All the background, team news and latest information for the big London
derby this weekend at the Boleyn
28.02.2008
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 1 March
3pm
Referee: Peter Walton
WHUTV - Pre-match press conference
WESTHAM.WAP.COM - All the news, on the move
PHOTO GALLERY - Exclusive training photos
Introduction
West Ham United welcome Chelsea for a high-profile match that has been
dedicated to raising money and awareness of the Richard House children's
hospice - one of the club's two official charities along with the Bobby
Moore Fund for Cancer Research. Richard House, based in Beckton, east
London, has helped hundreds of life-limited children and their families with
vital care and support.
* After three matches against teams in the relegation zone, tenth-placed
West Ham United welcome a Chelsea side sitting in third place and still
harbouring ambitions of league, FA Cup and Champions League success despite
last weekend's 1-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur in the Carling Cup final.
West Ham United are this season aiming to make it a hat-trick of home wins
against teams from the traditional 'big four' after seeing off Manchester
United (2-1) and Liverpool (1-0).
* West Ham United have lost their last six meetings with Chelsea, with the
last five all coming in the Barclays Premier League. The last victory was
the 1-0 home win on 3 May 2003 when Paolo Di Canio struck in the 71st
minute. Joe Cole was in the West Ham United lineup that season while Carlton
Cole appeared as a 72nd minute substitute for the visitors.
* Speaking to whufc.com about the threat posed by Chelsea, Robert Green
said: "They had a big game on Sunday and they have a big [Champions League]
game on the Wednesday after our game and you know they won't be looking
forward to coming to Upton Park. I don't think anyone ever does really.
Between ourselves and the fans we can make it as intimidating as possible
and really get stuck into them and make it a double over the west London
clubs."
Last match
Fulham 0-1 West Ham United (23 February): Green, Neill, Ferdinand, Upson,
McCartney, Faubert (Solano 63), Mullins, Noble, Ljungberg, Boa Morte, Cole
(Ashton 80).
Subs not used: Wright, Pantsil
Goals: Solano 87
Tottenham Hotspur 2-1 Chelsea aet (24 February): Cech, Belletti, Carvalho,
Terry, Bridge, Wright-Phillips (Kalou 72), Essien (Ballack 88), Lampard,
Mikel (Joe Cole 98), Anelka, Drogba
Subs not used: Cudicini, Alex
Goals: Drogba 39, Berbatov 70 pen, Woodgate 94
Team news
* In addition to the matchday 16 that faced Fulham, Alan Curbishley could
have Bobby Zamora and Henri Camara in contention for selection, along with
some in-form youngsters from the reserves - namely James Tomkins, Jack
Collison and Freddie Sears. The 18-year-old homegrown Hammers fan Sears
scored twice and made the other for Dean Ashton in the reserves against
Tottenham on Monday.
* Fit-again after a long-term knee injury that has kept him out since 28
August, Zamora has come through three reserve-team games. He scored a
hat-trick in getting 90 minutes in the 4-1 win against Birmingham on 12
February before another full run-out a week later in a 2-0 defeat of Fulham.
He then played the first 45 minutes in the 3-1 win at Tottenham before
picking up a slight knock to his other knee, although he is back in
training.
* Faubert made his first start last weekend after four league and cup
substitute appearances and will hope to keep his place. Nolberto Solano's
goalscoring contribution off the bench could also see him in the frame for a
starting berth. Jonathan Spector, John Pantsil and Ashton all got 90 minutes
for the reserves on Monday night and will be eager to figure. Lee Bowyer and
Matthew Etherington (both groin) are still out.
* Scott Parker has trained for the last eight days, after his recovery from
a knee injury unrelated to the condition he had previously in the season. He
is not expected to be back in time for the Tottenham fixture on Sunday week.
Kieron Dyer also continues to make progress from his double leg-break. James
Collins (cruciate knee ligaments) and Calum Davenport (neck) will not return
this season.
* Craig Bellamy had an abdominal strengthening operation a week ago when he
was ruled out until April at the earliest. Danny Gabbidon (groin) is also
some way off a first-team return as is Nigel Quashie (foot).
* Chelsea are at full strength with no injury complaints. Branislav
Ivanovic, the Serbian defender who joined in January from Lokomotiv Moscow,
has returned to training after a slight knock.
* The only dilemma for Avram Grant is who to leave out, with Joe Cole,
Michael Ballack and Salomon Kalou all on the bench last Sunday and the likes
of Ashley Cole, Steve Sidwell, Tal Ben Haim, Florent Malouda, Claudio
Pizarro and Andriy Shevchenko all not involved at all.
Background
* Alan Curbishley's side are in good league form, with eight wins and six
draws from the last 18 fixtures.
* Victory could take the Hammers up to ninth - depending on Blackburn
Rovers' result at Newcastle United. Blackburn are two points ahead with
Manchester City and Portsmouth, in eighth and seventh, a further two points
in front. The Hammers have a game in hand - next Wednesday's trip to
Liverpool - on all three clubs. Tottenham Hotspur, in eleventh, are eight
points behind West Ham United.
* West Ham United and Chelsea last met on 1 December 2007 when Joe Cole's
76th-minute winner was all the separated the sides in a 1-0 home victory at
Stamford Bridge.
The lineups were:
Chelsea: Cudicini, Belletti, Alex, Terry, Bridge, Sidwell (Wright-Phillips
66), Mikel, Lampard, Kalou, Drogba, Joe Cole (Makelele 89)
Subs not used: Hilario, Shevchenko, Ben Haim
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Gabbidon, Upson, McCartney, Solano (Ljungberg
74), Parker (Spector 79), Mullins, Etherington (Ashton 79), Boa Morte, Cole
Subs not used: Wright, Collins
* The Hammers have still not lost in all 14 league games this season when
they have taken the lead.
* Like Manchester United, West Ham United have conceded only ten goals away
from home in the league this season, a mark bettered only by Liverpool
(eight) and Chelsea (nine).
* Robert Green has kept eight clean sheets in 26 league games following his
latest shut-out against Fulham last weekend.
* Jon Spector turns 22 with the visit of Chelsea. Mark Noble is in line for
his 50th game for West Ham United.
* George McCartney is bidding to make his 33rd appearance this season in all
competitions.
* McCartney is the only West Ham United player who has featured in every
league and cup game to date, starting in each one.
* In terms of the Premier League, only Green and Matthew Upson have played
every minute of the 26 matches.
* McCartney, Lucas Neill, Mark Noble and Luis Boa Morte are all no longer on
the threat of a one-match ban after four cautions each this season. The
'one-match ban for five cautions' rule was for all yellow cards up to the
end of February. However, a player receiving ten cautions before the end of
the second Sunday in April will be suspended for two matches, starting seven
days after the tenth offence.
* No other top-flight club still has two league ever-presents while Upson,
along with Stephen Kelly of Birmingham, is one of only two outfield players
in the whole division to have achieved that feat.
* Ashton, with six goals, five in the league, is the club's leading scorer.
Frank Lampard has scored the most goals for Chelsea this season with eleven.
* Scott Parker made 28 appearances for Chelsea, with one goal, between
January 2004 and June 2005 while Carlton Cole came through the academy at
Stamford Bridge before heading east in July 2006 after 32 appearances and
eight goals for the Blues.
* Chelsea boast Lampard and Joe Cole, both Academy products, who headed west
in June 2001 and August 2003 respectively. Lampard made 187 appearances,
scoring 37 goals, while Joe Cole played 149 times, with 13 goals.
* Both teams are in action on Wednesday. West Ham United go to Liverpool for
a league match rearranged from the first week of the season while Chelsea
are at home against Olympiakos in the second leg of their Champions League
last-16 tie. They secured a 0-0 draw in Greece earlier this month.
Head to head (last six meetings - Barclays Premier League unless stated)
1 December 2007 - Chelsea 1-0 West Ham United
18 April 2007 - West Ham United 1-4 Chelsea
18 November 2006 - Chelsea 1-0 West Ham United
9 April 2006 - Chelsea 4-1 West Ham United
2 January 2006 - West Ham United 1-3 Chelsea
27 October 2004 - Chelsea 1-0 West Ham United (League Cup)
Overall record v Chelsea (all competitions): W 36, D 16, L 36
Barclays Premier League fixtures (all 3pm unless stated)
Saturday 1 March
Arsenal v Aston Villa
Birmingham v Tottenham
Derby County v Sunderland
Fulham v Manchester United
Manchester City v Wigan Athletic (5.15pm)
Middlesbrough v Reading
Newcastle United v Blackburn Rovers
Sunday 24 February
Bolton Wanderers v Liverpool (1.30pm)
Everton v Portsmouth (4pm)
General information
Tickets: Please note this match is SOLD OUT. For ticket information, click
here. For details of getting to the Boleyn Ground, click here
Travel information: The District Line is suspended between Earls Court and
Whitechapel due to planned engineering works. Circle Line is suspended
throughout in both directions. For more information, click here
Weather: The forecast is for a cloudy afternoon with the temperature is set
to peak at around 13C.
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Nobby wants more of the same - WHUFC
Having found the net with a crucial goal last time out, Nolberto Solano is
eager to get the goals flowing
29.02.2008
Nolberto Solano is looking forward to the chance of repeating his
match-winning heroics of last weekend when Chelsea come calling this
Saturday afternoon.
The Peruvian international came off the bench to score the only goal of the
1-0 victory at Fulham and would gladly take a similar result - especially as
Chelsea were winners by the narrowest of margins when the teams last met at
Stamford Bridge on 1 December. "When we played away against them, we played
well. It is always difficult against Chelsea. We can't sit back for 90
minutes and wait for them as they have quality players who can score any
time.
"So we have nothing to lose," Solano added. "We aren't having a bad season.
Compared to last season, we are in a comfortable position. But we want to
win the game. We want to try and enjoy the game. It is eleven against
eleven. They are a good team. But we are at home." The midfielder was also
aware of the desire from fans to see more goals from the team but recognised
that the front men first needed the service.
"Our midfield has to give the chances to the strikers to create something.
It is a bonus for a midfielders to score goals, but the priority is for the
strikers to score, as they are in better positions. We need to improve and
create more for the strikers. We can't carry on only creating two or three
chances in a game, we need to do much better."
Solano's goal last weekend was his third in 13 matches for the club he
joined last summer but he is hopeful of adding to that tally in the final 12
games of the campaign as well as making more for others with his renowned
set-piece ability. "Sometimes it is very difficult to score in this league,
as teams fight and fight for the result. But we need to improve and create
more chances - we need to play better football if we want to score more
goals."
The 33-year-old is a popular figure at Chadwell Heath for the youthful
enthusiasm he brings to every session. Revealing that he used to work as a
bus conductor as a teenager growing up in Peru - "I needed the money to go
training, or if I wanted to buy new boots" - he is nothing but grateful for
the opportunity he has today. "We are privileged to play in this profession
compared with different people.
"That is why I have no complaints. Some people go to work at 7.30, but we
start at 9.30/10 - we are here two hours. It is a wonderful profession." Of
his time in England and with West Ham United, he said he always tries to
tell his colleagues of how lucky they are to be using the best facilities -
unlike the experiences of his youth in South America. "When you move here,
everything is perfect. That is why I appreciate it. I am very glad that
every day I am still playing."
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Mullins the man for Curbs - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley has said Hayden Mullins is a player who does not always get
the recognition he deserves
29.02.2008
Alan Curbishley has paid tribute to the contribution of Hayden Mullins this
season - describing the midfielder as his "unsung hero".
The 28-year-old has yet again been impressive at the heart of the West Ham
United midfield this season and Curbishley recognised that Mullins may have
been concerned about his place last summer with the arrival of two big
signings. "We bought Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer in and he must have looked
at that and thought there is a bit of competition here but he has stayed
strong," the manager said. "He has stayed fit and he has played every game.
He has deserved to be playing in every game."
Mullins himself has spoken about the impact of increased competition for
places on his game. "You can deal with it in two ways. You can let your head
drop, which will affect your game or you can let it bring out the best in
you as a player with the competition it creates. I want to be at this club
with these kinds of players around me, which is going to be pushing for
bigger things.
"I just put my head down and got on with it. Then a couple of injuries
occurred, I got my chance and made sure to make the most of it," he added in
an interview with the official matchday programme. Mullins has certainly
made the most of his time at the Boleyn Ground - playing in 25 of the club's
26 league games this season as well as four in the cups. The definition of a
reliable performer, he made 30 league appearances in 2003/04, 40 in 2004/05,
35 in 2005/06 and 30 in 2006/07.
Mullins will soon have increased competition again with Parker closer to a
first-team return although unlikely to figure in any of the three first-team
matches over the next week. "We are hoping to try and get him a game next
week - he is not far off again," the manager said, explaining that Parker
just missed out on last Monday's reserve fixture at Tottenham Hotspur. "We
are a little bit disappointed that if he had got himself right he could have
played that game on Monday and been a little bit further forward but he is
in full training. He has trained for the last eight days fully. It might be
a bit tight for the Tottenham game.
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Striking options for Saturday - WHUFC
Bobby Zamora and Freddie Sears have been in the manager's thoughts - while
Scott Parker is doing well
28.02.2008
Alan Curbishley looks set to have Bobby Zamora back in contention for
Saturday's game against Chelsea while he acknowledges that some of his
younger talents are also pushing hard for selection.
Zamora has been out since 28 August with a persistent knee problem but has
made three reserve-team appearances in quick succession - scoring a
hat-trick in the first of them, a 4-1 defeat of Birmingham City. His last
game was the 3-1 win at Tottenham Hotspur on Monday but the 27-year-old
forward picked up a slight knock to his other knee. He was taken off as a
precaution but has since resumed training.
Confirming he would have largely the same squad as he had for last week's
1-0 win at Fulham, the manager added that Zamora was close. "Bobby Zamora
only played half a game on Monday. He got a kick just under the other knee
and he had to come off with it but he is training. So we will see how he is.
He has got through the last three or four weeks and has looked quite sharp
so hopefully he will be back."
Meanwhile, Scott Parker has come through eight days of full training after
his recovery from a knee injury suffered when Cristiano Ronaldo accidentally
fell on him during the Manchester United victory on 29 December. When asked
if he would figure against Tottenham on Sunday week, the manager said "It
might be a bit tight for him". Craig Bellamy is recovering from his
abdominal strengthening operation which, if all goes to plan, could see him
"out for another three or four weeks".
Also involved in the reserve game last Monday were Dean Ashton and
18-year-old striker Freddie Sears who has hit 24 goals in 23 games at U18
and reserve-team level this season. Curbishley confirmed that along with Jon
Spector and John Pantsil, Ashton asked to play, having only got ten minutes
as a replacement in the weekend win at Fulham. "He scored and he wanted to
play in the game. It wasn't what people were reading into it."
When asked if Sears, who struck twice and made the other goal for Ashton,
would figure soon, Curbishley added: "He is a centre-forward who we have got
hopes for. It was a good display. As I said previously if we get to it and
they go in, I have got no doubts about playing them. [James] Tomkins, [Jack]
Collison and Sears have all been around the first-team squad for the last
four or five weeks. [They are] part and parcel of the future of the club.
"[Sears] is different to what we have got available at the moment. He is
Bellamy-like. He is quick, wants to get in behind people and goes about his
business very quietly. He is a good finisher. He has burst on in the last
two months really and I think the natural progression is to get some sort of
football and we will see if that is in the next 12 games. I am not afraid to
put the young boys in. If an opportunity arises I will do it."
Curbishley added that he was aware the fans are hungry to see homegrown
talents coming through - as has been the case of late with Anton Ferdinand
and Mark Noble - along with 20-year-old winger Kyel Reid this season.
"Anyone that comes through the ranks has that affinity with them so they
should be looking out for Sears, Collison and Tomkins and the likes over the
next couple of months and next season."
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Captain's Blog - Massive week ahead - WHUFC
Lucas Neill updates the latest from behind the scenes with special mention
of a very worthy cause
29.02.2008
The skipper looks back to the 1-0 win at Fulham and ahead to the visit this
weekend of Chelsea. He also has words for talented youngsters James Tomkins,
Jack Collison and Freddie Sears along with mention of a very special cause.
Another gritty and determined performance saw us rewarded with a late goal
and a crucial three points at Craven Cottage last week. It is never a pretty
or easy game against a team fighting for survival and as a result games
often become scrappy but winning is about mental strength which this squad
has plenty of after what it has gone through over the last 12 months.
Special mentions must go to Carlton Cole for another enthusiastic and
hardworking performance where the only thing missing was a goal. Mark Noble
who put in another mature performance, Greeny for a quiet afternoon but a
very crucial save when the game was locked at 0-0 and a very happy Luis Boa
Morte completing a double over his former team.
It was told to me this week that on February 27th 2007 we were 19th on 20
points with ten games to go minus 28 goals and no away wins - how times have
changed! And the progress made is a compliment to everybody at West Ham
United on and off the field and I of course include the supporters in that.
But our work is not done and we still have a goal to achieve which is
qualification for Europe. Like last year, we need the fans to create that
electric atmosphere that inspired us to seven out of nine wins last season.
This is a massive week for the club and the games don't come any tougher.
However, with a great atmosphere being generated in the stands I am quietly
confident that a victory against our London rivals is very achievable. We
welcome Chelsea's staff, fans and players to the Boleyn Ground who will all
be hurting but looking to get back to winning ways after the disappointment
of losing the Carling Cup final (to another one of our rivals!).
Also this week we will be travelling away to Liverpool, another difficult
hurdle, but I am hoping Saturday's result against Chelsea and our away form
this season could see us picking up vital points in a match that is
considered our catch-up game.
The squad is getting healthier, Scotty Parker is in full training, Bobby
Zamora has three reserve games under his belt, Julien Faubert's fitness is
improving everyday and Kieron Dyer is not far off full training. The sudden
emergence of young Freddie Sears could give the manager and the squad some
extra firepower with our push for Europe. He has really impressed everyone
in the squad the last couple of weeks and is scoring goals in reserve games.
Like Jack and Tomka he is training and playing without fear and full of
energy and confidence.
This Saturday's match has been dedicated to the Richard House Hospice - one
of our club charities this season. I urge all our fans to give generously to
the collections being made on the day and to join the big text appeal where
we are asking all supporters to donate just £1 by texting the word RICHARD
to 82085. It is a very worthy charity that is seriously lacking in funding
and every penny will help. I know both Nobes and Anton visited the hospice
earlier this season which is a stone's throw from the ground and were
totally overwhelmed by what they saw and how hard the staff work so, like
you show your fantastic support for us every week, please show similar
support for the hospice too.
I thank you in advance for your generosity and of course your support this
weekend and away at Liverpool on Wednesday.
Lucas Neill
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Faubert hoping for home start - WHUFC
The London derby against Chelsea may prove a stern test but Julien Faubert
is eager to play a key role
29.02.2008
Julien Faubert has high hopes of getting his first start at the Boleyn
Ground this weekend with the visit of Chelsea.
The fit-again France winger appeared in the West Ham United starting eleven
for the first time in last week's 1-0 win at Fulham. After four previous
substitute appearances, including two at home, he is in contention on
Saturday to finally experience what it is like to run out to the sounds of
Bubbles. He certainly relished being involved from the off last weekend. "I
enjoyed making my first start. I am also very happy because I felt no pain,
no problems and we won. I feel better game after game and this is good for
me."
After some tricky encounters against struggling sides who like to get plenty
of men behind the ball, the pacy Faubert, a summer signing from Bordeaux, is
ready to show his true ability in the Chelsea contest. "I hope I play," he
said. "It will be good for my style of play. It is a big game and they are a
big team. We are at home and we have the chance to win. I know it is a big
game and that it means a lot to the fans. I will do everything to help us
win and get the three points."
If extra incentive were needed, Faubert will have additional support this
weekend. "My family are coming from France to see the game. I am really
happy about that and it will be a good day," he added. The 24-year-old is
like his team-mates in believing that the team still has every chance in the
final dozen fixtures of the season of finishing high enough to qualify for
the UEFA Cup. "The win against Fulham was good for us, good for the season.
We want to play in Europe."
Faubert may not have made a first-team start at home yet but he did get an
extended 90 minute run-out at the Boleyn Ground on 12 February in the 4-1
reserve-team win against Birmingham City. In a superb right-wing display
against strong opposition, he made three of his team's four goals, notably
two superb crosses for Bobby Zamora on his way to a hat-trick that
underlined why he too could be in contention to face Chelsea.
Both men spent the first six months of the season on the sidelines but an
achilles injury allowed Faubert the chance to observe the determination at
West Ham United for success - a desire underlined at Fulham when the team
had to keep going for the result. "It was a good solid team performance and
we won it at the end. We have a great defence. We tried to score and we kept
going and finally did it. I know it is a hard league because there is a lot
of contact but we won and it was good for our position. I am enjoying it
here."
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Squad suited and booted - WHUFC
The playing are all wearing new club suits after a link up with Moss, who
have launched a special promotion
29.02.2008
West Ham United might be doing the business on the pitch this season with a
consistent run of form but the players are also looking the part off it as
well.
The club has teamed up with the UK's No1 branded suit specialists Moss to
fit the entire squad out in new match suits provided by Savoy Taylors Guild.
Alan Curbishley selected a modern classic navy herringbone suit with a blue
twill shirt complete with the official West Ham United club tie for the team
to wear. The stylish modern classic cut flatters both the players and the
training squad.
To celebrate the new partnership between West Ham United and Savoy Taylors
Guild, all season ticket holders are being offered 15 per cent off in any
Savoy Taylors Guild or Moss store on presentation of a special voucher.
Alternatively, check out the matchday programme against Chelsea on Saturday
afternoon for another promotion - as well as some exclusive behind the
scenes team pictures.
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West Ham v Chelsea - BBC
Upton Park
Saturday, 1 March
Kick-off: 1500 GMT
BBC coverage: Live on the BBC Sport website, BBC Radio Five Live &
highlights on Match of the Day.
West Ham striker Bobby Zamora is a doubt after suffering a blow to his knee
in a reserve game and Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington are still out.
Henri Camara is in contention to feature, as is promising England Under-19
striker Freddie Sears.
Chelsea have no new injury or suspension problems ahead of the trip to Upton
Park, with Andriy Shevchenko included in the Blues squad.
Scott Sinclair has moved on loan to Charlton and will not feature.
West Ham (from): Green, Wright, Pantsil, Neill, Spector, Upson, Ferdinand,
McCartney, Faubert, Ljungberg, Noble, Mullins, Solano, Boa Morte, Cole,
Ashton, Camara, Sears.
Chelsea (from): Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Terry,
Carvalho, Alex, Ben-Haim, A Cole, Bridge, Lampard, Makelele, Essien,
Sidwell, Obi, Malouda, Wright-Phillips, Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou,
J Cole, Ballack, Anelka.
West Ham midfielder Nolberto Solano: "Our midfield has to give chances to
strikers to create something. "It's a bonus for a midfielder to score but
the priority is the strikers. They are in better positions. "We need to
create more chances. We can't carry on creating two or three a game, we need
to do much better."
BIG-MATCH FACTS
This is the 17th London top-flight derby of the season between the two clubs
whose Premier League games have yielded the lowest numbers of goals.
West Ham are comfortably encamped in the top half, seeking their first
back-to-back victories in 21 Premier League outings.
Chelsea take the field for the first time since losing the Carling Cup final
to Tottenham on Sunday, eager to extend their nine-match unbeaten league run
that's left them six points behind the top two and nine points off the pace.
The now triple-chasing Blues have won three more away league games this
term, than West Ham have managed at home (eight to five).
Chelsea are attempting to beat West Ham for the sixth successive time in the
Premier League.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 9th
Lowest could fall: 10th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Won three of the last six.
2. Lost one of six; 1-0, against Wigan at the JJB Stadium on 2 February.
3. The current tally of 40 points is twice as many as were accumulated after
26 games last season.
4. Their 26 games have produced fewer goals than any other club; 54 (31 for,
23 against) at 2.08 per game.
5. Not registered successive league victories since beating Reading (0-3
away) and Middlesbrough (3-0 at home) on 1 and 15 September respectively.
6. Not lost any matches in which they took the lead, but drawn five.
7. Unbeaten in five home league games; won three and drawn two since losing
0-2 to Everton on 15 December.
8. Won the last two London Premier League derbies, both against Fulham,
after just one victory in the previous 12. (Chelsea have won three, drawn
one and lost one of their five this season).
9. Away to Liverpool and Tottenham after this, then home to Blackburn,
before a visit to Everton and a long trip to Sunderland at the end of March.
CHELSEA
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 3rd
Lowest could fall: 3rd
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Defeat in the Carling Cup final ended a 16-match undefeated sequence (all
competitions).
2. Won six and drawn three of the last nine, since losing 1-0, away to
Arsenal on 16 December - their only reverse in 19. They have lost two of 20
under Avram Grant, but are still two points down on last season's total to
this same stage.
3. Won 16 matches; only Manchester United and Arsenal have won more (19
each). Also, dropped 23 points in the top division; only Arsenal (17) and
Manchester United (20) have dropped fewer.
4. Three goals short of conceding 600 all-time in this league. Let in 17
goals at one every 138 minutes (two hours 18 minutes) on average; only
Manchester United have shipped fewer (15).
5. Kept 15 clean sheets in the highest league; only the Red Devils match
that. Also, managed shut-outs in four of the last five, a period in which
only one goal has been shipped.
6. Already equalled the number of league defeats last season (three); and
the number of times the opening goal has been conceded (eight). Also failed
to score in two more games than last term (six this season, four in the
whole of 2006-07).
7. The goalless draw against Liverpool at Stamford Bridge in the most recent
game on 10 February was the first time they had failed to score in nine.
8. Gained 10 points from a last possible 12 on the road since losing 1-0 at
Arsenal on 16 December. Their four match unbeaten spell away from home is
the longest current sequence by any club on their travels.
9. One defeat shy of 100 away from home all-time in this league. Three goals
short of 400 scored on the road, and three shy of 350 shipped away from
home.
10. Next the Champions League tie with Olympiakos continues with the
Stamford Bridge leg on Wednesday, the sides standing at 0-0 after the
opening match in Greece. Then it's away to Barnsley in the quarter-finals of
the FA Cup. League fixtures for the rest of the month involve a home clash
with Derby, a trip to Sunderland, two more London derbies away to Tottenham
and home to Arsenal, and a further home match against Middlesbrough.
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON is West Ham's top scorer with six goals.
ASHTON is also the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen with five.
The club's Premier League goalscorers list is predominately comprised of
English players (eight of 12).
Matthew UPSON and Robert GREEN are the only remaining players to have been
on the field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League
matches this season. The Hammers are the only club to have as many as two
genuine ever-presents remaining in this Premier League campaign.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
Nol SOLANO needs a double to total 50 Premier League goals (Newcastle, Aston
Villa and West Ham).
Fredrik LJUNGBERG is three shy of 50 Premier League goals (Arsenal and West
Ham).
If selected:-
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
Mark NOBLE will be making his 50th league appearance in a West Ham shirt.
Jonathan SPECTOR will be playing on this 22nd birthday.
CARLTON COLE will be facing the club where he started his professional
career. The 24 year old forward made 32 appearances (25 in the league) and
scored eight goals (four league) before signing for the Hammers in July
2006.
Scott PARKER will be playing against a former club. The 27 year old England
international made 28 appearances (15 in the league) and scored one league
goal for Chelsea between January 2004 and June 2005.
If on the field from the outset:-
Luis BOA MORTE will be making his 200th English league start (Arsenal,
Southampton, Fulham and West Ham).
CHELSEA
Nicolas ANELKA is the highest scoring player in the Chelsea squad with 13
goals, but 11 of those were for Bolton.
Frank LAMPARD is the top scorer of Chelsea goals with 11.
DROGBA, LAMPARD and Salomon KALOU are the clubs' joint leading marksmen in
the Premier League, with five goals each. (ANELKA scored 10 for Bolton and
has got one for Chelsea.)
DROGBA is a hat-trick short of 50 Premier League goals in Chelsea colours.
If selected:-
Shaun WRIGHT-PHILLIPS will be making his 300th club career appearance
(Manchester City and Chelsea).
LAMPARD will be facing a former club. The 29 year old England international
was a West Ham trainee, making 187 appearances (148 in the league) and
scoring 37 goals (23 league) for them before his £11m move to Stamford
Bridge in June 2001.
JOE COLE will also will be facing former team mates. The 26 year old England
international similarly started his career with the Hammers, making 149
appearances (126 in the league) and scoring 13 goals (10 league) before his
£6.6m move across the capital in August 2003.
HEAD TO HEAD
West Ham have not prized any Premier League points off Chelsea since beating
them 1-0 at Upton Park on 3 May 2003, when substitute Paolo Di Canio scored
the winner.
Chelsea are looking to do the double over the Hammers for the fourth time in
the Premier League and the third in successive attempts.
West Ham were one of eight clubs Chelsea achieved the double over last
season; Chelsea were one of six to do the double over the Hammers.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 34 wins, Chelsea 30, Draws 15
Prem: West Ham 9 wins, Chelsea 13, Draws 3
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 22 wins, Chelsea 10, Draws 7
Prem: West Ham 5 wins, Chelsea 5, Draws 2
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 1-4 Chelsea
18 April 2007 - Ref: Mike Dean
West Ham scorer: Tevez 35
Chelsea scorers: Wright-Phillips 31, 36, Kalou 52, Drogba 62
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Chelsea 1-0 West Ham United
1 December 2007 - Ref: Howard Webb
Chelsea scorer: Joe Cole 76
REFEREE
Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Premier League referees' table
Peter Walton's 2007-08 Premier League card count
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West Ham Utd v Chelsea: match preview -0 KUMB
Filed: Friday, 29th February 2008
By: Matthew Coker
The roller coaster returns to the Boleyn this weekend as we welcome old
enemies, Chelsea to our gaff. The game is scheduled for a 3pm Saturday kick
off as we face off against the Carling Cup runners up.
The season in West London has been one of change and whilst the transition
from Jose Mourinho to Avram Grant had looked fairly seamless for some time,
the cracks are now starting to appear and the natives are becoming restless.
From the outside, Grant has kept the season very much on track. They
currently sit in third place in the Premier League, only nine points off the
top with a game in hand, which puts them as Champions League qualifiers at
least, if not possible title contenders.
They topped their Champions League qualifying group and although their
performance in the knock out stage first leg against Olympiakos wasn't the
greatest, a goalless draw in the away leg should be enough to see them
through. They have also reached the quarter finals of the FA Cup, a
competition that has blessed them with easier draws than the office
secretary at the Christmas party.
Grant has managed all this despite injuries to Terry and Cech, one of
factors that saw them lose the title last season and against the loss of key
players in Essien, Drogba and Mikel to the African Cup of Nations. He has
also managed to extend their unbeaten home record to 76 games.
However, the fans complaints are numerous and they point to his lack of
tactical nous (see Carling Cup final for daft line up and late
substitutions), his lack of motivational ability (evident from assistant
manager, Steve Clarke, doing the rallying at the end of 90 minutes at
Wembley) and the deterioration of the side in general.
They use the markers of the games against the other big 4 sides where they
have lost to Arsenal and Man Yoo (admittedly too early to be Grant's fault)
and only the fact that all Liverpool's chances fell to Peter Crouch meant
they earned a point against the Mickey's as evidence that the side is
weakening.
The last five or so games have been real dips in the season, the draw in
Greece followed making beating Huddersfield Town look laborious and prior to
that they had drawn back to back league games with Portsmouth and Liverpool.
All this was topped by defeat at Wembley against the mid-table spuds and
their jowly boss is starting to be dubbed the Ordinary One by more than one
of their followers.
This appears on the face of it to be a good time to play them, but they need
are obviously a serious proposition, a side that was able to leave Ashley
Cole, Steve Sidwell, Florent Malouda and Andriy Shevchenko out of the squad
last week will still take some beating.
Avram's Blues to Choose (from)
Defensively, they are back to full strength with Petr Cech between the
posts, Juliano Belletti on the right, Richardo Carvalho and John Terry as
the centre back pairing and a choice of Ashley Cole or Wayne Bridge on the
left.
No doubt the match officials will be happy to see Terry back in the side as
he combines his duties as Chelsea captain with his capacity as the fifth
match official, always happy to contribute the hairdryer treatment to any
referee that dares to award a decision against his side.
I would imagine that he spent the match days when he was out injured,
sitting next to the fourth official screaming obscenities down his ear, just
to keep himself match fit.
Grant has tended to stick with a 4-1-4-1 with either Makelele or Mikel in
the holding role. The widemen have usually been Joe Cole on the left, who
can expect a much cooler reception that on previous visits as a result of
his over elaborate celebrations of his offside strike at the Bridge, and
Short Wright Philips on the right, with the two Michaels, Essien and Ballack
in the middle.
The German captain has been in very good form over the last few weeks,
starting to make the all round contributions upon which his outrageous
salary was based and he has managed to weigh in with three league strikes to
date.
The return of Fat Frank has created an Anglo German version of the Lampard –
Gerrard debate, the portly one got the nod at Wembley, though performed
pretty feebly in that game as he has since his return from injury.
It is difficult to see how you can play the two together in the side,
particularly as Essien is such an influential player and a shoe in for a
starting place, prompting discussions amongst supporters about the possible
departure of one of them in the summer.
Nicolas Anelka's recruitment from Bolton co-incided with Didier Drogba's
international sabbatical and Le Sulk has featured predominantly as the lone
striker. The Frenchman, who has seen more clubs in his career than a Las
Vegas blackjack dealer, has managed two strikes so far for his latest
employers.
The return of Didier Drogba has seen the Ivory Coast striker back in the
front line and Grant has yet to couple the similarly styled duo as a pair of
out and out strikers, instead experimenting with Anelka as a left winger in
the one game where both were in the starting eleven.
If you can pick a player (Lampard aside) that you would not put walk
straight into our side, then your glasses clearly have a darker claret and
blue tint than mine. I think that player for player, Chelsea are the best
side that we will face this season and there is a noticeable lack of any
Darren Fletchers, Dirk Kuyts or Philippe Senderos's anywhere near a first
team squad in which all of the starting eleven are proven international
successes.
"We can do one of two things - we can dwell on it and get knocked out of
another competition, or we take this defeat and pick ourselves up and go
again."
John Terry, post the Wembley humiliation.
I am not sure if Chelsea's defeat in football's most insignificant trophy
will help or hinder us. Obviously in the piss taking stakes, it is manna
from heaven, but they are as likely to come out to restore their reputation
as they are to have had their confidence knocked.
The final blues line up is difficult to predict. Grant has the luxurious
problem of having everyone suddenly available, though it is impossible to
keep everyone happy and he seemed to have been swayed by player power in his
selection process last weekend. The Champions League game on Tuesday night
will also pray on the coach's mind so we may benefit from seeing a few of
their normal starters rested.
Overall, I would think that the game will be close, like the game at the
Bridge earlier this season, rather than the drubbing we took at the end of
last season. Anyone expecting Curbs to compromise his men behind the ball
principles will be way off the mark, regardless of any chanting. I can see
them with much of the possession and us closing them down and trying to
catch them on the break and if we are going to succeed, the wings seem the
best bet to get stuck into, hopefully tucking in behind the full backs who
like to get forward.
I'm not envisaging a classic, nor would I expect to see many goals. I think
it will be settled by a single strike which will probably go Chelsea's way,
probably via several deflections from a Lampard effort.
Enjoy the game.
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Solano feels for Pizarro - SSN
Hammers midfielder has sympathy for compatriot
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 29th February 2008
West Ham midfielder Nolberto Solano has expressed his sympathy for Peruvian
compatriot Claudio Pizarro. Pizarro has had limited opportunities to impress
at Chelsea since Jose Mourinho's departure and has not started a Premier
League game since 12th January. Didier Drobga and Salomon Kalou have since
returned from the Africa Cup of Nations and Pizarro is once again likely to
be left out when Chelsea line up against West Ham on Saturday. Solano
believes Pizarro is capable of making an impact in the Premier League but
accepts that competition for places is fierce at Stamford Bridge. He said:
"It is difficult for Claudio as Mourinho signed him and he then had to leave
the club. "He is a good player but it is difficult when you play up front
and if you don't score goals. "Drogba is very important in the system they
play and they bought Anelka so it is a big challenge for him to try and
improve more and, if he has the chances, to take them. "Especially at a club
like Chelsea, you need to perform well. At the moment it is difficult for
him to get into the team." Solano is looking forward to the clash against
Chelsea but admits it will be difficult for West Ham to take anything from
the game. "Chelsea is always a hard game," he said. "At the moment we know
how desperate they are for three points, especially after they lost the
Carling Cup. "They are desperate to finish in the top four to qualify for
the UEFA Champions League, or even win the league. For Chelsea, if they do
not win any trophies, it will be difficult for them."
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West Ham v Chelsea preview - SSN
Hammers entertain title-chasers at Upton Park
By James Pearson Last updated: 29th February 2008
Chelsea will be looking to bounce back from their Carling Cup final defeat
to Spurs against West Ham at Upton Park. Despite taking the lead through
Didier Drogba's free-kick at Wembley, goals from Dimitar Berbatov and
Jonathan Woodgate gave Spurs a stunning 2-1 extra-time win. After missing
out on a Premier League fixture last weekend, the Blues now find themselves
trailing leaders Arsenal by nine points with a game in hand. Chelsea's hopes
of getting their Premier League title tilt back on track will prove a
difficult task, with The Hammers going nine league games at home with only
one defeat. However, West Ham's record against their London rivals is poor
following a run of five consecutive league defeats. You have to go back to
May 2003 for their last league success over their capital neighbours.
Chelsea have no worries for the game, meaning head coach Avram Grant has a
major selection headache, with a number of high-calibre players battling for
starting positions. One change Grant could well make is switching from the
4-3-3 formation favoured by Jose Mourinho in favour of a 4-1-3-2 look.
Andrei Shevchenko is likely to be included in Chelsea's squad, although he
is unlikely to replace either Nicolas Anelka or Drogba up front in what
looks a dangerous strike force. Shaun Wright-Phillips, Michael Essien, Frank
Lampard and John Obi Mikel were Grant's midfield against Spurs, although Joe
Cole, Michael Ballack and Salomon Kalou will all be hoping for a chance.
Ashley Cole will be looking to displace Wayne Bridge, who was given the nod
for last Sunday's Carling Cup final, at left-back. John Terry and Ricardo
Carvalho should keep their places at the heart of Chelsea's defence meaning
Alex may well again have to settle for a place on the bench.
West Ham did hope to have Bobby Zamora available following a lengthy
absence, although he injured his knee in a reserve team game against
Tottenham and is doubtful. Midfielders Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington
(both groin) will miss out again after watching last weekend's late win over
Fulham from the stands. Striker Henri Camara is back in contention for
manager Alan Pardew while former Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker is
training again following a knee injury, although this weekend's game may
come too soon for a return. Craig Bellamy, Calum Davenport, Nigel Quashie
and Kieron Dyer all remain long-term injury victims for The Hammers and
remain on the sidelines.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Chelsea: Preview - Soccernet
Updated: February 29, 2008, 9:57 AM ET
Bobby Zamora suffered a blow to the knee during Monday's reserve team game
against Tottenham and is doubtful for Saturday's clash with Chelsea.
Midfielders Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington (both groin) are still out
after missing the 1-0 win at Fulham last weekend. Henri Camara is in
contention for a place while England Under-19 striker Freddie Sears is on
the verge of breaking into the first team squad after a series of impressive
reserve-team performances. Midfielder Scott Parker is back in full training
after recovering from a knee injury and close to a return, though this
weekend is too soon.
Nolberto Solano, who scored the controversial late winner at Fulham, admits
he is hoping to act on manager Alan Curbishley's calls for the Hammers'
midfield to contribute more goals. Solano said: "I understand what the
manager is saying. We don't score many goals and our strikers don't score
many goals,'' said Solano. "Sometimes we don't create many chances to give
the strikers. We know it. At homes games, we have been winning 1-0 and it is
not enough, especially in this league. We need to kill the game off.
"Sometimes it is very difficult to score, in this league, as teams fight and
fight for the result. But we need to improve and create more chances, but we
needzto play better football if we want to score more goals. "We aren't
having a bad season, compared to last season, we are in a comfortable
position. But we want to win the game on Saturday.''
Chelsea have no fresh injury worries ahead of their trip across London.
Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko continues to return to match fitness after
a prolonged back problem and should be included in the squad. Coach Avram
Grant has allowed winger Scott Sinclair to leave on a loan move to Charlton
now his squad is at its strongest since he replaced Jose Mourinho last
September. Meanwhile, skipper John Terry has reiterated his commitment to
the club in the wake of the Carling Cup final defeat by Tottenham last
Sunday. Terry, who was involved in a training-ground row with first-team
coach Henk ten Cate the day before the Wembley showdown with Spurs, was
unsure of his place in the starting line-up after he was omitted from the
Champions League side that drew with Olympiacos the previous Tuesday. But he
has been quick to make it clear that he wants to stay at Stamford Bridge for
life and is looking forward to the rest of the season after two months spent
on the sidelines with a fractured foot. "I really can't see myself leaving
and I signed a new contract earlier in the season. I love the club, and I'm
so passionate about Chelsea,'' Terry said. "I just want Chelsea to succeed.
I like to think I know what the fans go through on a weekly basis. I don't
just come in, train and go home and forget about things, I take it home with
me. "I am fortunate to be in the position I am at an amazing club like
Chelsea, and to enjoy the things that come with being a professional
footballer. "I have been here on £45 per week and worked my way through to
being where I am today. I appreciate everything and work hard every day.''
Terry also admitted that Avram Grant's squad must use the defeat at Wembley
to spur them on to glory in the remainder of the season. "It's hard to take
any defeat, let alone a final,'' he said. "The boys worked their socks off
to get to the final, and it's the worst time to lose, but we have to pick
ourselves up, and we're still fortunate enough to be in all three
competitions, and we're still very much in contention. "The Premier League
is still close, and we have a great chance in the Champions League and FA
Cup, which is our trophy so we need to stay positive. "Over the last three
or four years we've got into a mode where we've been dominating things and
we've been in the final stages and had a taste of success. "There have been
a couple of occasions where we've lost out and that is not a nice feeling,
and I think no-one likes to lose, we didn't want to, but we have to use it
as a positive and be more hungry in the future. "Having that taste of defeat
is not a nice feeling to have, and there are things out there we can win,
like the Champions League that we still haven't won.''
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10 reasons why Non-fat Frank and Chelsea will cruise to victory at West Ham
tomorrow... - ChelseaPies.tv
1) West Ham have got a few injury woes. On top of long term knacks, Bobby
Zamora is a doubt after suffering a blow to his knee in a reserve game and
Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington are still out.
2) They're so short up front, Henri Camara is in contention to feature. Or
even Freddie Sears (who coincidentally once ate my hamster).
3) For the first time since 1038 BC Chelsea have had no real injuries. Even
Sheva is fit to play (luckily, however, he won't).
4) The stats don't lie. Chelsea have won three more away league games this
term, than West Ham have managed at home.
5) Non-fat Frank loves beating West Ham. The more the Hammers fans taunt
Non-fat Frank, the more likely he is to score...
6) The Toad's boys have gained 10 points from a last possible 12 on the road
since losing 1-0 at Dubaibury.
7) Carlton Cole still secretly loves Chelsea. He might miss on purpose.
Honest.
8) They same might be said of Scotty Parker, but it's somewhat unlikely.
9) Diddler Drogba is just one hat-trick short of 50 Premier League goals in
Chelsea colours.
10) The Hammers have not managed successive league victories since early
September.
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Ref watch: Great news, it's our old pal Paul Peter Walton refereeing West
Ham Vs Chelsea - Chelseapies.tv
Oh Peter Walton. Only one week since Paul Peter waved his board around as
Forth Official at Wembley, he's back sniffing around Chelsea's players.
Paul Peter is of course famous for having his name consistently given wrong
on Match of The Day (he's been named as Paul Walton for years by the BBC).
And barely a Chelsea game goes by these days without Paul Peter getting his
ore in! So far this season Paul Peter has looked after 16 matches, flashed
two reds, and averages 3.56 yellows per game. Brilliantly one of those reds
was at Chelsea opposition (sadly the other was at West Ham's opponents).
Expect more facts about Paul Peter Walton next week when he undoubtedly gets
the linesman job for the Olymiakos match...
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Joorabchian reopens Carlos Tevez controversy - Telegraph
By Steve Wilson
Last Updated: 1:48pm GMT 29/02/2008
Kia Joorabchian, the man who brokered the original deal to take Carlos Tevez
to West Ham claims he has evidence the club broke third-party ownership
rules even after they were fined £5.5 million over the controversial
transfer. West Ham were censured for the deal which also brought Javier
Mascherano to the club in the summer of 2006 but avoided a points deduction
that would have seen them relegated instead of Sheffield United. The
Yorkshire club failed in their subsequent appeal to have the punishment
increased and so preserve their Premier League status after Tevez inspired a
late run that saw the club leapfrog their rivals on a dramatic final day of
the season. Joorabchian, who initially held the economic rights to both
players and effectively loaned them to West Ham before the Premier League
stepped in to rule the arrangement was contrary to league regulations, is
now bringing a £7.1 million court action against the club. "This could send
shockwaves through the game," said Joorabchian. "Time's ticking and the
implications are immense, because I will be amazed if up to 10 Premier
League clubs do not ask [Premier League chief executive] Richard Scudamore
to reopen the case against them. "I know they have broken the rules and
broken them badly."
In the original investigation in to the affair the Premier League concluded
that former chief executive Paul Aldridge had told "a direct lie" to
Scudamore and handed them the record fine. However, the report also cited a
number of mitigating circumstances, including the fact that the current
regime had had no part in the deal and, more contentiously, that a points
deduction was not appropriate as the decision was handed out near the end of
the season and that it would unfairly punish innocent fans. "I want
everything out in the open now and I want the rest of the Premier League
clubs to see what West Ham have been doing to them and doing to me. "There
were agreements in place, I know it and they know it and it might have been
in conversations but they were in front of witnesses, in front of lawyers -
and they write everything down. "I'm determined to take this case all the
way because it's now a point of principle."
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Us Hammers must beware of wounded Chelsea, warns older and wiser Carlton
Cole - Daily Mail
Last updated at 14:16pm on 29th February 2008
Carlton Cole has enough good friends back at Chelsea to know they will
arrive at Upton Park tomorrow with their pride hurt, egos dented and bent on
retribution. He also knows that former team-mate John Terry will be all over
him like a rash and that no quarter will be asked or given. Cole wouldn't
expect anything less. Like the rest of us, he watched last Sunday's Carling
Cup Final and couldn't believe how poor Chelsea were on the day. Cole was
surprised and disappointed for some of his West London mates but this is
professional football at the top level and he hopes that Chelsea will be in
a similar anaemic state tomorrow. "I was so disappointed with Chelsea in the
Carling Cup Final," he said. "That club is always going to have a place in
my heart and I want them to do well but they just didn't turn up last
Sunday. "I was disappointed for my mates over there, John Terry, Frank
Lampard, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Cole, Joe Cole, I get on well with
all of them. "They all ask after me which is nice and Shaun said recently
that he was happy it's worked out well for me which was much appreciated."
Cole admits, though, that Chelsea's defeat, allied to their poor
performance, has given him and his West Ham team-mates just the fillip they
need going into this London derby. "Chelsea need to bounce back," he said,
"but that result last Sunday has given us the belief that we can do
something similar. "We can also look back to our match at Stamford Bridge.
We played really well that day and shouldn't have lost 1-0. We've already
beaten Manchester Unted and Liverpool at home this season so there is no
reason not to feel confident."
Cole has watched from a position of neutrality as Chelsea manager Avram
Grant has borne the brunt of the criticism following last weekend's defeat.
"He had a big act to follow after Jose Mourinho and I thought he was coping
with it well," said Cole. "People jumped straight on his back after last
Sunday while, with Mourinho, people gave him some leeway because he was
regarded as the special one. Any manager these days is under pressure if
they lose or even draw a couple of games, so hopefully he will pull through
and lead Chelsea to some great successes."
Cole, who began his playing career as a teenager at Chelsea, seems at peace
with himself these days, unlike those early days at Stamford Bridge.
"I am unrecognisable as a person from then," said the 24-year-old. "When I
was at Chelsea I was really immature. I made my first team debut at 18 but
soon got involved in stupid stuff off the field." Cole makes special mention
of one example of "stupid stuff " when he and Wigan defender Titus Bramble
were among those questioned over an alleged rape case in a London hotel back
in 2003. In the event the case was dropped and neither man faced charges.
I've had loads of really low times," he said. "I would get back on track
for a while and then go off the rails again," he said. It was partly my
fault and partly those around me. I've ditched loads of so-called friends
since those bad times. It's unbelievable how many friends I thought I had
but turned out to be hangers-on. My life is back on track now and I'm
never going back. My missus, Sophia, has three months to go before she is
due to give birth to our first baby and that puts a new perspective on
things. "There was a lot expected of me at a young age at Chelsea. Some
people cope with that pressure but I didn't handle it well, I realise that
now. In the end I was shipped out so many times to various clubs that I
never really found my feet. It's only now that I'm getting my life back on
an even keel and I'm so happy here at West Ham. I've never played so many
games in a season before and that has meant I've grown up on the pitch as
well. "It's a great feeling, knowing you are one of the team's main
strikers. It does my confidence so much good. "It's only now I realise I
can have a good future in the game and I want to carry on as long as
possible. I feel really solid in myself, content. West Ham have dedicated
tomorrow's match to raising money and awareness for the Richard House
Children's Hospice. Joe Cole and Sir Trevor Brooking are patrons while Anton
Ferdinand is also involved in the charity.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers to fight new Kia claims - DailY Mail
Last updated at 16:38pm on 29th February 2008
West Ham intend to "vigorously defend" the £7.1million legal claim made
against them by Kia Joorabchian. The Iranian insists he has evidence to
prove West Ham continued to break third-party ownership rules even after
being fined £5.5m over the Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano deals.
Joorabchian has brought a £7.1m court action against the club who yesterday
filed their defence. A West Ham spokesman said today: "We will vigorously
defend the claim that is being made, if required to do so, in the court."
Joorabchian's claim is thought to be centred on alleged verbal promises made
to him by Scott Duxbury, the club's chief executive, and former chairman
Eggert Magnusson at the time of the Tevez controversy. "I know they have
broken the rules and broken them badly," said Joorabchian. "They have been
lying and cheating and it's time the whole truth came out. There were
agreements in place, I know it and they know it."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Chelsea preview - Setanta
by Ben Blackmore, 29 February 2008
John Terry and his Chelsea team-mates travel to West Ham this weekend hoping
for an instant tonic following their Carling Cup defeat to Tottenham.
Providing Terry and Henk Ten Cate can agree on who drives the bus to the
ground, Chelsea will arrive at Upton Park with plenty of selection dilemmas.
Does Joe Cole start after being inexplicably left out at Wembley? Does Avram
Grant persist with the Drogba/Anelka combination up top? Will Terry do his
talking on the pitch or will Ten Cate's influence win the day? Whatever
happens, Chelsea know anything less than victory is simply not good enough
against The Hammers, the team who put the final nail in Liverpool's title
coffin. Chelsea do not arrive in the best of goalscoring form either,
scoring five goals in their last five league games, while they have only
picked up one victory in their last five games in all competitions. Hammers
boss Alan Curbishley should be urging his men to keep it tight until the
final 15 minutes, a period in which The Blues have scored just 13 percent of
their goals this term. West Ham's record against Chelsea is not good though,
losing their previous five encounters, and their plight is not helped by
injury blows to Bobby Zamora (knee), Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington
(both groin). They have only lost one of their past nine home games though
and victory is equally vital for Curbishley's men if they are to make a push
for European qualification.
Prediction: 0-0
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Joorabchian: West Ham have been lieing and cheating over Tevez and
Mascherano - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:28pm on 29th February 2008
Kia Joorabchian has insisted again he has the evidence to prove West Ham
broke third-party ownership rules after being fined £5.5million over the
Carlos Tevez and Javier Mascherano affair. The Iranian-businessman has
brought a £7.1m court action against the Hammers, who filed their defence
yesterday.
But Joorabchian said: "Time's ticking and the implications are immense,
because I will be amazed if up to 10 Premier League clubs do not ask [chief
executive] Richard Scudamore to reopen the case against them. "I know they
have broken the rules and broken them badly. "They have been lieing and
cheating and I promise you I have brought this court case, not because of
the money but because it's personal. "It's time the whole truth came out.
There were agreements in place, I know it and they know it and it might have
been in conversations but they were in front of witnesses, in front of
lawyers — and they write everything down."
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West Ham v CHELSEA: Sheva set for action - Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:20am on 29th February 2008
Chelsea have no fresh injury worries ahead of their trip across London to
face West Ham on Saturday. Ukraine striker Andriy Shevchenko continues to
return to match fitness after a prolonged back problem and should be
included in the squad. Coach Avram Grant has allowed winger Scott Sinclair
to leave on a loan move to Charlton now his squad is at its strongest since
he replaced Jose Mourinho last September.
Squad: Cech, Cudicini, Hilario, Ferreira, Belletti, Terry, Carvalho, Alex,
Ben-Haim, A Cole, Bridge, Lampard, Makelele, Essien, Sidwell, Obi, Malouda,
Wright-Phillips, Drogba, Shevchenko, Pizarro, Kalou, J Cole, Ballack,
Anelka.
Bobby Zamora suffered a blow to the knee during Monday's reserve team game
against Tottenham and is doubtful for Saturday's clash with Chelsea.
Midfielders Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington (both groin) are still out
after missing the 1-0 win at Fulham last weekend. Henri Camara is in
contention for a place while England Under-19 striker Freddie Sears is on
the verge of breaking into the first team squad after a series of impressive
reserve-team performances. Midfielder Scott Parker is back in full training
after recovering from a knee injury and close to a return, though this
weekend is too soon.
Squad from: Green, Wright, Pantsil, Neill, Spector, Upson, Ferdinand,
McCartney, Faubert, Ljungberg, Noble, Mullins, Solano, Boa Morte, Cole,
Ashton, Camara, Sears.
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Joorabchian claims Hammers proof - Setanta
by Chris Stanton, 29 February 2008
Kia Joorabchian claims he possesses evidence which proves West Ham broke
third-party ownership rules over Carlos Tevez, even after the club were
fined £5.5 million. Joorabchian has brought a £7.1 million court action
against The Hammers, whom the Iranian has accused of 'lying and cheating'.
The Hammers were fined by The Premier League in April for fielding Tevez
'illegally' but Joorabchian maintains that the then relegation-threatened
side continued to flout the rules by playing the Argentine, who proved a
decisive influence in the club's successful fight against relegation.
Joorabchian insists the issue with West Ham is no longer one of money, but
of principle. "Time's ticking and the implications are immense, because I
will be amazed if up to 10 Premier League clubs do not ask [Premier League
chief executive] Richard Scudamore to reopen the case against them,"
Joorabchian told the Daily Express. "I know they have broken the rules and
broken them badly. "They have been lying and cheating and I promise you I
have brought this case, not because of the money but because it's personal.
"I'm determined to take this case all the way because it's now a point of
principle."
Hammers boss Alan Curbishley, meanwhile, has rubbished newspaper claims of
the club maintaining their interest in Giles Barnes. The Derby midfielder is
a player who has long been linked with a move to Upton Park, but Curbishley
insists that no moves are currently afoot. "There's no truth in that," said
Curbishley. "There are lots of players out there that we like, but there's
no truth in that newspaper article."
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Joorabchian: West Ham revelations will rock football
tribalfooball.com - February 29, 2008
Kia Joorabchian is convinced his compensation battle with West Ham United
will shock the game. The Iranian businessman is suing the Hammers for
£7.1million as the row over Carlos Tevez, now at Manchester United, refuses
to go away. Joorabchian claimed: "It's time the whole truth came out - this
could send shockwaves through the game." West Ham, who have vowed to fight
vigorously' the High Court case, were fined £5.5m by the Premier League for
breaking third-party rules.
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