24/08/2007 11:56
West Ham fans everywhere will be saddened by the untimely death of former
player Jeroen Boere at the age of 39 after a tragic accident at his home in
Spain last week. Jeroen was born in Arnhem, Holland on 18th November 1967
and was signed for West Ham United by Billy Bonds for £250,000 from Dutch
Club 'Go Ahead Eagles' in 1993, following our promotion back to the Premier
League. Jeroen or 'Yozza' as he was known to his team-mates, made his debut
for West Ham on 25th September 1993 in a 2-0 defeat to Newcastle United.
Over the course of the next two seasons, he went on to make 25 appearances
for West Ham United, scoring seven goals for the club. Perhaps the game that
most Hammers fans will associate with Yozza was a Premier League fixture
away at Leeds United when trailing 2-0 at Elland Road and seemingly out of
the game, he scored two bullet headers from crosses by Keith Rowland to earn
West Ham a point and send the travelling fans home delirious.
Jeroen was transferred to Crystal Palace in 1995 in part of the deal that
saw Harry Redknapp bring Iain Dowie back to the club for a second spell. He
later went on to play for Southend United and in the Japanese J-League where
in 1999, his career was cut short after an altercation outside a bar in
Tokyo led to him losing an eye and retiring from football. Many will recall
that he went on to run the Half Moon pub in Epping, Essex, where he would
fondly recall his West Ham days with the supporters that used to drink
there.
Jeroen was working as an Estate Agent in Spain when he died.
Tributes have been pouring in all week from supporters and former team-mates
alike.
Former striker Tony Cottee said "I was totally shocked when I heard about
Yozza's death. Although we only played together for six months or so, he was
one of my many strike partners over the years and was the sort of player
that I loved to play with. He was big and strong and could hold the ball up
well. He probably created more goals for me than he scored himself, but I
remember setting him up for a goal against Wimbledon and I'll never forget
the smile on his face. He scored against Spurs too and any player that does
that is sure to be remembered by Hammers fans!"
Former West Ham and Liverpool player Mike Marsh added "Jeroen was a good
mate and I'm absolutely devastated to hear about his death. Our careers
mirrored each other's as we both played at West Ham and Southend together,
but above all we were friends and neighbours and I'm going to miss him
terribly"
Ex West Ham and Manchester City midfielder Ian Bishop, now retired and
living in the USA telephoned from Florida to say "I cannot believe what has
happened, it's an absolute tragedy. My heart goes out to Ann and the
children. We were always out and about with each other, he was a good friend
I'm absolutely gutted."
Former Liverpool and Republic of Ireland striker Ray Houghton was also
deeply shocked and saddened by the news. "We played together at Crystal
Palace and Big Yozza was a popular character in the dressing room and a mate
above all. I used to go and see him at his pub. I really can't believe what
has happened. This really has come as a huge shock to me.
Jeroen leaves a widow, Ann and three children Jerry, Brian and Brandon.
Everyone associated with West Ham United from the club, to its supporters
would like to offer their sincere condolences to Jeroen's family and friends
at this sad time.
Jeroen's funeral will be held in San Pedro in Spain, on Wednesday 29th
August. The West Ham United players will wear black arm bands in Jeroen's
memory during tomorrow's home match against Wigan.
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Galey looks ahead to Wigan match - WHUFC
24/08/2007 10:16
Tony Gale says that patience will be the name of the game on Saturday when
West Ham entertain Wigan at Upton Park. The former Hammers defender is also
calling on the fans to play their part in backing the team to victory.
"Wigan won't attack us gung-ho. They have been playing with one striker in
front of another and will look to hit us on the break," he said. "It will
mean us being patient in making our own game-plan work but the lads will be
up and confident from the win last week and if we can play with the same
freedom and expression we showed against Birmingham, then we can follow up
the three points from last week with our first three points at home. I
really feel confident we can win this game."
Galey believes that the home crowd can have a big say. "We need our
supporters not to get too frustrated if we're not in the lead after 20
minutes or so for example," he said. "Teams coming here want to make it
difficult for us and there will be times, more often than not, that it will
about digging in to get the result. That's when the lads will need the crowd
right behind them and if we get the sort of support we know we can get at
Upton Park, then it will really make a difference." "West Ham bouncing back
at Birmingham after the disappointing result on the opening day of the
season, will be a real key to how the early part of the season will shape up
for Curbs and the team. "We won our first game last season and then went on
a bad run, where we lost a few games in a row and got stuck in a bit of a
rut. But the difference this time around is that we lost our first match but
came back straight away with a win. "I feel the experience in the side now
means that we won't get too fazed if we lose and will be able to hit back
stronger each time."
Galey will be keeping an eye on the Hammers as they go up against the Latics
on Saturday, but will be reminiscing in some claret and blue nostalgia
tonight, when he attends the special dinner held in honour of club
photographer Steve Bacon. Steve has been behind the camera snapping the
Hammers for more than 30 years and got a few pictures of Galey in his
playing days! "It should be a great evening for Steve who has been through
the mill a bit, battling illness over the last couple of years. As a player,
one of the first people you would see when you came on the pitch for a
warm-up or whatever, was Steve, he would join in with a bit of banter with
us." "Now he's back to fitness, we can give him a bit of stick and banter
again, so it should make it a very memorable night for Steve!"
Tony was talking to Laura Burkin
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Spence gifts England victory over Brazil - WHUFC
24/08/2007 13:01
West Ham United's young defender Jordan Spence was the star of the show for
the England Under-17s in the World Youth Cup finals as he scored a late
winner against Brazil. It had looked like being all-square between the two
sides at 1-1, but in injury-time Jordan pounced to deflect Henri Lansbury's
shot and leave the Brazilian's reeling. The young Lions had gone behind in
the first half, but battled back and equalised on half-time through a
Lansbury penalty. As Brazil went on the attack the England defence, with
Jordan playing his part, kept them at bay and goalkeeper Alex Smithies saved
a spot kick. At the other end, England had several chances themselves to
score again before Jordan made his mark. The result means England have taken
the top spot from Brazil in Group B in the competition, which is being held
in South Korea.
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Upson geared up for Wigan clash - WHUFC
24/08/2007 16:30
Matty Upson insists that West Ham United have shown they have the strength,
character and ability to battle and will display those traits in tomorrow's
home clash with Wigan Athletic. The defender reflected on last weekend's 1-0
win over his old club, Birmingham City, and on preparations to make it
another enjoyable week by picking up three points again against the Latics
at Upton Park. "I thought we put in a performance that had strength and
character and showed great commitment" he said. "We had to battle away and
were ugly when needed, but we played in the right manner. "The tempo of our
play was good and we got around the pitch well. It's those sorts of games
that show why our league is the toughest. It's not easy for teams to go to a
place like St Andrew's and get a win. "We stood our ground and got the
result we went there for. Nobes (Mark Noble) showed he had the right
mentality to slot away the penalty really well and we all went home very
happy after an enjoyable victory."
As a former Blues player, Matty had to endure a bit of a hostile reception
from the fans of the club he served for four years before moving to the
Hammers in January of this year. "I didn't expect to probably get as much
stick as I did, he admitted. "But if that's what people want to do, then
they will do it. "At the end of the day, I'm here to do a job for my team
and that's what I did. I just got on with it."
Matty was also delighted to be given the nod to wear the captain's armband
in the absence of skipper Lucas Neill, who was out injured last weekend. "It
was a great honour for me to captain the side and a responsibility I was
only too happy to take on," said Matty. "We have a great dressing room of
characters and leaders and I want the manager to know that I am one of them
and will play my part when called upon. "We have had a very good week. We
have worked on the parts of our game that went well for us, looking at how
we can strengthen those further and of course, we have focused on things
that we can still do better on."Hopefully we can turn that into another
three points at home to Wigan tomorrow."
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Parker pleased to visit football project - WHUFC
24/08/2007 15:27
Scott Parker attended a schools incentive scheme that was being run by the
Thames Gateway Youth Football Project in conjunction with the Ford Motor
Company. It took place at Ford Sports and Social Club in Dagenham and
involved a three-day-course of coaching sessions with 130 kids. Coaches from
Community schemes from West Ham, Charlton, Millwall and Dagenham and
Redbridge taught the boys and girls ball skills, but also helped improve
their confidence and interaction with kids of all age groups. Scott, along
with Terry Harris, Lee Goodwin and Ross Smith of Dagenham & Redbridge,
watched the kids train, answered questions, then presented prizes for those
in each age group that had particularly stood out for the coaches. He said
afterwards: "I think schemes like this are a fantastic idea, especially
during the holidays as it gives the kids something useful to do with their
time and they are learning something too. "I think it is especially good
that the children singled out for the prizes are not necessarily those that
have shown good football skills but the ones who have shown the right
attitude and commitment to learning."
Project Manager, Ophelia Soares said: "The kids gain so much from these
courses like teamwork and just engaging their minds. "They don't normally
get opportunities like this as they are from disadvantaged background but
this course doesn't cost them a penny. "Having the players here to present
the prizes really rounds off the day for them as they get to meet and hear
from the people they look up to."
James Green, aged 10 from Dagenham won the overall prize for being the most
outstanding achiever of the three-day-course and was presented with two
Champion League Tickets.
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Hammers v Wigan: Big Match Preview - WHUFC
24/08/2007 14:26
West Ham United v Wigan Athletic
Saturday 25 August
Upton Park
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Andre Marriner
Team news:
Hammers skipper Lucas Neill is set to return from his knee injury to make
his first Premier League appearance of the season but Scott Parker and
Freddie Ljungberg are unlikely to take part.
Emerson Boyce is back in the Latics squad following a hip injury but is
unlikely to start ahead of Mario Melchiot as Chris Hutchings is expected to
name an unchanged line-up from the side that beat Sunderland 3-0 last
weekend.
Background:
The Hammers are hoping to make it two wins in a row and collect the first
three points at Upton Park this season after the opening day defeat to
Manchester City.
But an ominous stat for the Irons is that whenever these two teams have met
in the Premier League, the away team has taken the spoils.
The last meeting between the two sides came at the JJB stadium in April,
when the Hammers came away with a 3-0 victory thanks to goals from Luis Boa
Morte, Yossi Benayoun and Marlon Harewood.
Stats:
Last five meetings:
Wigan Athletic 0 West Ham United 3 (Boa Morte, Benayoun, Harewood)
West Ham United 0 Wigan Athletic 2 (Cotterill, Spector og)
Wigan Athletic 1 (McCulloch) West Ham United 2 (Harewood, Reo-Coker)
West Ham United 0 Wigan Athletic 2 (Roberts, Camara)
Wigan Athletic 1 (Roberts) West Ham United 2 (Sheringham, Harewood)
Tickets and Travel:
Tickets for this fixture have now SOLD OUT.
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West Ham v Wigan - BBC
Upton Park
Saturday, 25 August
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match
of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.
West Ham captain Lucas Neill is set to make his first appearance of the
season after shaking off a knee injury. Scott Parker (knee) and Freddie
Ljungberg (ankle) are doubtful but Craig Bellamy should start.
Emerson Boyce returns to the Wigan squad after a hip injury but is unlikely
to replace Mario Melchiot at right-back. Latics boss Chris Hutchings has no
fresh injury concerns and is expected to name an unchanged line-up.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Dyer, Noble,
Mullins, Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora, Wright, Spector, Collins, Gabbidon,
Pantsil, Dailly, Ljungberg, Parker, Bowyer, Etherington, Ashton, Cole.
Wigan (from): Kirkland, Melchiot, Bramble, Granqvist, Kilbane, Valencia,
Scharner, Landzaat, Koumas, Heskey, Sibierski, Hall, Skoko, Aghahowa,
Camara, Brown, Folan, Boyce, Pollitt.
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West Ham v Wigan preview - SSN
Neill back for Hammers, no new worries for Wigan
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 24th August 2007
West Ham United skipper Lucas Neill is available to return for Saturday's
game against Wigan Athletic. The Australian defender has missed the club's
opening two games of the season with a knee injury, but is in line for his
comeback at Upton Park. Neill was close to playing in last week's 1-0 win at
Birmingham City, but should make his first appearance since being confirmed
as the club's new skipper. If Neill is brought into the team, he is likely
to replace Jonathan Spector at right-back. Summer signing Scott Parker is
50/50 to play after a knee injury, but Alan Curbishley could stick with Mark
Noble and Hayden Mullins in the centre of midfield. Kieron Dyer looked
sprightly on his debut at St Andrews last week, while Craig Bellamy is
available after missing Wales' friendly win in Bulgaria as his wife was due
to give birth. Freddie Ljungberg will have a fitness test on an ankle
injury, while Julien Faubert, Nigel Quashie and Calum Davenport are still
out.
Wigan responded to an opening day defeat at Everton by putting together
back-to-back home wins over Middlesbrough and Sunderland. Those results have
enabled The Latics to take third position in the early standings and the
visitors will be looking to repeat last season's 2-0 win at Upton Park.
FACTBOX:
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 2 Wigan 1
One to watch: Kieron Dyer
Match odds: West Ham 4/5, Draw 9/4, Wigan 3/1
Chris Hutchings has no new injury worries to report and can welcome back
Emmerson Boyce into his squad. Boyce has not featured this season due to a
hip injury, although he may have to wait to make his first appearance of the
campaign. Mario Melchiot has impressed so far and, providing the Dutchman
has recovered from a midweek illness, he should continue at right-back.
Jason Koumas sat out Wales' game in Bulgaria with a stomach bug, but is
likely to start in midfield. Antoine Sibierski has scored in every game
since his move from Newcastle and will continue his partnership with Emile
Heskey in attack.
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West Ham Utd v Wigan: match preview - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 24th August 2007
By: Matthew Coker
We return, triumphant and with points in the bag, from Birmingham in time to
take on our old foes, Wigan Athletic. The lack of any Sky interference means
that it is a Saturday, 3pm start in the next leg of our 2007/08 Premier
League adventure.
You'll not need to be reminded that Wigan were one of the sides that we were
competing with for our very survival last season and they shared the drama
of our last minute reprieve, their draw at Bramall Lane was enough to send
Sheffield United into the abyss. This coupled with the resignation of Paul
Jewell and the appointment of the relatively unknown, Chris Hutchings as the
new boss, led all in the media to conclude the Wigan were Donald Ducked and
they were universally tipped for relegation this time around by pretty much
everyone.
However, their start to the season has not seen them live down to
expectations. They managed successive home victories last week that saw them
top the table on Saturday evening, before the Sunday games saw them drop to
third. They started the campaign with a 2-1 defeat at Goodison Park before
beating Middlesbrough 1-0 and then registering a slightly more convincing
3-0 over Roy Keane's Sunderland. The margin in that game could have been
more if the match officials had been slightly more alert, two of their goals
came from the penalty spot but they had justifiable claims for at least
three more spot kicks.
In addition, the style of football has been markedly different in the last
three games than to last season. The flowing, attacking football that was
associated with the team that got them to the top flight and kept them
comfortably up in their first season was replaced last year with the dreaded
long ball, which didn't work in respect of results or aesthetics. This
season, the ball is firmly back on the deck and the fans are looking at
getting some good value for their £250 season tickets.
Before I start my usual format of going through their line up, I should give
a quick mention for Wigan's owner, Dave Whe*an. No West Ham fan will need
reminding of his campaign to get us points deducted at the end of last year
over the Carlos Tevez ownership fiasco. Dave, despite formerly owning a
chain of sports shops that was investigated for price fixing and a rugby
club that has been deducted points for breaching a salary cap, felt that he
had the moral high ground and proceeded to write letters to all and sundry
in an effort to get us demoted in order to ensure safety for Wigan.
Obviously, once Wigan stayed up, Dave lost interest in the sh*t Northern
Football Teams 4 Justice campaign, leaving Kevin McCabe to continue flogging
a dead horse on his own. Those who were looking forward to seeing Dave in
person this weekend will be disappointed to hear that he has already made
his excuses. Instead of appearing at the Boleyn, he'll be following Wigan
tradition and not travelling to away games, choosing to spend this weekend
in St Tropez. Nevertheless, I'm sure that we will be continuing with our
musical tribute to his vagina like qualities and that it will be audible on
the tapes for when he gets home.
"Hold on. I think I've got a tenner here somewhere"
- Wigan boss Chris Hutchings tongue in cheek response to being listed the
bookies' favourite to win the managerial sack race.
In charge will be Chris Hutchings, who is taking over from Paul Jewell for
the second time in his managerial career. His previous reign was with
Bradford City, when he took charge of their relegation campaign for a period
of five months. That particular tenureship was football's equivalent of the
labours of Hercules so it is fair to judge him only on the job he has done
at Wigan so far.
Although three games are not sufficient to make a conclusive decision, his
start has been decent. As well as the good results, he has strengthened in
key areas, the acquisition of Koumas was particularly well received and he
had the vision to take Andreas Gronqvist onto the permanent books as well as
focusing on returning to footballing ways at the JJB. So far, so good and it
will be interesting to see how this gamble turns out for Wigan.
In goal will be Chris Kirkland, who can be a top class stopper on his day
but whose career has been severely hampered by a string of injuries. This
season had gone as well as could be expected as he has started all three
games and kept two clean sheets. Mike Pollitt is on hand to deputise as and
when required.
The back four looks to have several possible problem areas (for them) but
they too have contributed to the clean sheets, so theory is slightly
detached from reality at this stage. The revamped back four has had to cope
with the sale of Leighton Baines and with injury to one of last season's
stars, Emerson Boyce. The line up should feature experienced Dutchman, Mario
Melchiot, providing leadership qualities and boundless energy on the right
and the former Everton man, Kevin Kilbane is standing in on the left, though
it is recognised that a better solution is required, especially after seeing
him against Mikel Arteta
The centre back duo has so far been made up of former Newcastle man, Titus
Bramble and young Swede, Andreas Gromqvist. Titus's reputation goes before
him, due to the volume of calamitous errors that he made in his time with
the Barcodes. It is not that he is incapable of playing well, indeed he puts
in a decent tackle and can read the game, but he has a David Jameseque
tendency to switch off and he unfortunately plays in a position where such
lapses are noticeable.
Despite the small slip up against Everton, he has looked fairly well assured
in his early Wigan career and the fans are hoping that playing alongside a
decent partner, such as Gromqvist (who has impressed to date) will lead to
an increase in confidence and that he can get back to being the player that
Newcastle thought they were signing.
The midfield has recovered from the collective neck strain that they
suffered last year, a consequence of watching the ball sail over their
heads, and have been an improved unit for it. The line up is likely to be
made up of a central duo of Dutchman, Denny Landzaat and converted defender,
Paul Scharner in the middle, though Michael Brown, signed from Fulham in the
summer and currently between suspensions, is in contention for a place.
Landzaat has been the player who has benefited most from the change in
style, after looking woeful for large parts of last season, his ability on
the ball led one of their fans to comment that this season, they can
actually see that he is Dutch.
The right winger will be Ecuadorian, Antonio Valencia, and they will feature
Jason Koumas on the left. Koumas joins the likes of David Nugent and David
Healy in stepping up to the top flight to see if their reputation as a
decent player earned in the Championship was justified. He is a creative
midfielder with a few tricks up his sleeve, who is also responsible for the
set pieces. The early indications suggest that he will settle into the
Premier League without too much trouble.
Part of his success, particularly with the dead balls, is that the current
front two are big enough not to miss. The current line up features one of
last season's most popular players, Emily Heskey, who is a striker that is
often revered by his own team's supporters but ridiculed by everyone else's.
He leads the line effectively and works hard for the team but his unselfish
manner often means that he creates more than he scores, which is perhaps the
factor that has held him back most in his career.
His partner, Frenchman Antoine Sibierski has had no such limitations, at
least as a Wigan player, as he has notched up a goal in each of the three
games for his new side. The former Ciddy and Newcastle man started the
season on the bench but has impressed his new paymasters with his goals to
date and general link up play. Other striking options include Caleb Folan,
who has lost his starting place to Sibierski and Julius Aghahowa, who joined
for £4m in the January transfer window but has fallen down the pecking
order. Henri Camara may feature in the squad after recovering from injury to
feature in a mid-week friendly.
"We can now approach the West Ham game full of confidence on the back of two
good performances and we need to take all the pluses from those games into
West Ham" -
Chris Hutchings.
Anyone paying attention to recent clashes with Wigan will be aware that East
London has been a happy hunting ground for them in recent seasons. The
minibus full of fans that turn up to follow them have been treated to three
successive wins over us, though they do at least have the decency to give us
the points back when the claret and blue army make the return journey. So if
we predict the outcome based on recent history, we are looking at nil points
on Saturday.
However, I am hoping that three factors go in our favour for the game.
Firstly, we could welcome back Lucas Neill, which I believe would greatly
help our attacking play and also keep any eye on the threat of Koumas.
Secondly, I get the impression that Curbs is one for bearing grudges (see
his relationship with Paul Konchesky) and no doubt some of the accusations
that Whe*an and Wigan levelled at us last season would have caused offence
to our manager. Thirdly, although Bramble and Kilbane have managed to keep
out Boro and Sunderland at home, I think that we have a little more
attacking quality and our right hand side is the way to get at them.
I'm sure that the crowd will also be fairly fired up for this, partly
because of the opposition, but as much as anything because last week's win
would have restored hope that we can have a half decent season. The
atmosphere against City had potential to be something special as there was a
feeling of expectation around the ground that was unfortunately sucked out
of the crowd by the performance. I'm sure that any indication on the field
that we are going to turn up will be matched and raised by the crowd.
I fancy a decent game of football on Saturday and in respect of a score
line, I'm going for a 2-0 home win this week.
Enjoy the game.
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West Ham v Wigan: Preview - Soccernet
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley feels the grudge match with Wigan at Upton
Park could prove a pivotal game for both sides. The Latics arrive in east
London buoyed by successive wins over Middlesbrough and Sunderland and
knowing victory will keep them on the tails of the early pace-setters at the
top of the Barclays Premier League. For the Hammers, Curbishley is desperate
to get a first home win under his belt to add to last weekend's success over
Birmingham and banish the memory of their opening-day defeat by Manchester
City. ``They've got six points on the board and they go into the game
knowing that if they get a result they stay up where they are,'' said
Curbishley. ``They came here and won last year, but we went up there and
won. It's a big game for both of us because if we get a result we can push
ourselves up and if we don't we're looking behind us again.''
Wigan will be in for a hot reception from the Upton Park faithful following
their outspoken chairman Dave Whelan's continued attempts to get West Ham
docked points last season over the Carlos Tevez affair. Whelan is understood
to have opted to give the occasion a miss, but Curbishley insists there
would be no problem if the outspoken Latics chief were to attend. ``When we
played up there last season everything was civil in the boardroom. Obviously
they made their statement - and they made it a few times - because they
believed in it. ``It's an emotive situation for the teams around it, not
least Sheffield United, and I understand that. But we've had the first
inquiry and the second one and even now there are still rumblings. ``But if
Dave Whelan does decide to come to the game then I don't think there will be
any problem at all. ``I don't think that, come Saturday, the Tevez issue is
any more important than Wigan beating Sunderland was last week. I can
understand the emotions behind it but it's a new season and we have to move
on. ``And I think Dave Whelan has quite thick skin, so I don't think the
stick would bother him. ``He was the first person to congratulate us when we
won up there, and we did play well. But you defend your corner, like anybody
else would, and he defended Wigan's corner.''
Captain Lucas Neill returns at right-back for his first appearance of the
season following a knee injury, but Scott Parker has ruled himself out after
suffering a setback in training this week. Dean Ashton will once again be on
the bench, with Curbishley intent on wrapping the striker in cotton wool.
Ashton broke his ankle on England duty just over a year ago, and Curbishley
ruled out any faint hopes of a return to the international fold ahead of
next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers. ``He's trained ever day of pre-season and
he's waiting for his chance,'' added Curbishley. ``We're delighted he got
through it, which was our main aim when you're out for a year. ``I've taken
the decision to start with Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora, and I've spoken
to him about that. He's just delighted to be back, and he is waiting for his
chance. ``He'll need more before the qualifiers, though. We've been careful
with him and he'll just be delighted to get a clear run.''
The Hammers will wear black armbands during the match in memory of former
striker Jeroen Boere, who died last week aged 39 following an accident at
his home in Spain. Wigan's resurgence, meanwhile, will receive its first
real examination on the road at Upton Park, according to boss Chris
Hutchings. He said: ``I'm delighted with the start we've had, but we've won
nothing yet. We've just got two wins on the board. ``The test will be the
two away games that we've got, firstly against West Ham and then Newcastle.
They will be a test of character and of how we perform. ``It will be a big
test for us but hopefully we can come back with something from those games.
``We have had two wins and we have to make sure we build on that.'' Despite
their struggle against the drop last season the Latics collected five away
wins - a tally bettered only by Manchester City in the bottom half of the
table. One of those was at Upton Park, which has proved a happy hunting
ground for Wigan with both their top flight visits so far producing 2-0
wins. ``We are confident going down there,'' added Hutchings. ``We have done
well in the past but that counts for nothing. We have to make sure Saturday
counts and we get something out of the game.''
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Senor Zamora? - West Ham Til I Die
August 24th, 2007
One of the more bizarre transfer rumours of the day concerns Bobby Zamora,
who is apparently a target for Real Betis. Can't see that somehow. Perhaps
we could offload Carlton Cole to them instead…
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Bruce makes ref apology - SSN
Bruce admits he was wrong
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 24th August 2007
Birmingham boss Steve Bruce has apologised to referee Mark Halsey and
admitted the official was correct in awarding a penalty against his side in
the defeat to West Ham last weekend. Bruce hit out at Halsey after Blues
keeper Colin Doyle was adjudged to have brought down West Ham striker Craig
Bellamy for a penalty which was converted by Mark Noble for a 1-0 win. After
reviewing the incident Bruce has accepted he was wrong and he has made his
apologies to Halsey
Bruce said: "To be fair last week, I said the referee was wrong - but I was
wrong. It was a penalty. "Straight after games you sometimes say things
about incidents and and then you look at them again and and analyse them
more - and it was a penalty. "I do apologise to the referee and his
assistant. I gave him (Halsey) a hard time last week and he didn't deserve
it. In my opinion it was a penalty."
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HAIR WE GO HUTCHINGS - The Mirror
West Ham v Wigan, today, KO 3pm BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
By Alan Nixon 25/08/2007
Wigan hero Paul Scharner - the man who helped them beat the drop with one
famous swing of his boot on the last day of the season - thinks his
born-again club can march on Europe. Austrian midfield dynamo Scharner is
known for his original thinking and far-out hair, but there is nothing crazy
about his prediction that Chris Hutchings's men - at West Ham today - can be
the shock team of the season. He said: "We keep the ball better now. I think
we'll do so well we can finish in the top half of the table and maybe even
push for Europe. You always set targets and that is mine. "Everyone expected
us to be in the bottom three. But that's good - then you can only do
better."
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Ashton must wait - The Mirror
Neil McLeman 25/08/2007
Alan Curbishley has told Dean Ashton he must win back his West Ham place
before coming to England's rescue this autumn. In the absence of Wayne
Rooney, the £7.25million striker is a contender to play alongside Michael
Owen in the crucial Euro 2008 qualifiers over the next two months. But
Ashton, who came on as a substitute in the opening 2-0 defeat to Manchester
City, has not started a competitive game since breaking his ankle during
England training last August and is set to be on the bench again against
Wigan today. Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora will continue the strike
partnership which helped earn three points at Birmingham last week, while
the big spenders remain in the market for another top-class striker. And
though he is delighted Ashton is available again, Curbishley has warned the
23-year-old he needs to earn his return to club colours before thinking of
his country. "Ashton is fit and he's waiting for his chance," said the
Hammers boss, who arrived at Upton Park during Ashton's long injury absence.
"As you saw with Owen and David Beckham with England, football is what gets
people to the top of their game. He had a great pre-season in terms of
having no hiccups and he can only get better. "He's delighted he's back. The
qualifiers are a couple of weeks away, and he needs a bit more than that. He
needs to try to get back in the West Ham side."
Curbishley will cross swords with his former Brighton team-mate Chris
Hutchings for the first time as managers at Upton Park today. But the
fixture is being played against the familiar backdrop of the Tevez affair as
Wigan - and especially their chairman Dave Whelan - were outspoken critics
of West Ham's conduct. The Hammers boss insisted, however, it would be
business as normal for the two clubs. "When we played up there last season,
Eggert Magnusson said everything was civil in the boardroom after the game,"
said Curbs. "They made their statement - they made it a few times - because
they believed in it, and I've no problem with that. "I've kept well out of
it because I decided what will be, will be."
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Galatasaray rival West Ham for Barcelona's Gudjohnsen
tribalfooball.com - August 25, 2007
Galatasaray have joined West Ham United in the battle for Barcelona striker
Eidur Gudjohnsen. Barca want £7 million for the Iceland international and
both Gala and West Ham are prepared to meet their asking price. Stalling
Gudjohnsen's departure, however, is a knee injury which would prevent him
from passing any medical before Friday's transfer deadline.
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Curbishley focussed ahead of crunch Wigan clash - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:10pm on 24th August 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley feels tomorrow's grudge match with Wigan at
Upton Park could prove a pivotal game for both sides. The Latics arrive in
east London buoyed by successive wins over Middlesbrough and Sunderland and
knowing victory will keep them on the tails of the early pace-setters at the
top of the Premier League. For the Hammers, Curbishley is desperate to get a
first home win under his belt to add to last weekend's success over
Birmingham and banish the memory of their opening-day defeat by Manchester
City. "They've got six points on the board and they go into the game knowing
that if they get a result they stay up where they are," said Curbishley.
"They came here and won last year, but we went up there and won. It's a big
game for both of us because if we get a result we can push ourselves up and
if we don't we're looking behind us again."
Wigan will be in for a hot reception from the Upton Park faithful following
their outspoken chairman Dave Whelan's continued attempts to get West Ham
docked points last season over the Carlos Tevez affair. Whelan is understood
to have opted to give the occasion a miss, but Curbishley insists there
would be no problem if the outspoken Latics chief were to attend. "When we
played up there last season everything was civil in the boardroom. Obviously
they made their statement - and they made it a few times - because they
believed in it. "It's an emotive situation for the teams around it, not
least Sheffield United, and I understand that. But we've had the first
inquiry and the second one and even now there are still rumblings. "But if
Dave Whelan does decide to come to the game then I don't think there will be
any problem at all. "I don't think that, come Saturday, the Tevez issue is
any more important than Wigan beating Sunderland was last week. I can
understand the emotions behind it but it's a new season and we have to move
on. "And I think Dave Whelan has quite thick skin, so I don't think the
stick would bother him. "He was the first person to congratulate us when we
won up there, and we did play well. But you defend your corner, like anybody
else would, and he defended Wigan's corner."
Captain Lucas Neill returns at right-back for his first appearance of the
season following a knee injury, but Scott Parker has ruled himself out after
suffering a setback in training this week. Dean Ashton will once again be on
the bench, with Curbishley intent on wrapping the striker in cotton wool.
Ashton broke his ankle on England duty just over a year ago, and Curbishley
ruled out any faint hopes of a return to the international fold ahead of
next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers. "He's trained ever day of pre-season and
he's waiting for his chance," added Curbishley. "We're delighted he got
through it, which was our main aim when you're out for a year. "I've taken
the decision to start with Craig Bellamy and Bobby Zamora, and I've spoken
to him about that. He's just delighted to be back, and he is waiting for his
chance. "He'll need more before the qualifiers, though. We've been careful
with him and he'll just be delighted to get a clear run." The Hammers will
wear black armbands during the match in memory of former striker Jeroen
Boere, who died last week aged 39 following an accident at his home in
Spain.
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Neill hoping for Hammers return - TeamTalk
Captain Lucas Neill is expected to make his first appearance of the season
for West Ham against Wigan after shaking off a knee injury. Midfielder Scott
Parker is rated 50-50 with the knee problem he sustained in pre-season,
while winger Freddie Ljungberg also faces a late fitness test with an ankle
injury. Craig Bellamy should start alongside Bobby Zamora in attack after
missing Wales' midweek friendly as his wife was due to give birth, meaning
Dean Ashton stays on the bench as he builds up his fitness following last
season's broken ankle. Julien Faubert (Achilles), Nigel Quashie (foot) and
Calum Davenport (hernia) are all still missing.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Dyer, Noble,
Mullins, Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora, Wright, Spector, Collins, Gabbidon,
Pantsil, Dailly, Ljungberg, Parker, Bowyer, Etherington, Ashton, Cole.
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Curbs tips stars to stake claim - TeamTalk
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley believes Steve McClaren has plenty of reasons
to be cheerful if he keeps an eye on the Hammers this season. England coach
McClaren is once again under fire following England's 2-1 defeat by Germany
at Wembley but Hammers boss Curbishley insists the likes of Robert Green,
Kieron Dyer and Scott Parker, as well as Dean Ashton, can push their cases
for international honours with successful seasons at Upton Park. We have a
strong squad here, and we have quite a few players who should be looking at
having a good season and forcing the issue with their national sides," said
Curbishley.
"Kieron Dyer made the England squad this week, which went a bit unnoticed,
and Julien Faubert was also in the reckoning for France before his injury.
"Robert Green has to be in that situation, and Scotty Parker was in the
squad before he got injured. Danny Gabbidon captained Wales, so we have a
lot of players making their mark on the international stage. "Steve McClaren
came to our first game so he's well aware of our players."
Curbishley is less confident about adding to his squad, however, with the
transfer window due to close in just eight days' time. "It gets very
difficult over the last 10 days to do business with another club unless they
have a replacement lined up," added Curbishley, who has been linked with
Reading left-back Nicky Shorey. "As it gets nearer the last day, the more
difficult it becomes. We'll have to see. Like most clubs, we are looking
around and enquiring but I don't think people are getting anywhere. "And I'm
very happy with George McCartney. We also have Jonathan Spector, and Lucas
Neill can play there, so we have that position quite covered."
Curbishley was at the Ghana v Senegal international at Millwall's New Den
ground on Tuesday night, prompting speculation of a move for unsettled
Bolton forward El-Hadji Diouf. But he laughed off the link, insisting: "I
was there with Harry Redknapp, I was sitting near Steve Bruce, Lawrie
Sanchez was behind me.
"I think everybody was just taking the opportunity to go and watch these
countries play."
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West Ham ace to La Liga - Sportigo
Fri, Aug 24, 07 11:35
Mark Apostolou
West Ham striker Bobby Zamora is being targeted by Spanish club Real Betis
(Daily Mirror). The former Spurs flop has always been a figure of fun but he
still seems to be an integral part of Alan Curbishley's side, having started
and finished both games so far. He is, however, likely to find himself lower
down the food chain when Dean Ashton returns to full fitness. A move to Real
Betis may be too good to turn down and could signal a fresh start for last
year's top goal-getter at Upton Park. Maybe it will lead to a rejuvenation
that would see the much-maligned star make his way into the England squad
for Euro 2008…but I doubt it.
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Real Betis move for West Ham striker Zamora
tribalfooball.com - August 24, 2007
Real Betis are moving for West Ham United striker Bobby Zamora. The Mirror
says Betis sporting director Manuel Momparlet watched 26-year-old Zamora
play in West Ham's win at Birmingham and checked his availability.
Momparlet, also keen on Newcastle misfit Albert Luque, said: "Zamora is an
excellent player. We'll see if a deal can be done."
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Betis in bid for Bobby dazzler - The Mirror
24/08/2007
West Ham striker Bobby Zamora is an unlikely target for Spanish club Real
Betis. Betis sporting director Manuel Momparlet watched 26-year-old Zamora
play in West Ham's win at Birmingham and checked his availability.
Momparlet, also keen on Newcastle misfit Albert Luque, said: "Zamora is an
excellent player. We'll see if a deal can be done."
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Hutch: West Ham feud over - WiganToday.net
Chris Hutchings insists Latics' feud with West Ham is over as the clubs
prepare to do battle at Upton Park tomorrow. The Carlos Tevez row saw an
intense rivalry built up when the sides were battling to avoid relegation
last season. But Wigan boss Hutchings wants off-the-field arguments
forgotten with the focus firmly on the football instead. His aim in East
London will be to collect a first away win of the season to build on the six
points Latics collected at the JJB Stadium last week. Hutchings said: "What
happened with West Ham and ourselves is in the past, and it has been dealt
with as far as I'm concerned.
"People keep mentioning it but we have to move on. This is another big game
for us. "We are not concentrating on Carlos Tevez or the situation with
Sheffield United trying to get compensation. "I just want three points. We
have a good record there, although past records count for nothing and it's
all about what we do on the pitch this time. "I know the West Ham manager
Alan Curbishley and his assistant Mervyn Day very well, so it would be nice
to see them and then come away with a result. Curbs has spent a lot of money
and got some good quality players in, so we know it will be tough and we'll
have to be at our best. "Craig Bellamy and Kieron Dyer have been excellent
signings, although you can't just worry about one or two players. "They have
a lot of players who can cause problems, and we have to make sure our focus
and minds are right. "It is about what we do when we get the ball. "Upton
Park is a great place to play football at as the West Ham fans are
passionate, so we're looking forward to it."
Hutchings should have a near fully-fit squad to choose from, with Jason
Koumas recovered from a virus which laid him low earlier in the week, while
Emmerson Boyce is available after missing the first three games of the
season with a hip injury. Latics were waiting for skipper Mario Melchiot to
report back today to check on his fitness. The right-back was a late
withdrawal from the Holland side which lost 2-1 in Switzerland on Wednesday
after being taken ill.If everyone is fit, Hutchings must decide whether to
stick with the side which overcame Middlesbrough and Sunderland, or tinker
to provide some fresh legs.
With a week to go until the transfer window shuts, Latics' search for a
left-back still has to reach a conclusion. Hutchings watched Rennes defender
Erik Edman play for Sweden against the USA on Wednesday. He remains
interested in Celta Vigo's Diego Placente too, although the Argentina
international is now only due in Wigan for talks early next week after
earlier being expected to arrive yesterday. Both deals have advantages and
disadvantages. Edman could be difficult to prise from French club Rennes who
would require a fee for the former Tottenham player. Placente is likely to
become available on a free transfer despite some talk of a £300,000 fee. He
also qualifies as an EU citizen after playing in Europe since 2001 so
doesn't require a work permit. But the Spanish season doesn't start until
this weekend so there hasn't been the opportunity to run the rule over him
and assess his fitness. Last Updated: 24 August 2007 8:38 AM
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