21/09/2007 10:43
Alan Curbishley is hoping Craig Bellamy will be fit to face his former club
Newcastle United on Sunday. Craig has been suffering with a tight groin in
recent weeks and had to come off in the first half of the Hammers' 3-0 win
over Middlesbrough. "The problem, as we understand it, is that he has been
wearing orthotics in his boot to correct discomfort he's felt in certain
areas," explained Curbs. "It has cleared up the problem he had, but created
another. "We thought it might be a hernia but it's just that the mouldings
have put more pressure on certain parts of his body that before. It's just
something we'll have to work through. "In pre-season he, Scott Parker and
Julien Faubert set the tone for our training. He trains like a Trojan and he
expects everyone else to do the same." Curbs also relayed that Anton
Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon are back in training and in contention for a
place in the squad after suffering a respective knee injury and illness.
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Dailly Agrees Loan Deal - WHUFC
21/09/2007 11:48
West Ham United has confirmed that Christian Dailly has agreed a one-month
loan deal at Championship club Southampton. The Scottish international
defender signed a temporary deal with the Saints today and is included in
the squad for their home clash with Barnsley tomorrow.
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Hammers prepare for return to the Toon - WHUFC
21/09/2007 16:22
Craig Bellamy, Lee Bowyer, Nolberto Solano and Scott Parker will have extra
reason for wanting a place in West Ham United's squad against Newcastle
United at St James' Park on Sunday.
The quartet, along with injured Kieron Dyer, have all swapped black and
white for claret and blue in recent times and would love nothing more than
helping West Ham to take another three points on what has been a tremendous
start to the new campaign. Bellamy, 28, made 93 league appearances for
Newcastle, scoring 27 goals between June 2001 and 2005, while Bowyer struck
six goals in 79 league outings in three seasons from July 2003.
Solano and Parker are both yet to make their West Ham debuts with the former
only arriving just before the transfer window shut and the latter just back
to fitness after a pre-season knee injury. Solano had two spells at
Newcastle, with a total of 230 league appearances, and 37 goals, while
former club captain Parker was involved in 55 fixtures, with four goals,
after moving to the north east in June 2005.
As always in football, familiar faces often return and it will be no
different in the next fixture at the Boleyn Ground on Wednesday night.
Plymouth Argyle will arrive for the Carling Cup third round with former West
Ham right-back Tim Breacker as assistant manager to Ian Holloway. Breacker
made 240 appearances in nine years between 1990 and 1999 and the 42-year-old
is sure to get a warm reception on his return. To get your tickets for
Wednesday night,
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Saints complete Dailly loan deal - BBC
Southampton have signed West Ham defender Christian Dailly on a one-month
loan deal. Dailly, 33, will be eligible to play for Saints in their
Championship game against Barnsley on Saturday. The Scottish international
has been with West Ham since 2001 but has not played for them this season.
"Christian will give us the experience and composure we need at the back
right now," Saints boss George Burley told his club's website. "I am
delighted to bring him to the club for an initial month and we will take it
from there. "Christian is a leader, a good character. He is enthusiastic and
he is versatile. "The injuries to Claus Lundekvam and Darren Powell have
made it difficult to find the right blend in the defensive line so bringing
in Christian will give us a big boost. "I watched him in the reserves
recently and he did well. He is keen to come, he is still fit and still
hungry to play." Dailly began his career with Dundee United before moving to
Derby and Blackburn and he has played a total of 191 games for the Hammers.
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The Special One departs - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 21st September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Christian Dailly has joined Southampton on loan, with view to a permanent
deal. West Ham United have confirmed that Scottish international Dailly has
signed a temporary one-month deal with the Championship side. He passed a
medical with the Saints this morning and is set to make his debut against
Barnsley at St Mary's tomorrow. George Burley moved for the experienced
centre-half after being left short in defence following injuries to Claus
Lundekvam and Darren Powell. "I am delighted to bring Christian to the club
for an initial month, and we will take it from there," Burley told
saintsfc.co.uk. "He will give us just the sort of experience and composure
we need at the back right now. "Christian is a leader, a good character and
enthusiastic. He's played a lot for Scotland and has been at West Ham for
many years. "He's still fit and still hungry to play so bringing him in
will give us a big boost." Dailly, 33, has barely featured in the United
first team since Alan Curbishley took the managerial reigns from Alan Pardew
a year ago. He has slipped further down the pecking order at Upton Park
since due to the arrivals of Matthew Upson, Lucas Neill and Calum Davenport.
Dailly is currently the club's longest serving player, having been a Hammer
since moving to Upton Park in a £1.75m switch from Blackburn (as a
replacement for Leeds-bound Rio Ferdinand) in January 2001.
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Newcastle Utd vs West Ham Utd - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 20th September 2007
By: Matthew Coker
Now, this particular game is a test of devotion on a number of different
levels. The 600 mile round trip is one thing to contend with but doing it
for a Sunday lunchtime kick off at the expense of your roast dinner or
causing your pub football team to miss their midfield maestro adds to the
required commitment.
"Newcastle's one of my favourite away trips, cause of edge. It's so bleedin'
far, for one thing, so different."
Fortunes Always Hiding by Irvine Welsh.
Even more so, when you get there, you are confronted with a seat in the
Upper Tier of the Sir John Hall stand, which not only means that you'll be
watching what looks like a game of Subbuteo but also that none of the many
choruses of Bubbles that will get belted out will reach those on the pitch.
Before that though, there is 14 (count 'em) flights of stairs to negotiate,
meaning that several of our non Olympiad members of the chorus struggle to
get going for the first twenty minutes as they spend that time trying to
re-fill their lungs with air. This is one for the truly devoted, though, as
usual, we will arrive in numbers.
A team with NOBs on (board)
We venture up to the North East with a sufficient number of Newcastle Old
Boys to form a Geordie Masters team circa 2017. Even without the injured
Kieron Dyer, we boast Noberto Solano (now safely back from international
duty), Lee Bowyer, Craig Bellamy and possibly Scott Parker and they will be
in for varying degrees of warm welcomes from the supporters of our feeder
team.
We are up against a side who sit in 10th place in the league, having had a
decent start to the season, before something of a wobble at Derby. They had
kicked off with a 3-1 away win at Bolton, before a goalless draw at home
with the Villa, a 2-2 draw with Middlesbrough and a win over Wigan at home
(1-0) saw them undefeated in their first four games. The away defeat at
Derby saw that record undone after they lost 1-0 because of a lifeless
performance at Pride Park.
"Make sure you don't lose. That was something Newcastle were guilty of last
season more than anyone."
– Sam Allardyce after the Villa game.
Undefeated had been a very apt description of our opponents as the first
four games had seen them gain points without too much conviction
(discounting the first half at Bolton). The new boss has been trying to
tighten things up starting with a number of defensive buys (Rozenhal,
Enrique, Beye, Capaca) and also with the midfield line up featuring Geremi,
Nicky Butt and Alan Smith.
It should be recognised that Allardyce has taken over a side that has had
the confidence knocked out of it during the latter part of last season. One
measure of how poor they had been was that, prior to Owen's winner over
Wigan, the last goal scored by Newcastle at St James Park was in February
2007. The size of the task facing Big Sam should not be underestimated and
he will need some time before he can be truly judged.
Although the current side is a work in progress to be improved, for all the
faults that I am about to list, it is a side for which answers to many of
the problems are in the squad but not available for action.
Even without Shay Given (having not yet reclaimed his place from Steve
Harper post injury) ,the defensive unit is solid enough, though it is a case
of square pegs in round holes. They feature three central defenders,
including Steven Taylor at right back and a left midfielder as left back.
The reasons for this are slightly unclear, as Allardyce picked up a new
right back, Habib Beye and a new left back, Jose Sanchez Enrique in the
recent transfer window,especially when the idea of trying to put your best
eleven players in the side has failed so many managers in the past.
The biggest weakness appears to be in the midfield where they have as much
flair as Russell's Brand's trousers. They are without Joey Barton, Emre and
Damien Duff, leaving them devoid of artistry and this has been further
diminshed by Charles N'Zogbia being the left winger played in the back four.
James Milner is also being played out of position on the left hand side, so
they are finding it difficult to carve out chances.
Of the central midfielders, Smith seems disappointingly poor value for £6m,
particularly when all he seems to contribute is a succession of questionable
slide tackles. Based on Monday's game, there is more chance of spotting an
upright tackle in the audience at a Jade Goody pole dance than during one of
Smith's games.
Allardyce changes his strategy where the front line is concerned as rather
than choose the line up on the basis of the best players, he sticks
rigourously to a big man / little man combo. The fans feel this is fine if
the duo involves Mark Viduka and Michael Owen, but are highly critical of
the fact that Shola Ameobi gets a run out ahead of the popular but generally
benched, Obafemi Martins.
They are likely to have Owen (and Viduka) available on Sunday and a great
deal of success will depend on our ability to keep the England striker at
bay. Owen is better at getting into space than Dennis Tito and has garnered
a reputation as one shot, one goal that will re-build itself as he gets
games under his belt. Our hope in keeping him out will be boosted by the
usual fitness factors that surround him, the man has spent less time at work
this year than Alan Johnston and he has only completed one full game for his
club side in the current campaign.
Previous Games at St James
Visits to Newcastle have been fairly kind to us in recent years (the 4-0
drubbing in our relegation season being an exception). Although you have to
go back to 1998 for our last victory (a 3-0 win from a Wrighty brace and one
from Sincs), we have shared the points on the last two visits, meaning that
St James Park is no Anfield.
"They're not as upset as we are with West Ham. That is private and
confidential, but if Curbs started it then we are more upset than they are
and that is a fact."
Allardyce's cryptic playground baiting over the Kieron Dyer sale.
I think that our opponents are a team struggling to score at home, who are
lacking creative players and there is a new feel to much of the Newcastle
line up. If we are going to get something, I suspect that we'll have to
defend well and that we'll conceded possession but with Robert Green in such
outstanding form and Newcastle's main channel of attack being high balls
into the box, I believe that we are capable of keeping things tight at the
back.
The quick break football that we played at Reading will be perfect for this
game and I think that with the likes of Matty and Bellamy in the side, we
will get some opportunities to stretch our opposition. I also think that our
confidence will be up on the back of successive 3-0 wins and that that this
is there for the taking.
Obviously much can go wrong and the first goal will be crucial. They will
have no difficulty in defending a lead and an early goal would settle the
nerves of the Toon Army. It may also come down to the strong bench that I
mentioned last week and I'm confident that we have depth in the squad to
help us win the game.
Weighing it all up, I'll go for a 0-2 scoreline, setting us up for a top of
the table clash with the Gooners next week.
Enjoy the game.
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Dailly links up with Saints - SSN
Hammers defender joins on month's loan
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 21st September 2007
George Burley has eased Southampton's defensive difficulties by signing
Christian Dailly on a month's loan. Dailly arrives at St Mary's having
failed to feature in the West Ham United first team so far this season.
Indeed, the experienced Scot has not played for Alan Curbishley's side since
February's 4-0 defeat at Charlton Athletic. He will go into the Southampton
squad for Saturday's Championship game with Barnsley and Burley feels Dailly
will prove a valuable signing. "I am delighted to bring Christian to the
club for an initial month and we will take it from there," Burley told the
club's official website. "He will give us just the sort of experience and
composure we need at the back right now. "Christian is a leader, a good
character, he's enthusiastic. He's played a lot for Scotland and been at
West Ham for many years and he's versatile. "The injuries to Claus Lundekvam
and Darren Powell have made it difficult to find the right blend in the
defensive line, so bringing in Christian will give us a big boost. "I
watched him in the reserves recently and he did well. He is keen to come.
He's still fit and still hungry to play."
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Newcastle v West Ham - BBC
St James' Park
Sunday, 23 September
Kick-off: 1330 BST
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on
MotD2.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Newcastle are aiming to bounce back from their first league defeat of the
season at bottom of the table Derby on Monday; West Ham are chasing three
Premier League victories on the spin.
Newcastle are unbeaten at home in the Premier League; West Ham are 100%
away, and pursuing a fifth consecutive away league win.
The Hammers are the only club yet to concede an away goal in the Premier
League.
The Magpies are unbeaten in seven Premiership games against West Ham (won
four, drawn three); the Hammers have not won on Tyneside for nine years.
Michael Owen scored a hat-trick against West Ham, in the 2-4 Premier League
win at Upton Park on 17 December 2005.
CLUB FORM
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)
1. Won two of the last 11 Premier League matches.
2. Lost one of the last six Premier League games.
3. Eight points from five outings represents their best start to a Premier
League season in six years.
4. Won two, drawn two and lost one of five league games under Sam Allardyce.
5. Kept clean sheets in three of the last five in all competitions. ?
6. Failed to score in two of the last four league outings, and in five of
the last nine.
8. Won one of seven home league matches, with clean sheets in five of them,
including both this season.
9. Scored fewer home goals than any other club in the Premier League - just
one.
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
(all statistics are ahead of this weekend's round of Premier League
fixtures)
1. Won the last three in all competitions; 1-2 at Bristol Rovers, Carling
Cup, 0-3, away to Reading, PL, and 3-0, home to Middlesbrough, PL.
2. Won four and drawn one of the last five in all competitions.
3. Won seven of the last nine Premier League matches.
4. Kept clean sheets in three of the last four league games; conceded just
one goal in those four matches.
5. Failed to score in one of the last 10 league matches; the 0-2 home defeat
by Manchester City on 11 August.
6. Boasting the best disciplinary record in the Premier League; just six
yellow cards.
7. One of six clubs holding a 100% record from Premier League matches in
which they've opened the scoring.
8. Won 11 and lost 11 of 26 Premier League games under Alan Curbishley.
9. Shielding a 100% away Premier League record (won two of two); also won
ALL three on the road in all competitions.
10. The next Premier League fixture, is home to Arsenal.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Obafemi MARTINS is Newcastle's top scorer with three goals. ?
MARTINS and Charles N'ZOGBIA have each netted two of Newcastle's six Premier
League goals so far this season.
If on the field from the outset:-
James MILNER will be making his 150th career league appearance (Leeds,
Swindon, Newcastle and Aston Villa).
WEST HAM UNITED
Craig BELLAMY is West Ham's top scorer with three goals.
The Hammers' joint top Premier League marksmen are Lee BOWYER and Matthew
ETHERINGTON, with two each.
Dean ASHTON, needs one to bring his career total of club goals to 100
(Crewe, Norwich and West Ham).
If he plays:-
Carlton COLE will be making his 100th career league appearance (Chelsea,
Wolves, Charlton, Aston Villa and West Ham).
Danny GABBIDON will be making his 50th league start for the Hammers.
BELLAMY will be facing a former club. The 28 year old Wales international
made 128 appearances (93 in the league) and scored 42 goals (27 league) for
Newcastle between June 2001 and July 2005.
BOWYER would also be facing his former club. In the three seasons from July
2003, the England International midfielder made 98 appearances and scored 11
goals for Newcastle. Of those, 79 appearances and six goals were in the
Premier League.
Nol SOLANO will be facing former colleagues. In two spells at St James'
Park, the 32 year old Peru international made a total of 315 appearances
(230 in the league) and scored 48 goals (37 league).
Scott PARKER will also be coming up against former team mates. The 26 year
old midfielder made 73 appearances (55 in the league) and scored six goals
(four league) between June 2005 and his £7m close season move to Upton Park.
HEAD TO HEAD
The last two corresponding fixtures at St James' Park were drawn.
West Ham's last Premier League victory over the Magpies was 3-0 at Upton
Park on 23 September 2001.
The Hammers have won only two of the last 15 trips to Newcastle, and have
not gained maximum points at St James' since the 0-3 triumph on 31 October
1998, when Ian Wright got a brace.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Newcastle 43 wins, West Ham 36, Draws 31
Prem: Newcastle 11 wins, West Ham 7, Draws 6
at Newcastle only
League (inc PL): Newcastle 29 wins, West Ham 8, Draws 18
Prem: Newcastle 6 wins, West Ham 2, Draws 4
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
20 January 2007 - Ref: Uriah Rennie
Newcastle scorers: Milner 45, Solano 53 pen
West Ham scorers: Cole 18, Harewood 22
REFEREE
Mike Riley (Leeds, Yorkshire)
Premier League referees' table
Mike Riley's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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Newcastle v West Ham preview - SSN
Former Magpies return to St James' Park
By Mark Buckingham Last updated: 21st September 2007
It will be an old boys' reunion on Sunday as West Ham United head up to
Newcastle United, live on Sky Sports 1. The Hammers boast five former
Newcastle players on their books, although Kieron Dyer will not figure after
breaking his leg last month. Scott Parker and Nolberto Solano both left St
James' Park in the summer, but have yet to make their debuts for West Ham.
Midfield general Parker has been suffering from a knee injury, but came
through 90 minutes for the reserves in midweek and could figure. Solano is
also hoping for a chance to play, while Lee Bowyer has enjoyed a bright
start to the new season. Another former Magpie - Craig Bellamy - is hoping
to be fit after he was substituted in the first half of last week's 3-0 win
over Middlesbrough. Carlton Cole impressed as his replacement and will hope
to partner Dean Ashton should Bellamy not be fully fit. Henri Camara, signed
on loan from Wigan, is another player keen to make his West Ham debut after
scoring twice for the reserves. Alan Curbishley's side have won their last
four away games in the top flight, but the club have yet to win five in a
row on their travels in the Premier League.
Newcastle boss Sam Allardyce is confident Michael Owen will be fit to start
at St James' Park following a scan on his groin.
FACT BOX
Prediction: Newcastle 1 West Ham 1
One to watch: Dean Ashton
Sky Bet odds: Newcastle 5/6 Draw 9/4 West Ham 11/4
Owen, who was forced off in the 1-0 defeat at Derby County on Monday, has
been the subject of rumours that he requires a hernia operation. But he
should spearhead the Newcastle attack against The Hammers as Allardyce muses
over who to pick alongside the England ace. Shola Ameobi started at Pride
Park, while Obafemi Martins came off the bench. Mark Viduka is also hoping
to be fit to be in contention. David Rozehnal is optimistic he will be able
to take his place in the centre of defence after suffering a leg injury when
landing awkwardly against Derby. Shay Given was on the bench at Pride Park
and could make his first league appearance of the season by replacing Steve
Harper in goal.
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Irons are on fire - SSN
Posted: 21st September 2007 12:48
Newcastle United v West Ham
1.30pm, Sunday - Sky Sports 1
That opening day defeat by Manchester City must seem like a long, long time
ago for West Ham fans. Unbeaten since then, key players fit, some
established stars back on song and two impressive wins back-to-back, things
could not be better for Alan Curbishley. He will be delighted as well. We
all know what a rough ride he had last season and even after that City
defeat the knives were being sharpened again. But slowly but surely, West
Ham have improved as the weeks have gone by. Of course, their fans don't
need me to tell them it can all change, but right now everything is looking
pretty good. Having Dean Ashton back - and scoring again - is a massive
boost. Then when Craig Bellamy gets injured Carlton Cole comes in from the
cold and plays a blinder. Add to that Lee Bowyer finally showing signs of
his old form and Matthew Etherington flying down the left, it just goes to
show what a difference a few wins can make.
West Ham have a pretty decent record at St James' Park and I would imagine
that Curbs is heading up there looking for all three points - especially on
the back of Newcastle's last result. I was pretty stunned to see them lose
to Derby because with all due respect to Billy Davies, I have seen his side
twice over the past few weeks and they have been poor. I don't doubt they
improved against Newcastle, but maybe it also shows the size of the task
facing Sam Allardyce up there. He does seem to have tightened them up at the
back a little, but let's face it, that wasn't hard and as Sam will tell you,
there is still plenty of work to be done. Up front he has a problem, which
might be worth keeping an eye on. Michael Owen is supposedly fit this
weekend and supposedly doesn't need an operation and now Shola Ameobi is
fit, all four strikers are pushing for a place. I was surprised to see
Obafemi Martins left on the bench on Monday and he must have been as well.
Last season he was the one they relied on for goals, but now he finds
himself down the pecking order. He has just signed a new contract but I
can't imagine he'll settle for sitting on the bench, particularly in front
of those Geordies.
Le Tiss Predicts
DRAW - West Ham are going well and will fancy their chances, but I just
think that defeat at Derby will wake Newcastle up. Neither side seems to
have a problem scoring, and by the same token, neither side's back four
fills me with any great confidence, so I can see there being plenty of goals
here. I'll go for 2-2.
Matt's Main Man:
MARK VIDUKA (NEWCASTLE) - He seems to have made a subdued start to the
season and Newcastle will be looking for a bit more from the Aussie. He is a
great signing for them and capable of so much more. Maybe he has been
brought in to be a target man for the likes of Owen and Martins, but Viduka
is good enough to that and score goals. It's high time he started.
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Newcastle Away - All the team news, stats and betting - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Fri Sep 21 2007
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Sunday 23rd September 2007
Kick Off 1.30pm
Barclays Premiership
Live on Sky Sports
West Ham United
Craig Bellamy is hoping to be fit to face one of his former clubs on Sunday
after a groin injury forced him off in the first half of last weekends win
over Boro. Should Bellamy not recover in time, Carlton Cole will keep his
place in the side against Newcastle, where he made a rare start and scored a
rare goal last season.
In defence Anton Ferdinand and Danny Gabbidon have both recovered from
injury and illness and Ferdinand should return to the starting line up at
the expense of James Collins.
Ex Newcastle captain Scott Parker came through a reserve game in the week
and is fit to make his debut but is likely to have to settle for a place on
the bench, as is another Toon old boy Nobby Solano and Henry Camara who
scored a brace for the stiffs in midweek.
Likely West Ham Team
Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Bowyer, Noble, Mullins,
Etherington, Bellamy, Ashton. Subs Wright, Gabbidon, Parker, Ljunberg,
Camara
Newcastle United
Manager Sam Allardyce is confident Michael Owen will be fit to start and his
selection problem comes down to who will partner him. Shola Ameobi started
the last game alongside Owen but it's likely to be either Obafemi Martins or
fit again Mark Viduka with the later the most likely.
David Rozehnal is likely to be fit after injuring his leg in the defeat by
Derby and Shay Given is set to make his first start of the season in goal,
replacing Steve Harper.
Likely Newcastle Team
Given, Taylor, Cacapa, Rozehnal, N'Zogbia, Smith, Geremi, Butt, Milner,
Owen, Viduka. Subs Harper, Beye, Faye, Ameobi, Martins
Newcastle unbeaten at home this season
Newcastle unbeaten in the last 7 Premier League encounters with West Ham
West Ham looking for 6th straight away win and 5th straight away win in the
Premier League, which they have never achieved before.
West Ham are the only Premier League side not to concede an away goal so far
this season.
Betting
West Ham win 11/4 draw 11/5 defeat 5/6
West Ham to win 1-0 8/1 2-0 16/1 2-1 12/1 3-0 40/1 3-1 28/1
First Goal Scorer
Owen 4/1
Martins 5/1
Viduka 6/1
Ameobi 6/1
Bellamy 7/1
Ashton 7/1
Cole 9/1
Camara 9/1
Ljunberg 12/1
Parker 14/1
Bowyer 14/1
Noble 14/1
Etherington 16/1
Mullins 33/1
Neill 40/1
Upson 40/1
Ferdinand 50/1
McCartney 66/1
Prediction
Ashton to score first in 1-1 draw pays 33/1
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Internationals, who needs them? - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 21st September 2007
By: Tony Watson
Another three points in the bag and things appear to be looking brighter at
Upton Park this week.
Dare I say it but injuries appear to be clearing up - with the exception of
the long term casualties (and Bellars). Freddie Ljungberg returned to action
at the weekend, Scott Parker completed a full 90 minutes for the reserves
and Deano is looking sharper and got his first league goal since March 2006.
Forgetting a few defensive errors and looking at the game as a whole, it was
a satisfying display that hopefully we can take into the Toon game this
weekend.
However, not too much has been said on the Bellamy injury, How long is he
out for? Does the injury require surgery? All these questions appear to have
gone unanswered by the club so far this week.
If it does turn out to be an injury that leaves him on the sidelines for a
while - being a Hammers fan it will leave a horrible taste in my mouth. The
main reason for this is because from a West Ham view it was avoidable. The
injury first cropped up just after the Bristol Rovers game, he then
struggled to make the Reading game although in the end he played.
And then the internationals, a week long break to help his groin heal. Or so
it should have been. Instead, he played in the week for Wales against
Slovakia (even though self admittedly he still had a slight niggle in the
groin).
In the game he ran himself into the ground, he was everywhere, chasing every
ball and playing like his life depended on it – all for what? A Wales vs.
Slovakia match that has very little at stake…neither can qualify, it seemed
nuts to risk aggravating the injury and making it worse.
Obviously it's an honour to play for your country and I'm not saying he
shouldn't be performing in his normal committed style but we have
potentially lost our top scorer for God knows how long due to him having to
play in a game that is as good as a friendly. I'm looking at the whole thing
slanted towards West Ham I know, but I can't help it, it just seemed
avoidable!
Moving away from the bitter views towards the internationals, Is it possible
Lee Bowyer of old has returned? Two goals in as many home matches certainly
hint that, he could have had a couple at Reading too, fingers crossed he can
keep this up – his return to form could well end up as significant as the
Dean Ashton return.
Finally, the Wednesday morning papers suggested that the boardroom changes
at Upton Park are connected with overspending. The wages in particular, it
makes sense if you look at it.
Players such as Nigel Quashie, Calum Davenport and Carlton Cole among other
'second string' players must be on £20k plus a week each; add that together
and you can't blame Gudmunsson for thinking some of his money is being
wasted.
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Match Preview - Newcastle United v West Ham United - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Thu Sep 20 2007
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Sunday 23rd September 2007
Kick off 1.30pm
Barclays Premiership
Live on Sky Sports
Tickets News
Newcastle have made an extra 330 tickets available and are on general sale
from the club.
West Ham finally got the home win us fans craved last weekend when we were
flattered by a 3-0 score line of Boro.
But it's away from home we have really looked the part with 3 straight wins
helping us to 6th in the Premier League and we'll be looking to make it 4
out of 4 as the nation settles down for their Sunday lunch.
Fat Sam has rung the changes at Newcastle this summer but they have started
the season in their normal fashion with 2 wins 2 draws and a defeat yielding
8 points and they find themselves in their normal mid-table position.
At homes they drew 0-0 with Villa, before beating Wigan by a goal to nil.
They also knocked Barnsley out of the League Cup at St James Park by way of
a 2-0 win.
Current Form
Newcastle United
Bolton A Won 3-1
Aston Villa H Drew 0-0
Middlesbrough A Drew 2-2
Barnsley H Won 2-0
Wigan H Won 1-0
Derby A Lost 0-1
West Ham United
Man City H Lost 0-2
Birmingham City A Won 1-0
Wigan H Drew 1-1
Bristol Rovers A Won 2-1
Reading A Won 3-0
Middlesbrough H Won 3-0
Newcastle go looking for their 3rd straight home win on the spin.
West Ham go looking for their 6th straight away win but haven't won in their
last 6 trips to St James Park. The last win coming back in 1998/99 when an
Ian Wright brace and a goal from Trevor Sinclair secured a 3-0 victory after
Stuart Pearce saw red early in the 2nd half.
Leading League Scorers
Newcastle – Martins & N'Zogbia 2
West Ham United – Etherington & Bowyer 2
West Ham have won 36 drawn 31 and lost 43 of our 110 league meetings
Biggest Win at St James Park – 3-0 1998/99 & 1978/79
Biggest Defeat at St James Park – 0-4 1986/7 & 2002/3
Last time we met – 20th January 2006
We were robbed by Glenn Roeders Newcastle and the hapless Uriah Rennie.
First –half goals from Carlton Cole on a rare start and Marlon Harewood put
us in the driving seat before right on the stroke of half time, Rennie
allowed Milners effort to stand despite the fact it had gone through Scott
Parkers legs whilst he stood on the 6 yard box bang in front of Roy Carroll
clearly in an offside position.
A Luis Boa-Morte handball in the 2nd half allowed West Ham new boy Nobby
Solano to level the game from the spot.
Newcastle United
Given, Solano, Ramage, Huntington, Carr, Milner, Butt, Parker, O'Brien,
Dyer, Martins
West Ham United
Carroll, Dailly, Ferdinand, Davenport, McCartney, Benayoun, Quashie,
Reo-Coker, Boa Morte, Harewood, Cole
Driving
At the end of the A1(M) continue on the A1 and then the A184 towards
Newcastle. Continue along this road, bearing left onto the A189. Continue
over the River Tyne on the Redheugh Bridge, from which the ground can be
seen. Carry on straight up the dual carriageway. This leads directly to the
ground.
Parking
As the ground is so close to the City centre there are a number of pay and
display car parks in the Area.
Pubs
The ground is right in the centre of the City and close to the main station.
So you will find plenty of pubs and many away fans are to be found in
O'Neill's opposite the main station. Beer is in the ground but not at half
time if memory isn't too hazy.
By Train
Newcastle Central Railway Station is half a mile from the ground, just
follow the crowds. The first train from Kings Cross should get you to
Newcastle in time to make kick off.
Prediction
1-1
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A View from St James Park - A Toon Army fans view - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Thu Sep 20 2007
Many thanks to Michael Martin of the True Faith, Newcastle United fanzine
also at ww.true-faith.co.uk
Out of the ones I have done so far, in my view this is by far the best,
honest, decent replies from a proper football fan.
What do you expect from Newcastle this season?
It's a season of rebuilding after several seasons of gradual decline and
appalling management in the boardroom and in the dugout.
Who do you think will be your star men this season?
If we can keep him fit, Michael Owen will be useful. Mark Viduka is a decent
turn and Joey Barton will deliver when he gets in the groove. I'm already
liking Geremi and amazingly our centre-halves, in particular Rozenhal look
useful as well.
Who do you think should be in your starting 11?
With all the players fit I'd go with; Given, Meye, Rozenhal, Cacapa,
Enrique, Geremi, Barton, N'Zogbia, Milner, Owen, Viduka in a 4-4-2.
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
Patchy. We were great at Bolton, a bit laboured against Villa, sloppy at
Boro, dogged with Wigan at home and piss poor at Derby. We did enough to
beat Barnsley in the League Cup. But overall much improved on last season.
Has Big Sam spent well?
Its early days but he appears to have - he's re-shaped the squad for a net
outlay of £12m and some real wastes of space have been moved on - Bramble,
Luque, Moore and of course one of the most disliked players I've known in 35
years following NUFC - Kieron Dyer - now earning a fortune for nowt with you
boys. For £7m you have been taken to the cleaners. He'll be 29 when he plays
his next game for you and I can't see him playing beyond 31 in honesty and
that might be stretching it. Relieved to have him off our hands for a load
of reasons.
Were you sorry to see Roeder go?
I think we've lost a good head of the NUFC academy but he was never a
manager. He was out of his depth but he's a decent man, a well respected
ex-captain of the club and if he ever brings a team to SJP he'll get a good
reception - he'll definitely not get "tumour boy" abuse thrown at him like
he did last season at West Ham.
Were you sorry to Freddie Shepherd go?
You are joking! The man was a walking, talking embarrassment to Newcastle
United, the city and the club's supporters in my opinion. Sorry to see him
go in the same way I'd be sorry to stop having my head stotted off the back
of the Gallowgate End. In my opinion - a greedy, clueless, embarrassing cunt
of the highest order. He was offered no position whatsoever at the club
despite the bollocks about him being a supporter, yap-yap-yap - his family
and the Halls have taken millions out of the club, absolutely millions.
What do you think of the incoming new owners?
Early days but they've had a promising start. They have secured the debts,
provided reasonable funds for the manager, the chairman has met with
supporters groups, including yours truly, we made a few suggestions and
they've picked them up and implemented them - can't say fairer than that.
They are staying in the shadows apart from the occasional trip by the
Chairman and the owner, Mike Ashley to a few city centre clubs and they have
got the beers in, which is always a popular move. Overall though the only
fit and proper people to run our football clubs is the supporters - I'm
firmly of the opinion all clubs should be run by supporters - works well in
Germany and at Barcelona .
Are you worried the club seems to be on the new market a mere couple of
months after it was taken over?
All nonsense apparently, dreamt up by half-baked journalists - when our
reclusive billionaire owner Ashley turned up at Boro wearing an NUFC shirt
and has been at every game at SJP since dressed similarly that sent a big
message. Everything they are doing would indicate they are in it for the
long haul and the club is doing things now with its development etc it has
never done before. I'm more optimistic about how our club is being run than
I've ever been, though see above.
Are you worried about the club being raided by the Old Bill?
Not at all - Chris Mort the club Chairman has made a public statement that
the raid was likely to show NUFC as being the victims of a crime. There will
be people recently associated with NUFC who have had similar visits from the
City of London Fraud coppers who perhaps have more to be concerned about.
Allegedly.
Are you concerned at all with the stigma that Big Sam is a little dodgy on
his transfer dealings?
This is rich coming from West Ham and Harry Redknapp's former club. Frankly,
I believe 100% in innocent until proven guilty and really don't believe
there is anything of substance in the accusations against him. They are all
innuendo, nods, winks from people who kid on they know more than they do. We
all watched the Panorama documentary and it showed absolutely nothing. I
agree his son shouldn't have been handling anything near Bolton but the same
can be said of Ferguson at Man Utd. Put up or shut up eh?
Have you all withdrawn your saving from Northern Rock yet?
Absolutely not. All kidding aside, Northern Rock is incredibly important to
the economy of the North East region - 7000 people work for them in Tyne &
Wear and if the health of that company is damaged it will be disastrous for
thousands upon thousands of people up here. They are an excellent company -
they gave £175m to good works in the region last year and they sponsor not
only NUFC but Durham CC, The Falcons etc. The media got a few hours of
scare-mongering but they have damaged a NE institution into the bargain with
some salacious reporting and blatant scare-mongering. A pack of cunts.
What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
Not arsed to be honest - he's got a scabby neck and he plays for Man Utd.
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
Not great, not shit. You've spent a lot of money on some dubious players and
I'd question the character of a lot of them. Sir Bobby Robson discovered he
couldn't make a good group from a bunch of twats. Curbishley might discover
something similar.
What West Ham players worry you most?
Bellamy obviously - a smashing little player - doesn't score enough goals
though and he could start a fight in an empty house. I like Dean Ashton as
well. There was talk of him coming to SJP had West Ham been relegated, which
they should have been if football was run properly.
How do you view West Ham fans?
If you'd ask me this question 20 odd years ago you'd have got a very decent
answer to nowadays. I'm part of the generation that experienced the Chicken
Run and the whole experience around the Boleyn Ground. After some loon
hurled a petrol bomb into the away end at SJP in 1980 we were always
afforded a warm welcome in the East End of London and to be fair NE1 wasn't
a great place for Happy Hammers to visit in the same period. Gave our
encounters something of an edge though. All that aside I think there is a
bit of respect - I usually don't rate London clubs for their support but
West Ham, like Millwall seem to draw their support from a distinct
geographical community and that is something we would recognise as important
in the NE where geography and football loyalties are entwined - think
Belfast and the painted kerbstones denoting Republican and Loyalist
neighbourhoods - not quite as bad up here but getting there in parts. I
think West Ham has a following which we'd recognise as "proper". You do need
some new songs though that bubbles shite is wearing a bit and Russell Brand?
Fuck Off.
West Ham seems to be the place to find ex Newcastle players. What are you
opinions of Kieron Dyer, Nobby Solano, Scott Park, Craig Bellamy and Lee
Bowyer?
Dyer - glad to see the back of him.
Solano - a proper footballer, though not exactly the hardest working one and
maybe went a bit native on Tyneside with a developing affection for beer.
Plays a decent trumpet. "Popular Peruvian" (c)
Scott Parker - decent player though not great and struggled with the
responsibility of being captain at a mad club like NUFC. Runs round in
circles a lot.
Craig Bellamy - smashing player. Arsehole.
Lee Bowyer - deeply unpleasant young man. Living off one decent season at
Leeds many years ago. Not missed.
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
I'd climb a mountain for Tudor obviously. Smiths Bovril is the king of
crisps, though back in the day KP Beefy ran them close.
Predication?
Expect the unexpected.
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Curbs: Bellamy similar to Di Canio -Sporting Life
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 21 September 2007
Alan Curbishley has compared Craig Bellamy to former West Ham legend Paolo
Di Canio after the Wales international impressed his boss with his early
application at the club. The Hammers' manager signed the 28-year-old from
Liverpool for £7.5 million during the summer, a move which many considered a
huge gamble due to the player's chequered history. However Curbishley has
been more than happy with the dedication shown by the forward, who is
desperate to be fit in time to face former club Newcastle United on Sunday,
and has been moved to compare Bellamy to Di Canio whom he managed at
Charlton. "It is probably better for him when he's a big fish in a smaller
pond," said Curbishley of Bellamy. "He had a terrific time at Blackburn but
maybe he got lost in the rotation system at Liverpool. "I told him and
Kieron Dyer when they joined that it was about time they were remembered for
being international footballers. And having worked with him now, he reminds
me of Di Canio. "The only thing that upsets them is professionalism and
they expect everyone to train to the same standard. You have to drag him off
the training pitch and it was the same with Paolo."
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Nobby Brings 'Little Toon' To Tyneside - newcastleutd-mad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Friday 21st September 2007
With West Ham looking very much like the side Graeme Souness had a couple of
years ago, it is hardly surprising Geordies are calling the Hammers 'Little
Newcastle'! Kieron Dyer and Craig Bellamy won't make it, but Scott Parker,
Lee Bowyer and Nobby Solano will. Solano insists there will be no split
loyalties if he makes his West Ham debut against former club Newcastle this
weekend. The 32-year-old had two spells at St James' Park before moving
south on transfer-deadline day, although he is yet to make an appearance for
his new club. Solano: "I am looking forward to going back to Newcastle, if I
have the opportunity to play. "I will be professional because I am a West
Ham United player now. Hopefully our good form can continue because the team
is trying to finish well. "It's going to be strange. If I am in the squad it
will be my first game with the team and it will be against my old team. "I
have to take it in a professional way and I have nothing whatsoever against
Newcastle. I have a fantastic relationship with the fans, a great
relationship with the people there.
"Football is like that, you never know when that will happen. I'm a West Ham
United player and I'm looking forward to doing my best here."
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Solano happy to face Magpies - SSN
Peruvian could make debut against former club
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 21st September 2007
Nolberto Solano is relishing the prospect of making his West Ham debut
against former club Newcastle. The Peruvian midfielder has spent eight of
the last nine years at St James' Park, but ended his association with the
club by completing a move to West Ham on transfer deadline day. He has yet
to make his debut for The Hammers but is hoping to feature on his return to
the North East this Sunday. "I am looking forward to going back to
Newcastle, if I have the opportunity to play," he said. Solano admits it
will feel different not to have the support of the Toon Army, but insists
there will be no problem performing against his former club. He explained:
"It's going to be strange. If I am in the squad it will be my first game
with the team and it will be against my old team.
"I will be professional because I am a West Ham United player now. Hopefully
our good form can continue because the team is trying to finish well. "I
have nothing whatsoever against Newcastle. I have a fantastic relationship
with the fans, a great relationship with the people there. "Football is like
that, you never know when that will happen. I'm a West Ham United player and
I'm looking forward to doing my best here."
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Magnusson: no drama - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 21st September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Eggert Magnusson has spoken to reassure supporters in the wake of the club's
announcement regarding his future earlier this week. The Hammers confirmed
on Tuesday that Magnusson would be relinquishing his executive role at the
club in order to concentrate on other projects, such as the proposed stadium
move. Some feared that the announcement hinted at Magnusson's eventual
departure from the club - not so, according to the man himself. "There is no
drama in this. We are strengthening the foundation of the club," he told
Icelandic daily Morgunbladid. "I just needed time to breath. A lot has been
going on and taking up my time but now I can focus on taking West Ham into
the future. "I never intended to run the club this way, being a managing
director and chairman. But things turned out that way when I took over from
Terry Brown, as I had to respond to a surprising situation when Paul
Aldridge left. He had been managing director for 10 years. "A lot has been
going on this year but we decided this was the right time for a change. We
have been sailing in troubled waters of late."
Magnusson also revealed that the Carlos Tevez affair had 'taken its toll',
but confirmed that he would continue to follow the team around the country,
as before. "First and foremost I am a football fan - and I will follow the
team wherever it goes despite these changes," he added. "Our next game is
against Newcastle and I will of course be there with the supporters. It's a
massive game for us because not many teams come away with a good result from
there."
And with regards to his new role, he added: "We are set to relocate to a new
ground. It's clear that the Olympic Stadium is not for us but we have
several other options. "After having had discussions with Ken Livingston we
are now focusing on a area near the proposed Olympic Stadium. I think the
new West Ham Stadium will fair well there and would be part of a commercial
and housing area. "There is a lot to do - but there is a real optimism at
the club."
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