The manager has revealed good news on Julien Faubert while speaking to WHUTV
28.11.2007
Julien Faubert should be back in training next week as the France winger
steps up his return from an achilles injury, Alan Curbishley has exclusively
revealed on WHUTV. Faubert was hurt in the 1-0 friendly defeat by Sigma
Olomouc on 17 July during the club's pre-season tour of Austria. It came
little more than a fortnight after he had moved to the Boleyn Ground from
Bordeaux in his homeland. George Cooper, the club's head physiotherapist,
had said a month ago that Faubert was running again and was looking to focus
on special movements designed to develop muscular power.
Speaking to WHUTV, Curbishley said: "We are expecting him back here at the
training ground next week. He has been off in a rehab clinic in the south of
France. It sounds nice but it is where the French players go to recover. He
has worked ever so hard so we are hoping he may be back in contention in the
new year. Certainly by the end of January. I would like to think if he has a
decent rehab out on the pitches then he shouldn't be far off that."
With Scott Parker, Hayden Mullins, Mark Noble and Dean Ashton all fit again,
Curbishley revealed Anton Ferdinand was still out with a hamstring injury
but there was more positive news on Lee Bowyer, who is back in full training
after a hernia operation. "I am sure he will put himself up for selection
this weekend at Chelsea," said Curbishley, who added that "Freddie Ljungberg
is fit" after missing Sunday's 1-1 draw with Tottenham Hotspur with a
migraine.
The club are looking to extend the unbeaten run to seven matches with
Saturday's away trip to Chelsea, and the manager admitted: "For the past
three or four weeks I have not had any selection problems but I certainly
have now."
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Ashton backs Kickz commitment - WHUFC
Dean Ashton and the Sky Sports cameras put the community department in the
spotlight
28.11.2007
The excellent work carried out by West Ham United in the Community has had
some high-profile television coverage.
A recent visit by Dean Ashton to a special Kickz project open day, held at
the department's training ground in Beckton, was filmed by Sky Sports for a
special feature. Backed by the Football Foundation and the Met Police
Authority, Kickz provides three sessions a week - allowing the community
staff to reach in excess of 350 youngsters each time.
Ashton saw at first hand some of the good work being done - not least a
'show racism the red card' workshop with former club favourite Leroy
Rosenior and also watched some special coaching sessions. Speaking to WHUTV,
the striker said it was great to see the efforts made to "get kids off the
street and into football".
He added: "There are some great sessions and great people. The kids really
look like they are enjoying themselves. If they weren't here, they would be
on the streets or just be at home. To get them here, get them active and
involved in football can only be good for the game and you never know there
might be some good players here.
"There were things like this when I was younger but not on this scale. I
don't think it was quite as big as it is now. It is a credit to the people
who have worked hard here that so many people come."
In turn, Andrew Morgan, the club's head of community development, paid
tribute to the support from players and coaches. He said: "For the work we
do it does help when you have role models come down whether that is Alan
Curbishley or Dean Ashton. It is fantastic for us and fantastic for the
young people."
Among those working hard to help deliver the Kickz project to the youngsters
aged between 12 and 19 is social inclusion manager Dan Godfrey. Speaking to
WHUTV, he said: "We are using football as a vehicle to overcome the
traditional barriers of crime, drugs and alcohol. We want to help youngsters
gain direction in their lives."
He added that one such success story was of a young coach called Tim, who
has "come right the way through" the scheme and has since taken his Level 1
coaching certificate. Tim is now helping to give back. "He is our future as
a department," Godfrey added. The Sky Sports cameras were particularly taken
with Tim, interviewing him and also getting him to try his hand at putting
the questions himself in a special on-air interview with Ashton.
# whufc.com will have more from Tim later in the week, while you can check
out exclusive coverage from the Kickz project over the coming days on WHUTV.
West Ham United in the Community work in a number of ways to forge strong
links through sporting and social activities with the surrounding boroughs,
districts and county councils. To read more, click here.
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Chelsea challenge fires up Solano - WHUFC
Nolberto Solano sees no reason why West Ham United cannot do well this
Saturday
28.11.2007
Nolberto Solano says full concentration will be required when West Ham
United go to Chelsea looking to upset the odds and claim an away victory.
The west London club have not lost a home league fixture since 21 February
2004 and are bidding to make it 70 consecutive games unbeaten at Stamford
Bridge this Saturday. Although Chelsea have come out on top in the last five
home and away meetings between the teams, West Ham United fans will dream of
a repeat of a 3-2 away success on 28 September 2002, a victory inspired by a
memorable two goals from Paolo Di Canio.
Hoping to inspire the Hammers in similar fashion this weekend will be
Solano, a gifted performer who has added welcome creativity and composure to
Alan Curbishley's side in recent weeks. Proof of that was his match-turning
debut appearance last month as a substitute in the 3-1 home win against
Sunderland before scoring with a wonderful free-kick in the 5-0 success away
to Derby County.
"I am looking forward to Chelsea," the former Newcastle United midfielder
said. "It is always a big game. It is going to be tough because Chelsea are
racing for the title. They don't want to drop points and always expect to
take the three points. But if we concentrate, play to 100 per cent of our
best and give everything then we have got a good chance of getting a
result."
Solano is more renowned for his assist-making than his goalscoring and his
thoughtful play was very much in evidence in the 1-1 draw against Tottenham
Hotspur last Sunday. Played in by a clever reverse pass by Luis Boa Morte,
Solano burst through on the right and bore down on Paul Robinson's goal.
Just as most at the Boleyn Ground expected a shot from a tight angle, the
Peruvian played a perfect pass across goal for the unmarked Carlton Cole to
score.
Despite that superb team goal, Tottenham were able to battle back well for a
point, leaving Solano frustrated. "In the first half, we did quite well," he
said. "We created a few chances and we should probably have closed the game.
We tried our best and we are a little bit disappointed at the end. Still, it
is not easy to play against Spurs. They are a good side and have very high
quality players. We tried to work hard and to win.
"We were in a great position but that's what happens. In a derby, it is
always going to be difficult. They are a good side but I believe the team
can still do much better." Chelsea will be another capital clash and Solano
expects the travelling supporters to be in full voice again as they were at
the weekend. "The fans were really behind us," he said. "I am used to
playing derbies with Newcastle against Sunderland. I know how special it is
for the fans and they do not want to lose these games."
Solano had 20 minutes on Sunday in midfield alongside former Newcastle
colleague Scott Parker, who had come on as substitute, before making way
himself in the closing stages. Along with another former team-mate Lee
Bowyer, who is returning to fitness after a hernia operation, the trio have
plenty of experience of each other's games. The 32-year-old believed having
players like Parker and Bowyer back in contention could only be positive.
"It is nice to see Scott Parker back, it is nice to see everybody," he said.
"It is better for the team. When you have a big squad it is difficult for
the manager but it is better to have every player fit. That is the most
important thing because we need to try and do well. We want to finish in the
top eight if we can." Chelsea away will surely be a true test of those
ambitions but Solano knows success comes by setting sights high.
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We've got Harry Redknapp on H Wing - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 28th November 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Former West Ham manager and England hopeful Harry Redknapp has been arrested
by police investigating corruption in football.
Redknapp - who managed the Hammers between 1994 and 2001 - was arrested
yesterday along with former West Ham employee Peter Storrie in relation to
the corruption investigation.
The 60-year-old Poplar-born manager was questioned at Chichester Police
Station, close to his home in Poole. The charges are understood to relate to
events which occured long after Redknapp had been sacked by West Ham in the
summer of 2001.
Also arrested in connection with the investigation were former Portsmouth
Chairman Milan Mandaric, Redknapp's favourite agent Willie McKay and former
Portsmouth midfielder Andy Faye.
McKay was involved in a number of transfers involving West Ham United during
Redknapp's seven year tenure in East London. Redknapp has previously denied
any knowledge of sweeteners being paid to football managers.
Storrie, the former MD at West Ham was similarly dismissed from his position
in East London. After leaving West Ham he spent time at Southend United and
Notts County before joining up with Redknapp once again at Portsmouth under
Mandaric.
Harry Redknapp has been touted as a possible successor to the departed Steve
McClaren as head coach of the England national team.
However the timing of the release of this news - which, if not deliberate,
would represent a huge coincidence - would appear to scupper any chance
Redknapp had of realising that particular dream.
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Faubert eyes return - SSN
Frenchman expected for training next week
By Carla Hilton Last updated: 28th November 2007
West Ham winger Julien Faubert is expected to be back in training next week
and could be returning to action in the first team as early as January.
Faubert, who joined West Ham in the summer, picked up an Achilles injury
shortly after his move and has been sidelined ever since. But Hammers boss
Alan Curbishley says he is hopeful the 24-year-old will be back in action
soon. "We are expecting him back here at the training ground next week,"
said Curbishley. "He has been off in a rehab clinic in the South of France,"
he added. "It sounds nice but it is where the French players go to recover.
"He has worked hard, ever so hard so we are hoping he may be back in
contention in the New Year. Certainly by the end of January."
The Hammers boss will also welcome the return of Dean Ashton and Scott
Parker who are both nearing full fitness after suffering knee injuries. Both
players came on as substitutes in the Hammers' 1-1 draw with Spurs at the
weekend as well as playing 90 minutes for the reserves in their win over
Derby days later.
"Both of them got 90 minutes, both of them are looking a lot better and it
will be in the bank," said Curbishley. "They are nearer full fitness."
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A View From Stamford Bridge - A Chelsea Fans View - West Ham Online
Match Reporter - Wed Nov 28 2007
What do you expect from Chelsea this season?
Expectations changed dramatically when Jose was sacked in September, I
started the season dreaming of a Champions League/Premier League double,
went through a short period where simply qualification for next years
Champions League seemed all I could hope for, and now think I'll settle for
one major trophy (and yes, I am aware how smug that sounds - we've really
been spoiled the past few years).
Who have been your star men this season?
Carvalho has been immense in holding together a constantly changing back
five, we're only fortunate that his injury has coincided with Terry's return
to fitness. Cech has recovered from an uncharacteristically shaky start and
for all of Cudicini's qualities - can't return too soon. Drogba's form has
continued from last year (shame about his mouth though) and of course your
"favourite son" Frank Lampard has returned from injury to play at a high
level very quickly.
Who do you think shouldn't be in your starting 11?
It's an obvious answer, but you can't look much further than Shevchenko.
How did you rate your performances so far this season?
We're winning more than we perhaps expected to at this stage in Grants
reign, but I think we all feel there's more to come.
Is Avram Grant bringing more style and flair to the side and can playing a
more attractive way bring the same kind of success you've had in recent
years?
He's clearly been briefed to play a more expansive game, and there's no
reason that it can't work. It took Mourinho's "winning above all" mentality
to turn us from underachievers to Champions, and now he's done the work,
there's no reason that another manager can't take it on. Whether Avram
Grant's the man to do that remains to be seen.
What do you make of your new 3 man management team?
We'll judge them by results and performances at the end of the season - it's
too soon to say.
We all know the success Jose Mourinho brought to Chelsea, was he unfairly
treated by the owner and board?
Possibly, but it was kind of inevitable from the start that he'd depart in
acrimonious circumstances.
How would it go down with the Chelsea faithful if Jose Mourinho took the
England job?
We'd be absolutely delighted - the man's clearly a winner, and let's face it
if he's managing England, then he's not managing one of our direct rivals
and that has to be a good thing!
John Terry and Frank Lampard have joined the £100,000+ a week earners. Do
you feel they held the club to ransom and do you agree with the amount of
wages you're paying to certain players?
Not at all - they're paid what the market says they're worth. The figures
are so large that it's easy to lose focus, but if you heard that someone at
one of your competitors was doing the same job as you, as well as you and
being paid more than you, wouldn't you use that knowledge to get your own
pay rise?
Drogba recently said he regretted joining Chelsea and has been very vocal
since Mourinho left. How has that gone down?
There's a long history of players with French backgrounds whinging to the
media, so long as the big man's performing on the pitch, then that'll do for
now.
Are you worried that the amount of clubs now under new wealthy owners could
spell the end of your guaranteed top 4 spot?
We're still in wonderland at the past three years progress, so don't worry
too much about what the future may bring.
Do you fear for the long term future of Chelsea? And what do you think will
happen to the club should Roman walk away?
See my previous answer - we've lived with an uncertain long term future for
35 years now, so in some senses, nothing much has changed.
Jose Mourinho recently described Chelsea fans as soft, pampered middle class
types. Without doubt Chelsea do seem to have attracted more of the new type
of fans then anyone else. Is that tag fair?
Yes, unfortunately so, and it's up to the "long term" hardcore to respond to
initiatives like "Return to the Shed" and bring some of the old atmosphere
back.
Do you think Chelsea has become a soulless club over the past few years?
It's a very corporate place these days, which has pro's and con's, but how
much of a "soul" did it have under the previous owner?
Is there a place for things such as Marco Pierre White's restaurant at
football grounds and is it just another sign the game is pricing out the
working class man?
With the ground situated where it is, then why not make the most of it? The
chippy on the Kings Road is still there and still going a great pie and
chips if that's what you prefer.
It's £45/£48 in the away end Saturday, are the ticket prices out of control?
Yes, but like sheep we still come
What's your view on the Carlos Tevez affair?
He's an ugly bugger!
How do you think West Ham will do this season?
You've got some great players and your 'keeper should have been between the
sticks last week at Wembley - discipline will be the key to your success or
lack of it.
What West Ham players worry you most?
None - we've enough class to impose our game on you.
What do you think of Carlton Cole and was he given a fair crack of the whip
at Chelsea?
I first saw him aged 15, scoring a hat-trick for the juniors against Arsenal
and he looked the real deal. Football today, and particularly Chelsea today
say's you don't get long to make an impression, and in the past he's not
worked hard enough. I hope he does continue his progress with you, because
somewhere in there is a fine striker.
How do you view West Ham fans?
If I hear one more time where you're going to stick our blue flag then I'll
scream - get a new song for us eh?!
What are you favourite flavour crisps (site joke)?
Scampi flavoured fries - don't you just love it when your fingers smell all
fishy (dodgy joke in return!)
Prediction?
1-0 to us
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Jeroen tribute evening proves a big success - Newham Recorder
28 November 2007
FORMER team-mates and friends of Jeroen Boere joined over 160 guests for a
fund-raising evening in aid of his son Brandon. The ex-Hammers' striker, who
was working as an estate agent in Spain, tragically committed suicide in
August. His one-time strike partner, Tony Cottee, hosted the evening at
Sawbridgeworth's Manor of Groves Hotel, where the raffle and auction of
memorabilia raised a substantial amount for young Brandon. Other ex-players
attending the evening were Kenny Brown, who played with Boere at West Ham,
Ray Houghton, an old Crystal Palace colleague and 60s West Ham star, Eddie
Bovington, who knew Boere after his playing days. Each paid tribute to the
late Dutch player, as did Recorder and West Ham club photographer Steve
Bacon, another of the invited guests.
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Deano makes it a double in rout - Newham Recorder
28 November 2007
FA PREMIER
RESERVE LEAGUE
Derby 0 West Ham 8
DEAN ASHTON struck twice to help the Hammers reserves to an 8-0 mauling of a
hapless Derby at Burton Albion FC on Monday night. The former Norwich
striker certainly staked his claim for a starting berth for Saturday's derby
clash with Chelsea by playing the entire 90 minutes, leading the line
brilliantly and bagging a brace. Scott Parker also got a full game as the
Hammers' second string ran riot against the Rams. Kyel Reid broke the
deadlock for Kevin Keen's men in the 20th minute, sprinting down the left
wing before cutting inside and firing home. Minutes later and it was 2-0 as
the excellent Parker played in Ashton who rounded the Derby keeper before
slotting home. Ashton then doubled his tally with a fine header from a Jack
Collison cross before Collison himself got on the end of a Hogan Ephraim
centre to make it 4-0 at the break. Ephraim had a major part to play in
number five too as it was his low cross that was put into his own net by
Derby's Keane. The visitors were in irresistible form and it wasn't long
before Ephraim got the goal that his performance deserved, taking an Ashton
pass in his stride before netting. On the half hour mark, coah Keen
introduced Junior Stanislas and he was to have an instant impact, firing
home from long range and completing the rout with a header from a Reid
cross.
* Meanwhile, West Ham reserves star Tony Stokes has agreed to join Stevenage
Borough on a two-month loan.
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Injury-free Upson looks to England - newham Recorder
28 November 2007
MATTHEW UPSON has set his sights on an England recall after finally seeming
to have shaken off the injury demons that have been haunting him since his
arrival at Upton Park, writes LUKE WILSON. The former Arsenal centre half
has struggled to recapture the form that encouraged Alan Curbishley to
splash out £6million on him back in January and spent more time in the
treatment room than on the pitch for the Hammers last season. However, with
13 league starts to his name so far this campaign, Upson remains ever
hopeful that his solid performances in the heart of the West Ham defence
will force the hand of the incoming national boss, whoever that may be.
"It's something that's a massive target for me," he admitted after Sunday's
hard-fought 1-1 draw with fierce rivals Spurs. "It would be a great personal
achievement for me to make another squad and play for England again. "It's
been three years or so since my last cap but for me, it's all about changing
people's opinion of me. "I think I'm doing that every week with the way I'm
playing, the things I'm working on and the style that I'm trying to play
with. "Hopefully, whoever takes over will wipe the slate clean and give
everyone the opportunity to get in the squad on their current form in the
Premier League."
With Jamie Carragher having retired from the international scene and both
John Terry and Rio Ferdinand, like Upson, having had their fair share of
fitness battles, the door could be open for the 28-year-old to add to the
seven caps he has been handed by his country thus far. Upson is seemingly
unworried as to who takes over the running of the national side, hoping
instead that whoever does will haul England out of the doldrums following
their dismal attempt to qualify for next summer's European Championships.
"It should be the best man for the job, English, European, whatever - it
makes no difference," he mused.
"The one thing that needs to be looked at is the selection process the
chiefs at the FA will go through to get the right person - that's crucial.
"They need to have a criteria and a formula of what they want to get out of
the England manager and what they think is going to be successful. "There
are people willing to give their expertise in that area to make sure that
person is the right one."
The Hammers centre half also believes that it can only be a matter of time
until team-mate Rob Green is picked for his country, while drawing technical
comparisons between the Hammers stopper and a certain former England keeper.
"I don't think he's going to have to do too much," he said. "There's
obviously going to be changes, I think the way he's playing and if he can
maintain that form, then he'll be in the squad sooner or later. He's really
performing to a top level at the moment. "I played in front of David Seaman
quite a few times and you can see there is a likeness there as they're both
quite calm. "At the moment, Robert is being very commanding, mentally he's
in a good place, his kicking is good and his whole game is really looking
solid. "If you look at the recent goalkeeper situation with England it would
make sense that he should be in the squad, maybe even first choice."
Upson meanwhile just seems delighted with his return to regular first team
action and knows exactly what he has to do make an international return.
"I'm pleased with how things are going. I'm working hard on being
consistent, getting better and working on the things I need to in order to
improve myself," he revealed. "So I've got some targets that I want to meet
and I'm working hard to achieve those."
Whether his industry will be rewarded with an England call-up any time soon
remains to be seen but Upson has always been a driven individual and will
keep striving to better himself each and every day.
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Faubert ready to return - ViewLondon.co.uk
West Ham United winger Julien Faubert is set to return to training next week
for the first time since he injured his Achilles tendon in pre-season. The
Frenchman has yet to play a competitive match for the Hammers since signing
for the club from Bordeaux in the summer. He was hurt during the 1-0
friendly defeat to Sigma Olomouc on July 17th during the club's tour of
Austria and initial estimations suggested he could be out for up to six
months. Speaking to the club's official TV channel WHUTV, manager Alan
Curbishley said he expects the midfielder to rejoin his team-mates at
training in the next seven days and has pencilled in a return to the
first-team within two months. "We are expecting him back here at the
training ground next week," said Curbishley. "He has been off in a rehab
clinic in the south of France. It sounds nice but it is where the French
players go to recover. "He has worked ever so hard so we are hoping he may
be back in contention in the new year, certainly by the end of January. "I
would like to think if he has a decent rehab out on the pitches then he
shouldn't be far off that."
In addition to the return of Faubert, Curbishley also confirmed that a
number of the Hammers' other injury worries are now returning to the
first-team fold.
Scott Parker, Hayden Mullins, Mark Noble and Dean Ashton are all reported to
be fully match-fit and are back in contention for selection ahead of this
weekend's London derby against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
© Adfero Ltd
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Old pals' act that survived fallout from Upton Park - The Times
Nick Szczepanik
When Harry Redknapp said "I don't have anything to do with transfers" at one
of the weekly press conferences at Portsmouth's training ground in Eastleigh
last year, it was to general amusement and incredulity until he added:
"Peter Storrie handles all that." Then it made sense.
Redknapp and Storrie, the Portsmouth chief executive, go back a fair way.
The two worked together at West Ham United, where Storrie was chief
executive, then director of football until his contract was terminated by
the club in April 1999.
Although Redknapp was accused of engineering Storrie's dismissal over the
sale of Andrew Impey, the defender, Redknapp said: "We have had one argument
in six years working together. We were going back out socially with our
wives two days after that all blew up. Peter has been great for West Ham. He
played a major role in establishing our youth academy and he has backed me
and my staff all the way."
Some were pleased to see Storrie leave Upton Park after his role in the
ill-judged bond scheme that provoked fierce protests. He moved to Southend
United and Notts County before joining Portsmouth in early 2002, becoming
chief executive in late February. Redknapp was director of football and the
chairman was Milan Mandaric, who was also arrested yesterday.
All three were in for some interesting times. Last year, for example, they
were asked by the FA Compliance Unit to explain why "certain names" appeared
on a printout by Betfair of punters who made money betting on Redknapp's
"surprise" return from Southampton to Portsmouth in December 2005.
But when Mandaric handed Portsmouth over to Alexandre Gaydamak last year,
Storrie became the public face of the board, with Gaydamak making few public
statements. Storrie's profile was further raised in June when he was invited
to serve as a member of the FA Council.
"It is good recognition for the club, so I am delighted to be asked to serve
as a member," he said. It may also be the type of embarrassment the FA would
be glad to have avoided.
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West Ham boss Curbishley slams reserves comp
tribalfootball.com - November 28, 2007
West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley has slammed the Premiership reserves
competition. Curbishley has questioned the wisdom of the reserve league
after Scott Parker and Dean Ashton had to make a 250-mile round trip to play
for the second string at Derby on Monday. He said: "It makes you wonder
about the reserve league, but they needed the game." On Parker and Ashton,
Curbishley added: "Both of them got 90 minutes, both of them are looking a
lot better and it will be in the bank. They are nearer full fitness."
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Colchester remain keen on West Ham's Ephraim
tribalfootball.com - November 28, 2007
Colchester remain interested in West Ham United winger Hogan Ephraim. The
Daily Mail says Colchester have confirmed they are interested in Ephraim.
The 19-year-old winger spent most of last season on loan at Layer Road.
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West Ham's Solano: Parker return big boost
tribalfooball.com - November 28, 2007
West Ham United midfielder Nobby Solano says Scott Parker's return from
injury is a huge boost. "It is nice to see Scott Parker back, it is nice to
see everybody," he told whufc.com. "It is better for the team. When you have
a big squad it is difficult for the manager but it is better to have every
player fit. That is the most important thing because we need to try and do
well. We want to finish in the top eight if we can."
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