The experience of last week's disappointment should fire West Ham United on,
says Hayden Mullins
08.02.2008
Hayden Mullins is ready for another "tough game" this weekend as West Ham
United welcome Birmingham City looking to make it four straight league wins
at home.
After last weekend's disappointment of losing 1-0 to a Wigan Athletic side
who are fighting for Premier League survival, Mullins is aware this
Saturday's visitors are going to be similarly motivated. Indeed, Birmingham
have dropped into the 18th position vacated by Wigan and therefore arrive at
the Boleyn Ground equally determined to get out of relegation trouble.
"It is another tough game," the combative midfielder said. "We know it is
not going to be easy as you can't underestimate any team in this league.
Birmingham are going to make it hard but it is just a case of get on with
it. We have to be on the ball because if we miss out again on another three
points we could find ourselves with a lot to do."
The 28-year-old is referring to the club's hopes of pushing into the
European places, with all concerned knowing victory could see West Ham
United jump two spots from tenth and have sixth place in sight. Anything
else might allow the clubs below to close the gap further. "We knew Wigan
was a chance to push up the league and one we didn't take. We missed out but
we are going to try and get back to winning ways on Saturday."
Helping the cause will be the conditions at the Boleyn Ground, with the
boggy pitch at the JJB Stadium last weekend making "a massive difference to
the football we like to play". Mullins added: "We like to get it down and
play. We had to scrap it out which I think suited Wigan a bit better than
us." Also in the advantage column this weekend will be strong home support
after yet another "brilliant" display by the travelling faithful last time
out.
He added: "That is what we need. They are going to help us no end if we are
going to push for Europe. That's what we are trying to do and the support
has been absolutely brilliant. After Wigan we have regrouped and we are
ready to go again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Pantsil suffers African heartbreak - WHUFC
John Pantsil's Ghana will have to content themselves with third place at
best from the Africa Cup of Nations
07.02.2008
John Pantsil's Ghana have seen their dream of winning the 2008 Africa Cup of
Nations end at the semi-final stage.
The host nation were beaten 1-0 by Cameroon with Alain Nkong scoring the
only goal of the game in the 71st minute. The goal came largely against the
run of play with Ghana having had several opportunities themselves to open
the scoring including a header by West Ham United right-back Pantsil, who
was playing at centre-back to cover for the suspended captain John Mensah.
Cameroon finished with ten men after Andre Bikey was sent off in the dying
seconds but there was not enough time for the Black Stars to turn things
around. Pantsil, playing in his third finals, will now have to content
himself with Saturday's third-placed play-off against Ivory Coast. Henri
Camara had already headed back to England, having been eliminated with
Senegal in the group stage. Cameroon will meet Egypt, 4-1 winners against
the Ivorians, in Sunday's final.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson example to inspire others - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley is looking for more of his West Ham United players to follow
Matthew Upson's England lead
07.02.2008
Alan Curbishley believes West Ham United have a "healthy contingent" of
players that can take heart from Matthew Upson forcing his way into the
England set-up.
"They all can take inspiration from Matthew Upson," he said after the No6's
solid display in the 2-1 win against Switzerland at Wembley on Wednesday
night. "We have got a bit of a spine in our squad. Rob Green and Anton
Ferdinand are playing well and [Fabio Capello] would have taken note of that
in the last couple of weeks." As well as putting forward the names of Scott
Parker and Kieron Dyer as future candidates, Curbishley added that "you have
got Dean Ashton who they will be looking at and Mark Noble is in there as
well".
Regarding Noble, who followed up his match-winning display against Liverpool
on 30 January with run-outs against Wigan Athletic last Saturday and then
for Stuart Pearce's Under-21s in a 3-0 victory against the Republic of
Ireland on Tuesday, Curbishley said: "He is playing regularly for the U21s
and the Liverpool game demonstrated what he is about. He ran an enormous
amount during the game. What I know when I play Mark Noble is he is going to
give us everything he is got. It hasn't gone unnoticed and Stuart Pearce is
a big fan.
"We have got a healthy contingent of players that Capello should look at. I
think that [his adviser Franco] Baldini who does a lot of the scouting was
at our two Man City games, he was at the Liverpool game. We know we have
been well watched so anyone who is playing at the moment has got to be
looking to impress. If there is a small group of English players out there
who consider themselves with a chance of playing, they have got to be
putting it in week in, week out."
For now, it is Upson who has made the break and Curbishley underlined that
"we are all very pleased for Matty". He added: "He has worked ever so hard.
I know all the games have been looked at. We are really pleased for him." On
whether he has done enough to remain in the squad when the likes of John
Terry and Ledley King are fit for next month's trip to play France in Paris,
Curbishley added: "He has got himself there, he has not done himself any
harm. He has got to stay fit, keep playing well and wait for the next squad.
"He has shown why we bought him. He is a very good player, a very good
professional and very good around the training ground. We knew what we were
getting. We were just disappointed we didn't have him for the run-in last
season. He has shown what he's about since he has got himself right. On and
off the field, he is totally professional."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Players winging their way back - WHUFC
Nolberto Solano and Julien Faubert are getting closer and closer to Alan
Curbishley's starting lineup
08.02.2008
Alan Curbishley has extra competition in wide attacking positions as more
players come into contention for first-team selection for the visit of
Birmingham City.
After Monday's friendly against Queen's Park Rangers, Julien Faubert and
Nolberto Solano are vying for inclusion - although the former may first be
given another reserve-team run-out on Tuesday. Following his recovery from
hamstring trouble, Solano has already had an extended substitute's
appearance in the 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic last Saturday while Freddie
Ljungberg, Matthew Etherington and Luis Boa Morte are also in the mix.
"[Julien] played the full 90 minutes which he has desperately needed to do.
He may need one more game on Tuesday. I want the West Ham fans to see him as
opposed to seeing someone who is not 100 per cent. He picked up this calf
strain after the Manchester City game. He then got himself right, playing
the full 90 minutes, I have just got to have a look at it."
In central midfield, reported that Scott Parker was "about three weeks
away". He added: "He is in full running, he is doing as well as we think he
should be doing. If we can get one or two of the others back we can have
that competition we need. We do need to get them back to give us that
freshness and us all a lift."
The manager is mindful that Lucas Neill, George McCartney, Mark Noble and
Luis Boa Morte are all one yellow card away from a one-match ban for five
cautions this season - with that threat remaining until the final whistle of
the Fulham game on 23 February. Regarding Noble, Curbishley was also aware
he has played three games in six days - including an impressive stint for
England Under-21s on Tuesday night.
Neill, McCartney and Matthew Upson have also been on national-team duty,
with the manager stating their fitness will be fully assessed on Thursday
and Friday. Further forward, Henri Camara has returned from the Africa Cup
of Nations with Senegal, where he scored on his only start, while Bobby
Zamora (knee) and Craig Bellamy (stomach) are being assessed as part of
their rehabilitation. Referring to Bellamy, Curbishley said: "He is a bit
sore still. He is not 100 per cent how he wants to be."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert happy at West Ham United - WHUFC
France winger Julien Faubert has reiterated his happiness with life at the
Boleyn Ground
07.02.2008
Julien Faubert has refuted comments suggesting he was unhappy with the
training methods at West Ham United since joining the club last summer from
Bordeaux. "I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here so far and I am really
enjoying every minute," he said. The France winger added: "Everything here
is very professional and my team-mates are all top-class players who have
been totally supportive. I hope between now and the end of the season to
make a big impact and help the club finish as high as possible."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Johnny come home - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 7th February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
John Paintsil's Ghana are out of the African Nations Cup after going down
1-0 to Cameroon in this evening's first semi-final. The Black Stars, playing
in front of their home crowd failed to make the final thanks to a 71st
minute winner from Alain Nkong, making his first start for his country in
seven years.
The game was marred by a bizarre sending off for Cameroon's Andre Bikey, who
received his marching orders in the final minute of the game after pushing
over a medical assistant who was attempting to remove Biki's team mate
Rigobert Song from the pitch. He misses Sunday's final as a result; the
Cameroon - who will face Egypt in the final - will be seeking to win their
fifth ANC title. Paintsil - who played the full 90 minutes - is set to
return to England following this weekend's third place play-off against the
Ivory Coast, and will therefore miss Saturday's Premier League clash with
Birmingham at The Boleyn Ground.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbishley's delight - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 7th February 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Alan Curbishley says he was 'delighted' at Matthew Upson's inclusion in
Fabio Capello''s first England team. The Hammers centre-half played a full
90 minutes last night as Capello's reign got off to a perfect start with a
2-1 win over 2008 European Championship joint hosts Switzerland. Despite
making one or two minor errors Upson's performance was generally faultless -
and club manager Curbishley says he couldn't be happier for a player he
signed from this weekend's opponents Birmingham a year ago. "Matthy's worked
every so hard since he's been at the club," said Curbishley this morning.
"I'm delighted for him. "He came this time last year and got injured
straight away but worked hard over the summer and has played every game. He
has now got his just reward because he has been very consistent. "He has
got himself extremely fit and he is very professional on and off the pitch.
He has been given the opportunity [by Capello] and will do his utmost to
stay in there." Upson's appearance in the new-look England side was his
eighth run-out for the national team - and his first in three years.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs delighted for Upson - SSN
Hammers boss pays tribute to defender
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 7th February 2008
Alan Curbishley believes Matthew Upson's inclusion in the England side was
fully deserved after a consistent season for West Ham. Upson has been an
ever-present in the West Ham side and his accomplished displays earned him a
spot in England's starting XI on Wednesday night. He was solid in central
defence as England ran out 2-1 winners against Switzerland in Fabio
Capello's first game in charge. Curbishley is happy for Upson and believes
he could prove difficult to dislodge from the team. "I'm delighted for
Matty. He's worked every so hard since he's been at the club," Curbishley
told Sky Sports News. "He came this time last year and got injured straight
away, but he worked hard over the summer and has played every game. "He has
now got his just reward because he has been very consistent. "He has got
himself extremely fit and he is very professional on and off the pitch. "He
has been given the opportunity and will do his utmost to stay in there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo set to defy bosses' wishes - SSN
Neill and Cahill refuse to let their country down
By Chris Burton Last updated: 7th February 2008
Lucas Neill and Tim Cahill are prepared to risk incurring the wrath of their
clubs by continuing to play in Australia's World Cup qualifiers. Both men
featured in Wednesday's 3-0 win over Qatar as the Socceroos got their 2010
qualifying campaign off to the perfect start and have every intention of
continuing to make the long haul to represent their country in the future.
Australia's next game is against China on 26th March, right in the middle of
a busy period for the Premier League, but West Ham defender Neill insists
that no amount of pressure from his club boss Alan Curbishley will prevent
him from joining up with his country. "People will say 'why would you want
to go and play for Australia in the middle of two English Premier League
games?' (I say) Because I'm playing for Australia and I want to go to the
World Cup," Neill said. "It's an honour, it's a privilege and I'm sure there
are millions and millions of others who would want to be doing what we are
doing. I'm not taking it for granted. "If it was him (Curbishley) going to
represent England he wouldn't have an argument and that's the only case we
have to put forward to him."
Everton boss David Moyes claimed that Cahill was suffering with a slight
hamstring problem before the Qatar game, but the midfielder has come out and
denied those suggestions, and has made it clear that he would have joined up
with Pim Verbeek's squad regardless of whether he had an injury or not.
"He (Verbeek) came to Everton to meet the manager, it wasn't one of the best
meetings in the world, but I've got to keep them both happy and that's what
I will do," Cahill said. "I have to play well for Everton and I have to play
well for Australia. Fifty thousand people came to see the boys play (Qatar)
and they deserve that. "Even before I got here I was reading things that I
was injured and that I wasn't coming and wasn't going on the plane. "But I
was still going to get on the plane injured or not injured, just to be part
of the squad, so we are just showing our commitment and it's great to have
got three points."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Player Of The Month - January - West Ham Online
Vinny - Thu Feb 7 2008
MATTHEW UPSON
Games in January
Arsenal (a)
Manchester City (h) cup
Fulham (h)
Manchester City (a) cup
Manchester City(a)
Liverpool (h)
Matthew Upson is the player of the month for January after a string of solid
performances earned him an England call up. He has been runner up last month
where he had claimed his first goal for the club against Manchester United.
Upson was revealed as the vice captain during the game against Fulham in the
absence of Lucas Neill and he lead the team well in a 2-1 victory. Upson's
form has been getting better and better with each month and his England call
up was fully deserved despite certain corners of the media questioning his
inclusion. I thought his best display actually came in the 1-0 defeat
against Manchester City in the cup. He was terrific in the air and read the
game beautifully. Was a important part of the side which kept a clean sheet
against Liverpool as he kept Dirk Kyut quiet throughout. Overall it has been
a fantastic month for Matthew Upson and with his injury problems looking
well behind him, I would think he will be in the running for hammer of the
year.
In second place was another centre half with Anton Ferdinand pulling in a
number of votes. Anton scored the winner against Fulham but it is his
defending that has been catching the eye with solid performances becoming a
consistant part of his game.
Previous Winners
August - Mark Noble
September - Dean Ashton
October - Robert Green
November - Carlton Cole
December - Nolberto Solano
Thank you to everyone who voted.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers boss warns players its a team game
By Guardian-series
WEST Ham boss Alan Curbishley has defended his selection policies and warned
his players that he is only out to get results - not keep them happy. The
Irons chief (pictured) has also fended off criticism of his training methods
after coming under fire from two of his players. Julien Faubert made
comments on a French radio programme about the lack of attention to tactical
detail in training. His remarks follow reports that Dean Ashton blamed a
lack of first team starts for his omission from Fabio Capello's first
England squad - the striker has often been overlooked as Curbishley opts to
use Carlton Cole as a lone striker this season. But, speaking ahead of his
side's clash with Birmingham at Upton Park on Saturday, Curbishley said: "My
only aim is to get a result, its not to keep people happy. "When I pick a
side to do a job I expect certain things and I have changed formations
during games - it's a team effort, not for individuals."
Things could get even tougher for Ashton following the return to fitness of
Craig Bellamy. The Wales skipper - out for three months with an abdominal
problem - came on as a late substitue against Wigan on Saturday and followed
it up with a goal in a specially-arranged practice match on Monday. He could
be in line for a recall to the starting line up as Curbishley looks to find
his best formula up front. "The make up of Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton is
that they've got to work at it a bit more because as a pair they can be
similar," he said. "Craig looks to get in behind the defence - he offers us
something else. "He came through the reserve game and is a bit sore but
still did enough in the game to suggest that, even though he's not 100 per
cent, he's still not too bad."
Meanwhile, Curbishley was quick to shrug off the criticism from Faubert. The
Frenchman - who has made just three late substitution appearances for the
club because of an achilles injury - claimed there were gaps in tactical and
defending aspects during training, while also insisting that players "kick
you" in the Premier League. But Curbishley said: "He has hardly been around
us. "He has only been in three squads. That was against Fulham, Manchester
City in the FA Cup game where he came on for 20 minutes and in the
Manchester City league game. "We haven't seen him since then because he
picked up a calf strain. "In five or six months he has probably trained with
the first team, in terms of being near the first team, on two or three days.
"And he doesn't mind kicking one or two people either. He is very aggressive
with things."
4:47pm Thursday 7th February 2008
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Curbs brushes off criticism - Setanta
by Joseph Caron Dawe, 07 February 2008
Alan Curbishley has defended his training methods and selection policy after
coming under fire from two of his players over the past week. West Ham
winger Julien Faubert complained about a lack of attention to tactical
detail in training and striker Dean Ashton said he felt his omission from
Fabio Capello's first England squad had been down to his irregular starts
for The Hammers. "It is a team effort, not for individuals," said
Curbishley. "It is about the make-up of the side and I have changed
formations during games. My only aim is to get a result. I am not here to
keep people happy. "Carlton Cole and Dean Ashton have got to work at their
partnership a bit more because as a pair they can be very similar. "I think
Craig Bellamy offers us something different. He is one player who looks to
get in behind defences."
Bellamy looks set to make a return to action for the Londoners starting line
up for the clash with Birmingham on Saturday following his substitute
appearance against Wigan last weekend, which came after a three-month
lay-off with an abdominal injury. Meanwhile, Curbishley opted to take
Faubert's comments in a humorous manner. "He has hardly been around us. He
has only been in three squads. That was against Fulham, Manchester City in
the FA Cup game where he came on for 20 minutes and in the Manchester City
league game," said the West Ham boss. "We haven't seen him since then
because he picked up a calf strain. "In five or six months he has probably
trained with the first team, in terms of being near the first team, on two
or three days.
"And he doesn't mind kicking one or two people either. He is very aggressive
with things!"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hornets thanked by West Ham - TeamTalk
Watford staff have been thanked by West Ham for the treatment of on-loan
defender Calum Davenport after he broke a bone in his neck last month.
Davenport was making his debut for the Hornets against Charlton when he was
fell on by striker Darius Henderson and suffered the serious injury.
Davenport is now recuperating back at the Premier League side and they have
thanked the Hornets for their swift action. A letter from West Ham's club
secretary said: "On behalf of the medical team and management of West Ham we
would like to thank Watford's staff most sincerely for the excellent care
shown to Calum Davenport. "Their swift action and subsequent treatment after
the accident meant a reduced risk of permanent damage to Calum. "Although it
is early days Calum is now home and looking at several weeks of inactivity
before being able to get back to training."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers youngster finds mentor in Bellamy - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:47pm on 7th February 2008
England Under-19 new boy Freddie Sears has found an unlikely mentor in Craig
Bellamy. The Hammers striker, 18, said: "I have been training a lot with
Craig Bellamy recently. They've put us together and he's really good to work
with. He helps me and is someone to look up to." Earlier this week Bellamy
and Bobby Zamora were on the scoresheet for West Ham in a specially-arranged
practice match against QPR. Bellamy has been building his fitness after an
abdominal injury while Zamora has been out with a knee complaint.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment