Anton Ferdinand was in determined mood when he spoke to WHUTV about Sunday's
trip to Tottenham
06.03.2008
Anton Ferdinand will do everything he can to put things right at Tottenham
Hotspur and has told WHUTV of his personal pain following defeats by Chelsea
and Liverpool.
The entire back five had been in fine form before the successive 4-0
reverses and a sombre but determined Ferdinand, the longest serving player
at the club, has taken the manner of the results to heart. "These games hurt
you know," he said. "I can only talk for myself but the last two games have
hurt me and we have got to get it back. There is no better game to go into
for me personally, with the rivalry that we have got, than Spurs on Sunday.
"Every game is tough in the Premiership but there is no better game to go
into after these two bad defeats," he added. "Knowing the rivalry and
everything this is where we are going to see who is going to step up to the
plate." Ferdinand is clear though that the team can still bounce back in the
final ten games of the season and make inroads up the table. "I can't say we
are in a crisis. Everyone knows what a crisis is - which was last year - and
we dug ourselves out of that. We have got to get back the feeling we had
last year which helped us get out of that situation."
To do that, the 23-year-old centre-back knows the squad as a whole have to
take responsibility and not look for excuses regardless of the unquestioned
quality of the opposition. "It is disappointing to concede eight goals in
two games. To have a good [goals against] record and then lose it in the
space of two games is not a good thing. We have got to get back to the
drawing board, back to the training pitch and back to the basics.
The homegrown centre-back, who struck a memorable last-gasp equaliser at
White Hart Lane on 20 November 2005, continued. "I feel West Ham are a team
that can play against these type of sides. We have showed that in the past.
For me personally there is no excuses. We weren't good enough in these last
two games. We have got to get back to what we do best and that is working
hard for each other."
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Fans thanked by Richard House - WHUFC
Peter Ellis, the Richard House CEO, has paid tribute to the support given to
the Beckton-based hospice
06.03.2008
Richard House children's hospice has thanked West Ham United and supporters
for their backing during last Saturday's home game with Chelsea.
The club dedicated the match to raising money and awareness for the east
London hospice, which does so much for life-limited children and their
families. Just under £8,000 was raised while the hospice has also reported
increased interest in the work they do and widespread media exposure.
Richard House is one of two official club charities this season - the other
being the Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research - and relies on volunteers
and donations to keep on running.
Anton Ferdinand and Mark Noble have both led the club's support while Sir
Trevor Brooking is a patron of the charity. Both players, along with Lucas
Neill, took part in a special promotional video that was played on the big
screens on Saturday. You can watch it now by going to WHUTV. All the players
wore special T-shirts promoting the hospice on Saturday and, summing up
their thoughts, Neill said: "It is a very worthy charity that is seriously
lacking in funding and every penny will help."
Peter Ellis, Richard House CEO, said: "We are absolutely delighted by the
support that West Ham United offered to Richard House by promoting our
presence at the match last Saturday, 1st March. It was a very proud moment
to see Richard House featured in such a prominent way throughout the game,
which not only helped us to raise money for the hospice, but also raise our
profile to 35,000 people.
"Richard House is committed to working in partnership with children and
their families and also with those who want to support us. West Ham United
have given support to Richard House over the years, but none so visible as
the match last Saturday. West Ham United is located very close to the
hospice, and we are therefore thrilled to continue to receive this ongoing
support. We hope to see our partnership continue to grow. Thank you West Ham
United, and thank you West Ham United supporters for your generosity on the
day."
Fans were able to donate in a number of ways last weekend - such as giving
money to bucket collectors, sending in £1 texts from their mobile phones or
taking part in various raffles around the ground. Fans can continue to show
their support online via the Richard House website. In doing so, they can
also take part in a special West Ham United shield, tickets and signed shirt
auction. Click here for more information on the auction as well as how you
can make a donation.
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Reserves ready for Monday action - WHUFC
The reserves are back in action with the visit of Derby County to Bishop's
Stortford on Monday night
06.03.2008
Supporters are asked to note that West Ham United's reserve game against
Derby County next week has been moved from Tuesday to Monday.
The game, to be played at the Woodside Park home of Bishop's Stortford, will
take place at 7pm. West Ham United are third in the southern section of the
Barclays Premier Reserve League, two points behind leaders Aston Villa and a
point adrift of Reading - although both teams have a game in hand. Villa and
Reading are also in home action on Monday, against Arsenal and Tottenham
Hotspur respectively.
After the Derby contest, Kevin Keen's men will welcome Reading on 18 March
before finishing up the campaign with trips to Brentford and Barnet to take
on Chelsea and Arsenal on 31 March and 21 April respectively. First up
though will be that visit of Derby, ranked last in the eleven-team league,
and all concerned will hope for a repeat of the memorable 8-0 away win
achieved back on 26 November.
Entry is £5 for adults and £2 for concessions, although season ticket
holders get in free. For information on getting to Bishop's Stortford next
Monday,
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Curbishley: I'll do it my way - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 6th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has defended his decision to continue playing with just one
striker. The Irons boss has come under increasing pressure from supporters
in recent weeks for insisting on starting with just one forward in stark
contrast to the way in which many supporters, brought up on attacking United
sides reknowned for flair and enterprise would like the team to approach
games. But Curbishley - whose team remain safe in tenth place despite two
horror shows in the last five days - is adamant that despite recent
problems, his way is the way forward. Referring to the supporters he said:
"I think they feel that perhaps 4-3-3 or 4-5-1 is a bit negative but as I've
said on plenty of occasions it suits certain people when you play like that.
It's how Liverpool played tonight. "It's very difficult when you play
against the top sides becasue they've got players that can change a game in
an instant. It's also been the personnel that's been available - and fit
personnel. "I've had to do what I think is right for the club. We're
sitting tenth and there's a few other clubs that would like to be sitting
there. The players, up until this week have done great; I've got no
complaints. "I'm sure other people have got a few - but I've got none."
Curbishley, who has previously employed the lone striker with great success
- the 5-0 win at Derby and away wins at Middlesbrough and Fulham, for
example - bemoaned the fact that he hadn't been able to get the best from
his squad due to the numerous injuries which have blighted West Ham's
season.
"Four or five players that we signed have played about fifteen games between
them all season which has made it difficult for us," he added. "But that
team has got us points, wins and results - and this is the first time that
we've looked as if we weren't going to get anything. "It was a tough season
for us last year. We had high hopes in the summer with the players we
brought in but that hasn't materialised. Obviously some of these players
haven't played and we've had to do what we've had to do to get ourselves
where we are and that shouldn't be taken for granted."
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Upson out - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 6th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson is a major doubt for this weekend's derby clash with Tottenham
after picking up an injury against Liverpool last night. The England
centre-half has been an ever-present in Alan Curbishley's side so far this
season but looks set to miss out on Sunday's clash. "He's got a calf
strain," confirmed Alan Curbishley. "If he's out, [Danny] Gabbidon and
[James] Collins are still out but we've just got to get on with it. "James
Tomkins is also injured - he got injured in the last reserve game so we are
stretched again but it's only how we've been all season. "John Spector - if
he has to go in there - has done well before." Upson pulled up after an hour
of last night's 4-0 defeat after landing clumsily. He could also miss
England's friendly against France in Paris later this month.
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The Liverpool lock-in - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 6th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has revealed that he had a heated discussion with his
players last night following their capitulation at the hands of Liverpool.
West Ham were thrashed for a second time inside five days at Anfield last
night and the United boss admitted that strong words had been said after the
game.
"It wasn't a crisis meeting but we've had a bit of a meeting in there,"
revealed Curbishley. "Obviously we're very disappointed with it,
disappointed for everyone connected with the club. "I didn't think we had
the application there that we'd had in recent weeks so we had a discussion
about why we think it hasn't happened and I've got to see if I get a resonse
on Sunday. "I thought we looked leggy and tired. I don't know if we were
made to look like that because of how well Liverpool played. I think it's
the first time really they've let themselves down, these last four days.
"But the last two performances just haven't been good enough."
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Curbs demands backlash - SSN
Hammers boss expects improvement after nightmare week
By Ben Collins Last updated: 6th March 2008
West Ham manager Alan Curbishley has demanded a positive response by his
players after suffering two 4-0 defeats in the space of five days. The
Hammers were thrashed at home by Chelsea on Saturday, despite the visitors
spending almost an hour with 10 men, before being thumped by Liverpool at
Anfield on Wednesday. Curbishley has overcome an injury crisis at Upton Park
this season to guide West Ham into the top half and he expects a vast
improvement away to Tottenham on Sunday if the Hammers are to make sure
their hard work does not go to waste. "I am really disappointed with the
last five days," he said. "This cannot continue, so Spurs is an even bigger
game for us on Sunday. "Expectation is always high at West Ham. We survived
last season after a tough time. Then we had high hopes in the summer with
the new players we brought in. "But it hasn't materialised. The injuries
have wrecked us, so we have had to do what we have had to do to get
ourselves where we are. "People should not take this for granted. We must
not allow the rest of the season to drift, it is as simple as that." "In our
last six games we have played Liverpool twice and Chelsea - that is hard for
anyone," Curbishley added. "But in our run-in we must attack sides and pick
up points. "The application was not there and that is what we had a
discussion about in the dressing room afterwards. I wanted to discover why
it had happened and now I want a response on Sunday. "But they are a good
bunch of lads. If we can finish the season strongly it will bode well for
next season. "After what happened to us last season, and the way we have
played for most of this season, I feel we have done all right but we want a
bit more."
West Ham could be without defender Matthew Upson (calf) at Spurs although
midfielder Scott Parker could return. Parker, Craig Bellamy, Kieron Dyer and
Julien Faubert cost Curbishley a total of £26million last summer but they
have started only 21 matches between them this term. Hammers fans voiced
their disapproval with Curbishley's tactics at Anfield but he argued the
team's injury problems have limited his options. "The fans feel that 4-5-1
is negative but it suits certain people and the fact is that it suits the
fit personnel that are available," he said. "I have had to do what I think
is right for the club. We are 10th and there are 10 below us who would want
to be where we are. "Considering the problems we have had, with the people
we have signed not being fit, it has been difficult for us. "This team,
though, has got us points and results. This has been the first time it has
looked as if we were not going to get anything in these last two games. We
must turn it around and I am sure we will do that."
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Vinny's Liverpool Report - West Ham Online
Vinny - Thu Mar 6 2008
Liverpool 4 West Ham United 0
West Ham suffered their second consecutive 4-0 defeat as they were crushed
by Liverpool.
In a game where we didn't manage one shot on target, cries of "boring boring
West Ham" could be heard from the travelling support as they watched their
side show so little in the way of attack.
Alan Curbishley's negative tactics have been the scrutiny of abuse from many
supporters in recent weeks and there will more cause for concern as our
limited football has yet again resulted in a four goal reverse.
The team which started against Chelsea on Saturday was largely unchanged
with only Julien Faubert not in attendance as he was out with an injury. In
his place was Nolberto Solano, who I thought would come in on the right wing
with Freddie Ljungberg on the left, but instead it saw Ljungberg on the
right with Solano not really having any position at all.
This was a really depressing watch, and the side which was put out to
contain found themselves a goal down within ten minutes with a goal from
Fernando Torres after a Dirk Kyut cross. The diving header past Robert Green
had been coming even though the game was in its infancy with Liverpool
piling on the pressure from beginning.
If you had have told me at this point that it was going to be another four
goal thrashing then I would have believed you as we looked frightened to go
near the ball and there were many players who could not make a pass
correctly.
What helped our cause was Liverpool's reluctance to carry on attacking us
and they were clearly happy to soak up any pressure we could mount (which
was nil) as the game turned into a scrappy affair with the onus on us to
force the play.
There were moments where it looked as though we were going to make something
happen but often that final pass was too long or too short. Carlton Cole was
making a nuisance of himself but as usual when he flicked a header on, there
was no one near the ball.
Our best chance of the entire game came when Mullins played a pass through
to Boa Morte who attempted to round the keeper only for Liverpool's Alonso
to get back and clear.
I felt whenever Liverpool went forward they looked dangerous and even though
there were no clear cut chances, we looked so casual at the back that a
mistake was waiting to happen.
Former West Ham midfielder Javier Mascherano saw a couple of wild efforts go
wide of Robert Green's goal and Steven Gerrard saw his powerful drive
charged down by Matthew Upson.
At the other end, Carlton Cole had what you could call a half chance,
although that's not saying much. It occurred after some decent play from Boa
Morte but Jamie Carragher denied the striker.
Liverpool nearly doubled their lead from a corner which was swung in by
Gerrard and found the head of Martin Skrtel but his header just cleared
Green's goal.
Gerrard himself had a half chance when he punted the ball at goal but Green
was equal to it.
It had been an awful half for us and the only positive was that we were only
a goal down and Liverpool were not on top form.
The second half was so poor and we deserved everything we got – which was
nothing, and it was nothing because we didn't attack Liverpool. We didn't
pass the ball to our own players; we didn't make any runs or show any
ambition. I don't understand what Curbishley thought was going to happen
other than Liverpool doubling their lead.
With ten minutes of the second period gone it was so plainly apparent that
to get back into the game we would need to change things and with Ashton,
Zamora and Pantsil on the bench, there was enough to change our system and
mix things up.
Liverpool got their second on the 61st minute mark and it was Torres again
who put the ball in the back of the net after the West Ham defence decided
to stand still and watch the ball leave the foot of Dirk Kyut and find the
head of the unmarked Torres who cleverly head past Green.
Liverpool were obviously the stronger side and in no way did I think we were
going to come here and play them off the park. We haven't won at Anfield
since 1963 so to suggest that it was all going to change tonight was asking
a bit much – BUT to ask for a bit of energy and determination and just a tad
of quality I don't think is asking too much, and if this was a one off then
you could overlook, but these sort of performances have been the norm for
the majority of the season.
Torres' was close to securing his hat trick when his header beat the
stranded Green only for the post to save us from another goal.
What was staggering was Curbishley's lack of urgency to make an substitution
and although Spector came on for the injured Upson, it took our manager till
the 70th minute to make positives changes with Dean Ashton and Bobby Zamora
entering the field of play in place of Solano and Cole.
Ashton looked sharp and was a willing runner for most of the time he was on
the pitch, and his knock down from a cross field pass nearly set up Mark
Noble for a shot but it was defended well.
Torres' did mange to get his hat trick after some terrible defending by
Lucas Neill whose tackle was poor and Torres' got in behind the defence and
slotted the ball past Robert Green.
The floodgates had opened and we were all over the place, and it was no
surprise when Gerrard added a stunning fourth after he was allowed to run
unopposed and hit a shot which flew past Green.
Liverpool did not let up for the remaining five minutes and they could have
had more but for some luck deflections and poor finishing.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
For the second game running he has conceded four goals yet it is hard to
find him at fault for any of them.
Lucas Neill
A truly awful performance from our captain, in a game where there were lots
of poor performances, he stood out above everyone. His first half showing
was simply unacceptable and on this evidence he needs dropping for Spector,
Pantsil or Richard Wright.
Matthew Upson
Haven't seen evidence of his lack of pace for quite a while but tonight he
did look leggy. I don't know if he was carrying an injury before the game
but obviously he was taken off with what looked like a knock.
Anton Ferdinand
Without Upson on top form and playing the calm half of the centre back
partnership, Ferdinand panicked and looked shaky throughout, receiving a
torrid time from Torres.
George McCartney
Had no left midfielder in front of him and was exposed to multiple attacks
by Liverpool. Given the task of not only being the left back but also the
attacking left winger and neither Ljungberg, Solano or Boa Morte helped him
out.
Nolberto Solano
I was pleased to see him start and would have hoped that it would have been
the case if Faubert was fit or not. But his performance was very poor and it
all passed him by. His passing was off and his tackling always led to fouls.
Hayden Mullins
Like Solano, the game passed him by and he was simply outclassed by better
players. He simply wasn't involved in the game and it showed our limitations
in midfield with such a lack of options being our downfall.
Mark Noble
Not a performance Noble will want to remember. Looked frustrated with
himself as the game progressed as his showing was very poor. His passing and
tackling were way off form and up against quality players he just didn't cut
it.
Freddie Ljungberg
Although I believe he is better on the right wing, with Solano playing, he
needed to play on the left to give us some width. He put in a performance
which we were seeing earlier in the season. Looked uninterested, slow and
never got in the game.
Luis Boa Morte
He didn't put in a lazy performance but he was just generally anonymous.
Never did anything of any note and he really needs to be dropped.
Carlton Cole
Worked hard, tried his best, showed some good touches now and again, but
never ever looks like a goal scoring threat and with Zamora and Ashton
waiting, his time is nearly up.
Subs Used
Jonathan Spector (on for Upson 63 mins)
On for the injured Upson and the game passed him by as Liverpool put a lot
of pressure on.
Dean Ashton (on for Solano 69 mins)
Looked sharper, wasn't afraid to run long distances, and I would start him
against Tottenham.
Bobby Zamora (on for Cole 69 mins)
Like Ashton, he looked sharp and showed some decent touches.
Overall
Losing to Liverpool isn't a disgrace and I am fully aware that they have a
much stronger squad than ours, but I do expect us to fight and try to play
with a positive approach.
Tottenham are up next and this could be a very bad end to a very bad week. I
just hope the players realise how much this one means to the fans and that
Alan Curbishley gets the team to play with an attacking edge, because a
crushing defeat coupled with a poor, negative performance could put a lot
more pressure on Curbishley.
Now how did that chant go again..
"Boring Boring West Ham…"
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West Ham's Ferdinand dismisses crisis talk
tribalfootball.com - March 06, 2008
West Ham United defender Anton Ferdinand admits he is hurting after
consecutive 4-0 defeats to Chelsea and Liverpool this week. "These games
hurt you know," he told WHUTV. "I can only talk for myself but the last two
games have hurt me and we have got to get it back. There is no better game
to go into for me personally, with the rivalry that we have got, than Spurs
on Sunday. "Every game is tough in the Premiership but there is no better
game to go into after these two bad defeats," he added. "Knowing the rivalry
and everything this is where we are going to see who is going to step up to
the plate."
Ferdinand is clear though that the team can still bounce back in the final
ten games of the season and make inroads up the table. "I can't say we are
in a crisis. Everyone knows what a crisis is - which was last year - and we
dug ourselves out of that. We have got to get back the feeling we had last
year which helped us get out of that situation."
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Upson: Good time for West Ham to play two strikers
tribalfooball.com - March 06, 2008
West Ham United defender Matthew Upson has hinted he'd like to see manager
Alan Curbishley play with two upfront for the remainder of the season.
"We could go that way," he said. "We haven't got too much to lose now but
the players have to be in the right condition if we're going to throw
everything at it. "I know the supporters are hungry for some more attacking
action and flair but it's up to the manager to decide which way he wants to
go. "We've let in eight goals in the last two games but we shouldn't forget
how solid we've been for most of the season and we have to get back to
that."
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