26/10/2007 13:38
Lucas begins his latest whufc.com blog with a review of the 3-1 win against
Sunderland, and in particular the performances of Carlton Cole, Craig
Bellamy and Nolberto Solano while also finding special mention for Robert
Green. He considers the weekend trip to Harry Redknapp's Portsmouth and
touches on his hopes of building a "Wembley buzz" at the club.
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It's amazing what a win can do for morale, the atmosphere in the changing
room and at the training ground is much more upbeat now. Probably on
performance it's not the best we've played in the last four games but there
is a fine line between winning and losing in the Premier League and a win is
a win and it keeps us in the pack that are chasing the big boys.
I was delighted to see Coley get on the scoresheet, he has been working
really hard in training so really deserved a goal and it will do wonders for
his confidence. It was also fantastic to see Bellars back from injury and
Nobby to get his debut and have such a huge impact on the game. Greenie also
deserves a big pat on the back for the fantastic save he made to keep us in
the game and give us the platform to go on and get the three points.
We are now preparing for what will be a very hard game against a high-flying
Portsmouth side. Fratton Park is a place no one likes to go to because the
home crowd makes it a tough atmosphere. They are a strong and well organised
team and have the added benefit of being able to field a consistent side
week in, week out and any points we can grab there will be a bonus.
They are a team similar to us with the same mentality and ambitions for this
season to break into Europe and that is why it is important to take any
points we can off them. They are on a very good run at the moment so it will
take a near-best performance from us to break that.
They have a good manager that a lot of Hammers fans still hold in high
regard, I for one think he is great manager who always seems to get the best
out of his players and I therefore have a lot of respect for him and a lot
of respect for the team he has shaped at the moment. They may have good home
support there but we have fantastic travelling support too and I hope we can
give you something to cheer about on your way back to London.
A few of the players including myself have done public appearances for
half-term this week in the club shops at the ground and Lakeside. There has
been a great turn-out for all of them and it just makes you realise how big
this club is and how many fans there are out there wanting to come and meet
the players. It is great for us to be able to meet the fans, listen to their
comments and thank them personally for their support.
Another reason why it is so imperative to put in a good performance against
Portsmouth on Saturday is because it is quickly followed by another
important away game to Coventry in the Carling Cup. We are all looking
forward to that one. It has been chosen for Sky coverage because they will
be hoping for an upset but we aim to spoil their party and Coventry's and
put ourselves in that hat for the last eight and start to create the
'Wembley buzz'.
The two weeks leading up to the final found me in a dressing room full of
boys who had jumped on the England rugby bandwagon. This week I have not
even heard a whisper about the defeat in the final and am presuming everyone
was quick to jump off!
Lucas Neill
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Solano ready to shine again - WHUFC
26/10/2007 14:38
Nolberto Solano has high hopes of a first start in claret and blue at
Portsmouth on Saturday evening and the keen trumpet player thinks he can
help the club all hit the right notes. "It's tough but all Premier League
games are tough," Solano said, mindful of the way West Ham United were
pushed all the way last weekend before a 3-1 win against Sunderland. "But if
we prepare properly and are positive then we can win. [On Sunday] we were
quite lucky because we didn't create many chances so if we go there and
create chances and defend better then we can do well."
The versatile Solano made a thrilling impact against Sunderland - coming off
the bench to play his part in the crucial second goal and then keep West Ham
United going forward before a late Craig Bellamy goal clinched victory. It
was a debut to remember and underlined how the 32-year-old, who joined at
the end of August from Newcastle United, has had no problems settling in.
He may be renowned for his trumpet playing and has already regaled his new
team-mates with an impromptu performance, but Solano knows his real talent
lies elsewhere. "I'm OK at it but I'm a better footballer," he joked. Should
he orchestrate another victory at Fratton Park this weekend, the maestro
Solano will truly start to feel at home in east London.
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Portsmouth match preview - WHUFC
26/10/2007 13:33
Portsmouth v West Ham United
Fratton Park
Saturday 27 October
Kick-off: 5.15pm
Referee: Mike Dean (Wirral)
Live on Setanta Sports
Full audio commentary on WHUTV - where you can also watch an interview with
Matthew Etherington and see Alan Curbishley's pre-match press conference.
Click here for details of a three-month free trial offer.
Team news
West Ham United go to Portsmouth hoping to end a run of three defeats
against their south-coast rivals on Saturday with manager Alan Curbishley
expecting to field a similar squad to that which ended a three-match losing
streak with a 3-1 defeat of Sunderland last Sunday. While Nigel Quashie came
through a midweek reserve match for his first run-out since March, the
fixture is expected to be too soon for the Scotland midfielder.
Curbishley is still without Scott Parker after the midfielder suffered a
setback in his rehabilitation from a knee ligament injury. Strike duo Dean
Ashton and Bobby Zamora are still on the sidelines as are long-term midfield
casualties Julien Faubert and Kieron Dyer, while Calum Davenport is out with
a persistent groin problem. However, Anton Ferdinand and Nolberto Solano's
fitness will have been boosted by substitute appearances last time out when
Craig Bellamy showed over 90 minutes that he was back to his best.
Portsmouth have had a fairly settled lineup this season. Forwards Nwankwo
Kanu (knee) and David Nugent (groin) are the only notable names on the
injury list although midfielder Sean Davis is suspended, meaning a likely
start for Pedro Mendes. Richard Hughes is also banned after a reserve-team
dismissal but has not been involved of late.
The south-coast club boast two former Hammers in the shape of goalkeeper
David James and right-back Glen Johnson, who scored his first Pompey goal in
last week's 2-0 win at Wigan. Manager Harry Redknapp is also well known to
Hammers fans, having served the club as a player between 1965 and 1972 and
managed the team between 1994 and 2001.
Background
Victory would take tenth-placed West Ham United within two points of
Portsmouth in fifth with a game in hand. Their hosts, who are looking for a
fifth league win in a row, could move fourth, until Sunday at least.
Curbishley will know the advantage of taking an early lead as the club have
won all four Premier League games this season when they have opened the
scoring, along with both Carling Cup matches.
Only Robert Green and Matthew Upson have played every minute of the club's
nine Premier League matches this season, while David James and Sylvain
Distin have done the same in Portsmouth's ten fixtures. The hosts boast the
league's top scorer in the shape of seven-goal Benjani Mwaruwari, while no
visiting player has scored more than twice this campaign.
Last six league meetings
26 December 2006 - West Ham United 1-2 Portsmouth (Premier League)
14 October 2006 - Portsmouth 2-0 West Ham United (Premier League)
18 March 2006 - West Ham United 2-4 Portsmouth (Premier League)
26 December 2005 - Portsmouth 1-1 West Ham United (Premier League)
16 January 1993 - West Ham United 2-0 Portsmouth (Championship - first
division)
27 September 1992 - Portsmouth 0-1 West Ham United (Championship - first
division)
Club information
Away tickets for this fixture are SOLD OUT. Please be aware that British
Transport Police are advising West Ham United supporters not to travel to
this game by train due to major engineering works taking place this weekend
throughout the area.
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Portsmouth v West Ham - BBC
Fratton Park
Saturday, 27 October
Kick-off: 1715 BST
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match
of the Day.
Portsmouth have Pedro Mendes back in the squad but fellow midfielders Sean
Davis and Richard Hughes are banned for one and three games respectively.
Striker David Nugent is likely to miss out with a groin injury and joined
Kanu (knee) in the treatment room this week.
West Ham are still without Scott Parker, who has a knee ligament injury.
Freddie Ljungberg, Dean Ashton, Bobby Zamora, Kieron Dyer, Julien Faubert,
James Collins and Calum Davenport are also sidelined with injuries.
Portsmouth (from): James; Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Pedro
Mendes, Muntari, Diop, Kranjcar, Utaka, Benjani, Taylor, Pamarot, Lauren,
Mvuemba, Nugent, Ashdown.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Bowyer, Mullins,
Noble, Etherington, Boa Morte, Camara, Cole, Wright, Collins, Bellamy,
Quashie, Solano, Spector, Pantsil, Reid.
Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp: "I would like to see West Ham do well
because I have so many good memories there. But for me just getting three
points against anybody is the main thing. The've had a few injuries lately
but with all fit they are a force. Players like Craig Bellamy can turn a
game and we'll have to watch out for him."
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley: We're looking at a new stadium and a new
training ground. The workload will be immense, so it makes sense to bring
someone in to oversee the changes. I've been filled in and I'm onside with
it. "We need to push on. We're looking at everything in the club and we need
a bit of help with that."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Portsmouth are looking to complete five wins on the spin for the first ever
time in the Premier League; West Ham are eager to avoid a third successive
league reverse on the road. Harry Redknapp boasts an unbeaten record against
West Ham of three wins and one draw - all as Pompey boss - since leaving the
managerial position at Upton Park in May 2001.
Portsmouth are eyeing a place in the top four for the first time this
season, while the Hammers go into the game in the top half of the table
having been second bottom, one point off the foot 12 months ago.
West Ham are the only Premier League club without an overseas player on
their goalscorers list.
CLUB FORM
PORTSMOUTH
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 4th
Lowest could fall: 7th
1. Scored 11 goals in three outings, and boasting the second strongest
attack in the Premier League of 19 goals from 10 games; only Arsenal exceed
that, with 21 goals from nine outings.
2. Kept clean sheets in four of their last five league games; the exception
being the extraordinary 7-4 victory over Reading.
3. One point behind the pace set at this same stage last season, having
already played each of the so called "Big Four".
4. Scored more goals in the last 10 minutes of Premier League games (six).
5. One of four clubs with a 100% record from matches in which they have
scored first (four of four).
6. The only side not to have played second fiddle to any other club in the
second half of Premier League matches this term. They have scored 13 league
goals after the break; only Arsenal can match that in this division.
7. One of seven clubs still holding an unbeaten home record in the Premier
League.
8. Not scored in any of their last three home Premier League fixtures
against London clubs; Charlton 0-1, Chelsea 0-1 and Arsenal 0-0.
9. The longest trip of the season to Newcastle follows this next Saturday,
after the midweek Carling Cup fourth round tie, home to Blackburn.
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 9th
Lowest could realistically fall: 10th
1. Looking for back-to-back wins, after beating Sunderland 3-1 at Upton Park
last Saturday.
2. One of four clubs with a 100% record from matches in which they have
scored first (four of four).
3. One of two clubs, alongside Chelsea, not to have surrendered any points
from winning positions this season, although they did lose the lead for the
first time this term against Sunderland, but regained it last time out.
4. Conceded a goal a game on average (nine in nine).
5. Completed 28 Premier League matches without a goalless draw; since the
0-0 at Fulham on 23 December 2006.
6. Five short of conceding 5,000 league goals.
7. In danger of tumbling to their longest away losing run since suffering
eight successive league losses on the road at the end of Alan Pardew's
tenure on 9 December 2006.
8. The highest ranked of three clubs yet to draw an away fixture in the
Premier League.
9. A home fixture against Bolton and a trip to Derby follow the midweek
fourth round Carling Cup tie, away to Coventry. Thereafter successive London
derbies are scheduled, home to Spurs and away to Chelsea.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
PORTSMOUTH
Benjani MWARUWARI leads the race for the Barclays Golden Boot, with seven
goals - five from his last three appearances.
Linvoy PRIMUS has scored five Premier League goals for Portsmouth, two of
them came against West Ham at Upton Park in December.
Sylvain DISTIN is the only outfield player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of Portsmouth's Premier League games this season.
David JAMES has kept goal for every minute of every one of Pompey's league
matches this term.
If he plays:-
JAMES will be making his 142nd consecutive Premier League appearance
(Manchester City and Portsmouth).
The 37 year old England international will be facing a former club. JAMES
kept goal 102 times (91 in the league) for West Ham between July 2001 and
January 2004.
Glen JOHNSON will be opposing the club where he started his professional
career. The 23 year old England international defender made 16 appearances
(15 in the league) for the Hammers before signing for Chelsea in July 2003.
Suspended:-
Richard HUGHES (two matches), Sean DAVIS (one match)
WEST HAM UNITED
Craig BELLAMY is West Ham's top scorer with four goals.
The Hammers' joint top Premier League marksmen are Dean ASHTON, Lee BOWYER,
Matthew ETHERINGTON and BELLAMY, with two each.
Matthew UPSON and Robert GREEN are the only remaining players to have been
on the field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League
matches this season.
If selected:-
UPSON will be making his 150th career Premier League appearance (Arsenal,
Birmingham and West Ham).
NIGEL QUASHIE, who is yet to make an appearance this season, will be facing
the club where he started his professional career. The 29 year old
midfielder made 163 appearances (148 in the league) and scored 14 goals (13
league) for Portsmouth between August 2000 and January 2005.
If on the field from the outset:-
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career club start (Cardiff and West
Ham).
HEAD TO HEAD
Portsmouth achieved the double over West Ham last season - the only club
they managed to beat home and away.
West Ham were beaten home and away by six clubs last term - Portsmouth being
the first to inflict such damage on them.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Portsmouth 11 wins, West Ham 10, Draws 3
Prem: Portsmouth 3 wins, West Ham 0, Draws 1
at Portsmouth only
League (inc PL): Portsmouth 7 wins, West Ham 4, Draws 1
Prem: Portsmouth 1 win, West Ham 0, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Portsmouth 2-0 West Ham United
14 October 2006 - Ref: Graham Poll
Portsmouth scorers: Kanu 24, Cole 82
REFEREE
Mike Dean (Wirral)
Premier League referees' table
Mike Dean's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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Neill: anything is a bonus - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 26th October 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Hammers skipper Lucas Neill has warned his team mates that they will have to
be at their very best if they are to take anything away from Fratton Park
tomorrow. The 28-year-old Aussie, speaking on whufc.com today, told his team
mates to expect 'a very hard game against a high-flying Portsmouth side' in
his pre-match notes. Portsmouth have got off to a flyer this season and
currently lie in fifth place - five points ahead of the Hammers in tenth
(although Alan Curbishley's side have a game in hand). And Neill urged his
players to continue where they left off against Sunderland last week, having
scored two late goals to turn the tide in their favour. "It's amazing what a
win can do for morale," he said. "The atmosphere in the changing room and at
the training ground is much more upbeat now. "Probably on performance it's
not the best we've played in the last four games but there is a fine line
between winning and losing in the Premier League - and a win is a win.
"Fratton Park is a place no one likes to go to because the home crowd makes
it a tough atmosphere. They are a strong and well organised team and have
the added benefit of being able to field a consistent side week in, week
out. They are a team similar to us with the same mentality and ambitions
for this season and that is why it is important to take any points we can
off them. "They are on a very good run at the moment - so it will take a
near-best performance from us to break that."
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Portsmouth v West Ham preview - SSN
Redknapp ready to tackle former club
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 26th October 2007
Harry Redknapp welcomes former club West Ham to Fratton Park with Portsmouth
looking to move into the top four of the Premier League. Redknapp's
seven-year stint at Upton Park ended in 2001 and his focus is now on guiding
Pompey into Europe after an impressive start to the season. The South Coast
side are unbeaten on home turf so far this term and are on a four-game
winning streak in the Premier League after victories away to Wigan, Fulham
and Blackburn and the 7-4 rout of Reading in their last Fratton Park
fixture. The weight of history is also against the Hammers, with Portsmouth
having won the last three Premier League meetings between the two teams,
with the last top-flight victory enjoyed by the east London side over their
opponents coming back in December 1958.
In-form Portsmouth striker Benjani Mwaruwari, who has already scored more
goals this season than he managed last term, and John Utaka are set to start
with Kanu (knee) and David Nugent (groin) in the treatement room. Midfielder
Sean Davis is ruled out by a one-match suspension after receiving five
yellow cards so far this season so Pedro Mendes is expected to take his
place in the starting XI. Defender Linvoy Primus is still working his way
back to full fitness after a summer knee operation and midfielder Richard
Hughes starts a three-game suspension after a red card while playing for the
reserves.
Skysports.com prediction: Portsmouth 3 West Ham 1
Player to watch: Benjani Mwaruwari
Sky Bet odds: Portsmouth 4/5, Draw 9/4, West Ham 3/1
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley, who saw his side snap a three-game league
losing streak with a somewhat fortuitous 3-1 win over Sunderland last
weekend, is expected to stick with the players on duty against the Black
Cats. Striker Craig Bellamy, who scored the third goal in that victory, has
reported no ill effects despite playing three games in nine days after groin
surgery, and will again lead the line. Nolberto Solano is pushing for a
place in the starting XI after making an immediate impact off the bench
against Sunderland. Dean Ashton and Scott Parker remain on the sidelines and
while Nigel Quashie (ankle) featured for the reserves in midweek, he is
still some way from full fitness after being out of action since March.
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Star's Hammers surprise - SSN
Midfielder shocked to remain at Upton Park
Last updated: 26th October 2007
West Ham winger Matthew Etherington has admitted he is surprised still to be
at the club. The former Tottenham man believed he might have been on the way
out of Upton Park at the end of last season. Etherington struggled for form
last term, but he has bounced back this campaign and has impressed for Alan
Curbishley's side keeping Luis Boa Morte out of the starting XI. The manager
brought in so many players it does make you wonder if you're still in the
his plans, but I've got my head down, worked hard and it's good to be in the
team," said Etherington. "Maybe I got a little bit complacent. Under Alan
Pardew I thought I was a regular fixture in the team and I found myself out
of the team last year, but I learned from that. Every player gets a time in
their career when things aren't going well for them. "In the summer I wasn't
expecting to be here, and maybe the fans weren't expecting it either, but
now I'm in the team and I want to stay there. "I wasn't in the team for the
first game this season but I got back in. Luis is a very good player but
I've managed to keep him out up until now and hopefully I will again on
Saturday. "It's my fifth season here now. I'm a long-standing player
compared to some of the lads. There are not many players from a couple of
years ago who are still here. "The manager has brought in a lot of quality
players and there's competition for places which can only be good for West
Ham. "I love this club. They took me from Tottenham and gave me a chance
when things weren't going well for me under Glenn Hoddle. I owe what I've
achieved up until now to West Ham. "I've always given my all for West Ham.
The support is second to none. They expect you to win every Saturday and
that's fair enough. There's added pressure at home but they've been awesome
to me. If you're not doing it they let you know and if you are they sing
your praises."
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Portsmouth v West Ham: Preview - Soccernet
Sulley Muntari has promised West Ham a drop more of the hard stuff when they
come to Fratton Park on Saturday night. Portsmouth's powerful Ghanaian
midfielder is ready to mix it again even though another booking will bring
him his second suspension of the season. But Muntari, Pompey's record
£7.2million signing when manager Harry Redknapp finally captured him from
Italian club Udinese this summer after more than a year on his trail,
refuses to change his fiercely combative style. Despite his tough guy image,
Muntari comes across as an amiable individual - and took to heart a
dressing-down from his boss when sent off against Manchester United in only
the second game of the season. Muntari, just 22, but a star of Ghana's World
Cup team last year in Germany - where Redknapp first spotted him - admitted:
``Sure, I like the physical side of the game here. I really love it. ``I
loved it in Italy, too, and it is a beautiful country where I played, but
here it is totally different. For me, English football is great. ``In Italy
the game may be more technical but here everyone is fast, everyone is
strong, every game is hard. That's how it is and that's how I must be. ``I
know I need to cut down the cards. I've been working hard in training on my
timing because I agree with the coach it is better to play the matches than
watch them from the stands, but the game is hard here and that's how I love
it.''
Muntari was sent off three times for Udinese last season and booked eight
times. Now he is on four yellow cards in the Premier League after serving a
one-match suspension for two rash tackles against United. One more caution
will activate a new ban. West Ham winger Matthew Etherington is determined
to make the most of his second chance at Upton Park after admitting he did
not expect to survive Alan Curbishley's summer cull at the club. The
26-year-old played a starring role in the Hammers' first season back in the
Barclays Premier League when, under Alan Pardew, they finished in an
impressive ninth place and embarked on a thrilling run to the 2006 FA Cup
final. Etherington sought help for a gambling problem and lost his place to
January signing Luis Boa Morte as Curbishley somehow orchestrated the great
escape, and fully expected to follow the likes of Nigel Reo-Coker, Marlon
Harewood and Paul Konchesky out of the exit door. But he is now keeping Boa
Morte out of the side and will line up on the left wing when the Hammers
head to Portsmouth. ``The manager brought in so many players it does make
you wonder if you're still in the his plans, but I've got my head down,
worked hard and it's good to be in the team,'' said Etherington. ``Maybe I
got a little bit complacent. Under Alan Pardew I thought I was a regular
fixture in the team and I found myself out of the team last year, but I
learned from that. Every player gets a time in their career when things
aren't going well for them. ``In the summer I wasn't expecting to be here,
and maybe the fans weren't expecting it either, but now I'm in the team and
I want to stay there. ``I wasn't in the team for the first game this season
but I got back in. Luis is a very good player but I've managed to keep him
out up until now and hopefully I will again on Saturday. ``It's my fifth
season here now. I'm a long-standing player compared to some of the lads.
There are not many players from a couple of years ago who are still here.
``I love this club. They took me from Tottenham and gave me a chance when
things weren't going well for me under Glenn Hoddle. I owe what I've
achieved up until now to West Ham. ``I've always given my all for West Ham.
The support is second to none. They expect you to win every Saturday and
that's fair enough. There's added pressure at home but they've been awesome
to me. If you're not doing it they let you know and if you are they sing
your praises.''
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A View from Fratton Park - A Portsmouth Fans View - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Thu Oct 25 2007
The spotlight falls on Colin from Pomey-Fans.com ahead of this Saturdays
exclusively live game on Setanta Sports
What do you expect from Portsmouth this season?
A repeat of last year's ninth place would have been regarded as another good
season. Our great start means that the bar has been raised. Sixth and a Cup
final now please...
Who have been your star men this season?
There have been plenty of candidates, but Sylvain Distin stands out. He has
to be the Bosman bargain of this and any other summer
Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?
To be fair Harry has got it about right lately. Pedro Mendes will be in for
the suspended Sean Davis on Saturday, which most will see as a slight
improvement. Many think Matt Taylor should play in place of Niko Kranjcar.
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
Apart from a very poor show at Arsenal and a disappointing result at Derby
on the first day our performances have never been less than satisfactory.
Has Harry spent well?
Very well indeed. His success rate at Pompey has been pretty good and this
summer looks to be no different.
What do you think rich overseas owners like have taken over both our clubs
is good for the game?
I think it is the endgame of the whole Premierhip project playing itself
out. It was created in the name of money, so no one can complain too much
when it attracts it. Whether it is for good or ill over all, only time will
tell. I have few complaints about what Sacha Gaydamak has done for Pompey.
Has finally putting a roof on the away end changed the atmosphere for the
better or worse?
For the better. Our lot don't get things all their own way any more, which
will hopefully mean they raise their game...
What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
It stank. The whole episode covered few in glory. For what it's worth I
think West Ham probably should have lost three points, but in February. Then
all of this mess might have been avoided.
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
Upper mid table seems more than realistic. Your defence is still probably
too dodgy to be top six material yet.
What West Ham players worry you most?
Craig Bellamy usually does well against us.
How do you view West Ham fans?
Loyal and travel in numbers. Nothing against them at all.
Any recommendations for those travelling down to Fratton Park Saturday?
Make the most of the old-style ground and atmosphere. There are not many
left and ours is due to go by 2011.
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
Those poncy sea salt and cracked black pepper ones.
Prediction?
Pompey 2 West Ham 1
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Fourth place? Don't even think it yet - Pompey-Fans.com
By Colin Farmery
Date: 27/10/2007
Pompey entertain West Ham on one of their best runs since the
Championship-winning season. It's live on Setanta (that's SE-TAN-TAAA,
remember?), a first for many fans as they dig out old freeview boxes and try
to work out how to get the new sports channel on it…
'Oh to be a Pompey fan/ a-sailing we will go / and now we're even scoring
goals / Benjani…WHOOAOAH!'
I just wrote this little ditty to clarify my position on my favourite
Zimbabwean. My missus has just allowed me to name our first-born Benjani too
when it's born ('it's actually a nice name' she says. GET IN!) and now all I
have to do is convince her the cat should be called Primus and our new
child's middle name should be Linvoy and it's game on…
Anyway, back to the preview. Portsmouth - Harry Redknapp's new club. West
Ham - his old one. Glen Johnson - used to play for the Hammers. Nigel
Quashie - used to play for Pompey (shame he's injured… now we won't get to
see the beautiful long-range shots that fly over the bar).
See, the clubs are practically twinned they're so alike. But come Saturday
evening, when the results have filtered in from the other six Premier games,
it will be game on under the floodlights as Harry Redknapp tries to 'do one'
over his old club, where he was both player and manager.
Pompey may have managed a fairly easy 2-0 win over the Hammers last year
(and with Graham Poll refereeing and everything… maybe the Arsenal game was
his revenge or something), but before that it was almost two decades since
they beat the Irons at home, known as such because the side were an
evolution of Thames Ironworks FC back in the early 1900s (I thank you
Wikipedia).
But these sides are a much changed prospect to those that came in earlier
times.
The Pompey side currently gracing Fratton Park is arguably the strongest of
the modern era, while West Ham, despite only just staving off relegation
last year, have invested £40m into the squad and have aspirations far above
17th place this year.
The debate still rages (in the Championship and mostly at Bramall Lane) over
whether the Hammers should rightfully be in the top league still, but the
fact is they are and Pompey have to beat them.
Sean Davis is likely to be the only notable absentee following his
suspension from a booking picked up against Wigan, and Pedro Mendes is ready
to fill his space in the centre of midfield.
It will be interesting to see if the Portuguese magician can retain the
spot; as only an outstanding performance is likely to change Redknapp's mind
and force him to exclude Davis for the Newcastle match next week.
David Nugent (groin) and Kanu (knee) remain major doubts, but are unlikely
to have been in the starting XI anyway, and Linvoy Primus continues his long
recovery from a knee injury.
West Ham have had terrible luck with injuries so far this term; the 3-1
victory against Sunderland was a touch fortunate and had it not been for
some great keeping by 'keeper…Robert Green, they could have found the result
was easily reversed.
The absentees list reads like who's who of football transfers at the moment:
Scott Parker (knee), Freddie Ljungberg (calf), Bobby Zamora (knee), Kieron
Dyer (broken leg) and Julien Faubert (ankle) are all out, as well as Quashie
who still is applying for the reserves following a recent leg injury.
Anyway, the Hammers will probably make a game of it, but just image if the
Scousers were to lose - Pompey could be fourth. Actually forget that, it
won't happen, don't even dream it. I said DON'T! You'll jinx it!
Danger Men
Benjani will get a start, and then score three. He really won't, but I
predicted goals for him last time and I hope it happens again. Noberto
Solano has proved a decent buy, and is pushing for a start after impressing
from the bench against Sunderland.
Likely line-up
James, Johnson, Campbell, Distin, Hreidarsson, Utaka, Mendes, Diop, Muntari,
Kranjcar, Benjani
Last time at Fratton Park
English Premier
Portsmouth 2 West Ham 0
Kanu, Cole
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West Ham's Bellamy proud of career
tribalfootball.com - October 26, 2007
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy has rankled at any suggestion that he has
under-achieved in his career and stressed his character has taken him this
far in the game. In an exclusive interview with Setanta Sports the Wales
captain is more than satisfied with a CV that includes the likes of
Blackburn Rovers, Newcastle United and Liverpool and now sees him starring
for The Hammers. The 28-year-old appreciates he always finds it difficult to
shed his bad-boy image but believes his playing record speaks for itself.
When asked if he felt he had under-achieved, he replied: "Not at all. I've
got exactly everything out of my body I could have done. "There's no-one who
could tell me any different. I had five knee operations by the time I was
25. "Long-term, I was told I had a 30 percent chance of never playing
football again. I had to work very hard as a young kid to get to the level I
have got to. "I am very fortunate to get where I am now. I say fortunate,
but I've had to put real hard work in as well because knee ops are not easy
things to come back from and I was unfortunate enough to have a lot of them
at a very young age. "That tested my mentality and my attitude to come back
from that. To be where I am now is something I'm very proud of and testament
to my character and willingness to work and put those late hours in. "I
remember once on Christmas morning doing leg weights when I was injured and
I was doing them on Christmas Eve night because it was really important to
me and I wanted to give myself the best chance to do as well as I could in
my career and I don't think anyone can doubt that."
When asked if he was more mature nowadays, the speedy striker feels he is
learning all the time. "I do believe I'm mature and have become a better
player but maybe it's your [the media's] opinions of me that have changed a
little bit as well," he explained. "Maybe I handle you guys a little better
than I used to - probably not speaking to you as much as I did, that
probably helps as well. "I'm probably still the same when I'm on the
training pitch, when I'm about my fellow players but I believe when you get
a bit older, people look differently at you as well. "There's probably
always eyebrows raised when I move to a different club," he conceded. "I
don't want to go into that as much as I can but my record does speak for
itself," he opined. "I haven't won any championships, don't get me wrong,
but I've usually been around the European places and Champions League places
all my career except the first time I was in The Premiership. "Really that's
what we're looking for at West Ham and I fit the bill for that. It was a
club I wanted to go to, that wanted a chance to qualify for Europe and
really wanted to push on from there, that's what made up my mind to come
here."
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WE57 HAM licence plate fetches record price - Reuters
Sat Oct 27, 2007 2:25am BST
LONDON (Reuters) - Fans of east London club West Ham set a new record price
of 57,000 pounds for a football-related vehicle licence plate on Friday as
they outbid each other for plate number WE57 HAM. The price dwarfed the
previous record of 36,000 pounds set in 2004 for plate number AR53 NAL
(Arsenal).
"The atmosphere in the auction room was electric -- it was like a cup
final," said Damian Lawson, Marketing Manager for Driver and Vehicle
Licensing Agency Personalised Registrations. "The fans bidding showed the
same passion they do on the terraces and we could only watch as the price
kept on rising and rising," he added. The winner bid anonymously over the
Internet.
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Allardyce Goes To Court! - Newcastel Mad
By Nu Mad Friday 26th October 2007
According to a report in the Daily Mail today, Newcastle manager Sam
Allardyce is suing West Ham defender Lucas Neill. The Toon/Hammers
connection has grown in recent times, with West Ham looking like the team
Sir Bobby Robson built at St James' Park. Lee Bowyer was joined in the
summer by old Magpie team-mates Kieron Dyer, Nobby Solano and Craig Bellamy.
But apparently the £645,000 mentioned today is not the figure West Ham have
tabled for a player ... put the figure Newcastle manager Sam Allardyce is
suing West Ham defender Lucas Neill and his agent Peter Harrison in a
dispute over a land deal.
The facts are a little short on the ground at present, but I'm sure it will
be broadcast soon. Allardyce and Harrison were implicated last year in the
BBC Panorama investigation into football corruption, when Harrison claimed
payments to Allardyce's son Craig could smooth the transfer of players to
the Reebok.
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Muntari looking to mix it with Hammers midfielders - Daily Mail
Last updated at 15:16pm on 26th October 2007
Sulley Muntari has promised West Ham a drop more of the hard stuff when they
come to Fratton Park tomorrow night. Portsmouth's powerful Ghanaian
midfielder is ready to mix it again even though another booking will bring
him his second suspension of the season. But Muntari, Pompey's record
£7.2million signing when manager Harry Redknapp finally captured him from
Italian club Udinese this summer after more than a year on his trail,
refuses to change his fiercely combative style. Despite his tough guy image,
Muntari comes across as an amiable individual - and took to heart a
dressing-down from his boss when sent off against Manchester United in only
the second game of the season. Muntari, just 22, but a star of Ghana's World
Cup team last year in Germany - where Redknapp first spotted him - admitted:
"Sure, I like the physical side of the game here. I really love it. "I loved
it in Italy, too, and it is a beautiful country where I played, but here it
is totally different. For me, English football is great. "In Italy the game
may be more technical but here everyone is fast, everyone is strong, every
game is hard. That's how it is and that's how I must be. "I know I need to
cut down the cards. I've been working hard in training on my timing because
I agree with the coach it is better to play the matches than watch them from
the stands, but the game is hard here and that's how I love it."
Muntari was sent off three times for Udinese last season and booked eight
times. Now he is on four yellow cards in the Premier League after serving a
one-match suspension for two rash tackles against United. One more caution
will activate a new ban. Muntari admits: "When I was sent off against
United, the coach asked me if I touched the guy (Michael Carrick). I told
him I didn't but that was a lie because I could see in his eyes how angry he
was. "I looked in his face and I understood everything he was saying about
focusing on doing it for the team. I'm trying and, hopefully, the number of
cards will reduce. "I see myself as both an attacking and defending player
even though in Italy I was mostly a defensive midfielder. Here I want to do
both - and score some goals, too. I've only got one and that was a penalty
in a game we won 7-4. "Now I'm going to take the ball quickly if we get
another penalty. "Since I came here I've learned a lot, not only on the
pitch but off it, too. A lot of that is to do with the coach. He's a great
man, he treats us well as players. He's cool. I just like the way he goes
about things. "There were already some good players here when I signed and
the coach has signed some more since. So I couldn't afford to wait 20 games
to fit in and I think I'm there now. "At the beginning, the first three
games were very disappointing for me but we've won five now (in a row) and
we are fifth and must aim to stay there or do even better. "We have done
better than I thought we would but now that we are fifth we have to try to
stay there and maybe even improve. "We want to cheer the crowd here. I have
never known one like this before. They are with us wherever we go and for me
it seems we have only had home games - even when we are away."
Redknapp's side will start favourites against his old club at teatime
tomorrow even though he must make his first change to the line-up in four
games with Sean Davis banned after his five yellow cards. Pedro Mendes
returns and Redknapp said: "He's a terrific player. His attitude has been
great over being left out. He had an injury early in the season and the team
has gone on a roll so I couldn't change it but Pedro's a top man. "We've got
a hard week coming up with three tough games against Blackburn (Carling Cup)
on Wednesday and Newcastle next weekend and I'm down to just Benjani as one
fit striker with Kanu injured and David Nugent a big doubt with a groin
problem. "But there is a terrific atmosphere among the lads here. Obviously
we are winning and it helps. It is just a case of going for another three
points now. "I don't get a particular buzz out of beating West Ham. I still
have a great affection for them, but Pompey's everything to me now."
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Bellamy: I'm no under-achiever - Setanta
by Ciaran Baynes, 26 October 2007
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy has rankled at any suggestion that he has
under-achieved in his career and stressed his character has taken him this
far in the game. In an exclusive interview with Setanta Sports, due to be
broadcast in full on The Friday Football Show, the Wales captain is more
than satisfied with a CV that includes the likes of Blackburn Rovers,
Newcastle United and Liverpool and now sees him starring for The Hammers.
The 28-year-old appreciates he always finds it difficult to shed his bad-boy
image but believes his playing record speaks for itself. When asked if he
felt he had under-achieved, he replied: "Not at all. I've got exactly
everything out of my body I could have done. "There's no-one who could tell
me any different. I had five knee operations by the time I was 25.
"Long-term, I was told I had a 30 percent chance of never playing football
again. I had to work very hard as a young kid to get to the level I have got
to. "I am very fortunate to get where I am now. I say fortunate, but I've
had to put real hard work in as well because knee ops are not easy things to
come back from and I was unfortunate enough to have a lot of them at a very
young age. "That tested my mentality and my attitude to come back from that.
To be where I am now is something I'm very proud of and testament to my
character and willingness to work and put those late hours in. "I remember
once on Christmas morning doing leg weights when i was injured and I was
doing them on Christmas Eve night because it was really important to me and
I wanted to give myself the best chance to do as well as I could in my
career and I don't think anyone can doubt that."
When asked if he was more mature nowadays, the speedy striker feels he is
learning all the time. "I do believe I'm mature and have become a better
player but maybe it's your [the media's] opinions of me that have changed a
little bit as well," he explained. "Maybe I handle you guys a little better
than I used to - probably not speaking to you as much as I did, that
probably helps as well. "I'm probably still the same when I'm on the
training pitch, when I'm about my fellow players but I believe when you get
a bit older, people look differently at you as well. "There's probably
always eyebrows raised when I move to a different club," he conceded. "I
don't want to go into that as much as I can but my record does speak for
itself," he opined. "I haven't won any championships, don't get me wrong,
but I've usually been around the European places and Champions League places
all my career except the first time I was in The Premiership. "Really that's
what we're looking for at West Ham and I fit the bill for that. It was a
club I wanted to go to, that wanted a chance to qualify for Europe and
really wanted to push on from there, that's what made up my mind to come
here."
The former Liverpool man has been in good form and scored the final goal in
last weekend's 3-1 victory against Sunderland at Upton Park. "It's been a
decent start for me so far," Bellamy added on Setanta Sports' Friday
Football Show. I've played about seven games. I haven't played as much as
I'd like. I've missed the last month, which was a little bit disappointing
with my groin/hernia injury. "Apart from that it's been quite good. I'm
very happy here. It's a really good club and great for me as well. But it
helps because there were so many players I knew here and players who have
come in who I already know. "It's a decent team spirit here as well which
obviously I've learned from being at other clubs is very important."
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