Curbs ready for Reading encounter - WHUFC
31/08/2007 09:00
Alan Curbishley is hoping to banish memories of last season's defeat at the
Madejski Stadium by making sure the Hammers leave with the spoils tomorrow.
"Reading will be a tough outfit to beat again this year," he said. "Last
season we had a disaster there but this is this year and we have to go there
and get a result. "We never want to go through that again. That was a long
90 minutes. Hopefully we'll put it right this weekend. "We will look at
parts of the match again in preparation because it highlights some of the
things Reading are really good at. "I've been a manager quite a long time
and I've taken the good, the bad and the ugly. That was one of the lowest
points I've had. "We can't forget that game but we're going to look at using
that as a spur. We know how the fans felt after the game."
Curbs is keen for Dean Ashton to make his mark this season after returning
from his ankle injury during the summer. "What he desperately needs is match
practice," Curbs said. "He has missed two opportunities this week with
Bristol Rovers and the reserves match, which is a shame for him. "It went
against us this week but physically he's feeling good and football is what
he needs."
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Reading v Hammers: Big Match Preview - WHUFC
31/08/2007 11:41
Reading v West Ham United
Madejski Stadium
Saturday 1st September
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Howard Webb (Yorkshire)
Team news:
Reading defenders Graeme Murty and Nicky Shorey are set to return from
respective hamstring and knee injuries while Shane Long is unlikely to take
part as he has a broken thumb. Seol Ki-Hyeon, John Oster and Glen Little are
all likely to miss out through injury.
Dean Ashton is back in the squad for the Hammers after missing out on the
Carling Cup match in midweek as his wife went into labour. Freddie Ljungberg
and Scott Parker will face late fitness tests and may not return to action
until after the international break.
Background:
The match will be Alan Curbishley's 25th in charge of the Hammers, who will
be looking for a fourth consecutive away win.
Reading won the last match between the two sides at the Madejski on New
Year's Day 6-0, but they were beaten 3-0 by Bolton last weekend.
The Hammers will be looking for their first win at the Madejski and have yet
to score a Premier League goal against the Royals.
Head to Head:
Last five league meetings:
01/01/2007 Reading 6 (Gunnarsson, Hunt, Ferdinand og, Doyle 2, Lita) West
Ham 0
01/10/2006 West Ham 0 Reading 1 (Ki-Hyeon)
12/03/2005 Reading 3 (Kitson 3) West Ham 1 (Sheringham)
10/08/2004 West Ham 1 (Sheringham) Reading 0
03/04/2004 Reading 2 (Kitson 2) West Ham 0
Tickets and Travel:
All tickets and coach travel for this fixture have now SOLD OUT. Coaches
depart from Upton Park at 10.45am.
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Spence in England U-17s victory - WHUFC
31/08/2007 11:57
Young West Ham United defender Jordan Spence captained the England U-17s to
victory against Syria in the FIFA U17 World Cup. The young lions are now
through to meet Germany in the quarter-finals. England beat their opponents
3-1 at the Jeju World Cup Stadium in Seogwipo, South Korea. Jordan was part
of a solid defence keeping Syria out as they tried their best to hit back at
the end, but goals from Henri Lansbury (pen), Krystian Pearce and Rhys
Murphy ensured England made the last eight of the tournament.
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Green looking to reverse Reading fortunes - WHUFC
31/08/2007 12:22
Robert Green has had some testing experiences at the Madejski Stadium of
late, but the Hammers keeper is hoping to put an end to the recent hoodoo
this weekend. "I've conceded 11 goals in two games and three minutes and
ruptured my groin once in the past three occasions I've played there," said
the 27-year-old, who suffered the groin injury while playing in goal for
England. "But it's a good chance to put something to bed and it's just one
of those things," he added. "It just so happens that the past three
occasions I've played there haven't been too great for me. "In the bigger
scheme of things it's another away game and a tough game at that. I'm sure
once the game starts that'll all be gone and forgotten."
Robert is anticipating a tricky encounter with Steve Coppell's side, but is
confident the Hammers will prevail. "It's going to be a very difficult
game," he admitted. "Reading have proved over the past season and a bit that
they have a very good work ethic. "They know the way they are going to play
and they employ their strengths to good effect. It's a tough place to go and
play. "We've got our work cut out but if we play well and do everything we
need to do and everything we know we are capable of then we can get a
result. Reflecting on an unfortunate week for the Club injury-wise, with
Kieron Dyer sustaining a fractured leg midweek, Robert said: "What proved
difficult last season was the continuity and keeping the same team proved to
be a massive factor in form.
"With Kieron's injury and other injuries we haven't managed to do that this
season. It's deeply disappointing for Kieron and for us because he was
looking sharp, as was Julien [Faubert]. "It's a factor that doesn't help,
but it's one we have to deal with. We've got players who can come in and do
a job and we can go there and get a result."
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Important notice from Reading FC - WHUFC
31/08/2007 15:33
We look forward to welcoming West Ham United supporters to the Madejski
Stadium and hope you have an enjoyable visit. Please note that standing in
seated areas is not permissible, as it is against the Ground Regulations. We
are required to have supporters seated during the match and if people refuse
we will be forced to eject those who fail to comply. Public order offenders
may be arrested by police and get a criminal record. As a result of
persistent standing by West Ham fans last season, Madejski Stadium
management has been required to prohibit the sale of alcohol at tomorrow's
match. Please enjoy the match and your visit to Madejski Stadium.
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Reading v West Ham Utd: match preview - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 31st August 2007
By: Matthew Coker
This week's fixture list spins us off around the M25 to Berkshire to take on
Reading. After our TV appearance on Tuesday night, we are back out of the
limelight and therefore enjoy a traditional 3pm kick off on a Saturday
afternoon.
The media phrase that is following our opponents around at this early part
of the campaign is second season syndrome. This, rather than being some sort
of spring time ailment, is the difficulty that many teams have in succeeding
in their second season in the top flight and was something that we witnessed
first hand with our own team last year.
The theory dictates that a club has a good chance of success when they first
come up as a result of the momentum that has got them promoted carrying on
into their top flight campaign, an element of surprise and being generally
underestimated by opponents giving the newcomers sufficient edge to survive.
These factors contributed to Reading's eight place finish last season.
The second season becomes more difficult due to a combination of the loss of
the side's best players and the fact that everyone has sussed what you are
all about. The departure of Steve Sidwell to provide cover for the African
Nation's Cup at Chelsea as well as the persistent rumours surrounding Nicky
Shorey and Leroy Lita led most in the media to suggest that triple S was
heading for Reading.
It is a little too early to judge how accurate this is going to be. To date,
Reading have gained a total of four points from their opening four games.
This is not a particularly impressive tally but when you consider that they
opened away at Old Trafford (and by putting nine men on the line went home
with a point after a 0-0 draw) and then faced Chelsea at home (which ended
in a 2-1 defeat), they were never going to get off to a flier.
A truer measure came in the 1-0 home victory over an in-form Everton side,
where a Stephen Hunt goal was the dividing factor. Last weekend was the
surprise result where they went up to face Little Sam's struggling Bolton
side and rolled over to give their hosts an unexpected 3-0 bye. This was in
part driven by the fact that both of the opposition strikers were on top of
their game, most likely as a consequence of being in the shop window, but
also because Reading were suffering from a glut of injury problems, a
situation that is expected to continue to a certain degree for our visit.
Their latest result saw them negotiate a potential banana skin mid week,
when a far from full strength side saw off Swansea City in the Carling Cup.
"This season is going to be dangerous because the expectations are a little
bit more now. The top teams are getting ever more distant and the three
promoted teams are all bigger than us."
Steve Coppell tries not to overdo the enthusiasm.
The coach is Steve Coppell, who has been at the club since taking over from
Alan Pardew in 2003. He is not a man who gets easily excited and it is
unusual for one of his post-match comments to generate a sensational
headline. Nevertheless, his track record is unquestionable, not only was he
the man that finally guided the Royals to the top flight but the club's
achievements last season gave him his second consecutive Manager of the Year
award.
Before I go on to look at Reading individually, it should be pointed out
that the side very much typify the expression synergy. The line up is for
the most part the one that got promoted and although a few individuals have
showed that they are more that able to cope with the top flight, their
strengths are drawn from a collective.
The side are a footballing one and (last week at Bolton aside) they keep the
ball on the floor but alongside that you get endeavour and effort, plenty of
tracking back and general team spirit that makes the side harder to beat in
real life than on paper. They are also one of the fittest sides around and
I'd be prepared to bet that some of the Pardew's sports science experiments
are still evident somewhere at the club.
In goal is one of several Septics plying their trade between the sticks in
the Premier League, Marcus Hahnemann. He has been a decent and consistent
stopper for the side since his arrival from Fulham in 2002 and has continued
to play reasonably well this campaign. As with most keepers, his kicking is
suspect on occasion and from a fashion point of view, the short sleeve and
black glove combo is questionable, the gloves in particular make him look
like a suspect in Murder She Wrote.
The back four was seriously ravaged last weekend, featuring youngster, Scott
Goulbourne on the left, Andre Bikey and Ivar Ingimarsson in the central
roles and with Ulises De La Cruz on the right. This meant that three of the
line up were not natural first choices, though veteran Michael Duberry is
back in contention this week having faced Swansea in mid week. They could
also welcome back captain, Graeme Murty as a full back, if he has recovered
from a hamstring strain, and there is a slim chance of one of last season's
heroes, Ibrahim Sonko being back in contention.
Nicky Shorey should also have recovered from a knee injury but he appears to
be the subject of some midweek transfer rumours and if the stories
circulating today (Wednesday) turn out to be true, there's a chance of him
lining up in claret and blue on Saturday.
A quick honourable mention for Bikey, who some of you may think is a bit of
a soft touch based on his performance on the highlights last week. It should
be noted that an off day for him may have been caused in part by him
clocking up more Air Miles than David Beckham in the international week, as
he chipped over to Tokyo to join the Cameroon squad for a friendly. His
performances this season have generally been good and an example was how
effective he was at keeping Andy Johnson in his sky rocket in the game with
Everton.
Stephen Hunt has started the campaign in good form and has received many
plaudits for his performances on the left hand side. He had previously been
best known for wrapping his boot around Petr Cech's head and I understand
that Stephen is referred to as a Berkshire Hunt around Stamford Bridge even
today. However, his turn of pace, his man of the match performances and as
his goal against Everton have ensured that recent discussions concern his
ability to contact with the ball rather than anyone's skull.
The central midfield duo are likely to be James Harper and Brynar
Gunnarsson. The duo are fairly solid, if unspectacular and a need to
increase creativity through the middle may see an opportunity open up for
new signing, Emerse Fae, who made a good impression against Bolton, despite
being played out of position.
The right side of midfield is an area of concern as all who have played
there so far have failed to convince. Without going all Goldilocks and the
three bears, Ki-Hyeon Seol proved to be too inconsistent, John Oster is not
convincing , Glen Little is too injury prone and Fae is clearly a central
midfielder, as emphasised by his tendency to wander inside. The best bet so
far has been Kevin Doyle but as one of the attacking outlets, they may not
see him as a long term solution to their problem area.
Doyle caused a sensation last season with his 13 goals, having been signed
for a transfer fee that just exceeds that of a West Ham fan's annual salary
(£78K) from Cork City in Ireland. He has yet to get off to mark this season,
but this is as attributable to the lack of service rather than a problem
with Doyle. His partner has been his buddy, Shane Long, who came as part of
the package in the Doyle deal. He has been handed his chance following
injuries to more senior strikers but has yet to register a goal (or arguably
a shot of note).
The cavalry come in the form of the sought after England U21 international,
Leroy Lita, who is the only Reading striker to register a goal this season
(albeit a Carling Cup one). There are hopes that he can improve on last
season and a sure fire step in the right direction would be to try to stay
one his feet a little more often. Other options include the Ginger nutted,
Dave "Paul" Kitson who still has to prove himself in the top flight gaving
missed much of last season through injury.
Our last visit to the Madjeski was enough to cause me to wake up in the
middle of the night, palpitating and dripping with sweat for weeks on end
afterwards. On a hungover New Year's Day we were just seven goals short of
achieving what Curbs had set out to do and one consolation about this
weekend's forthcoming visit is that we are unlikely to have to suffer that
stupid Tom Hark's song quite as many times.
One obstacle to improving on the outcome this time is the curse of West
Ham's right wing. Yossi Benayoun was obviously able to sense the misfortune
that struck down any player foolish enough to play on the right side, which
is why that, despite supposing to be our winger, he never actually ventured
out there.
This season, Faubert, Ljungberg and now Kieron Dyer have all suffered
injury, the latter being the most disappointing for me as he had looked very
lively on his first couple of outings, particularly last week. In addition,
he was lightning quick to react to a Centenary Lower chorus of "Dyer, give
us a wave" during a break in play against Wigan. I'll wish him a speedy
recovery though the seriousness of the injury suggests it will be a while
before his is available again.
There have been encouraging signs from the last couple of performances,
collectively with our Pete Docherty style of football (lots of possession)
and individually, the likes of Bellamy, Noble and Etherington have all shown
good form.
Last week's result for Reading may have lulled us into a false sense of
security, but I think that this will make them want to prove doubters wrong.
They showed against Everton, and to a certain degree, Chelsea that they can
play well at home and their injury list should be much shorter this week.
I will therefore have to plump for a low scoring away defeat, 1-0 is my
guess for what it's worth.
Enjoy the game.
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Another one bites the dust - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 30th August 2007
By: Tony Watson
The dismay that invaded a normally calm and relaxed Alan Curbishley face
said it all as new £7million pound signing Kieron Dyer lay on the Memorial
Stadium turf in excruciating pain.
Yet another new signing looks set to be out for the foreseeable future and
another right midfield option is cruelly snatched away. Even through the
most enthusiastic hammers fans eyes these times look concerning, with just
two days left of the transfer window and the squad is still looking someway
short of the real quality we need.
Before the Bristol Rovers game the popular opinion seemed to be that we
needed two more players in addition to the current playing staff we already
boast, these two positions being, a left back and another striker. Reasons
being;
A Left Back: I don't want to beat a dead horse but McCartney isn't good
enough to be the first choice in a team that are supposedly looking to make
a top 10 finish, he's unreliable defensive play and painfully bad
distribution prove that time and time again. Every time I see him play the
argument I put forward grows stronger.
A Striker: One would have thought before the season started that Bellamy and
Ashton would have been the front pairing for the beginning of the season but
it hasn't proved the case ( Due to Deano's evident lack of match fitness).
Instead, it's been Bellamy and Zamora. Bobby Zamora is a tryer, nobody can
doubt that. He works his socks off for the team and clearly loves wearing
the claret and blue shirts, which of course is important.
But the man just isn't good enough. He shows glimpses of quality - like at
the tail end of last season, but he isn't consistent enough and just lacks a
football brain the majority of the time. Then of course, there is Carlton
Cole, enough said.
And now, we are without another right midfielder! How long Freddy Ljungberg
will be out for is anybody's guess, Faubert is obviously out until after
Christmas and now Dyer will probably be out for the season. So what's the
solution?
1. A new signing – Not too sure that would be the best option go for. To
spend more of the Eggman's money on (transfer fees, agents fees, wages etc
etc) may not prove the wisest bet. Also, with just two days left in the
window who would we add to the sqaud with any real qualities'?
2. Lee Bowyer – He played there for us on many occasions without having any
real effect (apart from the goal against Wigan) He is in the same mould as
Bobby Z, he will run all day but has rarely delivers the quality.
3. John Pantsil – My personal preferred option but maybe controversial.
Pardew signed him as a right back but he's defending is not among the best
attributes he holds. He is very quick and good on the ball and he looks more
comfortable when attacking in the opposition's half. He hasn't been given a
decent run in the side and many people forget he is a Ghanaian international
and has champions league experience and UEFA cup experience with his former
clubs. Additionally, not many teams will know much about him and I think he
could prove our dark horse (no racial pun intended)
Lastly, although the Dyer injury was a big blow, the night wasn't all bad as
Craig Bellamy opened his account with two very well taken goals, he showed
what great quality he posses with two difficult finishes, hopefully he'll
score more during the course of the season and fingers crossed it'll be with
him partnering a fully fit Dean Ashton.
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Solano, Shorey, Barnes And Adriano Still Targeted By West Ham - West Ham
Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 31 August, 2007 - 14:40.
Noberto Solano has emerged as a last minute target for West Ham from
Newcastle as they look to bring in a replacement for the injured Kieron
Dyer.
Solano had originally been linked with a move to the Boleyn as part of the
original deal that saw Dyer arrive, but in the end it was thought at the
time, quite ironically, that Hammers had too much strength in depth to need
yet another midfielder, how things change!
On the Adriano front negotiations are still under way with the major
stumbling block being the player's desire only to make a permanent move
rather that sign another loan deal away from Inter Milan having previously
been loaned out to Parma.
Nicky Shorey's on off move from Reading could go ahead if Hammers are
prepared to stump up a figure between their £5 Million valuation and
Reading's £10 Million.
Giles Barnes from Derby is another player being sought and in his case it
would be just a straight forward cash offer required to activate his release
clause, believed to be in the region of £4 Million.
There is plenty of time for a few twists and turns before the window closes,
Oh and the small matter of a 'revenge' match against Reading tomorrow!
Preview to follow after midnight.. - Ed
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West Ham To Get Windfall From Johnson Move - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 31 August, 2007 - 14:23.
While Hammers fans anxiously await late news of arrivals at the Boleyn, the
number crunchers at the club will be happy with the news that Glen Johnson
has completed his move from Chelsea to Portsmouth for £4 Million. West Ham
have a 25% sell on fee as part of the £6 Million deal that saw the right
back move from West Ham to Chelsea.
Some fans would have liked the player to have returned to the fold but his
attitude has been called into question on more than one occasion and Hammers
are quite well catered for in the right back position with Lucas Neill,
Jonathan Spector and Danny Gabbidon able to cover in emergencies.
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Joe Cole to West Ham United (unknown) - SquareFootball.com
Antony Melvin
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Antony Melvin is the squarefootball.net editor and spends his spare time
sifting through needlessly abusive emails....
[full biography]
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31/08/2007 14:12:43.
West Ham need a replacement for Kieran Dyer, but I can't see it being Joe
Cole; unless Chelsea have a replacement like Ronaldinho boarding a plane
right now"
speculation 'facts'
Player: Joe Cole
From: Chelsea
To: West Ham United
Cost: unknown
Source: The Daily Telegraph (31.08.07)
Likely?: 1/5
The Daily Telegraph (31.08.07) are really flying a kite today in suggesting
that Joe Cole could make a return after 'his reported difference of opinion
with Chelsea boss Jose Mourinho' they go on to suggest that West Ham have
been 'monitoring his movements' - which quite frankly sounds revolting.
It's not the only Cole/West Ham story of the summer back in July 'Turkish
club Besiktas lodged a £3m for West Ham misfit Carlton Cole' (News of the
World, 15.07.07); and if only West Ham had attempted to usurp Sunderland in
signing Andy Cole (Sun, 24.08.07) - they would have a hat-trick of Cole
news.
West Ham are also believed to be bidding for two other players today,
Derby's Giles Barnes for about £5m (The Sun, 31.08.07) and Reading's Nicky
Shorey for about £6m (Daily Star, 31.08.07).
But anyway, Joe Cole is hardly likely to make a last minute move away from
Chelsea given the start that they have made and the fact it is a Euro
Championship year and everyone knows that the players at the bigger clubs
are more likely to get squad places. If Cole is still out of favour in
January and needs games then he may be able to force a loan deal - but Jose
Mourinho is not going to denude his squad at this late stage after having a
'difference of opinion'.
West Ham need a replacement for Kieran Dyer, but I can't see it being Joe
Cole; unless Chelsea have a replacement like Ronaldinho boarding a plane
right now. They don't do they?
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Buying From Our Premiership Rivals: West Ham United - newcastleonline.com
By James Collins On Fri 31 Aug 2007 (23 seconds ago) |
On deadline day, there remains limited space at Newcastle United - could it
still be possible to buy from our Premiership rivals? In the first of a
double header, we look at who could be signed from West Ham United.
However, is this club really West Ham United? For after close inspection,
this club looks strangely familiar. It would not be surprising if Eggert
Magnusson announced that West Ham were going to start wearing the black and
white stripes of Newcastle United. Look at the evidence. Recently, West Ham
have been a complete laughing stock in the media following the Carlos Tevez
affair. An injury list is already stacking up, and it isn't even September.
Of course, this injury list contains the eternally unlucky Kieron Dyer, one
of four players at West Ham who have previously been unpopular Newcastle
United players.
In addition to the presence of Dyer, Parker, Bowyer and Bellamy, they have
Anton Ferdinand who is uncannily similar to former Newcastle defender Titus
Bramble. Meanwhile, just like former Newcastle chairman Freddy Shepherd,
Magnusson seems prone to overpaying for average players, and courts too much
public attention than is necessary.
Perhaps 'Buying From Newcastle United' would be a more apt title for this
article? The present volatility at Upton Park makes it impossible to predict
just exactly how the claret and blues will fare this season. Regardless,
Newcastle and West Ham will always have saleable assets. Unfortunately, with
a squad consisting of mostly new signings tied down with lucrative
contracts, there are few players at West Ham who can be considered
purchasable. Certainly, in other circumstances, Lucas Neill would be
considered an ideal signing for Newcastle, but he is on an excessive wage at
the Hammers.
Looking at other defenders, it would certainly be tempting in a personal
point of view to recommend name-sake James Collins, but Neill aside, our
current batch of defenders following our summer transfer activity should be
better than what West Ham have to offer. Likewise, we have better up front
if you accept that there is no going back for Craig Bellamy.
There is however, still space for a central midfielder at Newcastle who can
offer an attacking contribution. Mark Noble could fit the bill here in the
years to come. Having emerged at Upton Park towards the tail-end of last
season, the England Under-21 midfielder was one of two players that made the
difference between survival and relegation for West Ham. And in addition,
this player was 100% uncontroversial unlike a certain Mr. Tevez. A real box
to box midfielder who can score and create, signing Noble is probably too
much to ask for today, but he'll be a big player for years to come for
whoever he plays for.
Breaking with the tradition of these articles, one final player with a
tenuous link to West Ham must now be mentioned. Joe Cole has struggled to
get regular first team football recently, and has been rumoured to be on his
way out of the door, maybe even to former club West Ham. If true, Cole would
be the spark and magic that the Newcastle midfield is currently lacking, and
should be signed by Newcastle at any cost.
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The View from The Madejski - A Reading fans view - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Fri Aug 31 2007
What do you expect from Reading this season?
I think we will be involved in a relegation battle, but will ultimately
survive.
Who do you think will be your star men this season?
Lita will come of age and score 15 plus goals whilst Shorey, if he stays,
will just as valuable.
Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?
I'm happy with everyone at the minute, but its still early days!
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
First three games was fantastic, to get a draw at Old Trafford was a massive
bonus, the first half performance against Chelsea was class-we battered
them, and then obviously the win over Everton. Less said about the defeat at
Bolton the better!
Has Steve Coppell spent well?
He's spent well but he hasn't spent enough in my opinion
Has he been able to replace Steve Sidwell?
Not like for like, but we have enough quality in depth in the centre of
midfield now which we didn't have last season even with Sidwell
Do you think Nicky Shorey will be a West Ham or Reading player on Saturday?
I think he will be a Reading player-we wouldn't sell without a replacement
would we???!!!
What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
I'm glad West Ham stayed up-end of the day they were better, marginally,
then Sheff Utd over the course of the whole season and I agree that a point
deduction would have been unfair seeing as the board was totally different
to the one that sanctioned the deal. I would rather see West Ham in the
Premiership than Sheff Utd anyway, and anyone who appreciates good football,
should feel the same
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
Europe, if your injury curse stops!
What West Ham players worry you most?
Bellamy is always a danger and I am a big fan of his (say it quietly!) and
Noble is a quality youngster
How do you view West Ham fans?
Passionate, proper football fans, with the odd t*sser thrown in. Much the
same as a lot of clubs really!
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
Got to love a packet of Chilli heatwave Doritoes!!
Predication?
1-1, Bellamy for you, Doyle for us
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Match Preview - Reading v West Ham United - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Thu Aug 30 2007
Reading v West Ham United
Saturday 1st September 2007
Kick Off 3pm
Barclays Premier League
Tickets
Sold Out
Oh dear, it's that time of the season we all dread and that short trip
across to The Madejski. The very word Madejski is enough to have even the
most battle hardened Hammers fan reaching for the hard stuff, our four
encounters there we have all ended in defeat, the first on penalties on
9/11.
Still on the bright side Sky didn't get their wish of a cup upset in midweek
despite letting Rovers back into the game when we seemed to be coasting to
victory. That made it 2 out 2 on our travels this season and 4 straight away
wins since the 3-0 thrashing at the hands of the evil Sheffield United last
season.
However the broken leg Kieron Dyer suffered early in the game over shadowed
the victory over Rovers and we wish him a speedy recovery.
Reading have started the season well, tipped to struggle after the loss of
midfield power house Steve Sidwell to Chelsea on a Bosman, they held Man Utd
at Old Trafford on the opening day of the season and then went down narrowly
2-1 at home to Chelsea. That was followed up by a 1-0 win over Everton at
the Madejski before a surprise 3-0 thrashing at the hands of bottom of the
league Bolton last weekend.
Current Form
Reading
Wolves A Won 3-2
Man Utd A Drew 0-0
Chelsea H Lost 1-2
Everton H Won 1-0
Bolton A Lost 0-3
Swansea A Won 1-0 aet
West Ham
Norwich City A Won 2-1
AS Roma H Won 2-1
Man City H Lost 0-2
Birmingham City A Won 1-0
Wigan Athletic H Drew 1-1
Bristol Rovers A Won 2-1
Reading go looking for their 2nd straight win on the spin at home. West Ham
in search of their 5th straight away win.
Leading League Scorers
Reading
Hunt & Bikey – 1
West Ham United
Noble & Bowyer – 1
West Ham in the League with Reading Won 2 Drawn 0 Lost 4
Biggest win at the Madjeski – Never Won
Biggest Defeat at the Madjeski – 2006/7 6-0
Last time we met at the Madjeski – 01/01/07
What can you say? West Ham suffered the biggest defeat of the season as
Reading slaughtered West Ham in one of the most one-sided games in living
memory to make it the worst possible start to 2007.
By the time Anton Ferdinand scored an own goal on the half hour mark,
Gunnarsson and Hunt had Reading 2-0 in front within quarter of an hour and
before Lee Bowyer suffered a serious shoulder injury.
The Ferdinand own goal sent many West Ham fans heading for the exit and more
followed minutes later as Doyle made it 4.
Lita and Doyle added 2nd half goals to make it a totally depressing 6-0 at
the final whilst and the icing on the cake to complete a very poor holiday
period.
Lines ups
Reading
Hehnemann, Gunnarsson, Ingimarsson, Sonko, Shorey, Little, Sidwell, Harper,
Hunt, Doyle, Lita
West Ham United
Green, Dailly, Ferdinand, Gabbidon, Konchesky, Bowyer, Reo-Coker, Mullins,
Benayoun, Harewood, Zamora
Betting
Home win 11/10
Draw 2/1
Away win 11/5
First Goal scorer
Doyle 5/1
Ashton 6/1
Bellamy 6/1
Lita 7/1
Kitson 7/1
Long 7/1
Zamora 7/1
2-2 Draw 14/1
Driving
Leave the M4 at Junction 11; bear left on to the A33 relief road, which
leads you directly to the stadium. The Madejski Complex is well signposted
from Junction 11.
Parking
At the Madjeski Stadium the car park is sold out and the hotel car park is
for guests only
Speedway/Greyhound Track Car Park
The speedway/greyhound car park is right next to ground, nearer to town. If
you're coming form the motorway junction then just drive past the ground and
you'll see this on your immediate left. This car park is your best option if
you've arrived with an hour or so to go before kick-off. However it fills up
quickly! The car park is cunningly signposted "Reading Stadium". This is the
official Reading Stadium as it was here years before the Madejski was built.
£10 per car
Worton Grange – 1000 spaces £7 per car
The car park is a multi-storey car park between the stadium and the motorway
junction. Turn off the A33 along Imperial Way, signposted "Madejski Stadium
Park and Walk". The ground is a 7 minute walk.
Foster Wheeler Park and Ride – 500 spaces
Recommended by Reading for the away fans. Good if you don't mind parking and
then catching a bus from outside the town. Follow the B3270 (signposted
Earley from the Junction 11 roundabout). Parking is free and the shuttle bus
is £3 Adults/£1.50 kids return.
Terranova Crane – Bennet Road – 200 spaces £10 per car
5 minutes walk from the ground, the car park is opposite the Jaguar garage.
Holiday Inn – Imperial Way – 300 spaces £10 per car
10 minutes walk from the ground. Take the A33 from junction 11 and head
towards Reading and turn right at the first roundabout into Imperial way.
By Train
Trains run very frequently from London Paddington with the Inter City
services taking 25/30 minutes non-stop to Reading.
Outside the station catch the 79 football special bus from the station
forecourt. The fare is £5 return. A taxi from the station will cost about
£10.
The journey time is about 15 minutes and it's recommended if you want to see
the kick off you leave the station and centre at least 30 minutes before
kick off.
Pubs
Not a great deal near the stadium, there is a Harvester and the Holiday Inn
going towards the centre but both are very busy and not ideal.
The designated away pub is the Three Guineas at Reading station. The centre
of course has plenty of pubs but a fair few only admit home fans or those
without colours, so it's just a case of hunting around as they do change
season to season. Beer is served in the away end.
Prediction
2-2
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Mullins keen to avenge mauling - TeamTalk
West Ham midfielder Hayden Mullins wants to use last season's thrashing
against Reading as motivation when they return to the Madejski Stadium. The
wheels fell off for the Hammers with a 6-0 thumping on New Year's Day and
boss Alan Curbishley criticised his players, famously saying it was Reading
who wanted to be in the Premier League and "drive the Baby Bentley". It took
West Ham another two months to emerge from their slump and they completed
their miraculous escape from relegation on the final day of the season. "It
was one of the worst games I've been involved in," Mullins said. "We were
going through a bad run at that time and it was one of the manager's
earliest games. "It was a horrible one to be involved in but it's one which
we're going to use to fuel us this Saturday. "We know it's going to be a
very tough game. We're not underestimating this game at all. We know it's
going to be a very difficult game for us but it's one where we feel we can
get three points."
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Ashton returns to boost Irons boss - TeamTalk
Dean Ashton is back in West Ham's squad for the trip to Reading after
missing the win over Bristol Rovers to attend the birth of his child. Ashton
missed the Carling Cup victory on Tuesday but will play a part at the
Madejski Stadium. However, Kieron Dyer broke his leg at the Memorial Stadium
and is likely to miss most of the season. Freddie Ljungberg and Scott Parker
are also unlikely to make the squad, although the duo are getting back to
full fitness.
West Ham (from): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson, McCartney, Noble, Mullins,
Boa Morte, Bellamy, Zamora, Wright, Spector, Collins, Gabbidon, Pantsil,
Dailly, Ljungberg, Parker, Bowyer, Etherington, Ashton, Cole.
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West Ham preview - reading Rivals.net
By OAE
Date: 31/8/2007
The Royals entertain West Ham this weekend looking to repeat the success of
the same fixture last season, when we run out 6-0 visitors. A full match
preview is here
After last weekends defeat away at Bolton the Royals really need to bounce
back with a win against the Hammers but will have to do it again without a
natural right winger. Glen Little is obviously still injured, whilst Seol Ki
Hyeon and John Oster have not recovered from injuries picked up in the win
over Everton. Emerse Fae is likely to keep his place, although Bobby Convey
could be considered to start. Graeme Murty is fit and will return at right
back whilst Michael Duberry is likely to oust Andre Bikey to play alongside
Ivar Ingimarsson.
Nicky Shorey is fit, and will hopefully start for the Royals but this cannot
be confirmed until midnight on Friday as he could line up in the claret and
blue of West Ham who are keen to sign the player before the close of the
transfer window.
Kieron Dyer broke his leg in midweek and will miss the rest of the season
for the Hammers whilst Scott Parker, Freddie Ljungberg and Laurent Faubert
are all still injured. Dean Ashton will return after missing the midweek win
over Bristol Rovers due to his partner going into labour.
West Ham have never won at Reading before, so the Royals will hope to keep
that run going after some classic encounters in recent season's, most
notably last season's thumping 6-0 victory. Anton Ferdinand, who will start
at the back for the Hammers, will be hoping to have a far better afternoon
on Saturday!
Howard Webb, arguably the Premiership's best ref, will be in charge of the
game
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Upson's advice to avoid Dyer consequences - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:40am on 31st August 2007
Matthew Upson has urged Kieron Dyer not to despair as the England and West
Ham midfielder surveys the wreck of another personal season. Like Dyer, West
Ham's central defender has experienced an injury-disrupted career. But as
Upson looks forward to playing at Reading tomorrow, Dyer will be lying in
hospital, recovering from an operation to pin his right leg broken in two
places - an injury suffered in the 2-1 Carling Cup win over Bristol Rovers
on Tuesday. Dyer is unlikely to play again this season and Upson, who has
himself suffered a broken leg plus serious knee ligament and Achilles tendon
injuries, said: "It turns your stomach. "It's never pleasant to see a bad
injury or even be around it, and a few of the boys heard the noise of the
break when it happened. "I know you can go into a state of despair sometimes
when you're looking at six months or a year out. It's a case of getting your
head together because you can quite easily lose it a little bit otherwise."
West Ham lost 6-0 at Reading last season, before Upson was signed from
Birmingham. He said: "I watched the game on TV that night and it was a bit
of a shock. There are different faces here now, though, and I can't see that
result happening again." West Ham striker and new father Dean Ashton could
start his first match of the season after missing the cup tie for the birth
of his son.
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Four missing for Royals as Hammers head for the Madejski - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:54pm on 31st August 2007
Reading manager Steve Coppell will be without John Oster, Seol Ki-Hyeon,
Glen Little and Ibrahima Sonko for the clash with West Ham. Shane Long is
doubtful with a broken thumb, so Leroy Lita is expected to start up front
with Kevin Doyle. Graeme Murty is available again at right back after
picking up a leg injury in the opening weekend draw with Manchester United.
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West Ham move for Man City striker Corradi
tribalfooball.com - August 31, 2007
West Ham United are moving for Manchester City striker Bernardo Corradi.
Parma and Siena have been in talks with Corradi's representatives this week,
however they could be trumped by West Ham today, says Tuttosport. Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley is seeking a centre-forward and has seen moves for
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen and Inter Milan's Adriano fizzle out this
week.
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Problems mount up for Curbishley - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:21pm on 31st August 2007
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has injury problems ahead of his side's
trip to Reading. Julien Faubert, Nigel Quashie and Kieron Dyer are
definitely out, while Scott Parker, Freddie Ljungberg and George McCartney
are struggling. Better news for the Hammers, though, is Dean Ashton's return
after witnessing the birth of his son in midweek.
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Waiting Beye the phone
Aug 31 2007
by Alan Oliver, Evening Chronicle
SAM ALLARDYCE has until midnight to pull off the signings of Abdoulaye Faye
and Habib Beye – and if he does the Newcastle United boss will let Nobby
Solano go to West Ham. But if either of the Faye or Beye deals fall through
then Allardyce will insist that Solano stays at St James' Park. One player
who will be definitely staying is Shola Ameobi, after Allardyce turned down
an approach from Middlesbrough yesterday for the United striker. But someone
who will not be coming to St James' Park is Chelsea right-back Glen Johnson,
who looks destined to return to Portsmouth having already had a successful
stint at Fratton Park on loan. The Faye transfer from Bolton Wanderers has
dragged on and on, to the point that United supporters have every right to
not get too excited if it does go through by midnight. United fans could be
excused for wondering if one of the reasons the Senegalese international has
not moved to United is that Bolton are making Big Sam sweat on the deal.
However, Marseille seem to be encouraging Beye to join United, mainly
through their top man Pape Diouff, who was Laurent Robert's agent when he
moved to St James' Park. Beye is quoted on the official Marseille website
saying the deal is already done and that he already feels like a Geordie –
but Allardyce is not counting his chickens. All this has left Solano
sweating on his move to Upton Park, after West Ham boss Alan Curbishley
rekindled his interest in the United midfielder following Kieron Dyer's
broken leg. Solano's family have now made the switch to London. but the
player has pledged that if his move to West Ham does not go through, he will
be completely focused on United. He can play in either midfield or at
right-back, and United are a bit short in the latter position following the
injuries to Stephen Carr and Peter Ramage. One area where United are not
short is up front, with Allardyce having no fewer than five strikers at his
disposal in Michael Owen, Oba Martins, Mark Viduka, Shola Ameobi and the
versatile Alan Smith.
But Big Sam still had no hesitation in saying 'no' to Middlesbrough when
they asked about Ameobi yesterday. Leeds United duo Dennis Wise and Guy
Poyet took in United's reserve game with Sunderland at the Stadium of Light
last night, which ended in a 2-2 draw. They were looking at United's young
defenders Paul Huntington and David Edgar and Sunderland midfielder Graham
Kavanagh, and were keen to take one of them on loan to Elland Road.
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Spurs and West Ham fight for Riquelme
Fri, Aug 31, 07 11:28
Mark Apostolou
Juan Riquelme, the Argentinian playmaker, has flown to Merseyside for talks
with Everton (Daily Mail), but it's also reported that the unsettled
Villarreal midfielder will get onto another plane and jet to London as he is
considering the offer of a one-year loan deal at Spurs. West Ham boss Alan
Curbishley is also said to be after the 29-year-old footballing magician
after his move for Adriano left him without a big-name signing.
It does appear that Curbishley is about to land Derby County's Giles Barnes
and Nicky Shorey from Reading (various). Respective managers Billy Davies
and Steve Coppell seem to be relenting and are after around £5m and £8m
respectively for the pair.
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