Wednesday, August 29

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 29th August 2007

Club Statement on Kieron Dyer - WHUFC
29/08/2007 09:54

The Club can today confirm that Kieron Dyer has suffered a double-fracture
to his lower leg following the results of a series of x-rays taken last
night.
Following a late challenge by Bristol Rovers defender, Joe Jacobson in last
night's Carling Cup tie, Kieron was stretchered off the pitch and rushed
straight to hospital where it was confirmed he had fractured both the tibia
and fibula of his right leg. It is too early to say at this stage how long
the player will be out for as this will become clearer once the first stage
of surgery is completed.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs:"We're devastated for Kieron" - WHUFC
29/08/2007 09:05

Craig Bellamy's Bristol brace may have put Hammers into the Carling Cup
third round draw, but Alan Curbishley's thoughts were with one of his less
fortunate summer signings at the Memorial Stadium last night. "We think that
Kieron Dyer's broken his leg and we're so devastated for him," revealed
Curbs after the 2-1 win that was marred by Joe Jacobson's 10th-minute
challenge on his England midfielder. "I just can't put it into words. The
game was just immaterial after that and I think that the Bristol Rovers'
player has got to be very disappointed with his tackle because, as far as I
could see, he lashed out after losing the ball. "The players could see what
he did and that's why they were so angry. "Obviously, we're delighted that
we got through to the next stage of the competition but the game was
irrelevant after Kieron's injury. I'm really down because he was looking
sharp out there, playing in his favourite position in the middle of the
park. "Everyone in the dressing room's really flat but we've just got to get
over this. After all, that's the reason why we've got a squad and now we've
got to push on and look forward to Saturday's game at Reading. "Although you
sometimes wonder why you put such a strong team out for these games, it
still won't make me think twice about putting out a similar strength side in
the future," insisted Curbs. "Here at West Ham United, we see the League Cup
as a competition in which we can do well. I said to the players before the
game that Middlesbrough, Bolton Wanderers and Wigan Athletic have all made
the final in recent years, so it's an opportunity for us to get into
Europe."That's why we attacked the game against Bristol Rovers but I guess
the luck's against us right now. It's delicate and we're treading on
eggshells. Things had already conspired against us before the game, when
Dean Ashton's girlfriend went into labour and he had to miss out because
he's so desperate for a game. "Craig Bellamy had come off with a niggling
groin injury against Wigan Athletic on Saturday and we were wondering
whether we did the right thing in playing him instead of Deano but,
fortunately, he got his first couple of goals for us and he's really pleased
with himself. "Looking around, though, I've got £20 million-worth of injured
players - Julien Faubert, Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker and now Kieron
Dyer - all on the sidelines.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Neill: "We wish Kieron a speedy recovery" - WHUFC
29/08/2007 11:41

Hammers captain Lucas Neill reflected on last night's Carling Cup win at
Bristol Rovers. "We allowed them back into the game after executing a very
good first half of total football," he said. "But when you don't score the
third goal and you give them a sniff in front of their home crowd, they're
going to raise their game. "In the end I thought we were quite resilient but
it was our mistake that allowed them back into the game and we put ourselves
under unnecessary pressure. "When you play in the Cup, it's not so much
about the performance. It's being in the next round that's important. "If
you win five games ugly and get to the final, eventually you're going to
play really well but no one remembers the performance, just the result up
until that point. "We're in the next round, we can stay positive and there's
an opportunity to get into Europe if we're successful in this tournament so
we'll be taking it seriously."
Taking much of the gloss off an important win was the injury sustained by
Kieron Dyer after a late tackle six minutes into the match. "It wasn't an
overly aggressive challenge or full of malice but it was a foul," said
Lucas. "Everyone is devastated that it has happened to the poor lad. "We
really feel for him. We're all going to go and visit him and hope that he as
a speedy recovery. It's the scariest time for a footballer and no one likes
to see it. "He's only been here a couple of weeks and after all the activity
that went on trying to get him as well. He was starting to look really good,
he was hungry, he was determined to do well and he was looking sharp in
training. He has great experience, both internationally and domestically and
it's a big lost. "But we've got players in the squad who now, through his
unfortunate circumstances, will get an opportunity to replace him and
hopefully push on."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins pleased to be back in action - WHUFC
29/08/2007 12:54

James Collins was glad to return to action yesterday at Bristol Rovers
following his calf injury as he came on as a substitute in the second half.
"I've been a bit disappointed to miss out in the first three games but I was
pleased to put on the West Ham shirt again," he said. "It's always hard
coming on as sub, especially as Bristol Rovers were pressing quite well. "We
got off to a good start with Bellers scoring two goals, so it made it
slightly easier coming on at 2-0.
"It was a bit disappointing to give away a goal but we made it through the
tie. It was a tricky tie, coming here but we're just happy to get through
it." In the final moments, James threw himself in front of a goal-bound
effort to keep the Hammers in the lead, but felt the force of the impact.
"If my girlfriend was watching on telly I don't think she'd be too happy
with where it hit me!" he joked. "It had to be done and it had to be blocked
otherwise it would have gone to extra time. We didn't need that when there's
a big game on Saturday." James echoed the sentiments of his team-mates as he
reflected on the injury to Kieron Dyer. "Everyone's really disappointed," he
said. "We'd rather have lost the game and kept Kieron on the pitch. "It's
disappointing for everyone at West Ham. All our best is with Kieron and
hopefully he'll come back as soon as possible."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Week of mixed emotions for Bowyer - WHUFC
29/08/2007 15:00

It has been a week of mixed emotions for Hammers midfielder Lee Bowyer, who
scored his first goal for the Club against Wigan on Saturday but saw
team-mate Kieron Dyer suffer a fractured leg at Bristol Rovers. "The goal
was a long time coming," he said. "I was delighted to get off the mark for
the Hammers. I had another little chance crop up last night and I just
pulled it a little. "I think we deserved to win and we deserved to win on
Saturday as well, which is unfortunate that we didn't, but it took spirit to
come back from a goal down. "Last night we were in control of the game the
whole time. They nicked one at the end and put us under a little bit of
pressure, which was expected, but I think it was a good result. "Sky came to
film it, I suppose they were expecting that there might be a slip up like
last year at Chesterfield but I think the lads did really well. "We passed
the ball well, moved it and didn't really give them a chance. It could have
been five or six to us today but we're in the next round and that's the main
thing."
Lee was the first player to tend to Kieron as he went down following a late
challenge by Joe Jacobson. "It was a nightmare," he recalls. "I was standing
right there. Kieron came straight towards me and I thought he was going to
pass me the ball because he took a touch and it came my way. "But the fella
went in after and it looked like a slash to me. I said that to the referee.
I heard a crack but I was hoping it was just his shin pad. "Obviously it
wasn't and it's a big loss for us. We're just not having much luck at the
moment with Julien and his Achilles and Kieron being another new signing
with his leg, both on the right side.
"I've played with him before so I know how he plays and I thought he did
well against Birmingham and again on Saturday against Wigan. Hopefully he
gets better sooner rather than later."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley fury at Dyer leg break - BBC

West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has accused Bristol Rovers' Joe Jacobson of
"lashing out" at Kieron Dyer in a tackle that broke the midfielder's leg.
Dyer, 28, suffered a double fracture to his lower leg during West Ham's 2-1
Carling Cup victory on Tuesday. Curbishley said: "We're devastated for
Kieron. I can't put it into words. The game was just immaterial after that.
"The player has got to be disappointed with his tackle. As far as I could
see, he lashed out after losing the ball." A club statement said: "Kieron
was stretchered off the pitch and rushed to hospital where it was confirmed
he had fractured both the tibia and fibula of his right leg. "It is too
early to say how long he will be out for as this will become clearer once
the first stage of surgery is completed."
Curbishley added: "The players could see what happened and that's why they
were so angry. "Everyone in the dressing-room is really flat but we've got
to get over this. "The game was irrelevant after Kieron's injury. I'm really
down because he was looking sharp out there, playing in his favourite
position in the middle of the park."
West Ham won the game 2-1 to go through to the third round, thanks to
striker Craig Bellamy's first goals for the club.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
McCartney fitness concern for NI - BBC

George McCartney could be a fitness worry for Northern Ireland's vital Euro
2008 qualifiers against Latvia and Iceland on 8 and 12 September. McCartney
had to be substituted during West Ham's Carling Cup win over Bristol Rovers
because of a calf injury. The defender sustained the injury during the
warm-up although he did play for the opening hour of Tuesday's game. "I'll
rest it over the next couple of days. Hopefully it should be okay for
Saturday and the qualifiers," he said. "The two qualifiers are important
games and I wouldn't want to miss them."
Earlier this month, McCartney returned to Northern Ireland duty after a
26-month absence in the 3-1 qualifier win over Liechtenstein. West Ham have
an away game against Reading in the Barclays Premier League on Saturday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham make £5m bid for Shorey - BBC

West Ham have made a £5m bid for Reading's England left-back Nicky Shorey,
BBC Radio 5live understands. Shorey, 26, made his England debut against
Brazil at Wembley at the end of last season. He has been linked with
Newcastle, but West Ham are favourites to clinch a deal after talks on a new
contract at Reading stalled. West Ham, however, may need to increase their
offer to about £6m to persuade Reading to sell Shorey.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers confirm Dyer despair - SSN
Midfielder suffers double leg fracture
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 29th August 2007

West Ham have confirmed that Kieron Dyer suffered a double fracture to his
lower right leg during the Carling Cup victory over Bristol Rovers. The
England international sustained the injury following a challenge by Rovers
defender Joe Jacobson during the opening stages of the Memorial Stadium
clash. The Hammers are refusing to put a timetable on Dyer's recovery after
X-rays confirmed the severity of the injury but he is certain to require
several months on the sidelines. A West Ham statement on their official
website read: "Kieron was stretchered off the pitch and rushed straight to
hospital where it was confirmed he had fractured both the tibia and fibula
of his right leg. "It is too early to say at this stage how long the player
will be out for as this will become clearer once the first stage of surgery
is completed." Dyer only joined the Hammers from Newcastle earlier this
month and the midfielder's stay at St James' Park was also blighted by a
series of injuries.
Upton Park boss Alan Curbishley admitted the loss of Dyer is yet another
blow, but is backing his squad to cope despite a number of key players being
on the sidelines. He said: "The game was irrelevant after Kieron's injury.
I'm really down because he was looking sharp out there, playing in his
favourite position in the middle of the park. "Everyone in the dressing
room's really flat but we've just got to get over this. After all, that's
the reason why we've got a squad and now we've got to push on and look
forward to Saturday's game at Reading. "Although you sometimes wonder why
you put such a strong team out for these games, it still won't make me think
twice about putting out a similar strength side in the future."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer - injury latest - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 29th August 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel

Kieron Dyer has suffered a double fracture to his right leg, it has been
confirmed. West Ham confirmed the news this morning in a brief statement on
whufc.com. However it is unknown when Dyer is expected to be back in action.
"The Club can today confirm that Kieron Dyer has suffered a double-fracture
to his lower leg," read the statement. "Kieron was stretchered off the pitch
and rushed straight to hospital where it was confirmed he had fractured both
the tibia and fibula of his right leg. "It is too early to say at this
stage how long the player will be out for as this will become clearer once
the first stage of surgery is completed."
Meanwhile Alan Curbishley was left ruing the loss of another big money
signing. "We're devastated for him," he said. "I just can't put it into
words. "Obviously, we're delighted that we got through to the next stage of
the competition but the game was irrelevant after Kieron's injury. I'm
really down because he was looking sharp out there, playing in his favourite
position in the middle of the park. "Everyone in the dressing room's really
flat but we've just got to get over this. After all, that's the reason why
we've got a squad and now we've got to push on and look forward to
Saturday's game at Reading."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Royals reject Shorey bid _ SSN
Royals rebuff Hammers' Shorey offer
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 29th August 2007

Skysports.com understands Reading have rejected a bid from West Ham for
Nicky Shorey. Shorey's future at Reading has been the subject of intense
speculation in recent weeks after talks over a new deal at the Madejski
Stadium stalled. The news has alerted a number of clubs with West Ham
believed to be leading the hunt for the full-back. The Hammers need to
strengthen their options at left-back after letting Paul Konchesky join
Fulham and Shorey is thought to be Alan Curbishley's top target. Shorey, who
has broken into the England set-up, has previously admitted he is flattered
to be linked with a move to West Ham. Reading are reluctant to lose Shorey
as he is a key member of Steve Coppell's side and they are believed to have
turned down West Ham's offer for the 26-year-old. It remains to be seen if
West Ham will increase their offer for Shorey as they try to beat the
transfer deadline to bolster their squad

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer-bolical luck - Newham Recorder
29 August 2007

WEST HAM boss Alan Curbishley was left cursing his bad luck again on Tuesday
night when it was confirmed that Kieron Dyer had suffered a double fracture
to his leg, writes DAVE EVANS. The horrendous injury will rule him out for
most, if not all the season and it follows hard upon a series of injuries to
the manager's high profile signings. Last January, Matty Upson and Lucas
Neill had hardly stepped out on to the Upton Park turf before they were
ruled out.
Nigel Quashie hasn't played since March while Calum Davenport has just had a
hernia operation. Now this summer's recruits seem to be suffering similar
fates.
Julien Faubert has been ruled out for six months after damaging his Achilles
on the pre-season tour. Scott Parker hasn't played after tweaking his knee
on the same trip, while Freddie Ljungberg was injured after just one game.
The manager is finding it difficult to comprehend: "At the moment I feel the
luck is against us," confessed Cubishley. "I am sitting there with
£20million worth of players out injured. "We are treading on eggshells. It
is a little bit delicate for us at the moment," he said. The boss is
considering further strengthening his midfield before the transfer window
shuts tomorrow night, but he is not holding out too much hope of finding the
right people. "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?" Ljungberg and
Lee Bowyer will vie for the spot this Saturday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton forced to play waiting game - Newham Recorder
29 August 2007

WHEN Alan Curbishley arrived at Upton Park last December he couldn't quite
understand why the crowd were constantly chanting for Carlos Tevez to be
called into the team,writes DAVE EVANS. With no goals to his name from a
dozen or so appearances, the new boss stubbornly refused to unleash the
striker on Premiership defences and on more than one occasion questioned the
fans' faith in the little Argentinian. Shades of that scenario have come
into supporters' minds this season as in the opening three Premier League
matches Curbishley has opted for a clearly out of sorts Bobby Zamora in
preference to fans' favourite Ashton, but the boss is quick to point out
that he is doing it for the big striker's own good. "The longer it went on
without scoring, the more the crowd were getting restless for Dean to come
on but I want to ease him back," explained Curbishley. "He's worked so hard
to get back to full fitness and the big fear was that something else, other
than the ankle, would happen to him in pre-season. "We think we've got him
to where he should be. It's difficult - nothing like the Carlos Tevez
situation - but we know what we're doing." Certainly it has been tough for
Ashton to come on and turn a game that is going against West Ham. So much
pressure is being placed on him by the fans who expect him to immediately
blow the opposition away with a stunning goal or two. But in glimpses we are
seeing signs of the old Ashton and with Zamora struggling so badly, it seems
inexplicable that the 23-year-old former Norwich City centre forward has not
been given his chance. The manager though confirms that there are no
problems between him and Ashton: "He's not coming to me, asking to play and
like us all, he's being realistic," said the boss. "He's delighted that he's
come through all this. There's no problem, we've just got to make sure that
we're doing the right thing for the team and individu als."
As for Ashton, he is just desperate to show what he can do and also chuffed
at the reaction he is getting from the West Ham fans. "When the crowd are
chanting my name when I'm warming up it makes me feel fantastic and gives me
that buzz to really get out on that pitch and show my appreciation for
them," he said. The striker got the chance after an hour on Saturday when he
came on for Zamora and he felt that he played his part. "I tried my best to
influence the game when I came on, getting involved as much as possible," he
confirmed. "It was a credit to the team and a credit to the subs that came
on, Luis Boa Morte and Lee Bowyer as well as myself, for making an impact."
They certainly did, but in the case of Ashton, the manager is determined to
play a patient game with one of his prize assets. "Dean is in a similar
position to Michael Owen who has also been out for a long time," explained
the manager. "But with every week and every game he has the chance to get
fitter and stronger. He needs lots of games but since pre-season he hasn't
really had the chance to get any more in. "Dean needs football, football,
football. He has managed to get through pre-season without any hiccups and
we don't want them starting now." Ashton himself seems to be in agreement:
"Obviously I want to stay fit and healthy and I want to get back into the
team, which is the main thing at the moment, and score goals," said the
striker. "With the competition for places at the moment it is very difficult
to get into the team and when you come on as a substitute, you really want
to show that you should be in the team and that can only be good for the
squad." It can, but while Ashton remains on the bench, there are going to be
an army of his fans crying out for him to be given a run in the starting
line-up. Surely it can only be a matter of time before they get their wish.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hayden's keen to play a part - Newham Recorder
29 August 2007


HE was the first man that Alan Pardew brought to Upton Park and he was an
integral part of both the promotion team as well as the side that
distinguished themselves so well on their return to the Premiership. But on
Pardew's departure, it seemed that the influence and importance of Hayden
Mullins, the quiet man of the West Ham United squad, would diminish
accordingly. However, injury to Scott Parker and a disastrous first half
display on the opening day by Lee Bowyer, gave Mullins another chance in the
limelight and he has taken it with both hands. "I feel okay," said the
28-year-old who has clocked up 140 appearances for the Hammers since his
arrival from Crystal Palace in October 2003. "I missed out on the start of
the first game, came on at half time and I felt good. Again against
Birmingham I felt I did well and chalked up not a bad display and again
today I felt sharp in the first half." It appears that every team needs a
player like Mullins. Yet it was he who found himself in the wilderness last
season when Nigel Reo-Coker, despite some desperate performances, remained
in the starting line-up - Mullins scored three goals to his captain's
solitary strike. "The boss knows what I can do," he said. "It is just a
natural part of my game to sit there and hold things together, keep the ball
for the boys and let them do the attacking."
That is exactly what he did against Birmingham City when West Ham grabbed
their first win of the season and his prompting certainly helped the Hammers
attack incessantly in the first half on Saturday, even if it didn't lead to
any goals. The midfielder felt that the team battled hard against Wigan: "We
certainly deserved something out of the game," he confirmed. "First half we
played well, I think we looked sharper than them, we kept them penned back
and they are not a bad side, but in the first half we made them look quite
ordinary. "But after the break we seemed to lose our way a little bit, until
we came strong at the end. "Credit to the boys, we stuck together after they
scored and shot straight back into it and got an equaliser."
Mullins was one of the casualties of West Ham losing their way in that
second half, being replaced by eventual scorer Lee Bowyer on 65 minutes, but
he is simply happy to be playing a part, something he was not expecting at
this stage of the season. "With players like Scott Parker coming in I
suppose I didn't expect to get a chance this early," he admitted. "I knew
that Scott was going to play and be a big part of the squad this year and
'Nobes' did well last year and got the jersey on merit, so I knew that I
would have to bide my time. "But fortunately for me, Scotty has gone down
with an injury and it has given me a chance to show what I can do."
Things have changed dramatically since Curbishley has arrived at the club
and many of the old manager's favourites have been moved on. There were
stories that Mullins was set to join Pardew at Charlton, but perhaps now the
new boss appreciates a little more the steady influence that Mullins can
provide.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
'I expected more points' says Curbs
By Guardian-series

WEST Ham manager Alan Curbishley expected to have more than four points on
the board by now. Having collected a defeat, a win and a draw in three
Premier League games, the boss admitted he was disappointed. "When I looked
at the fixtures I thought we'd have a few more points than that, but we'll
get on with it," he said. "All managers look at the fixtures and calculate
how many points they think they can take and I have to admit when I looked
at them this year I thought it looked quite an even situation - there were
games that we thought looked winnable for us and maybe the other teams
looked at them and thought the same - a nice even spread. "I thought we
might have done a little better at this stage, but we haven't taken
advantage. We got the result at Birmingham and coming back to Upton Park, if
we'd got the win against Wigan, it would have been a decent start so we are
a bit disappointed." But with injured players like Lucas Neill and Dean
Ashton easing back into the side and Scott Parker, Fredie Ljungberg and
Julien Faubert yet to return, Curbishley is confident that given time his
squad can give fans first the stability, and then the success they crave.
"It's a start and it's a long season," he said. "We know that we're better
than this and if we keep going the results will definitely come." "We
certainly don't expect to be in the bottom three again this year. We want to
have a solid, mid-table season so that we can then build some foundations
that will enable us to push on next year."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Craig double sinks the plucky Pirates - Newham Recorder
29 August 2007

Bristol Rovers 1 West Ham United 2

WEST HAM never make it easy for themselves. The first half on Tuesday night,
despite the horrendous injury to Kieron Dyer, was like watching Real Madrid
stroking the ball around against the local park team, writes DAVE EVANS. By
the end it was like watching a punch-drunk heavyweight, staggering against
the ropes and clinging on to a points victory for dear life. That first half
showed what a gulf there is between the Premier League and League One as the
Hammers kept the ball well and put Rovers under pressure every time they
went into the final third. The goals were simple enough, but clinical in
their execution. First, on 32 minutes, Hayden Mullins won possession, fed
Craig Bellamy and the Welsh striker beat his marker before thundering a
25-yarder into the corner of the net for his first goal as a Hammer. Just
before half time he made it two for himself and West Ham with a real
route-one goal. Captain Lucas Neill hoisted a huge ball forward and with
goalkeeper Steve Phillips hesitating on his six-yard box, Bellamy took full
advantage to finish with aplomb. Up at the Racecourse Ground, Aston Villa,
with Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood, were having much the same night,
but the difference was that they went on to win 5-0. Back in Bristol it
should have been the same story, but in the end it almost became a disaster.
Despite Dean Ashton having to pull out on the day of the game as his
girlfriend went into labour, manager Alan Curbishley was still able to make
four changes from Saturday's draw with Wigan as the star substitutes from
the weekend - Luis Boa Morte and Lee Bowyer - came in, while Danny Gabbidon
made his first start of the season and Richard Wright made his debut. The
reprieved Bobby Zamora had a golden chance to find his scoring form when he
was set up by Boa Morte after just two minutes, but his header over the top
epitomised how his season has gone so far. All such problems were put firmly
into perspective however, as on nine minutes what seemed to be a fairly
innocuous tangle between Joe Jacobson and Dyer ended with the West Ham man
writhing on the floor in agony before being stretchered off with a double
fracture of his right leg.
All Rovers had to offer in the first half was a half chance for Jacobson
which was expertly blocked by the retreating Bowyer, but perhaps a
combination of the news on Dyer that greeted the players when they returned
to the dressing room and a change of tactics from the Pirates gave us a very
different second half.
On a flat, wide pitch and against a Rovers team determined to match West Ham
in playing football, the Premier League side had it all their own way before
the break. In the second half, Paul Trollope's side turned up the heat,
hassled their opponents and began to panic the Hammers defence. Had Bowyer
made it three on 51 minutes after being put in by Mark Noble, it might have
been a walk in the park, but he dragged his shot wide and gradually Rovers
grew in confidence. Wright made a double save from his own man George
McCartney's deflection and then from Richard Lambert's header on 54 minutes,
but with 18 minutes to go the home side grabbed a lifeline. A long clearance
was nodded on by Richard Walker to substitute Andy Williams, who expertly
turned Anton Ferdinand before beating Wright with a low shot. West Ham
didn't help themselves. Curbishley took off McCartney to bring on James
Collins and strangely pushed Gabbidon out to left back and from that moment
the defence looked unbalanced and shaky. James Collins almost settled
matters when his bullet header from Noble's corner was brilliantly pushed on
to the underside of the bar by Phillips, but when that didn't go in there
followed a nervous last few minutes. Steve Elliott headed a corner inches
over, while Wright's punched clearance to the edge of the box allowed David
Pipe to drill a shot inches wide.
West Ham held on and booked their place in the next round, but this should
have been so much easier for Curbishley's men. But a narrow win, another
blank game for Zamora and a terrible injury to Dyer turned it from a night
that looked so promising, to one that was not far short of a tragedy.
For manager Alan Curbishley the victory meant very little after the
appalling injury sustained by his midfielder. And he was quick to slam the
challenge by Jacobson that had led to Dyer's injury. The challenge looked a
blameless one, but a clearly angry Curbishley had a different view. "The
Bristol Rovers player has got to be very disappointed with his tackle,"
slammed the boss. "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. We are delighted to have got through but
after 10 or 15 minutes the game was immaterial after you get an injury like
that." It might have been the anger talking; it might have been his
frustration at the situation and I suppose you can't blame him as another of
his signings is left on the sidelines. But it was a little harsh to condemn
the Rovers player and in the cold light of day, he may regret saying it.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham will be a bad move for Reading's Shorey - SoccerLens
Written by Ahmed Bilal.

The Beeb reports that West Ham have made a 5m bid for Reading left-back
Nicky Shorey. Shorey's a good player and West Ham will improve thanks to
him, but I don't think that moving to West Ham would turn into a good career
move for Shorey. This has nothing to do with whether I like West Ham or not
(so don't go there - I like the Hammers); on the other hand it's all about
the West Ham manager and the squad currently assembled at West Ham. I don't
think Curbishley has it in him to make West Ham into a consistent top-7
side. He could take West Ham to Uefa Cup football in one season but over the
long run, all Curbishley can do is stabilize West Ham and turn them into a
promising but under-achieving mid-table side. The West Ham squad is perhaps
good enough to be playing in Europe right now, but they need a lot of
playing time together and without a good manager, there's no point to it, is
there?

Shorey would be better off staying at Reading for another season and then
deciding on his future next summer - or if he must move, he should aim for a
move to Newcastle - a club that needs a left-back, have a better manager and
definitely one that has more chances of making the top 7 than West Ham.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Old Chelsea and Hammers roll back years - YourLocalGuardian

Chelsea and West Ham legends rolled back the years to provide a treat for
fans at Imperial Fields in the Bank Holiday weekend sunshine. One of the
most feared striking partnerships of the 1980s came to the fore as West Ham
ran out 6-5 winners as part of Tooting & Mitcham's 75th birthday
celebrations on Sunday. Flamboyant Scottish striker Frank McAvennie scored a
hat-trick for the Hammers, with Tony Cottee, now a regular face on Sky
Sports' football coverage, netting twice. Stuart Slater got West Ham's other
goal. Chelsea had led 2-0, thanks to goals from former Molesey boss Clive
Walker and Trevor Aylott. The second half notable for a remarkable 65-yard
strike from David Lee. Chelsea Old Boys player-boss Gary Chivers said: "He
saw the keeper was off his line and he hit it, a la David Beckham, into the
top right-hand corner."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley Owes Rovers An Apology! - newcastlemad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Wednesday 29th August 2007

No surprise when Bristol Rovers boss Paul Trollope 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. Hammers boss Alan Curbishley accused
Jacobson (on Sky TV) of "lashing out" at the £6 million summer recruit from
Newcastle, when the tackle was nothing more than two players scrambling for
the ball. 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. The challenge looked innocuous,
but obviously Curbishley had £7m flashing before his eyes, and thinking of
all those who said he was taking a major gamble on a player with a dreadful
injury record. Curbishley: "The Bristol Rovers player should be very
disappointed with that tackle as he lashed out after losing the ball and
caught Kieron. "I'm really down and so is everyone in the dressing room. The
game was immaterial after that."
Paul Trollope: "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 West Ham boss reacted at a time when he had seven million voices in his
head saying "I told you so!" So do the right thing Curbishley ... and
apologise!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CURBISHLEY FURIOUS OVER CROCKED DYER - Daily Express
Wednesday August 29,2007
By Julia White for express.co.uk

FURIOUS West Ham manager Alan Curbishley admits he might have to make an
emergency purchase before the transfer window closes on Friday following
Kieron Dyer's suspected broken leg at Bristol Rovers. Curbishley has already
seen Freddie Ljungberg, Scott Parker and Julien Faubert sidelined and lost
Dyer in the first half against Rovers last night. He said: "At the moment I
feel the luck is against us. "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?" It seems unlikely that Brazilian striker Adriano will be at
Upton Park by the weekend. The club confirmed talks with Inter Milan about a
loan deal but Curbishley was in the dark and Adriano is reported only to be
interested in a permanent move. He said: "I don't know too much about it to
be fair. I don't know if it is talk to stir things up, we will have to see.
Is it speculation or is there anything in it? I don't really know."

The Hammers boss described his side's 2-1 Carling Cup success at the
Memorial Stadium as "immaterial" once Dyer was hospitalised and insisted
Rovers winger Joe Jacobson had been reckless with his challenge He said:
"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. We are delighted to get through but after 10 or 15 minutes the
game was immaterial after you get an injury like that."
Craig Bellamy scored twice before the break with Rovers substitute Andy
Williams pulling one back to set up a breathless finish. Rovers manager Paul
Trollope defended Jacobson. He said: "Joe is an honest lad and he swung his
leg to get the ball. It was just an unfortunate incident." The result ended
a 14-match unbeaten run for Rovers but Trollope added: "We can take a lot of
positives. "A couple of poor bits of defending in the first half gave us a
mountain to climb but we managed to put them under pressure, scored a good
goal and maybe could have had an equaliser."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Dyer faces surgery after double leg fracture
'It is too early to say at this stage how long the player will be out for'
Staff and agencies
Wednesday August 29, 2007
Guardian Unlimited

West Ham have confirmed that Kieron Dyer suffered a double leg fracture
during last night's Carling Cup tie against Bristol Rovers. Dyer was
stretchered off with his right leg broken in two places below the knee, and
taken to hospital as a result of a challenge from the the Rovers left winger
Joe Jacobson.
"It is too early to say at this stage how long the player will be out for as
this will become clearer once the first stage of surgery is completed," read
a West Ham statement. Dyer, a £6m summer signing from Newcastle, joins
fellow injured new arrivals Julien Faubert and Freddie Ljungberg on the
sidelines.

The West Ham manager Alan Curbishley suggested Jacobson's challenge was
reckless. "I think the Bristol Rovers player has got to be very disappointed
with his tackle," said Curbishley. "As far as I can see he has lashed out
after losing the ball and caught Kieron in a difficult area. We are so
devastated for [Dyer]. I can't put it into words, really. The game was
immaterial after that."
However, the Rovers manager Paul Trollope defended Jacobson, insisting: "Joe
is an honest lad and he swung his leg to get the ball. It was just an
unfortunate incident."

The injury is the latest serious problem suffered by Dyer, who is almost
certain to miss the remainder of England's Euro 2008 qualifying campaign and
could even struggle to prove his fitness in time, should Steve McClaren's
side reach next summer's finals. Previous setbacks include a stress fracture
of the foot, knee ligament trouble, shin splints and injuries to his back
and hamstring.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Adriano Deal Ongoing According To West Ham- West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 29 August, 2007 - 10:20.

Despite reports to the contrary, West Ham United are still in talks with
Brazil star Adriano and his club Inter Milan about a season's loan with a
view to a permanent £12 Million move. The player needs games to get fit and
to rekindle his once devastating form, his huge wages shouldn't be too much
of a problem unless Hammers are forced to pay them in full as opposed to the
customary 50%. Scot Duxberry has been told to "make it happen" by his
'Picardesque' chairman Eggert Magnusson who must be wondering how many more
new signings can possibly get injured, one can safely assume that the club's
insurance premiums will be going up more than a little! - Ed

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss unaware of Adriano talks
tribalfooball.com - August 29, 2007

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley admits he's in the dark over confirmed
talks with Inter Milan for striker Adriano. He said: "I don't know too much
about it to be fair. I don't know if it is talk to stir things up, we will
have to see. Is it speculation or is there anything in it? I don't really
know."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Curbishley admits Dyer replacement signing needed
tribalfooball.com - August 29, 2007

West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley admits he will return to the market to
replace broken-leg victim Kieron Dyer. Dyer suffered the injury in last
night's Carling Cup tie at Bristol Rover and Curbs said: "At the moment I
feel the luck is against us. "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?"

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs confused by Adriano talk - metro.co.uk
Wednesday, August 29, 2007

Alan Curbishley claims he is in the dark over West Ham's reported bid to
sign Inter Milan striker Adriano on loan. The Hammers released a statement
on Tuesday claiming they were in talks with the Italian champions about a
move for the unsettled Brazil international. The statement explained: 'The
figures that have been quoted in the media are inaccurate as the possible
deal is in its early stages. The club are investigating the possibiity of a
loan deal at this stage.'
However, speaking after his side's 2-1 Carling Cup win at Bristol Rovers,
West Ham manager Curbishley sounded far less certain. 'I don't know too much
about it to be fair. I don't know if it is talk to stir things up, if you
like, we will have to see,' he said. 'I just think it is something that has
cropped up. Is it speculation or is there something in it? I don't know.'
Adriano has also been linked with Manchester City, although the 25-year-old
appeared to rule out a move to Eastlands on Tuesday. Arsenal, meanwhile, are
reported to have rejected the chance to sign the striker.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spurs, West Ham ask Real Madrid for Soldado
tribalfooball.com - August 29, 2007

Tottenham and West Ham United are chasing Real Madrid striker Roberto
Soldado. The exciting Spanish forward is the subject of a £10 million bid
from Benfica this week, while Marca says within the last 30 days West Ham,
Tottenham and Olympique Lyon are among clubs to have asked for the player.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

No comments: