A sublime volley from Tony Stokes earned Kevin Keen's reserves a point
against Arsenal
06.11.2007
West Ham United reserves 2-2 Arsenal reserves
Jordan Spence and Tony Stokes were both on target to earn West Ham United a
well-deserved point against an impressive Arsenal at the Boleyn Ground
tonight.
All four goals came in the second half, Spence equalising eight minutes
after the Gunners had taken the lead through Nacer Barazite. Mark Randall
then put the visitors back in front, before substitute Stokes struck a
tremendous equaliser in the closing stages to secure the draw. A fairly even
first half saw the two teams all square at half-time and despite going
behind, West Ham United fought back well in what was a third London derby
unbeaten in a row for Kevin Keen's men.
The home side started brightly against an equally young but strong Gunners
lineup - six of whom had been in the squad that won 3-0 at Sheffield United
in a Carling Cup tie last week. Nigel Quashie was quick to use his
experience early on, helping his team-mates to try and create a hold in
midfield. The first real chance of the half though fell to Arsenal's Kieran
Gibbs, who made a good run down the flank before shooting over the bar.
Kyel Reid then sent over a good cross which was met by Jack Collison who
found Lee Hales in space only for his header to also land over the crossbar.
Seconds later, Reid himself made another good run getting away from his
marker, but could only shoot wide. He then went close with a free-kick.
Arsenal were looking to get the ball forward quickly to Barazite, who was
trying to make runs down the right-hand side, and the playmaker Fran Merida,
but the defensive partnership of James Tomkins and Spence was standing firm.
The England youth internationals were encouraged constantly by Jimmy Walker
in goal behind them and were to enjoy a fine evening.
The home side were bright going forward as well, with a notable opportunity
coming just after the half hour. The ball was headed on by Tomkins again but
Collison, who had just missed out with a header from Reid's whipped ball in,
was not able to get there in time and Arsenal keeper Vito Mannone was able
to gather.
Four minutes of stoppage time were added on in the half - resulting from
Arsenal having to take off an injured Henri Lansbury and replace him with
Randall, who was making his first appearance in a Gunners shirt since
mid-September. There was still time though for Reid to play a short-corner
into the box, which was cleared, before being brought down soon after to
earn his side a free-kick. After a scramble, Reid's cross was eventually met
by Zavon Hines who could only strike the ball over from four yards out.
The quality in both teams began to show after the interval and it was the
visitors who broke the deadlock on 50 minutes, as Barazite hit a fierce shot
past Walker and into the net. The home side set about responding straight
away, defender Ashley Miller suddenly got forward down the right and hit an
angled shot that Mannone managed to save. Tomkins then headed wide from a
Reid corner.
But West Ham United were rewarded for their efforts on 58 minutes as they
grabbed a deserved equaliser through Spence. A good move involving Quashie
and Tomkins, saw the latter head down for his defensive colleague to tuck
the ball beyond Mannone. Keen made a change just after the hour mark,
bringing on Stokes in place of the busy Reid and soon after, Walker was
forced to make a save, diving right across his goal to clear.
Collison then had two close chances to put his team ahead, but it was the
Gunners who got their noses back in front. Barazite crossed and Randall's
run and shot went flying into the back of the net. Yet, the hosts were not
to be denied and they were to equalise for a second time with the goal of
the night.
With time running out, substitute Stokes met Joe Widdowson's fine cross and
struck a volley sweetly into the net, giving Mannone no chance in the
process. A hard-working Quashie made way late on for Ben Hunt as Keen's men
saw out the closing stages to earn a deserved draw against visitors who were
a constant threat all evening.
West Ham United: Jimmy Walker, Ashley Miller, Joe Widdowson, Jordan Spence,
James Tomkins, Lee Hales, Jack Collison (c), Nigel Quashie (Ben Hunt 88),
Jack Jeffrey, Zavon Hines, Kyel Reid (Tony Stokes 68).
Subs not used: Bondz N'Gala, Ryan O'Neill, Robbie Blackwell
Arsenal: Vito Mannone, Gavin Hoyte (c), Paul Rodgers (Tom Cruise 76), Rene
Steer (Rui Fonte 65), Abu Ogogo, Kieran Gibbs, James Dunne, Henri Lansbury
(Mark Randall 24), Fran Merida, Nacer Barazite, Vincent van den Berg
Subs not used: Wojciech Szczesny, Luke Ayling
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'Wonderful game' satisfies Keen - WHUFC
Kevin Keen was happy after Jordan Spence's goal set the reserves up for a
great comeback
07.11.2007
Kevin Keen was full of praise after his West Ham United reserves fought out
a thrilling 2-2 draw with Arsenal last night.
Goals by Jordan Spence and Tony Stokes cancelled out strikes by Arsenal's
Nacer Barazite and Mark Randall at the Boleyn Ground, as twice the home side
came from behind to ensure the honours were shared in the London derby.
WHUTV will have full highlights of the game later today, along with
exclusive reaction to come from Stokes and captain Jack Collison.
"It was a wonderful game that saw two good young teams play some super
football out there, put in good tackling and we watched a match with real
appetite about it, said a satisfied Keen. "A draw was a fair result, we
could have won it, they could have won it, but I am very pleased at the way
my lads come back from one-nil down and again at 2-1 to get the point."
Keen said his mainly young side - which included the valuable experience of
first-teamers Nigel Quashie and Jimmy Walker - are getting better with each
game they play. "Within the reserve squad, we have a team of 19 and
20-year-olds who are really starting to grow in belief and confidence, which
gives us something to really build on now and go for it.
"Equally it was good to have some of our senior players come through for us
again. Nigel Quashie got another game under his belt, which is important and
I took him off just before the end to make sure he was all right as I did
with Kyel (Reid), who once again had another excellent match.
"It was good for Jimmy to get a game and he was also very instrumental in
helping and guiding the young lads throughout the match," Keen added. In
front of Walker, was the pairing of Spence and James Tomkins, who put in a
solid 90 minutes between them as well as Spence getting on the scoresheet
for West Ham's first goal.
"James Tomkins was outstanding and led the line with what was a very young
back four really well, I thought," said Keen. "Jordan also showed how much
he is coming on, he had to cope with a couple of difficult challenges, one
of which led to their first goal, but got on with it and then went up the
other end to score."
Stokes got the second equaliser and Keen said his volleyed strike was
typical of the midfielder, whom he had decided to start on the bench. "It
was one of those days, I decided to put Stokesy on the bench and give Lee
Hales, who had come on in our previous match at Fulham and done well, an
opportunity to do more of the same. Being the young professional he is,
Stokesy reacted in the proper way, went on and scored a great goal, perhaps
could have had another, but certainly did himself proud."
It was the second point West Ham United have picked up in a fortnight,
following the 1-1 draw at west London side Fulham. Before that they had
grabbed all three against another capital club, with a 1-0 home win against
Tottenham Hotspur - meaning the side are unbeaten in three fixtures.
Keen is naturally delighted at doing well against traditional rivals and
with the overall consistency that has found its way into his side this
season, who he says are hungry to try and win every match. "I am pleased
overall with how we are doing this season, we have lost two, won two and
drawn three now. You could say the results don't really matter at this
level, but they do, because the lads and myself, we want to win, we want to
be up at the top end of the table.
"The team can change from match to match depending on the personnel you have
available. But for players like Jack Collison, Joe Widdowson, JJ (Jack
Jeffrey), James Tomkins and Zavon Hines, who are all pretty much playing
week in, week out, they all want to get the three points every time they go
out there. There is a nice consistency in performances and I believe that
goes back to last season, admitted Keen.
"Last year we were perhaps a bit young in the reserves, this season, several
of those lads have had lots more games, got another year older, a bit
stronger, both mentally and physically. We did struggle at times last year
but I think now the lads are benefiting from that experience. It was a tough
game out there, Arsenal were full of quality, but we showed what we are
about and that we have some real quality coming through too."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United R 2-2 Arsenal R FT - WHUFC
Kevin Keen's reserves played out an impressive derby draw at a chilly Boleyn
Ground
06.11.2007
Barclays Premier Reserve League South
Boleyn Ground
Referee: N Kinseley
FULL-TIME
90min - A last chance for Arsenal. Fran's corner is cleared though and
Tomkins gets the danger away.
90min - We are playing one minute of added time.
89min - Spence and Tomkins tidy up after an Arsenal attack. Hales concedes a
foul that gives the visitors another chance to go forward. An offside flag
brings that foray to an early end, however.
88min - Miller concedes a corner after Gibbs bursts forward on the left.
That man Tomkins clears again. The ball falls to Fran but his shot goes
wide. Quashie is coming off to be replaced by Ben Hunt. The midfielder has
looked sharp and combative all evening.
86min - West Ham United are keeping possession well. Stokes fires in another
shot but it is blocked.
83min - Both sides will fancy their chances going into the closing stages.
It has been a terrific game of football that has featured some impressive
play at each end.
81min - GOAL. A cracking goal by Stokes. Widdowson surged forward down the
left and crossed to the edge of the area where the midfielder connected with
an impressive volley that gave Mannone no chance.
79min - Fran is starting to dictate the play. A good surge forward finishes
with a shot that Walker comfortably saves.
76min - GOAL - Arsenal regain the lead through Randall with a close-range
finish from a low cross by Barazite. The goal was somewhat against the run
of play but the visitors have remained dangerous and carved the home defence
open with some neat passing. Rodgers is off to be replaced by Tom Cruise.
74min - Collison has led by example all evening. A sublime piece of skill
sees him control the ball and flick it over the head of Kieran Gibbs before
sending in a dipping shot that just fails to come down on target.
73min - Arsenal nearly take the lead again. A free-kick by Fran forces a
stylish palm over by Walker. From the resulting corner, Fran gets another
opportunity but cannot keep the shot on target.
72min - Hines has gone to left wing with Hales moving to the right, leaving
Collison, Quashie and Stokes as a midfield three. The substitute is playing
in a more advanced role just behind Jeffrey.
70min - Arsenal win a corner. The ball is worked to Fran who makes space
inside before firing in a shot that just misses with Walker diving
full-length.
68min - Reid is coming off to be replaced by Tony Stokes. The departing
winger has had a fine game and will hope to be in contention when the first
team go to Derby County on Saturday.
66min - The ball is cleared to Reid who races fully 60 yards deep into the
Arsenal half but his cross is wayward and goes behind for a goal-kick.
65min - Spence does well to stop a swift Arsenal counter that finished with
Van den Berg shooting on goal. Rene Steer is leaving the fray for the
visitors - to be replaced by Rui Fonte. Corner to Arsenal.
62min - Arsenal are struggling to cope with Reid. He is brought down yet
again after a good clearing header by Widdowson set him free.
60min - Outstanding play by Collison leaves two defenders in his wake. He
then gets his head up and fires in a low shot from distance that has Mannone
sprawling to save.
59min - Reid nearly puts West Ham United in front but cannot keep his shot
down.
58min - GOAL - It was coming. Spence pokes in from close range after
Quashie's superb deep cross was headed down by Tomkins. The two central
defenders combine to level matters.
57min - West Ham United are on top at the moment. A good move involving
Quashie, Collison and Jeffrey breaks down but the visitors are having to
defend. Joe Widdowson wins a free-kick in a dangerous position after he is
brought down. Quashie plays it in and the ball is cleared for a corner.
56min - A good spell for the home side. First Jeffrey is denied just as he
is about to shoot and then another Reid cross is deflected for a corner.
From the resulting set-piece, Tomkins rises highest but cannot direct his
header on target.
54min - Miller has a go from distance. It is a good effort although Mannone
is able to save with relative ease. Arsenal break swiftly and Van den Berg
has a chance from the edge of the area - only to shoot high and wide.
52min - Ashley Miller wins a corner. Can the home side draw themselves level
immediately? The answer is no as Reid's corner is cleared for a throw-on on
the other side. Arsenal then get the ball away.
50min - GOAL - Barazite finds himself with room to score from the corner of
the six-yard box. Walker had no chance to save.
49min - There are 557 fans here and they are in lively mood. Collison surges
forward and works an opening with Reid but the move breaks down on the edge
of the area.
46min - Hines and Jeffrey get us under way.
HALF-TIME
45min - Reid takes the free-kick and the ball eventually lands at the feet
of Hines from about four yards out. The No10 cannot keep the shot down and
sends the ball flying over the crossbar.
45min - Excellent play by Reid and then Collison on the left wins a late
corner. Reid and Quashie then combine to work an opening that sees the
youngster fire in a low cross that has Mannone sprawling to save. The ball
comes back to Reid who wins a free-kick after tricky play.
45min - We are playing four minutes of added time. Kevin Keen will be
delighted with the first-half performance of his side against an impressive
Arsenal side who have shown plenty of attacking intent.
43min - Reid tidies up nicely after an Arsenal move breaks down. The winger
has been a constant thorn in the home side's defence and seconds later he is
sending in another dangerous cross.
41min - Nearly the opening goal. Quashie's free-kick finds Tomkins who heads
superbly into the path of the onrushing Collison. He almost connects but the
Arsenal defence are able to scramble the ball away.
39min - Hines is down after another strong challenge sees a home free-kick
awarded. Tomkins had previously won a fierce tackle to set the West Ham
United attacker free.
38min - Another free-kick for the home team, this time on the halfway line.
Joe Widdowson lofts it forward but Arsenal deal with it and clear.
36min - Reid sends in a free-kick from a wide right position but Paul
Rodgers heads out and the ball finds its way all the way back to Walker.
34min - The contest has settled down into a cagey affair. Tomkins has not
missed a header all night whenever the ball is played up by Arsenal to Van
den Berg or Barazite.
29min - Collison goes flying in to meet Quashie's free-kick but he cannot
keep the header on target. He did well to get ahead of his marker though.
Reid returns to the fray.
28min - A swift Arsenal attack ends with Vincent Van den Berg getting a
shooting chance but the offside flag is raised. Up the other end, Reid is
down for the home side after a hefty challenge.
25min - Nacer Barazite works space on the right but his cross is comfortably
claimed by Walker. Arsenal look threatening but so far James Tomkins and
Jordan Spence have dealt with their attacks comfortably.
24min - Arsenal make an early change. Lansbury cannot continue and Mark
Randall comes on his place. The substitute has not played since
mi-September.
20min - Reid steps up and curls the free-kick over the wall but it just
misses. Lansbury is back on for the visitors.
19min - Jeffrey wins a free-kick on the edge of the area after a foul that
sees Fran booked for Arsenal. Quashie and Reid are over the set-piece.
16min - Lansbury, who made his senior-team debut for Arsenal in their 3-0
win at Sheffield United in the Carling Cup last week, is down for treatment
after a challenge with Quashie, who has been booked.
14min - Quashie is in good voice, constantly communicating with the younger
players around him. A quick break sends Reid bursting forward through the
centre and he tries his luck from 20 yards. The shot never troubles Mannone
though.
12min - Lee Hales sends in a header that clears the crossbar after a fine
cross by the lively Reid.
11min - The first corner for the home side after good build-up play by Hines
and Jeffrey. Kyel Reid sends the ball in but Vito Mannone in the Arsenal
goal claims easily.
10min - Arsenal break quickly and switch the ball to the left wing. Kieran
Gibbs races on to the ball but he cannot keep his shot on target and Walker
watches it fly wide.
5min - Henri Lansbury has the first shot of the game but it is deflected for
a corner. Fran Merida takes it but it comes to nothing.
3min - A first touch of the ball for Walker as he looks for Zavon Hines, who
has already shown up brightly up front alongside Jack Jeffrey. Both teams
are getting plenty of possession.
1min - Arsenal get us under way in their change strip of white shirts and
red shorts. They are kicking towards the Bobby Moore Stand.
KICK-OFF
6.58pm - Jack Collison leads the team out on to the pitch with no sign of
Arsenal. The home side are clearly eager to get going.
6.49pm - Both teams are warming up. It is a chilly but clear evening in east
London with a healthy turn-out of fans sitting in the Dr Martens Lower.
6.15pm - Arsenal, coached by Neil Banfield, have six players who were
involved in last week's Carling Cup win at Sheffield United, including the
highly-rated attacking trio Henri Lansbury, Fran Merida and Nacer Barazite.
All three made substitute appearances in the 3-0 victory while Kieran Gibbs
played the whole match. Goalkeeper Vito Mannone and Gavin Hoyte were both on
the bench.
6.07pm - Scotland midfielder Nigel Quashie will make his second start for
the reserves since recovering from a foot injury suffered in March. Jimmy
Walker in goal and winger Kyel Reid also have first-team experience.
6pm - Welcome to the Boleyn Ground for the third London derby in a row for
Kevin Keen's men. In their previous two outings, West Ham United have won
1-0 at home against Tottenham Hotspur and drawn 1-1 at Fulham.
Team news
West Ham United: Jimmy Walker, Ashley Miller, Joe Widdowson, Jordan Spence,
James Tomkins, Lee Hales, Jack Collison (c), Nigel Quashie (Ben Hunt 88),
Jack Jeffrey, Zavon Hines, Kyel Reid (Tony Stokes 68).
Subs not used: Bondz N'Gala, Ryan O'Neill, Robbie Blackwell
Arsenal: Vito Mannone, Gavin Hoyte (c), Paul Rodgers (Tom Cruise 76), Rene
Steer (Rui Fonte 65), Abu Ogogo, Kieran Gibbs, James Dunne, Henri Lansbury
(Mark Randall 24), Fran Merida, Nacer Barazite, Vincent van den Berg
Subs not used: Wojciech Szczesny, Luke Ayling
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collision happy with West Ham progress
tribalfooball.com - November 06, 2007
Jack Collision is delighted with the role of West Ham reserve-team captain.
"It's going really well," the 19 year-old told whufc.com. "I am trying to
pick up as much as I can from training with the first team. Because they are
all great players, I can learn so much from them. It is much more intense
and the quality obviously is a lot higher, and you have to concentrate more
and be sharper in everything you do.
"If you let things slip, you certainly know about it straight away. But
equally, the boys are also very encouraging and quick to praise you when you
have worked hard and put in the effort and this can only be helpful to me
and my game."
Collison, a tall athletic midfielder with an explosive shot, is looking to
make the most of his chance when asked to be involved with the first-team
squad. He travelled with defender James Tomkins for the 2-1 Carling Cup win
at Coventry City and was also named in the 19-man squad to face Bolton
Wanderers in the Premier League at the weekend.
He added: "For me this season the aims are to be in and around the first
team as much as I can and to make sure I put in the performances that will
keep me in the manager's eye. I have to keep working as hard as I can, try
to impress all the right people and see where that takes me. Then when my
chance comes along, I am going to grab it with both hands."
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Another Glimpse of Roeder's Motivational Skills - West Ham Till I Die
After Norwich's 3-1 defeat to Watford yesterday, Glenn Roeder put on display
his infamous man-management skills at the post-match presser…
"Players are given instructions on who to pick up at set pieces and when
they don't do that it is very disappointing. One particular player had let
us down badly and that is just not acceptable. He knows who he is."
What a guy.
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Mid Table Mediocrity - How Long Will It Be Tolerated? - West Ham Online
Admiral Lard - Tue Nov 6 2007
Last season we got the fright of our lives, no doubt Curbs and the players
dug us out of a very big hole. This season we have been beset by injuries
from pre season onward. Curbs has not once been able to play his best XI.
Despite all that we have won 7 games in total drawn 3 and lost 4. Not bad
considering the amount of talent in the treatment room. I can't help
feeling, none the less, that most are less than satisfied with the
situation. Knowing the modern Upton Parker I wasn't too surprised to hear
the boos ring out at the final whistle on Sunday. I can understand the
frustration of having a blown a game we should have finished off by half
time, however the portents are bad.
West Ham fans, it seems, already believe we should be well into the top half
despite playing with at least 6 bench/reserve team players on a regular
basis. None of our new signings has shone except Bellamy, largely because
they haven't had a decent run before breaking down again. Dyer and Foubert
were just plain bad luck, Llundberg and Parker continue where they left off
for Arsenal and Newcastle respectively, in the treatment room.
The challenge for the board is where to go from here. We have a yeoman like
manager, West Ham man through and through (Same man that said "why should I
join them when there is greater potential here?" as Charlton Manager when
Harry was sacked).
He got us out of trouble last year and deserves the opportunity to take us
on. In the summer we failed to attract high profile players other than the
injured or mentally unstable.
Should an achieving manager hove into view what would they do? Harry has far
fewer resources at Pompey and yet look at how quickly he got them ticking
again, Sven at Citteee is showing the way. Curbs doesn't seem to have the
contacts or the nous to take us forward IMHO though has to be given the
chance to play his first team with Foubert, Dyer, Ashton and Bellamy all fit
and firing.
Only then can we judge what sort of a manager he is and for the board to
judge whether they can entrust him with filling a 50-60,000 all seater
stadium. It looks as though we will be safe from relegation this season, but
that's not good enough. With a new stadium looming and the clock ticking
with our ambition of champions league football the day of judgement for
Curbs must be in May 08.
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Boa Morte stays positive despite disappointing draw - Portugoal
Portuguese forward happy to play in new position
West Ham winger Luis Boa Morte admits to being disappointed by the team's
result against Bolton at the weekend, but is keen to look forward to next
weekend's match with Derby.
The Hammers conceded a stoppage time goal at Upton Park to drop two points
against Bolton in a 1-1 draw, but with the team on a four-game undefeated
run, Boa Morte is adamant that his team-mates do not dwell on the result.
"Of course we are disappointed because we worked so hard, only to concede a
goal in the last couple of minutes," Boa Morte said. "We are not happy as we
didn't win but we have to look forward. We are four games unbeaten but we
should win these home games and wrap up the three points.
"OK we didn't lose and we got a point but we should have won. We go to Derby
next week and on Monday we are going to start thinking about them already.
We are going to go there and try to come away with the points. We know we
are capable of doing it when we play away from home and we are going to be
doing everything we can."
On an individual level, Boa Morte was asked to play on the right wing by
manager Alan Curbishley on Sunday, a role unfamiliar to the left-footer, but
the former Arsenal man says he grew into the position.
"It got better the longer the game went on," he explained. "I stepped up my
work-rate as hard as I could. I don't usually play on the right but we just
have to dig in and work as hard as we can."
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Premier League Rumour Mill: West Ham to revive Adriano offer - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:05am on 6th November 2007
West Ham intend to pump fresh life into their flagging Premier League
fortunes by signing Brazilian striker Adriano from Inter Milan. The Hammers
are struggling for consistency after being hit by a string of injuries to
their Upton Park squad and it is in attack where they have been damaged most
of all. Dean Ashton and Bobby Zamora have both been notably absentees from a
floundering attack and although Carlton Cole has worked hard up front the
goals have dried up. Adriano fancies moving to England and the Hammers could
be successful if they are prepared to splash out around £14m for the South
American.
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Ljungberg set to be fit for Sweden - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:13pm on 6th November 2007
West Ham midfielder Freddie Ljungberg is expected to join up with Sweden for
this month's Euro 2008 qualifiers against Spain and Latvia, despite his
recent calf problems. Manager Alan Curbishley said: "Hopefully, the
international break will give one or two players the chance to get
themselves fit."
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Ashton boost for Hammers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:25pm on 6th November 2007
West Ham United's Dean Ashton will be fit for a return after the
international break. Manager Alan Curbishley is desperate to boost his front
line as Carlton Cole is his only front man available, and Ashton is now back
in training after his knee ligament injury.
NEXT GAME: Saturday: Derby (a)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker suffers further injury setback - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:21pm on 6th November 2007
Injured Wales captain Craig Bellamy will miss his country's final two
European Championship qualifiers later this month. The West Ham striker is
still recovering from a recurrence of a groin problem and has missed his
club's last three matches. Bellamy made a remarkable return from a hernia
operation to play in both of Wales' last two games in Cyprus and San Marino
last month. He then played the full 90 minutes, and scored against
Sunderland on October 21, but has not played since picking up a further
groin problem. Wales have been informed Bellamy has no chance of facing the
Republic of Ireland on November 17 in Cardiff or Germany in Frankfurt on
November 21. West Ham were more than willing for Bellamy to play in the last
two internationals to allow him match practice. But Hammers boss Alan
Curbishley is now concerned about the long-term injury problems of the
former Liverpool player, and said recently: "I would like him to have a
complete 'shut-down' during the next international break."
Wales boss John Toshack has named two other players, Gareth Bale and James
Collins, who have also not played for the past few weeks due to injury.
Tottenham teenager Bale is taking longer than expected to recover from a
metatarsal injury, while West Ham's Collins has only just started running
again after damaging a calf against Cyprus. Both must be considered doubtful
for the two Wales games. Toshack has named Wigan's David Cotterill for the
first time this season after questioning his attitude and consigning him to
a spell with the Under-21s. Nottingham Forest's Arron Davies, Luton's David
Edwards and Swansea midfielder Owain Tudor Jones are all youngsters who have
been called into the squad. Brian Flynn's Under-21s to play Bosnia and
France on November 17 and 20 include West Ham reserve captain Jack Collison
for the first time, the midfielder qualifying through his grandfather, born
in Bedwellty.
Bristol City's Christian Ribeiro, 17, has also been called up for the first
time.
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West Ham To Let Spurs Ground Share Yeah Right - West Ham Fans.org
Submitted by Neville Nixon on 6 November, 2007 - 14:04.
Although the pantomime season is still a few weeks away, reports that
Tottenham are 'considering' a ground share scheme with West Ham United while
their White Hart Lane is being rebuilt really do suggest that the season has
begun a little earlier this year. You can just imagine 'one day' Ramos and
that well known TB impersonator Danny 'Wrangler' walking around the Boleyn
wondering if the seats could be converted to blue and white on match days,
while at the same time Scott Duxberry tracks them quietly arranging a nasty
accident to happen, 'Dux' still smarts from the lack of inserting a sell on
clause when Michael Carrick moved from the Boleyn to Spurs only to see
'Geordie Boy' sold for a vast profit to Ferguson United with Hammers
receiving not a penny. But seriously, sparing the grease paint, why on earth
would Hammers countenance such an arrangement? To Help those dear little
souls try to catch up with their North London betters? No surely this must
be a little bit of mischief cooked up by those intrepid souls at the Daily
Mail amongst others, it would be enough to make poor Eggert choke on his
jellied eels: boom boom! - Ed
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Inter Milan's Adriano cool on West Ham move
tribalfooball.com - November 06, 2007
Inter Milan striker Adriano is expected to turn down a new approach from
West Ham United ahead of the January market. Controcampo says West Ham are
prepared to pay £15 million to sign Adriano, who has again fallen out with
Inter management in recent days, but the Brazilian is cool on the prospect
of moving to Upton Park.
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Tottenham seek West Ham groundshare
tribalfooball.com - November 06, 2007
Tottenham are seeking to emulate the success of Arsenal's Emirates stadium.
BBC Sport says Tottenham have turned to a man who played a major role in the
development of Arsenal's Emirates Stadium to help them build a venue of
similar quality. Tony Winterbottom, formerly of the London Development
Authority, is now masterminding plans to expand Spurs' White Hart Lane
ground to about 52,000. The project would cost in the region of £300m of
which £150m would be borrowed. But it would mean Spurs vacating White Hart
Lane for two seasons, prompting a possible ground share with West Ham.
Another solution might be to share the Emirates Stadium with Arsenal but
that seems fraught with difficulty, particularly with the present rivalry
between the fans. Consequently, there is also talk of Tottenham playing some
matches at a ground outside London.
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Neill wants Hammers pay rise - The Mirror
Exclusive by Neil McLeman 06/11/2007
Lucas Neill wants a pay rise from West Ham just 10 months after joining
them. The Hammers skipper snubbed Liverpool to move to Upton Park in January
on a £60,000-aweek deal - then the top wage at the club. But Scott Parker
and Freddie Ljungberg have since joined West Ham on £75,000-a-week
contracts. And now the Australian defender, who signed a two-and-a-half year
deal when he arrived from Blackburn for £1.5million, wants parity. Talks
have started but the club are resisting increasing the £3m salary of the
29-year-old. Meanwhile, George McCartney hopes his first goal for the club
against Bolton will help persuade manager Alan Curbishley he does not need a
new left-back.
The Hammers failed in a bid to sign Nicky Shorey from Reading in the summer
- and could go back for the England defender in January. But McCartney, the
only ever present in the Hammers side this season, reckons he has earned the
chance to keep his place. "I am pleased with my form," said the Northern
Ireland international. "The manager strengthened every position during the
summer apart from left-back. "Then the fans were saying they wanted a
leftback but hopefully I've proved to them that I can play at this level .
"I hope now they might have changed their thoughts about the need to bring
someone else in."
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