With Saturday's charity event putting the great man back in the spotlight,
Ken Brown remembers his friend
24.04.2008
"He was a terrific fella, a great man in every aspect. You couldn't ask for
anyone better as a team-mate and a friend."
So said West Ham United club legend Ken Brown as he recalled the lasting
legacy of the famous No6 ahead of a special charity day being held for the
Bobby Moore Fund for Cancer Research at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday. By
the time Moore made his debut in September 1958, Brown was established at
the heart of the club's defence and the defensive duo went on to form a
formidable partnership.
In that time, United memorably won the FA Cup in 1964 and the European Cup
Winners' Cup in 1965, and Forest Gate-born Brown, now 74 and living in
Norfolk, is effusive in his praise for the legendary club captain. "Whether
it was playing with him or socially - you couldn't ask for a better man to
be around. He didn't shout the odds, he just played by example and it rubbed
off tremendously on everybody.
"He had this great knack of knowing where everybody was on the football
field. If the ball was coming from the right, he didn't even bother to
control it. He would just lay it off to someone who was wide out on the left
because he knew there was somebody out there. That is so hard to do in
football. He mastered it and even though he wasn't the quickest of people,
his control, his ability on the ball and his mind was second to none."
Like the rest of the footballing world, and the nation in general, Brown,
who made 455 league and cup appearances between 1952 and 1967, was deeply
saddened at Moore's death from bowel cancer in February 1993. He believes
the fund in his memory raising money and awareness to help tackle the
disease is a fitting legacy. "This charity is such a good way of remembering
him. Bobby did so much for others in his life and it is important that we
never forget his contribution."
Brown, whose son Kenny also served the club as a player in the 1990s, is
still often to be found at the Boleyn Ground and takes close interest in
those wearing the claret and blue today. He had words of praise for the way
the team has coped with the current campaign. "Alan [Curbishley] has done
very well," he said. "He has had a lot of key people out which doesn't help
but he has got on with the job. You can't do much about it except get on
with it. They are up there in the top half of the table and things are
looking good for the future. There is always next year for them to push on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Asian experience for Academy - WHUFC
West Ham United's talented youngsters will get the chance to pit their wits
against some overseas talent
25.04.2008
West Ham United's youth team has enjoyed a season to remember but the
Academy have not quite finished yet - having been invited to take part in
the Hong Kong Sevens.
The prestigious 16-team tournament takes place between Friday 23 May and
Sunday 25 May and features a host of top clubs including defending champions
Aston Villa, Celtic, Rangers and PSV Eindhoven. Tony Carr's side have been
drawn in Group A against two local sides as well as Japanese outfit Urawa
Red Diamonds. Each group game is played over seven minutes each way with a
one-minute half-time, with all matches played at the main Hong Kong FC
ground.
Having seen his U18s just miss out on their league title this season after
an impressive campaign, Carr said: "We are still training until the first
team finish and then we have accepted an invitation to take part in the Hong
Kong Sevens tournament in May. I am not normally one for end-of-season
tournaments but it came through the PFA from a couple of our former players,
Bobby Barnes and Paul Allen, who asked us if we would like to play. It will
be a great experience for the boys and wrap up the season nicely."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Solano set for Newcastle - WHUFC
The visit of Newcastle United to the Boleyn Ground this weekend is being
relished by Nolberto Solano
24.04.2008
Nolberto Solano will have nothing other than a professional approach if
selected for Saturday's visit of his former employers Newcastle United to
the Boleyn Ground.
The popular Peruvian midfielder had two spells with the north-east club, the
second lasting two years until Alan Curbishley swooped to bring him south to
West Ham United last August. Although hugely popular on Tyneside, Solano is
focused only on ensuring a strong end to the season. "I have a lot of
friends at Newcastle but we need to win to help us finish in a good
position. It is always a special to play against big clubs - not just
Newcastle but teams like Spurs, Chelsea and Liverpool."
"We have to be professional, getting a win on Saturday is all we are
thinking about. It is nothing personal, although I had a great relationship
with the fans and had a great time there, but the only thing I will be
thinking about is helping us win the game. I am proud to be a West Ham
player." Solano expects the side to be better for getting back to winning
ways last weekend against Derby County but knows "it will be very tough." He
added: "We need to be show a strong mentality, improve our play and create
more chances for the strikers to score. I hope we can improve that in the
last three games"
In recent weeks, Solano, who has now made 20 league appearances this
campaign and scored three goals, has often had to content himself with a
place on the bench but he showed against Derby, in creating a decent late
chance for Bobby Zamora, that he is a threat whenever involved. "When I come
in, I try to do my best," he said. "We all want to start but if we are
coming off the bench we have to take our chance. When I play, my first thing
is to assist the strikers to score goals. I just want to do my best for the
team."
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Hammer of the Year time - WHUFC
Who will succeed Carlos Tevez when the 2008 Hammer of the Year is announced
next month?
24.04.2008
It is that time of the year again when fans can vote for their Hammer of the
Year.
The West Ham United Supporters Club is looking for the 2008 winner to follow
in the footsteps of last year's receipent Carlos Tevez. Voting slips will be
inside this Saturday's matchday programme against Newcastle United, with the
winner and runner-up to be announced before the final home game of the
season against Aston Villa on Sunday 11 May. Supporters can choose who ever
they like on the slips, which have to be handed in at the main reception or
the West Ham United Supporters Club, Castle Street, London, E6 1PP - with
the deadline for votes Friday 2 May.
SEASON HAMMER OF THE YEAR RUNNER-UP
2006/07 CARLOS TEVEZ BOBBY ZAMORA
2005/06 DANNY GABBIDON MARLON HAREWOOD
2004/05 TEDDY SHERINGHAM MARK NOBLE
2003/04 MATTHEW ETHERINGTON MICHAEL CARRICK
2002/03 JOE COLE JERMAIN DEFOE
2001/02 SEBASTIEN SCHEMMEL DAVID JAMES
2000/01 STUART PEARCE PAOLO DI CANIO
1999/00 PAOLO DI CANIO TREVOR SINCLAIR
1998/99 SHAKA HISLOP IAN PEARCE
1997/98 RIO FERDINAND STEVE LOMAS
1996/97 JULIAN DICKS SLAVEN BILIC
1995/96 JULIAN DICKS IAIN DOWIE
1994/95 STEVE POTTS TONY COTTEE
1993/94 TREVOR MORLEY STEVE POTTS
1992/93 STEVE POTTS KEVIN KEEN
1991/92 JULIAN DICKS STEVE POTTS
1990/91 LUDEK MIKLOSKO GEORGE PARRIS
1989/90 JULIAN DICKS STUART SLATER
1988/89 PAUL INCE JULIAN DICKS
1987/88 STEWART ROBSON BILLY BONDS
1986/87 BILLY BONDS MARK WARD
1985/86 TONY COTTEE FRANK McAVENNIE
1984/85 PAUL ALLEN TONY COTTEE
1983/84 TRVOR BROOKING TONY COTTEE
1982/83 ALVIN MARTIN PHIL PARKES
1981/82 ALVIN MARTIN TREVOR BROOKING
1980/81 PHIL PARKES GEOFF PIKE
1979/80 ALVIN MARTIN RAY STEWART
1978/79 ALAN DEVONSHIRE BRYAN ROBSON
1977/78 TREVOR BROOKING
1976/77 TREVOR BROOKING ALAN DEVONSHIRE
1975/76 TREVOR BROOKING GRAHAM PADDON
1974/75 BILLY BONDS MERVYN DAY
1973/74 BILLY BONDS MERVYN DAY
1972/73 BRYAN ROBSON TREVOR BROOKING
1971/72 TREVOR BROOKING BOBBY FERGUSON
1970/71 BILLY BONDS BOBBY MOORE
1969/70 BOBBY MOORE BILLY BONDS
1968/69 GEOFF HURST BILLY BONDS
1967/68 BOBBY MOORE TREVOR BROOKING
1966/67 GEOFF HURST BOBBY MOORE
1965/66 GEOFF HURST MARTIN PETERS
1964/65 MARTIN PETERS BOBBY MOORE
1963/64 JOHNNY BYRNE BOBBY MOORE
1962/63 BOBBY MOORE JIM STANDEN
1961/62 LAWRIE LESLIE JOHN DICK
1960/61 BOBBY MOORE
1959/60 MALCOLM MUSGROVE
1958/59 KEN BROWN
1957/58 ANDY MALCOLM
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Newcastle - BBC
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 26 April Kick-off: 1500 BST Coverage: BBC
Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live & highlights on Match of the Day
Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
West Ham go into their 500th Premier League game, eager to stay on course
for a seventh top-half finish from their 13th campaign in this league. Only
Spurs and Newcastle can deny them 10th spot, and even then they have a
five-point advantage over the pair with three to play.
Newcastle lie second in the Premier League's "Form" table with 14 points out
of 18, and head for the capital in search of their 1,000th post war league
win.
This match is being played on Alan Curbishley's 500th day in charge of the
Hammers, just after Kevin Keegan has competed 100 days of his second spell
at the helm of Newcastle.
Newcastle are hunting a third successive Premier League victory at Upton
Park; they won 2-4 on 17 December 2005 with a hat-trick from Michael Owen,
and 0-2 last season.
CLUB FORM
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 10th
Lowest could fall: 10th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Last Saturday's 2-1 home win over Derby was their first victory in five,
and second in nine.
2. Not managed back-to-back wins in 30 outings, since 3-0 victories over
Reading (a) and Middlesbrough (h) on 1 and 15 September, respectively.
3. Already bagged six more points than in total for the whole of last
season.
4. Their 35 games have produced just 79 goals (37 for, 42 against). At 2.26,
it is the joint lowest goals per game return in the division - identical
with Everton.
5. Completed 25 matches without a goalless draw; since the visit to
Portsmouth on 27 October.
6. Only two of their 37 goals have come direct from outside the penalty
area.
7. Won three of five this term, and four of the last six against North-East
opposition.
8. This is their 250th home fixture in the Premier League; the last four of
which have alternated between defeat and victory.
9. Won the last three home matches against North-East clubs; v
Middlesbrough, Middlesbrough and Sunderland.
10. The run-in is:-
Manchester United (a)
Aston Villa (h)
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Club stats
Fixtures
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 11th
Lowest could fall: 12th
All statistics and sequences refer to the Premier League only, unless
otherwise stated.
1. Unbeaten in six; won four and drawn two since losing 3-0, away to
Liverpool on 8 March.
2. Won four of 13 league games under Keegan; all four coming in the last
five outings.
3. Kept clean sheets in four of five, including the last three. Not conceded
in 334 minutes (five hours 34 minutes) since Darren Bent's consolation for
Tottenham in the 1-4 victory at White Hart Lane on 30 March.
4. The current tally of 14 points out of 18 is their best sequence in 16
months, since 15 points out of 18 were accrued in the six pre-Christmas
matches in 2006.
5. Conceded 58 goals this season; only Derby (76) and Reading (65) have
shipped more.
6. Conceded 10 goals in the last five minutes; more than any other club.
7. The present total of 42 points after 35 games in on a par with last
season, which ended with 43 points and 13th place; they're currently in
12th, five points outside the top 10.
8. Picked up five points out of nine on the road, after six straight league
losses away from St James' Park.
9. Won two and lost two of their four visits to London this season.
10. The run-in is:-
Chelsea (h)
Everton (a)
KEY PLAYER NOTES
WEST HAM UNITED
Dean ASHTON is West Ham's top scorer with eight goals.
ASHTON is also the Hammers' top Premier League marksmen with seven.
The club's Premier League goalscorers list is predominately comprised of
English players (10 of 14).
Robert GREEN is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches this season.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
Nol SOLANO needs a double to total 50 Premier League goals (Newcastle, Aston
Villa and West Ham).
Fredrik LJUNGBERG is two shy of 50 Premier League goals (Arsenal and West
Ham).
If selected:-
GREEN will be making his 100th career Premier League appearance (Norwich and
West Ham).
James COLLINS will be making his 100th career league appearance (Cardiff and
West Ham).
SOLANO will be making his 300th career Premier League appearance (Newcastle,
Aston Villa and West Ham).
Bobby ZAMORA will be making his 150th appearance for the Hammers.
Lucas NEILL will be making his 50th appearance in a West Ham shirt.
Craig BELLAMY will be facing a former club. The 28 year old Wales
international made 128 appearances (93 in the league) and scored 42 goals
(27 league) for Newcastle between June 2001 and July 2005.
BOWYER would also be facing his former club. In the three seasons from July
2003, the England International midfielder made 98 appearances and scored 11
goals for Newcastle. Of those, 79 appearances and six goals were in the
Premier League.
SOLANO will be facing former colleagues. In two spells at St James' Park,
the 32 year old Peru international made a total of 315 appearances (230 in
the league) and scored 48 goals (37 league).
Scott PARKER will also be coming up against former team mates. The 26 year
old midfielder made 73 appearances (55 in the league) and scored six goals
(four league) between June 2005 and his £7m close season move to Upton Park.
NEWCASTLE UNITED
Michael OWEN is Newcastle's top scorer with 12 goals, and leading Premier
League marksman with 10.
OWEN has scored six in six.
If on the field from the outset:-
Nicky BUTT will be making his 100th start in a Newcastle shirt.
HEAD TO HEAD
Newcastle are unbeaten in eight Premier League matches against West Ham.
The Hammers have drawn three and lost five against Newcastle, since beating
them 3-0 on 23 September 2001, when Don Hutchison, Paulo Di Canio and
Freddie Kanoute got on the score-sheet.
Newcastle have not done the double over the Eastenders, since achieving it
in their first two seasons they met in the Premier League; 1993-94 and
1994-95.
Home and away
League (inc PL): West Ham 36 wins, Newcastle 44, Draws 31
Prem: West Ham 7 wins, Newcastle 12, Draws 6
at West Ham only
League (inc PL): West Ham 28 wins, Newcastle 13, Draws 14
Prem: West Ham 5 wins, Newcastle 4, Draws 3
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
West Ham United 0-2 Newcastle United
17 September 2006 - Ref: Rob Styles
Newcastle scorers: Duff 50, Martins 75
THIS SEASON'S REVERSE FIXTURE
Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United
23 September 2007 - Ref: Mike Riley
Newcastle scorers: Viduka 2, 41, N'Zogbia 76
West Ham scorer: Ashton 32
REFEREE
Uriah Rennie (Sheffield, Yorkshire)
Premier League referees' table
Uriah Rennie's 2006-07 Premier League card count
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lee ready for test of loyalties - BBC
Former Newcastle midfielder Robert Lee admits there will be mixed loyalties
on Saturday when the Magpies take on his boyhood heroes West Ham United.
"I'm taking my two sons to the game but one supports Newcastle and one
supports West Ham," he told BBC Radio Newcastle. "Before I joined Newcastle
I was on the verge of joining West Ham, who are the team I supported as a
kid. "It was the best thing that didn't happen to me. I wouldn't give away
my 10 years I had with Newcastle."
Lee, now 42, finally did move to Upton Park from Derby County for his final
season in the top flight in August 2003 before ending his long playing
career down in the League Two play-offs with Wycombe Wanderers in May 2006
at the age of 40. But it was as part of Kevin Keegan's Newcastle side that
he came agonisingly close to silverware in the mid-1990s. And the West
Ham-born 21-times capped former England playmaker recalls fondly his time on
Tyneside. "When I go up to the North East," he said, "they still love the
way we played and I did. "They were the best 10 years of my career and the
best five were under Kevin. "You look back now and we had such an
opportunity to win something. If we had actually won something we'd have
been legends up there."
Saturday also represents a chance for the former England international to
catch up with another of his former mentors, Hammers boss Alan Curbishley.
"Both the managers I played for," he laughed. "I played at Charlton for Alan
Curbishley, who sold me to Kevin at Newcastle. And I'll be sitting right in
the middle. "I don't know which dressing room to go into first but I'll
certainly be wishing them both luck. And it will be a good game of football
I'm sure."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
KUMB Awards 2007/08 - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 24th April 2008
By: Staff Writer
Next week voting for the 2007/08 KUMB Awards will begin. Once again there
will be ten categories in which to cast your votes; they are:
Player of the Year
Young Player of the Year
Best Signing
Most Improved Player
Worst Player
Worst Signing
Nominess for the remaining categories are as follows:
Goal of the Season
Ashton v Everton (a): bullet header
Sears v Blackburn (h): diving header on debut
Upson v Man Utd (h): rose above crowd to head home
Ashton v Fulham (h): glancing near-post header after great move
Cole v Man City (a): close-range overhead kick
Ashton v Middlesbrough (a): piledriver into bottom corner
Solano v Derby (a): curling free kick into top corner
McCartney v Bolton (h): fierce volley into top corner
Bellamy v Reading (a): counter-attack, finishes across keeper
Etherington v Reading (a): counter attack, finish into roof of net
Most Memorable Match
Reading 3-0 (a): a counter-attacking masterclass
Derby 5-0 (a): the biggest away win for 20 years
Tottenham 1-1 (h): Green's penalty save secures a point
Man Utd 2-1 (h): two late headers win the day
Liverpool 1-0 (h): last gasp penalty secures all three points
Blackburn 2-1 (h): Freddie Sears grabs the winner on his debut
Derby 2-1 (h): the fans 'boo' a home win
Biggest Disappointment
Atmosphere (or lack of) at the Boleyn Ground
Booing of our own players
Curbishley's negative tactics
FA Cup exit to Man City
Unprecedented injury situation
Lack of goals scored
Losing Carlos Tevez
Mysterious departure of Eggert Magnusson
No signings in January transfer window
Post-Christmas slump in form
Season being effectively over by March
Three consecutive 4-0 defeats
Hackett of the Year
Oliver Holt (purveyor of anti-WHU propaganda)
Kia Joorabchian (claimed he is owed £7m+ by WHU)
Frank Lampard (for being the wicked stepmother)
Eggert Magnusson (former MD with big ideas)
Kevin McCabe (Sheff Utd chairman)
Miranda Nagalingum (WHU press officer responsible for banning KUMB)
Neil Warnock (Crystal Palace manager)
Voting will remain open until the end of May with results published a week
later. Should by some minor miracle a moment worthy of insertion in one of
our polls occur between now and the end of the season we will update the
affected categories accordingly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Solano excited by Magpies visit - SSN
Hammers winger keen to face former club
By Chris Burton Last updated: 24th April 2008
Nolberto Solano is looking forward to facing his former club Newcastle at
Upton Park on Saturday. The Magpies were the Peruvian's first English club
when they signed him from Boca Juniors in 1998. He enjoyed six years on
Tyneside before heading to Aston Villa, only to then return to St James'
Park for another two-year spell in 2005. He joined West Ham last summer to
be closer to his family, but admits that his time with Newcastle still holds
happy memories for him. "I have a lot of friends at Newcastle but we need to
win to help us finish in a good position," Solano told the Hammers' official
website.
"We have to be professional, getting a win on Saturday is all we are
thinking about. "It is nothing personal, although I had a great relationship
with the fans and had a great time there, but the only thing I will be
thinking about is helping us win the game. "I am proud to be a West Ham
player. "We need to be show a strong mentality, improve our play and create
more chances for the strikers to score. I hope we can improve that in the
last three games."
Solano has found himself resigned to a place on the bench in recent weeks,
but insists that he is ready to give his all should he be called upon this
weekend. "When I come in, I try to do my best," he said. "We all want to
start but if we are coming off the bench we have to take our chance. "When I
play, my first thing is to assist the strikers to score goals. I just want
to do my best for the team."
Meanwhile, West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has revealed that he is excited
by the club's vision for the future. The Hammers have invested heavily in
new players in the last few years in their attempt to establish themselves
as Premier League force, and Green insists that the club is heading in the
right direction. "The vision that the new board, the chairman and the chief
executive have for the club is to be up there with the best of them," Green
said.
"I share that vision with them and I want to be a part of it with West Ham.
"Everyone at the club from the top to the bottom has got the vision in mind.
It is about taking things step by step and, as frustrating as this season
has been, it is still a step in the right direction. "Come 12 months ago,
everyone would have given everything they could to be in the position we are
in now. "In another 12 months, if we take as big a step as we have done in
the past 12 months, we are going to be looking a lot further upwards. That
is what I want to be part of."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle Keegan: The Hammers wont Score! - CmonYuIrons
According to the NUFC Website, Kevin Keegan is under the impression West Ham
will not be able to score a goal against the almighty Newcastle defence who
now have a record of 3 clean sheets and are determined to make it a new
record and make it 4.
Keegan told the Newcastle World TV: "The defence has been outstanding in
recent weeks," "But if the team is playing well it gives the defence
something to hold on to."In the past I think there has been a feeling that
if we go a goal down where are we going to get a goal from."I think they
know now that we have got goals in us and we have shown that against Spurs,
Reading and Sunderland in recent matches."But everyone is playing their part
and there has been no weak link."It's a great run of clean sheets and every
time we play now we look solid at the back."
Newcastle at the beginning of the season were dreaming of a top 4 place
under the influence of Big Sam, are now in 12th place on 42pts and a GD of
-16 have 3 tough fixtures, Away to the Hammers, Home to Chelsea, and Away to
Everton, a loss to the Hammers will make it impossible for them to finish in
the top half of the League.
My End of season prediction for the Magpies is to finish 12th on 42pts and a
GD of -19. West Ham, Not playing at their best at present, are on 47pts with
a GD of -5 have 1 very tough game away to Man Utd. The Hammers under
enormous pressure from the fans will be determined to burst the Magpies
bubble and keep Newcastle in the bottom half of the league. My end of season
Prediction for the Hammers is to finish 10th on 51pts and a GD of -5. Keegan
as usual your a joke, only weeks ago the whole world was laughing at you,
the Hammers still will be on Saturday at 5pm and with Owen gone next season
where will you finish then?.
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Very Sad News - West Ham Till I Die
I'm really sad to have to tell you that Frank Lampard's mother Pat has died
this afternoon. I sent Frank a copy of all the comments you left on a
previous thread and I am sure I can speak for you all when I send him and
his father our sincere sympathies.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham chief Nani ordered to solve injury crisis
tribalfootball.com - April 24, 2008
West Ham United's new technical director, Gianluca Nani, has been ordered to
find a solution to the injury crisis plaguing the Hammers.
West Ham boss Alan Curbishley has seen his team's season blighted by a
persistent rash of injuries to key players. A packed treatment room
throughout the current campaign has seriously undermined the club's bid to
qualify for European football. And the Hammers' chairman, billionaire
Icelandic banker Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson, has told Nani that his first
priority must be to review the medical facilities at the club in an attempt
to avoid any repetition of the heavy injury toll next season. Curbishley has
had to do without some of his biggest stars such as Craig Bellamy and Kieron
Dyer for most of the current season, and has at times had as many as 14
first-team players on the injury list. Nani, who takes up his post in June,
will immediately be tasked with the job of ending the club's chronic injury
woes.
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Keeper Green wants to pledge long-term future to West Ham - Daily Mail
Last updated at 22:53pm on 24th April 2008
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green is ready to pledge his long-term future to
the club and insists he has no intentions of asking for a move. Green was
called into the England squad for the recent friendly against France, and
West Ham are ready to offer him a new deal to head off any interest in the
summer. "The vision that the new board, the chairman and the chief executive
have for the club is to be up there with the best of them," said Green.
"I share that vision with them and I want to be a part of it with West Ham."
Green has helped West Ham to a commendable season in the Premier League,
despite criticism from some supporters, and they should secure a top half
finish. The Hammers face in-form Newcastle at Upton Park tomorrow.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lamps Owes So Much To Mum - the Sun
FOR many years, Pat Lampard was a wonderfully wise and attractive diversion
from the muddy boots and male posturing at Upton Park and Stamford Bridge.
Pat, of course, married Frank Snr while twin sister Sandra tied the knot
with Harry Redknapp. It was the coming together of two footballing families
who have had a huge influence on English football. As a mother, Pat was an
inspiration to Frank Jnr, especially during those difficult early days at
Chelsea.
As Lamps said barely 36 hours before his mother's tragically premature death
at 58 in hospital yesterday: "We're very similar, quite sensitive, quite
shy.
"Mum's been the one who shaped me as a person — how to treat people,
manners, that kind of thing. "She's brilliant and was always there for me
and my two sisters, whatever we wanted to do."
She also achieved the minor miracle of getting a football-mad son to
concentrate long enough to pass nine GCSEs. All our thoughts are with Frank
Snr, Frank Jnr, Pat's two daughters Natalie and Claire, sister Sandra and
the rest of the family.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers star Solano looking to get one over old friends at the Toon -
Guardian Series
NOBBY Solano insists friendships will be put to one side when West Ham take
on Newcastle at Upton Park tomorrow. The Hammers' Peruvian international
became a hugely popular figure on Tyneside during two spells with the Toon.
But the midfielder will put that all behind him when the teams meet tomorrow
as he looks to help the Irons claim three points and move one step closer to
achieving a top half finish in the Premier League. "I have a lot of friends
at Newcastle but we need to win to help us finish in a good position," said
the 33-year-old, who moved to West Ham on a free transfer from Newcastle in
the summer. "We have to be professional, getting a win on Saturday is all we
are thinking about. "It is nothing personal. Although I had a great
relationship with the fans and had a great time there, the only thing I will
be thinking about is helping us win the game. "I am proud to be a West Ham
player."
The Irons have come in for stern criticism from the fans of late after a
series of drab displays. That came to a head at the final whistle in
Saturday's match with Derby when, despite a 2-1 victory, the home support
still booed the team from the Upton Park pitch. Now Solano is advising his
team mates to up their performance levels and get the fans back on side. He
said: "We need to show a strong mentality, improve our play and create more
chances for the strikers to score. "I hope we can improve that in the last
three games."
Solano himself has regularly had to settle for a place on the bench this
season. But that hasn't stopped him becoming an integral part of the squad,
with 20 appearances, three goals and many more chances created for others.
And, if only amongst the substitutes again tomorrow, he will continue to act
in a professional manner and give his all for the team if called upon. "When
I come in, I try to do my best," he explained. "We all want to start but if
we are coming off the bench we have to take our chance. "When I play, my
first thing is to assist the strikers to score goals. I just want to do my
best for the team."
8:38am today
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Green happy with Hammers - Sunday Sun
Apr 25 2008
West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green has reiterated his commitment to the east
London club and wants to be part of their "ambitious "vision". A mid-table
Premier League finish this season will be viewed as a disappointment by many
fans given the Hammers' summer investment but Green still feels there has
been progress at Upton Park. He told the club website: "The vision that the
new board, the chairman and the chief executive have for the club is to be
up there with the best of them." He added: "I share that vision with them
and I want to be a part of it with West Ham. "Everyone at the club from the
top to the bottom has got the vision in mind. It is about taking things step
by step and, as frustrating as this season has been, it is still a step in
the right direction."
Meanwhile, midfielder Nolberto Solano wants to put a dent in Kevin Keegan's
Newcastle revival this weekend. Solano, 33, had two spells at St James' Park
and is in line to face his former club, with Keegan's men unbeaten in six
games and still capable of catching the Hammers. I have a lot of friends at
Newcastle but we need to win to help us finish in a good position," said
Solano. "We have to be professional, getting a win on Saturday is all we are
thinking about. "It is nothing personal, although I had a great relationship
with the fans and had a great time there, but the only thing I will be
thinking about is helping us win the game. I am proud to be a West Ham
player."
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SOLANO PUTS TOON LINK TO ONE SIDE - Sporting Life
By Mike McGrath, PA Sport
West Ham midfielder Nolberto Solano wants to put a dent in Kevin Keegan's
revival despite enjoying a positive relationship with Newcastle fans.
Solano, 33, had two spells at St James' Park and is in line to face his
former club on Saturday, with Keegan's men unbeaten in six games. Newcastle
can still catch West Ham, who are in the top half of the Barclays Premier
League. "I have a lot of friends at Newcastle but we need to win to help us
finish in a good position," said Solano ahead of the Upton Park clash. "We
have to be professional, getting a win on Saturday is all we are thinking
about. "It is nothing personal, although I had a great relationship with the
fans and had a great time there, but the only thing I will be thinking about
is helping us win the game. I am proud to be a West Ham player." Solano was
on the bench last weekend in the win against Derby but is hoping for a
chance against Newcastle.
"When I come in, I try to do my best," he said. "We all want to start but if
we are coming off the bench, we have to take our chance."
Meanwhile, Hammers goalkeeper Robert Green is committed to being part of the
club's ambitious "vision". Green was instrumental in helping the Hammers
escape relegation a year ago and his form over the past two seasons has put
him in the reckoning for an England place. Although a mid-table finish this
time around is seen as a disappointment given West Ham's summer investment,
Green still feels there has been progress. "The vision that the new board,
the chairman and the chief executive have for the club is to be up there
with the best of them," he said. "I share that vision with them and I want
to be a part of it with West Ham. "Everyone at the club from the top to the
bottom has got the vision in mind. It is about taking things step by step
and, as frustrating as this season has been, it is still a step in the right
direction."
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Ashton returns but West Ham boss Curbs has defensive headache - Daily Mail
Last updated at 10:03am on 25th April 2008
Alan Curbishley has finally had some good news, with Dean Ashton now back in
the squad for West Ham's ahead of Newcastle's visit tomorrow. The striker
missed the 2-1 win over Derby due to tonsillitis but has now been cleared to
play. But the West Ham manager has problems in defence with Anton Ferdinand,
Matthew Upson and Jonathan Spector still ruled out by injury. Curbishley
asked for realism after the booing by fans following the win over Derby and
said today: "It would be much better if the fans got behind the team for
these last few games. "Their support helped keep us up last season and we
really need it again tomorrow. Some of the criticism is that the play isn't
attractive enough. "I would just say that no one tells the players not to go
out and pass the ball."
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