24/09/2007 14:15
It wasn't quite the return to St James Park former Newcastle United player
Lee Bowyer had been hoping for, but the Hammers midfielder thought the 3-1
score-line flattered his former club.
"I thought we played quite well in patches," he said. "We matched them but
they took chances and we didn't. They did to us what we've been doing to
other teams - hitting them on the break. I fancied us to win but it wasn't
meant to be. They got three goals from inside the six-yard box. We've got
another game on Wednesday. Hopefully we'll turn it around and move on.
"It's always a difficult ground to come to. To concede early and give them a
one-goal lead is not recommended. We went behind and they went on from
there. They didn't really cause us many problems, I don't think. It was just
on the break, across goal, three yards out. We did just as well
playing-wise. There were highs and lows in today's performance. We've just
got to move on."
With two goals under his belt already this season, Lee came close to
claiming an equaliser when the Hammers were 2-1 down.
"I thought I'd done him," he admitted. "It went through the defender's legs.
I just thought there were so many bodies I had to try and keep it low, it
might get a deflection. It went straight through his legs and I thought
'yes, it's in!' He just got an arm to it. He's a top-class goalkeeper and,
maybe another time I'll beat him.
"It was good to come back and see old faces but we've gone away with the
wrong result so it's not so good in that respect. We'll just keep moving on
and see how we go."
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Small number of Arsenal tickets available - WHUFC
24/09/2007 10:38
A small number of tickets are available for the weekends clash with Arsenal,
these tickets which are mainly singles are available to club members only
from the ticket office on 0870 112 2700 (option 1)
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Manager on Monday - WHUFC
24/09/2007 08:55
Alan Curbishley was left to reflect on what might have been after Mark
Viduka's destructive double left West Ham United's unbeaten five-match run
all washed up down the Tyne. "We're obviously disappointed because we
thought that we could've got something and should've got something from the
game," insisted the Hammers' boss after seeing goals by the Aussie striker
and Charles N'Zogbia sink his side in the 1-3 defeat at St. James's Park.
"And if we'd applied ourselves a bit better against Newcastle United, then
we would have done. "To be honest, I felt that the scoreline was a bit harsh
on us in terms of the overall match but our defending obviously cost us
dearly. "There are certain situations that you just can't afford to get
yourselves into, especially when you're away from home and getting caught in
your own penalty box with only two minutes gone is exactly one of those.
"After that, we had to work very hard to get back into the game and, once
Dean Ashton equalised, I thought we were the better side but three or four
minutes before half-time - just when we were looking to get back into the
dressing room to sort one or two other things out - we gave away a poor
second goal. "There was a big hole in our full back position and, although
we had three men in our penalty area, Viduka still managed to get the ball,
despite being the only Newcastle player in there with them. "Lee Bowyer's
late shot might have turned the game if he'd made it 2-2 before they tapped
home their third goal from two yards out. You just can't defend like that.
"We've been beaten 3-1 yet I can't remember Robert Green having to make a
decent save for us."
Although Hammers left Tyneside still looking for their first win at St
James's Park since October 1998, Curbs did, at least, have the consolation
of seeing Dean Ashton mark his continuing recovery with his second strike in
two games. And his clever 31st-minute leveller was also 100th league and cup
goal of his career.
"Deano still needs more football but when you compare his performances
against Newcastle and Middlesbrough to his first start of the season at
Reading three weeks ago, then you can see the difference in his fitness
levels," continued Curbs, who saw his counterpart Sam Allardyce again lose
Michael Owen with a recurrence of a niggling groin strain. "We've had to
handle Dean in a similar fashion to that of Michael and, fortunately, he's
having an injury free run at the moment. "Thankfully, he's not had any
setbacks like Michael and, after coming through pre-season, he's now looking
stronger and stronger. Deano spent the summer concentrating on the fact that
he needed to get through pre-season to give himself a base and we're really
pleased for him, right now. "Dean's been out for a year and a bit and he's
just happy to be back playing at the moment. We've not even discussed his
chances of getting a call-up for England because we're not looking any
further than just getting him through matches for West Ham United. "Steve
McClaren and his people have been to our recent games and they would've all
seen that he's getting himself stronger and sharper, so we'll just have to
wait and see. "Anything can happen in this game and things can change so
quickly. Only yesterday, I had two players - Scott Parker and Craig Bellamy
- whom we thought would be involved against Newcastle and, all of a sudden,
they were pulled out of the squad after our final training session. "Like
other teams, we've been dealt a few blows on the injury front - that's not
an excuse - but we have been particularly hit and that's how it is for us at
the moment. "The losses of Julien Faubert, Kieron Dyer, Parker and Bellamy
have been big losses for us but other players have come in and have got us
where we are in the Premier League and it wasn't lost on us that the winning
team was going to push into the top four or five in the table.
"Unfortunately, we just didn't have enough against Newcastle and we're down
because we haven't taken anything to keep our run going," concluded Curbs,
who will be looking to get back on track in the Carling Cup third round tie
against Plymouth Argyle at Upton Park on Wednesday evening. "On the face of
it we should have got something but at the end of the day, Newcastle
probably deserved it because they defended better than us."
by Steve Blowers
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Boss curbs Ashton recall talks - SSN
West Ham boss wants striker to make steady comeback
By Steven Morrison Last updated: 24th September 2007
West Ham United manager Alan Curbishley insists Dean Ashton needs to play
more football for his club before he can think of an England recall. The
Hammers striker has been battling back from injury after spending a year on
the sidelines, but has been in good form - prompting talk of an
international call-up. Ashton was set to make his England debut last year
when he broke his ankle in training and his current manager says he needs
more minutes under his belt . "Dean has been out for a year and a month and
while he is slowly getting stronger and sharper anything can happen in the
next few weeks," Curbishley said in the Daily Mirror. "He's just happy to be
playing again. We haven't really discussed whether he's ready for England
because he still needs more football." The former Chalrton manager added
that he does not want to rush his striker back to action too soon. "We have
got to handle Dean very carefully, in a similar way to how Newcastle have
handled Michael Owen. The difference is Dean has not had any setbacks yet."
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A View from Home Park - A Plymouth fans view - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Mon Sep 24 2007
Many thanks to Gerald from Rub of the Green for supplying the answers this
week.
What do you expect from Plymouth this season?
We have seen steady progress over the past few seasons and would expect that
to continue. Sneaking into the play-offs would be fabulous.
Who do you think will be your star men this season?
Sylvan Ebanks-Blake and Peter Halmosi.
Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?
Geoff Crudgington. Needs to get fitter.
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
Argyle have not yet fired on all cylinders. Whilst we have been hard to
beat, we should have killed off Leicester and Ipswich at home and should
never have let a two goal lead slip against Cardiff. We are very capable of
winning away from home.
Has Ian Holloway spent well?
Halmosi at £400k and Ebanks-Blake at £250k are fabulous deals. Rory Fallon
at £300k......hmmmmmmm.
What do you think rich overseas owners taking over clubs is good for the
game now it's spread to the Championship and QPR?
I am reasonably philosophical about this. Should the money be spent well and
increase our enjoyment of football at club level, then brilliant. It would
be good to see some of their money going into local schools and clubs to
bring on our home grown talent too.
There is talk in the Championship that parachute payments for relegated
clubs giving relegated teams an unfair advantage. What's your view on
the subject?
What happened to Norwich? Why are Green and Ashton now with West Ham? Some
teams will be able to take advantage of the parachute payments, others, like
Norwich, will completely cock it up.
How do you view the league cup?
Love it.
What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
Down in the Championship, the Leeds affair was of greater concern.
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
West Ham will play good football, entertain many people, but win nothing.
What West Ham players worry you most?
If he plays, Bellamy. His pace may cause our centre backs some concern. We
also lack height to defend set pieces, so Ashton could be a blonde threat.
How do you view West Ham fans?
West Ham fans are great. We'd rather have the away end at Home Park stuffed
with happy Hammers than a handful of dull people from Hull.
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
Burts Bloody Mary flavour (they use vodka to make them)
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England call-up in Dean Ashton's mind - Telegraph
By Rob Stewart
Last Updated: 1:23am BST 25/09/2007
Dean Ashton, the West Ham striker, is setting his sights on realising a
"dream" by finally breaking into the England team after putting a season on
the sidelines firmly behind him. Ashton strengthened his claims for
international selection with his second goal in consecutive matches at
Newcastle two days ago when he completed his first full Premier League match
since breaking an ankle during England training session in August last year.
"I feel very good," Ashton, 23, said last night. "I'm glad I got 90 minutes
under my belt and I was glad to get a goal [in a 3-1 defeat] but, above all,
I want my team to do well and I'd like to think that my progression will
help us climb the table. "I am 100 per cent fit. I can last the games well
and I feel strong and quick. As for sharpness, I'm improving day-by-day. It
was a long, time to be out so it does take time to get all that back but I
am getting close. "I just have to play well for West Ham and it's down to
Steve McClaren who he picks and I would be delighted if I was one of the
players chosen for next month's Euro 2008 qualifiers. I wouldn't be playing
if I wasn't ready for an England call-up. I have been ready for a long time.
"It would be lovely to realise that dream of winning my first England cap
but I have to be patient and hopefully it will come."
The former Crewe and Norwich player is hoping to carry on the good work done
by Emile Heskey for England should his Wigan counterpart fail to overcome a
metatarsal injury. "I thought Emile was outstanding against Israel and
Russia," Ashton said. "It was a great for him to be re-called and he
responded with two excellent performances. And hopefully that shows that
there is room for a big guy up front."
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Ashton in Macca cap hint - The Sun
By MARTIN BLACKBURN
September 25, 2007
DEAN ASHTON has handed Steve McClaren a boost by declaring himself fit for
international football. The West Ham striker broke an ankle training with
England in August last year. But he has scored in his last two games and is
looking back to his best just as boss McClaren has lost hitmen Michael Owen
and Emile Heskey to injury. Ashton, 23, said: "I wouldn't be playing if I
wasn't ready for an England call-up. "It would be lovely to finally realise
that dream of winning my first cap but I just have to be patient."
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Dyer: I'll bounce back for fans - The Mirror
EXCLUSIVE How club backing boosted Prem's unluckiest player Dyer: I'll
bounce back for dream supporters
Darren Lewis 25/09/2007
Kieron Dyer admits he has been staggered by the massive support shown to him
by West Ham fans during his latest injury nightmare. Luckless Dyer broke his
right leg in the last round of the Carling Cup following an overzealous
challenge from Bristol Rovers' Joe Jacobson. The double fracture has ruled
him out for six months, with cynics claiming the club should never have
taken a £7million gamble to sign the injury prone England international from
Newcastle in the summer. But genuine Hammers fans have swamped Dyer with
cards and letters, revealing they cannot wait for him to return. Dyer, whose
team-mates face Plymouth at home tomorrow, said: "I have been passed so many
messages that the fans have been sending in. "They have been saying how
gutted they all are for me and that they are wishing me well. That really
means a lot to me. "Nearly every member of the squad came to see me and a
lot of the staff as well. That was brilliant and really gave me a lift,
considering I have only been at Upton Park a short space of time. I have
been trying to stay as positive as I can. The physios and my specialist were
really pleased with how the operation went and said there is no reason why I
shouldn't make a full recovery. "I'm focusing on that for now and getting
some rest before I begin my rehab shortly. "They don't give exact timescales
with this type of injury because some people heal a lot quicker than others.
"Also, there can be complications when you have screws put in, so you have
to play it by ear really. "But I am just staying positive and focusing on
being back and playing for West Ham sooner rather than later. "At the time I
knew straight away that I had broken both bones. As I hit the floor my leg
was just wobbling from side to side, so I knew it was a break as opposed to
anything else. "It actually wasn't as painful as it probably looked to other
people because my body went into shock. That was a blessing in disguise in a
way. "But I knew that I would be out for several months, which was just
devastating."
West Ham have been at pains to stress that the damage to the attacking
midfielder is in no way related to past injuries which sidelined him for so
long at St James' Park. And Dyer, 28, added: "That is definitely not the
case and I am determined to prove people who think that wrong. "The doctors
were delighted with the way my surgery went. "If there are any consolations
to this, they explained that the 'best' place to break your leg is the
middle of the shin, like I did. There are usually more complications when it
is closer to the ankle, like Dean Ashton."
Dyer will draw inspiration from former Liverpool striker Djibril Cisse, who
recovered from a broken leg at Anfield and is now a leading star for French
side Marseille. He said: "Djibril had precisely the same injury as me. He
has obviously come back and made a full recovery. "I plan to do exactly the
same and be back playing for West Ham and England."
CROCK BOT TOM! THE INJURY LIST
2001: Operation to remove cyst on shin rules him out for nine months.
2004: Four hamstring tears on the left leg in the space of six months.
2005: Goes off with hamstring tear in second leg of quarterfinal of Uefa Cup
against Sporting Lisbon.
2005-06: Misses six months with hamstring injury. Medicine for an illness
makes him more susceptible to muscle injuries.
2006-07: Misses the first three months with hamstring problem.
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Grant eyes loan swoop - ESS
Last Updated: Mon, 24 Sep 2007 15:37
Norwich City are said to be showing an interest in West Ham defender Calum
Davenport but face competition from Stoke City. Davenport is struggling for
first-team action at Upton Park and has been told by Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley that he can go out on loan to get games under his belt. The
Potters are after a new central defender after losing loanee Jody Craddock,
who was recalled by his parent club Wolves, while Canaries boss Peter Grant
is also looking for defensive reinforcements. Both clubs are said to have
made an approach for the highly-rated defender and it will be down to
Davenport and the Hammers to decide where he will end up. Davenport has been
on loan with Norwich in the past and that could make the Canaries favourites
to land him.
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West Ham boss Curbishley: Ashton getting stronger every day
tribalfooball.com - September 24, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley is excited with Dean Ashton's return to
full fitness. Reflecting on Ashton's goal scoring performance in Sunday's
defeat at Newcastle, Curbs told whufc.com: "Deano still needs more football
but when you compare his performances against Newcastle and Middlesbrough to
his first start of the season at Reading three weeks ago, then you can see
the difference in his fitness levels. "We've had to handle Dean in a
similar fashion to that of Michael Owen and, fortunately, he's having an
injury free run at the moment. "Thankfully, he's not had any setbacks like
Michael and, after coming through pre-season, he's now looking stronger and
stronger. Deano spent the summer concentrating on the fact that he needed to
get through pre-season to give himself a base and we're really pleased for
him, right now. "Dean's been out for a year and a bit and he's just happy
to be back playing at the moment. We've not even discussed his chances of
getting a call-up for England because we're not looking any further than
just getting him through matches for West Ham United. "Steve McClaren and
his people have been to our recent games and they would've all seen that
he's getting himself stronger and sharper, so we'll just have to wait and
see.
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Bowyer: Newcastle keeper Harper top class
tribalfooball.com - September 24, 2007
West Ham midfielder Lee Bowyer hailed former Newcastle teammate Steve Harper
after being denied on Sunday with the scores at 2-1. The Toon eventually ran
out 3-1 winners and Bowyer is convinced Harper's save was a turning point.
"I thought I'd done him," he admitted on whufc.com. "It went through the
defender's legs. I just thought there were so many bodies I had to try and
keep it low, it might get a deflection. It went straight through his legs
and I thought 'yes, it's in!' He just got an arm to it. He's a top-class
goalkeeper and, maybe another time I'll beat him. "It was good to come back
and see old faces but we've gone away with the wrong result so it's not so
good in that respect. We'll just keep moving on and see how we go."
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West Ham's Ashton: I'm fit for England
tribalfooball.com - September 24, 2007
West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has declared himself fit and ready for
an England recall. He said: "I wouldn't be playing if I wasn't ready for an
England call-up. I've been ready for a long time. It would be lovely finally
to realise that dream of winning my first England cap but I know I just have
to be patient."
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