Reid 29, Taylor 41.
Fulham: Schwarzer, Riether, Hughes, Hangeland, Riise, Duff, Sidwell, Diarra,
Richardson (Kacaniklic 59), Rodallega, Petric (Berbatov 46). Subs Not Used:
Stockdale, Kelly, Baird, Kasami, Briggs.
Att: 33,458
Ref: Anthony Taylor (Cheshire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'Gutted': Andy Carroll ruled out of England's World Cup qualifiers after
injuring his hamstring in West Ham debut
The Mirror
West Ham's new striker Andy Carroll is "gutted" after suffering a hamstring
injury on his debut that is likely to keep him out of the start of England's
World Cup qualifying campaign. Hammers boss Sam Allardyce secured the loan
signing of Liverpool striker Carroll earlier in the week after courting the
23-year-old for most of the transfer window. But, following an impressive
debut in a 3-0 win over Fulham, Carroll was forced off with a hamstring
injury which has cast doubt on his inclusion in Roy Hodgson's squad for the
back-to-back qualifiers against Moldova and Ukraine. Allardyce reckons it is
highly unlikely his new frontman will be fit in time to join up with the
national team but believes he will be a mainstay in the future. "I think
almost definitely that he is out of the England squad but we will just have
to pray that it is not too severe," he said. "It looks like a hamstring
which is obviously the most disappointing thing from today. "We were ready
to bring him off and unfortunately on that last jump he got hit by (Brede)
Hangeland and that twisted his body and pulled his hamstring by the looks of
it. "He is just so gutted because he has got injured and he can't go to
England, that is why he is most disappointed because he wanted to get off
there. "We are going to play him and hopefully he will play every week for
us and score goals and obviously Roy (Hodgson) is going to pick him - he
wants to do well for us and he wants to do well for England."
Skipper Kevin Nolan opened the scoring inside the first minute before goals
from Winston Reid and Matt Taylor wrapped up the three points before
half-time. Allardyce, who worked with both Nolan and Carroll at Newcastle,
believes his captain will benefit from the arrival of the Liverpool forward.
e said: "I think what is important is the delight of everybody when Andy
walked through the door today. "I think it made us all feel that little bit
better when you have got a £35million centre-forward walk through the door
whether you have got him on loan or not. "He is a quality centre-forward and
he is our number one and we can hopefully play to his strength and he can
hopefully help us do what we want to do and that is by winning as many
football matches as we can and hopefully we can provide him with the service
to score lots and lots of goals. "It brought excitement to Kevin Nolan's
performance because Kevin can feed off Andy instinctively very, very well.
"Kevin could have probably had a hat-trick today because if he knows the
ball is going to Andy he knows he can go beyond and get into areas where
Andy can find him."
The convincing win over Fulham came following last weekend's 3-0 defeat at
Swansea and Allardyce praised the way his players reacted to the loss. He
said: "For everybody concerned it is a great bounce-back from last weekend
and six points out of three games at the start of the season means we can
move on and try and get more points and move the pressure away. "We at the
moment are relieving that pressure to try and bring more out of the
players." Fulham boss Martin Jol admitted he expected his defenders to be
better equipped to deal with the threat of Carroll. "If you are 5ft 8ins or
5ft 10ins maybe you have got a problem but we should have coped with it," he
said. "Every game you see him, in the European Championships, you see he is
good in the air, he is probably the best in the Barclays Premier League but
I still feel there are a few answers for that but we couldn't cope with
that."
Jol introduced his own new striker at half-time as Dimitar Berbatov looked
to find a way back into the game for Fulham. The ex-Manchester United
forward had little chance to shine but Jol was pleased with the impact the
31-year-old had on his team-mates. He said: "The only positive for today was
to see Berbatov again and to see his class and quality, I have missed it.
"What I did see was that Berbatov brought other players into his play and
that is his quality, hopefully with Bryan (Ruiz) available for the next
match...we should be a bit more positive."
Berbatov will take on a pivotal role at Craven Cottage following the sales
of Mousa Dembele and Clint Dempsey to Tottenham and Jol revealed he missed
out on securing further new recruits before Friday night's deadline. He
said: "I tried everything but we missed out on a couple of players yesterday
and in the end we have to be happy that Berbatov is there and Rodallega and
Petric. "Dembele, I really felt he would have stayed because £15million is a
big clause, but they paid up and they always do that in the last week, I
know that from my time there so it made life miserable for me."
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