Kevin Keen's men saw their season end on a losing note on Monday but have plenty of positives to take
21.04.2008
Arsenal reserves 2-0 West Ham United reserves
West Ham United saw their 2007/08 campaign end on a low note as they went down 2-0 at Arsenal but Kevin Keen's men can hold their heads high after a strong campaign.
The visitors were undone by first-half goals from Rui Fonte and Jack Wilshere, with the latter sealing a man of the match display with his stunning strike from 20 yards that gave Marek Stech little chance. The United goalkeeper was back in Keen's lineup for the first time since 23 January and produced several fine stops to keep the home side at bay while Tony Stokes had the best of the chances for the visitors when he smashed a shot against the post midway through the second half.
With Aston Villa drawing 1-1 at home against Chelsea, the result at Barnet's Underhill home this evening was largely academic. Villa moved three points clear of United and still have one more match to play - against Arsenal next Tuesday. The only other challengers for the Barclays Premier Reserve League southern section title are Reading, who are five points adrift and have two games left themselves.
United's attacking options were increased before the game when Jack Jeffery returned from Cambridge United, having scored and made one in a 2-0 win for the Football League promotion hopefuls at the end of his loan spell last Saturday. Jeffery played alongside Tony Stokes, again operating in an advanced position. Although both worked hard, they were up against an imposing defence and most of the visitors' attacking intent came on the left flank via the right-footed Junior Stanislas - who gave Armand Traore plenty to think about.
Stanislas had a succession of first-half corners to pile on the pressure but was more effective from open play. Arsenal always had the edge though and were the first to strike for goal when Nacer Barazite fired in on Stech on five minutes but missed the target. Five minutes later, Fonte was shaking his head in disbelief after a wonder save by Stech when an Arsenal free-kick fell into his path just eight yards out. It was to be the 19th minute before United's first real chance, Stanislas firing in a piledriver that was just deflected wide.
Arsenal soon stepped up a gear though. Wilshere split the United central defence of Josh Payne - back after a three-match suspension - and Bondz N'Gala with a fine pass. Fonte ran on to it and smashed beyond Stech. A quarter-of-an-hour later the home side doubled their advantage when Wilshere ran at Ashley Miller before unleashing a curling effort that again gave Stech no chance to save. Unsurprisingly, the 16-year-old midfielder's goal had the watching Arsene Wenger smiling.
United had some moments before half-time, notably when Jeffery's shot was blocked just as it looked set to trouble Vito Mannone in the home goal but Nacer Barazite and substitute Gilles Sunu, just on for Abou Diaby, also had their moments. The visitors were a different proposition after the break, with Stanislas and Stokes firing in on goal only to be denied. Jack Collison, back as reserve-team captain after a spell with the first team, was also getting on the ball more.
Just before the hour, Stokes hit the post after Stanislas's corner had Mannone in all sorts of bother but the ball rebounded safely into the keeper's grasp. Stanislas underlined his superb performance on 62 minutes with a lovely piece of control before firing in a shot that Mannone did well to stop. The final 20 minutes saw both teams make their final changes and create few chances on goal. Regardless of the result, Keen's young team can be proud of their efforts over the whole season.
Arsenal: Mannone, Rodgers, Nordtveit, Ogogo, G Hoyte, Wilshere (Murphy 84), Thomas, Diaby (Sunu 42), Traore, Barazite, Fonte (Steer 73)
Subs: Szczesny, Murphy
West Ham United: Stech, Spence, Payne (Ashman 88), N'Gala, Miller, Stanislas (Lee 76), Harvey (Edgar 66), Collison, Kearns, Jeffery, Stokes
Subs: Street, O'Neill
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Arsenal reserves 2-0 Reserves FT - WHUFC
All the action as it happened from the home of Barnet as Kevin Keen's men end their 2007/08 campaign
21.04.2008
Barclays Premier Reserve League - Southern Section
Underhill
Kick-off: 7pm
West Ham United end their 18-game season on a losing note but Kevin Keen's men can hold their heads high after a strong campaign. Arsenal were too strong on the night and won it through first-half goals from Rui Fonte and Jack Wilshere.
FULL TIME: 2-0
90min - We are playing two minutes of added time.
90min - Stokes is cautioned for a foul on Barazite.
88min - Anthony Ashman gets a run-out after replacing Payne.
87min - Villa have equalised against Chelsea. A point would be enough for them to see off United's title challenge regardless of the result here at Barnet.
84min - Wilshere is coming off for Rhys Murphy. The departing No10 made the first and scored a fantastic second.
82min - Aston Villa are losing 1-0 at home against Chelsea. If it stays like that and United had won their final game here tonight, they would have gone top of the table with Villa still to play one more match.
82min - Well played Stech again. This time to deny Traore.
79min - Arsenal have remained a threat throughout as shown by Steer's run which, after a neat one-two, finished a shot wide to Stech's right.
77min - Lee fires in from distance but his shot goes high over Mannone's crossbar.
76min - Oliver Lee, the son of former United midfielder Robert, comes on for the impressive Stanislas.
74min - Stech does well to deny Rodgers. The 18-year-old Czech shot-stopper has made some timely blocks on his return to reserve-team action.
73min - Fonte departs with Rene Steer coming on in his place.
72min - Fonte heads for goal after Traore outfoxed Spence. The scorer of the first goal tonight was unable to direct his header on goal though and it ran wide.
71min - Stokes gets another chance to shoot but the angle is tight and he cannot keep it on target.
66min - Anthony Edgar is coming on for Harvey. The No16 will hope to add to the attacking options.
65min - Collison is much improved in this half. Stokes is also getting around the pitch and has another half-chance.
64min - Stokes and Ogogo are spoken to by the referee.
62min - Stokes crosses deep for Stanislas who brings teh ball down superbly to the left of goal. He takes a touch to deceive Abu Ogogo but again Mannone is equal to his effort.
61min - A poor finish from Stanislas after Stokes and Jeffery had combined well. Arsenal counter quickly and Traore gets a chance to shoot but Payne's intervention allows the ball to run safely into Stech's arms.
59min - Kearns and Spence combine well on the right-flank. The move ends with the United No2 sliding the ball across the goal but Arsenal get the ball away.
57min - Stokes hits the post after Stanislas's corner has Mannone in all sorts of trouble. The Arsenal keeper was grateful to claim the ball when it rebounded off the woodwork.
54min - Wilshere's long-range free-kick leads to Stech having to palm the ball away for a corner.
52min - The visitors are giving this a good go, Collison, Stokes and Stanislas are all seeing plenty of the ball.
51min - Payne rises to meet Stanislas's cross but cannot direct his header on target.
50min - Sunu gets lots of space to shoot at Stech. United get a quick counterattack going and Jeffery slips in Stokes, who shoots but the shot is deflected wide for a corner.
48min - Stanislas fires in a free-kick but it lacks power and direction.
47min - Stanislas spurns a great chance to pull the visitors back into the contest. The ball ran right across the area to the No7 but just as Stanislas shot, Gavin Hoyte managed to get something on the ball and it ran through safely to Vito Mannone.
46min - Arsenal get us under way. The home side were clearly the dominant side in the first half but Kevin Keen will hope for a reaction from his team in this second period.
HALF-TIME - 2-0
45min - Barazite is booked for dissent after he fouled Spence.
45min - Sunu gets the chance to shoot after getting plenty of time off the right flank. His shot sails miles over Stech's crossbar. We are playing two minutes of added time.
42min - Spence wins a corner. Arsenal make a change with Diaby going off to be replaced by Gilles Sunu. From the resulting corner, Jeffery's goalbound shot is deflected to safety by a defender.
39min - Collison tries to pick out Jeffery with a free-kick but Arsenal comfortably see out the danger. Arsenal have been too strong in the closing stages of this half.
37min - Stech keeps United's hopes alive with a good save from Jay Thomas's shot before having to react quickly seconds later to keep out an effort from Barazite.
34min - GOAL! - Wilshere scores a stunning goal. The No10 takes a touch or two in front of Ashley Miller with his left foot before curling the ball from 20 yards beyond the outstretched arms of Stech.
30min - Jack Collison shows a good turn of pace to race forward through central midfield before slipping the ball to Jeffery. The cross comes into the box but Stanislas cannot bring it under control.
28min - Jordan Spence is geting the better of Armand Traore in this half. The 17-year-old England youth international has been in fine form of late. Stokes sends another shot wide.
25min - Stanislas tries to get something going on the left wing but comes up short. He has been the most inventive player so far for Kevin Keen's men and could be key to the chances of getting back into the encounter.
24min - GOAL! - This time Fonte beats Stech after a neat left-footed pass by Wilshere split the United central defenders Payne and Bondz N'Gala.
21min - Kearns' piledriver is blocked after Stanislas rolled the free-kick into his path. Stokes had won the free-kick. Tom Harvey then did well at the other end before Stech made another good save from Fonte.
19min - A surging run from the halfway line takes Stanislas deep into Arsenal territory. Lovely play by the young midfielder who then gets a blistering shot away from Stokes' touch-back which is just deflected wide of goal. Arsenal again get the corner away.
17min - Payne does well to block Fonte's shot before Northern Irish youth international Daniel Kearns is penalised for a foul on fellow 16-year-old Jack Wilshere.
16min - Jeffery has been getting treatment for a knock but is back on now.
14min - Stokes fires one from distance that never troubles the Arsenal goal.
12min - This has been an interesting contest so far. The match is United's last of the season and a win could keep alive their title dreams - depending on how Aston Villa get on.
10min - A superb save from Stech from point-blank range denies Rui Fonte. The ball fell to the attacker after the initial free-kick was blocked.
9min - Jack Collison loses out to Abou Diaby before Payne upends Barazite on the edge of the area to give Arsenal a great shooting opportunity.
8min - A lovely ball from Stanislas nearly picks out Jeffery but Arsenal's Paul Rodgers gets the ball away behind. Stanislas takes the corner but again finds only an Arsenal player.
7min - Jeffery is penalised for a foul on Gavin Hoyte just as Stanislas was about to shoot for goal from the left of the penalty area.
6min - Stanislas has another corner but again fails to pick out a West Ham United attacker. Josh Payne was up there for that one, with the versatile performer back after a three-match suspension.
5min - Nacer Barazite goes close with a low drive that misses to the right of Marek Stech. The Czech shot-stopper is back in reserve-team action after overcoming an ankle injury.
3min - Arsenal try and build through young left-back Armand Traore but he overruns the ball. Neither keeper has been tested yet.
2min - Junior Stanislas gets an instant chance with a corner but the delivery is poor. Jeffery is back in the visitors' attack after his loan spell at Cambridge United came to a goalscoring end at the weekend.
1min - West Ham United get us under way, wearing their change strip.
KICK-OFF
Arsenal: Mannone, Rodgers, Nordtveit, Ogogo, G Hoyte, Wilshere (Murphy 84), Thomas, Diaby (Sunu 42), Traore, Barazite, Fonte (Steer 73)
Subs: Szczesny, Murphy
West Ham United: Stech, Spence, Payne (Ashman 88), N'Gala, Miller, Stanislas (Lee 76), Harvey (Edgar 66), Collison, Kearns, Jeffery, Stokes
Subs: Street, O'Neill
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No fringe benfits - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2008
By: Staff Writer
Scott Duxbury has denied reports that the club's higher earners will be sold in order to reduce United's burgeoning wage bill. Some sections of the media took Duxbury's previous comments regarding trimming the squad to mean that top earners such as Freddie Ljungberg and Lucas Neill were on their way out of the club. But the club's CEO spoke out today to deny speculation by insisting that only fringe players would be departing this summer. "Our squad is too big," he said. "But we only plan to sell players that are not close of getting into the team. "We have a very young talented team and experienced star players like Freddie [Ljungberg], Craig Bellamy and Lucas Neill are very important in helping those talents develop."
On Ljungberg specifically - who some sources had claimed would be on his way - Duxbury called the rumours 'nonsense', before somewhat bizarrely claiming that the 30-year-old 'still has his best years ahead of him'. "Rumours that Freddie is leaving are nonsense," he added. "With his international experience [he] is an important player for West Ham in reaching our goal, to play in Europe. His pedigree stands for itself. "He he has already shown how important he can be for West Ham when available. He's playing in the Euros this summer for Sweden and is going to be one of the tournament's big stars.
"Freddie is very popular at West Ham and I know that he is very happy at the club."
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Cole's goal - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2008
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has revealed that he feels he is fighting for his future at West Ham. The big striker - who was signed by Alan Pardew for £2 million in 2006 - scored his sixth goal of the season during Saturday's 2-1 win over Derby County on Saturday. And contrary to reports that the players are coasting through the remaining games of the season, Cole says that he - and a number of fellow squad members - feel that they have everything still to play for. "Do we have to fight for our futures? Definitely," he said following Saturday's game. "We have to fight all the time. We've had a lot of injuries and a few of the players have not played much. They're going to want to get in the team next season. "There's going to be a lot of competition in terms of who's going to stay and who's going to go. There could be a few worried people this summer. But that's how football is."
Scott Duxbury revealed at a fans' forum last week that Alan Curbishley's first team squad needed to be trimmed by around half-a-dozen faces. With new players also expected in, the number leaving the club could be in double figures.
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Hammers keen to keep Ljungberg - SSN
Swedish star remains part of Hammers' plans
By Chris Burton Last updated: 21st April 2008
West Ham chief executive Scott Duxbury has dismissed rumours suggesting that Freddie Ljungberg is set to leave the club. Reports had claimed that the Hammers are keen to cut their wage bill over the summer and that the Swedish international would be among those shown the door. However, Duxbury has rubbished this idea and insists that both parties are keen for the experienced midfielder to remain at Upton Park. "Rumours that Freddie is leaving are nonsense," he told the Echo. "Freddie with his international experience is an important player for West Ham in reaching our goal, to play in Europe. "His pedigree stands for itself. "He is an important part of this club's future. "And he has already shown how important he can be for West Ham when available.
"I mean, he's playing the Euros this summer for Sweden and is going to be one of the tournament's big stars. "He still has his best years ahead of him."
While making it clear that he fully expects Ljungberg to be part of Alan Curbishley's plans for next term, Duxbury did acknowledge that there will be a number of departures from the club during the close season. "Our squad is too big. But we only plan to sell players that are not close to getting into the team," he added. "Freddie is very popular at West Ham. "And I know that Freddie is very happy at the club. "We have a very young, talented team and experienced star players like Freddie, Craig Bellamy and Lucas Neill are very important in helping those talents develop. "They are role models."
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Green calls for understanding - SSN
Goalkeeper backs under-fire Hammers manager
By James Dall Last updated: 21st April 2008
Robert Green has echoed manager Alan Curbishley's pleas for realism and understanding from the West Ham United supporters. The Hammers had been tipped to push for a European berth this season; however a lengthy injury list has stretched Curbishley's resources. West Ham remain 10th in the table following last Saturday's unconvincing 2-1 victory over already-relegated Derby County. But Green has defended his manager, insisting that the side has coped well under the strain of absentees. "Our performance (against Derby) wasn't great," Green told the Evening Standard. "But what we'd appreciate is some understanding that we have a lot of guys out. "We're bringing back some others who have been out injured and we're blooding youngsters as well.
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Prem duo eye Emana - SSN
Chase on for Cameroon ace
Last updated: 21st April 2008
Skysports.com understands Newcastle and West Ham are eyeing Toulouse midfielder Achille Emana. Emana is a target for a host of clubs across Europe after impressing for Toulouse over the last few seasons. The 25-year-old is regarded as one of the best attacking midfielders in Europe and his performances have not gone unnoticed. Newcastle and West Ham have been keeping tabs on the Cameroon international for some time and scouts from both clubs are believed to have watched Emana in action against Bordeaux over the weekend. Spanish duo Sevilla and Almeria and Italian pair Fiorentina and Udinese are also believed to be tracking Emana and are lining up moves for the midfielder in the summer. Emana is believed to be considering his future at Toulouse and is keen on a move away to a bigger club. The African is thought to have made a move to England his top choice and this has alerted the likes of West Ham and Newcastle. Toulouse are unlikely to be able to resist any big-money offers for Emana and their valuation of €8million (£6.3million) would be no problem for either Newcastle or West Ham.
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Wanted: Inspiration - West Ham Online
Alex V - Mon Apr 21 2008
I was very taken with the words of Blackburn manager Mark Hughes this weekend, describing the attitude encouraged among the players at Manchester United. "They want to win things. They don't accept they are ever beaten and when they are, they don't say they have lost, they say they have run out of time. There is always the fear of the manager, too. You always have to go back into the dressing room and that certainly keeps them on their toes. You can go into each game with the same mentality and the same drive and positive thoughts. You expect to win. You don't hope to win. That's what they work on. They work in dreams and miracles and on occasions they produce them. They are never beaten." I can't recall a West Ham squad with this attitude, and we certainly don't have one just now it seems. Perhaps this is the overwhelming factor in our perennial ability to under-achieve - we need to change our character, and encourage winners.
I would argue that winners are actively discouraged at West Ham - the fans simply do not take kindly to those who talk themselves, or the West Ham team, up. Reo-Coker, for me, had a strong winning mentality - he was arrogant, slightly boorish, but he had an unshakable belief in his own ability as a player and a captain. He put his head above the parapet and we shot him down. Lucas Neill, to a lesser extent, has suffered the same fate this season. There was a wobble between the fans and Dean Ashton this season - the moment he came back with an obvious desire and ambition to be in the side, it turned us off and he slightly lost face with the West Ham faithful.
Mark Noble is the perfect West Ham character for the fans - he wears his heart on his sleeve, but has a humility to him. He is seen as a plucky young lad, a trier, and probably will be seen in a similar vein long into his 30s. Were Mark Noble to appear in an interview next week and say "I am a winner - I demand success" he is likely to turn from hero to pariah within hours. We don't like players who talk the talk and walk the walk - we like players who work with their head down, grinding out their existence on the pitch. I don't think we like ambition - if Noble announced he would like to win a title in his career, his West Ham career would be irrevocably damaged, and the rumours about his future would go into overdrive. I wouldn't want to criticise Noble too much, but his is the attitude of the loyal pro and not the winner.
Character is hard to judge. Last year the entire squad was characterised as overpaid prima-donna players with no real commitment to the cause, an opinion based on nothing in particular other than a glance at the fancy cars they drive and the lacklustre performances on the pitch. Meanwhile ex-player Tyrone Mears praised our team spirit last season as key in our survival. Somebody is wrong. Looking back at Di Canio for example, it is hard to pinpoint his exact influence - disruptive, inspiring, dedicated, unreliable, clownish, arrogant. Curbishley clearly came in last season and rooted out Sheringham as a bad influence on other players, when under Pardew he had been a central figurehead. Squads are complex beasts.
I would like to see a West Ham side with a more obvious winning mentality, something along the lines of what Mark Hughes is ascribing to Manchester United. I would like us to show a more obvious arrogance, to turn up on the pitch expecting to win, chomping at the bit, never ever beaten. I would like us to buy and sell players based on this formula. The trouble is that it's not an exact science, and sometimes players with big characters have too much of an influence on a squad.
I am always reminded of one of Sven Goran Eriksson's key tenets, outlined in one of his books on management - he said that he always liked to have three prominent players who set the tone for the rest of the squad. I think he was outlining something that occurs naturally among any group - certain people come to be central and others follow their lead. Chelsea are often lead out by Terry, Lampard and Cech - I would argue that Cole or Drogba are their best players these days, but they definitely do not set the tone at Chelsea. Ronaldo is the best player in the world, but I bet that Giggs has more of an influence on the tone that is set at Man Utd.
I'm not quite sure which three players are playing the same role at West Ham. Clearly Lucas Neill is one, but I'm not sure that he should be. Ashton used to be one before injury, but has maybe been slow to recover that mantle since his return. I expected Parker to be one but having seen him in matches, I'm now not so sure. It just underlines what a strange season this has been and what a state of flux still exists at West Ham - we simply do not know where we are, who we are, how good we are.
Lucas Neill is clearly a key player at West Ham - he is an experienced head, the team captain, and comes across as something of an arrogant player. Some have criticised his form, and I would agree that he has been inconsistent at times since Christmas, but there is no doubt in my mind that he is a good premiership full-back, and probably will continue to be a first-choice player into next season. I actually think he's been one of our better players over the season, and has been overly criticised simply because he is a senior player and captain on a big wage in a season where the football has been quite dull.
But I do continue to be concerned by Neill's position as captain, and in seemingly having such a key influence on the West Ham team. He isn't vocal on the pitch, he is very much a grinder rather than a leader - I don't see him having any sort of extra effect out there. I think he is a good pro very much in the mould of a Christian Dailly - he probably lives fairly cleanly, is a good organiser on the training pitch, perhaps vocal in the dressing room, and has bags of experience. Is he that leader of men, the inspirational figure that leads teams to victory? It just doesn't really look like it. I don't think Neill should be the West Ham captain, and I just don't think he's an inspirational player to rally a team around.
Unfortunately, I don't see an obvious replacement. Upson is the most likely candidate - a strong player, fairly reliable, experienced, with a quiet assurance about him on the pitch. But again he just isn't that vocal or obvious as a leader - I can't imagine him cracking the whip after a misplaced pass. I'm not sure if anyone ever really does that in the West Ham side - no wonder we are drifting now this season. The only other candidate I can see is Dean Ashton, but does he need the captaincy to worry about while he is recovering his form - is he even a guaranteed starter?
The players I would single out as showing creditable spirit would be ones to make fans frown rather than cheer. Luis Boa Morte, for me, has had a great attitude all season - his play has often been woeful, and he must know that, but he has always come back for more with 100%. Carlton Cole is another player whose spirit has been tremendous - he has given everything playing on his own up front, but more recently his appearances from the bench have been quite cavalier and have given us a real impetus on the pitch. The other player to mention is Ljungberg, simply because you can tell how crestfallen he is when we don't win - I guess the years at Arsenal have drilled an expectation of victory into him. But none of these players are leaders - they are triers.
So, put short, I think there is a void in terms of leadership among the players, and I'm just not sure the mix is right in Curbishley's squad. We have too many players who will knuckle down, and not enough who will lift their head to encourage others or dig them out when required. Imagine what one of the great captains could do with this bunch of players - what we wouldn't give for a Roy Keane at the club.
Then there's Curbishley himself - I despise some of his post-match interviews, which are really one of the only insights we get into his thinking. At the moment he is in utterly defensive mode, and seemingly will not speak unless it is to underline how many injuries we have. He seems to utterly lack the understanding that he has some sort of responsibity, if not culpability, for these injuries. He is coming across as a defensive, whinging manager with a siege mentality - it's not a positive thing. Clever managers realise that their relations with the media are to be used for their benefit - to play mind games with opponents, and to improve the spirit within their own squads. Curbishley is just whinging, encouraging his own players into negative attitudes, and actually writing off his own squad.
In terms of his overall leadership qualities, I think Curbishley has shown over his career that he can get the best out of players, so has to be respected on that basis. Even in a short time at West Ham, he has taken individuals and got the very best out of them (Tevez, Green, Zamora, Cole, McCartney, Upson). I think that team performances have been flat this season, anyone could see that, yet I wouldn't really criticise any individual players for that, because I think that everyone this season has really gone out and done their best for the team. What is missing is that inspirational extra 10% that the great teams find, and which we quite obviously do not have at the moment.
Curbishley's character is easy to criticise, simply on the basis of a decade of solid but uninspiring progress as Charlton's manager - he has to prove now that he and his staff have the ability to inspire more than just consistency in their players. I would like to see a West Ham side at their opponents throats from the first whistle - too often this season we have taken the best part of half the game to warm up. I think Curbishley is good at promoting a patient attitude - I like that calm assurance that we have, however badly we are playing. But it needs somehow to develop the cutting edge that beats teams - at times we just don't look that bothered that we can't create anything in the final third, and seem content to pass the ball around in midfield and defence for the whole game.
I think solidity is a good base to work from, and West Ham certainly have that in theory - it is the winning mentality and character that will turn that into wins. And I'm concerned that I don't quite know where that extra drive is coming from with Curbishley's West Ham. I don't see it coming from individual players (yet) and I don't see it coming from the manager (yet) - if that doesn't change, we are stuck.
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West Ham kid Stokes hoping for new chance
tribalfooball.com - April 21, 2008
West Ham United prospect Tony Stokes was delighted to be involved in the squad for their victory over Derby on Saturday. The 21 year-old told whufc.com: "I have been working extra hard in the hope of catching the manager's eye. The last two weeks it has been nice to be around the squad and travel with them to Bolton last week. To be in the squad again against Derby was good and it has all been a surprise to me really."
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Jeffery returns to West Ham
tribalfootball.com - April 21, 2008
Jack Jeffery has returned to West Ham United. The young striker is back at Upton Park after a successful loan spell at Cambridge United.
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Ozzy Stan set to retire - CmonYuIrons
Former West Ham and Birmingham star Stan Lazaridis looks set to announce his retirement after being released by Australian club Perth Glory. Stan got his big move to England in 1995 when Harry Redknapp paid £300,000 to sign him for West Ham United. A poor debut and consistent injury problems made his debut season at West Ham difficult. Over four seasons, Lazaridis, played just 87 games for West Ham United leading to him dropping down a division to sign for Birmingham City in the Summer of 1999. The 35-year-old midfielder made more than 260 Premier League appearances and is expected to pursue a career in coaching with the West Australia club. Perth boss Scott Gooch told the Glory website: "Stan is a terrific person and will always be welcome at the club." We wish you all the best Stan in your future Career.
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West Ham's Green makes plea to fans
tribalfooball.com - April 21, 2008
Robert Green has called on West Ham United fans to back the players. A 2-1 victory over relegated Derby did not impress West Ham fans with a section of the crowd booing the team off the pitch. "Our performance wasn't great," said Green. "But what we'd appreciate is some understanding that we have a lot of guys out, we're bringing back some others who have been out injured and we're blooding youngsters as well."
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Cole goal shows Curbishley is in the know
Guardian report Observer report Match facts
Premier League
West Ham United 2 Zamora 20, Cole 77
Derby County 1 Mears 65
Anna Kessel at Upton Park The Observer, Sunday April 20 2008
This article appeared in the Observer on Sunday April 20 2008 on p5 of the News & features section.
It was last updated at 23:17 on April 19 2008.
Alan Curbishley billed this as a 'very important game' for both sides; it wasn't. Not in League terms, anyway - Derby's singular aim is to avoid finishing with the worst points total for a Premier League season and West Ham have nothing to play for. But the statement is revealing about Curbishley's own - recently questioned - position at the club.
It is harsh for a manager who has taken his side from relegation dodgers to mid-table stalwarts in a season dogged by injury - 14 players out in total - to feel the need to defend himself, but fans are a demanding bunch. They booed their team off the pitch, despite the win, and treated Curbishley to a chorus of 'You don't know what you're doing' when he brought Carlton Cole off the bench. Cole promptly scored the winner, but that didn't perturb them.
Afterwards, Curbishley was forced to defend a large wage bill for a 34-man squad and vented his frustrations about the season. 'It's been a catalogue of disasters,' he said, 'surely there's got to be some realisation of what's happened here. Week in week out we've been under the cosh. We've had unbelievable problems just getting out there.'
Curbishley was forced to make seven changes to the starting line-up from the defeat at Bolton last weekend, as Matthew Upton and Jonathan Spector bumped up the injury list just 24 hours before kick off.
Still, the home side took the lead after 20 minutes. George McCartney's free-kick set up Bobby Zamora to head home from close range. Poor defending from Derby's Dean Leacock left him grimacing. Zamora, who has played only 10 League games this campaign, scored his first goal since April 2007.
Derby did not look like providing much of a threat until, five minutes before the break, David Jones' cross set up Robbie Savage for a wicked header from the edge of the box. Robert Green in the West Ham goal reacted well to tip the ball over the bar, but it was a sign of intent from Derby.
West Ham opened the second half with better focus. Youngster Freddie Sears impressed with a mazy run; Scott Parker shot just wide. However, Derby had other ideas. Green was forced to make a save at the feet of Tyrone Mears, set up by Hossam Ghaly, after he got beyond Freddie Ljungberg. Moments later it was déjà vu, but this time Mears - a former Hammer - got the goal. Ghaly again supplied the pass, Ljungberg again was outpaced and Mears fired into the back of the net. The game sprang into life.
A period of end-to-end action followed, and the home side won out. Ljungberg's beautifully worked one-two with Mark Noble provided the build up for substitute Cole to slot home. Ooh, Curbs must have felt smug.
A Savage header at the death could have upset things, but it was not to be. Paul Jewell could only shrug as another decent performance dissolved into a defeat. Had he ever heard a team booed off after a victory? 'I wish I'd had the opportunity', he said. Derby are still looking for a League win under Jewell this season.
THE FANS' PLAYER RATINGS AND VERDICT
Andy Bishop, Observer reader One of those games that makes you long for the end of the season. It was that bad and it could have been worse - when Derby equalised they had a 10-15 minute spell when it looked as though they might win. It was a good job Cole scored, it prevented a riot, as things were getting ugly with the crowd turning on Curbishley. The reaction surprised me. Before the game I would have said he will definitely be at the club next season, but after hearing all the stick he took I'm not so sure. He has only himself to blame - in the past three games we have been really uninspiring and flat, and it looks like he doesn't know how to address it.
The fan's player ratings Green 5; Pantsil 5, Tomkins 6, Neill 5, McCartney 5; Faubert 6 (Solano n/a), Noble 5, Parker 7, Ljungberg 5 (Boa Morte n/a); Sears 5 (Cole n/a), Zamora 6
Carl Walker, RamSpace.co.uk There was a good turnout and we deserved to get something. The first half was OK, but we played really well in the second half and Mears' equaliser was one of our moments of the season - which says a lot. For a spell it looked as though we would go on to win, but West Ham scored when the game seemed to be petering out. A typical goal for us to concede, too, created out of nothing. Stubbs had a blinding game - a West Ham friend reckons he's the fattest player to appear in the Premier League and he's almost playing on one leg because of injury, but he held us together.
The fan's player ratings Carroll 7; Todd 7 (McEveley n/a), Leacock 6, Stubbs 9, Lewis 7; Mears 8, Ghaly 7, Savage 6, Jones 6 (Villa n/a), Sterjovski 5; Miller 7
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The dirty dozen - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 21st April 2008
By: Graeme Howlett
West Ham United have confirmed that a number of first-team squad members face the chop this summer as Alan Curbishley is forced to reduce his playing staff. Scott Duxbury revealed last week that Curbishley had been asked to reduce his squad to 24/25 players - or two decent options for each position.
So join KUMB as we take a look through the squad to see whose positions are most at risk - and to see a list of the 12 players who we feel have most to fear ...
1. Robert Green
One of the most consistent players at the club this year, Curbishley will do all he can to hang on to the England keeper this summer although bids from other interested parties (possibly Arsenal) may be forthcoming.
Stay/go: stay
2. Lucas Neill
Criticised at times this season for some below par performances but still a lynchpin in Curbishley's defence. Will only go if the club are made an offer they can't refuse.
Stay/go: stay
3. George McCartney
As the only recognised left back at the club it would be folly to part with the popular Irishman who will feature highly in this year's end of season player polls.
Stay/go: stay
4. Danny Gabbidon
The Welsh defender has been out of action since Christmas with a groin injury and has now slipped down the defensive pecking order. Rumours of a fall-out with Curbishley and interest from former club Cardiff could see our 2006 Player of the Year on his way out.
Stay/go: go
5. Anton Ferdinand
Just over a year to go on his contract and no new offers from the club have left Ferdinand feeling jittery. However Curbishley is thought to be a fan and unlikely to let him leave without a struggle.
Stay/go: stay
6. Matthew Upson
The club's most consistent defender this season, Upson is just about the safest player at the club. However his recent England call-up may have turned one or two heads.
Stay/go: stay
7. Freddie Ljungberg
Despite having improved greatly in recent weeks the Swede is still a possibility for the axe due to his higher earnings and the number of players who can play in his position. The problem will be finding someone willing to pay his vast wages.
Stay/go: stay
8. Scott Parker
Another to suffer massive injury problems this season, Parker will be a West Ham player next season having arrived for £7m less than a year ago.
Stay/go: stay
9. Dean Ashton
The likes of Newcastle and Aston Villa are likely to be keeping an eye on developments in East London with Ashton still to find the form that earned him an England call-up two years ago. SHould a high-enough bid come in Curbishley may be tempted to cash in although the likely fallout from the fans may be enough to dissuade such a move.
Stay/go: stay
10. Craig Bellamy
Linked with a move to Championship outfit QPR but still has plenty to offer the top flight. Despite massive injury problems Bellamy is set to remain at the club next season.
Stay/go: stay
11. Matthew Etherington
Recently signed a new four-year deal so a swift exit is highly unlikely.
Stay/go: stay
12. Carlton Cole
Six goals this term may not be enough to save the big striker; the fact that his sheer size offers Curbishley a different option may be. However the right offer - perhaps from a newly promoted club - could tempt Curbs' to sell.
Stay/go: go
14. John Paintsil
A cult figure but in all honesty, a pretty average defender. Paintsil - who was signed by Alan Pardew on the back of a good World Cup in 2006 - is one of the hot favourites to go.
Stay/go: go
15. Nobby Solano
His current deal comes to an end this summer and it could well be a toss-up between him and Ljungberg to see who goes. The sheer amount of money invested in the Swede could mean the end for Nobby, who has been a big hit with the fans this season.
Stay/go: go
16. Mark Noble
A no-brainer if Curbishley values his genitals.
Stay/go: stay
17. Hayden Mullins
Several times he has been rumoured to be leaving the club but four years after moving from Crystal Palace the central midfielder remains a solid member of Curbishley's squad. Recent comments by the manager suggesting that Mullins is a bit of an unsung hero point to him remaining at United for a fifth year.
Stay/go: stay
18. Jonathan Spector
A jack of a all trader but master of none, Spector is going to struggle to hang on to his place. However his sheer versatility may yet be the thing that saves him.
Stay/go: stay
19. James Collins
Curbishley has a lot of time for the Ginger Pele, whose cruiate injury means he will be going nowhere as he will be benched until Christmas at the earliest.
Stay/go: stay
20. Julien Faubert
With so little playing time this season Faubert is another who has it all to do next year. Despite the injuries - and comments made to Equipe earlier in the season regarding the club's trianing methods - the flying Frenchman stays.
Stay/go: stay
21. Richard Wright
Already in an extended loan spell with CHampionship side SOuthampton, Wright will almost certainly go having complained earlier in the season about a lack of first team football.
Stay/go: go
22. Tony Stokes
Another who is like to be moved on having failed to break through to the first team squad.
Stay/go: go
23. Jimmy Walker
A hugely popular figure around the club despite barely featuring this season, Walker's lower-end-of-the-pay-scale wages could save him - especially if number two Wright does move on.
Stay/go: stay
24. Christian Dailly
On loan with Rangers since the turn of the year, Dailly will offcially leave the club this summer when his current deal expires.
Stay/go: go
25. Bobby Zamora
Having barely featured this season Zamora is another under threat. However one of either him or Cole are almost certain to be retained; we think the Z-man just has the edge.
Stay/go: stay
26. Nigel Quashie
Will be moved on this summer if a buyer can be found - and assuming someone can find him first.
Stay/go: go
27. Calum Davenport
Had he not broken his neck playing on loan at Watford in January he would have been one of the first out of the door having failed to impress. Like Collins, his injury means he will be going nowhere (until next January, at least).
Stay/go: stay
28. Kyel Reid
Another who has failed to impress Curbishley, the young winger could be tempted by a move to Crystal Palace where he spent a successful spell on loan recently.
Stay/go: go
29. Lee Bowyer
Started the season superbly but like many others spent the end of it on the treatment table. His numerous injuries are a concern and the right offer could tempt Curbishley to let one of his former proteges go.
Stay/go: go
30. James Tomkins
Having finally broken through to the first team Tomkins is finally beginning to realise years of promise. Going nowhere.
Stay/go: stay
32. Kieron Dyer
After missing virtually the entire season through injury Dyer is looking forward to returning to action next season. A huge investment, Curbishley will want to see some of his potential realised next term.
Stay/go: stay
33. Henri Camara
Why he's still here is a mystery - as is why he was ever signed in the first place. Thankfully he's only on loan.
Stay/go: go
34. Luis Boa Morte
Possibly the most under-threat of the big-money Curbishley signings. The fans just haven't taken to him and once that happens your days are usually numbered. The problem will be finding a buyer willing to pay a decent amount for a 31-year-old who cost £5 million just 18 months earlier.
Stay/go: go
40. Fred Sears
Likely to be considered a fully-fledged member of the first team squad next season although a loan move may be on the cards should Curbishley sign nother striker this summer to complement his existing options.
Stay/go: stay
Our 22 to stay (allowing for 2/3 new arrivals): Rob Green; Lucas Neill; George McCartney; Anton Ferdinand; Matthew Upson; Freddie Ljungberg; Scott Parker; Craig Bellamy; Dean Ashton; Matthew Etherington; Mark Noble; Hayden Mullins; Jonathan Spector; James Collins; Julien Faubert, Jimmy Walker; Bobby Zamora; Calum Davenport, James Tomkins; Kieron Dyer; Fred Sears; Jack Collison.
Our 12 to go: Danny Gabbidon; Carlton Cole; John Paintsil; Nobby Solano; Richard Wright; Tony Stokes; Christian Dailly; Nigel Quashie; Kyel Reid; Lee Bowyer; Luis Boa Morte and Henri Camara.
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Derby's Mears: No spirit at embarrassed West Ham
tribalfootball.com - April 21, 2008
Derby County fullback Tyrone Mears has mocked his former West Ham teammates after Saturday's defeat at Upton Park. Mears said: "The West Ham players were embarrassed when they came off the pitch because they knew we'd battered them in the second half. A lot of their big-name signings haven't been good enough and, with the money they've spent, they should be competing with the top five. "They pulled off a miracle when they stayed up last season and that was all down to their fighting spirit. "But that spirit doesn't seem to be there any more and a shake-up is needed. They need to ship out a few players. "I don't think Alan Curbishley should be sacked because it's been hard for him with all the injuries this season. "But you can never tell what will happen nowadays and West Ham should definitely be doing a lot better than they are."
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Cole admits West Ham players know they're battling for futures
tribalfooball.com - April 21, 2008
West Ham United matchwinner Carlton Cole admits many inside the dressing room fear for their futures at Upton Park. Cole, who struck in Saturday's 2-1 victory over Derby, said: "We're all disappointed that we haven't been able to push higher up the table and there could be a few worried people at the club this summer. "We're all fighting for our futures. It's up to the manager who goes and who stays but I'm contracted to West Ham for another two years and I want to stay here."
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Don't hammer us when we win - Green wants understanding and appreciation from Upton Park faithful - Daily Mail
Last updated at 09:53am on 21st April 2008
Robert Green has joined forces with Alan Curbishley in calling for West Ham fans to understand their team's problems this season, rather than criticise.
A 2-1 victory over relegated Derby did not impress West Ham fans with a section of the crowd booing the team off the pitch. Curbishley was taunted by the chant of "You don't know what you're doing" when he brought on Carlton Cole for Freddie Sears — although he was proved right as the substitute hit the winner. "Our performance wasn't great," said Green. "But what we'd appreciate is some understanding that we have a lot of guys out, we're bringing back some others who have been out injured and we're blooding youngsters as well." Curbishley said: "It would be nice if there was a bit of appreciation for what we've had to put up with."
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