14/09/2007 10:40
West Ham United v Middlesbrough
Saturday 15th September
Upton Park
Kick off: 3pm
Referee: Steve Bennett (Kent)
Team News:
Scott Parker may be in contention for his first league appearance for the
Hammers after playing 80 minutes in a reserve game earlier this week.
Freddie Ljungberg has returned to training following his groin injury and
new signings Henri Camara and Nolberto Solano are also available for
selection.
Chris Riggott (back) and Andrew Davies (concussion) are in line to return
for 'Boro after recovering from their respective injuries. Mark Schwarzer
will face a fitness test after picking up a knee injury while on
international duty with Australia.
Background:
Bobby Zamora and Carlos Tevez gave the Hammers a 2-0 victory over 'Boro in
this fixture last season as Curb's side recorded their second win of seven
in the final 9 games.
In last season's reverse fixture at the Riverside in November, Massimo
Maccarone rifled home the winner to assure a 1-0 home victory. The
Teessiders last recorded a Premier League 'double' over West Ham United and
a win at Upton Park in April 2000.
Stats:
Last five league meetings at Upton Park:
31/03/2007 West Ham United 2 (Zamora, Tevez) Middlebrough 0
23/10/2005 West Ham United 2 (Sheringham, Riggott og) Middlesbrough 1
(Queudrue)
21/04/2003 West Ham United 1 (Sinclair) Middlesbrough 0
23/02/2002 West Ham United 1 (Kanoute) Middlesbrough 0
19/05/2001 West Ham United 1 (Di Canio) Middlesbrough 0
Tickets and travel:
Tickets for the fixture are sold out.
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Hayden in Fine Form - WHUFC
14/09/2007 13:56
Hayden Mullins experienced an indifferent end to last season, but the
midfielder is well on his way to putting that behind him with the assured
start he has made to this campaign. "I accept what happens to me in football
and just learn from it," he said. "A new manager came in and brought in a
few new players and I know I wasn't playing my best and the team was on a
bad run, so he had to make changes. "Obviously Mark Noble came in and did
well, so credit to him for that and I think staying up was the main concern
last season, which we did. "As a player you want to play every game so it
was frustrating not starting. But I had to accept it and just work hard at
getting back in the team."
The hard work appears to have paid off. Since coming on as a substitute at
half-time against Manchester City, Hayden has started every game since and
is showing the sort of form Hammers fans had become accustomed to from the
ever-present midfielder in the 2006-2007 season. The arrival of Scotty
Parker during close-season did not phase him either. "The manager brought in
some good players in the summer which was always going to increase
competition for places and is great for the Club," he said. "Scotty Parker
came in and plays in the same position as me but he was really replacing
Nigel Reo-Coker and I welcomed him coming in as he is a great player. "It's
unfortunate for him to get injured but it opened the door for me. I just
worked hard over pre-season which is all you can do really, that and wait
for your chance and be ready. "I came on against Man City and have kept my
place so the manager is obviously happy with the way I have been performing
and I am pleased too so hopefully I can get a good run in the team. "We have
had a decent start to the season. We are obviously a bit disappointed with
our home form but delighted with how we have played away. "We feel after the
Reading victory, which has injected a lot of belief and confidence into the
side, our home form will pick up starting with Middlesbrough this weekend."
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Malcom Musgrove RIP - WHUFC
14/09/2007 15:40
Malcolm Musgrove. (1933-2007)
West Ham United was saddened to hear of the death of former winger Malcolm
Musgrove, who passed away today, aged 74. Malcolm joined West Ham United in
December 1953, signed by then West Ham manager Ted Fenton from Lynemouth
Colliery. A left-winger, Malcolm made his debut in 1954 against Brentford
and soon established himself in the side and gained a reputation for being a
"direct, goalscoring" midfielder. He went on to make 301 league and cup
appearances for the Hammers and in that time, racked up 89 goals. Malcolm
was a member of the Second Division Championship team of 1958 and overall
enjoyed 10 seasons at Upton Park. He played alongside the likes of Vic
Keeble, Malcolm Allison, John Bond, Ken Brown and Frank O'Farrell,
establishing himself a successful record at Upton Park. He left West Ham in
1962 for Leyton Orient and later became a coach at Brisbane Road. Also that
same year, he took up the post of PFA (Professional Footballers Association)
chairman which he served for four years. After leaving Orient in 1968,
Malcolm went on to coach at Aston Villa and then to Leicester City, where he
was assistant manager to former team-mate O'Farrell. He and Farrell moved to
Manchester United in 1971, but Malcolm left a year later to take the
manager's job at Torquay United. Malcolm enjoyed several other coaching
roles over the years, including teaming up with former West Ham boss Ron
Greenwood in the USA. After returning from America, Malcolm spent a short
spell out of the game before coming back as a physiotherapist. He spent time
at various clubs in this role as well as being, for a time, reserve team
manager at Plymouth Argyle. His last role was at Shrewsbury Town before he
stepped out of the game to live in retirement in Torquay, Devon.
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Curbs anticipating tough test - WHUFC
14/09/2007 14:47
Alan Curbishey is preparing his Hammers side for a tough test when
Middlesbrough come to Upton Park. "I think 'Boro are a decent side," he
said. "Within a short space of time the team has changed dramatically. It
will be a difficult game for us." Singling out recent signing, striker Ahmed
Mido, as a potential threat, Curbs said: "Mido had a big impact when he
first went to Totttenham, now he seems to have made a big impact at 'Boro.
"They're playing to his strengths. I think they'll be pleased with what
they've done in the transfer market since Mark Viduka and Yakubu have gone -
they've turned that around."
With West Ham United seeking their first home win of the season in the third
Premier League match at Upton Park this campaign, Curbs added: "It's
imperative that we win. We fell flat against Manchester City and perhaps
against Wigan we found ourselves behind and had to claw our way back. "We
need to win our first home game and I will stress that tomorrow. "Since our
last home game we had a good result at Bristol Rovers and a great result
against Reading so we are looking to kick on from there."
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Malcolm Musgrove - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 14th September 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Former Hammer Malcolm Musgrove has passed away following a long illness.
Musgrove, who was part of the Hammers side which won the old Second Division
in 1957/58 passed away at a care home in Devon earlier today. He was 74.
Lynemouth-born Musgrove was brought to London in 1954 by then-manager Ted
Fenton, who signed the burly winger after he was released from national
service where he had been serving with the RAF. Muzzy made his league debut
in a 3-1 defeat at Brentford in February 1954, and went on to make over 300
appearances for United before joining neighbours Orient in 1962 after he was
offered a player/coach role. However it was for his part in the Championship
winning season of 1957/58 that he will be most remembered by Hammers fans;
Musgrove went on to score nine times in a campaign that ended with United
back in the top flight for the first time since the early 1930s. Musgrove
leaves behind a wife and son; KUMB's sincere condolences go to both.
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West Ham Utd v Middlesbrough - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 14th September 2007
By: Matthew Coker
After a second successive away victory, which coincided with a second
successive away clean sheet, we find ourselves in the towering league
position of seventh going into the weekend's game. Our opponents are the
side in eighth place, Middlesbrough, and once again, we are privy to a 3pm,
Saturday afternoon kick off.
Our opponents had a relatively poor start to the campaign, surrendering a
lead at home to Blackburn in an opening day defeat, before a spineless
performance at Wigan saw them go down to the only goal of the game.
Fortune improved dramatically in the away win at Craven Cottage, where an
injury hit Fulham (they lost McBride and Bouazza during the game) had a
David Healy effort that clearly crossed the line disallowed, and Boro were
able to mop up the points, Tony Warner gifting Mido a strike and Lee
Cattermole finishing up the job in the dying minutes.
The last two games have been at home where they twice came back to equalise
in the game with near neighbours, Newcastle United, the second goal in two
weeks came from Mido and the settler from Julio Arca. Last week was the best
performance of the season when a display of expansive, fast paced, attacking
football saw them see off Birmingham by a 2-0 scoreline, though the quality
of the opposition may have contributed to the one sided element of the game.
Goals in this game came from England fringe man, Stewart Downing and young
academy product, David Wheater.
The side has been widely tipped in the medial for involvement in a
relegation dogfight, their 12th place finish last year was just 8 points
clear of relegation and that, coupled with the loss of last year's forward
line of Mark Viduka and Yakubu, has led many so called experts to draw the
conclusion that it is going to be a long season.
Boro fans themselves are much more optimistic about what can be achieved,
having looked at the transfer dealings where they have brought in players to
address weaknesses and the most recent results support their sanguinity.
They attribute the media derision to the southern bias of the reporters,
there is a particular feeling of the existence of strong Londoncentric
coverage and hence they are routinely overlooked and underestimated.
In support of their conspiracy theories, a closer look at the make up of
their squad reveals that in a league perceived to be full of foreign
mercenaries, many in their squad are English, and at least half of the first
team and many of those on the fringes are natives of the North East and have
come through the clubs junior ranks. It is true that this is not very well
reported, compared to the fuss made of say, the Manchester City academy or
our own.
However, Boro fans should bear in mind that those two centres of excellence
have produced a significant number of players in the current national squad,
whereas Boro have only got as far as Downing, who has much to prove at
international level. Nevertheless, their home-grown model is an attractive
one and perhaps the likes of Andrew Taylor will help to enhance the level of
attention they receive in the future.
"If we can fill the stadium and play the way we want to play, it will mean
that much more. That's what I want to do here, make a real difference."
Gareth Southgate.
The manager is former Villa, Boro and England centre back, Gareth Southgate,
who is embarking on his second season in charge at the Riverside. If it was
not enough for a young manager to have to pick the team, train the team,
sign new players, manage the media, deal with the fans, write the theme
tune, sing the theme tune etc, it appears that Gareth also has a commercial,
bums on seats element to his job.
He has had to try to eradicate the reputation that the previous manager,
Steve McClaren had cultivated an image for dull football, which is one of
several reasons being mooted for the empty seats at home games. The fact
that the term "full house" in relation to the Riverside is a phrase that
gets uttered as often as "long term prospects" in relation to Martin Jol is
the subject of some concern and Southgate and the team are expected to sexy
things up on the playing field.
The keeper will be the ever reliable Aussie stopper, Mark Schwarzer, who is
the club's longest servant having clocked up nine years with the club. There
have been a few injury problems in front of him and they are currently
missing Chris Riggott, Robert Huth and Emanuel Pogatetz but the replacements
have been holding up fairly well.
Right back should see former Charlton man (and one time West Ham target),
Luke Young following his summer time move from the Championship. The centre
back pairing is likely to be Jonathan Woodgate, who is remarkably not
injured at the moment and youngster, David Wheater, with England U21
starlet, Andrew Taylor, likely to give one of his ever consistent
performances on the left.
Wheater is one to keep an eye on as he has taken his opportunity well,
having put in a couple of good performances alongside Woodgate. He is not
afraid to have a crack at goal, a fact that caused him to have one strike to
his name already and this could have been more if it had not been for a
couple of decent stops by opposition keepers.
The midfield line up should feature new signing Gary O'Neil on the right
after his move from Portsmouth on transfer deadline day. The diminutive
South London born midfielder has been drafted in to play wide right, an area
that had previously been inhabited by several central midfielders, George
Boateng being the latest experiment. The Boro fans hope that he will make a
success through his usual box to box endeavours and that he can repeat his
previous goal scoring feats in games that he and Middlesbrough have featured
in (he scored in both the home and away games for Portsmouth against them
last season).
The central midfield should feature the creative talent of the Argentinean,
Julio Arca. Signed from near neighbours, Sunderland, where he was generally
played as a left back, Southgate has placed him in the middle of the park to
aid the creative flow of the side and he looks accomplished in that role. He
has generally played alongside Fabio Rochemback, though the arrival of
O'Neil could mean that club captain, Boateng returns to play the defensive
half of the central duo.
On the left hand side will be Stewart Downing, a wideman with 14 caps to his
name. He is more of a wide left player than a traditional winger, his game
is much more about pinpoint distribution rather than built around pace. He
has made an efficacious start to the season, he has already scored two,
equalling last season's total and has contributed three assists, suggesting
that Lucas Neill will need to be on his toes at the weekend.
Other options in the midfield include the Turkish international, Tuncay
Sanli, who is a rated prospect that they picked up on a free from Fenerbahce
in the summer. His greatest strength is his versatility as he can play on
either wing, in the centre of midfield or as a striker, though he has
recently been used from the bench mostly of late. Young holding midfielder,
Lee Cattermole has also had some involvement in coming on as sub.
There is a new look for Boro upfront this season, as last year's regular duo
have moved on to pastures new. They have picked up a couple of replacements
from two North London benches, Mido comes in from the T*tenham squad and
Jeremy Aliadiere from the Arsenal wilderness.
Mido is the more dangerous of the two and can boast good technical ability,
strength and hard work as his attributes. He is not an out an out striker
and is happy to drift deep to collect the ball, but he should have enough
aerial ability to benefit from the service that Downing provides. He has
made a decent start with two strikes to date, though one of those was
slightly fortuitous to say the least. Nevertheless, he is doing well,
especially considering his lack of a pre-season, though if he intends to
make a contribution to Boro's whole season, he should aim to keep the number
of pointless yellow cards down to a minimum.
Aliadiere is a player that will be familiar to West Ham fans, or those with
a sharp memory as he spent some time with us in our Championship years. The
fact that he failed to make any impact with us in the lower leagues and that
he had similar unsuccessful spells at Wolves and Celtic means that it would
be generous to describe him as a gamble on Southgate's part. Needless to
say, he has not yet scored for Boro, though his passed assist for
Cattermole's winner at Fulham was noteworthy. The biggest concern for us at
the weekend will be his pace, but overall he looks too lightweight for this
league.
Options from the bench include Lee Dong Gok who has been with the club since
the January transfer window. The South Korean striker has a decent scoring
record with his country, enough to create a bit of excitement in the fans,
but has so far, not had sufficient time on the field to see if he lives up
to the hype.
"You don't have to have two strikers scoring all the goals. My responsibilty
is to get a team who can score goals from any position. Downing has two
already, and we've had goals from nearly all the other midfielders. I think
Mido, Aliadiere, Tuncay and Dong-Gook will also score their share."
– Gareth Southgate gives us insight into where the goals will be coming
from.
Regular readers of this column will have noticed my 100% record in respect
of predicting match outcomes in opening four games of the season.
Unfortunately, I have been 100% incorrect, not only failing to get a
scoreline right, but so far I've not managed to get one outcome of a game
right. This means that I've not even gained a place in the KUMB Prediction
League yet and to my eternal shame, so far even Lawro has done better than
me. The Lawro.
Therefore, I'm taking my predictions more seriously from now on. The facts
state that while we are good on the road, our home form has not yet got
started in earnest and clearly the current West Ham team are at their best
when we have to sit deep and can break at speed.
I think that our opponents points tally is slightly overstated at this stage
of the season, in part as a result of playing several reasonably poor sides
and they have also had more home than away games, which would be where you
expect to pick up points.
Despite their forward line looking fairly light, on paper at least, they do
seem to be able to fashion goals and they have got into a recent habit of
scoring a brace per match, so I think I'll give them sufficient credit to
get one at the Boleyn.
In respect of the Hammers line up, I can see a start for Nobby Solano (in
place of Lee Bowyer), with the rest of the starting line up as you were for
Reading trip. We should have a fairly strong bench all round for this one,
assuming we have Dicky Wright in one place, we would then have to omit one
of Danny Gaddidon, Freddie Ljungberg, Lee Bowyer, Henri Camara or Luis Boa
Morte even without a return to fitness for Zamora, Parker and in the long
term, Faubert.
Based on all of these factors, my crystal ball is coming up with a 2-1
victory to the Irons, with our squad and subs having an impact (either a
goal or helping to hold on to the lead).
Enjoy the game.
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West Ham v Middlesbrough - BBC
Upton Park
Saturday, 15 September
Kick-off: 1500 BST
Coverage on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live & highlights on Match
of the Day. Featured game on Score and Final Score.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
West Ham and Middlesbrough lie adjacent to each other in mid table, and have
each picked up seven points out of the last nine (win, draw, win).
The Londoners have been shown fewer yellow cards in Premier League
competition than any other club (four); the Teessiders have been shown more
than any other (16).
The Hammers have lost only one of nine home Premiership meetings with
Middlesbrough, and have won the last five.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
1. Began the season with a 0-2 home defeat to Manchester City, but have not
lost in four league and cup games since.
2. Won three and drawn one of the last four in all competitions.
3. Won six of the last eight Premier League matches.
4. Failed to score in one of the last nine league matches; the 0-2 home
defeat by Manchester City on 11 August.
5. Won 10 of their 25 Premier League matches under Alan Curbishley, losing
11 of them.
6. Yet to register a home win this season; one draw and one defeat so far.
7. The next two league fixtures are away to Newcastle, and home to Arsenal.
MIDDLESBROUGH
Club stats
Fixtures
1. Scored two goals in each of their last three Premier League matches.
2. Failed to score in one of the last nine league games; the 1-0 away defeat
by Wigan on 15 August.
3. Looking for a third consecutive victory in London, after picking up six
points out of six from matches at Fulham; 1-3 on 13 May and 1-2 on 18
August.
4. Victory would be their second maximum away from home this season, and
equal the total of league victories achieved in the whole of last season.
5. Failed to score in six of the last nine Premier League games away from
home.
6. Following this is the north-east derby, home to Sunderland, then a third
round Carling Cup tie, away to Tottenham.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Craig BELLLAMY is West Ham's top scorer with three goals.
The Hammers' top Premier League marksman is Matthew ETHERINGTON, with two.
Dean ASHTON, who has not scored since the 2006 FA Cup final, needs a double
to bring his career total of club goals to 100 (Crewe, Norwich and West
Ham).
If he plays:-
Danny GABBIDON will be making his 50th league start for the Hammers.
MIDDLESBROUGH
MIDO and Stewart DOWNING are Middlesbrough's joint top scorers, with two
Premier League goals each.
If he plays:-
Andrew DAVIES will be making his 50th appearance for the Teessiders.
If on the field from the outset:-
Lee CATTERMOLE will be making his 50th start in a Middlesbrough shirt.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham gave their hopes of avoiding the drop a real shot in the arm with a
2-0 victory in last season's equivalent fixture, building on a second minute
opener from Bobby Zamora.
Middlesbrough's only Premier League victory in nine visits to Upton Park was
0-1 on 29 April 2000, through a Brian Deane penalty.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 20 wins, Middlesbro 22, Draws 10
Prem: West Ham 7 wins, Middlesbro 9, Draws 2
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 15 wins, Middlesbro 7, Draws 4
Prem: West Ham 7 wins, Middlesbro 1, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 2-0 Middlesbrough
31 March 2007 - Ref: Mark Halsey
West Ham scorers: Zamora 2, Tevez 45
REFEREE
Steve Bennett (Orpington, Kent)
Premiership referees' table
Steve Bennett's 2007-08 Premiership card count
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Ashton targets Heskey role - SSN
Hammers striker eyes England place
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 14th September 2007
Dean Ashton has set his sights on replacing Emile Heskey as the target man
in England's starting XI. The West Ham striker watched Heskey make the most
of his shock international recall with impressive displays in partnership
with Michael Owen in the Euro 2008 qualifiers against Israel and Russia.
Ashton is still to be capped by his country after breaking his ankle in
training with Steve McClaren's side following his first senior call-up in
August last year. But he is now back to full fitness and is keen to make an
impact at Upton Park, with the ultimate goal of future international honours
very much in his sights. Ashton said: "The way he (Heskey) played is a way I
feel I could do myself. It's underestimated how important the little touches
are that Emile gets. It's so important that everyone links up and that
Michael Owen can get in behind into the spaces. "Of course I think I could
play that role. It's very important to have a player like that in the
England team. "Without setting the world alight, Emile put in a hell of a
performance which from a striking point of view was very significant.
"I wouldn't say I missed a golden opportunity but I do wish it had been me
rather than him. I had been out for a year and hadn't played enough football
to show that I'm fit enough. "Emile has gone in and done exceptionally well.
Considering what a lot of people were thinking when he got called up, it was
an excellent call-up and he did really well."
Ashton is aware that the re-emergence of Heskey and his long-term absence
has inevitably pushed him down the pecking order. He added: "I haven't
spoken to Steve McClaren for quite a while now so I'm not sure of his views
on how he sees me or if he has been to watch me. "He liked me enough to pick
me in that first squad, but that was a long time ago. A lot of things have
happened since then and he has picked Emile Heskey."
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Count down to Boro - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Fri Sep 14 2007
West Ham United v Middlesbrough
Saturday 15th September 2007
Kick Off 3pm
Barclays Premier League
Tickets
Sold Out
West Ham have won their last 5 home games against Middlebrough and conceded
just the 1 goal.
West Ham United
Alan Curbishley has selection problems a head of the visit of Boro. Scott
Parker came through 80 minutes of a practice game in the week and is
available for selection for the first time this season but may have to
settle for a place on the bench.
Bobby Zamora (knee) and Freddie Ljunberg (thigh) are both fit again, whilst
Nobby Solano and Henri Camara are both available for their debuts.
All West Ham's international players returned fit and healthy and George
McCartney is none the worse for being whacked by Keith Gillespie's handbag.
Middlesbrough
Chris Riggott and Andrew Davies are available after injury but Boro have an
injury worry over keeper Mark Schwarzer who injured his knee whilst away on
International duty with Australia. He will have a late fitness test.
Referee
Steve Bennett – Kent
Mr Bennett last took control of a West Ham game in our last away defeat, 3-0
at the hands of the evil Sheffield United
Steve Bennett in charge of West Ham (last 6)
L W D L L L
Betting
West Ham win 5/6 draw 11/5 lose 11/4
Correct Score
West Ham to win
1-0 6/1
2-0 7/1 2-1 7/1
3-0 14/1 3-1 12/1
First Goalscorer
Bellamy 5/1
Ashton 5/1
Cole 7/1
Mido 7/1
Camara 7/1
Ljungberg 9/1
Sanli 10/1
Aliadiere 10/1
Dong-Gook 10/1
Noble 11/1
Etherington 11/1
Solano 12/1
Bowyer 14/1
Neill 25/1
Mullins 25/1
Upson 33/1
Ferdinand 40/1
McCartney 50/1
Selection
Craig Bellamy to score 1st and West Ham to win 3-0 50/1
Pub of the week
The Lord Stanley – Plaistow
The pub is on the corner of Plaistow Park Road and St Marys Road.
The noble Lord is depicted wearing a top hat, sporting a monocle and holding
a glass of wine. The peerage of the Stanley family goes back at least to the
reign of Richard III. It is probably named after Edward Lyulph Stanley
(1839-1925) who became Lord Stanley of Alderley and who was an MP and also
leader of the Progressive Party on the London School Board and officiated at
some of the functions at local schools. One of his Stanley ancestors became
Earl of Derby in 1780, and instituted the horse race which is still called
the Derby
The pub gets busy but has plenty of bar staff and service is pretty quick
with a wide choice of beers on tap. The pub has live football both Sky and
Setanta and offers food by way of a burger van outside.
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Match Preview - West Ham United v Middlesbrough - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Tue Sep 11 2007
West Ham United v Middlesbrough
Saturday 15th September 2007
Kick Off 3pm
Barclays Premier League
West Ham will be hoping it's third time lucky this Saturday as they go
looking for their first home win of the season against Gareth Southgate's
Boro.
A defeat and a draw at home compared to 3 straight away victories suggest
the way Alan Curbishley has set up his team up so far is far more suited to
teams coming at West Ham and us hitting them on the break as was clearly
shown in the destruction of Reading last time out rather then being able to
break down sides who come to defend in with numbers behind the ball.
I'm sure being away from home also helps the players with the atmosphere at
Upton Park somewhat lacking so far this season and a large number of fans
that sit in silence expecting West Ham to take teams apart for their
pleasure then getting on the players backs early doors should a goal not be
forth coming in the opening stages. The way fans booed and left on mass
against Wigan is nothing sort of disgraceful. These fans should remember WE
ARE West Ham and we are all in this together and the teams needs backing and
not booing.
Middlesbrough come to Upton Park having made a pretty solid if not
spectacular start to the season. A home win, a draw and a defeat and an away
win rather fortunately away at Fulham who had a good goal ruled out and
defeat have returned 7 points from their 5 games leaving them in 12th place,
one spot below West Ham who have played a game less.
Middlesbrough had been tipped to struggle with Southgate's inexperience not
always paying dividends in the transfer market but they have a solid back
bone of a side with Schwarzer in goal, the excellent Woodgate at the back
who is now alongside another in the long line of academy players Boro
produce, new England U21 defender David Wheater. Boateng adds the strength
in midfield, Arca the quality and Downing the width.
It's in attack where the question mark hangs over Boro's head. The highly
rated pair of Yakubu and Viduka who scored 35 goals last season have
departed and in have come our good friend Ahmed Mido, West Ham reject
Jeremie Aliadiere and Tucan Sanli.
Whilst Mido has got off to a flyer with 2 goals in 3 games, you have to
question if a player of his form and reputation will keep that form up for
long. Add to that Aliadiere and Sanli who are yet to score and January
recruit Dong Gook-Lee who has managed just the single goal against
Northampton in the Carling cup. It's not hard why some pundits suggest goals
might be hard to come by this season for Boro.
Current Form
West Ham United
As Roma H Won 2-1
Manchester City H Lost 0-2
Birmingham City A Won 1-0
Wigan Athletic H Drew 1-1
Bristol Rovers A Won 2-1
Reading A Won 3-0
Middlesbrough
Blackburn Rovers H Lost 1-2
Wigan Athletic A Lost 0-1
Fulham A Won 2-1
Newcastle H Drew 2-2
Northampton Town H Won 2-0
Birmingham City H Won 2-0
West Ham go in search of their first home win of the season. We have won the
last 5 meeting with Middlesbrough at Upton Park.
Middlesbrough look to make it a 2nd straight win in the capital but have not
won at Upton Park since April 2000.
Leading League Scorers
West Ham United – Matty Etherington 2
Boro – Ahmed Mido 2
History
West Ham in the league have won 20 drawn 10 and lost 22 against Boro
West Ham at Home in the League have won 15 drawn 4 lost 7 against Boro
Biggest Win at Upton Park – 1998/99 4-0
Biggest Defeat at Upton Park – 1930/31 0-3
Last time we met at Upton Park
Barclays Premier League
Saturday 31st March 2007
West Ham United 2 Middlesbrough 0
West Ham made it 2 wins in 2 to give their supporters a faint hope of
avoiding the drop as they moved to within 5 points of safety.
Bobby Zamora hit the first within 2 minutes and Carlos Tevez made it 3 goals
in 3 games on the stroke of half time to give Alan Curbishley just his
second home win in the league after his first day at the office success
against Manchester United back in December.
Teams
West Ham United
Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Collins, McCartney, Bowyer, Noble, Reo-Coker,
Etherington, Zamora, Tevez
Boro
Schwarzer, Xavier, Woodgate, Pogatetz, Taylor, Parnaby, Boateng, Rochemback,
Downing, Viduka, Yakubu
Prediction
West Ham 3 Boro 0
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A View from The Riverside - A Boro fans view - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Tue Sep 11 2007
Many thanks to Peter from ComeOnBoro.com for putting his head on the block
this week.
What do you expect from Boro this season?
In the league we'll probably finish somewhere between 8th and 13th meaning
to have a realistic chance of qualifying for Europe again we'll have to have
a great cup run - something I expect us to achieve.
Who do you think will be your star men this season?
Mido will be a star up front, but David Wheater in defence is making a real
statement about how good some of younger players really are. If the rest are
up to the challenge then expect a few more of them to make the first team
positions theirs.
Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?
Tough one this, as I can honestly say that all of the players who started
against Birmingham deserve to be there.
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
A slow start, but Gareth Southgate now has a first team squad that can
deliver the type of football that the Boro fans want to see. The way
Birmingham were clinically dispatched is a statement of intent about how
Southgate will approach the rest of the season.
Has Gareth Southgate spent well?
Yes, though it will take time for some of our foreign buys to settle in.
What are your feelings towards Yakubu?
Glad he's gone. Everton fans should take heed, as we did not when the Pompey
fans laughed at us when we signed him. He didn't want to be here, could trap
a ball further than I can kick it and with the new style of football at the
Riverside he was surplus to requirements.
Having lost your two top goal scorers a few pundits seem to be tipping you
for relegation. Is that fair?
I can understand the statements being made but crucially they failed to take
into account that we had made any new signings. Goals will come not just
from our strikers this season. Southgate is playing with a very fluid front
line, therefore allowing Downing, Arca, Aliadiere, Mido and others to
contribute goals.
Is Gareth Southgates limited experience in management a factor in losing
these players and is he the man to take you forward or just a cheap option?
Viduka was down to money - end of - and Yakubu didn't want to be here.
Southgate is now getting the first team squad he wants. He has the respect
of the players and of the Middlesbrough fans but he needs more time and
crucially he will be given it. He will be a success.
Were you sorry to see McClaren go?
Given that he was our most successful manager - Carling Cup Winners, Two FA
Cup Semi Finals and a UEFA Cup Final in five seasons, then yes. It was a
major achievement, and the negativity that surrounded McLaren at the Boro
now seems to have followed him into the England job. Ultimately though he
had "lost" the dressing room and his position had become very precarious.
Are the Boro fans concerned of lack of investment from Steve Gibson in
recent seasons given he splashed out for Journiho, Ravenelli & Emerson when
he 1st took over?
In general I don't think we are. As we have seen so far this season when
backing is needed it will be given.
What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
It has certainly tainted everyone involved. It was clear to everyone that
West Ham have been seen to be given "special" treatment from the FA. Be left
in doubt that if it had been another premiership club who are lets say "less
connected" to the FA then the outcome would have been very different.
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
Similar to Boro mid table, possibly a good cup run.
What West Ham players worry you most?
Kieron Dyer - Is he really made of glass? You have to worry about someone
who is injured as much as he is.
How do you view West Ham fans?
Blowing bubbles - What's all that about? ;-)...
A generally friendly bunch from those I know.
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
Walkers Sensations - Caramelised Onion & Sweet Balsamic Vinegar
Predication?
1-1.
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Another View from the Riverside - A Boro fans view part II - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Wed Sep 12 2007
A big thank you to Reggie Holdsworth aka Nigel from Footy Mad for taking his
time to answer these for us.
What do you expect from Boro this Season?
Having lost Viduka and Yakubu all Boro fans were worried that we struggle
to score goals and were preparing themselves for a long season, but
thankfully after two defeats the players have proved that they are not a
two-man team and hopefully we will have a much more comfortable season than
first expected.
Who do you think will be your star men this season?
Mido and Aliadiere could prove to be great signings, along with Tuncay
and last minute signing Gary O'Neil. Also watch out for local lad David
Wheater, he could be a future England centre-half.
Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?
So far the starting eleven have been pretty solid and I wouldn't like to
single anyone out.
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
Fair to middling, but improving game-by-game
Has Gareth Southgate spent well?
Having replaced the two forwards he has strengthened the midfield where
we were lacking last season. Only time will tell but the signs are
promising.
What are your feelings towards Yakubu?
Good riddance, obvious for a while he didn't want to play for Boro any
longer.
Having lost your two top goal scorers a few pundits seem to be tipping you
for relegation. Is that fair?
No, Boro are not the most liked or fashionable team and are tipped for
relegation almost every season. This is our 10th successive season in the
Premiership.
Is Gareth Southgate's limited experience in management a factor in losing
these players and is he the man to take you forward or just a cheap
option?
No, Viduka was chasing the money and would have left whoever was in
charge, as stated above Yakubu fancied a change.
Were you sorry to see McClaren go?
No, we partied the night away when he left, just a shame he went to
England.
Are the Boro fans concerned of lack of investment from Steve Gibson in
recent seasons given he splashed out for Journiho, Ravenelli & Emerson
when he 1st took over?
He has continued to splash the cash but in a more measured way and has
stated that he will not put the club at risk financially.
What''s your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
Having lost 3 points ourselves back in '97 you were very very lucky to
escape with a massive fine. I'd put money on a points deduction if you were
a northern club.
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
You've seen a lot of changes on the field, as long as the new signings gel
soon enough you should be safe, mid-table like us There are too many bad
teams to cause problems, the bottom 6 for starters will struggle all season.
What West Ham players worry you most?
Your ex-Geordies, all seem to have a knack of playing well against us, in
particular Craig Bellamy, who many Boro fans hate with a passion.
How do you view West Ham fans?
Had a great time last season (apart from the result) at the Boleyn, got on
well with fans in The Millers Well on the Barking Road, before and after the
game.
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
Walkers Tomato Sauce!
Predication?
Sorry 2-1 the Boro.
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WEST HAM v MIDDLESBROUGH - SOUTHGATE PROMISES GOALS - Come On Boro
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate is convinced his side will score goals
despite the loss of its two most prolific strikers. There was concern on
Teesside when Ayegbeni Yakubu followed Mark Viduka out of the exit door in a
£11.25million switch to Everton as the closure of the summer transfer window
approached. The Nigerian and his Australian counterpart, who had earlier
left for derby rivals Newcastle after rejecting a new deal at the Riverside
Stadium, contributed 35 goals between them last season. However Southgate,
who had already recruited Mido, Jeremie Aliadiere and Tuncay Sanli when
Yakubu headed for Merseyside, resisted the temptation to splash out on a
direct replacement confident there was enough firepower within his squad. To
date, he has been proven correct with Boro scoring twice in each of their
last four games, a run which has seen them collect seven Barclays Premier
League points and secure their passage to the Carling Cup third round. Mido,
a £6.8million signing from Tottenham, has already found the target twice and
South Korea international Dong-Gook Lee has finally broken his duck, but
goals from Lee Cattermole, Julio Arca, Fabio Rochemback, Stewart Downing and
David Wheater have supported Southgate's assertion that goals will come from
elsewhere in the team. He said: "I have said all along, I am very relaxed.
Somebody will score goals. We will create chances and people will score
goals from whatever position on the field that may be. "I have terrific
belief in the players we have. Some of them are unproven in terms of their
goalscoring record at this level, but it will come given time. "They need
games, some of them need fitness, but if you had told me this was the squad
I would have at the end of the transfer window, then I would have been
absolutely delighted."
Boro head for big-spending West Ham on Saturday determined to extend their
unbeaten run. Southgate's side lost 2-0 at Upton Park last season as the
Hammers stepped up their unlikely bid for survival with the second of seven
victories in their last nine games. That left the north-east side sitting
12th in the table and far from comfortable with seven games to play,
although they eventually stabilised and finished there at the end of a tough
campaign. Successive defeats by Blackburn and Wigan at the start of this
season gave rise to disgruntled murmurs on Teesside, although Southgate
insists he never lost faith.
He said: "I was very calm about the opening to the season because I knew the
way we had worked in pre-season, I knew the people we had brought in.
"We as a coaching staff could see what is happening, the players are
starting to see what they are capable of and I certainly believe the
supporters have seen what we are trying to do."
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Dean Ashton hoping for England recall
Times Online and Agencies
Dean Ashton, the West Ham United striker, today warned man of the moment
Emile Heskey not to get too comfortable in the England number nine shirt.
Heskey, the Wigan Athletic forward, received a shock recall to Steve
McClaren's squad for this week's European Championship qualifying matches
and responded with two superb displays in the 3-0 wins over Israel and
Russia. Just over a year ago Ashton was set to make his England debut in a
friendly against Greece until he suffered a broken ankle in training which
kept him out for the entire season. The 23-year-old is only now back to
fitness and staking a claim for a regular run in the West Ham side - he is
in line for his second start of the season against Middlesbrough tomorrow.
But Ashton is determined to rediscover the form that persuaded McClaren to
call him up last year and show he can become the so-called 'big-man'
alongside Michael Owen. "Of course I think I could play that role," Ashton
said. "It's very important to have a player like that in the England team.
"The way he played is a way I feel I could do myself. It's underestimated
how important the little touches are that Emile gets. It's so important that
everyone links up and that Michael Owen can get in behind into the spaces.
"Without setting the world alight, Emile put in a hell of a performance
which from a striking point of view was very significant. I wouldn't say I
missed a golden opportunity but I do wish it had been me rather than him. I
had been out for a year and hadn't played enough football to show that I'm
fit enough.
"Emile has gone in and done exceptionally well. Considering what a lot of
people were thinking when he got called up, it was an excellent call-up and
he did really well. I haven't spoken to Steve McClaren for quite a while now
so I'm not sure of his views on how he sees me or if he has been to watch
me. "He liked me enough to pick me in that first squad, but that was a long
time ago. A lot of things have happened since then and he has picked Emile
Heskey."
Ashton admits he took great encouragement from Owen's goalscoring displays
for England, the Newcastle United striker having bounced back from his own
long-term knee injury to look as good as ever at Wembley. Ashton, like Owen,
suffered some dark moments during his long lay-off but is now desperate to
put his personal nightmare behind him and get back to giving Premier League
defenders sleepless nights instead. "I found it strange that people were
doubting him," he said. "He was always going to come back and be a fantastic
player. "He was always going to score goals at that level no matter what
anyone says, and there aren't many players who can do that. "One of my main
goals is to get myself back in the England squad but at the moment there's
not much I can do other than work as hard as possible at West Ham and try to
impress everybody. "It's hard sitting at home when others are playing
instead of me. There's no point sitting at home crying about it. "When I
thought I was getting back and then realising that I had to have another
operation - meaning spending more months out. That was a low point. But you
go home and wallow in self-pity and that kind of stuff, and you get through.
It feels great to be at the other end now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton gunning for Heskey's shirt - TeamTalk
West Ham striker Dean Ashton has warned man of the moment Emile Heskey not
to get too comfortable in the England number nine shirt. Wigan forward
Heskey received a shock recall to Steve McClaren's squad for this week's
European Championship qualifiers and responded with two superb displays in
the 3-0 wins over Israel and Russia. Just over a year ago Ashton was set to
make his England debut in a friendly against Greece until he suffered a
broken ankle in training which kept him out for the entire season. The
23-year-old is only now back to fitness and staking a claim for a regular
run in the West Ham side - he is in line for his second start of the season
against Middlesbrough on Saturday. But Ashton is determined to rediscover
the form that persuaded McClaren to call him up last year and show he can
become the so-called 'big-man' alongside Michael Owen. "Of course I think I
could play that role. It's very important to have a player like that in the
England team," said Ashton. "The way he played is a way I feel I could do
myself. It's underestimated how important the little touches are that Emile
gets. It's so important that everyone links up and that Michael Owen can get
in behind into the spaces. "Without setting the world alight, Emile put in a
hell of a performance which from a striking point of view was very
significant. "I wouldn't say I missed a golden opportunity but I do wish it
had been me rather than him. I had been out for a year and hadn't played
enough football to show that I'm fit enough. "Emile has gone in and done
exceptionally well. Considering what a lot of people were thinking when he
got called up, it was an excellent call-up and he did really well. "I
haven't spoken to Steve McClaren for quite a while now so I'm not sure of
his views on how he sees me or if he has been to watch me. "He liked me
enough to pick me in that first squad, but that was a long time ago. A lot
of things have happened since then and he has picked Emile Heskey."
Ashton admits he took great encouragement from Owen's goalscoring displays
for England, the Newcastle striker having bounced back from his own
long-term knee injury to look as good as ever at Wembley. Ashton, like Owen,
suffered some dark moments during his long lay-off but is now desperate to
put his personal nightmare behind him and get back to giving Premier League
defenders sleepless nights instead. "I found it strange that people were
doubting him. He was always going to come back and be a fantastic player,"
added Ashton. "He was always going to score goals at that level no matter
what anyone says, and there aren't many players who can do that. "One of my
main goals is to get myself back in the England squad but at the moment
there's not much I can do other than work as hard as possible at West Ham
and try to impress everybody. "It's hard sitting at home when others are
playing instead of me. There's no point sitting at home crying about it.
"When I thought I was getting back and then realising that I had to have
another operation - meaning spending more months out. That was a low point.
"But you go home and wallow in self-pity and that kind of stuff, and you get
through. It feels great to be at the other end now."
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Solano's Trips Across The Atlantic Hit West Ham! - newcastlemad.co.uk
By Nu Mad Friday 14th September 2007
Nobby Solano's international trips were a major concern to then-Toon boss
Sir Bobby Robson, and now West Ham boss Alan Curbishley wants all Premier
League fixtures moved to Sundays following international matches. Curbishley
says it will ease the demands on the jet-setters. Solano has again been
racking up the air miles across the Atlantic, something that did not please
Robson when he was at St James' Park, and he also had Clarence Acuna flying
backwards and forth ... missing fixtures on a Saturday. Curbishley: "We all
back our countries, no question, but if we all came back and played on a
Sunday that wouldn't be such a bad idea. "I don't know whether it can be
done, but lots of players won't be back with their clubs until Friday
morning, if they're playing away from home they're often travelling, so it's
something we should look at. "As for the traditionalists, in a month's time
West Ham and Aston Villa are the only teams playing on Saturday afternoon.
"There was talk of playing internationals on a Tuesday night, and we're one
of the only countries who play on a Saturday.
"I've had Jon Spector playing in Chicago, Nolberto Solano is in Peru, so for
them to get back and play on Saturday, why can't we just play on the Sunday?
"It's something to think about, especially if the Premier League is only 40%
English, so many of the other players are travelling back to their clubs
Thursday and Friday so we could do with another day."
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Hammers duo set to return - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:39am on 14th September 2007
Big-money summer signings Scott Parker and Freddie Ljungberg could be named
in the West Ham squad to face Middlesbrough in their Barclays Premier League
clash at Upton Park. Parker (knee) is yet to make his debut for the Hammers
and Ljungberg (thigh) was injured during the opening day defeat by
Manchester City, but both are back in full training and should be involved.
Bobby Zamora (knee) is also available after missing the 3-0 win over Reading
but fit-again Dean Ashton expects to keep his place in attack.
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Coppell challenge for Shorey - 4thgame.com
Friday 14 Sep 2007
Reading manager Steve Coppell has urged Nicky Shorey to concentrate on
recapturing his best form after seeing a transfer window move to West Ham
United fail to materialise. The England left-back the subject of an approach
from the Hammers before the window closed last month. Reading rejected a
reported £5million offer for the 26-year-old defender and Coppell now wants
him to focus on improving his performances and help the struggling Royals
pull away from the lower reaches of the Premier League table. "He would
prefer to be plying his trade at a higher level. That's his long-term goal
and he is, on a monthly basis, being excited by the challenge of playing for
England," admitted Coppell. "Now we have got to get him excited by the
challenge of playing for Reading again. "We need him to be right at the top
of his game and there are quite a few players who have yet to reach the
levels they were performing at last year."
Shorey made his England debut in May's friendly with Brazil at Wembley. The
former Leyton Orient defender also stood in for regular left-backs Ashley
Cole and Wayne Bridge during last month's friendly defeat by Germany.
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Curbs ready to unleash Ashton - TeamTalk
West Ham gaffer Alan Curbishley plans to unleash Dean Ashton on
Middlesbrough when they visit Upton Park on Saturday. The striker, who
suffered a broken ankle when he was called up to the England squad for the
first time last August, has been eased back by Curbishley this season
following a year on the sidelines. But the international break has given the
former Norwich hitman the chance to build up his fitness and Curbishley
feels he is close to full throttle.
"Dean has played the last two reserve games and he looks sharp and strong
now," he said. "It was always going to be a time thing, he's physically
strong but it's the short, sharp stuff, and the more football he gets the
better he'll become. "He started against Reading because Bobby Zamora was
out and he's getting better every day. "I'm really pleased he's got to this
stage. Some people were clamouring for him to play early on but we knew, and
perhaps after the Reading game one or two other people knew. "We knew what
we were doing and he's picked up over these last two weeks, he's pushed on."
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