Williams Bellamy(2)
Carling Cup 28th August 2007 Kick-off: 19:45
Venue: The Memorial Stadium Attendance: 10,831 Referee:Michael Jones
Two-goal Craig Bellamy shipwrecked the Pirates at the Memorial Stadium with
a clinical first-half double. But while the £7.5million striker secured
Hammers third round place with his first-ever strikes for West Ham United,
there was no Carling Cup cheer for fellow new signing Kieron Dyer, who was
stretchered away with a suspected broken leg with just a dozen minutes on
the clock. And the midfielder's terrible injury is disastrous news for Alan
Curbishley who paid the price for justifiably naming a strong side after
coming into this tie declaring that he has always taken this competition
seriously. From Crewe Alexandra back in 1992 to Chesterfield last year, the
Hammers had bowed out of this competition to lower league sides on no fewer
than nine occasions during the past 15 seasons, a sorry sequence that the
new manager wanted to halt. And although Curbs' pre-match plans had been
disturbed by the absence of Dean Ashton, whose partner was about to give
birth, the Hammers' boss had still been able to field a powerful West Ham
United line-up to face an unchanged Rovers side sitting in ninth-spot in
Coca-Cola League One, following Saturday's 1-0 win at Oldham Athletic. There
were four changes from the team that drew with Wigan Athletic at the weekend
as Danny Gabbidon, Luis Boa Morte and Lee Bowyer each came in for Matthew
Upson, Matthew Etherington and Mark Noble, while 'keeper Richard Wright was
handed his first start in place of Robert Green. But after the unmarked
Bobby Zamora nodded Boa Morte's cross over the bar in the opening seconds,
Curbs was forced to make a further, unwelcome change on 12 minutes, when Joe
Jacobson scythed through Dyer with a hefty touchline tackle that saw the
England midfielder stretchered away with a suspected double fracture of the
right leg, as the Pirate curiously escaped any more punishment than a
free-kick. With substitute Mark Noble slotting effortlessly into the central
midfield berth vacated by the luckless Dyer, West Ham continued to spend
more and more time in the Rovers' half as the team 40 league places below
them relied on sporadic counter-attacks. Apart from Jacobson's 20-yard
free-kick that drifted wide of Wright's left-hand upright, the debutant
'keeper had enjoyed an incident free introduction to life between the West
Ham goalposts. And it was no surprise when Hammers took the lead on the
half-hour mark through the unmarked Bellamy, who collected the ball from
Hayden Mullins and turned towards goal before unleashing a thunderous, low
30-yarder that flew past the sprawling Steve Phillips. Having netted his
first goal for the club, the Hammers' striker might have had a second
moments later, however he headed the impressive George McCartney's cross
straight to the Rovers' 'keeper.
In reply, Richard Walker nodded into Wright's arms and Lee Bowyer denied
Jacobson in the act of shooting, but with Rovers only showing token
resistance, that man Bellamy did not have to wait too long to double his
tally. Seconds before the interval, the Welshman lengthened his stride as he
raced across the West Country turf to slot Lucas Neill's cleverly lofted
through-ball across the face of the exposed Phillips and into the far corner
of the net from ten yards, to the delight of the 1,463 Hammers' fans packed
amongst the 10,831 crowd. Emerging for the second period with the job more
than half-done, West Ham could have made it 'Game Over' in the opening
exchanges when Noble played in the overlapping Bowyer but his tightly angled
shot rolled agonisingly beyond the far post. With nothing to lose, Rovers
threw caution to the wind in a bid to claw their way back into the tie and
Wright, suddenly on full alert, pulled off a fine double save to prevent a
deflected Neill own-goal before recovering to claim Richie Lambert's
follow-up header from under the bar. A few more awkward scrambles in the
Hammers' box proved the cue for James Collins to replace McCartney on the
hour, while Paul Trollope introduced Andrew Williams, Lewis Haldane and
Sammy Igoe at the expense of Craig Disley, Lambert and Jacobson. Certainly,
those three new faces put the wind in the Pirates' sails, for with 20
minutes remaining, Richard Walker's defence-splitting chip was collected by
substitute Williams, who clipped the ball over the advancing Wright from 12
yards to give the League One side hope. That set up an almost inevitable
late onslaught that led to more Rovers' raids, while at the other end, only
a goal-line clearance prevented Collins from booking the east enders
deserved place in the third round draw long before the final whistle.
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Deano withdraws from match - WHUFC
28/08/2007 18:40
Dean Ashton who was expected to start in West Ham's Carling Cup tie at
Bristol Rovers tonight, has had to pull out of the match, after his partner
went into labour with the couple's first child earlier today. The striker
did not travel with his team-mates to the Memorial Stadium after it was
clear that the newest member of the Ashton family was set to make an
appearance and manager Alan Curbishley allowed Dean to stay behind with his
partner instead. Dean will be back in the squad for the Hammers' trip to
Reading in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.
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Bristol Rovers 1-2 West Ham - BBC
West Ham moved into the third round of the Carling Cup but the win at
Bristol Rovers was marred by the suspected broken leg suffered by Kieron
Dyer. Dyer went down in agony following a tackle by Joe Jacobson after a few
minutes and was taken off on a stretcher after lengthy treatement. Craig
Bellamy put the visitors ahead, blasting home from 25-yards. Bellamy then
raced onto a long ball to fire in the second but Andy Williams' fine run and
finish made it 2-1.
Bristol Rovers: Phillips, Lescott, Anthony, Elliott, Carruthers, Pipe,
Campbell, Disley (Igoe 70), Jacobson (Haldane 64), Lambert (Andrew Williams
64), Walker.
Subs Not Used: Hinton, Rigg.
Booked: Walker.
Goals: Andrew Williams 72.
West Ham: Wright, Neill, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, McCartney (Collins 62), Dyer
(Noble 13), Mullins, Bowyer, Boa Morte, Bellamy (Cole 76), Zamora.
Subs Not Used: Green, Etherington.
Goals: Bellamy 31, 45.
Att: 10,831.
Ref: Michael Jones (Cheshire).
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Dyer suffers suspected broken leg - BBC
West Ham midfielder Kieron Dyer suffered a suspected broken leg in the
Carling Cup tie against Bristol Rovers. The England international, who
joined from Newcastle at the start of this season, was carried off on a
stretcher in the opening minutes of the game. Dyer, 28, was injured in a
tackle by Joe Jacobson and the game was delayed before he was taken to
hospital. The Hammers went on to reach round three with a 2-1 win, but boss
Alan Curbishley said: "It's immaterial." He added: "We are so devastated for
him. I can't put it into words really. You put a strong side out and you
wonder why sometimes. "We are delighted we have got through but after 10 or
15 minutes the game was immaterial. Everyone in the dressing room is really
down about it."
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Curbishley cool on Adriano move - BBC
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley played down talk of a move for Inter Milan
Adriano despite an earlier statement from the London club on the issue. A
statement by the Hammers said: "The possible deal is in its early stages and
money has not yet been discussed. "We are investigating the possibility of a
loan deal at this stage." But Curbishley, speaking after his side's Carling
Cup win at Bristol Rovers, said: "I don't know too much about it to be
fair." He added: "I don't know if it is talk to stir things up, if you like,
we will have to see. I just think it is something that has cropped up.
Adriano, 25, has slipped down the pecking order at Inter and Arsenal boss
Arsene Wenger has revealed he rejected a chance to take him on loan. The
Brazilian has scored 25 goals in 37 games for his country but has suffered a
loss of form amid a succession of injuries and doubts over his commitment.
Part of Wenger's refusal to do business with Inter was because they wanted
an unnamed Arsenal player on loan as part of the deal. But the Gunners boss
says he feels that area of his squad is strong enough, explaining: "We do
not need him and it was an easy decision to make because we're not out there
to sign another striker. "The agreement was for a loan. Adriano has
qualities we don't need. They wanted to give us a player but wanted one back
in return. "I won't say who it was. I didn't want to lose the player they
requested. I didn't necessarily think Adriano would upset the balance of the
squad. "I have bought Eduardo Da Silva. I already had Emmanuel Adebayor and
Robin van Persie and I brought Nicklas Bendtner back. "I still have Theo
Walcott and Abou Diaby can play through the middle. Why should I bring more
forwards in? "I have big faith in my squad and they've proved me right so
far this season."
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Adria-no? - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2007
By: Gordon Thrower
It is being reported that Brazilian international Adriano has turned down a
move to the Boleyn. The club earlier confirmed that talks were in progress
with Internazionale with a view to taking the 25 year-old to E13 on loan -
apparently without the knowledge of Alan Curbishley. However Sky Sports have
tonight reported that the deal will not now take place. More on this as it
comes in...
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Bristol Rovers 1 West Ham Utd 2 - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Two goals from Craig Bellamy ensured the Hammers avoided a potential banana
skin aginst League One outfit Bristol Rovers at the Memorial Ground tonight.
Bellamy's brace - his first competitive goals for the club - gave United a
2-0 lead at the break before Rovers pulled one back midway through the
second period giving the Hammers - no strangers to cup upsets - a nervous
final few minutes. The £7.5m signing opened the scoring on 31 minutes when
he found the net from 25 yards with a fine solo effort. His second came on
the stroke of half-time; a long ball from Lucas Neill sent Bellamy through
on goal and the Welsh striker finished cooly into the bottom right corner.
The Hammers had controlled the game for much of the first half, as they did
in the second until Andrew Williams reduced the deficit to one on 72
minutes. Anton Ferdinand was guilty of falling asleep - not for the first
time this season - allowing Williams to round him, leaving the Rovers man
with a simple finish. Sadly a good Hammers performance was marred by a
serious injury to new signing Kieron Dyer, who is likely to be out until the
New Year - at the earliest - after breaking a leg in what appeared to be an
innocuous first half challenge.
West Ham United: Wright, Neill, McCartney (Collins 62), Ferdinand, Gabbidon,
Mullins, Dyer (Noble 13), Bowyer, Boa Morte, Bellamy (Cole 76), Zamora.
Subs not used: Green, Etherington.
Goals: Bellamy (31, 45).
Bristol Rovers: Phillips, Anthony, Elliott, Carruthers, Jacobsen (Haldane
64), Lescott, Pipe, Campbell, Disley (Igoe 70), Lambert (Williams 64),
Walker.
Subs not used: Rigg, Hinton.
Goals: Williams (72).
Booked: Walker (70, dissent).
Referee: M.Jones
Attendance: 10,831
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Dyer straights - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 28th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Kieron Dyer will be out until the New Year at least after breaking a leg in
tonight's Carling Cup clash against Bristol Rovers. Alan Curbishley's newest
recruit became the latest player to suffer a serious injury in the early
stages of tonight's clash, which the Hammers lead 1-0 at the time of
writing. An innocuous-looking challenge left Dyer writhing in agony before
the £7m man was carried off the pitch with his leg in a brace. It was later
confirmed that he had broken his leg in two places, meaning at least four
months out of action. We'll have more for you from tonight's game at the
final whistle.
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Curbs: Luck's against us - SSN
Hammers consider options after Dyer injury
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 29th August 2007
Alan Curbishley is weighing up another addition to his midfield after Kieron
Dyer broke his leg in West Ham United's Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers.
Dyer suffered the injury after just 10 minutes of the 2-1 success following
a challenge from Joe Jacobson, which left Curbishley upset. With the summer
signing facing a lengthy spell on the sidelines, and with Julien Faubert and
Freddie Ljungberg also injured, Curbishley was in exasperated mood "At the
moment I feel the luck is against us," said Curbishley. "I am sitting there
with £20million worth of players out injured. It's disappointing, but we
have just got to get on with it and that's what the squad is for. "We are
treading on eggshells. It is a little bit delicate for us at the moment. "I
will have to assess it, but that right-hand side - who would want to come
and play for us with what has happened there?" Meanwhile, Rovers boss Paul
Trollope has defended Jacobson for the tackle on Dyer, which left Curbishley
'disappointed'. Trollope said: "It was a foul. Joe swung his leg back to try
and win the ball and that was it. "The stories coming from West Ham that it
was a malicious tackle, that he has gone to do him, are wide of the mark.
"Joe just swung his leg and it's a very unfortunate incident."
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Dyer fears for West Ham - SSN
Midfielder suffers suspected broken leg
By Andrew Scurr Last updated: 28th August 2007
Kieron Dyer has suffered a suspected broken leg during West Ham's Carling
Cup tie with Bristol Rovers. The midfielder, who was making just his third
start for The Hammers since joining from Newcastle earlier this month, was
stretchered off in the 13th minute at the Memorial Stadium. Dyer crumbled to
the ground following a challenge with Joe Jacobson on the right-hand side
and immediately looked in severe pain. The England international has been
taken to hospital for scans but West Ham fear he has broken both bones in
his lower leg. "We think he's broken his leg," Hammers manager Alan
Curbishley told Sky Sports. "It's so disappointing for him and we feel
desperately disappointed for him. "I'm so disappointed with the tackle
because it was needless and I think Jacobson will have a look at that and be
very disappointed with himself." West Ham have already seen fellow summer
signing Julien Faubert ruled out until the new year with a ruptured Achilles
tendon and Dyer looks likely to join him on the sidelines for an extended
period.
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Bellamy sees Hammers through - SSN
Hammers win overshadowed by Dyer injury
Last updated: 28th August 2007
Craig Bellamy's first two goals for West Ham were enough to give Alan
Curbishley's side a 2-1 Carling Cup victory over Bristol Rovers. Bellamy
struck twice in the first half, including a stunning 30-yard shot to open
his account, as the Premiership club capitalised on their first half
dominance. Rovers fought back after the break and hit back through Andy
Williams, but they were unable to force an equaliser. However, the match was
marred by a serious injury to West Ham and England midfielder Kieron Dyer.
Dyer is believed to have broken both the tibia and fibula in his right leg
after being caught by Rovers midfielder Joe Jacobson after catching his
studs in the turf.
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley had earmarked this game for a first start
since the 2006 FA Cup final for Dean Ashton, who is still striving for full
fitness after suffering a broken ankle on England duty a year ago. But the
striker's partner Gemma, who is expecting their first child, went into
labour and his manager was forced into a rethink. That meant the Hammers
stuck with the previously unproductive partnership of Bellamy and Bobby
Zamora, who both had spells at Rovers as teenagers, and the latter sent an
early header over from a good position. However, Bellamy made sure there was
to be no repeat of last season's Carling Cup exit at a League One ground,
when Chesterfield had beaten a West Ham side then still picked by Alan
Pardew. His two strikes before the break were his first since his
£7.5million summer switch from Liverpool. The first was made possible by
Hayden Mullins, who won the ball in midfield, but the Welshman was still
some 30 yards away from the Rovers goal when he decided to let fly and his
low drive eluded Steve Phillips' dive to his right to nestle in the corner.
A trademark turn of speed conjured up the second in stoppage time after
Lucas Neill had powered a long ball over an otherwise resilient Rovers
back-line. Goalkeeper Phillips had dithered coming off his line and
regretted it as soon as Bellamy slotted past him with ease.
The home side's 14-match unbeaten run, that had seen them promoted via last
season's play-offs and Crystal Palace removed from the first round of this
competition, was coming to an end but they refused to go down without a
fight. Rickie Lambert was denied by Wright's alertness 10 minutes into the
second
period, with the former Everton reserve showing great agility in the 53rd
minute to keep out the striker's header after Jacobson had again caused
problems on the left. Lambert and Walker combined again to put the visitors
under pressure and twice Ferdinand had to mop up in the box before
Curbishley made a change by taking George McCartney off in favour of James
Collins just after the hour mark. Rovers made a trio of substitutions in the
next 10 minutes and it was Lambert's replacement, Andrew Williams, who
ensured there would be a rousing end to this tie with a fine solo goal in
the 72nd minute. The substitute slipped past Anton Ferdinand with a neat
turn in the box and crashed the ball past Wright. Collins thought he had
wrapped it up for the Hammers when his header bounced down off the crossbar
via a superb Phillips save, but the ball clearly did not cross the line.
Rovers piled men forward, including goalkeeper Phillips, as the minutes
ticked away but the Hammers' re-jigged back-line held out.
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Adriano rejects Hammers - SSN
Hammers fail to entice striker
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 28th August 2007
Sky Sports News understands Adriano has turned down a loan move to West Ham.
The Hammers confirmed earlier on Tuesday that they were in talks with
Internazionale over a possible loan deal for the Brazilian. Adriano's future
at Inter looks uncertain with the club willing to loan him out so that he
can regain his form and fitness. The Brazilian international is well down
the pecking order at Inter and does not currently figure in Roberto
Mancini's plans. West Ham are hoping to lure Adriano to Upton Park, but is
believed that the former Parma hit-man has rejected their overtures. Despite
Adriano's initial rejection West Ham are expected to make a renewed bid to
take the player to east London before the closure of the transfer window on
Friday. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley, speaking before West Ham's win over
Bristol Rovers, was in the dark over the possible move for Adriano. "I don't
know too much about it to be fair," said Curbishley. "I don't know if it is
talk to stir things up, if you like, we will have to see. "I just think it
is something that has cropped up. Is it speculation or is there something in
it? I don't know."
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Bristol R 1-2 West Ham: Bellamy bags brace - Soccernet
Craig Bellamy's first goals for West Ham ensured there was no Carling Cup
humiliation for the Premier League side at League One Bristol Rovers but
their 2-1 success was achieved at a high cost after Kieron Dyer was
hospitalised with a suspected double fracture of his right leg. And that
also represents a blow for England ahead of next month's all-important Euro
2008 qualifiers with Israel and Russia, with the midfielder - a recent
recruit from Newcastle at £6million - a regular in Steve McClaren's squads.
Dyer had to cope with many injury problems during his time in the north-east
and he now faces yet more months on the sidelines. It had been a busy day
for the Hammers before kick-off with talks on-going with Inter Milan over a
loan move for Brazil forward Adriano. Manager Alan Curbishley had earmarked
this game for a first start since the 2006 FA Cup final for Dean Ashton, who
is still striving for full fitness after suffering a broken ankle on England
duty a year ago. But the striker's partner Gemma, who is expecting their
first child, went into labour and his manager was forced into a rethink.
That meant the Hammers stuck with the previously-unproductive partnership of
Bellamy and Bobby Zamora, who both had spells at Rovers as teenagers, and
the latter sent an early header over from a good position. Dyer's misfortune
arrived soon afterwards and it was immediately apparent the midfielder was
in severe pain following Joe Jacobson's challenge near the right flank,
which referee Mike Jones penalised with a free-kick. The midfielder stayed
down a long while and was eventually carried off in the 13th minute to be
replaced by Mark Noble. Initial diagnosis before he was despatched to
hospital was a double fracture. Bellamy made sure there was to be no repeat
of last season's Carling Cup exit at a League One ground, when Chesterfield
had beaten a West Ham side then still picked by Alan Pardew. His two strikes
before the break were his first since his £7.5million summer switch from
Liverpool. The first was made possible by Hayden Mullins, who won the ball
in midfield, but the Welshman was still some 30 yards away from the Rovers
goal when he decided to let fly his low drive eluded Steve Phillips' dive to
his right to nestle in the corner. A trademark turn of speed conjured up the
second in stoppage time after Lucas Neill had powered a long ball over an
otherwise resilient Rovers back-line. Goalkeeper Phillips had dithered
coming off his line and regretted it as soon as Bellamy slotted past him
with ease. Rovers had been second best but still had their moments with
Jacobson impressive down the left and certainly not affected by his
leg-breaking tackle earlier on. His cross picked out Richard Walker in space
in the box but the striker headed straight at the visitors' debutant
goalkeeper Richard Wright. The home side's 14-match unbeaten run, that had
seen them promoted via last season's play-offs and Crystal Palace removed
from the first round of this competition, was coming to an end but they
refused to go down without a fight. Rickie Lambert was denied by Wright's
alertness 10 minutes into the second period, with the former Everton reserve
showing great agility in the 53rd minute to keep out the striker's header
after Jacobson had again caused problems on the left. Lambert and Walker
combined again to put the visitors under pressure and twice Ferdinand had to
mop up in the box before Curbishley made a change by taking George McCartney
off in favour of James Collins just after the hour mark. Rovers made a trio
of substitutions in the next 10 minutes and it was Lambert's replacement,
Andrew Williams, who ensured there would be a rousing end to this tie with a
fine solo goal in the 72nd minute. The substitute slipped past Anton
Ferdinand with a neat turn in the box and crashed the ball past Wright.
Collins thought he had wrapped it up for the Hammers when his header bounced
down off the crossbar but referee Mike Jones, having consulted the relevant
linesman, ruled it had not crossed the line. Rovers piled men forward,
including goalkeeper Phillips, as the minutes ticked away but the Hammers'
re-jigged back-line held out.
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Vinny's Bristol Rovers Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Wed Aug 29 2007
League Cup 2nd Round
Bristol Rovers 1 West Ham United 2
Craig Bellamy's first goals for the club came in this League Cup 2nd round
tie at league one side Bristol Rovers. But the talking point will all be
about the injury to Kieron Dyer which appears to be a broken leg and will
keep him out for quite a while.
As for the game, well it was pretty much as expected with West Ham dictating
the play and doing the minimum required to get them through to the next
round. In typical West Ham fashion we let them back into the game with a
soft goal, but Bristol Rovers couldn't create the chances to make the
comeback.
The side who started against Wigan was slightly changed for this one. In
goal, Richard Wright made his debut for the club, in defence, Danny Gabbidon
replaced Matthew Upson who was rested completely but was in attendance along
with Jonathan Spector who was also not in the 16.
In midfield, Saturday's goalscorer Lee Bowyer was in midfield in place of
Mark Noble who dropped to the bench. Bowyer went to the right wing with Dyer
and Mullins in the middle and Boa Morte on the left in place of Etherington
who was also on the bench.
Up front it was once again Bobby Zamora who partnered Craig Bellamy after it
was revealed that Dean Ashton (who was to start) had to be with his wife who
had gone into labour. This saw Carlton Cole return to the squad and he was
on the bench.
It was a nice evening in a strange looking football ground, with our fans
looking have snapped up just about all the tickets that were available. Of
course Bristol Rovers were looking forward to the possibility of playing a
Premiership side and they filled their stadium.
The first chance of the game fell to Bobby Zamora who may have thought he
should have done better with a header from a Luis Boa Morte cross. The
striker found himself unmarked but didn't get the connection he would have
liked on the ball.
Moments later Alan Curbishley would have been cursing his luck as Kieron
Dyer had to be taken off with what it is now looking like a broken leg. From
where I was standing it didn't seem much of tackle, but after watching the
replays on TV in the last few minutes it appears that he studs were caught
in the ground as the Bristol Rovers player Jacobson caught him with a late
tackle. It didn't look malicious but it is yet another injury for a player
who is usually injured.
Mark Noble came on to replace Dyer with only 13 minutes on the clock. This
didn't seem to hinder our progress as we begun to wear the home side down,
spending a lot of time in possession and in their half. You could sense that
something would come of the neat passing, but we needed someone to make that
killer pass or hit that killer shot.
The killer shot did come and it came through Craig Bellamy who had taken a
lot of stick from the Rovers fans for just being welsh. Or was it just being
Craig Bellamy? Nevertheless, he would ram their abuse down their throat with
a wonderful shot from about 30 yards after being supplied by Hayden Mullins.
The keeper had no chance thus was the accuracy and power, and Bellamy could
celebrate his first goal in a West Ham shirt.
Bellamy could and should have had a second goal just minutes later after a
great cross from McCartney found the Welshman completely unmarked and
despite the ball being a great height for him his header was straight at
Rovers keeper Steve Phillips.
Rovers found it difficult to get in behind our defence and their long balls
forward were easily mopped up by Gabbidon and Ferdinand. They did however
have a decent chance to get themselves back on level terms when some good
work on the left hand side resulted in a cross to an unmarked Richard Walker
but his header was straight at Richard Wright.
This looked to have given Rovers a little boost and showed them that they
were still in this game, but the wind were taken out of the Pirates sails as
we doubled our lead and once again it was Craig Bellamy who would get the
goal.
Bellamy would have to give huge thanks to captain Lucas Neill as it was he
who would play a sublime pass over the top (like we saw at Wigan away and
Arsenal away last season) which set Bellamy through on goal, and he finished
coolly to give West Ham a 2-0 lead.
From then to the end of the half it was complete possession control for us
as the defence and midfield just sprayed the ball around to each other with
Rovers unable to do anything but watch.
The half time whistle went and it seemed as though this game (on the
evidence of that first half) was over as a contest.
The second half began with us coming out of the traps quickest as Noble
played in Bowyer whose shot (from a similar position where he scored on
Saturday) went agonizingly wide of the goal.
The home side knew that they must give it a go and with nothing to lose they
did have more possession inside our half than we would have liked.
Their first chance of the half came when a shot deflected wickedly of Lucas
Neill but Richard Wright was equal to it and the was also equal to the
follow up header from Lambert. Up until this point Wright was a virtual
spectator but he was alert to see off any danger.
What Rovers were doing much better in this half was getting the ball into
our box quicker. They still lacked that player with a bit of pace to cause
us trouble but with our defence generally looking a little dodgy (as it
always does) there was a little concern that something might break for them.
We made a substitution which I got in one sense but was confused in another.
James Collins came on and this was perfectly understandable. Collins is
excellent in the air as we know, and Bristol Rovers were pumping high balls
into the area so of course this was a good idea from Curbishley. But I
didn't get why he took off George McCartney. Was he injured?
My problem with this is that after a pretty decent defensive performance we
had center half Danny Gabbidon go to left back, and Rovers just put as much
pressure on his as possible. We had given them a weakness to try and
exploit. With Boa Morte unable to defend (or attack some might say) he
couldn't give Gabbidon much support and I just thought it was a little
unnecessary.
The bit of pressure they were having got their fans going and a goal did
come their way after Walker played the ball through to substitute Williams
who had got away from our defenders far to easily. The striker clipped the
ball over Wright to make it an uncomfortable last 15 minutes.
There wasn't much of an onslaught from the home side and in fact it was us
who had the best chance of the remainder when a corner from Noble was met
but a thunderous header from Collins but just as the West Ham fans were
about to celebrate it crashed onto the bar and was scrambled clear.
A few corners aside, it wasn't a really difficult last few minutes and
although it was always in the back of my mind that "this is West Ham" we
kept our heads and find ourselves in the hat for the next round of the
League Cup.
Job Done.
Player Reviews
Richard Wright
Nothing to do in the first half but make one standard save from a header
which was straight at him. Made a few decent stops in the second period and
although he wasn't tested frequently he stayed alert and did his job well
enough.
Lucas Neill
Like Saturday he did have his rusty moments where simply lack of
concentration made him look a little silly. Gave the ball away a few times,
but got stronger as the game went on in terms of his defensive game. His
pass to Bellamy for the second goal was superb.
Anton Ferdinand
I haven't seen the goal so can't be 100% if he was to blame but it seemed as
though he may have got turned easily for it but I can't say for sure. His
performance was decent enough on the whole and I can't have too many
complaints.
Danny Gabbidon
Been a while since I have seen him start and the former hammer of the year
put in a solid display which saw him play most of the second half as a left
back. His first half performance was calm and collected, his second was one
which he had to be on his toes with his new position being targeted as the
one which would get attacks going for the home side. Has been replaced as a
first teamer by Matthew Upson but wouldn't think Curbishley will worry about
putting him in when needed.
George McCartney
Another consistent performance form McCartney. Solid in defence and a bit
dodgy going forward. Can't fault his tackling though, made some nice ones
tonight and is not afraid of the odd crunching one.
Lee Bowyer
Got a full 90 minutes under his belt which of course will do him no harm.
Has good feet and can spot a pass but I still think he is just that little
to slow to be a first team starter. His lack of pace was exposed against
Manchester City and even at times tonight I thought he looked a little slow
and this was a problem a few times when we were trying to pick up the pace.
With Dyer now injured, it seems we will be seeing more of Bowyer.
Hayden Mullins
A very efficient performance from Mullins. His passing was decent, his
tackling was good enough and he did his usual thing of being in the right
place to break up an attack or intercept a pass. That is his role and
although he wasn't really tested he put in a good account of himself. Also
gets himself an assist for the first goal.
Kieron Dyer
Injury prone players get injured.
Luis Boa Morte
Thought he was excellent in his brief substitute appearance on Saturday
against Wigan as he went to a more center forward position. Tonight he was
back on the left wing where he put in a pretty non existent performance.
Being so close to the pitch and with him being our side in the second half
you could really see that the man has no idea off the ball. He just doesn't
know where to run or position himself which means he either gets the ball
and gets tackled quickly, or the other players will just bypass him and look
for another option. I still think he has ability but he just doesn't do
enough.
Bobby Zamora
I have been accused of having a "vendetta" against Mr Zamora which I assure
you is totally false. So tonight I will just say, if you saw this game
tonight either on the tv or having actually been there, then you make your
own minds up. Didn't seem to want to come over to the fans after the game.
He went quickly back to the changing room leaving his teamates (even Carlton
Cole) to applaud the travelling support.
Craig Bellamy
The star of the show tonight. Yes, ok he had lots of room to do his thing
but he still had to deliver and his two finishes were excellent and very
encouraging. Be great if he can do this in the premiership. Was good to see
us actually using his pace as a game plan. Two goals tonight and hopefully
the start of many.
Subs Used
Mark Noble (on for Dyer 13 mins)
On for most of this game, Noble slotted in comfortably and put in a good all
round display. Tackles, passes, corners, it was a Mark Noble performance.
James Collins (on for McCartney 62 mins)
Came on to give us that extra boost in the air and he showed his worth with
some good solid headers and clearances. Nearly scored with a great header
which hit the bar.
Carlton Cole >i>(on for Bellamy 76 mins)
One day Carlton Cole will take over the footballing world. You heard it here
first.
Overall
These games are usually a no win situation as you get slated for losing to
lower league clubs and if you win you were expected to anyway. We did the
bare minimum tonight which was thankfully enough in the end. The first half
was professional, the second a little lethargic but I can understand that.
Dyer is now injured and with Parker (still) unavailable and Ljungberg
(still) absent, Alan Curbishley maybe needs to think about bringing someone
in either on loan or permanent by Friday because some of these players are
just not going to be good enough quality to have a good league campaign.
And by good I mean finishing above 14th place.
Reading next - we always get stuffed by these. I am trying to think of
reasons why that will change this time around.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kieron Dyer break hits West Ham - Telegraph
By Martin Smith
Last Updated: 2:04am BST 29/08/2007
Bristol Rovers (0) 1 West Ham United (2) 2
West Ham, removed from the competition by Chesterfield last season, ensured
there was no Carling Cup repeat last night at Bristol Rovers, though at the
loss of Kieron Dyer, who may miss the rest of the season.
The game became immaterial, according to the West Ham manager Alan
Curbishley, from the ninth minute, when Dyer crumpled to the ground after
what looked initially to be an innocuous challenge from Joe Jacobson, the
Rovers midfielder. There were accusations and denials long into the night
about the intent of Jacobson's tackle, the incident being the main talking
point of a tie West Ham should have won more comfortably.
That they are in the draw for the third round was largely due to two goals
from Craig Bellamy, his first for the club. That West Ham were hanging on at
the end was down to a spirited second-half comeback by the League One side.
"I think from us we see the League Cup as a competition we can do well in,"
Curbishley said. "We have seen Middlesbrough, Bolton and Wigan get to the
final in recent years so we attacked it with that in mind. But at the moment
we feel the luck is against us."
He said that he now has £20 million-worth of talent left on the sidelines,
as Dyer joined Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker and Julian Faubert on the
injured list. To add to his frustration, he had hoped to give Dean Ashton
his first start after a 15-month absence with a broken ankle. However,
yesterday morning he learnt that Ashton's girlfriend had gone into labour
with the couple's first child, and he had to change plans again.
It was pure coincidence, however, that West Ham had earlier confirmed they
were in talks with Inter Milan about Adriano, the Brazilian striker who has
slipped down the pecking order in Italy. In a statement, they said: "Talks
are at an early stage, but the club are investigating the possibility of a
loan deal."
If Bellamy felt pressure from talk of Adriano's possible arrival, it did not
show in his finishing, as he gave West Ham a two-goal cushion before
half-time. For the first, Stuart Campbell was robbed and the ball worked
forward to Bellamy, who beat Steve Phillips with a spectacular shot from 30
yards.
The second came almost on the stroke of half-time, Lucas Neill's
through-ball putting him beyond the defence, and he does not miss chances
like that.
Bellamy might even have had another sandwiched between the two goals when he
moved towards the near post to meet George McCartney's centre, but put it
straight into the goalkeeper's arms.
Rovers had not shown much in the first half, but they made up for it after
the break. Richard Wright, making his debut in West Ham's goal, had to
readjust when Jacobson's shot was deflected off Neill and was heading just
under his crossbar.
However, Wright was beaten with 18 minutes to go, Richard Walker flicking on
to put Andy Williams behind the West Ham defence. Cries of Goodnight Irene
rang out with renewed gusto, but ultimately to no avail.
Match details
Bristol Rovers (4-4-2): Phillips; Lescott, Anthony, Elliott, Carruthers;
Pipe, Campbell, Disley (Igoe 70), Jacobson (Haldane 64); Lambert (Williams
64), Walker.
Subs: Hinton, Rigg.
Booked: Walker.
Goals: Andrew Williams 72.
West Ham (4-4-2): Wright; Neill, Gabbidon, Ferdinand, McCartney (Collins
62); Bowyer, Dyer (Noble 13), Mullins, Boa Morte; Bellamy (Cole 76), Zamora.
Subs: Green (g), Etherington.
Goals: Bellamy 31, 45.
Referee: M Jones (Cheshire).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Kieron Dyer injury adds to England's problems - Telegraph
By Martin Smith
Last Updated: 1:52am BST 29/08/2007
Kieron Dyer, one of the most injury jinxed of modern footballers, suffered a
suspected broken right leg at Bristol Rovers last night, and will miss the
rest of England's qualifying campaign for Euro 2008. Dyer, who played 30
minutes in England's friendly against Germany last week, was carried off
after 13 minutes of West Ham's Carling Cup tie with suspected fractures of
his tibia and fibula bones. It was only his third appearance in West Ham's
midfield since moving from Newcastle for £6 million in the summer. Dyer had
played in the centre of midfield for the closing third of the international
at Wembley, and his injury will be a serious blow to Steve McClaren, who has
mounting problems ahead of the double header against Israel and Russia at
Wembley in the next two weeks. McClaren has already lost Wayne Rooney and
Gary Neville and has doubts over Steven Gerrard. In addition, Peter Crouch
is suspended for the Israel match.
Dyer broke his leg while he was at Ipswich a decade ago, and missed a large
portion of last season with hamstring and back injuries. His latest injury
came early on at the Memorial Ground. He was caught with an innocuous
challenge by Joe Jacobson and seemed to quickly recognise the extent of the
damage.
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Curbs devastated by Dyer injury - TeamTalk
Alan Curbishley described West Ham's 2-1 Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers
as "immaterial" after Kieron Dyer suffered a suspected broken leg. The
Premier League side defeated the League One outfit thanks to two Craig
Bellamy goals before half-time but Dyer had already been hospitalised by
then.
The England man, who has suffered with a host of injury problems in recent
years, now faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines just 12 days after
completing his move from Newcastle to Upton Park. Curbishley said: "We are
so devastated for him. I can't put it into words really. The game was
immaterial after that. You put a strong side out and you wonder why
sometimes. "We are delighted we have got through but after 10 or 15 minutes
the game was immaterial. Everyone in the dressing room is really down about
it."
Dyer had been hurt by a challenge from Rovers left winger Joe Jacobson and
Curbishley intimated he and his players felt the challenge - which was
punished by a free-kick only by referee Mike Jones, had been a reckless one.
He said: "I think the Bristol Rovers player has got to be very disappointed
with his tackle. As far as I can see he has lashed out after losing the ball
and caught Kieron in a difficult area. "Wouldn't you be angry? The players
could see he lashed out. But it is immaterial what the referee does after
you get a serious injury like that."
Rovers manager Paul Trollope, who saw substitute Andy Williams pull a goal
back to set up a tense finish, insisted the incident was not a deliberate
attempt to cause injury. He said: "It was a foul. He swung his leg back to
try to win the ball and that was it. Our thoughts are with Kieron Dyer but
Joe is not that type of player and we are not that type of football club. We
don't tell our players to do that. "Joe is an honest lad and he swung his
leg to get the ball. It was just an unfortunate incident."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injury agony for Hammers' Dyer - TeamTalk
Kieron Dyer suffered a suspected broken leg during West Ham's Carling Cup
tie away to Bristol Rovers on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old midfielder, who
was making just his third start for the Hammers since joining from Newcastle
earlier this month, was stretchered off in the 13th minute at the Memorial
Stadium.
Dyer crumbled to the ground following a challenge with Joe Jacobson on the
right-hand side and immediately looked in severe pain. The England
international has been taken to hospital for scans but West Ham fear he has
broken both bones in his lower leg. West Ham have already seen fellow
summer signing Julien Faubert ruled out until the new year and Dyer looks
likely to join him on the sidelines for an extended period.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer double-leg break torture - The Sun
By DAVE KIDD:
Bristol Rovers 1 West Ham 2
August 29, 2007
ALAN CURBISHLEY launched an angry attack on Bristol Rovers' Joe Jacobson for
the tackle that left Kieron Dyer with a broken leg. Craig Bellamy hit both
West Ham goals but England midfielder Dyer was carried off on a stretcher
with his right leg in a splint 10 minutes into last night's Carling Cup
clash.
It is feared his leg is broken in two places and Dyer, 28, faces six months
on the sidelines — just 12 days after his £7million switch from Newcastle.
Hammers boss Curbs said: "We're so devastated for him. The game was
immaterial after that. "I think the Rovers player has to be very
disappointed with the tackle.
"He lashed out after losing the ball, caught Kieron in a difficult position
and that is what you get. The players could see he lashed out. "Their
manager asked before the game whether I would be putting out a strong side
and I said I would be — but sometimes you wonder why. "I'm really down.
Kieron has been looking sharp."
Jacobson was not booked by ref Mike Jones. And Rovers boss Paul Trollope
insisted: "It was a foul — Joe swung his leg back to try and win the ball.
And that was it. "The stories coming out from West Ham that it was a
malicious tackle, that he has gone to do him are wide of the mark. "Joe just
swung his leg and it's a very unfortunate incident."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers in Adriano bid - The Sun
By PAUL JIGGINS
August 29, 2007
WEST HAM have confirmed they are in talks to sign Inter Milan striker
Adriano. Arsenal have rejected the Brazilian who would have been offered on
a season's loan basis. The Hammers now want him on a similar deal — but the
hitman, 25, is holding out for a permanent £15million switch. A Hammers
spokeswoman said last night: "We're in talks with his club but they're at a
very early stage. No offer has been made because we would prefer a loan
deal." Adriano wants to quit the San Siro after falling behind Zlatan
Ibrahimovic, Julio Cruz, David Suazo and Hernan Crespo in Inter's pecking
order of frontmen. He was not included in manager Roberto Mancini's squad
for Sunday's 1-1 draw with Udinese and has also lost his place in the Brazil
side after struggling with his weight and form.
But he insisted: "I don't want to go on loan again. I already went once, to
Parma, when it was right for my career. Now if I must really leave, I'll go
and that's it." Inter president Massimo Moratti said: "He has two choices in
front of him — do really well with us or do really well on loan and return
to us as the formidable centre-forward that we know he can be." Adriano will
also be talking with Middlesbrough today.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CURBS CURSE - the Mirror
West Ham's jinx strikes again as Dyer breaks leg BRISTOL ROV 1 WEST HAM 2
By Ann Gripper 29/08/2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley admitted he fears his team is cursed after
Kieron Dyer suffered a double fracture of his right leg in the Carling Cup
win at Bristol Rovers last night. Dyer was injured nine minutes into the
second round tie after a challenge by Rovers' Joe Jacobson and Curbishley
said: "I feel the luck's against us. I will have to access whether we need
to strengthen the squad - that right hand side, who wants to come and play
there with what's happened to us?" Since taking over last season Curbishley
has seen a succession of his signings suffer injuries. Lucas Neill, Matthew
Upson, Freddie Ljungberg, Julien Faubert, Scott Parker and now Dyer, in only
his third appearance since completing a £6m move from Newcastle, have all
endured lengthy spells on the sidelines after moving to Upton Park. Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley said: "I am sitting here with £20m worth of injured
players. We are so devastated for Kieron - the game was immaterial after
that. "I think the Bristol Rovers player has got to be very disappointed
with his tackle. He lashed out after losing the ball, caught Kieron in a
difficult position and that's what you get." Craig Bellamy's first two goals
for the Hammers earned them a place in the third round draw, although Andrew
Williams' 72nd minute strike made for a tense ending for the east Londoners.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
ROVERS: HONEST JOE NOT GUILTY - Western Daily Press
BY CHRIS SWIFT C.SWIFT@BEPP.CO.UK
08:00 - 29 August 2007
Paul Trollope has leaped to the defence of Joe Jacobson after the incident
which left West Ham's Kieron Dyer with a double fracture of his right leg.
The England midfielder was carried off after tangling with the former
Cardiff City man near the touchline nine minutes into last night's Carling
Cup clash at the Memorial Stadium. Although the challenge looked innocuous,
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley accused Jacobson of "lashing out" at the £6
million summer recruit from Newcastle. "The Bristol Rovers player should be
very disappointed with that tackle as he lashed out after losing the ball
and caught Kieron," said Curbishley. "I'm really down and so is everyone in
the dressing room. The game was immaterial after that." But Trollope
defended Jacobson, saying: "That's the view of their camp - but nobody else
seems to share it. "From our point of view, it was a foul. He swung his leg
back to try and win the ball and it was just an unfortunate outcome.
"Stories from the other camp that it was a malicious challenge and he's gone
to do him are wide of the mark. "Joe's an honest lad and he's not like that.
He just swung his leg to try and win the ball and it was an unfortunate
outcome. "Our thoughts are with Kieron Dyer because it looks a serious
injury and you don't wish that on anybody." The incident overshadowed a
pulsating second-round tie which saw West Ham take a 2-0 lead thanks to
Craig Bellamy's first-half double, before substitute Andy Williams pulled a
goal back in the second half. Trollope said: "Bellamy's a top international
striker who's played for a lot of top clubs. But we produced a good
fightback and scored a good goal. We got a head of steam up, played some
good football but unfortunately couldn't get the second."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
City make £12m Adriano swoop - lep.co.uk
Manchester City are attempting to sign Inter Milan striker Adriano in a deal
worth £12m, according to reports. The Daily Mail claim that Manchester City
were weighing up a loan deal for the 25-year-old powerhouse, and West Ham
Unied sent a delegation to Milan on Tuesday to discuss a similar deal. But
City boss Sven Goran Eriksson is aware the player does not want to go on
loan and City are trying to stretch their budget to pull off what would be a
remarkable coup at wages of around £70,000 a week. The Brazilian told the
Daily Mail said: "I don't want to go out on loan again. I've already been at
Parma, and at that time it was right for my career but now I really must
leave for good and that's that."
Last Updated: 29 August 2007 7:34 AM
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jinxed Dyer breaks leg - The Mirror
CARLING CUP
Bristol Rovers 1-2 West Ham
By Ann Gripper 29/08/2007
West Ham's injury curse struck again last night when Kieron Dyer suffered a
double fracture of his right leg just nine minutes into his third match
since joining them from Newcastle for £6million. Craig Bellamy, who scored
two goals in the 2-1 win, said: "Kieron's injury overshadows the game. He's
one of my best friends and will be out for a while. It's devastating."
Hammers chief Alan Curbishley added: "It's a high price to pay for getting
through."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bristol Rovers 1 West Ham 2 - The Sun
By DAVE KIDD
August 29, 2007
CRAIG BELLAMY has so far survived the curse of the West Ham new boy. His
first two goals for the club fired Hammers into round three on a night
overshadowed by Kieron Dyer's horror injury. Dyer suffered a double leg
break in a 10th-minute challenge with Bristol Rovers midfielder Joe
Jacobson.
The England midfielder joins fellow summer signings Scott Parker, Freddie
Ljungberg and Julien Faubert on the Upton Park sick list. Matt Upson and
Lucas Neill also suffered bad injuries after joining Hammers in January. So
Inter striker Adriano will surely be checking his medical insurance as he
thinks over a possible move to the East End. Boss Alan Curbishley groaned:
"We have £20million worth of players out injured. "The luck is really
against us. We're treading on eggshells." Bellamy saw Hammers through
against the club he trained with as a schoolboy. As Dyer, 28, was rushed to
hospital just 12 days after his £7m switch from Newcastle, the Welshman gave
boss Curbs a welcome silver lining with two classy finishes before
half-time. Despite the distress of seeing Dyer carried off in agony, the
Premier League side kept a grip in midfield and went in front on the
half-hour. Rovers captain Stuart Campbell lost possession and the ball broke
to Bellamy, who turned and thumped a 30-yarder low past keeper Steve
Phillips. It was the striker's first goal since his £7.5m move from
Liverpool last month. He could have had his second just a minute later when
he headed straight at Phillips. But a minute before half-time the chippy
little hitman showed just why managers keep taking a punt on him as he
darted on to a punt from Neill and stroked home No 2. Rovers pressed forward
more after the break and got a goal back when Richard Walker flicked on
Phillips' long ball for sub Andy Williams who chipped over Richard Wright.
Hammers sub James Collins crashed a header against the underside of the bar.
But there were some shaky moments for the visitors' defence as Rovers
launched a grandstand finish.
DREAM TEAM STAR MAN: Craig Bellamy (W Ham).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham must go to £6M for Shorey
tribalfooball.com - August 28, 2007
West Ham United must go to £6 million to land Reading fullback Nicky Shorey.
The Hammers had an official £5m bid rejected by Reading on Monday but they
are determined to sign the England left-back. More talks are planned this
week with Curbs hoping to get Shorey, 26, before the transfer window closes
on Friday - in time for Saturday's encounter with the Royals at the Madejski
Stadium.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City to outbid West Ham for Adriano
tribalfooball.com - August 28, 2007
Manchester City plan to outbid West Ham with a £12 million offer for Inter
Milan striker Adriano. West Ham yesterday sent a delegation to Milan to
discuss a similar deal, says the Daily Mail. But City boss Sven Goran
Eriksson, who held talks with Adriano's representatives yesterday, is aware
the player does not want to go on loan and City are trying to stretch their
budget to pull off what would be a remarkable coup at wages of around
£70,000 a week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Rangers ask West Ham for McCartney
tribalfooball.com - August 28, 2007
Rangers have approached West Ham United for left-back George McCartney. The
Northern Ireland could become available should the Hammers' pursuit of
Reading defender Nicky Shorey prove successful this week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham furious over Dyer leg-break
tribalfooball.com - August 28, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley was furious after seeing new signing
Kieron Dyer break his leg in last night's 2-1 Carling Cup defeat of Bristol
Rovers.
The Hammers defeated the League One outfit thanks to two Craig Bellamy goals
before half-time but Dyer had already been hospitalised by then. The England
man, who has suffered with a host of injury problems in recent years, now
faces another lengthy spell on the sidelines just 12 days after completing
his move from Newcastle to Upton Park. Curbishley said: "We are so
devastated for him. I can't put it into words really. The game was
immaterial after that. You put a strong side out and you wonder why
sometimes. "We are delighted we have got through but after 10 or 15 minutes
the game was immaterial. Everyone in the dressing room is really down about
it." Dyer had been hurt by a challenge from Rovers left winger Joe Jacobson
and Curbishley intimated he and his players felt the challenge - which was
punished by a free-kick only by referee Mike Jones, had been a reckless one.
He said: "I think the Bristol Rovers player has got to be very disappointed
with his tackle. As far as I can see he has lashed out after losing the ball
and caught Kieron in a difficult area. "Wouldn't you be angry? The players
could see he lashed out. But it is immaterial what the referee does after
you get a serious injury like that." Rovers manager Paul Trollope, who saw
substitute Andy Williams pull a goal back to set up a tense finish, insisted
the incident was not a deliberate attempt to cause injury. He said: "It was
a foul. He swung his leg back to try to win the ball and that was it. Our
thoughts are with Kieron Dyer but Joe is not that type of player and we are
not that type of football club. We don't tell our players to do that. "Joe
is an honest lad and he swung his leg to get the ball. It was just an
unfortunate incident."
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