All the early team news and background for Saturday evening's televised trip
to Goodison Park
20.03.2008
Barclays Premier League
Goodison Park
Saturday 22 March
5.15pm
Referee: Mark Halsey
WHUTV - Pre-match press conference, plus live commentary to come
WESTHAM.WAP.COM - All the news, on the move
Introduction
* West Ham United, tenth in the Barclays Premier League, go to Everton with
the chance to move to within three points of seventh place depending on
results. The home side are three points behind rivals Liverpool, who occupy
the last of the Champions League positions.
* Alan Curbishley's men are determined to return to the excellent away form
that preceded two 4-0 defeats on the road at Liverpool and Tottenham
Hotspur, with the latter club still seven points adrift of United in the
table.
* West Ham United lost twice to Everton in quick succession at the Boleyn
Ground earlier this season. On Wednesday 12 December, the Toffees won 2-1 in
a League Cup quarter-final before a 2-0 top-flight success on Saturday 15
December.
* West Ham United's last success at Goodison Park came on 14 December 2005
when a David Weir own goal and Bobby Zamora strike cancelled out James
Beattie's opener. Along with Zamora, only Anton Ferdinand and Hayden Mullins
could potentially appear again this weekend.
Last match
West Ham United 2-1 Blackburn Rovers (15 March): Green, Neill, Ferdinand,
Spector, McCartney, Solano (Sears 75), Mullins, Parker (Noble 75), Ljungberg
(Pantsil 88), Zamora, Ashton
Subs not used: Wright, Tomkins
Goals: Ashton 39, Sears 81
Fulham 1-0 Everton (16 March): Howard, Neville, Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott,
Carsley, Osman, Arteta, Pienaar (Baines 64), Johnson (Hibbert 14), Yakubu
Subs not used: Wessels, Nuno Valente, Rodwell
Goals: McBride 67
Team news
* Matthew Upson, named in the England squad to face France next Wednesday,
may return after missing out on the last two fixtures with a calf injury
suffered at Liverpool on 5 March. Jonathan Spector has deputised in both
games. The US international was due back from an Olympic qualifier in
Nashville, Tennessee late on Friday night.
* Anton Ferdinand has been training fully despite feeling a groin injury
before the Blackburn win. James Tomkins, on the bench last week,
demonstrated he was over his groin troubles with a strong 90 minutes for the
reserves in a 2-1 midweek win against Reading.
* While Freddie Sears looks to build on his goalscoring debut last week,
Tomkins, Kyel Reid and Jack Collison are also in the manager's thoughts for
Everton. Sears and Tomkins are both on England U19 duty on Tuesday, the day
before Collison is set to play for Wales Under-21s.
* Bobby Zamora has not trained all week because of blisters suffered against
Spurs on 9 March. He had painkilling injections to play against Blackburn
and is still in with a chance of figuring this weekend. Carlton Cole has
also been hampered by a dead leg suffered in training a week ago that caused
him to miss the Blackburn game.
* Luis Boa Morte is eligible to play after serving a one-match ban against
Blackburn.
* Julien Faubert is likely to sit out as the improving squad situation has
allowed the medical staff to focus on getting him back to full fitness.
* Lee Bowyer and Matthew Etherington are both sidelined with groin injuries.
* 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 has had an abdominal strengthening operation and has been
ruled out until April at the earliest. Danny Gabbidon (groin) is also some
way off a first-team return as is Nigel Quashie (foot).
* For Everton, Andrew Johnson is fighting to be fit after picking up a groin
strain early in their defeat at Fulham. Victor Anichebe (hip) is also a
doubt having failed a fitness test before the Craven Cottage encounter.
Fellow striker James Vaughan is out long-term with a knee injury.
* There are a number of midfield concerns for the hosts as well. Manuel
Fernandes and Mikel Arteta both have groin problems and Thomas Gravesen
(knee) is also doubtful. Tim Cahill has been sidelined of late with hip and
foot trouble and Steven Pienaar also suffered a knock against Fulham.
Background
* After 30 games last season, West Ham United were seven points from safety
and had just 23 points compared to the 43 they have achieved from the same
number of matches this campaign.
* West Ham United and Everton last met on 15 December 2007 at the Boleyn
Ground. A tight contest was settled by goals at the end of each half from
Yakubu and Johnson
The lineups were:
West Ham United: Green, Neill (c), Collins, Upson, McCartney, Solano (Noble
60), Mullins (Reid 80), Parker, Ljungberg, Ashton, Cole (Camara 46)
Subs not used: Wright, Spector
Everton: Howard, Neville (c), Jagielka, Yobo, Lescott, Arteta, Osman,
Carsley, Pienaar, Cahill, Yakubu (Johnson 87)
Subs: Wessels, Hibbert, Gravesen, McFadden
* Last season's meeting at Goodison Park came on Sunday 3 December 2006. The
home side won 2-0 thanks to second-half goals from Leon Osman (51) and
Vaughan (90).
* The Hammers have still not lost in all 14 league games this season when
they have taken the lead.
* Robert Green has kept eight clean sheets in 30 league games.
* George McCartney is bidding to make his 37th appearance this season in all
competitions. He has not missed a match since the 4-3 home defeat by
Tottenham Hotspur on 4 March 2007 - 45 games ago.
* 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 has played every minute of the
30 matches.
* Carlton Cole is two cautions away from a ban after picking up eight yellow
cards. 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.
* Joleon Lescott is the only Everton player who has played in every Barclays
Premier League game this season.
* Ashton, with seven goals, goals in the league, is the club's leading
scorer. Yakubu, with 18 overall and 12 in the top-flight alone, is Everton's
leading top-flight marksman.
* Everton have used 23 players in the Barclays Premier League this season.
West Ham United have featured 27 different members of the squad to date.
* West Ham United will next be in action on Saturday 29 March when they go
to Sunderland, the day before Everton travel to Liverpool for the Merseyside
derby.
Head to head (Last six Barclays Premier League meetings)
15 December 2007 - West Ham United 0-2 Everton
21 April 2007 - West Ham United 1-0 Everton
3 December 2006 - Everton 2-0 West Ham United
4 March 2006 - West Ham United 2-2 Everton
14 December 2005 - Everton 1-2 West Ham United
15 March 2003 - Everton 0-0 West Ham United
All-time record v Everton (all competitions) - W 36, D 23 L 58
Barclays Premier League fixtures
Saturday 22 March (kick-off 3pm unless stated)
Aston Villa v Sunderland
Blackburn Rovers v Wigan Athletic
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester City
Middlesbrough v Derby County
Newcastle United v Fulham
Reading v Birmingham City
Tottenham Hotspur v Portsmouth (12.45pm)
Sunday 23 March
Chelsea v Arsenal (4pm)
Manchester United v Liverpool (1.30pm)
General information
Tickets: This match is SOLD OUT. For general ticket information, click here.
For details of getting to Goodison Park, click here
Weather: The forecast is for an rain. The temperature is set to peak at
around 5C.
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Upson in England squad - WHUFC
Matthew Upson could play against the might of France in Paris next Wednesday
after another call-up.
20.03.2008
Matthew Upson has been named in the provisional 30-man England squad to face
France in Paris on Wednesday. The 28-year-old defender, capped eight times,
played the full 90 minutes last month alongside Rio Ferdinand in Fabio
Capello's first match in charge against Switzerland. Upson is not the only
only West Ham United player on England duty next week, with James Tomkins
and Freddie Sears set to play for the U19s in a friendly against Russia at
Milton Keynes on Tuesday. Meanwhile, Mark Noble has been rested by the U21s
for their home friendly against Poland on the same evening
England squad
David James
Scott Carson
Chris Kirkland
Wayne Bridge
Ashley Cole
David Wheater
Rio Ferdinand
Glen Johnson
John Terry
Wes Brown
Joleon Lescott
Gareth Barry
Matthew Upson
Jonathan Woodgate
Frank Lampard
Steven Gerrard
David Beckham
Jermaine Jenas
Owen Hargreaves
Joe Cole
Ashley Young
Stewart Downing
Shaun Wright-Phillips
David Bentley
Theo Walcott
Gabriel Agbonlahor
Michael Owen
Wayne Rooney
Peter Crouch
Jermain Defoe
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Spector has Olympic ambition - WHUFC
Jonathan Spector will be on international duty this evening with a place in
Beijing at stake.
20.03.2008
Jonathan Spector has a very special international engagement on Thursday
night as he bids to help the United States qualify for this summer's
Olympics.
The US Under-23 side will take on Canada in Nashville, Tennessee in the
semi-finals of the 2008 CONCACAF Men's Olympic Qualification tournament with
the winners earning a place at the Beijing Games. Guatemala will meet
Honduras in the other semi-final for the other Olympic spot on offer.
However, Spector will not stick around to play in either Sunday's
third-place game or the final as his role is simply to help secure the key
objective of Olympic qualification
Peter Nowak's US side came through a qualifying phase last weekend to reach
this stage and managed the feat without Spector, who was on club duty
helping West Ham United to defeat Blackburn Rovers. He then flew to join up
with his compatriots and will head back to England straight after the
international match against the US's old North American rivals to join up
with his club-mates for the away fixture against Everton on Saturday
evening.
"Logistically it is a bit difficult," Spector told the matchday programme.
"I have to make it back for Everton and my flight will only get in the day
before the game. There's more importance placed on the Olympics in the
United States. Being an Olympian is a great honour and any time I am able to
represent my country's it's also a great honour. I'm really looking forward
to it."
Spector is not the only talented youngster on view with the US also calling
upon the likes of Toronto defender Marvell Wynne, Columbus Crew midfielder
Eddie Gaven, Benfica attacker Freddy Adu and New York Red Bulls sensation
Jozy Altidore. The 22-year-old Spector has made 22 league appearances this
season and will hope to keep his place alongside Anton Ferdinand when United
go to Goodison Park, although Matthew Upson and James Tomkins are also in
contention.
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Wright loaned to Southampton - WHUFC
Richard Wright is heading to Southampton to answer a goalkeeping crisis at
the south-coast club
20.03.2008
West Ham United have agreed to let goalkeeper Richard Wright join
Southampton on a one-month loan.
The Championship club needed cover as three of their goalkeepers are
injured, leaving them with only 17-year-old Andrej Pernecky. The 30-year-old
has been at the Boleyn Ground since last summer and made three League Cup
appearances for the club. Capped twice by England, Wright has found
first-team chances limited due to the outstanding form of Robert Green over
the course of the campaign.
West Ham United goalkeeping coach Ludek Miklosko has worked with Wright
throughout the campaign, along with Green and Jimmy Walker plus exciting
young prospects Marek Stech and Adam Street. He said: "Richard is a
fantastic lad and we thought he just needs to play. There was an opportunity
for him to get some games and I just wish him luck. Hopefully he will do
well. That's what he needs. He has definitely helped Robert this season. He
has pushed him hard and is a great goalkeeper. He has a great attitude."
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Sears given Sir Trevor's backing - BBC
West Ham legend Sir Trevor Brooking says the club's youngster Freddie Sears
has the talent that English youngsters should aim to replicate. Sears, 18,
came off the bench to score the winner in Saturday's 2-1 win against
Blackburn Rovers. "Hopefully, Freddie's emergence will encourage youngsters
to practice and work with the ball," Brooking told BBC London 94.9. "Skill
and technique is the be all and end all." He added: "Hopefully, the
opportunity is there for youngsters if they work hard enough. "You do not
have to be big and strong to succeed and get your chance at first-team
level."
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Curbs waits on defensive duo - SSN
Upson and Spector doubtful for Goodison trip
Last updated: 20th March 2008
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley is waiting on the availability of Matthew
Upson and Jonathan Spector before finalising his side to face Everton. Upson
has missed the last two games after picking up a calf injury in the 4-0
defeat to Liverpool earlier this month. Spector is currently away on
international duty with the American Olympic side and he is not due to
return to London until late on Friday night. Curbishley will check on the
fitness of the defensive pair before deciding whether or not to include the
pair in his plans for the trip to Everton. "Matty Upson just missed out last
week so he might be available this week," Curbishley told Sky Sports News.
"Jon Spector has gone off to play for the American Olympic team in a
qualifying semi-final in the middle of America somewhere. "He gets back at
10pm on Friday evening so we will have to see where we are on Saturday
morning. "We have one or two people that could return and hopefully if they
do they will be included."
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Cutbacks on the cards - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 20th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Scott Duxbury has hinted that the club are set to keep summer spending to a
minimum. The arrival of Italian Gianluca Nani had fuelled speculation that
West Ham were preparing to spend big this summer in an attempt to force
their way into the footballing elite, as Eggert Magnusson had repeatedly
promised during his tenure at the club. But Duxbury, talking to the Recorder
earlier this week poured cold water on those rumours when he said: "I think
there will be money for signings, but I am not sure we want to use it. "I
think when all our players are fit and we can play Ashton up front with
Bellamy or Sears, when Faubert gets a chance, when we can play Scott Parker
and Kieron Dyer in midfield, then we are capable of making the top six - and
that is our aim."
West Ham have struggled all season to score goals; with Dean Ashton, Craig
Bellamy and Bobby Zamora all unfit for much of the campaign and with Carlton
Cole ineffective (in goalscoring terms) the Hammers have failed to do the
business - indeed, only eight goals have been scored this calendar year
(with two of them coming last week against Blackburn). However Duxbury used
the emergence of Fred Sears to hint that no major outlay was necessary -
although he did suggest that another youngster may be brought in to
complement the existing strike force. "If we bring in big-money signings
then we are not going to see the players who we have already get a chance to
show what they can do," he insisted. "What sort of message are we sending
out to Freddie Sears if we buy another big-money striker? "Obviously we will
look to bring in players where we need a bit of cover, but perhaps we will
bring in a younger striker and let him learn from the more experienced
players."
The announcement represents a sea change from the last two summers in which
Duxbury had promised 'world class signings' - on both occasions, shortly
before the season ticket renewal deadline date.
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Keen: a real good crop - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 20th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Reserve team manager Kevin Keen has praised his young players after they
went top of the Reserve League South table earlier this week. A 2-1 win over
Reading saw the Hammer leapfrog their opponents and Aston Villa to lead the
table - and Keen was effusive in his praise for the likes of Jack Collison
and James Tomkins, both of whom are on the verge of selection for the first
team. "The season, the group that we've got - those older youth team players
and my young pros - I think we've got a real good crop," he told whufc.tv.
"They work hard, the intensity they play at is wonderful and they've got a
little bit of talent as well. We've got some good, talented individuals.
"Once you get to reserve team standard it's important that you play good
football the West Ham way. I feel that this year - for the first time in a
little while - we've got a team of individuals that work very well
together."
On Collison, who both captained the side and scored the opening goal against
Reading, he added: "He's a good player. He's got bags of energy, quick feet
that people don't give him credit for - and hopefully he's going to have a
career with West Ham."
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Wright stuff for Saints - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 20th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Richard Wright has joined Championship outfit Southampton
on a month's loan. The former Arsenal and Everton keeper has moved to St
Mary's until mid-April to cover Southampton's goalkeeping crisis, which has
seen all three of their pro goalkeepers succumb to injury. West Ham's
goalkeeping coach Ludo Mislosko said: "Richard is a fantastic lad and we
thought he just needs to play. There was an opportunity for him to get some
games and I just wish him luck. "Hopefully he will do well. That's what he
needs. He has definitely helped Robert [Green] this season. He has pushed
him hard and is a great goalkeeper. He has a great attitude."
Meanwhile Saints boss Nigel Pearson added: I am delighted to have got
Richard. He is a quality proven keeper with plenty of experience. "It is a
bizarre run of injuries but there is no point being negative. We had to
address the situation and I am very pleased to have Richard on board."
Either Jimmy Walker or Marek Stech will stand in for Wright until his
return.
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Upson named in Capello squad - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 20th March 2008
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson is the only West Ham United player to have been named in Fabio
Capello's second England squad.
The centre-half - out injured for the last two games - played a full 90
minutes against Switzerland last month and has been picked again, although
faces stiff competition from the returning John Terry.
Mark Noble, who was left out of the under 21s earlier in the week was not
included. David Beckham, stranded on 99 caps has been named whilst the only
new selection is Middlesbrough centre-half David Wheater.
Overlooked once again was Rob Green who missed out in favour of Aston
Villa's error prone stopper Scott Carson and relegation-threatened Wigan's
keeper Chris Kirkland.
Full England squad
James (Portsmouth), Carson (Aston Villa), Kirkland (Wigan), Bridge
(Chelsea), A Cole (Chelsea), Wheater (Middlesbrough), Ferdinand (Man Utd),
Johnson (Portsmouth), Terry (Chelsea), Brown (Man Utd), Lescott (Everton),
Upson (West Ham), Woodgate (Spurs), Barry (Aston Villa), Lampard (Chelsea),
Gerrard (Liverpool), Beckham (LA Galaxy), Jenas (Spurs), Hargreaves (Man
Utd), J Cole (Chelsea), Young (Aston Villa), Downing (Middlesbrough),
Wright-Phillips (Chelsea), Bentley (Blackburn), Walcott (Arsenal),
Agbonlahor (Aston Villa), Owen (Newcastle), Rooney (Man Utd), Crouch
(Liverpool), Defoe (Portsmouth).
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Did greed motivate Lucas Neill's move from Blackburn to West Ham? - Sportigo
Thu, Mar 20, 08 13:34 Chris Hockman
There's more to greed than money argues Chris Hockman. Was it money or
ambition in the Australian's case?
'He [Neill] has gone out of his way to try and squash these allegations,
stating that there was more to his move to West Ham than money'In 2007,
Lucas Neill made a move from Blackburn Rovers to West Ham. Nothing unusual
there, but if we look at all the circumstances surrounding the move we can
see how easy it would be to accuse him of greed.
Prior to the move, former Australian National team assistant Johan Neeskens
said that Neill "could play for any of the best clubs" and rumours erupted
about which clubs were interested in him. Chelsea, Barcelona and Liverpool
were all rumoured to be interested in Neill, with Liverpool apparently
actually making an offer.
He ended up signing for West Ham, which could have been for a variety of
reasons. Perhaps the other teams would not have made him captain and he
would have had no guarantee of a starting spot at those clubs. Add to that
the fact that West Ham were facing relegation and some players actually like
a challenge.
Surely though, a cashed-up West Ham offering a rumoured £60,000 per week
would make anyone (well anyone who isn't already earning that much) think
twice; it was far more than he was on at Blackburn and apparently double
Liverpool's offer. Money had to be a big motivation.
Prior to Australia's 2007 Asian Cup campaign, a storm erupted. Mark Viduka
retired from international football only to be coaxed back into the side by
then manager Grahame Arnold, apparently on the condition that he would be
given the captaincy.
Lucas Neill was the incumbent, and understandably quite upset at this
decision, which was most likely a poor one. After a poor start to the
tournament it wasn't long before reports in Australia suggested that there
was a rift in the squad between Mark Viduka supporters and Lucas Neill
supporters.
It's clear that this rift would have a damaging effect on the team, and they
appeared undisciplined throughout the tournament. In the end Australia were
knocked out in the quarter-finals after a disappointing performance.
There's more to greed than money. And to be fair to Lucas Neill, I have to
say that I am a fan of his. He's gone out of his way to try and squash these
allegations, stating that there was more to his move to West Ham than money.
He's definitely gone out of his way to prove his loyalty to West Ham and the
national team, and is proving to be a good captain.
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Solano set to sign contract extension at West Ham
By Guardian-series
NOLBERTO Solano is set to shun a move to play in America by signing a new
contract with West Ham. The 33-year-old, who moved to Upton Park on a free
transfer from Newcastle in the summer, told a Peruvian station that a
one-year extension was on the table for him. He also revealed that he has
turned down an approach to play for an unnamed MLS side believed to be
Toronto FC. Solano said: "I'm under contract with West Ham. They have spoken
to me regarding a one-year extension. "The truth is I feel lucky to be up
there in England where the football is currently improving. "It's not a
coincidence that English teams achieve important things in the Champions
League. It shows the league has grown."
However, the Peru international admitted that he is flattered by the
interest from America and would consider a move across the pond at the end
of his career. "It would be interesting to finish my career in the US," he
said. "I thank them to have thought of me, but it's not the right moment."
Solano (pictured) has become a crowd favourite in east London this season.
He has scored three times in 18 appearances.
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West Ham, Celtic chasing Rennes defender Mensah
tribalfootball.com - March 20, 2008
West Ham United and Celtic are eyeing Rennes defender John Mensah. Rennes
are prepared to cash in on the Ghana international in the summer and the
stopper is keen to continue his career in the UK.
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Cardiff move for Wigan's Camara
tribalfooball.com - March 20, 2008
Cardiff City boss Dave Jones is moving for Wigan Athletic striker Henri
Camara, who remains on-loan at West Ham United. Jones wants the Senegalese
striker for the rest of the season and is bidding to rush through a deal in
time for him to play in the FA Cup semi with Barnsley. Camara is in the cold
at West Ham where he has been on loan from Wigan.
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Hammers looking for a youthful approach next time
By Guardian-series
WEST Ham will be looking more towards home-grown talent next season rather
than spending big money on players this summer, writes Russell Greaves.
Alan Curbishley forked out over £20million after a close-shave with
relegation last season but his new signings have been blighted by injury.
With their hopes of a European place diminished, chief executive Scott
Duxbury says the emphasis will now be on developing the clubs' existing
talent. He told The Times: "I think when all our players are fit and we can
play Dean Ashton up front with Craig Bellamy or Freddie Sears, when Julien
Faubert gets a chance, when we can play Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer in
midfield, then we are capable of making the top six, and that is our aim."
Sears made a dream start to his Upton Park career by scoring the winning
goal against Blackburn last weekend and fans will be hoping the youngster
can follow in the footsteps of other Hammers hitmen who've come through the
academy, such as Tony Cottee and Jermain Defoe. Duxbury understands the
value of young-talent and is keen not to hamper their progress by taking the
expensive option of making big-name signings. He said: "If we bring in
big-money signings, then we are not going to see the players who we have
already get a chance to show what they can do. "What sort of message are we
sending out to Sears if we buy another big-money striker?"
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Collison determined to force his way into Hammers first team
By Guardian-series
JACK Collison wants to emulate fellow youngster Freddie Sears by making an
impact in the West Ham first team. Sears capped a dream debut for the club
by scoring the winning goal against Blackburn on Saturday. Now 19-year-old
centre midfielder Collision, the club's reserve team skipper, is hoping to
follow suit and earn his way into the team. "That is the main aim, to try
and force my way into the first team," said Collison. "It is great to see
Freddie Sears come in and have such a big impact on the first team. "He has
worked so hard this season, and has really deserved it. "That is what we are
all hoping to do really."
Wales U21 star Collison (pictured) has made one appearance for the Hammers,
as a substitute against Arsenal on New Year's Day, and was an unused
substitute in the game with Birmingham last month. He faces a tough task of
becoming a regular fixture in the senior side, with Mark Noble, Hayden
Mullins, Scott Parker and Lee Bowyer all currently ahead of him in the
pecking order. However, he is willing to put in the hours in order to prove
himself to boss Alan Curbishley. "It is going to be hard to get in there,
but I will just keep my head down and keep working hard," he told the club's
offical website. "Hopefully I will force my way on to the bench and then get
out there. That is what I am looking to do."
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West Ham will make new 50,000-seater stadium decision by June - Daily Mail
Last updated at 12:18pm on 20th March 2008
West Ham will decide by June whether to build a new stadium at the
Parcelforce site in east London. The club have been exploring the
possibility of moving to the land near West Ham station, building a
50,000-capacity stadium with the option of extending it to 60,000. They have
an exclusive negotiating arrangement with the London Development Agency
which expires in June so look certain to make a decision by then. But two
areas of concern are the gas holders on the site, which are listed
structures, plus the possibility of a new bus depot. Either would limit use
of the site for West Ham, who could then consider upgrading Upton Park.
Meanwhile, striker Freddie Sears, 18, who scored on his debut last week, is
set to stay in the squad for Saturday's trip to Everton.
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Can Sears really be the next Cottee for the Hammers?
By Dominic Gover
Comment
WEST HAM's academy chief Tony Carr believes that goal hero Freddie Sears
could rival Upton Park legend Tony Cottee. The 17-year-old made a dream
debut at the weekend, when he came off the bench to score the 81st minute
winner against Blackburn Rovers. The teenage scoring sensation, who has
netted a hatful of goals at both youth and reserve team level now looks set
for big things at Upton Park. He will have to go someway though to match the
prolific Cottee, who rattled in 116 goals in just 280 appearances during two
spells with the Irons. But 57-year-old Carr, who has been responsible for
bringing through some of the best players to pull on Hammers shirts over the
last 30 years including Cottee, has tipped Sears for the top. He said: "He
is a goalscorer in the Tony Cottee mould. Seeing what he did on Saturday
took me back to when Tony scored on his debut against Tottenham as a
17-year-old kid. "They are similar in height. although I guess that Tony is
a bit more sturdy in his frame. "But Freddie is still tough and has plenty
of heart. We played against Millwall early in the season. "He scored four
goals then came off and said 'My foot hurts a bit'. We took him for an X-ray
the next day and discovered his foot was broken. "He only came back just
before Christmas after three months out."
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West Ham chief Carr: We had to move quickly for Sears
tribalfooball.com - March 20, 2008
West Ham United academy chief Tony Carr has revealed how they had to move
quickly for new Upton Park sensation Freddie Sears. Carr said: "Freddie was
training with Millwall at one of their satellite centres in Essex, so he
wasn't signed to them in any way. "But Jimmy Tindall was the scout who
spotted him and brought him here. Freddie has always been a West Ham fan and
he first came when he was about 10-years-old. "To be honest, he made quite
slow progress and was never a star. It was not until this season the England
scouts took an interest. But, this season, he has scored more goals than
games."
Sears, who hit 25 goals in those 24 reserve games, is now an England
Under-19 international. And, last week, he signed a two-year contract to
help rebuff discreet interest from Arsenal, Spurs and Chelsea. "Freddie is
so down to earth. There has never been a moment's trouble from him, which
makes it all the more pleasing to see him reach the first team in such
style. "All this season I have been telling him he needs to score more goals
with his head. On Saturday I got a text from him saying 'Fanks for
everything'."
Carr, who has been at West Ham for 35 years, joked: "Maybe his grammar isn't
as good as his goalscoring or maybe I'm just getting old!"
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West Ham captain Neill must wait for new contract talks
tribalfooball.com - March 20, 2008
West Ham United captain Lucas Neill must wait until the summer before
discussing a new contract. The Times says Neill, whose contract runs out at
the end of next season, has been seeking parity in salary with other players
at the club, who are earning about £74,000 a week.
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Duxbury: West Ham owner Gudmundsson OK
tribalfootball.com - March 20, 2008
West Ham United chief executive Scott Duxbury says the club's finances won't
be affected by the present difficulties in the banking sector. Bjorgolfur
Gudmundsson, the West Ham chairman, has a significant stake in Landsbanki,
an Icelandic bank. "I think his wealth has gone down from £1.2 billion to
£1.1 billion, so I don't think he has too much to worry about," Duxbury
said.
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