Alan Curbishley has plenty of options to consider before Saturday's visit of
Fulham
10.01.2008
Luis Boa Morte could make an emotional return against his former club Fulham
on Saturday as he heads a list of players who are in contention for
selection.
Speaking at his pre-match press conference, manager Alan Curbishley said: "I
have got to think about the eleven that start and those that go on during
the game. People getting tired, people playing their first games coming back
from injury. I have got a few things to weigh up before we get to the game."
Pushing hard is Boa Morte, who spent six and a half years in west London
before his transfer across town a year ago. He has been missing since 12
December but came through a reserve match this week, along with defenders
James Collins and Calum Davenport. Also involved was French international
winger Julien Faubert, while the likes of Matthew Etherington and Lee Bowyer
have gone from strength to strength in training.
"Luis has come through," said Curbishley of Boa Morte's recovery from a
hamstring injury. "He hasn't been as out as long as the others - three to
four weeks. He has packed a bit more in." Boa Morte could compete with
Etherington, who started last week's 0-0 draw against Manchester City, for a
left-wing berth but Curbishley was a bit more cautious about Faubert - fit
again after six months out with an achilles problem.
"We have just got to make sure that he gets it right," the manager said.
"Everyone is waiting for him to come back and we want him to be absolutely
right and he can perform. We don't want him to come in and catch his fitness
in the first team because the expectation level is there for everybody. We
have waited long enough so we may have to wait another couple of weeks.
"We have got Craig Bellamy who is going to start full training. Bobby Zamora
will start full running on Monday, we hope. Bellamy is out there every day
now so it is just a question of when he comes back in. Things are slowly
improving. We think [Nolberto] Solano will be a couple of weeks." Further to
that, Freddie Ljungberg and Danny Gabbidon have also been in training.
Bellamy's abdominal problem has seen him laid low since 27 October, but
Curbishley has high hopes he will soon be in the first-team picture. Again,
it is a case of making sure the time is right. "If Craig gets a couple of
weeks full training under his belt that may be enough for him. We are
holding him back at the moment because he is out there running every day and
wants to join in."
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High praise for Parker - WHUFC
Scott Parker's determination to recover from injury has impressed Alan
Curbishley
10.01.2008
Alan Curbishley has described Scott Parker as a "Trojan" as the midfielder
works hard to return to fitness at the Boleyn Ground.
The England midfielder has been ruled out for at least six weeks with a new
knee injury suffered in a collision with Cristiano Ronaldo during the 29
December victory over Manchester United. "This one we couldn't account for,"
said Curbishley, as he emphasised how his summer signing was fully committed
to his return having already overcome ligament trouble earlier in the
campaign.
He said: "He has gone for a tackle. Ronaldo's fell on him and pushed his
knee in. He is a strong lad and he will work so hard to get back." Adding
that Parker, who has ten appearances and one goal this season, would "take
it on the chin", he described the No8 as a "Trojan" - someone who was
willing to persevere whatever the setback.
The manager added: "The frustrating thing for me is that the first few weeks
of pre-season the tempo was set by [Julien] Faubert, Parker and [Craig]
Bellamy - three big signings for us. They come into the club and were
determined to do well. In one fell swoop we lost them all."
However, with Faubert and Bellamy almost back, things are looking up
generally and Curbishley was pleased fans had already adjusted their
expectations over the first half of the season. "Our fans realise that at
the moment, the players are giving everything they have got," he said. "The
frustration is there for everybody. We know we are a strong squad when we
get it all together."
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A Green light to write - WHUFC
Robert Green has shown plenty of skill in another area beyond his undoubted
goalkeeping prowess
10.01.2008
Robert Green may be attracting plenty of headlines this season for West Ham
United but the day may not be far off when he is writing them.
Fans who bought last Saturday's programme for the visit of Manchester City
would have been able to read a specially penned article by the No1
reflecting on how "the last year has been my best in professional football"
and his hopes for "achieving even more with West Ham United".
The article followed on from several he has written for the Independent
newspaper and Green is definitely interested in keeping his hand in. "It is
something I enjoy," he said when asked whether we can expect more of his
thoughts to be put on to paper. "At the moment, I am just trying things out
that strike a chord with what I can do for the rest of my career - the rest
of my working life."
The goalkeeper added: "I am really enjoying doing it and if I get an
opportunity to write then it is something that comes fairly naturally to
me." If you missed Green's column last week, back issues of matchday
programmes are available to buy by emailing nsmith@cre8ing.com. Look out for
this weekend's edition against Fulham for special features on Luis Boa Morte
and Julien Faubert.
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Hammers to launch striker bid - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has confirmed that West Ham United are interested in signing
Argentinian striker Nicolas Mazzola. The 17-year old striker was spotted
playing in the youth World Cup Finals last year by Trevor Brooking and
recently spent time training with the first team squad at Chadwell Heath.
And according to reports, the Hammers are set to fork out around £1m to
secure the Independiente forward's services. Curbishley confirmed United's
interest when he said: "He is a young boy we have had training with us. He
is only 17 years old so not for the first team at the moment."
The 6'1" Mazzola began his career as a 15-year-old with local club Sol de
Mayo de Viedma before joining Argentinian giants Independiente a year later.
The Boca supporter has already received rave reviews in his home country for
his exploits with the national side. He is thought to hold a European
passport so there are unlikely to be any problems with a work permit.
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Wor Curbs? Not likely - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley has dismissed reports linking him to the vacant managerial
position at Newcastle. The North East club yesterday sacked manager Sam
Allardyce just six months after he succeeded former Hammers manager Glenn
Roeder, who was also dispensed with despite winning 45% of his games.
Curbishley was one of the names immediately mentioned as a possible
replacement for the former Bolton man, but made it clear this morning that
he has no intention of leaving East London. "I'm at West Ham - and this is
where I want to be," he told SkySports, before slamming Newcastle for
parting with their manager so soon after luring him from Bolton. "Newcastle
are mid-table, they don't look as though they're going to be involved in
anything relegation-wise and a couple of results could push them into the
top six," he added. "The expectation levels of everybody is a big problem;
people have got to be realistic. "If you give a manager a job and he makes
wholesale changes you're not going to see the results of that in six months.
You look at the Premier League now with eight managers gone in six months
and that's a tough situation we're in. "I went through a similar situation
this time last year and it's not nice."
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Chicken leg ready to roll - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 10th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Julien Faubert has said that he can't wait to make his first team debut for
the Hammers. The French winger made his comeback in Monday night's 2-1
reserves defeat at Aston Villa, a game he marked by scoring in the first
minute. Although he was withdrawn at half-time as a precautionary measure,
the 24-year-old right-sided midfielder is practicaly ready to make his
Premier League debut - a day, he says, that can't come soon enough. "My
dream was to play in England," he told French magazine L'Equipe. "West Ham
is a historical club. "I don't want to rush it - I waited for five months
so I can wait a few more weeks. "But the club invested a lot of money in me
and I got injured. Fortunately it is a family club and people rallied around
me. "When they removed my plaster, seeing my 'chicken' calf, I asked myself
if I could find again my best level. During those moments you discover your
real friends."
Club physio George Cooper confirmed that Faubert is close to a first team
call-up, telling whufc.com: He probably could have stayed on longer on
Monday but we decided that 45 [minutes] was enough. "We actually feel he is
more than ready to crack on as he is training everyday."
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Curbs checks out Argentine - SSN
Mazzola has trained with Premier League club
Last updated: 10th January 2008
West Ham United have confirmed their interest in Argentinian striker Nicolas
Mazzola. The 17-year-old has been invited to the club's Chadwell Heath
training ground, amid speculation he could make a £1million move from
Independiente. Mazzola scored twice at the Under 17 World Cup in Korea last
year and is viewed as one of his country's brightest talents. Curbishley has
conceded West Ham are monitoring the player but that he is not yet anywhere
near first-team football. "He is a young boy we have had training with us.
He is only a 17-year-old. He is nothing for the first team at the moment,"
said Curbishley.
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Bullard may face Hammers - SSN
Influential midfielder close to league return
Last updated: 10th January 2008
Fulham's Jimmy Bullard could make his long-awaited return to the Premier
League on Saturday. The influential midfielder could figure against West Ham
at Upton Park after recovering ahead of schedule from the career-threatening
knee injury suffered in September 2006. His impending return is especially
welcome as the Cottagers face a Premier League survival dog-fight. But new
Fulham boss Roy Hodgson has insisted he will not rush the 29-year-old back
too soon.
Hodgson said: "Jimmy has played one match for the reserves this week and
taken part in all the sessions. "He's desperate to get back into first-team
action. He would have made himself available the day after he had the injury
if he could! But we have to be careful because the competitive side of the
game is not something you get a feel for during training sessions. "We must
be sure his knee will stand up to the pressure of tough tackling and being
tackled when you're off balance. That's our major fear. "But he's moving on
very well and we haven't ruled him out of Saturday completely. "It's
unlikely he'll play because he's ahead of schedule and our medical team have
advised us to be cautious. "But I'm certain that if I told Jimmy I needed
him to play he would be the first one changed and out on the pitch."
Bullard has only made four appearances for Fulham since his switch from
Wigan in June 2006.
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Parker facing six weeks out - SSN
New injury blow hits West Ham
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 10th January 2008
Scott Parker is facing at least six weeks on the sidelines after suffering
another knee injury in the victory over Manchester United. The West Ham
midfielder, who had only recently returned to action after a previous knee
complaint, was injured in a tackle with United's Cristiano Ronaldo on 29th
December. Parker has spent more time on the treatment table than in the
first-team following his £7million summer switch from Newcastle, and has
made just seven Premier League starts under Alan Curbishley. Curbishley has
seen his squad decimated by injuries this season, but remains confident he
has the players to cope.
Stronger
He told Sky Sports News: "We're very disappointed because a lot of the
injuries are the big signings we made in the summer. "The players who have
been playing have done fantastically well, it's made my squad that much
stronger. If and when the injured players do return, they've got a bit to do
to force their way back in. "Scott Parker is out for at least five or six
weeks. It's a different injury. It's the same knee, but it's a different
injury, he's hurt his knee cap this time. "He's gone into a tackle with
Ronaldo, Ronaldo has fallen on him and all his weight has gone on his knee.
It's very disappointing for everybody, Scott has worked ever so hard to get
back, and he's going to have to do it again now. "He's a resilient boy, he's
been through it a little bit, and he'll come out stronger because of it. If
it was similar injury, or the same injury, then I think we'd all be a bit
disappointed, but it's a new injury, so we've just got to get on with it.
"I think that West Ham fans appreciate the difficult time we've had this
year, and hopefully it can ease up a bit and we'll see one or two of them
come back."
Difficult
Despite the problems, Curbishley is not keen to enter the January transfer
market, as he feels it is tricky to make significant signings during the
mid-season window. He said: "I've got a big squad here, as the injuries have
shown. If we have a situation where it gets more acute, then we'd have to
look at that.
"We've got people returning to training this week, so hopefully it'll start
easing itself and some of the players will come back and they'll be like new
signings.
"I much prefer to keep the squad together, than get into this market which
is a very difficult market to get into."
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Curbs - Reality check needed - SSN
Hammers boss unhappy with sack race
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 10th January 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley believes it is time for a reality check in the
Premier League with expectation levels getting out of hand. Sam Allardyce
became the eighth top-flight manager to lose his job this season when he
parted company with Newcastle by 'mutual consent' on Wednesday. And
Curbishley insists bosses must be given more time to make their mark and the
knee-jerk dismissals need to become a thing of the past.
Too much
He told Sky Sports News: "You look at the Premier League now with eight
managers gone in six months and that's a tough situation we're in. "I know
there's been a lot of pressure, but it did surprise me that something
happened yesterday to Sam. "Newcastle are mid-table, they don't look as
though they're going to be involved in anything relegation-wise, and a
couple of results could possibly push them into the top eight or top six if
they have a good run-in. "Eight managers in six or seven months is too much.
"The expectation levels of everybody is a big problem. People have got to be
realistic."
Pressure
Allardyce was taken on by Freddy Shepherd, but with Mike Ashley then taking
control of the club soon after, found himself operating under a hierarchy
who did not appoint him. Curbishley believes that could have been a
contributing factor in the decision, but is adamant that the former Bolton
boss should have been given more time. He added: "When you look at what is
happening in the Premier League, when you look at how Sam signed for one
chairman and has been taken on by another. "It is not just players and
managers that come under pressure now, the directors and chairman come under
pressure when the results aren't what people think they should be. "If you
give a manager a job and he makes wholesale changes; a lot of people have
gone into Newcastle, a lot of changes of staff, and perhaps you're not going
to see the results of that in six months. "It's like any business, perhaps
it doesn't happen in any other walk of life, where you make a decision and
bring a main man in to run the company, and then give him six months. "I
went through a similar situation this time last year and it's not nice, a
similar situation to what a lot of managers have been through, and I know
what it's like. Every time I see it happen, it's not nice."
And Curbishley laughed off speculation linking him with the St James' Park
vacancy. He said: "I'm at West Ham and this is where I want to be."
West Ham 4/6, Draw 12/5, Fulham 7/2
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Hammers boss Curbishley tracking Argentinian striker - Daily Mail
Last updated at 18:47pm on 10th January 2008
Alan Curbishley confirmed today West Ham are keeping an eye on Argentinian
striker Nicolas Mazzola. The 17-year-old has trained with the Hammers at
Chadwell Heath and has been linked with a £1million move from Independiente.
Mazzola scored twice as Argentina reached the quarter-finals of last year's
Under-17s World Cup in Korea. "He is a young boy we have had training with
us. He is only a 17-year-old. He is nothing for the first team at the
moment," said Hammers boss Curbishley.
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West Ham boss Curbishley hits out at club bosses
tribalfootball.com - January 10, 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley believes it is time for a reality check in the
Premier League, with expectation levels getting out of hand. Sam Allardyce
became the eighth top-flight manager to lose his job this season when he
parted company with Newcastle by 'mutual consent' on Wednesday. He told Sky
Sports News: "You look at the Premier League now with eight managers gone in
six months and that's a tough situation we're in."I know there's been a lot
of pressure, but it did surprise me that something happened yesterday to
Sam. "Newcastle are mid-table, they don't look as though they're going to be
involved in anything relegation-wise, and a couple of results could possibly
push them into the top eight or top six if they have a good run-in. "Eight
managers in six or seven months is too much. "The expectation levels of
everybody is a big problem. People have got to be realistic."
Allardyce was taken on by Freddy Shepherd, but with Mike Ashley then taking
control of the club soon after, found himself operating under a hierarchy
who did not appoint him. He added: "When you look at what is happening in
the Premier League, when you look at how Sam signed for one chairman and has
been taken on by another. "It is not just players and managers that come
under pressure now, the directors and chairman come under pressure when the
results aren't what people think they should be. If you give a manager a job
and he makes wholesale changes; a lot of people have gone into Newcastle, a
lot of changes of staff, and perhaps you're not going to see the results of
that in six months. "It's like any business, perhaps it doesn't happen in
any other walk of life, where you make a decision and bring a main man in to
run the company, and then give him six months. "I went through a similar
situation this time last year and it's not nice, a similar situation to what
a lot of managers have been through, and I know what it's like. Every time I
see it happen, it's not nice."
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Independiente deny Mazzola talk - FOX Sports
Updated: January 11, 2008, 3:11 AM EST
Independiente secretary of sport Leandro Battafarano has denied that Nicolas
Mazzola has travelled to England to train with West Ham. Hammers coach Alan
Curbishley recently admitted that the 17-year-old has been training at
Chadwell Heath but that any interest in the player would be for in the long
term.
"He is a young boy we have had training with us," said Curbishley. "He is
only a 17-year-old. He is nothing for the first team at the moment."
However, Battafarano insists it is the first time he has heard the Argentina
under-17 international is with the English Premier League side, instead
insisting he is currently taking part in pre-season training with
Independiente. "As far as we are concerned, we have not been told about
Mazzola going to England," he said. "He is having pre-season training with
the first team in Mar del Plata now. "We haven't set a transfer fee because
we are not planning to sell him anywhere. We want to enjoy his skills in the
first team here."
Mazzola, who played at the under-17 World Cup in South Korea last year, has
been attracting interest from a number of clubs abroad, particularly from
England, but Battafarano refused to disclose whether any offers have been
made. He added: "I cannot say now whether there was an official West Ham
offer, but he is a very good player and a lot of teams have made different
offers. "Several of them were English clubs, and there was not just one."
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WEST HAM MATCH PUT BACK - LiverpoolFC.tv
Paul Eaton 10 January 2008
Liverpool's Premier League clash at West Ham United has been put back 24
hours and will now take place at Upton Park on Wednesday January 30, 2008.
The game was originally scheduled for January 29 but has been delayed for 24
hours due to West Ham's possible involvement in the FA Cup 4th round.
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Juventus reiterate faith in Tiago success - Portugoal.net
Italians to rebuff Tottenham, West Ham and Lyon bids
Portuguese midfielder Tiago is reportedly set to resist several offers to
leave Juventus and will remain with the Italian side for the rest of the
season. The 26-year-old has been the subject of increasingly persistent
speculation in recent months, having struggled to make an impact in Turin
following a big money move from French champions Lyon over the summer.
Italian daily Corriere dello Sport reported earlier this week that English
Premiership sides Tottenham Hotspur and West Ham have tabled bids for Tiago,
with Spurs thought to be in pole position to re-unite him with his former
Benfica and Braga team-mate Ricardo Rocha. However, Juventus president
Giovanni Cobolli Gigli was quick to insist that Tiago still has a future
with his current club. "This year we will have a midfielder with great
vision who can launch our strikers - his name is Tiago Mendes. In my mind he
is the man of 2008 and it will be Juve's year," Gigli said last week.
Fellow Italian newspaper La Stampa says that while Tiago is flattered by
Tottenham's interest, with the club believed to be ready to meet Juve's 13m
euro valuation, he is reluctant to quit Juve after just six months in Italy.
Lyon are also on Tiago's trial and would be interested in a six-month loan
deal for the player who performed so impressively during his two-year stay
in France. Other clubs from Spain and France have been credited with an
interest, but latest reports suggest no deal will take place during the
January transfer window.
Juventus are now understood to have called off any possibility of a move
during the current window - which could also end talk of a move for
Liverpool midfielder Momo Sissoko as Tiago's replacement - as manager
Claudio Ranieri is keen to give the talented Portuguese longer to prove
himself with the Bianconeri.
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£6.7m Hammers star happy with Lazio snub - FansFC
11:34 January, 10, 2008
Julien Faubert believes he made the right choice moving to West Ham in the
summer. "My dream was to play in England," the former Bordeaux star said
after making his long-awaited comeback from injury. "Some said I left for
money, but I would have earned the same at Lazio."English football suits my
qualities more than playing in Italy. It is about speed and involvement."
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It's a new injury for Scott Parker, confirm Hammers - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:45pm on 10th January 2008
West Ham have confirmed that the knee injury Scott Parker suffered against
Manchester United was not a recurrence of a previous problem. Physio George
Cooper said: "Scott's injury is unrelated to his last one. It's more common
in rugby than football as he has torn the posterior capsule." Meanwhile
former West Ham defender Alvin Martin has told England's new boss Fabio
Capello that defender Matthew Upson is worth an international call-up. The
former West Ham captain has been impressed with the team's defending this
season and is tipping Upson for an international recall later this month.
The 28-year-old was influential in helping the club to a goalless draw
against Manchester City in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend.
Martin, who played almost 600 games for the Hammers and was an England
international, is now convinced that Upson has all the credentials to become
pare of the Capello's England revolution.
Martin declared: "I think Matt has showed already this season his ability to
carry out the basic duties of a defender - that is to head the ball to
safety and make sure you clear well. "Now what he has to do is push on
further and show wheat else he has in his game. The way he can be part of
the attack - in getting the ball out from the back to the midfielders and
play his part in helping goal chances come about."
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Hammer's not so Spector-cular - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:30pm on 10th January 2008
The toughest question in football is posed by West Ham's programme. "So,
Jonathan Spector please describe yourself in three words." The defender
replied: "Mature, intelligent and quietly confident." Meanwhile former West
Ham defender Alvin Martin has told England's new boss Fabio Capello that
defender Matthew Upson is worth an international call-up. The former West
Ham captain has been impressed with the team's defending this season and is
tipping Upson for an international recall later this month. The 28-year-old
was influential in helping the club to a goalless draw against Manchester
City in the third round of the FA Cup last weekend. Martin, who played
almost 600 games for the Hammers and was an England international, is now
convinced that Upson has all the credentials to become pare of the Capello's
England revolution. Martin declared: "I think Matt has showed already this
season his ability to carry out the basic duties of a defender - that is to
head the ball to safety and make sure you clear well. "Now what he has to do
is push on further and show wheat else he has in his game. The way he can be
part of the attack - in getting the ball out from the back to the
midfielders and play his part in helping goal chances come about."
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Penny for Pardew's thoughts - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:08pm on 10th January 2008
With the Carlos Tevez saga set to be revisited by Football Association
arbitrators next month, Charlton's former West Ham boss Alan Pardew has
hinted at new evidence on the scandal. Unfortunately for Sheffield United,
they will have to get him a book deal to find out what it is. "I'm not going
to say too much about the situation," says Pardew in Tony McDonald's new
book, West Ham: The Managers. "That will remain private unless I decide to
publish my thoughts."
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Yellow card Riley to boss Hammers game - FulhamWeb
(10/01/2008 13:38:40)
Mike Riley, who is a finance director by profession, began refereeing in
1980 and joined the Football League roster in 1994. Riley was the
Premiership's youngest referee in 1999/2000. The Premiership beckoned in
1996 and by 1999 he was on the official FIFA list. The 1996 Youth Cup was
his first taste of officiating a high profile final. He took charge of the
2001 Charity Shield and 2002 Cup Final. During the 2002/2003 season Mr
Riley gave 8 penalties, 7 of them were in favour of Man Utd. He had
officiated at 5 Man U games giving penalties in all of them including two
games where he gave two penalties to the Manchurians. How unfortunate! In
the 2003/2004 season Ref Wiley only gave two penalties, neither to Man Utd,
and officiated at the 3-1 thrashing of Man U by Fulham without giving a
penalty to either squad, so he has gone some way to redeem himself.
Unfortunately for Ref Riley early in the 2004/2005 season somebody thought
it would be a good idea if he looked after another Man U game, this time
against Arsenal, and we know what happened that day. Fortunately since than
he has managed to keep his head down.Mr Riley has reffed 13 Fulham games in
the Premiership in those 13 games he has sent off two Fulham players, Luis
Boa Morte and Ian Pearce and The Cottagers have won just 2 of the 13. It
could have been 3 out of 11 if he had not needed to call off the first
attempt to play the Sunderland game. One thing is sure Mr Riley will play a
bigger part in the West Ham game
Ref Riley is the busiest whistler in the Premiership and is just edged into
second in fouls per game ratio by someone who has had just 5 games this
season . However after appearing to be keeping his little yellow peril in
his pocket he is now managing a 6th place on number of yellows per game. A
possible indication of his trying to show some self control is that he has
issued just one red so far this season, a career low. On the penalty
leaderboard he is still a potential winner, as usual, having given 6 so far.
At least none have gone to Top Four teams unlike in previous seasons
Ref Riley is suprisingly even-handed when blowing up for fouls, unlike many
of his colleagues. Unfortunately when it comes to his little yellow peril he
likes to flash it at visitors more than at home team squads, 36% for home
players and 64% for away players. When it comes to penalties he thinks it
is logical that 5 out of 6 pens should be awarded to home teams. So though
Mr Riley starts out evenhanded he ends up one of the more obvious homers.
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Blow to West Ham as Lions pick Camara - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:21pm on 10th January 2008
West Ham striker Henri Camara has been confirmed in Senegal's final 23-man
squad for this month's African Nations Cup. His selection in the squad,
nicknamed the Lions of Teranga, means he could be away from the club for the
next five weeks if his team reach the final scheduled for 10 February in
Accra, Ghana. Meanwhile West Ham have confirmed that the knee injury Scott
Parker suffered against Manchester United was not a recurrence of a previous
problem.
Physio George Cooper said: "Scott's injury is unrelated to his last one.
It's more common in rugby than football as he has torn the posterior
capsule."
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