Another assist, another all-action display from start to finish, suggests
Freddie Ljungberg is having a ball
21.01.2008
Freddie Ljungberg is thriving as a man who can make a difference for West
Ham United as demonstrated by his second assist in his many league games
The Sweden midfielder underlined his undoubted quality when he picked out
Carlton Cole in the eighth minute of an exciting contest at the City of
Manchester Stadium. As with his cross for Dean Ashton in the 2-1 win against
Fulham a week ago, Ljungberg's precision led to a West Ham United goal but
was disappointed to see the advantage slip, claiming "we did enough to win"
against Manchester City.
"It was nice to get an assist for Coley. We should have kept that lead a
little bit longer," he added, reflecting on the circumstances that led to
high-flying City, managed by his compatriot Sven-Goran Eriksson, fighting
their way back through Darius Vassell. "We kept on trying. In the second
half we showed that were the better team. They have a great team and had a
great season but we showed in the second half that if they are up there then
we should be able to get there as well."
Of his personal contribution to an impressive awayday display, Ljungberg
said he was not worried about adapting to an unfamiliar advanced role on the
right of a 4-3-3 formation, having played on both the right and left side of
a more conventional four-man midfield in recent weeks. "It was fun to play
in and it felt great," the experienced summer signing said. "It was a little
bit different."
He added that the manager had given him licence to come off the flanks in
matches and show some of the know-how on the ball that has helped win league
and cup winners' medals with Arsenal as well as 70 caps for his country.
"Sometimes he wants me to go inside more to try to to make us play and get a
lot of the ball. It depends a little on what we need but I enjoyed it.
"Against Fulham I played in a 4-4-2 and I really enjoyed that as well. It
doesn't really matter for me - as long as we play good football, that's the
main thing." As well as his key assist, Ljungberg very nearly turned
match-winner as well, turning on the style in the 83rd minute to get away
from Dietmar Hamann and Vedran Corluka before cutting inside and firing just
wide of Joe Hart's right-hand post.
"It would have been nice to score but at the same time it was not really a
good chance," he said. "I just nicked the ball from the defenders and came
inside. I tried to get a shot in but it was a bit too far out unfortunately
and it went into the side-netting." He followed that up with another effort
on goal in the last minute - further evidence that he has the stamina to
give his all for West Ham United, a point underlined by the fact it was his
ninth match in just over five weeks.
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Cole gets reward for commitment - WHUFC
After working hard on his finishing, Carlton Cole tells WHUTV about his
wonder goal at the weekend
21.01.2008
Carlton Cole was delighted to return to the score-sheet against Manchester
City after taking stock of his game with a well-earned rest.
The hard-working striker came off against Fulham last week pledging to focus
on his finishing after drawing a blank in what was otherwise a strong
all-round performance. He was then left out of the starting eleven in the
midweek FA Cup trip to the City of Manchester Stadium, but switching off was
furthest from his mind. It paid off on Sunday as he came back into the team
and led the line superbly.
"I got dropped in midweek and it gave me a chance to get some rest, analyse
my game against Fulham and come back and try to do better," he told WHUTV.
"I played one up front. It was a hard job against [Micah] Richards and
[Richard] Dunne and I felt I did OK."
He did more than OK, with a stunning overhead kick to open the scoring in
the eighth minute. His all-round commitment and eye-catching finish left the
watching former Hammer and current Croatia coach Slaven Bilic to claim the
24-year-old was an outside contender for Fabio Capello's first England squad
later this month. "I am happy with those kind of goals, it was more
instinctive," said Cole. "I have been working on my instinctive play."
Well aware that there is always room for improvement, particularly in front
of goal, Cole added the team were working hard to be more composed when it
matters most. "We were saying in the changing room that we were really
disappointed not to come away with a win because we had our chances," he
said. "We didn't capitalise on them and hopefully in the next game we will
shake up, come back and be firing on all cylinders.
"We are really disappointed to come out of the cup as well but these things
happen. We aren't going to play them again this season but I wish we could
so that we could beat them next time. We should have beaten them. I
understand their goal was offside but we have just got to get on with it.
[Their goalkeeper] Joe Hart did really well. He was really chuffed with his
performance. I saw his face, he was laughing and giggling. But that's what
happens at this level, you have got good keepers and they make good saves."
Good strikers score good goals too.
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Lasting legacy for John Lyall - WHUFC
The unveiling of a blue plaque at the Boleyn Ground reminds of the former
manager's powerful impact
21.01.2008
A host of West Ham United legends came together at the weekend to pay
tribute to the late John Lyall whose influence they said "would live on
forever at this football club".
Reading a bit like a who's who of the Hammers, many of the players who
served under Lyall in his tenure as boss at the Boleyn Ground between 1974
and 1989 and during his time as manager at Ipswich Town (1990-94) were there
to see a Heritage Foundation blue plaque unveiled outside the main entrance
of the stadium.
The former manager's family were present alongside Sir Geoff Hurst, Martin
Peters and Terry Venables, who would describe at length his "great
friendship and respect" for Lyall, who died in April 2006 aged 66. Following
the unveiling - which was led by a speech from Sir Trevor Brooking who spoke
of a "modest man who was an unbelievable coach" - the gathered guests, which
also included Heritage Foundation president Robin Gibb, enjoyed a lunch
hosted by fellow musician Rick Wakeman.
It featured a number of stirring speeches by former players and associates,
as well film footage of Lyall and the teams he built in the 1970s and 1980s
which had everyone reaching back into the memory banks. Among the former
players attending were Billy Bonds, Frank McAvennie, Ray Stewart, Alan
Devonshire, Tony Cottee , Tony Gale, Phil Parkes, Frank Lampard Snr, David
Cross and Alvin Martin. The late Ron Greenwood's widow, Lucy, was also
present.
Sir Geoff, recalling how he first got to know Lyall as a player in the
1960s, told how the legendary Lyall became "like a mentor to him". He added:
"He got to know this club inside out. After having to cut his playing days
short because of a serious knee injury, he went on to work behind the scenes
in the offices here at Upton Park and then back into coaching and eventually
manager.
"John knew how everything worked here and that just added to the abilities
he already had. He became a mentor to me and I took on a lot of what he
said. I say to his family listening here today, he was a thoroughly decent
man."
An auction of signed memorabilia was hosted by club legends Tony Gale and
Tony Cottee. From that, £9,550 was raised which will go towards the Lawford
Boys Football Club, where Lyall's grandchildren play. The club is trying to
raise money and build a new training pitch.
Amongst the items were 1966 World Cup framed photographs, autographed by Sir
Geoff, Peters and the late Bobby Moore, a home shirt and football signed by
Alan Curbishley and the current West Ham United first-team squad, a silver
football boot in a glass case signed by Carlos Tevez and other sporting
memorabilia including signed prints of former boxer John H Stracey, who also
attended the lunch.
The plaque for Lyall is placed on the left-hand side of the main entrance to
the Boleyn Ground in Green Street, where it is joined on the opposite side
by plaques for Greenwood and Moore. It will act as a permanent memento of
someone who helped the club to two FA Cup triumphs in 1975 and 1980 as well
as the best-ever league finish in 1985/86. West Ham United Owner and
Chairman Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson said: "With the unveiling of the special
plaque in his honour, we mark his lasting legacy. John Lyall will never be
forgotten at West Ham United."
Summing up what was an emotional day for the family, including widow Yvonne
and his grandchildren Scott, Charlie and Sam, Lyall's son Murray said: "Dad
didn't like a fuss and would probably be squirming a bit at all of this
attention on him, but also deep down, very proud as all of us are. It was
emotional but a fantastic day."
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Smith closes door on Dailly loan - BBC
Rangers boss Walter Smith has closed the door on a loan move for West Ham's
Christian Dailly. Smith had been linked with a move for the Scotland
defender following the departure of Ugo Ehiogu. But the Rangers manager told
BBC Scotland: "It was just one of those things I had an idea about. "But
we've got no business at the present moment. Unless something crops up that
we feel will be of benefit to our squad, we'll go with what we have."
Central defender Ehiogu has left Rangers to join Sheffield United, having
featured just once this season. David Weir and Carlos Cuellar are the
established centre-half pairing at Ibrox, while Sasa Papac and Kirk
Broadfoot could also step in, along with the injury-plagued Webster. Smith
will soon welcome back Andy Webster and Stevie Smith from injury. Dailly,
34, joined West Ham in 2001, but spent the first part of this season on loan
after finding his opportunities limited at Upton Park.
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Davenport awaiting news - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Calum Davenport is recovering after being stretchered off during Watford's
1-1 draw with Charlton on Saturday. The on-loan centre-half was making his
first start of the season when he fell awkwardly after a mid-air collision.
He was immediately taken to hospital after suffering numbness in his arms.
Hornets boss Adie Boothroyd confirmed that Davenport was in recovery, adding
that "he landed on his neck so the best thing was to get him off the field
as he lost the feeling in his arms." The former Coventry star joined Watford
on loan last week with view to a permanent move should he impress. He joined
West Ham a year ago this month in a £3m switch from Tottenham, but made only
six appearances for the Hammers.
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And now you're Ghana believe us - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
John Paintsil's Ghana got off to a winning start in the African Cup of
Nations by beating Guinea 2-1 in Accra. Portsmouth's Sulley Muntari grabbed
a last-gasp winner for the host nation after Omar Kalabane had cancelled out
Samoah Gyan's controversial 53rd-minute opener for the Black Stars. But
there was bad news for West Ham's Paintsil who was stretchered off during
the game after compaining of 'dizzyness'. Ghanaian coach Herve Renerd
confirmed that the United full-back has been taken to hospital for checks,
although it was later confirmed that Paintsil was feeling okay. "He had a
knock to his jaw after a rough challenge during the first half," said
Renard, whilst team mate Laryea Kingston added: "He felt weird at half-time
and couldn't remember anything from the first 45 minutes. But now he's fine,
he's just been sent to the hospital for a couple of checks."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Davenport 'neck break' confirmed - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Calum Davenport has returned to West Ham after it was confirmed that he had
fractured a bone in his neck. The 25-year-old defender, who made his Watford
debut on Saturday had the injury confirmed over the weekend and has had his
loan agreement prematurely terminated as a result. Davenport, who was
initially taken to Watford General on Saturday evening is now convalescing
in a private hospital where he will be monitored over the next few days.
The former Tottenham centre-half has been plagued with injury since
completing a £3m move to West Ham a year ago. After making just six
appearances for the Hammers he missed several months after sustaining a
hernia. His appearance on Saturday was his first outing of the season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
No Gers move for Dailly - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 21st January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Rangers boss Walter Smith has ended speculation regarding a move for West
Ham United's Christian Dailly. The Gers boss revealed earlier in the month
that he was looking at a possible move for the former West Ham and Scotland
captain, who is currently United's longest-serving player. But Smith put the
mockers on any such deal this morning when he said: "It was just one of
those things I had an idea about - but we've got no business at the present
moment. "Unless something crops up that we feel will be of benefit to our
squad, we'll go with what we have."
Dailly joined West Ham in 2001 in a £2.5m switch from Blackburn. However the
cult hero has barely figured for the Hammers since Alan Curbishley succeeded
Alan Pardew, and recently spent time on loan with Championship outfit
Southampton.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Davenport suffers neck fracture - SSN
Defender under observation in hospital
By Rob Parrish Last updated: 21st January 2008
Calum Davenport will remain under observation in hospital for the next few
days after fracturing a bone in his neck at the weekend. On-loan defender
Davenport was carried off after suffering the injury during Watford's 1-1
draw with Charlton on Saturday when striker Darius Henderson landed on him.
The West Ham player was making his debut for the Hornets after his move from
Upton Park, but the injury has led to the termination of his loan spell.
A statement on Watford's official website confirmed: "X-rays and scans
showed that although he was safe to be moved, he would stay in a private
hospital overnight where he could be kept under observation for the next few
days. "Watford have been in close contact with West Ham United since the
incident and would like to thank them for their co-operation in the matter.
"The club would also like to give a special thanks to the stretcher bearers
who ensured that Calum left the playing field in a safe and correct manner."
After the game, Boothroyd said: "Calum heard a crack in his neck and he lost
the sensation in his fingers and he is in the hospital now. "When it is a
neck injury you have to get him off the pitch straight away and we hope it
is not too bad."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ljungberg eyeing fourth place for Hammers - Daily Mail
By CHRIS WHEELER - More by this author »
Last updated at 16:10pm on 21st January 2008
Freddie Ljungberg insists West Ham can still challenge for fourth place in
the Premier League following Sunday's promising 1-1 draw at Manchester City.
Alan Curbishley's side deserved more than a point after Darius Vassell
grabbed a controversial equaliser to cancel out Carlton Cole's early
overhead kick.
A draw left the Hammers in 10th place, seven points behind City and nine
adrift of fourth-placed Everton, but with a game in hand over most of the
clubs above them. And with summer signings Craig Bellamy, Scott Parker,
Kieron Dyer and Nolberto Solano still to come back from injury, Ljungberg
believes they are ready to hit top gear in the second half of the season and
target a Champions League spot. "I looked at the Premier League table before
the weekend, and we were only seven points off fourth place with a game in
hand over every club above us apart from Liverpool, and we play them in our
next home game," said Ljungberg. "I felt we were capable of closing the gap
and getting into the fight for fourth place, and I still think that is
possible even though it has opened up to nine points now. "A couple of wins
can really get you moving in the right direction, and it is very tight
behind the top three. "With so many injured players preparing to come back
in the second half of the season, we have to target a place in Europe. To do
that we will have to catch at least one of the clubs who were in joint
fourth on Saturday morning. "So if you close the gap on one of them, why not
all of them? My time in football has taught me that you have to set your
sights high if you are going to achieve anything worthwhile."
Sunday's draw at Eastlands came five days after City beat West Ham in an FA
Cup third round replay on the same ground. The Hammers could have won on
both occasions were it not for some crucial saves from City goalkeeper Joe
Hart, and Ljungberg believes they should take heart from their performances
against Sven Goran Eriksson's side. The former Arsenal midfielder added:
"Manchester City were one of those clubs in joint fourth, and we can take
encouragement from the fact we outplayed them twice in a week at their
ground, even if the results didn't go our way. "At the moment we feel as
though we dropped two points at City because we were so obviously the better
team for most of the match. We created a lot of chances and we were very
disappointed not to finish them off. "But when you see how good their home
record is, we will probably look back on it eventually as a good point to
have come away with. Because we lost to City in the FA Cup we have a week
off - which is something no-one wanted - but we have to make sure we make
the most of it by preparing well for Liverpool."
Hart's performances this season have justified Eriksson's decision to make
him first-choice keeper ahead of Kasper Schmeichel and Andreas Isaksson, and
also marked him out as a future England international. Ljungberg believes
both Hart and his West Ham team-mate Robert Green should both be on new
coach Fabio Capello's radar. "People say they are two of the best young
goalkeepers in England, and I wouldn't argue with that," he said."Greeny is
my team-mate so I've seen a lot of him, and I definitely think he is
international class. "I don't like comparing players, but Hart was very good
against us in both games. He probably kept them in the Cup and then earned
them a point in the League game. "England have had a few problems with their
goalkeepers over the past couple of years, but there are some excellent
players coming through now."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs breathes a sigh of relief - Setanta
by Tom Kell, 21 January 2008
Alan Curbishley has welcomed the chance to let his West Ham squad put their
feet up after a hectic and injury-ravaged period of games. The Hammers, who
surrendered the lead to draw 1-1 with Manchester City on Sunday, are now not
back in action again until they face Liverpool on January 29. Curbishley
feels the brief respite has come at the perfect time, admitting his side is
in need of some rest and recovery time. "We do need a little break to be
honest," he said. "We've been hit with a lot of injuries and a lot of our
players have played a lot of games. "I've got players who are still trying
to get fit playing in the first team."
The former Charlton boss was keen to pay tribute to those who have been in
action, insisting the club are capable of continuing to climb the table. "I
have to give great credit to all the players though because we have had to
chop and change all season but they just keep getting on with it," he
continued. "We are turning into the home run now and if we can get one or
two back and they carry on being as committed as they are, then we can
finish in the top eight - but we have to catch Blackburn and Portsmouth
first."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Paintsil still in hospital - Setanta
by Laurent Picard, 21 January 2008
Ghana and West Ham full back John Paintsil is still in a domestic hospital
after being taken ill following the first game of the African Cup of Nations
on Sunday.
Paintsil helped the Black Stars claim victory against Guinea but collapsed
to the ground as soon as the match finished. The 26-year-old started to show
signs of sickness at half time but managed to finish the game before the
dramatic event. The defender was rushed to hospital and the Ghanaian fans
are waiting for news about his health. "He took a knock to the jaw after a
rough challenge in the first half," Ghana's assistant manager Herve Renard
said. Paintsil moved to Upton Park following a brilliant 2006 World Cup
campaign but failed to become a regular starter in The Premier League.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Portsmouth in West Ham talks for Zamora
tribalfootball.com - January 21, 2008
Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp is making a surprise move to take Bobby
Zamora on loan from West Ham for the rest of the season. Redknapp has asked
Hammers to give him Zamora - with the possibility of a permanent deal - as
he looks to boost his goal power. The Pompey chief has turned to Zamora
after missing out on a deal for Jermain Defoe, with Tottenham reluctant to
sell him at Redknapp's price and the striker looking for a 'big' club.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole: My burning desire to fire West Ham into Europe - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:06pm on 21st January 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley believes his resilient side can break into
the top eight of the Premier League by the end of the season. His striker
Carlton Cole, though, who scored his fifth goal of the campaign with a
spectacular overhead kick in the seventh minute against Manchester City, is
optimistic this West Ham team can go even higher. Curbishley again paid
tribute to his players following the 1-1 draw against City, who preserved
their unbeaten home record in the league - but only just. It was par for the
course that, following the 1-0 FA Cup defeat by City five days earlier, West
Ham lost a couple of players through injury, this time Dean Ashton and
Matthew Etherington. However, players such as Cole, who were considered only
bit-part players before this season, have grabbed the chance to take on a
leading role. "I really believe we're confident enough to push on now," he
said. "We're in tenth spot at the moment but we're only a couple of wins
away from the top six and, if we had got the win we deserved against City,
we would have been even closer." The former Chelsea star believes he "is in
a good place" right now, thanks to his own change of attitude and the help
of a sports psychologist called Dan. "I'm more relaxed than at any time in
my career so far," he said. "The manager has faith in me and he's known what
I can do since he took me to Charlton on loan as a youngster.
"I'm getting a real run of games now for the first time and it's great to
have a real opportunity to show what I can do, not only for the team but for
myself.
"I've never really tested myself before, I've been a bit laid-back and not
capitalised on the opportunities I've had but now I really feel I'm in a
good place.
"I work with a sports psychologist and he's been a great help. His name is
Dan Abrahams and I work with him and his partner. Since I've been talking
with him I know I've looked a different player. "Often he's just stated the
obvious. Sometimes you don't realise what is right there in front of you and
you need someone from outside looking at your game, analysing every aspect."
Cole has been a revelation this season. No-one has taken more advantage of
West Ham's parlous injury position than the big striker and even Manchester
City's experienced midfield player Dietmar Hamann admitted: "Cole was a good
player for them. It was very difficult to take the ball from him." His goal,
in the seventh minute of a match West Ham should have won, was a peach.
Freddie Ljungberg crossed from the right and the big front man controlled
the ball before sending an overhead kick wide of goalkeeper Joe Hart. West
Ham's lead only lasted eight minutes, though, before Darius Vassell,
standing in an offside position, equalised from close range. From then on it
was mostly West Ham who pressed. Mark Noble wasted a couple of great chances
while Cole had a late headed effort tipped over the crossbar by Hart who, as
in the FA Cup tie five days earlier, was by far the busier goalkeeper. "He
was excellent over the two games," admitted Curbishley, "and was probably
the deciding factor. For us though, the run-in starts now. We have to try
and catch the teams just above us in the Premier League table.
"We lost another couple of players before this match and that's been the
story of our season but I have to give great credit to the players who came
in. "We're getting a few players back now to freshen it up and if we stay as
committed as we did against City, then I like to think we could finish in
the top eight."
Curbishley continues to ease his French international midfield player Julien
Faubert back after serious injury. He came on for Luis Boa Morte for the
last 15 minutes and again showed that, when he is fully fit, he will be
quite an asset to West Ham. One cross from the right, deep in injury-time,
almost brought a goal for Cole who said: "It was a great cross by Julien,
one of the few in the match. "Players like Freddie Ljungberg and Luis Boa
Morte are different players - they like to dribble, while Julien is an
out-and-out winger who loves to whip balls into the box that strikers
enjoy."
With Craig Bellamy also on the verge of a comeback, Curbishley can
justifiably look forward to the remainder of the season with renewed
optimism. "Some of these players need a break because they have played
practically every game but others have hardly played and they are almost
ready to return," he said.
"People have been talking about the possibility of new signings in the
transfer window but when you have players like Julien and Craig coming back,
they are like new additions. "We have showed that we can compete and I
believe everyone associated with West Ham understands the position we've
been in with the injuries. "We share the frustration but we have some fresh
legs returning now though and we're going to have a 'go' and see where it
takes us."
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Young Hammer extends Nene Park stay - rivals.net
By - 21/01/2008 11:22
Rushden & Diamonds will be able to call upon Lee Hales for another month as
the Blue Square Premier club have agreed an extension with West Ham. The
18-year-old loanee featured in Garry Hill's side over the festive period and
impressed enough to earn a longer stay at Nene Park. The young midfielder
has been touted as a hot prospect and has featured for the London club's
reserve team. He is also capped for England at both Under-16 and Under-17
level.
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Watford loan signing Davenport has broken his neck - Daily Mail
Last updated at 13:33pm on 21st January 2008
Watford have confirmed that Calum Davenport, their loan signing from West
Ham, broke a bone in his neck during the 1-1 draw with Charlton on Saturday.
Davenport was making his debut for Adrian Boothroyd's side but was carried
off on a stretcher in first-half stoppage time after striker Darius
Henderson landed awkwardly on him. The 25-year-old has had his loan spell
terminated and will return to West Ham. He is set to remain in hospital
under observation for the next few days. After the game Boothroyd said:
"Calum heard a crack in his neck and he lost all sensation in his fingers
and he is in the hospital now. "When it is a neck injury you have to get him
off the pitch straight away and we hope it is not too bad." Watford are
expected to try to sign a replacement as Davenport himself was brought in as
cover for Danny Shittu - who is away with the Nigeria squad at the African
Cup of Nations in Ghana.
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Vassell accepts Boa Morte apology - mancityfc.co.uk
21/01/2008 13:39
Darius Vassell has accepted an apology from Luis Boa Morte for the
two-footed challenge that the West Ham made on him during Sunday's draw.
Referee Phil Dowd chose to show the Portuguese player a yellow card for the
kind of tackle that has seen several players earn instant dismissals this
season, including Stephen Ireland at White Hart Lane last month.
But speaking after the game Darius was in a magnanimous mood, and he said,
"I've had a look at it on video and it looked pretty bad, but at the same
time I've spoken to the player and he could not apologise enough. He thought
I was going in with the same sort of challenge and he was trying to protect
himself.
"I know that sounds dodgy, but I sometimes think that way myself, if you go
into a 50-50 challenge full pelt you have to make sure you don't get
injured. It's a funny area in football, but I did not get hurt, that's the
main thing and I think we should move on and forget about it. "My ankles
have been stiff anyway recently, but we have a couple of days off now and I
should be fine by midweek."
On a brighter note, Darius showed a true goal-poacher's instinct to react
quickly and grab City's equaliser, although he is aware of West Ham's claims
that he was offside when the move started. "It's always nice to get a goal.
There's been a bit of controversy about it, but I think it's a grey area.
It's one that you'll always take if you score, but if it's against you
you'll always raise the question. "I don't think there is much the referee
or linesman can do at the time, it's about how they see it when it happens,
I'm just pleased it was given."
Tim Oscroft
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Hammers Sunday Paper Gossip round up.. – KUMB Forums
by cockney hammer
The Mirror
West Ham United and Fulham are poised to battle it out for for Hertha Berlin
striker Marko Pantelic before the end of the transfer window. The players
agent Mark Sherman revealed that he has had several enquries , with both
london clubs keen on the Serbian international. "I recieved a phone call
from West Ham United and Fulham and they told me that they are interested"
said Sherma. Chelsea, Villarreal and Lens from France were also asking about
the player in the summer.
The People
Upson tell Fabio I am ready to cap my amazing turnaround.
Matthew Upson is taking a leaf out of Tiger Woods and Lewis Hamilton's book
in his bid to regain his England spot. The West Ham defender has employed a
psychologist to get the best out of himself - with the goal of adding to his
seven caps. For the past 18 months, I have been speaking to someone about my
performances, either in person or on the telephone. We analyse my behaviour
and my training," said Upson. I believe it is starting to pay off. As a
young player I didn't pay too much attention to psychology - you learn
through trial and error. I don't think it is something you do unless you are
brought up in an environment like Tiger Woods or Lewis Hamilton - sports
stars who are groomed at a young age to be mentally advanced. It is a
massive part of being a footballer, just as important as physical training,
if not more so. I think that with help you can learn to improve those
skills, which can have a dramatic effect on your performance. "Some days you
don't feel great at the start of the game so it is all about adapting
mentally and making sure you put in a good performance. I realised when I
was at Birmingham that I was doing OK, but there was nothing that was going
to help me to step up to the next level. I want to improve all the time and
get the best out of myself and my career, so I tried to do something about
it and I think it has paid off. If you don't change something you are just
going to keep going at the same pace, but I want to play for England again
and I have set lots of goals. Upson, 28, wants new England boss Fabio
Capello to know that he believes he is ready for an international recall. He
said: Every time I step out on the pitch I want to show I am ready to play
for England. It is something I want to achieve. That is the pinnacle of your
career and I am very hungry to do it again. If I get the best out of myself
I give myself every chance of getting in the squad. I believe 100 per cent
that I am ready. I am improving all the time and am only going to get
better. Meanwhile, Hammers skipper Lucas Neill insists it is crucial West
Ham get a result from today's trip to Manchester City to keep their season
alive. The Hammers return to Eastlands just four days after being knocked
out of the FA Cup by Sven-Goran Eriksson's side and they are determined to
bury their disappointment and push for European qualification. Neill said:
"We were bitterly disappointed to be knocked out of the FA Cup and it is
imperative we don't lose this weekend. A win will see us close the gap on
fourth place and keep tabs on the group of teams just ahead of us and, of
course, keep us in the hunt for a European spot. We'll be going into the
game with a lot of confidence from the FA Cup performance and an attitude
that seeks revenge.
We also learned a harsh lesson - we need to score when we have dominant
periods in a game. We need to get that ruthless streak in us.
News Of The World
Nick shores up new deal.
England international Nicky Shorey is set to sign a new lucrative contract
with Reading in the next week. West Ham United and Aston Villa were
interested in the player..
News Of The World
West Ham United and Derby County are taking a serious look at Ipswich Town
midfielder Danny Haynes. Haynes 20 yesterday has scored four goals from
seven starts this term.
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Lazio And West Ham Weigh Up Somoza Move - Goal.com
Lazio may face competition from West Ham United as they prepare to make an
approach to sign Argentinian midfielder Leandro Somoza from Villarreal.
The Italian outfit are keen to rescue the 26-year-old as he has failed to
win down a regular place during a loan spell with Real Betis. While the
Andalucian club could be willing to cut his temporary stay with them short,
Villarreal would only want him back if they were able to sell him straight
on. Somoza is reported to be ready to switch clubs in order to play
regularly and would be keen to go to either Italy or England. Lazio were
interested in signing the Argentina international before he went on loan to
Betis and are now preparing to step up contacts with the Yellow Submarine.
Talks could begin this week, according to reports in Spain, and if they do
then West Ham may be ready to make their interest known in the player. After
joining Villarreal from Vélez Sársfield in 2006, Zomoza made 24 appearances
for Manolo Pelegrini's side last term before being loaned out in the summer.
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