Lucas Neill is enjoying life at West Ham United as he prepares to face old
friends
08.12.2007
Lucas Neill has spoken of his pride at being captain of West Ham United as
he returns to former club Blackburn Rovers on Sunday afternoon.
The defender has been hugely influential at the Boleyn Ground since his
January arrival from Ewood Park, helping his new club engineer a remarkable
recovery at the end of last season before playing his part in this
campaign's consistent form. Reflecting on his switch south, Neill,said:
"Here I am today leading what I feel is a very big club. Pound for pound, a
much bigger club than Blackburn but ultimately I have got a huge
responsibility with that. I am still learning but I am relishing the
opportunity."
Neill has fond memories of his time with Blackburn, despite the welcome he
got from some supporters when he first went back in March for a 2-1 away win
that paved the way for seven wins from the last nine games. "You always like
to go back to your old club," he said. "Last year it was the start of our
revival, our survival. It was the first game we had won in a while and it
was a very indifferent reception, a very negative reception, I got. I
suppose I got the last laugh."
The Australian defender also was at pains to pay tribute to Mark Hughes, one
of the game's leading coaches who Neill feels could go all the way in
management. "Footballing wise I think it is going to be, apart from Chelsea
last week, our hardest game to date. It is a compliment to Mark Hughes and
his staff because whenever you play Blackburn you know you've been in a
game. They top the stats in stamina, in sprints and you always know you've
earned your points or you've earned your performance."
Hughes had a lasting impact on Neill, imparting the experience of a playing
career that took in four of Europe's biggest clubs in Manchester United,
Barcelona, Bayern Munich and Chelsea as well as international coaching with
Wales. "[He] made me a better professional and I was prepared for anything
when I left. We had a good heart to heart the day I was leaving and we both
shook hands. He gave me his blessing and we both wished each other good
luck."
That decision to leave was fuelled by a hunger for a fresh challenge. "I had
six years at Blackburn and I needed a change of scenery because I felt I had
been at the club as long as I could be and given the best I could give them.
I needed to change where I was just to sharpen myself up again because I was
too comfortable in my surroundings. And I didn't want to get stale and put
in performances that were just average or mediocre.
"I needed to go and give myself new challenges and new people to impress and
new team-mates - to get myself stimulated again. That's why I was
disappointed with the reception I got from Blackburn because I had given
them six years of missing four games a season and never missed a day's
training." With Blackburn in the past, it is West Ham United who are feeling
the benefit of Neill's leadership qualities and he is excited about what is
happening with the club.
"We are equipped in all areas of the field. I suppose the way we have
started the season - January will almost feel like we have got three or four
new signings because we have got so many people just starting to do their
rehabilitation on the field. By the time January comes again they will be
close, if not match-fit. No doubt the manager will have nice problems with
team selection and it will just raise the level of competition for places
out on the training ground which will be great.
"Hopefully that will inspire us to kick on a little bit. I feel we have just
gone into a bit of limbo of late, not picking up enough points and maybe
leaving a few points out on the field." As well as the league focus, Everton
arrive in the Carling Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday, and Neill is
determined to go all the way to February's final - especially having missed
out on Blackburn's League Cup triumph in 2002 because he was cup-tied. The
chance to lead West Ham United out at Wembley little more than a year after
his arrival would be just reward for a man who is relishing every minute of
his new experience.
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Last word before Blackburn - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley has paid tribute to his skipper in his final update before
Sunday afternoon
08.12.2007
Alan Curbishley will send his players out to face Blackburn Rovers on Sunday
knowing that in Lucas Neill he has "an ideal captain".
The Australia full-back was just what the manager was looking for last
January when he was hunting for experienced players to help the club's
survival fight. "We bought in somebody very experienced, someone who could
take the pressure of one or two people. He has been there and done it and
that's why I saw him as an ideal captain."
Curbishley also acquired England defender Matthew Upson at the same time as
Neill. Both men picked up injuries on their debuts but Neill was able to get
back in the side for the last eleven games - including the key matches that
ultimately led to avoiding relegation. "I brought Lucas in because there
were three full-backs at the club but they hadn't pinned down the position.
Jonathan Spector, who I knew very well because of Charlton, Tyrone Mears and
John Pantsil and it just seemed no one had pinned it down. I was looking for
a very experienced player to come in and Lucas was available. We worked hard
to get him.
"Lucas came to us and immediately had an impact on the dressing room and an
impact at the ground. That's what I wanted, I wanted to take the pressure of
[Nigel] Reo-Coker as well a little bit. Although Lucas wasn't the captain,
he came in and took a lot of weight of people's shoulders and that's
something we needed. It left people to get on with their football -
especially Nigel, and in the last ten games he was instrumental as much as
anybody else."
Another to have played their part in last season's heroics was Bobby Zamora
and Curbishley followed up on positive injury news by declaring that "he is
in my plans but I have got to wait for him to get fit". The striker has been
out since the end of August with a knee injury but the manager was also
mindful of expecting too much. "He has obviously been out three months and
has got to a bit to do to get back," he added.
Curbishley said he was happy with his squad - particularly as key summer
signings like midfielders Scott Parker and Freddie Ljungberg are fully fit,
while winger Julien Faubert, yet to play a game, has returned to the club
after recovering from his achilles injury in France. Lee Bowyer and Mark
Noble are also in contention after hernia operations while Anton Ferdinand
is close after his hamstring trouble.
"I have got a big squad," Curbishley said, adding also that Craig Bellamy's
progress from an abdominal injury would be monitored closely in the next few
days. "If we hadn't carried a big squad, we probably would have been down to
playing inexperienced players and at the wrong time. If you are going to put
young players in, they have got to go in when the squad is strong. But we
have not had to do that. Experienced players have picked it up and got on
with it."
They will be expected to do so again on Sunday and the manager was at pains
to stress that although the three games in six days - with Everton at home
in the Carling Cup and league on Wednesday and Saturday respectively - were
all key contests, he was going to take it one step at a time. "I am sure the
team that plays against Blackburn will change in the next couple of games. I
am going for the league result at Blackburn because we need to get three
points - we haven't won for a couple of games and we need to get the
strongest possible side out."
That said, there was no denying that the midweek encounter was not an
alluring one. "We have attacked the Carling Cup. I think our fans demand
that it is a competition that we have a go at. If we get through on
Wednesday, it will change the whole complexion of West Ham - everyone will
be looking forward to that and it will be a good night."
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Blackburn Rovers match preview - WHUFC
All the latest team news and background for Sunday's away trip
08.12.2007
Barclays Premier League
Blackburn Rovers v West Ham United
Sunday 9 December
Kick-off: 4pm
Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire)
WHUTV - Full live match commentary. See Lucas Neill and Alan Curbishley
speaking at the pre-match press conference and hear the expert view of Tony
Gale. Click here to login or register.
Team news
Lee Bowyer and Mark Noble are bidding for a place in the 16 after missing
out on the 1-0 defeat by Chelsea. Both have had hernia operations recently
with Curbishley admitting Bowyer was "touch and go" while the return of
Scott Parker and the form of Hayden Mullins has left Noble facing stiff
competition. The manager will also have to decide whether to hand Freddie
Ljungberg and Dean Ashton starting roles after coming off the bench last
weekend. James Collins is also waiting in the wings behind Matthew Upson and
Danny Gabbidon.
With the treatment room clearing, the squad has been further boosted by the
arrival of France winger Julien Faubert to Chadwell Heath to continue his
rehabilitation from an achilles injury while Anton Ferdinand is closing on a
training return after hamstring trouble. Bobby Zamora has made progress with
his knee problems and there are hopes he could be back in training before
the end of the year while Craig Bellamy's abdominal injury continues to keep
him out.
Carlton Cole is one caution away from a one-game ban, meaning a yellow card
on Sunday would rule him out of Wednesday's visit of Everton in the Carling
Cup quarter-finals. Captain Lucas Neill will return to the club where he
made 227 appearances between September 2001 and January 2007.
Blackburn will be without in-form midfielder David Bentley after he picked
up his fifth caution of the campaign in scoring two goals in last Saturday's
3-1 home win against Newcastle United - while defender Ryan Nelsen also
completes his three-match suspension. Blackburn have no injury problems
though with Steven Reid and Robbie Savage both coming back from long-term
absences.
Just 19 players have been used by the club in the Barclays Premier League
this season, the fewest total of any of the 20 participating teams. That
settled squad has led to plenty of competition for places. Not least in
attack with Matt Derbyshire and Jason Roberts itching to get in ahead of
established duo Benni McCarthy and Roque Santa Cruz.
Background
This fixture last season was crucial to West Ham United's survival fight. On
17 March, Rovers took the lead through Christopher Samba's 47th-minute
strike. However, Carlos Tevez drew the visitors level with a 71st-minute
penalty before a Bobby Zamora shot struck Tevez on the line four minute
later and was adjudged by the referee to have crossed the line. That win was
the first of seven in the last nine games of the season for Curbishley's
side as they secured survival on the final day of the campaign.
West Ham United go into the game with just one defeat in their last seven
games, that reverse at Chelsea that most neutrals felt was harsh on the
visitors. The club have not conceded more than two goals in a game since the
3-1 defeat at Newcastle United on 23 September - the longest run of any team
in the Barclays Premier League. Curbishley's men go into the game knowing
that victory would see them take on Everton in the cup in tenth position in
the table and they have still not lost this season in any match where they
have taken the lead
A win would also take the club within four points of Blackburn, who
themselves are looking to challenge for a place in the top six. Rovers' win
last weekend was their first in five Premier League outings but they have a
good record against London teams - having not lost to a capital club in
eight contests since the home defeat by West Ham United last season. The
club go to Wigan Athletic next weekend before their own last-eight date in
the Carling Cup against Arsenal on Tuesday 18 December.
George McCartney is bidding to make his 18th appearance this season in all
competitions - and is the only West Ham United player who has featured in
every game to date, starting in each one. In terms of the Barclays Premier
League, only Robert Green and Matthew Upson have played every minute of the
14 matches. Bowyer is the club's top league scorer with four goals, while
Matthew Etherington has three in the top-flight this campaign. Cole has six
assists to his name.
McCarthy is Blackburn's leading scorer this season with eight goals, five in
the top flight. Only Brad Friedel has featured in every minute of the club's
league and cup games this season.
Head to head (Last six Premier League meetings)
17 March 2007 - Blackburn Rovers 1-2 West Ham United
29 October 2006 - West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
10 December 2005 - Blackburn Rovers 3-2 West Ham United
13 August 2005 - West Ham United 3-1 Blackburn Rovers
29 January 2003 - West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers
28 December 2002 - Blackburn Rovers 2-2 West Ham United
General information
Weather: The forecast for Sunday is for a cold and wet day. The temperature
is expected to be around 6C.
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Pay on the door at Ewood - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 8th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
West Ham supporters will be able to pick up tickets for tomorrow's game with
Blackburn on the gate. Connect Point, a PR firm acting on behalf of
Blackburn Rovers have asked KUMB to point out that supporters currently
without tickets will be able to purchase them at Ewood Park tomorrow. Prices
for the game, which is also being broadcast live on Sky, are £20 for adults,
£10 for seniors and £7 for juniors. West Ham are no longer selling tickets
for the match.
For any further ticket enquiries, call the Rovers ticket office hotline on
0870 112 2700.
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Curbs denies Zamora link - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 7th December 2007
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has denied rumours suggesting that Bobby Zamora could be on
his way to Fulham. Stories earlier this week suggested that the West
Londoners were set to bid up to £5m for the former Brighton striker, who has
made just four appearances for the Hammers this season. But Curbishley has
denied that the 26-year-old is going anywhere. "Bobby is very much in my
plans," he said. "He just hasn't been fit. "The problem is that his knee
keeps swelling up. We've had an operation and done all sorts and it's only
now that he's working and it's not swelling. "We're hopeful he gets through
the next week or so and then he could manage to be back in full training."
Meanwhile Anton Ferdinand - who recently escaped a possible jail sentence -
is also expected to be back in contention for a first team place shortly.
The 22-year-old centre-half has been out of action since pulling a hamstring
late on in the 2-1 Carling Cup win at Coventry at the end of October.
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Blackburn Rovers vs West Ham United - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 8th December 2007
By: Matthew Coker
After last week's trip to Stamford Bridge, the Premier League fixture list
hands us a second successive weekend on the road. It's time to don your
thermal Georgie Best and pack up your hip flask and laser pen as we head to
Lancashire to take on Blackburn Rovers in the weekend's 4pm Super Sunday
fixture.
Our opponents are eight in the league, two places and seven points above us,
though we have a game in hand. Their home record has seen them win four from
eight including last weekend's 3-1 victory over Newcastle but they have been
beaten by Aston Villa (4-0) and Portsmouth at Ewood Park. Prior to their
defeat at Old Trafford last month, they were being congratulated for being
the side that could mix it with the big four, though they did not actually
beat any of them having drawn with Chelsea, Arsenal and Liverpool.
Arte et Labore
Our opponent's club motto is a translation of "by skill and labour" and the
team have embodied that description with their performances this season,
continuing from last year's good campaign. The Arte side comes from a side
containing a number of skilled players who are comfortable on the ball
including the likes of David Bentley, David Dunn and striker, Roque Santa
Cruz. By contrast, they are a very hardworking unit that contain a few water
carriers such as Aaron Mokoena and Robbie Savage, who are adept at making of
a nuisance of themselves and generally making life difficult for their
opponents.
The side is very much in mould of manager, Mark Hughes, who was a skilled
and technically excellent striker in his playing days, but nevertheless one
capable of dealing with and dishing out the physical side of the game.
If the newspapers are to be believed, Hughes joins Harry Redknapp on the
list of Premier League managers that are currently wanted for questioning.
However, where it is the City of London police that are after Harry, it is
those in charge of appointments that are trying to talk to Hughes and he has
been linked with the Sp*rs job, the England job and is often suggested as a
replacement for Fergie as the future Man Yoo boss.
Such rumours have stemmed from his steering Blackburn from flirting with
relegation to regular UEFA cup qualification and cup semi final appearances
all delivered with a much lower transfer budget than many of his
contemporaries. He has recently signed a three year deal at Ewood Park,
which at least guarantees Rovers a pay off if any of the rumours turn out to
have some substance.
"I like the money, but of course teachers should get more than us."
Footballer talks sense shocker. Brad Friedel.
The talk, a couple of seasons ago, about who was going to replace Brad
Friedel in the Blackburn goal have proved to a be a little premature as he
continues to play at his usual, consistently top class level, even at the
age of 36. He remains, in particular an acrobatic shot stopper and has been
one of Rovers best performers in the current campaign.
The back four will be missing centre back, Ryan Nelsen, sitting this one out
as a result of the red card he received against Aston Villa. This means that
right back, Andre Ooijer will partner the man mountain, Christopher Samba in
the middle with Brett Emerton filling the right back role. Stephen Warnock,
who has also been in good form this season, should start at left back.
There are a few choices to be made in the midfield, though one name missing
from the starting line up will be David Bentley, due to picking up five
yellow cards. Fully rested after ducking out of last summer's U21 European
Championship, he has displayed flashes of creative brilliance this season,
not least with the two goals he put past Newcastle last weekend, so his
absence will be to our advantage.
The shuffling around to cover Nelsen's absence last weekend, saw Bentley on
the right (to cover Emerson's normal job), Mokoena on the left and Dunn and
veteran Turk, Tugay, paired up in the centre of midfield. There are other
options in this area including Stephen Reid, who is highly rated by the
club's supporters and has featured from the bench as he continues his return
from a one man injury list that would make Darren Anderton jealous (back,
knee, then hamstring in succession). Morten Gamst Pedersen is also
available, but his recent disinterested performances mean that does not
currently command a starting place and Robbie Savage will probably make the
bench as injuries have prevented him getting a run of many games together.
There is also plenty to choose from up front, with several strikers on the
payroll. In respect of goals, it is Benni McCarthy who has netted the most
Premier League strikes for Blackburn, with five this campaign so far.
Despite his excellent scoring record since arriving (only Drogba topped his
tally last year), his contribution tends to divide the supporters.
His ability to put the ball in the net is unquestioned, but in the world of
the modern striker, who is expected to contribute with runs down the channel
and all round play, McCarthy can appear slightly lazy. This, coupled with
periods during this season when he has played way below the level that he is
capable of and the come and get me signals he gives out to bigger clubs mean
Benni is not as close to the fans affections as his ability would suggest.
Nevertheless, he is one to keep a close eye on at the weekend.
He is likely to be partnered by the festive sounding, Roque Santa Cruz, who
has impressed the supporters with his commitment to the cause and his
ability on the ball. He is physically a handful, though a tally of just two
league strikes to date demonstrate that he is having a bit of a drought at
the moment. Back up comes from Jason Roberts, who has impressed from the
bench in recent outings, though has yet to register a league goal.
Expectations at Ewood
Despite the result at Chelsea last week, there is no doubt that our good
away form has continued. Once again, we were well prepared for the opponents
and had done our homework in identifying their strengths, a theme that seems
to be recurring on many of our away trips.
There were several excellent performances at Stamford Bridge, not least from
our two centre backs, who for the second successive week were immense. This
does bring me to my first worry as this is the traditional time of year for
Danny Gabbidon to get injured and be ruled out for the Christmas fixtures, a
ritual that I hope gets skipped this year.
With the advent calendars coming out, I am starting to get in the Christmas
mood and when I saw that Santa was playing for them (and hopefully he'll be
gifting us), I knew that I would have to get a bit festive with the
prediction.
Therefore, I'll have us down for a 1-0 win cueing a chorus of Jingle Bells
that always accompanies an away win at this time of year.
Enjoy the game.
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Curbs not selling Zamora
Hammers chief wants to keep striker
Last updated: 8th December 2007
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley insists striker Bobby Zamora is not for sale
and remains a key part of his plans at Upton Park. Zamora has been strongly
linked with a move away from West Ham when the transfer window reopens next
month. The likes of Fulham, Sunderland and Reading have been credited with
an interest in Zamora, who has been out since August with tendonitis. But
Curbishley insists he has no plans to sell the former Tottenham man. "Bobby
Zamora was one of the players that finished last season so strongly and at
the start of this season he started in the team with Craig Bellamy," said
Curbishley. "He got injured up at Bristol Rovers and we haven't seen him
since. He is in my plans but we have to wait for him to get fit. "He always
seems to be linked with Fulham but I had dinner with Lawrie Sanchez the
other day and he never mentioned anything to me at all - and he had every
opportunity because we were together for about 10 hours. "I think maybe
managers are wondering why Bobby isn't playing and don't realise he is
injured and has been out for three months."
Curbishley does not plan on doing any business in the January transfer
window and hopes some of his injured players will return to fitness to act
like new signings. "We are obviously looking but unless I have a disaster in
one area I am happy with the squad we have got," said Curbishley. "I'm not
sure many Premier League clubs would have been able to cope with what we
have been through. "We have not been in a position to put the new signings
in the team all together to see what kind of a side we have got here. "I am
hoping one or two of these players get fit before the window opens up and we
will have a stronger squad."
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Neill relishing return
Neill wants to beat his old club
Last updated: 8th December 2007
West Ham's Lucas Neill is concentrating on gaining all three points when he
travels to Ewood Park to face old team Blackburn on Sunday. Neill was
"disgusted" with the reaction of Rovers' fans on his last visit, which saw
the Hammers win 2-1 in March to help them beat the drop. Despite serving
five-and-a-half years at Blackburn, Neill is sure to get a tasty reception
again in this game, which is being shown live on Sky Sports 1. Looking
forward to the match, a focused Neill said: "Last year saw us start our
fantastic run at my former club and nothing but a win will do this weekend.
"They're a very organised and fit outfit and I have great respect for Mark
Hughes and his team but there will be no greater pleasure than matching them
for their work-rate and taking the spoils."
Blackburn player and fellow Australian Brett Emerton hopes Neill will
receive a better reception at Ewood Park this time around. Emerton said:
"Obviously, Lucas spent many good years at the club so it is going to be an
interesting return for him. "I don't think there will be the same reaction
as last time. I think that was a little bit harsh because obviously Lucas
was here for many years and he gave 100 per cent for the club each and every
time he stepped out on the pitch. Hopefully they will give him a warmer
welcome this time around. "Last time he got more boos than Robbie Savage and
that doesn't happen very often! Lucas is a strong character and I don't
think he will let it upset him too much. "It is going to be a very important
game for us, you can call it a six-pointer even at this stage of the season
because these are the teams we need to beat if we are going to finish in the
European qualifying places."
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Derby starlet set for £5m move - lep.co.uk
Martin O'Neill is hunting two rising stars to add to his young squad at
Villa Park.O'Neill is thought to be lining up January bids for Derby
County's former Liverpool, West Ham and Manchester City target Giles Barnes
and is also in a race with Everton and Fulham to sign Wolverhampton
Wanderers goalkeeper Wayne Hennesey.O'Neill wants to strengthen his squad to
secure a European place and has earmarked the two youngsters to improve his
exciting squad.
But the Villa Park chief - who continues to be linked with the England job -
will have to shell out £5m for Barnes, 19, whose season has been hampered by
injury. The News of the World says the Derby winger looked to be on his way
to West Ham in the new year but Hammers boss Alan Curbishley is having
second thoughts. O'Neill would also have to shell out £3m for Wolves keeper
Hennesey, 20, who has been in fine form for the Molineux side since signing
a new three-year contract in the summer.
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Villa to beat West Ham for Derby's Barnes
tribalfooball.com - December 08, 2007
Aston Villa are on the verge of sealing a £5 million deal for Derby County
winger Giles Barnes. The News of the World says the Derby winger had been
earmarked for a January switch to West Ham. But Upton Park chief Alan
Curbishley is having second thoughts. Some observers believe Barnes' head
has been turned by the hype but he represents just the sort of challenge
Villa chief O'Neill likes. New Pride Park manager Paul Jewell would like to
keep Barnes but needs to raise funds if he wants to buy during the transfer
window.
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West Ham rival Chelsea for Reading youngster Henry
tribalfootball.com - December 09, 2007
West Ham United are interested in Reading's midfield prospect Jon Henry. The
18-year-old has been impressive on loan at Bournemouth with three goals in
his first five matches. Along with West Ham, Chelsea are also keen - having
been trumped by the Royals when trying to land Henry as a trainee.
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PREMIERSHIP - BLACKBURN ROVERS v WEST HAM - NEILL BLASTS "CHILDISH"
BLACKBURN FANS -Cmon Boro
West Ham captain Lucas Neill accused the Blackburn boo-boys of being
ungrateful and "childish" ahead of his return to Ewood Park on Sunday. Neill
joined the Hammers last January after six years at Blackburn and received an
angry reception on his first trip back last season. The tough Australian
defender stood accused of chasing the money after swapping Blackburn's push
for UEFA Cup football for West Ham's battle against relegation. Neill
expects to run the gauntlet again - but insists he could not have given any
more to the Blackburn cause. "I felt I had been at the club as long as I
could be at the club and given them the best I could give them. I needed the
change, wherever it was, to sharpen myself up," said Neill. "I was too
comfortable in my surroundings and I didn't want to get stale and I didn't
want to put in performances that were just average or mediocre. "I needed to
go and give myself a new challenge and new people to impress and new
team-mates to get myself stimulated again. "That is why I was disappointed
with the reception I got from Blackburn because I had given them six years,
missing just four games a year for six years and never missing a day's
training. "I led the team in the last part of the season before I left and
tried to do it to the best of my ability and I helped get them into Europe.
"I never came out in the press and said anything bad - and then to be booed
for furthering my career was a little bit childish."
West Ham's victory at Ewood Park last year kick-started their dramatic
survival campaign and Neill is determined to quieten his critics with a
repeat performance. "I had the last laugh that day and I am sure it will be
the same again," said Neill. "Apart from Chelsea last week I think this will
be our hardest game to date. It is a compliment to Mark Hughes and his staff
that when you play Blackburn you know you have been in a game because they
always top the stats in stamina and sprints. "There will be no greater
pleasure than matching them for their work rate and taking the spoils."
It was Neill's tough, competitive attitude that attracted Alan Curbishley as
he looked to inject experience and leadership into a struggling West Ham
side last January. "Lucas came to us and he immediately had an impact. I saw
him as an ideal captain," said Curbishley. "The biggest disappointment Lucas
had was his reaction from the Blackburn fans. He gave great service to that
club - but that is football and I am sure he will get a similar reaction
this weekend."
Despite needing a change of scenery, Neill still holds Hughes in the highest
regard and believes he is the ideal candidate to take over from Sir Alex
Ferguson at Manchester United. "The hardest decision was leaving what is a
really, really good set-up. Mark was always trying to improve you as a
person and a player," said Neill. "Mark Hughes can take credit for the kind
of character he helped me become, he made me a better professional and I was
prepared for anything when I left .We had a good heart to heart the day I
was leaving and he gave me his blessing. "Now here I am today leading what I
feel is a very big club, pound for pound a much bigger club than Blackburn,
and Mark Hughes can take credit for that. "I am not surprised how well Mark
Hughes is doing, and the players, and I am sure, if it is not at Blackburn,
he will go on to be very successful. "He has experienced the best there is
in Europe - with Manchester United, Barcelona, Chelsea and international
football - and he has taken the best out of them and made his own style of
management. "Because he knows what it is to be successful he has made his
footprint and he has everybody striving to achieve it. "Mark Hughes has the
potential to coach Manchester United. It is endless what he can do because
he gets his message across and does it in such a professional way."
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