Noble(pen)
Barclays Premiership 18th August 2007 Kick-off: 15:00
Venue: St Andrews Stadium Attendance: 24,961 Referee:Mark Halsey
Man-of-the-Match Mark Noble brought a shining ray of sunshine to showery St
Andrew's with a coolly-taken second-half penalty that gave the hard-working
Hammers their first victory of the season. The busy England U-21
international fired home the winner with 20 minutes remaining to cap a
wonderful display and ensure that West Ham collected three richly-deserved
points. Earlier, Alan Curbishley had handed a debut to midweek signing,
Keiron Dyer, as he made three changes from the side that kicked-off with an
unwelcome defeat against Manchester City. Just 24 hours after his call-up
for England's friendly against Germany on Wednesday, the £7 million-rated
midfielder replaced former Newcastle United team-mate Lee Bowyer, while
Matthew Etherington was preferred to Luis Boa Morte and Hayden Mullins came
in for injured skipper, Freddie Ljungberg. That meant that Matthew Upson was
handed the captain's armband and he duly received a heated reception from
the locals upon his return to rainswept Birmingham and, more painfully, a
crunching early challenge from Mehdi Nafti, who curiously escaped a yellow
card. But with just five minutes on the clock, referee Mark Halsey was less
forgiving when Mullins was cautioned for felling Sebastian Larsson in a
feisty opening, that also saw debutant Dyer cut in from the right flank and
tumble in the slippery St. Andrew's penalty area, under the challenge of the
unpunished Stephen Kelly. Following their midweek draw against Sunderland,
which came four days after an opening day defeat at Chelsea, Steve Bruce
made two changes as Radhi Jaidi came in for the injured Johan Djourou and
Garry O'Connor replaced Gary McSheffrey in attack. And as the quarter-hour
mark approached, O'Connor finally unleashed the first goal attempt of the
afternoon but his low, 18-yarder skidded wide of the untroubled Robert Green
amid the cheers of the Hammers fans shoe-horned into the seating behind his
goal. Indeed, the opening proceedings had been littered with a string of
untidy free-kicks and equally unwelcome offside flags but on 25 minutes,
Noble sent a low, 25-yarder aqua-planing through the Blues' wall and onto
the beaten Colin Doyle's right-hand post, after Jaidi hand-balled under
pressure from Bobby Zamora. In reply, the breaking Mikael Forsell sliced
wide, but it was West Ham who were gaining the initiative as Noble's corner
was scooped over by Anton Ferdinand, before the overlapping Jonathan Spector
latched onto Mullins' miscue and sent a low angled 12-yard shot crashing
into Doyle's ribcage. In first-half stoppage time, Green was finally called
into action, when he turned aside Jaidi's 15-yarder as the ball flew through
a pack of bodies, but to the frustration of the damp 24,961 crowd, Referee
Halsey - who also booked Stuart Parnaby and Spector for fouls on George
McCartney and Larsson - had been the busiest man of the opening 45 minutes.
Just after the break, Zamora blazed over the angle and then the prodding and
probing Noble impressively carried on from where he had left off before the
interval, with a barnstorming run and cutback that climaxed with Dyer
inadvertently blocking Craig Bellamy's goal-bound eight-yarder. After Nafti
was finally booked for one foul too many, Larsson then volleyed back across
goal but West Ham still held the upper hand and having spent the opening
hour sat in the stand, Alan Curbishley headed to the dug-out in an effort to
spur on the visitors, yet further. And the manager's pitch-side arrival was
soon greeted by the sight of Zamora sending Spector's probing cross over the
top and another angled effort wide of the far post. Midway through the half,
however, the east enders deservedly broke the deadlock when the exposed,
diving Doyle upended Bellamy as the Welshman raced onto Dyer's well-weighted
through-ball into the danger zone. And after the heated home protests had
died down, Noble remained the coolest man on the pitch, to stroke the
resultant spot-kick into the bottom right-hand corner as the furious 'keeper
dived in the opposite direction. In the dying moments, both the breaking
Dyer and surging Bellamy had great chances to double the advantage, only for
the solitary figure of Doyle to thwart their efforts, but in the end Noble's
strike still proved enough to give Hammers that welcome first win of the
campaign.
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Birmingham 0-1 West Ham - BBC
By Mandeep Sanghera
West Ham notched their first win of the season as they beat Birmingham
courtesy of a Mark Noble penalty. Midfielder Noble was West Ham's best
player and scored from the spot after Blues keeper Colin Doyle rashly
upended Craig Bellamy. The Hammers might have had a spot-kick earlier on
when Stephen Kelly appeared to impede Kieron Dyer. Noble had also hit the
post with a free-kick against a Blues side lacking the quality to match
their effort. The game had marked the return of West Ham skipper Matthew
Upson to St Andrews for the first time since his controversial exit from the
club in January. He was booed with his every touch of the ball in what
turned out to be one of the few points of mention during a poor opening
half. The visitors could have had an early penalty when debutant Dyer
appeared to be unfairly blocked by Kelly as he tried to race on to a Bellamy
pass. But the referee waved away Dyer's protests in a match continually
broken up by frequent fouls as both sides grappled with each other. Noble
almost broke the deadlock only to see his well-struck free-kick come back
off the base of the post. Doyle did well with a smart save after a cross
came off one of his own defenders but both sides lacked an edge in attack.
That was the case until the stroke of half-time when a home free-kick
ricocheted to Radhi Jaidi whose shot was palmed away by keeper Robert Green.
West Ham came out with more urgency and purpose after the break and Noble
saw a well-struck shot blocked just inside the Blues box by the head of a
diving Jaidi. Zamora put an effort over and Bellamy mistimed a strike from
close range after the influential Noble crossed from the by-line. The
visitors placed increasing pressure on the home defence and Birmingham
finally buckled after 70 minutes when Doyle unnecessarily brought down
Bellamy. Noble sent the Blues keeper the wrong way from the resultant
spot-kick and, despite Gary McSheffrey have a late free-kick saved, the home
side could not deny West Ham a welcome win.
Birmingham manager Steve Bruce: "Everybody in the ground knows that Bellamy
played for the penalty. You could see it coming. The ball was already out
and there was contact. "I am deeply frustrated because we were harshly
treated on Wednesday. In the end that does cost you. "Maybe I'm barking up
the wrong tree, but it does seem to be the small clubs do not seem to get
those decisions."
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley: "If a keeper comes out like that he has to
get the ball and he didn't. "I felt the incident when Kieron Dyer was
fouled was a certain penalty as well. "We were a bit edgy to start with but
once we got going we were OK and could have had a couple more goals."
Birmingham: Doyle, Parnaby, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Kelly, Larsson, Muamba (Sadler
80), Nafti (Jerome 75), Kapo, O'Connor, Forssell (McSheffrey 65).
Subs Not Used: Maik Taylor, Vine.
Booked: Parnaby, Nafti, Ridgewell, Kapo.
West Ham: Green, Spector (Gabbidon 86), Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Dyer,
Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Bellamy, Zamora.
Subs Not Used: Walker, Ashton, Bowyer, Boa Morte.
Booked: Mullins, Spector.
Goals: Noble 70 pen.
Att: 24,961
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
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Joorabchian wants new Tevez probe - BBC
Kia Joorabchian has criticised the Premier League's handling of the Carlos
Tevez saga and is willing to fund an new inquiry to resolve the matter.
Joorabchian, who represents Tevez, is upset with the lack of "transparency".
He has also accused Premier League chief Richard Scudamore of dragging "me,
my players, West Ham and the Premier League through the mud". He added:
"That's why I want a proper independent inquiry and I'm willing to finance
it, whatever it costs." The Tevez case concerns the issue of third-party
agreements, which are banned under Premier League rules, and whether West
Ham gained an unfair advantage by playing the Argentine striker at the end
of last season. The saga has rumbled on for several months and has led to
numerous claims and counter claims from all parties involved.
It looked as though it had been resolved earlier this month when Tevez
signed for Manchester United. But Sheffield United kick-started the row
again on Thursday when they announced they were taking legal action in order
to gain compensation from West Ham. The Blades argue that the Hammers have
been less than truthful about their dealings over Tevez and want between
£30m and £50m from the London club. That is the amount they claim they have
missed out on following their relegation from the top flight. West Ham, who
deny Sheffield United's claims, beat the drop by three points, defeating
Manchester United 1-0 at Old Trafford on the final day thanks to a goal from
Tevez. But the outcome may have been very different had they not escaped a
points penalty for breaking Premier League rules over the signing of both
Tevez and countryman Javier Mascherano. They ended up being fined £5.5m
instead - a decision which angered Sheffield United and several other
Premier League clubs. What's more, the Hammers were allowed to continue
playing Tevez, whose goals proved crucial in keeping them up, after
insisting they had cancelled his third-party ownership with Joorabchian.
However, Sheffield United dispute whether that had been done, prompting
their repeated calls for justice.
Now Joorabchian has weighed into the debate again, with the Premier League
chief Scudamore bearing the brunt of his criticism. "Let's have total
transparency, Mr Scudamore," urged the Iranian businessman. "Why was a full,
transparent and thorough investigation not done when your member clubs have
a right to know what has happened? "Why are they (the Premier League)
clouding this issue? Why were the full facts not heard? Why were people not
questioned? "They never once asked us about any paperwork, never held
discussions with us, never wrote us a letter. How did they decide on a £5.5m
fine with only 50% of the facts."
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Curbishley fumes at bust-up talk - BBC
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has reacted furiously to allegations he had
a row with Craig Bellamy after the opening-day loss to Manchester City.
"It's an absolute fabrication, complete and utter nonsense," Curbishley told
BBC Radio 5live. "There just seems to be an agenda out there at the moment -
'Let's get Curbs' or 'Let's write about West Ham'. "I'm fed up of trying to
defend myself, but what can I do? Craig's upset about it because nothing
happened at all."
West Ham lost 2-0 at home to City but bounced back with a 1-0 win over
Birmingham City at St Andrews on Saturday. Bellamy started the game up front
with Bobby Zamora and won the penalty that Mark Noble converted on 70
minutes. The victory lifted the Hammers out of the bottom three. Despite the
welcome three points, Curbishley accepted speculation over his future or
that of any Premier League manager would be inevitable if the club was
lingering near the bottom of the table by September. "It is the life we
lead," said the former Charlton boss. "We know it is around the corner. "If
your side is in the bottom six after the first month or two then it is
something people can get their teeth into."
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Jeroen Boere - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 18th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Former Hammers striker Jeroen Boere has been found dead at his home in
Spain, according to Dutch radio station RTV Rijnmond. Boere, who was just
39, was working in Spain as an estate agent before his death earlier today -
the cause of which remains unknown at present. The striker was forced to
retire from football aged just 31 after he lost an eye following a stabbing
incident. He joined West Ham in 1993 when Billy Bonds paid Go Ahead Eagles
£250,000 for his services and went on to play 29 times for United, scoring
seven goals. Following spells on loan at Portsmouth and West Brom, Boere
moved to Crystal Palace in September 1995 for £375,000. A year later he
joined Southend United where he played for two seasons before signing for
Japanese second division side Omiya Ardija at the end of the 1997/1998
season. Just a year after moving to Japan he was forced to retire after
losing his left eye following a quarrel in a Tokyo bar. At the time he was
the J2 League's top scorer, having scored nine goals in 12 appearances.
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We got the result ... - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 18th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley and Birmingham boss Steve Bruce share their thoughts on
today's 1-0 win for the Hammers.
Alan Curbishley - West Ham United
"It was difficuly conditions for both teams and it took both teams a little
while to get going. There were a lot of misplaced passes. But second half,
we played really well and created a lot of chances. Obviously getting that
first goal gives you a lot of confidence - we had something to hold on to
and it changed the game. Was it a penalty? Yeah. I was sitting upstairs, it
was actually the linesman that gave the penalty. The keeper's come out; if
he comes out like that he's got to get the ball - and he didn't get the
ball. The linesman's given it straight away - so we'll take that. The Dyer
incident? A penalty for sure, he grabbed him round the neck as far as I
could see. I sat upstairs today and I thought that was a definite penalty.
But we created some good chances in the second half.
Last week it was very flat and we started a bit edgy today. But once we got
going I think we showed what we are about and could have had a few more
goals near the end.
Confidence is a great thing and it came flooding back in the second half.
Craig could have had a couple of goals, and Bobby Zamora, So we're
delighted. Kieron Dyer got through the game and played very well for us - he
could have had one near the end. So we're delighted with the result and we
look forward to [next] Saturday. We've lost Julien Faubert which is a big
blow for us as he's a terrific player. So we brought Freddy in and we've
lost him. Matthew Upson's our fourth captain already this season because
Lucas Neill and Scott Parker are out - and we need those players back to
give us that competition. We're trying to build a decent squad here.
Everyone's talking about us at the moment and we've been getting a lot of
negative press, once again, this week. But we think we're spending wisely,
we're not going overboard and we're delighted with the business we've done.
But it's a long season and we'll see where we end up at the end of it. You
can start well - like I did on many occasions with Charlton - and finish
badly. I started badly at West Ham and we finished strongly last season so
it's the [whole] season you've got to look at. This pre-season we've got
Matty [Upson] back. He played 30 minutes for us last year and he's got
through pre-season so we're delighted with that. We've got Dean Ashton back
and we've got Danny Gabbidon back so that's three new signings as far as I'm
concerned, that's three new boys coming into the squad. Add that to the
people we've brought in ...
We're trying to make the squad competitive, but I was delighted with Matty
today. They had to hold firm here because it's a difficult place to come to.
A lot of balls went in the box at the end but we stuck to our task and
perhaps on the break we could have taken a few more goals. We can't quite
put our finger on what happened to us last week against Man City - it was
just so flat and laboured, and we needed to pick up today. We got the result
and we look forward to next week.
I hope all the boys that go off on international duty come back fit and
healthy because we've got a big game on Saturday."
Steve Bruce - Birmingham City
"The penalty? I think Craig Bellamy knew exactly what he was doing - it was
his experince over my goalkeeper's bit of naivety. But for me it was no
penalty because he's not gaining an advantage - the ball's out of play, he
wouldn't have been able to keep the ball in. It was very minimal contact, if
that. Bellamy's waiting for it, it's a wet slippy day ... I was determined
not to bleat about decisions but we've had two now. Is it that big
club/little club syndrome? We've had two howlers that have cost us dearly.
Arguably West Ham were the better team today, I've got no dispute about
that. We found it difficult because of the midweek game we had and West Ham
were fresher than us, so I can fully understand that.
But to hinge on a big decision like that, like the one on Wednesday night,
we feel harshly done by and very disappointed - and at this level. It's the
last thing you want to talk about, decisions, but they've gone against us in
the last couple of games. If the linesman has got any idea of the game at
all then he obviously understands that Bellamy's got no chance of keeping
that ball in play - the ball's out of play before there's any contact - if
there was any contact.
And as I've said, I think it's Bellamy playing for it all day long; he knew
exactly what he was doing and waited for it. As i've said, there might have
been a bit of naivety in my goalkeeper but it's an honest decision. I'm not
calling him or criticising him whatever, I'm saying it's that contentious
issue again that I know that Bellamy's looking for it - and fair play to
him, we all know the game. What we ask for then is for the linesman to make
a decision, and the right one - and for me he's made the wrong one.
If Bellamy is going to take the ball round him and stick it in the net then
I can understand. But the ball's near the corner flag, in the stand before
there's any bloody contact - so I'm very disappointed. Again, we feel
harshly done by that a team hasn't played in midweek. We've had to play last
Sunday against Chelsea, and [Sunderland on Wednesday]. People are going to
scratch their heads and say 'hang on a minute, you've only played three
games this season' - but it's an advantage for a team not to be playing in
midweek against a team that has."
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Birmingham City 0 West Ham United 1 - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 18th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
A Mark Noble spot-kick was enough to earn the Hammers their first win of the
campaign. Noble scored the only goal of the game with just 20 minutes left
on the clock to secure a first three points of the season for United against
newly-promoted Birmingham at St.Andrews this afternoon. However the home
side will claim they should have had a penalty of their own moments later
when Bobby Zamora appeared to bundle Gary McSheffrey over inside the area -
not so, according to referee Mark Halsey who predicatably left the pitch at
the end of the game to a chorus of boos. Both Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy
had chances to add a second in the final moments of the game but Bellamy's
effort was well saved whilst Dyer's attempted lob - when clean through on
goal - was not a moment he'll wish to remember. The Hammers went into the
game featuring just two of Alan Curbishley's summer signings; Craig Bellamy
making his second consecutive start and Kieron Dyer, making his debut after
signing from Newcastle in midweek. Missing still however were Scott Parker
and Lucas Neill, whilst Freddy Ljungberg was also out after sustaining a
midweek knock in training. Next up for Alan Curbishley's side are early
league leaders Wigan. Whether chairman Dave Whelen dares to show his face at
the Boleyn Ground following his attempts to have the Hammers relegated last
season remains to be seen.
West Ham United: Green, Spector (Gabbidon 85), Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney,
Dyer, Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Bellamy, Zamora.
Subs not used: Walker, Bowyer, Boa Morte, Ashton.
Goals: Noble (70 pen).
Birmingham City: Doyle, Parnaby, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Kelly, Larsson, Muamba
(Sadler 80), Nafti (Jerome 75), Kapo, O'Connor, Forssell (MCSheffrey 65).
Subs not used: Vine, Taylor.
Referee: Mark Halsey.
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Soccer-Former West Ham player Boere dies aged 39 - Reuters
Sat Aug 18, 2007 7:04PM BST
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Former West Ham United striker
Jeroen Boere died in his house in Spain on Thursday, Dutch radio station RTV
Rijnmond said on Saturday. The 39-year-old, who retired from football in
1999 when he lost an eye after being stabbed in Japan, worked in Spain as
real estate agent. Cause of death could not be confirmed. Boere started his
professional career at Excelsior Rotterdam before joining West Ham in 1993.
He also played for Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and
Southend United.
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Noble on the spot for Hammers - SSN
West Ham scrap for victory against Blues
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 19th August 2007
A Mark Noble penalty was enough to separate the teams as West Ham claimed
their first points of the season with a 1-0 victory at Birmingham. Kieron
Dyer, on his West Ham debut, could have been awarded a penalty after just a
few minutes when he was tugged down by Stephen Kelly, but the rest of the
first half was a largely forgettable, scrappy affair. The Hammers produced a
much better performance in the second half and took the lead in the 70th
minute when Noble tucked away his spot-kick after Craig Bellamy had been
brought down by goalkeeper Colin Doyle. Robert Green was forced to make a
number of fine saves in the closing stages as Birmingham battled valiantly
for an equaliser, but to no avail.
Noble impressed in the centre of the park - the only survivor in that
department from the side which faced Manchester City - and the margin of
victory would have been greater had Bobby Zamora showed more clinical
finishing. Dyer appealed in vain for a penalty after being challenged by
Kelly following a typical surge into the home area. Garry O'Connor, who
scored his first goal for City in the mid-week draw with Sunderland, tried
his luck from 25 yards out but screwed his shot across the face of the goal.
In the 25th minute Rahdi Jaidi handled some 35 yards from the Birmingham
goal and Noble's fierce skidding drive beat the dive of Doyle but thumped
against the post. Blues retaliated and Mikael Forssell would have been
disappointed to have sliced his shot well wide when he bore down on the
Hammers goal. Birmingham's best attempt of the opening half came in
injury-time when Robert Green parried Jaidi's shot after Forssell's initial
attempt had been blocked following a Larsson free-kick.
West Ham looked more dangerous after the break and Zamora twice should have
done better in the space of three minutes. The ex Brighton player should
have at least hit the target after controlling a deep Ferdinand cross but
lofted over the bar. Then Zamora volleyed over from close range after
another good run by Etherington. The Hammers finally went ahead after 68
minutes when Doyle was adjudged to have brought down Bellamy. Up stepped
Noble to make no mistake from the penalty spot and seal the win.
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Curbs happy with improvement - SSN
Hammers boss glad to claim first win
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 18th August 2007
Alan Curbishley was pleased to see West Ham get off the mark following his
side's 1-0 victory over Birmingham. The Hammers were disappointing as they
lost 2-0 to Manchester City last weekend, but they produced an improved
performance to pick up their first points of the season. Mark Noble scored
the winning goal from the penalty spot in the 70th minute, after Craig
Bellamy had been brought down by Colin Doyle. Curbishley told Sky Sports:
"Both teams struggled a bit in the first half with the conditions, but in
the second half we played well and I think the goal changed the game. It
settled us down and we went on to produce the football I know we've got in
this team. "We're quick on the break and we did that on three or four
occasions, but we just didn't finish it. "But you need to get that first
win. We were all so disappointed with last week but now we can move on and
we're looking forward to next week."
Curbishley also insisted his side had deserved their penalty, amid
suggestions from Birmingham boss Steve Bruce that it was a 'harsh' decision
from referee Mark Halsey. "The keeper's come and committed himself and once
you do that you have to make sure you get the ball," Curbishley commented.
"I thought we had one in the first half on Kieron Dyer."
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Birmingham 0-1 West Ham: Noble on the spot - Soccernet
Matthew Upson had the last laugh on the the Birmingham boo-boys as Mark
Noble's second-half penalty secured a 1-0 victory for West Ham. Upson,
skippering the side in the absence of Lucas Neill, received a hostile
reception on his first return to St Andrews since his £6million January move
to Upton Park.
But Noble ensured Alan Curbishley's side regained their pride after the home
reversal by Manchester City with a 68th minute spot-kick after Blues keeper
Colin Doyle was adjudged to have brought down Craig Bellamy. It leaves
Birmingham still searching for their first win of the campaign - and in
desperate need of a midfield playmaker before the transfer window closes in
two weeks.
The Hammers, who gave a debut to £6million capture Kieron Dyer, deserved
their success for an improved second-half performance after neither side
looked threatening in the first half. Noble impressed in the centre of the
park - the only survivor in that department from the side which faced
Manchester City - and the margin of victory would have been greater had
Bobby Zamora showed more clinical finishing. Liam Ridgewell again impressed
at the heart of the increasingly over-worked City back four and when they
ventured forward, too often the final ball was lacking in creativity. Hayden
Mullins became the first player to be yellow-carded after five minutes for
holding back Birmingham midfielder Sebastian Larsson. Dyer appealed in vain
for a penalty after being challenged by Stephen Kelly following a typical
surge into the home area. Garry O'Connor, who scored his first goal for City
in the midweek draw with Sunderland, tried his luck from 25 yards out but
screwed his shot across the face of the goal. Blues major shareholder Carson
Yeung looked on from the directors' box - and saw the woodwork deny West Ham
from taking a 25th-minute lead. Rahdi Jaidi handled some 35 yards from the
Birmingham goal and Noble's fierce skidding drive beat the dive of Colin
Doyle but thumped against the post. Blues retaliated and Mikael Forssell
would have been disappointed to have sliced his shot well wide when he bore
down on the Hammers goal.
Doyle looked uncertain in the air on more than one occasion but reacted well
to cling on to a fierce drive across the box from Spector, which took a
wicked deflection off Jaidi. Parnaby became the first Birmingham player to
be yellow-carded after 34 minutes for fouling George McCartney. Spector was
also booked for showing dissent towards a linesman after disputing a
free-kick awarded against him for a challenge on Larsson. Birmingham's best
attempt of the opening half came in injury-time when Robert Green parried
Rahdi Jaidi's shot after Forssell's initial attempt had been blocked
following a Larsson free-kick. West Ham looked more dangerous after the
break and a mazy run by Noble took him to the byline before squaring the
ball back into the path of Craig Bellamy. His first-time shot was blocked by
Ridgewell and the ball eventually squirmed out of play. Doyle did well to
block an effort from Etherington and Kelly put in a great challenge to halt
Zamora in the box. It was now all West Ham and Zamora twice should have done
better in the space of three minutes. The ex-Brighton player should have at
least hit the target after controlling a deep Ferdinand cross but lofted
over the bar. Then Zamora volleyed over from close range after another good
run by Etherington.
The Hammers finally went ahead after 68 minutes when Doyle was adjudged to
have brought down Bellamy on the right side of the box. Up stepped Noble to
make no mistake from the penalty spot. City substitute McSheffrey forced
Green to tip a skidding 30-yard free-kick around the post. Bellamy could
have opened his Hammers account, but his volley was only half-hit and saved
by Doyle, who also denied Dyer after he raced completely clear.
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley insisted there had been no bust-up between
himself and striker Craig Bellamy as a Mark Noble penalty sealed a 1-0
Barclays Premier League victory at Birmingham. Curbishley was incensed by
reports there had been a disagreement between him and summer signing Bellamy
in the aftermath of the opening-day 2-0 reversal by Manchester City. It was
Bellamy who won the penalty midway through the second half which enabled
Noble to settle the issue at a rain-swept St Andrews. Curbishley said: 'I
can only say that reports I've had a bust-up with Craig are absolute
nonsense. I can't begin to wonder why this sort of thing is happening. There
seems to be some sort of agenda out there. 'I seem to be a bit of a target
at the moment. If it is not me, then it is the club.' 'What can I do about
it? I can't say anything else but that nothing happened with Craig. It's
completely untrue. I've just got to get on with things.'
Curbishley accepted speculation over his future or that of any Premier
League manager would be inevitable if they are lingering in the bottom six
by September. He said: 'It is the life we lead. We know it is around the
corner. If your side is in the bottom six after the first month or two then
it is something people can get their teeth into. 'What can I do? I can't
keep trying to defend myself about everything that is said.'
Curbishley was delighted with the response of his players after being beaten
by Sven-Goran Eriksson's City and with sharper finishing they would have ran
out more comfortable winners. He said: 'It was such a flat game against
Manchester City. There was lots of work that had to be done in training this
week. 'I think both sides found it tricky in the first half with the
gale-force winds and driving rain but we were strong after the break. 'We
are a pacy side who have got the ability to break and the confidence came
back when we got going.' 'As for the penalty, it is one of those where if
the keeper comes out he has got to get the ball. I don't think he did. It
was one of those where sometimes you get a penalty and sometimes you don't.
We were just delighted to get it.'
Blues manager Steve Bruce felt incensed for the second time in 72 hours
after believing his keeper Colin Doyle had also been fouled when Sunderland
scored their last-gasp equaliser in Wednesday's 2-2 draw. He said: 'I didn't
intend to come out here and bleat and West Ham were the better side. 'But in
my view it wasn't a penalty against Colin. It was an experienced player
(Bellamy) knowing exactly what he was doing and there was a bit of
inexperience from my keeper. 'He has made a genuine attempt to play the ball
and any contact at all was minimal. We have now had two decisions go against
us in three games and they have cost us dearly. 'I did wonder if it was a
case of the big club versus little club syndrome. The big clubs always do
seem to get the decisions against the small clubs and we've been on the end
of two howlers in my opinion. 'I also felt we paid the penalty of three
games in six days whereas West Ham hadn't played since last weekend. 'I
would've liked to freshen up the midfield after the miles we have covered
there against Chelsea, Sunderland and now West Ham but injuries meant I
couldn't do that.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mark Noble eases heat on West Ham
By Colin Malam at St Andrew's, Sunday Telegraph
Last Updated: 11:10pm BST 18/08/2007
Birmingham City (0) 0 West Ham United (0) 1
It looks as though the curse on West Ham may be lifting. Beaten at home on
the first day, threatened with legal action by Sheffield United and beset by
rumours of dressing-room unrest, they collected their first points with a
contentious penalty away from home.
St Andrew's has always been a lucky ground for the London club. They have
now won on five of their last six visits and last lost here 22 years ago.
Despite the controversial nature of their winning goal, by Mark Noble, they
deserved to beat a jaded Birmingham side who, unlike West Ham, had to play
in midweek.
Predictably, West Ham manager Alan Curbishley thought it was a perfectly
justified penalty when Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle dived at the feet
of Craig Bellamy, and Steve Bruce, his Birmingham counterpart, did not. "The
keeper came, and when you come like that you've got to get the ball and I
don't think he did," Curbishley said.
"My view at the time was it wasn't a penalty," Bruce replied, "and I'm not
just saying that because I'm expected to say it. I've seen it on TV, and if
there was any contact it was minimal. We've had two [refereeing] howlers in
four days, in my opinion, and it's cost us dear."
Bruce was referring to the referee's failure to spot that Doyle was being
held down by an opponent when Sunderland scored their late equaliser here
three days earlier. While Bruce railed against the fates, Curbishley
defended himself robustly against the claim that he and Bellamy had rowed
following the opening defeat by Manchester City. "It's absolute nonsense,"
the West Ham manager said.
"I can't begin to wonder why it's happening. There seems to be some sort of
agenda out there, and I seem to be a bit of target at the moment. If it's
not me, it's the club; but what can I do about it? I can't say anything else
than it never happened, and I just can't believe it's come out."
A poor opening 45 minutes here contained just three scoring chances, two at
the Birmingham end. In the 25th minute, the outstanding Noble drilled a
30-yard free kick against the foot of a post. Then, six minutes later, Doyle
dived to save a shot by Jonathan Spector that was deflected by Radhi Jaidi's
leg.
West Ham had always looked more likely to score than Birmingham, who did not
trouble goalkeeper Robert Green until stoppage time. With the interval
looming, Jaidi's close-range shot forced Green into a diving save when a
Sebastian Larsson free kick was half cleared.
With a fresher West Ham upping the tempo, the second half was much livelier.
Matthew Etherington, in
particular, began to make inroads down the left, but it was Bellamy's run
down the right that brought the breakthrough. As he and Doyle arrived at the
ball, it was difficult
to tell whether the Birmingham goalkeeper had got a hand to the ball, as he
claimed, before taking Bellamy's legs. The assistant referee on that side
had no doubts however and, to Birmingham's fury, signalled a penalty.
Noble took the kick and sent Doyle completely the wrong way with a shot into
the bottom corner. It was nip and tuck from then on. Green saved superbly
from substitute Gary McSheffrey but, at the other end, Doyle had to be quick
off his line to deny the £7 million Keiron Dyer, making a disappointing
debut, and Bellamy.
Match summary
Moment of the match: When Birmingham goalkeeper Colin Doyle was adjudged to
have brought down Craig Bellamy. Was it a penalty or not?
Match rating: 6/10
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Birmingham pay penalty as Noble gets Hammers off the mark - This Is London
18.08.07
West Ham's first points of the season were wreathed in controversy at
Birmingham yesterday. This is nothing new, of course, to a club whose
survival in the Premiership prompted outraged indignation in the boardrooms
of Sheffield United and Wigan as directors disputed West Ham's claims that
Carlos Tevez was registered at Upton Park in accordance with the rules.
Tevez, as we know, vacated his place in the West Ham dressing room almost as
soon as the final whistle had blown on a season of endless acrimony.
As a replacement for the diminutive Argentine striker,West Ham manager Alan
Curbishley bought Craig Bellamy,a diminutive Welshman with an uncanny
propensity for provoking unflattering headlines. Bellamy's day dawned with a
published allegation that he had engaged Curbishley in a slanging match
after West Ham had been beaten by Manchester City on the opening day of the
season.
By mid-afternoon, he was central to the fateful moment that condemned
Birmingham to defeat by a hotly disputed penalty. In the 70th minute Bellamy
fell to the ground inside the Birmingham area under challenge from
goalkeeper Colin Doyle, who had sprinted from his line in the hope of
intercepting a pass from Kieron Dyer, making his West Ham debut.
Referee Mark Halsey checked instantly with his assistant, Mo Matadar, then
pointed to the spot. Cue pandemonium.
An assortment of Birmingham players pleaded that Bellamy had been second to
the ball and order was only restored after captain Liam Ridgewell was
cautioned for dissent. Mark Noble, by some distance the best player on the
field, claimed West Ham's first goal of the season with a calmly executed
penalty. "One-nil to the Cockney Boys," sang West Ham's travelling
supporters. "One-nil to the referee" retorted Birmingham's fans. Somewhat
predictably, Curbishley and Birmingham manager Steve Bruce offered
contradictory accounts of a decision that made one man's weekend and
flat-lined the other's day off. "It was a penalty," said Curbishley. "When a
goalkeeper comes out like that he has to make contact with the ball — and he
didn't. Bellamy was the one who got a touch."
Bruce disagreed, with the hang-dog look of a man already feeling the strain
of Birmingham's return to the Premiership that has reaped a solitary point
from three games. "I've seen the TV replay and it's arguable that there is
any contact between my goalkeeper and Bellamy, who jumps out of the road as
you'd expect from someone who doesn't want to get hit by a man 6ft 4in
tall," said Bruce.
"If Bellamy had control of the ball,he might have had a case. But he hadn't
— the ball was in the stand." Bruce sighed aloud. In midweek, he felt
aggrieved that Doyle had been fouled as Stern John equalised in the dying
moments for Sunderland. "We've had two howlers in four days — and that's
cost us dear."
At least Bruce conceded West Ham had been far the better team; which was not
saying a great deal. The game was over an hour old before Noble's tireless
performance enabled West Ham to take control. Bellamy, Dyer and Bobby Zamora
squandered chances to make the afternoon less of an ordeal for Curbishley,
who had awoken to allegations that he'd had a verbal bust-up with Bellamy.
"Absolute nonsense," said Curbishley. "It never happened. There seems to be
an agenda out there and I seem to be a bit of a target. But what can I do?"
The past week had been spent, he explained, trying to improve the lifeless
performance West Ham offered against Sven Goran Eriksson's new club a week
ago.
Noble, the only player to survive in midfield, had been subjected to a
post-mortem of his own listless game.
"Mark lost his way last week," said Curbishley. "We had a chat and showed
him some clips from last season and we showed him some clips from last week.
It was chalk and cheese — and he'll be pleased with his game today."
At the final whistle Curbishley offered his assistant Mervyn Day a
congratulatory embrace. As the players left the field, some witnesses
alleged Bellamy had been involved in a scuffle with a Birmingham player. "I
didn't see anything," said Bruce. "But it's not a surprise anyway, is it?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers make Blues pay penalty - teamTalk
Matthew Upson had the last laugh on the the Birmingham boo-boys as Mark
Noble's second-half penalty secured a 1-0 victory for West Ham. Upson,
skippering the Hammers in the absence of Lucas Neill, received a hostile
reception on his first return to St Andrews since his £6million January move
to Upton Park. But Noble ensured Alan Curbishley's side regained their pride
after last weekend's home reversal by Manchester City with a 68th-minute
spot-kick after Blues goalkeeper Colin Doyle was adjudged to have brought
down Craig Bellamy. It leaves Birmingham still searching for their first win
of the Premier League campaign - and in desperate need of a midfield
play-maker before the transfer window closes in two weeks. The Hammers, who
gave a debut to £6million capture Kieron Dyer, deserved their success for an
improved second-half performance after neither side looked threatening in
the first half. Noble impressed in the centre of the park - the only
survivor in that department from the side which faced Manchester City - and
the margin of victory would have been greater had Bobby Zamora showed more
clinical finishing. Liam Ridgewell again impressed at the heart of the
increasingly over-worked City back four and when they ventured forward, too
often the final ball was lacking in creativity. Hayden Mullins became the
first player to be yellow carded after five minutes for holding back Blues
midfielder Sebastian Larsson. Dyer appealed in vain for a penalty after
being challenged by Stephen Kelly following a typical surge into the home
area. Garry O'Connor, who scored his first goal for Blues in the midweek
draw with Sunderland, tried his luck from 25 yards out but screwed his shot
across the face of the goal. Blues major shareholder Carson Yeung looked on
from the directors box - and saw the woodwork deny West Ham from taking a
25th-minute lead. Radhi Jaidi handled some 35 yards from the Birmingham goal
and Noble's fierce skidding drive beat the dive of Doyle but thumped against
the post.
Blues retaliated and Mikael Forssell would have been disappointed to have
sliced his shot well wide when he bore down on the Hammers goal. Doyle
looked uncertain in the air on more than one occasion but reacted well to
cling onto a fierce drive across the box from Jonathan Spector which took a
wicked deflection off Jaidi. tuart Parnaby became the first Birmingham
player to be yellow-carded after 34 minutes for fouling George McCartney.
Spector was also booked for showing dissent towards a linesman after
disputing a free-kick awarded against him for a challenge on Larsson.
Birmingham's best attempt of the opening half came in injury-time when
Robert Green parried Jaidi's shot after Forssell's initial attempt had been
blocked following a Larsson free-kick.
West Ham looked more dangerous after the break and a mazy run by Noble took
him to the by-line before squaring the ball back into the path of Bellamy.
His first-time shot was blocked by Ridgewell and the ball eventually
squirmed out of play. Doyle did well to block an effort from Matt
Etherington and Kelly put in a great challenge to halt Zamora in the box. It
now all West Ham and Zamora twice should have done better in the space of
three minutes. The ex-Brighton player should have at least hit the target
after controlling a deep Anton Ferdinand cross but lofted over the bar. Then
Zamora volleyed over from close range after another good run by Etherington.
The Hammers finally went ahead after 68 minutes when Doyle was adjudged to
have brought down Bellamy on the right side of the box. Up stepped Noble to
make no mistake from the penalty spot. City substitute Gary McSheffrey
forced Green to tip a skidding 30-yard free-kick around the post. Bellamy
could have opened his Hammers account but his volley was only half-hit and
saved by Doyle, who also denied Dyer after he raced completely clear.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bruce: Upson has no England future - TeamTalk
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has predicted Matthew Upson will not play for
England again ahead of his return to St Andrews with West Ham. Bruce admits
he was upset when Upson joined the Hammers in January as Birmingham were
pushing hard for promotion back to the Premier League. He also doubts Upson
will be unable to get back into the international squad. He said: "When
asked the question of whether Upson could get back into the England side, my
honest answer 'is I don't think so'. That is not meant to be disrespectful
to the player. "I think where we are blessed in this country in that we have
fantastic central defenders. Really good ones. "The most important thing for
Matt is to remain fit and get over his serious injury. "I think his
reception back at Birmingham will be okay although the fans are a hard lot
to call. "I am pleased he has now got himself fit and I watched him last
week. "He played well for Birmingham and the peak for him was when he got
himself into the England set-up. "I wish him well and hope he stays
injury-free to get on with his career."
Bruce, who feels his side have shown some promising early season form,
admits it is important to get their first win as soon as possible and is
looking for a successful outcome against West Ham following the opening day
defeat at Chelsea and Wednesday's 2-2 draw with Sunderland. He acknowledges
it will put added pressure on West Ham boss Alan Curbishley but feels that
is unfair after what the Hammers boss achieved last season. Bruce said: "It
was a minor miracle what he did last season and to be under pressure after
only one game in the Premier League is ludicrous. "He has only been there
since last Christmas and is trying to gel the team and that takes time. "I
admit all Premier League clubs have thrown money around this summer. But
perhaps not so much as Alan Curbishley has had but these are still early
days."
Bruce is in an optimistic mood for Birmingham and added: "The pleasing point
was how we have equipped ourselves in the Premier League so far. "For a team
which has just been promoted, I think we are better off than we were three
or four years ago. The only problem is that everyone else has strengthened
as well. "But we look a far better team than what we had last year. I'm very
pleased with that. It will take a little time to settle particularly the
defence.
"Everyone I have brought in has something to prove either a bit of hunger, a
bit of desire or to do well in the Premier League. This is their big chance.
"After the first two games I've been encouraged. Obviously we now need a win
and home in the game against West Ham."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Birmingham 0 West Ham 1 - The Sun
August 18, 2007
MARK NOBLE netted from the spot as West Ham picked up their first win of the
season. After a 2-0 home defeat against Manchester City last weekend, the
Hammers bounced back to leave Birmingham with just one point from three
games. Noble tucked the ball away in the 70th minute after Brum keeper Craig
Doyle had sent Craig Bellamy tumbling in the box. But Blues boss Steve Bruce
felt his side were again on the wrong end of a bad refereeing decision. He
believed Doyle was fouled in the build-up to Sunderland's last-gasp
equaliser in Wednesday's 2-2 draw. And Bruce insisted his goalkeeper was the
innocent party again. He said: "I didn't intend to come out here and bleat
and West Ham were the better side. "But in my view it wasn't a penalty
against Colin. It was an experienced player (Bellamy) knowing exactly what
he was doing and there was a bit of inexperience from my keeper. "He has
made a genuine attempt to play the ball and any contact at all was minimal.
We have now had two decisions go against us in three games and they have
cost us dearly. I did wonder if it was a case of the big club versus little
club syndrome. "The big clubs always do seem to get the decisions against
the small clubs and we've been on the end of two howlers in my opinion. "I
also felt we paid the penalty of three games in six days whereas West Ham
hadn't played since last weekend."
A poor first half finally burst into life when Noble's low free-kick beat
Doyle before thumping the post. And the Hammers midfielder also provided
the next flash of brilliance, juggling the ball up and hitting a looping
volley high and wide. Birmingham looked shaky at the back and a comedy of
errors resulted in Doyle pushing away a shot from Hayden Mullins. Bellamy
raced away after being released by Bobby Zamora but the Welshman was left
with nothing more than a corner for his efforts. Against the run of play,
Birmingham came close on the stroke of half-time when Olivier Kapo tested
Rob Green. West Ham poured forward in the second half but Zamora spurned two
chances after the hour mark. He fired wide on the turn and was off target
again when Matt Etherington supplied him following a run down the left. The
Hammers finally made the breakthrough after Doyle crashed into the
hard-working Bellamy. Noble calmly converted from the spot and Rob Green
made sure of the the points with a late save from GaryMcSheffrey. Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley was delighted with the response of his players
following their opening-day defeat against Manchester City. He said: "It was
such a flat game against Manchester City. There was lots of work that had to
be done in training this week. "I think both sides found it tricky in the
first half with the gale-force winds and driving rain but we were strong
after the break. "We are a pacy side who have got the ability to break and
the confidence came back when we got going. "As for the penalty, it is one
of those where if the keeper comes out he has got to get the ball. I don't
think he did. "It was one of those where sometimes you get a penalty and
sometimes you don't. We were just delighted to get it."
Birmingham: Doyle, Parnaby, Jaidi, Ridgewell, Kelly, Larsson, Muamba (Sadler
80), Nafti (Jerome 75), Kapo, O'Connor, Forssell (McSheffrey 65). Subs Not
Used: Maik Taylor, Vine.
Booked: Parnaby, Nafti, Ridgewell, Kapo.
West Ham: Green, Spector (Gabbidon 86), Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Dyer,
Noble, Mullins, Etherington, Bellamy, Zamora. Subs Not Used: Walker, Ashton,
Bowyer, Boa Morte.
Booked: Mullins, Spector.
Goals: Noble 70 pen.
Att: 24,961
Ref: Mark Halsey (Lancashire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Noble Leaves His Mark For West Ham - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 19 August, 2007 - 07:39.
If you are good enough you are old enough is an old football adage, and that
is exactly the case with Mark Noble. Having endured a miserable opening home
game against Manchester City, Noble managed to put all the negativity behind
him and put in a fantastic man of the match performance for West Ham in
their victory over Birmingham at a rain and wind swept St Andrews.
The England U21 midfielder seemed to cover every blade of grass as he took
the game by the scruff of the neck, tenacious in the tackle and able to look
up to find the killer pass, it is no coincidence that his play has begun to
emulate that of a certain Carlitos Tevez! Noble is a quick learner and has
matured as a player beyond his years, the current dearth of exciting new
players coming through the England ranks will mean that he makes the step up
to the full national team sooner rather than later, West Ham fans will hope
that he doesn't continue in the familiar tradition of getting injured on or
even before his debut as did David James in the past and Dean Ashton more
recently.
It was so refreshing to see young Mark step up to the spot and take the
penalty that Bellamy had earned, no fear just a determination to do well
while wearing the Claret and Blue. One victory does not a season make,
especially as the opponents were a newly promoted club, but in reality the
score could have been five or six had Bobby Zamora not missed a hat trick of
chances and if new boy Kieron Dyer had not messed up his one on one with
Doyle.
Mathew Etherington has suddenly started to play like a potential
International once more, perhaps facing up to his well documented problems
has helped him focus, or maybe it is just the influence of Alan Curbishley,
his much maligned manager.
Captain for the day Mathew Upson looked considerably sharper than against
Man City, he also looked strong and fit as he launched into tackles with vim
and vigour, returning to his old club justed seemed to inspire his effort,
it is hoped that he can continue with his work rate on a regular basis and
stay free of injury!
All Premier League clubs have injury problems, some more than others, it is
how the fit players adapt to injuries and suspensions that holds the key to
success. West Ham did well against Brum, but Spector is no more than a good
back up player at right back and will take his place on the bench when Lucas
Neill returns, George McCartney did well enough and continues to impress,
but Hammers MUST get another left back in before the transfer window closes
for competition and security.
It will be interesting to see who lines up for the Wigan game, Curbs
obviously decided that he wouldn't risk Dean Ashton against 'Bruce's
Bruisers' but he will have to give him a start soon, The Z man really should
have tucked at least one of his chances away, it would be hard to imagine
Deano being so profligate.
All in all a good day's work, three points, a clean sheet and an away
victory have gone a long way to make up for the opening day debacle. - Ed
Player ratings:
Rob Green - 8 Another safe display that gives his defenders confidence.
Jonathan Spector - 5 Gave the ball away too often and looked out of his
depth .
Anton Ferdinand - 7 Perhaps his big brother has told him to put up or shut
up, much improved
Mathew Upson - 8 Solid and dependable, just what the doctor ordered
George McCartney - 7 Got up and down well, not a flare player but does his
job.
Hayden Mullins - 7 Again not pleasing on the eye but is a good midfield
destroyer.
Mark Noble - 9 Man of the Match, superb, ran Brum ragged
Kieron Dyer - 7 He does have lightening pace, if he had put his chance away
it would have been a dream debut.
Mathew Etherington - 8 If Matty continues to play like this he will keep LBM
out of the team, back to his best but for how long?
Bobby Zamora - 5 Not one of the Z man's better days, plenty of effort but
finished like Bambi on ice.
Craig Bellamy - 7 Like him or loathe him he gets in opposing teams faces,
earned the Pen and showed blistering pace.
Danny Gabbidon - 6 Came on near the end for the shaky Spector.
* Curbs rating - 8 Much better than last week, the players look as if they
are beginning to believe in ol' sad eyes
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Neill: Chairman wrong to have Konchesky pop
tribalfooball.com - August 18, 2007
West Ham captain Lucas Neill insists Alan Curbishley has the support of the
dressing room. Neill said: "Everybody is completely behind the manager."
But the Aussie defender also said that Paul Konchesky had the right of reply
after chairman Eggert Magnusson claimed the club had got rid of its "bad
eggs" over the summer. In response, Konchesky claimed there were "a lot of
unhappy players" at the club. "Obviously our chairman started it, I
suppose," Neill said of Konchesky's remarks. "Paul has moved on now, I wish
him all the best."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle aim to pip West Ham for Reading's Shorey
tribalfooball.com - August 18, 2007
Newcastle United are ready to outbid West Ham for Reading left-back Nicky
Shorey. The News of the World says Toon boss Sam Allardyce is Shorey and is
ready to bid £5.75m this week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's winner causes bother for Bruce - The Times
Birmingham 0 West Ham 1
Duncan Castles at St Andrews
JUST an average Saturday afternoon for Craig Bellamy. Back-page news in the
morning for an alleged set-to with his new boss, by early evening he was
being accused of illegally engineering the penalty that earned West Ham
United an important, if extremely unglamorous, win at Birmingham City and
scrapping with an opponent in the tunnel.
Alan Curbishley defended his summer signing on all three counts - no
shouting match last weekend, didn't know anything about an alleged shoving
match with Mehdi Nafti postmatch, and no question that goalkeeper Colin
Doyle has cleaned Bellamy out for the decisive spot kick. Steve Bruce
wholeheartedly disagreed on the last point.
"When you see it on TV it's arguable whether there's any contact," said the
Birmingham manager. "The referee and linesman are 15 yards away from it and
Bellamy jumps out of the road - he doesn't want to be clattered by someone
who is 6ft 4in. If there's no contact and there's no advantage to it because
he can't get the ball then why is it a penalty?" Because there had been
contact, argued his opposite number.
"Bellamy got a touch on the ball and once the keeper comes and gets himself
in that position it's difficult; you've got to get contact on the ball and
he never got it," said Curbishley, who angrily knocked down reports that
Bellamy had torn strips off him after the previous weekend. "Absolute
nonsense," he said. "There is an agenda out there and if I'm not the target,
it's the club.
"What can I do? I can't say anything else other than it never happened and I
can't believe it came out." Curbishley was not alone in his bemusement
yesterday. The morning papers regaled City supporters with new shareholder
Carson Yeung's plans for "100 Chinese restaurants" in Birmingham and 10
football schools in China. The programme had co-president David Sullivan
first assuring them the club would not be sold "until we think someone can
do a better job of running BCFC than us" then berating them for being too
few in number.
Their team was down in number, too, as Arsenal loanee Johan Djourou failed a
prematch fitness test. For the Hammers, Jonathan Spector stayed at right
back as the manager decided not to risk Lucas Neill and the newly acquired
Kieron Dyer was rushed onto the wing after Freddie Ljungberg strained his
groin in training. Within five minutes, Dyer was spitting abuse at Mark
Halsey for not awarding a penalty when Stephen Kelly leaned on him in the
area.
It was far from edifying stuff - Hayden Mullins booked for tugging back
Sebastian Larsson and Bellamy running his studs down Liam Ridgewell's
shinpad. Mark Noble smuggled a 30-yard free kick through Birmingham's wall
and off an upright, Garry O'Connor a reverse header into Robert Green's
arms.
As the neutral observer began to wonder exactly how many Chinese restaurants
Birmingham currently boasts, Radhi Jaidi half-volleyed through a congested
penalty area and drew a fine save from Green.
No changes at half-time, but at least West Ham started to exert some
pressure on goal.
Noble teed up Craig Bellamy for a shot that drifted marginally wide and
Bobby Zamora knocked two chances off target. At the other end, they defended
en masse, challenging Birmingham to attack. With three holding midfielders
on and Bruce only prepared to switch Forssell for Gary McSheffrey, their
reluctance to do so proved expensive.
Dyer finally managed to put Bellamy into the kind of space where he hurts
defences, running beyond the centre-backs and at the keeper. Doyle came out
to meet him, diving at feet and ball. Though the Irishman connected with
both, Halsey's linesman deemed the first contact illegal and West Ham had
the spot kick. Noble sent Doyle the wrong way and his team into the lead.
Belatedly, Bruce added striker Cameron Jerome for the final quarter, yet
Green's sole moment of concern came when McSheffrey drove a long-range free
kick under his defensive wall. Very much to type, Dyer spurned a far cleaner
opportunity when left one-on-one as a poor game came to a poor end.
Bruce suggested his team had lost because of the big club-small club
syndrome. "We have now had two decisions go against us in three games and
they have cost us," he said. "The big clubs always do seem to get the
decisions against the small clubs and we've been on the end of two howlers
in my opinion.
"I also felt we paid the penalty of three games in six days whereas West Ham
hadn't played since last weekend."
Player ratings: Birmingham: Doyle 6, Parnaby 5, Jaidi 6, Ridgewell 6, Kelly
5, Larsson 5, Muamba 5 (Sadler, 80min), Nafti 5 (Jerome, 75min), Kapo 5,
O'Connor 6, Forssell 6 (McSheffrey, 65min)
West Ham: Green 6, Spector 5 (Gabbidon, 86min), Upson 6, Ferdinand 6,
McCartney 6, Dyer 6, Noble 7, Mullins 5, Etherington 6, Zamora 5, Bellamy 6
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bruce fumes as Bellamy eases pressure on Curbishley
Duncan Mackay at St Andrews
Sunday August 19, 2007
The Observer
Few players appear to thrive on conflict and controversy quite like Craig
Bellamy, who started yesterday by making one of his regular appearances on
the back pages of a tabloid and ended it by allegedly getting involved in an
incident in the tunnel with Birmingham players after being accused of diving
to earn the penalty that ensured West Ham of their first victory of the
season.
Shipped out of Liverpool, the club he supported as a boy, months after
attacking a team-mate with a golf club, the Welshman has not taken long at
his new club to demonstrate that the drama associated with his career has
not left him - nor does it ever seem likely to.
It had been reported on the morning of the match that Bellamy had been
involved in an angry confrontation with his manager Alan Curbishley after
their opening-day defeat against West Ham. That, coupled with criticism from
former Hammer Paul Konchesky that Curbishley was not liked by his players,
had left the manager facing unprecedented early-season pressure.
Curbishley claimed the story was a figment of a reporter's imagination, but
it is a measure of Bellamy's reputation that everyone was prepared to
believe it was true.
Keeping a low profile is not something that figures in Bellamy's character
and it was no surprise that he should be at the centre of the match's
pivotal moment in the 70th minute. He was chasing a long ball that he
appeared to have little opportunity of reaching when he managed to get a toe
to it just as Birmingham keeper Colin Doyle came rushing out to dive at his
feet. Bellamy went sprawling, but it was only when linesman Mo Matadar
signalled that referee Mark Halsey pointed to the spot.
A chaotic few moments ensued - with Bellamy at the epicentre of it - before
order was restored and Mark Noble, so disappointing against Manchester City
on the opening day of the season that Curbishley had sat him down and shown
him tapes of his performances in the latter part of last season to remind
him of what he was capable of, stepped up and confidently tucked away the
penalty.
Steve Bruce was so angry with Mr Matadar that he continued to harangue him
for the rest of the match, while at the final whistle Bellamy walked off
with Birmingham's Mehdi Nafti inches from his right ear, giving him a piece
of his mind. It later allegedly became more physical.
Bruce admitted that even television evidence was inconsequential, but came
down heavy on the side of the opinion there had 'been minimal contact'.
Adding to his anger was that Doyle had been fouled during the midweek match
against Sunderland, which had contributed greatly to their last-minute
equaliser. 'You do wonder if it's big club v little club syndrome,' Bruce
said. 'They [the big clubs] do seem to get them [the decisions].'
A persecution complex seems to be stalking the minds of the Premier League
managers this season because, even in victory, Curbishley was claiming he
was the target of unidentified forces and the story about Bellamy was
'absolute nonsense'. He said: 'I can't begin to wonder why it's happening.
There seems to be an agenda out there. I seem to be a bit of a target at the
moment. It [the Bellamy incident] never happened. I've just been speaking to
Eggert [Magnusson] and he's a bit fed up with it.'
Bruce, for one, would perhaps be justified in thinking that just because you
are paranoid, it does not mean they are not out to get you, especially with
the prospect of Hong Kong businessman Carson Yeung, who now owns nearly 30
per cent of Birmingham, taking over full control by Christmas.
He has a record of interfering in team affairs from his involvement in Hong
Kong football and will hardly have been convinced he can turn Birmingham
into every Chinese fan's favourite club on the evidence of what he saw here.
Apart from a couple of saves from Robert Green - a shot from Radhi Jaidi and
a Gary McSheffrey free-kick in the 84th minute - Birmingham never looked
like scoring.
Even Bruce conceded that West Ham were the better side and things could have
been much worse if Kieron Dyer, making his debut after his £7million move
from Newcastle, and Bellamy had taken opportunities in the dying seconds in
one-on-one situations with Doyle only to fire at his legs each time.
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United front for Blades and Joorabchian against West Ham
Jamie Jackson
Sunday August 19, 2007
The Observer
Kia Joorabchian and Sheffield United are working together against West Ham
and the Premier League, in a bid to overturn what they see as the injustice
of the Carlos Tevez affair. Significantly, Joorabchian has drawn to United's
attention a document dated 1 December 2006, reputed to be an amendment to
the player's original contract made after West Ham had been acquired by
their new owners.
Joorabchian is co-operating with Sheffield United because he is unhappy that
the Premier League made him pay West Ham £2m before allowing Tevez's
transfer to Manchester United and because he is thought to be under pressure
from the financial backers of his MSI organisation. As predicted in Observer
Sport on 6 May, Sheffield United started legal action against West Ham this
week, seeking millions of pounds in compensation for their relegation from
the Premier League.
West Ham escaped a deduction of points by a Premier League commission in
part because the fault was seen to lay with the previous owners of the club.
In a letter been seen by Observer Sport, Kevin McCabe, the Sheffield United
chairman, has written to Richard Scudamore, the league's chief executive,
with the new evidence. McCabe believes it shows that the original judgment
was crucially flawed.
McCabe wrote: 'We were particularly astonished to learn Mr Tevez's owners
did not rely on contracts disclosed... to the Premier League in January.
Instead Tevez's owners produced an entirely different agreement, which they
say was signed by West Ham on 1 December 2006 - after West Ham had been
acquired by its new owners. The importance of a third party agreement
executed by West Ham's new owners cannot be overstated.'
McCabe then claims this shows that Eggert Magnusson, the new West Ham
chairman, 'misled' the commission into believing 'they had come to the
affair with clean hands'. West Ham were unavailable for comment when The
Observer attempted to put these claims to the club.
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Former West Ham player Boere dies aged 39 - The Observer
ROTTERDAM, Netherlands, Aug 18 (Reuters) - Former West Ham United striker
Jeroen Boere died in his house in Spain on Thursday, Dutch radio station RTV
Rijnmond said on Saturday. The 39-year-old, who retired from football in
1999 when he lost an eye after being stabbed in Japan, worked in Spain as
real estate agent. Cause of death could not be confirmed. Boere started his
professional career at Excelsior Rotterdam before joining West Ham in 1993.
He also played for Portsmouth, West Bromwich Albion, Crystal Palace and
Southend United.
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Vinny's Birmingham Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Sun Aug 19 2007
Birmingham City 0 West Ham United 1
Mark Noble second half penalty was enough to secure a victory and give West
Ham their first win of the season on a depressing wet day at St Andrews.
A very poor and lacklustre first half was followed by a high tempo second
period where we battered Birmingham but awful finishing saw us only securing
victory courtesy of a penalty which Craig Bellamy won and Noble converted.
There was no doubt that it was a deserved win and the second half
improvement was encouraging.
Changes were made to the side which lost to Manchester City on the opening
day. In midfield Matthew Etherington replaced Luis Boa Morte on the left,
Hayden Mullins replaced Lee Bowyer in the middle and on the right there was
a debut for new signing Kieran Dyer who replaced the injured Freddie
Ljungberg.
It was a slow start to the game with fouls being committed every other
minute (a theme which would continue throughout) and Hayden Mullins found
himself in the referee's book after tugging on the shirt of Larsson. This
booking had come shortly after a lunging tackle on Matthew Upson which went
unpunished by a very inconsistent Mark Hasley.
We failed to get any pattern of play together and it seemed as though we
were just carrying on where we left against Man City. Despite this
Birmingham offered very little and it was our supporters who were up on
their feet as Kieran Dyer burst into the area only to be wrestled to the
floor by Stephen Kelly. The referee and linesman both missed it and the
protests were waved away when it really was a stonewall penalty.
The game found itself full of niggling fouls and constant free kicks.
Neither side could find any flow to their football and this made for
frustrating watching.
It was one of these free kicks which we nearly capitalized on when Jahdi
handballed when under pressure from Bobby Zamora. Mark Noble stepped up to
hit a low powerful 25 yard drive at goal which smashed off the post and out.
I thought Birmingham would offer a lot more than they were doing and it was
only our own mistakes which were letting them into the game. Forsell and
O'Connor had both had chances which they finished poorly but overall the
newly promoted side were little threat to Robert Green's goal.
A corner played in by Noble was met by Ferdinand but he couldn't direct his
header goalwards and shortly after a pass by Mullins found Spector who had a
dig at goal.
It would be Birmingham who would have the best chance of the first half just
before the whistle went for half time. A silly free kick was given away (one
of many) and the cross into the box fell to Jahdi who got a shot away from
about 15 yards. It went through the onrushing players and Robert Green had
to make a very good save to keep the scorline level.
I wasn't impressed by the first half and was worrying a little about the
stale state of our play and the lack of spark our team possessed. There
seemed like there was no one who could grab the game by the scruff of the
neck and make something happen – and if there was then they were not showing
there true ability. The second half would make those players stand out and
bring some confidence back to this supporter.
We came out with an urgency which was unexpected, but much needed. Space was
beginning to open up for the likes of Etherington and Bellamy who had both
been nullified in the first half.
A pull back cross from Etherington found Noble unmarked and his crashing
shot was charged down by a Birmingham defender.
Noble would again be involved moments later when he received the ball on the
left hand side. He superbly turned his marker, beat another and crossed for
Bellamy, but the strikers shot was simply awful and it was scuffed onto the
back of Dyer as the chance went.
A wonderful opportunity fell Zamora's was from Spector's cross. The ball was
played into the box and fell well for Zamora but his shot was garbage and it
sailed over the bar.
I was a little incensed at this point because I had been fed up of Bobby
Zamora's performance quite a while before that. Yes, I know there is an
eagerness to see Dean Ashton and maybe we are thinking he is going to
perform miracles too soon, but you can't get match fit without playing
matches.
Etherington showed his qualities when he got the ball on the left and went
for a direct run into the area. Defenders hate it when you run directly at
them, they don't know whether to commit to the tackle or let you go past
them. Etherington got into the box but took too long to pass the ball but
fortunately for him it looped in the air for Zamora to hit it on the volley
but it was a very poor finish.
Our luck would be in on the 70 minute mark as we were awarded a penalty. The
ball was won in midfield by Dyer and he played a nicely weighted ball
through to Bellamy. The keeper rushed out and Bellamy picked up speed and
got to the ball before the keeper, knocking it away and then getting
clattered. The ref didn't want to know but a delayed reaction from the
Linesman led to a penalty being awarded despite the grumblings of the
Birmingham players.
Somewhat surprisingly it was Mark Noble who was to take the penalty kick,
but he looked ultra confident as he stepped up and coolly knocked the ball
past Doyle to send West Ham's Claret and Blue Army wild. Players are quick
to kiss their clubs badges but you know when Noble does it he means it.
Birmingham put on a little pressure, forcing a few corners which were well
dealt with. Of course they would have that chance that every team gets when
needing to score. Fortunately for us we have Robert Green in our goal and
the long range free kick from McSheffrey was not enough to beat a man who
somehow was not in the recent England squad.
With minutes remaining and Birmingham commiting men forward we had two
golden chances to finish the game off but the embarrassing finishing
thwarted any hopes of that happening.
The first chance fell to Dyer after Etherington broke away, racing towards
goal and knocking a nice pass for Dyer in acres of space. But the new
signing had the touch of a rapist as he took the ball too wide and the
resulting finish was easily blocked.
Then next chance again came on the break as Bellamy was set away down the
left and as he raced into the box you were sure he would slot the ball past
the keeper but the shot was poor and the keeper again easily saved. Think
some shooting practice is needed.
The final whistle went after the three minutes of injury time was up to the
delight of the travelling West Ham fans. Job done.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
An easy enough day for Greeno today. He made the saves when he needed to and
he will be pleased with the two he made in both halves. His catching was
good and his overall handling on a wet and slippy day was top notch.
Jonathan Spector
Absolute dog shit. His first half performance was simply not on. His
passing, his tackling, his heading, his overall footballing ability was so
non existent it was embarrassing. I haven't really slagged him before and I
do appreciate his efforts, but players like this guy will not make us a top
10 side.
Anton Ferdinand
A typical Ferdinand performance? A mixture of classy defending with a
sprinkle of absolute stupidity and lack of concentration. Solid in the
latter stages of the second half and just needs to iron out the kinks in his
game.
Matthew Upson
With Neill, Ljungberg and Parker out Upson was made captain on his return to
a hostile St Andrews. Never let the stick get to him and put in a very good
performance which was solid and calm. Ok, fair enough, Birmingham have a
poor frontline, but Upson was in control of everything thrown at him today.
Much better.
George McCartney
Not much better than Spector in the first half. Didn't seem to know which
team he was looking for and constantly fails to look up when he plays a pass
which would really help him out sometimes. Got tired of the amount of times
he wanted to dally on the ball only for him to get caught in possession. Was
better in the second half as the left hand side seemed to have more space to
run into and he linked up well with Etherington. But I still think we should
be doing better than McCartney.
Kieran Dyer
Don't think too many will be overly impressed with his debut. Has obvious
ability in the way he is able to spot a pass and his off the ball work was
also something to note. But has that disinterested manner which Harewood,
Kanoute, Wanchope and Boa Morte all have/had. Which doesn't bode too well
for how he will get on with the West Ham fans as all those were/are hated.
Had a great chance to score near the end but fluffed it. Will be interested
to see where he plays when Ljungberg and Parker return.
Hayden Mullins
Never did I think Hayden Mullins would be in our first team this season but
he has done enough (or there is no one else) to get a place. Was very
involved today and was a player you would have noticed quite a bit. Still
has the tendency to win the ball back well and then give it away needlessly
but he won't be too disappointed with his performance today. Also note how
good Noble was today was because of Mullins being the one to sit and protect
the defence thus giving Noble the chance to attack.
Mark Noble
The man of the moment had a terrific game today and was probably the only
outfield player to have a good game in both halves. Has bags of skill and
showed it. Forgetting the penalty, he would still be in with a great shout
of being man of the match due to him being the one player in that side who
can make something happen.
Matthew Etherington
We haven't seen this Etherington for a long time. This is the Matty
Etherington who shows the ability to be one of the best left wingers in the
country. Didn't show fear today which is the key to his game, and although
he was allowed far too much space, he exploited it well and was an
invaluable asset to our attacking play.
Bobby Zamora
Had multiple chances to score and didn't take any of them. He wasn't even
close and will have to be disappointed with his performance. Refuses to move
and create space for himself when one of our player is looking to cross it
in. That's two poor performances so far from Zamora and Ashton has got to
start as soon as possible.
Craig Bellamy
Continues to show superb willingness. He will run all day long and does not
hide. He will be disappointed that with the two great chances he had he
wasn't able to finish either. His pace was a problem for Birmingham and it
was nice to see us actually trying to use this to our advantage. He won the
penalty and that was a major contribution, so a decent display from the
Welshman.
Subs Used
Danny Gabbidon (on for Spector 86 mins)
Only on for a few minutes.
Overall
Getting the points was a must and I am delighted that we did so. We fully
deserved our win as we battered a very poor Birmingham side in the second
half.
Although I am pleased with the win, we still are lacking a certain something
and anyone other than Birmingham may have punished us in the first half.
Spector is not good enough – even if he is squad player, and I am beginning
to worry about McCartney as well. But we will see if Alan Curbishley sees it
the same way.
Wigan up next, and we usually get beat by them at Upton Park. We need to
make sure that doesn't happen next week.
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