04/10/2007 10:18
Mervyn Day gave a fitness update from Chadwell Heath this morning ahead of
the Hammers' Premier League clash against Aston Villa on Saturday.
"Anton Ferdinand won't be available, Craig Bellamy won't either," he said.
"Scott Parker won't be available for a few weeks and Nigel Quashie and Calum
Davenport are still recovering. "Anton has a slight hamstring strain. Scott
Parker has damaged his medial ligaments following that challenge from
Matthieu Flamini on Saturday. Craig Bellamy has an ongoing groin problem and
is seeing a consultant in Germany. "He may need an operation but we'll find
that out later today. I wouldn't have thought he'll be on international duty
next week even it is the best case scenario."
Assistant manager Mervyn is hoping the Hammers can build on last week's
second half performance against Arsenal. "We're looking at a situation where
the people who have come in have done really well," he said. "Arsenal are a
difficult team to come up against and when you can't put out your strongest
team it's disappointing, but we gave them a good game. "We're looking
forward to the game against Villa and we're hopeful that we can get a
result."
Saturday's game will make history by being the only 3 o'clock kick-off in
the Premier league that day. "I'm a traditionalist so I find it quite sad,"
said Merv. "But, having said that, we do take an awful lot of money from the
TV companies. I think this kind of scenario is going to happen more in the
future."
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Bellamy to visit Owen surgeon in bid for fitness - Soccernet
West Ham striker Craig Bellamy has seen the surgeon who treated Michael Owen
in an attempt to shake off his groin injury. The 28-year-old has missed the
Hammers' last three games with the problem, and is out of Saturday's trip to
Aston Villa in the Barclays Premier League. Bellamy is also likely to miss
Wales' European Championship qualifiers in Cyprus and San Marino later this
month - so West Ham booked an appointment at the Munich clinic of Dr Ulrike
Muschaweck. Owen underwent stomach surgery at the clinic last weekend to
cure a groin problem, and could be fit for England's qualifiers against
Estonia and Russia as a result. West Ham assistant manager Mervyn Day said:
'We are hoping we will get a definitive answer very soon about what the
problem is and how long it will take to fix. 'If we get the same answer
Michael Owen and Newcastle got then we will be very happy, because Owen was
tipped to recover in eight to 12 days. 'I can't see Craig playing for Wales,
though. It's something for our manager Alan Curbishley to discuss with Welsh
boss John Toshack, but I think he is very doubtful.' West Ham head to Villa
attempting to halt a slide which has seen them lose their last two league
games, at Newcastle and at home to Arsenal. Curbishley's team are likely to
face former players Nigel Reo-Coker and Marlon Harewood, who left the
Hammers for Villa Park during the summer.
West Ham's away form in the league is decent - they have emerged victorious
from two of their three games outside Upton Park - and Day is in confident
mood ahead of the trip to the Midlands. He continued: 'We are looking at a
situation where the players we have signed have done really well for us.
'Playing Arsenal last week, which came in between two away games, was
difficult, and not be able to get a result was disappointing. 'But we have
had some good victories away from home, at Birmingham and Reading, and we
are looking forward to the game at Villa. 'We will go there with a lot of
hope.' As well as Bellamy, the Hammers are likely to be without defender
Anton Ferdinand, who has a slight hamstring strain. Danny Gabbidon is
expected to deputise alongside Matthew Upson in the centre of defence.
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A View from Villa Park - Three Villains view (updated 2pm Thu) - West Ham
Online
Match Reporter - Wed Oct 3 2007
Many thanks to Damian (DD) & DOC from the Villa Blog and Dave (DW) from
Heros and Villians
What do you expect from Villa this season?
DD - For Villa this season is still very much one of development probably
with a focus on achieving some consistency. We will have certainly one new
player in January and probably two or three - a UEFA place would be very
nice but it's not really expected.
DW - Top six/seven shouldn't be unattainable.
DOC - I think Villa will narrowly miss out on a UEFA Cup place and finish
8th. O'Neill didn't bring in the necessary players in the summer, and key
signings are underperforming. If the January market sees us bring in real
talent, which can settle in quickly, then we may hit the top 7.
Who do you think will be your star men this season?
DD - Star men should be Gareth Barry and Martin Laursen if he can stay fit
and I'm hoping the likes of Craig Gardner and Ashley Young make a name for
themselves outside of the Midlands.
DW - Gabriel Agbonlahor, Ashley Young, Martin Laursen.
DOC - The way they're playing, I can't see far beyond Ashley Young and
Martin Laursen. Young is justifying the £9m we paid for him, and Laursen is
like a new signing now he is fit. If Shaun Maloney were given a chance, I
think the wee man would become a Villa Park icon.
Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?
DD - Tough question; if I had to pick one player if would be Stilian Petrov.
This is his second season in the Premier League and he hasn't got the same
excuse as he had this time last year; he should be settled and for them
money paid he should be doing a lot better.
DW - Marlon Harewood.
Doc - Unless Nigel Reo-Coker can haul himself out of Gareth Barry's shadow,
accept that Barry is the club captain and restore the bite and urgency of
his earlier performances, I think he might end up on the bench.
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
DD - Looking just at the league, I'm more than happy. If we look at the
Carling Cup exit last week and the Spurs comeback from Monday night it puts
a lot of importance on this game.
The good teams turn it around when this happens and a measure of how well
we've developed in Martin O'Neills second season will be Saturday.
DW - Pretty much what was expected. Usually hard to beat, need a goalscorer.
DOC - I thought we were excellent against Chelsea and Everton, and dire
against Leicester and Spurs, with every shade in between in other games.
Villa need the confidence to break through the "battling out results"
mentality of last season and start to believe in their own football a bit
more.
Has Martin O'Neill spent well?
DD - I honestly think it's too early to say in terms of Nigel Reo-Coker,
Maron Harewood and Zat Knight but in terms of the players we've had for a
while (Ashley Young, Shaun Maloney, John Carew and Stilian Petrov) and I'm
not counting loan players, I'd say overall he's done okay and if we can
finish top eight this season most will be happy with who was brought in.
DW - Reasonably. There's been no bargains picked up, but neither has he
wasted much.
DOC - On the whole we've got what we paid for. Mixed bag. Fighting so hard
and paying so much for Ashley Young was inspired. I'm sure Reo-Coker and
Curtis Davies have great futures at the club. Paying £4m for Harlon Marewood
was, err, not.
What do you think rich overseas owners like have taken over both our clubs
is good for the game?
DD - Simple answer is no, I don't think it's good for the game because
they're only getting involved because of what they (the new owners) can make
out of it. However, the game was ruined a long time before the likes of
Abramovich got involved and there is nothing that can be done now.
DW - Depends what their intentions are.
DOC -On the football side, I think both clubs will do well out of rich
foreign ownership - given that both of our clubs have been funded with cash
rather than debt. I also believe the battle for the UEFA Cup positions will
turn out to be an enthralling contest between traditionally big clubs with
big support, who are now well-funded enough to wake up and become
competitive again. Those on the positive side.
My biggest concern is that these takeovers are highly inflationary, not so
much on seat prices as on transfer fees and player wages. I want to see
money from the game flowing into the grass roots, not more and more into
agents' and players' pockets.
How has our good friend Nigel Reo-Coker settled into the Midlands club
scene?
DD - Reo-Coker looks like he's settled. He saying all the right things and
his football is solid. He' still young so I'm not expecting the finished
article but if he develops like a lot of people say he can then I think
we'll be very happy with the purchase.
DW - Very well, thanks for asking.
DOC - He says he enjoys being away from London. I think the Midlands jury is
still out on whether he plays as good a game as he talks, and recent
performances suggest he doesn't like playing second fiddle to Gareth Barry.
Ditto Hong Kong Phooey aka Marlon Harwood?
DD - Marlon has had a nightmare few days. He came on against Spurs and gave
away a penalty and we ended up drawing the match after been 4-1 up. While he
looks keen and clearly wants to score and do well, I just can't see it
happening. I hope I'm wrong about him and that he starts on Saturday and
shoves it down my throat, but I just can't see it happening.
DW - Have you stopped laughing yet?
DOC - Fans were dismayed at his signing, and commentators on our blog this
week described him as "the worst player ever to pull on a Villa shirt". Fans
have long memories, and his woeful performance as a sub at Spurs on Monday
evening will not be easily forgiven or forgotten
We understood Ashley Young turned down West Ham for Villa because of a
certain Nigel Reo-Coker, he must be well chuffed but rumour has it Nigel has
already not been voted Mr Popular by his team mates, any truth in that?
DD - We've heard positive things about Reo-Coker in training and at the club
in general and wouldn't be surprised to see him as the next club captain;
he's more vocal than Barry.
Never heard the one about picking us over you because of Reo-Coker though
DW - Haven't got a clue. I don't take any notice of internet stories.
DOC - He has developed a reputation for having a big mouth on the pitch and
in the dressing room. But Villa need that - we have been too polite and too
quiet for many seasons. Before three indifferent performances, some were
suggesting he and not Barry should captain Villa. I'm sure you look forward
to seeing him again on Saturday.
Never heard the one about picking us over you because of Reo-Coker though.
Has Martin O'Neill ploy of moving the away fans down the side worked?
DD - All positive. Martin O'Neill championed this through and what Martin
wants Martin gets.
DW - I don't think it's made much difference although the £200 season
tickets are to be applauded.
Home form is better than last season, and it's great not to see Villa
players booed and harangued when taking throws and corners at home.
What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
DD - Tevez should be playing for West Ham this season. He signed a contract
and from what I understand there was 3 years left (including this one). No
disrespect but from the outside looking in it looks like you got royally
shafted over the boardroom table.
It's just another thing that's wrong with the game, a bit like the salaries
and foreign owners.
DW - Sheffield United or Wigan would have had points deducted, the Premier
League wanted West Ham to stay up.
DOC - Did you see Sheffield United play against Southampton? And they claim
they should be a Premiership side? Say no more...
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
DD - West Ham will go one of two ways, just like us. You've got new owners
and new manager and it's all about finding a solid base to work from. If we
finished next to West Ham, Newcastle and Portsmouth this season I wouldn't
be surprised.
DW - Same as us - somewhere between sixth and twelfth.
DOC - There are a lot of teams at much the same level.
Fighting with Villa for 8th place.
What West Ham players worry you most?
DD - Craig Bellamy. He can finish, create and can run with the ball. What
more do you need from a striker?
DW - Dean Ashton.
DOC - With Dean Ashton back on form, you have one of the finest strikers in
the country. Ashton has great touch and a real eye for goal, and will be
really hungry with the European Championships coming up. His battle with
Laursen, also on fabulous form, will be a treat to watch.
How do you view West Ham fans?
DD - I used to live in East Dulwich and I know a few lads will probably be
reading this so I'm saying nothing. All top blokes, especially that lot in
the chicken run.
DW - A bit less arrogant than most in London - definitely the most likeable.
DOC - West Ham fans are passionate and loyal, and support a club which has
always tried to play fluent, attacking football. You are quick to turn
against your own players, though, if things are going badly - and I have the
impression that your players to the fans are either heroes or villains, with
little in between
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
DD - Salt and Vinegar
DW - Salt & balsamic vinegar kettle chips.
DOC - Prawn Cocktail!
Prediction?
DD - I'll be having two bets this weekend and in one I'll have a home win,
because I've got to, but my proper bet will be draw.
DOC - Villa 2 West Ham 1
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Green hoping for England call - TeamTalk
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green is hopeful but not expectant of being in
Steve McClaren's plans for England's upcoming Euro 2008 qualifiers. Green
was in excellent form against Arsenal last weekend and his chances of making
the squad may have been strengthened by the recent error-strewn form of
rival goalkeepers Paul Robinson and David James. The 27-year-old said of his
performance against the Gunners: "I was disappointed to let in another goal.
"I almost got to it but just couldn't quite get there. It was just one of
those things. "Fortunately I managed to save the ones I could save. You're
playing against a quality side in Arsenal and they're going to create
chances. "I think it's been a long time since they played a game where they
haven't scored. You know it's going to be tough."
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NIGEL: I'VE GROWN UP - The Mirror
05/10/2007
Nigel Reo-COKER reckons his tribulations at West Ham last season helped him
mature - and Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill can now turn him into a full
England international. Midfielder Reo-Coker, 23, faces the Hammers tomorrow
at Villa Park for the first time since his £8.5m move. "A lot went on at
West Ham and it has made me a stronger character," said Reo-Coker. "The
manager has helped Gareth Barry's England career and I hope he can do the
same for me."
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West Ham No2 Day: Reo-Coker wanted out
tribalfooball.com - October 04, 2007
West Ham assistant manager Mervyn Day has said that Nigel Reo-Coker, now of
Aston Villa, was among three players who wanted to leave midway through last
season. "It was disappointing," Day said. "We were trying to placate the
players."
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Villa's Harewood: Nothing to prove to West Ham
tribalfooball.com - October 04, 2007
Aston Villa striker Marlon Harewood insists he has nothing to prove to
former employers West Ham. Harewood told the Villa website: "I'm not trying
to prove anyone right or wrong, apart from myself. I had a great season a
couple of years ago and I want to carry on from there, and enjoy my
football. "Last year was a hard year for me personally and for West Ham, but
now I have got a big task ahead of me and new people around me and I just
have to make sure that I get back what I had before, try and maintain it and
help the boys get to where they want to go. "It's about confidence and
everything really. It's about the team and not really the individual. West
Ham were fantastic that year- that's why I got my goals because everyone was
pulling their weight and doing what they had to do. "I think the players
here have got ability- that's why I decided to move to Villa. Just from the
atmosphere around here, I know I can get my goals. "I wouldn't say this has
been a tough experience for me because the lads have just been awesome. I
feel like I've been here ages really, they have gelled with me and I feel
like I am at my 'homeplace'. "Martin has embedded that feeling into people,
everyone has come together and things have just been fantastic."
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BELLAMY SEEKS GERMAN REMEDY - Daily Express
Friday October 5,2007
By Nigel Clarke
West Ham's Craig Bellamy has put his career in the hands of football's
latest miracle worker. Bellamy, above, was in Germany yesterday for an
examination of his groin injury by specialist Ulrike Muschaweck – the woman
who has just operated on Michael Owen. If the Hammers' leading scorer needs
surgery he will have it immediately. Bellamy's initial problems were caused
by insoles he had inserted in his boots, which put extra stress on his
groin. Rest and rehabilitation has not worked and Muschaweck, rapidly
gaining a reputation as a career saver, will advise West Ham after her
diagnosis. Hammers' assistant-manager Mervyn Day said: "We are hoping we
will get a definitive answer soon and if we get the same response Newcastle
got with Michael Owen in 8-12 days, we'll be very happy."
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Hammers send Bellamy to Germany for surgery - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:24pm on 4th October 2007
West Ham have sent Craig Bellamy to Germany to be treated by the same
surgeon who operated on Michael Owen. Striker Bellamy has been troubled by a
groin injury and was in Munich today to be examined by Dr Ulrike Muschaweck,
who operated on Owen last weekend. The Newcastle striker may be able to
return to action as early as England's match against Estonia on Saturday,
and West Ham assistant boss Mervyn Day said: "It is possible Craig will need
a small operation. If he does we hope he will be back as quickly as Michael
Owen
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There's no way to dress it up: West Ham defender McCartney is a breath
monster - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:41am on 4th October 2007
Following his mid-air scrap with Keith Gillespie, West Ham and Northern
Ireland defender George McCartney has found other ways to irritate
team-mates.
"He wears the same clothes every day," according to Mark Noble, who also
describes "George McCartney's breath" as the thing in life which scares him
most.
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