All the action as it happened from a solid performance at Crew Stadium on
Sunday evening
20.07.2008
Pre-season friendly
Crew Stadium
5pm (10pm London time)
Referee: Ben Chaouf
The players gather in the centre circle with Lucas Neill leading the players
over to salute the travelling fans, many of whom have headed over to England
to be here. Goals from Dean Ashton, an own goal and Kyel Reid were enough
for a comfortable win against a Columbus side who were under-strength but
more suited to the conditions and in the middle of their league season.
Their captain Frankie Hejduk will get to play against Alan Curbishley's men
in Thursday's MLS All-Star Game in Toronto.
FULL TIME
90min - Walker has to be alert to keep out a low shot. That was to be the
last real moment as the referee blows his whistle.
90min - Two minutes of added time will be played. Only Neill will play the
full 90 minutes in what has been another good work-out for the squad.
88min - A headed chance for the towering N'Gala. It sailed over the bar
though.
87min - Bellamy finally makes way for right-back Ashley Miller. The watching
Tony Carr must be proud at the number of Academy products getting a run
today. Curbishley acknowledges the commitment of Bellamy with a
congratulatory pat on the back.
86min - Bellamy chases down a long ball and runs into Chad Marshall. The
No10 has gone after everything today and looks as bright as he did at
kick-off. Impressive stuff, considering the conditions.
84min - Bondz N'Gala is entering the fray for Ferdinand. That makes two
youngsters from Forest Gate in the defence, with Widdowson also hailing from
the same part of east London. Neill has gone to centre-back with Spence at
right-back.
83min - 9,117 fans have turned out this evening. They have witnessed a good
contest that has seen both sides have their moments.
81min - The cheerleaders are walking around the edge of the main stand
waving to the crowd. The floodlights are coming on and the drummer keeps on
drumming.
80min - Good play by Neill to guide a lofted ball forward back to Walker.
The captain has been composed all game long.
78min - George Josten fires in on goal but Spence does well to stick out a
trailing leg and divert the ball away. Cole clears the corner with a flicked
header.
77min - Cole is penalised for a foul. It looked a harsh call.
76min - Another couple of changes. Jimmy Walker is on for Robert Green while
Tony Stokes replaces Faubert.
74min - Alejandro Moreno has looked lively. A neat passing move ends with
Ricardo Pierre-Louis, another replacement, heading over.
73min - Faubert is enjoying the battle. He has been up and down the right
wing all game and has enjoyed good interplay with Neill. Spence is playing
at centre-back with the captain still in his usual role.
71min - Davenport is off for Jordan Spence while Parker is being replaced by
Jack Collison. Stanislas takes a short corner with Bellamy before the Crew
break. ALejandro Moreno races away but Alan Curbishley's side regroup.
70min - Stanislas tricks his way past Jed Zayner on the left wing. He is
more than willing to try and beat his man whenever he gets the ball.
69min - Brian Carroll, one of the replacements, has a go from distance but
the shot is high and over the bar.
67min - The Crew are trying to find an opening. Stanislas nearly wins the
ball back but cannot keep his feet. Davenport is then penalised for a foul.
65min - We may be over an hour into the game but Bellamy is still as strong
as ever. He again has three players in his wake as he cuts across the pitch
diagonally towards goal from the left. Impressive stuff. He wins a corner
that sees Faubert covered in yellow and black streamers. From the kick,
Davenport rises but heads wide.
64min - Four changes for the Crew.
61min - Neill fires in a free-kick from the right. Davenport wins the header
but the ball is scrambled behind for a corner. Columbus wanted a foul but
the official was having none of it. After a brief delay, the assistant
referee flags for offside.
60min - No sign of the No10 wanting to come off. He races back on to the
pitch and is looking for teh ball when Faubert wins it in midfield. He then
shows a neat touch when Neill plays it forward.
59min - Bellamy is down for treatment after a strong challenge in midfield
by Hendrickson. He looks a bit groggy as he walks off.
58min - Lenhart has a header on goal but Green catches before letting a ball
forward from Oughton drift out of play.
57min - Two more changes. Reid offor for Stanislas and Noble is replaced by
Mullins.
54min - United are turning the screw. Parker is patrolling the midfield and
looking for an opening. Noble takes up the play and then plays in Neill with
a reverse pass. The captain then sends it out wide for Faubert to cross but
it is too long. Good play.
52min - GOAL! - Reid crashes one in from ten yards out to the left of goal
but it was all about Bellamy. WIth a splendid turn, he raced away from the
halfway line into the box and squared beautifully. Great play that sums up
how seriously the Wales striker has taken this contest. He was electric and
left two players in his wake.
51min - Cole shows lovely control again. He is proving a good target man and
is usefully holding up the play to allow team-mates to join in attack. A
neat pass to Bellamy is then flicked towards Reid but Hendrickson deals with
it.
51min - Good tracking back by Faubert sees him stop a decent Crew attack.
The Frenchman has worked hard.
50min - It is unlikely that we will see the same pace of the first half,
although clouds have started to roll in over the stadium.
48min - Cole is getting stuck in immediately. Lovely play sees him chest
down the ball and move away from two players before turning the ball out to
Faubert. The French winger is then brought down but no foul is awarded.
46min - It should be 2-2. Elenio crashes an effort against the corner of
post and crossbar after Davenport just fails to stop Garey playing the ball
out to the left winger.
46min - We have one change at half-time. Carlton Cole is on for Ashton, who
was a tireless performer in that first half.
HALF-TIME
45min - We are into added time. Another corner to the visitors. Parker takes
short to Ashton who then plays it back to half-time as the whistle blows on
an intriguing first half.
45min - Ferdinand does well to deny the Crew on another attack. The home
side get a corner which Green manages to get away, although not as cleanly
as he would have liked.
43min - Elenio fires goalwards but Davenport does well to block. Delightful
play from Ferdinand leaves Lenhart and Garey in his wake and the young
defender moves forward.
41min - Despite it being early evening here, the temperature is still in the
mid-30s. We may see several substitutions in the second half, with unlimited
changes allowed.
40min - Ferdinand races across to stop Steven Lenhart's surge forward.
Corner to Columbus and the drummer picks up the pace. It comes to nothing
and Bellamy gets away on a quick break that finishes with a shot on goal.
California native Lenhart is one of the youngest players in the home attack.
39min - More link up play between Reid, Ashton and Bellamy sees the latter
force his way through only to be closed out as he neared goal. Nice tidying
up from Noble at the other end.
38min - Faubert has been good with his corners from either wing. He picks
out Ashton but his header goes straight into Gruenebaum's grateful grasp.
35min - It has been a good work-out so far. Bellamy and Widdowson have been
impressive. Ferdinand then does well to head away despite the close
attention of the imposing Garey. Corner to Columbus but it comes to nothing.
34min - Noble is called offside after good build-up from Reid, Bellamy and
Ashton.
32min - Reid and Bellamy combine but the shot is comfortably saved.
31min - Crew captain Duncan Oughton tries to get something going in midfield
but is closed down. Columbus try again but Widdowson gets the ball away.
Another deep cross is fired in and Green does well again to pluck out of the
sky.
30min - Play has resumed and Reid earns a corner on the left wing. Faubert
comes across to take it. The ball is cleared to the edge of the area but
Noble is penalised for a push.
28min - Goalscorer Garey tries his luck with a long-range effort that Green
comfortably takes. We have a break in play as a Columbus player gets
treatement. Both teams take the chance for a welcome drink. The weather is
stifling.
27min - Bellamy has switched flanks to the right. He has been constantly
pulling defenders out wide and then using his pace to get to the byline.
This time he gets a delightful cross in but Ashton just cannot reach it.
26min - GOAL! - West Ham United are back in the lead after pressure from
Mark Noble forced Brad Evans to put past his own goalkeeper. The attack had
begun with Davenport moving forward from defence to get involved.
24min - An outstanding tackle by Hendrickson on Bellamy after he had
combined well with Ashton. Bellamy is then fouled on the area to give Ashton
a shooting chance from 25 yards.
22min - Scott Parker tries to get Bellamy away but he is outmuscled by the
imposing Hendrickson. The home fans are in great voice after seeing their
side back in the contest.
20min - GOAL! - A fine finish from Jason Garey against the run of play. He
rose above Ferdinand to leave Green no chance with a thumping header from
Elenio's right-wing cross.
19min - Reid goes close with a fine effort. It came about after Ashton had
again worked an opening. Seconds later, Faubert looks for Bellamy and the
Wales captain is just unable to get the ball under control.
18min - Green has not had too much to do. On the raised stage behind his
goal are 20 cheerleaders who are helping to provide plenty of colour to the
occasion.
17min - It should have been 2-0. A delightful ball from Noble over the top
sees Bellamy race away again. He lofts the ball over the on-rushing
Gruenebaum but it just travels wide.
16min - Bellamy is penalised for a foul on Eddie Gaven. Looked harsh. Ashton
then loses the ball to Ezra Hendrickson who surges out of defence. The
danger is cleared though.
15min - Columbus are without a few of their regulars including US defender
Frankie Hejduk, although the veteran will be playing for the MLS All-Stars
on Thursday. Ashton goes close with a header from Neill's fierce right-wing
cross.
14min - Bellamy does well to trick his way past Ryan Junge on the left. His
low cross eventually reaches Ashton who is closed down before he can shoot.
13min - Good work by Widdowson to close out Elanio. He wins a throw and the
youngster has made an encouraging start.
11min - Ashton is now doing his defensive work. He rises high to head out a
Columbus corner. Faubert then dispossesses Elenio in midfield and nearly
gets Bellamy away.
9min - Another corner to West Ham United. Bellamy is giving the home defence
all kinds of trouble. Faubert takes again but this time Gruenebaum claims.
8min - It is a bright start from West Ham United. Faubert has the chance to
apply more pressure with a corner and nearly picks out Neill. Ashton then
nods down for Ferdinand and his half-volley is blocked as it started to
travel goalwards.
6min - GOAL! - Ashton fires in a tremendous shot on the turn that beats
Gruenebaum before he has even seen it. It was an outstanding finish. He had
worked the opening superbly on the edge of the area.
5min - Columbus get a free-kick from a central position and play the ball
into the six-yard box. Anton Ferdinand rises highest to head away the
danger. The ball comes back in from Cory Elenio but Robert Green is able to
claim with arms outstretched.
4min - Bellamy is the first to try his luck on the day with a shot that
sails wide to Gruenebaum's right. He had been upended by a firm challenge
just moments before.
3min - A lovely flighted pass from Lucas Neill drops over the back of the
Columbus defence for Bellamy to race on to but he is just unable to get
there before home goalkeeper Andy Gruenebaum.
2min - Calum Davenport is already vocal, barking out instructions to
Widdowson, the 19-year-old making only his second appearance with the first
team. Julien Faubert then races on to a loose pass from Brad Evans but is
unable to keep the ball under control.
1min - Dean Ashton and Craig Bellamy get us under way. There is an early
touch for Joe Widdowson, wearing No40, before the ball goes back to Robert
Green.
KICK-OFF
5.07pm - The pre-match presentations are taking place. West Ham United are
wearing their new sky blue strip, with Columbus all in their usual home
yellow. West Ham United will play the first half with Columbus' most vocal
fan section, including a noisy drummer, behind them.
5pm - Crewcat, the flag-waving Columbus mascot, races out of the tunnel in
front of the teams. West Ham United and Columbus Crew lineup for the
national anthems which are magnificently observed.
4.20pm - The goalkeepers are the first to show for West Ham United. Ludek
Miklosko is out with Jimmy Walker and Robert Green. There looks to be plenty
of claret and blue in the crowd to rival the home team's yellow and black.
4pm - The teams are in and Alan Curbishley has named a strong starting
eleven. Luis Boa Morte is the only one of the travelling party who is not in
contention although he is expected to figure in Thursday's MLS All-Star
Game.
3.55pm - Welcome to Crew Stadium on a scorching day in Columbus, Ohio. A
sizeable travelling contingent of West Ham United fans are already inside
the impressive 22, 555-seater stadium. The pitch was being heavily watered
earlier as the players walked out for a first look but the sprinklers are
off as a quartet of Columbus players take in a few laps of the pitch.
West Ham United: Green (Walker 75), Neill (c), Ferdinand (N'Gala 84),
Davenport (Spence 70), Widdowson, Faubert (Stokes 75), Noble (Mullins 57),
Parker (Collison 70), Reid (Stanislas 57), Bellamy (Miller 87), Ashton (Cole
46)
Subs: Etherington
Columbus Crew: Gruenebaum, Zayner, Junge, Hendrickson, Peterson, Oughton,
Evans, Elenio, Gaven, Lenhart, Garey
Subs: Schoeni, Iro, Moreno, Marshall, Migloranzi, Miller, Josten,
Pierre-Louis, Carroll
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Manager on Monday - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley has every reason to be cheerful as his team continue to find
their feet in pre-season
21.07.2008
Alan Curbishley heads to Toronto with morale high in his squad after another
strong showing against Columbus Crew on Sunday night.
The manager was delighted with the way his team coped against their Major
League Soccer hosts in front of just under 10,000 fans at the Crew Stadium.
Although the home side were missing some key personnel, they showed the
benefits of being in the middle of the US season and also took full
advantage of the difficult conditions with a high-energy approach. It was
just what the manager hoped his team would have to face.
"It was a really good work-out," said Curbishley. "It was just right.
Everyone got something out of it. Columbus played a few young players
themselves but they made the pitch ever so big and they were very fit. We
had a bit of chasing to do but we had to work hard in difficult conditions
in terms of the heat and humidity. I am delighted to come through it with no
injuries and I am looking forward to Toronto."
The Canadian city is hosting the MLS's showpiece game this Thursday when
David Beckham and company take the field for the league's All-Stars. While
Beckham may start to get the limelight as the week wears on, West Ham United
fans can rightly be excited about the form of Craig Bellamy. He was the
model professional, with a tireless performance for every one of the 87
minutes he was on the pitch.
Curbishley, who should also have the attacking options of Matthew
Etherington and Luis Boa Morte on Thursday, is thrilled to have Bellamy
back. "I think it just shows what we have missed last year. He can turn a
bad ball into a good one and you know his work-rate brings other people into
the game. Julien [Faubert] is also getting fitter. [Scott] Parker is going
to be fitter than he was last year so I am hoping they are going to be like
three new signings. They didn't play enough football last year and things
are going OK."
Turning his thoughts back home, Curbishley is pleased that Kieron Dyer will
join in fully with pre-season training for the first time on Monday and
should be working hard with George McCartney and Matthew Upson who missed
the tour for largely precautionary reasons. Caution is the watchword, and as
such it will be an easier day for those travelling on Monday. "We are going
to rest up. We have a big game in Toronto in front of 25,000 fans and
everyone is looking forward to it. North America is just waking up to soccer
and we want to be part of it."
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Crew cut down by United - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley will be happy after a solid performance from his squad in
difficult conditions on Sunday
21.07.2008
Columbus Crew 1-3 West Ham United
Goals from Dean Ashton and Kyel Reid, either side of a Brad Evans own goal,
were enough to hand Alan Curbishley's side a second straight pre-season win
in Columbus on Sunday evening.
Ashton opened the scoring with a thumping early drive before Jason Garey
levelled matters with an equally impressive header. However, Mark Noble
ensured an interval lead when he forced Evans to put through his own net.
Curbishley then made nine changes in the second half - only captain Lucas
Neill played the whole game - and it was substitute Reid who finished off
the scoring.
His goal owed a lot to Craig Bellamy, who was a constant menace and showed
he is getting back to his best. He had played a crucial role in last
Thursday's 4-2 defeat of Hampton and Richmond Borough. Bellamy was lively
throughout and linked up well with both Ashton and half-time replacement
Carlton Cole. Young left-back Joe Widdowson had another accomplished game.
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Joe proud to be involved - WHUFC
A dream come true is how Joe Widdowson has described the chance to join in
on the club's tour
20.07.2008
Joe Widdowson is thrilled to be part of West Ham United's pre-season tour of
North America and get the chance to show what he can do.
"It is really good to be here," said the homegrown defender who lives a
stone's throw from the Boleyn Ground as he warmed down. He took time out to
talk after a strenuous training session as players happily signed autographs
for scores of fans at Columbus Crew's Obetz picturesque training centre on a
balmy Saturday evening. "I have been with the club quite a long time, since
I was eleven. This is a big step forward and it was a really good thing to
be included in the party coming out here. I am hoping to be involved as much
as possible."
The 19-year-old got his opening taste of first-team action last Thursday
against Hampton and Richmond Borough with George McCartney not involved.
Widdowson played the full 90 minutes in the 4-2 win against the non-leaguers
and may get more chances against the Crew this evening or the Major League
Soccer All-Stars in Toronto on Thursday. "I was a little bit nervous but it
was more excitement really. To play in front of all those West Ham fans was
a really good experience."
He added: "I found out on Wednesday that I was on the tour and I was really
happy about it. That was the first bonus and then to play against Hampton
topped it off." Like his fellow academy products, right-back Ashley Miller,
centre-backs Jordan Spence and Bondz N'Gala and midfielder Junior Stanislas,
Widdowson is relishing being around the senior players as Alan Curbishley
looks to develop another batch of youngsters behind James Tomkins, Jack
Collison and Freddie Sears.
"The senior boys are really good. They like to have a laugh with us.
Especially Anton and Coley, they get us involved in all the banter with the
squad. They work hard to make us feel part of it. There is no tension
between the young boys and the senior pros, everyone gets involved. The
first team are really good like that. They always come and talk to us and
invite us over to hang around with them. We went out this afternoon and were
mixing with each other."
Some of the banter has revolved around the prospect of Widdowson possibly
facing up directly against David Beckham later this week. "A few people have
mentioned it and I must admit I have thought about it. They have been
telling me to get stuck in if it happens! If I did play against him it would
be amazing. Beckham is just a legend and to come up against him would be
unreal."
Widdowson has made good strides in the past year. First there was the
confidence builder of regular playing time in Tony Carr's youth team and
Kevin Keen's reserves. Then there was a valuable loan at Rotherham United in
February where he more than impressed. After a month, he headed back to the
Boleyn Ground and signed a new contract but knows he faces a battle to force
his way through - especially as McCartney looks set to be involved again
when the team return.
He may have to get used to increased attention in the meantime. "It is
strange to see so many here and loads of people know my name - I didn't even
think people knew who I was! It is nice and I really appreciate it. West Ham
have got such a massive fan base and people have come from all over America.
"I didn't know there was so many. It is really good they have come so far to
watch us. I am proud to be here to play for them. I am from Forest Gate,
five minutes from Upton Park, it is a dream come true all of this." With an
attitude like that, Widdowson is clearly not just any old Joe ....
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Nobes making a mark - WHUFC
A blend of youth and experience has left Mark Noble feeling good about the
new season in Columbus
20.07.2008
Mark Noble cannot wait for "two big games" as West Ham United prepare for
their North American tour to really get under way against Columbus Crew this
evening.
The homegrown midfielder is a popular figure among the squad and as usual
has been looking out for the younger players on the trip. Having come
through the ranks he knows how important it is for them to feel part of it -
as was seen last Thursday in the 4-2 win against Hampton and Richmond
Borough . "We have got loads of young lads involved. Joe Widdowson did well
at left-back, Kyel Reid, Junior Stanislas and Jordan Spence also come on.
"It was good for them to get that game out of the way. Now we have got two
big games and I am really looking forward to it," Noble added. While the
young players are catching the eye, it is understandably the likes of Craig
Bellamy's involvement that is prompting real optimism. "Bellars looks
lively. He got on the scoresheet twice and scored two goals [against
Hampton]. You know what you are going to get, he's going to score goals and
it is nice to have him back."
The 21-year-old Noble has high hopes for the new season and is determined to
add a better scoring rate to his game as well. He was delighted to open his
summer account at the first attempt last week. "It was a good ball from
Lucas on to Deano's head. He headed it down and I can't remember too much
after that apart from I caught it and it rolled in ... I was caught by the
keeper at the time but you take that when you are trying to score. You have
to put up with a bit of pain."
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Youngsters in Billericay win - WHUFC
David Blackmore turned in a strong display as a West Ham United XI beat
Billericay Town on Saturday
19.07.2008
Billericay Town 0-1 West Ham United XI
Young goalkeeper David Blackmore turned in an outstanding display as a
youthful side achieved an impressive 1-0 win away to Billericay Town on
Saturday.
Blackmore was on top form throughout the contest, including saving a
second-half penalty. That performance, behind a solid back four, paved the
way for Zavon Hines to score the winner, also from the spot, in the 70th
minute. With many of the club's young players in the United States on the
pre-season tour, it was a rewarding day for Kevin Keen.
"I was very pleased with the way they competed and defending," said the
coach, who was going off to compete in the London Masters tournament on
Saturday evening. "We could perhaps show a bit more creativity and quality
but they are young lads who are only a week into training. It was a
physically demanding game and it was largely boys playing against adults. We
defended very well."
Keen's defence was particularly impressive, including young left-back Jordan
Brown and central defenders Josh Payne and Tony Brookes. Right-back Anthony
Edgar created some of the best moments in the first half with Blackmore in
fine form whenever called upon. After Billericay missed from 12 yards, it
was Oliver Lee who earned the visitors the chance to take the lead. The
midfielder was brought down by the byline, leaving the referee no choice.
Hines, who had scored the fourth for the first team in a 4-2 win at Hampton
and Richmond Borough on Thursday, was confident enough to take the kick and
duly scored. He played the full 90 minutes and was the most experienced
performer on view, alongside strike partner Jack Jeffery. Both young
forwards had loan spells away from the club last season and have high hopes
for the new campaign.
West Ham United: Blackmore, O'Neill (McNaughton 88), Payne, Brookes, Brown,
Edgar, Lee (Abdulla 75), Harvey (Okus 80), Kearns, Hines, Jeffery (Montano
75).
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West Ham insist Green is staying - BBC
West Ham insist they will not sell unsettled goalkeeper Robert Green or
offer him an improved contract. He appeared to throw his future into doubt
by telling a national newspaper he was unhappy with his wages. But the club
say when Green, 28, signed a five-year deal in 2007 the date for a review
was given as the summer of 2009. Chief executive Scott Duxbury told the West
Ham website: "This was and remains the appropriate time to review it. We
have no intention of selling him." Green, who has one England cap, believes
he is underpaid compared with several other West Ham players and feels
"undervalued". However, Duxbury explained: "Less than a year ago, Robert
Green entered into a five-year contract. "The club were delighted to
recognise his status as our number one goalkeeper and rewarded him with this
long-term deal. "We value Robert Green highly. That is why we gave him a
five-year contract less than 12 months ago." Green joined West Ham from
Norwich for £2m in August 2006 and impressed during his first season,
prompting the club to offer him a new deal. But he now feels his
performances mean he deserves improved terms. "Clearly West Ham don't care
about me," Green was quoted as saying in The Sun. "If you put the strongest
West Ham XI out, I'd be the lowest earner by a long, long way. "I do not
even want to be close to the top earner at the club. I would just like some
parity."
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Columbus Crew 1 West Ham Utd 3 - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
The Hammers enjoyed a successful start to their North American tour with a
comfortable 3-1 win over Columbus Crew tonight. United - playing their first
game of a two-match tour which culminates with next week's glamour tie
against the MLS AllStars - took the lead at the Columbus Crew Stadium after
just six minutes when Dean Ashton fired home after working himself some
space on the edge of the penalty box. However that lead was cancelled out
just 14 minutes later when Crew's Jason Garey gave Rob Green no chance with
a firm header from a Cory Elenio cross. But it took just six minutes for
United to restore the lead, which came courtesy of a Brad Evans blunder.
Under pressure from Mark Noble the Crew defender could only direct the ball
beyond his own goalkeeper. The second half began with the first of nine
substitutions for United; Carlton Cole replacing goalscorer Dean Ashton.
Just eight minutes into the second 45 the Hammers went 3-1 up through winger
Kyel Reid. There were to be no more goals although the remainder of the game
was marred somewhat by 17 second-half substitutions, all of which served to
end the game as a spectacle. Happy days for the Hammers though, who look
forward to Thursday's match in Chicago against David Beckham and co.
West Ham United: Green (Walker 76), Neill (c), Ferdinand (N'Gala 84),
Davenport (spence 71), Widdowson, Faubert (Stokes 76), Noble (Mullins 57),
Parker (Collison 71), Reid (Stanislaus 57), Bellamy (Miller 87), Ashton
(Cole 46).
Subs not used: Etherington.
Goals: Ashton (6), Evans (og 26), Reid (53).
Columbus Crew: Gruenebaum, Zayner, Junge (Pierre-Louis 64), Hendrickson
(Marshall 64), Peterson, Oughton (Miller 71), Evans (Miglioranzi 71), Elenio
(Josten 76), Gaven (Carroll 46), Lenhart (Moreno 64), Garey (Iro 64).
Subs not used: Schoeni.
Goals: Garey (20).
Referee: Ben Chouaf
Attendance: 9,117
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Sears strike not enough - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th July 2008
By: Staff Writer
England's under-19s are out of the European Championships despite thumping
Greece 3-0 in their final group match in the Czech Republic tonight. West
Ham's Freddie Sears notched his first of the competition from the penalty
spot to give England a 2-0 lead on the night at the U.Nisy Stadium, Liberec
- a lead that was further extended by Daniel Sturridge's fine effort five
minutes from time. But with the Italians beating the host nation 4-3 in the
group's other game today, England's fine effort proved immaterial and they
finish third - not enough to make the semi-finals, but enough to secure a
spot in next year's under 20 finals. England manager Brian Eastick,
reflecting on the campaign said after the game:
"We were by far the better team and were good value for the 3-0 win. It
doesn't send us to Prague though which is disappointing and there is a very
disappointed bunch of lads in there. We felt that we played very well
against Italy and whilst we didn't score, the feeling was that we were as
good as, if not better, than Italy. "We've come here and put another good
performance in and converted the opportunities today, which we didn't
against Italy. That's tournament football though, so good luck to Italy and
the Czech Republic. "We were very disappointed against the Czech Republic
because we didn't keep that clean sheet," he added. "So we needed to beat
Italy and win this game as well. We felt our performance against Italy in
the first half was excellent and we maybe deserved a goal out of it, but it
wasn't to be. "I'm proud of the players because they've come back from a 2-0
defeat in the first game marvellously and played some really good football.
I think, given our performance today and against Italy, we're a bit unlucky
not to be going through to the semi-finals."
James Tomkins did not play due to injury; he was replaced by Leicester
City's Joe Mattock, a player strongly linked with a move to East London in
recent weeks.
England under 19s: Button, Cork (c), Mattock, Pearce, Gibbs, Sturridge,
Sears (Sinclair 83), Rose, Bertrand (Gosling 87), Moses (Delph 73), Mee.
Subs not used: Steele, Chandler, Obadeyi.
Goals: Mee (48), Sears (68 pen), Sturridge (85).
Greece under 19s: Bampaniotis, Barmpoudis, Lampropoulos, Papadopoulos,
Boutzikos (Psianos 12, Pavlis, 46), Gkentsoglou, Matsoukas, Argyropoulos,
Galanis, Papadopoulos (c), Giannou (Karapetas 58).
Subs not used: Bouzanis, Kyrgias, Stratacis.
Attendance: 1,047.
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First Trophy Of The Season! - KUMB
Filed: Saturday, 19th July 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer
The West Ham Over 35 team has won the 2008 London Masters tournament at
Wembley Arena.
The side qualified for the final from Group A on goal difference after
thumping Crystal Palace 4-1 and surviving a scare in losing 4-2 to
pre-tournament favourites Chelsea who needed to win by three clear goals to
eliminate the Hammers having surprisingly lost 3-1 to a poor looking Palace
side. Chelsea's first goal had a familiar look to it for older viewers
squeezing as it did under a late dive from Allen McKnight. However the
Northern Irish 'keeper redeemed himself with better saves in both the
Chelsea match and later in the final.
Hammers faced Watford who topped group B having overturned a three goal
deficit to beat T*ttenham in the group decider.
Watford took the lead but Hammers soon equalised and two late goals saw the
wrinklies (with the exception of Kevin Keen who still doesn't appear to
shave) carry off the silverware and qualify for September's grand final.
Hammers' squad: Allen McKnight, Kenny Brown, Rufus Brevett, Mark Robson
(capt), Keith Rowland, Kevin Horlock, Simon Webster, Kevin Keen,Martin Allen
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Crowd trouble mars Hammers win - SSN
Ashton nets in friendly win
Last updated: 21st July 2008
West Ham's 3-1 win over MLS side Columbus Crew was marred by crowd trouble
in Ohio on Sunday. More than 100 fans became involved in a brawl at
half-time of the game before police officers and security staff eventually
separated the groups. On the field West Ham striker Dean Ashton have his
side the perfect start with a clinical finish after just six minutes.
Columbus Crew equalised on 20 minutes when Jason Garey headed home Cory
Elenio's cross.
The Hammers restored their lead six minutes later when Crew midfielder Brad
Evans turned the ball into his own net under pressure from Mark Noble.
Kyel Reid sealed the win for Alan Curbishley's men when he netted from close
range on 53 minutes. The win sets West Ham up for their next game against a
team of MLS All-Stars on Thursday in Toronto.
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Zamora out to prove worth - SSN
Striker rates himself alongside Ashton
By Lewis Rutledge Last updated: 20th July 2008
Bobby Zamora believes he is just as good as former West Ham team-mate Dean
Ashton and feels he could break into the England squad. Zamora completed a
move from Upton Park to Fulham earlier this week in a £6.3million joint deal
with defender John Pantsil. The 27-year-old striker is not sure why West Ham
let him leave but is determined to show his quality at Craven Cottage. "I
don't rate Deano miles ahead of me at all. I really don't think he's any
better than me particularly," Zamora told the Daily Star Sunday. "I've
scored more goals than him as well but that's football I suppose. "I don't
think it was an age thing. I'm only 27 and you're supposed to be in your
prime then, aren't you? "I think it was just one of those things. The club
needed the money and there was a bid on the table. "Maybe nobody came in for
Deano."
Zamora is hopeful that if he performs well for Fulham then an international
call-up may not be far away. "For the last few years I've really knuckled
down and given everything to be as good as I can - on and off the pitch," he
explained. "Everything that I could do I have done and I think I started to
show that at the end of last season. "Hopefully I can continue that and
crack on and do well for Fulham. "I would love to get into the England
squad. If I get the chance and get a run of games and get some goals I think
it is possible, I really do."
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HAMMERS TALK: Villa could be in for Green - Guardian Series
9:11am Sunday 20th July 2008
MEDIA reports have suggested that Aston Villa could be set to make a move
for unhappy West Ham keeper Robert Green. The former Norwich gloveman hit
out at the Hammers this week claiming he is undervalued at Upton Park. And
that according to newspaper gossip this morning could see Villa boss Martin
O'Neill, make Green his number one keeper target this summer. O'Neill is
reported to be in the running to sign Blackburn's Brad Friedel, although
with but Ewood Park manager Paul Ince is digging in his heels, could easily
turn his attentions to Green. And the England keeper, who despite having a
five-year contract worth around £25,000 a week, could be keen to listen to
what O'Neill has to say after expressing his anger about lagging well behind
the big earners at Upton Park.
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Gudjohnsen told to move on - Setanta
by Laurent Picard, 20 July 2008
Eidur Gudjohnsen has been told he has no future at Barcelona, news that will
alert a number of Premier League clubs. The former Bolton and Chelsea ace
has never really imposed himself at Camp Nou and was used as a utility
player in the last two seasons. Barca director Rafael Yuste has stated
during a TV show that the Iceland international has been told to seek new
opportunities, as he is not part of his coach's future plans for the new
season. To the contrary, Gudjohnsen, under contract until 2010, would love
to stay put, as he has settled in the Catalonian capital. "Without hurry but
without a pause, [directors] Txiki Begiristain as well as Raul Sanllehi are
studying the topic with all the determination and our intention is to find a
new place to help Gudjohnsen be happy again," Yuste told Rac1. The Blaugrana
has been linked to West Ham last January.
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I'm as good as West Ham's Ashton says Fulham's Zamora
By Ian Ferris - July 20, 2008
Bobby Zamora believes he is just as good as former West Ham team-mate Dean
Ashton. Zamora completed a move from Upton Park to Fulham earlier this week
in a £6.3million joint deal with defender John Pantsil. The 27-year-old
striker is not sure why West Ham let him leave but is determined to show his
quality at Craven Cottage. "I don't rate Deano miles ahead of me at all. I
really don't think he's any better than me particularly," Zamora told the
Daily Star Sunday. "I've scored more goals than him as well but that's
football I suppose. "I don't think it was an age thing. I'm only 27 and
you're supposed to be in your prime then, aren't you? "I think it was just
one of those things. The club needed the money and there was a bid on the
table. "Maybe nobody came in for Deano."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham £3m SUPERSTAR deal back on: Would be a very good signing! -
CaughtOffside.com
by Mr ComfortcloseAuthor: Mr Comfort Name: Mr Comfort
West Ham are on alert after long-time target Eidur Gudjohnsen was reportedly
informed he has no future at Barcelona.The Iceland international appears set
to return to the Premier League this summer and has already ruled out a move
to Aston Villa because he favours London or Manchester.
The Hammers are looking to strengthen their squad but also cut their wage
bill so it remains to be seen if they move for the former Bolton and Chelsea
attacker. Barca director Rafael Yuste told Rac1: "Without hurry but without
a pause, [directors] Txiki Begiristain as well as Raul Sanllehi are studying
the topic with all the determination and our intention is to find a new
place to help Gudjohnsen be happy again." (clubcall.com)
The indications are that Eidur could be allowed to leave for as little as
£2-3m, which would be an incredibly small sum for a player who still has a
lot to offer. Whilst it's true Alan Curbishley is keen to trim his wage bill
(hence the potential departures of big earners Lucas Neil and Craig Bellamy)
surely he would make room for a player as talented as Gudjohnsen, not least
as the West Ham boss has been trailing the former Chelsea man for some time
now.
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Lazio's Behrami to sign for West Ham tomorrow - footylatest.com
Sunday 20 July 2008 - 08:34:11 - Click to post or view
It has been reported this morning that West Ham United will complete the
signing of the Switzerland International Valon Behrami tomorrow. The
midfielder has been at Lazio for three years and the two clubs have agreed a
fee of £5million for the 23 year old. The attacking right back played in all
Switzerlands games at the Euro's and was being sought after by many European
clubs but West Ham came in with the best offer after the player had been
recommended by the club's new technical director, Gianluca Nani. It is
thought that his arrival will pave the way for Lucas Neill to leave,
possibly to rejoin his old boss Mark Hughes.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Green Gossip and Riga Rumours - KUMB
Filed: Sunday, 20th July 2008
By: A Different Staff Writer
A quietish weekend for transfer gossip was understandably focussed on
'keeper Robert Green...
A number of sources claim that Green's statement that he felt "undervalued"
at the Boleyn Ground has alerted Aston Villa boss Martin O'Neill who is in
the market for a new custodian having said goodbye to the erratic Scott
Carson.
Green's comments, which appeared in Friday's Sun, initially gained some
sympathy with supporters but the mood changed with United's revelation that
he had signed a new deal only a year previously. Villa had been linked with
Blackburn's Brad Friedel but this deal seems to have stalled, apparently due
to intransigence on the part of our old friend Paul Ince.
Should Green depart, Fulham's Finnish no.1 Antti Niemi could be a
replacement. The former Southampton stopper is said to be looking for a
departure from Craven Cottage, though Juventus and Liverpool are both said
to have expressed an interest, though it is not known whether Liverpool have
bothered with the niceties of making any official (rather than an illegal)
approach - well there's a first time for everything.
Out on the pitch, there is still no official news of Valon Behrami, though a
number of newspapers and tv sources have insisted that a deal to bring the
Swiss international to the Boleyn for anywhere between £1m and £7m
(depending on who you want to believe)is close to being announced.
Another foreign player allegedly being linked with a move to E13 is Levante
winger Riga Mustapha. Apparently he hasn't been paid by the Spanish outfit
for 8 months - and Rob Green feels undervalued! The lack of pay means that
the 26 year-old Ghanaian-born Dutch U21 international would be allowed to
cancel his contract unilaterally under FIFA's current anti-slavery rules.
Reports suggest that the winger is also being linked with West Brom so it's
not clear at the moment if this is a genuine link or merely a matter of
somebody hearing the word "West" and immediately thinking of Green Street.
More "news" as and when we receive it....
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Not-so friendly friendly: Fans brawl as West Ham United easily handles
Columbus Crew 3-1 - sportsillustrated.cnn.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) -A halftime brawl between more than 100 fans marred a
club friendly match Sunday between West Ham United of the English Premier
League club and Major League Soccer's Columbus Crew.
The fights, which overshadowed West Ham United's 3-1 win, began when a
handful of West Ham supporters, some wearing the team's claret and blue
colors, entered the northeast corner of the stadium where the Crew's most
boisterous supporters typically gather.
Crew supporters began directing chants toward the rival fans, and fights
quickly broke out between more than 100 Crew fans and at least 30 West Ham
fans. Columbus police officers and Crew Stadium security staff eventually
separated the groups.
Highway Patrol officers arrested one fan outside the stadium for disorderly
conduct, Patrol spokeswoman Anne Ralston said. A dispatcher didn't know
whether Columbus police had made any arrests inside the stadium.
West Ham forward Dean Ashton scored the game's first goal, a blistering low
shot that flew past Andy Gruenebaum in the sixth minute.
Forward Jason Garey put Columbus on the scoreboard in the 20th minute,
leaping to head home a bending crossing pass from Cory Elenio.
Crew midfielder Brad Evans inadvertently doubled West Ham's advantage by
scoring into his own goal in the 26th minute. Kyle Reid completed the
scoring for West Ham with a close-range goal in the 53rd minute.
"It was a terrific game for us. We needed that sort of a workout,'' West Ham
manager Alan Curbishley said. "We took the MLS game because we wanted to
come to America. We wanted to show people what we're about.''
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West Ham-Columbus supporters brawl at friendly - cbc.ca
Touring Premiership club's fans mix it up with Crew fanatics
Last Updated: Sunday, July 20, 2008 | 11:23 PM ET
A halftime brawl among more than 100 fans marred an exhibition match Sunday
in Columbus, Ohio, between West Ham United of the English Premier League and
the host Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. The fights, which
overshadowed West Ham United's 3-1 win, began when a handful of West Ham
supporters, some wearing the team's claret and blue colours, entered the
northeast corner of the stadium where the Crew's most boisterous supporters
typically gather. Crew supporters began directing chants toward the rival
fans, and fights quickly broke out between more than 100 Crew fans and at
least 30 West Ham fans. Columbus police officers and Crew Stadium security
staff eventually separated the groups. Highway Patrol officers arrested one
fan outside the stadium for disorderly conduct, patrol spokeswoman Anne
Ralston said. A dispatcher didn't know whether Columbus police had made any
arrests inside the stadium. This is the second incident Crew fans have been
involved in this season. As New England celebrated its winning goal at
Columbus on May 24, a fan shouted a racial slur at Revolution forward Kheli
Dube, who scored in the 89th minute. Dube is black. The incident prompted a
league investigation, with MLS commissioner Don Garber saying the fan would
be banned from league games for life if officials were able to identify him
from a video that captured it. West Ham forward Dean Ashton scored Sunday's
first goal, a blistering low shot that flew past Andy Gruenebaum in the
sixth minute. Forward Jason Garey put Columbus on the scoreboard in the 20th
minute, leaping to head home a bending crossing pass from Cory Elenio. Crew
midfielder Brad Evans inadvertently doubled West Ham's advantage by scoring
into his own goal in the 26th minute. Kyle Reid completed the scoring for
West Ham with a close-range goal in the 53rd minute. "It was a terrific game
for us. We needed that sort of a workout," West Ham manager Alan Curbishley
said. "We took the MLS game because we wanted to come to America. "We wanted
to show people what we're about."
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Hooliganism Follows British Team to Ohio - nytimes.com
By THE ASSOCIATED PRESS
Published: July 21, 2008
COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A brawl among more than 100 fans at halftime marred an
exhibition match Sunday between West Ham United of the English Premier
League and the Columbus Crew of Major League Soccer. The fights overshadowed
West Ham United's 3-1 victory. They began when a handful of West Ham
supporters, some wearing the team's claret and blue colors, entered the
northeast corner of the stadium, where the Crew's most boisterous supporters
typically gather.
Crew supporters began directing chants toward the rival fans, and fights
quickly broke out between more than 100 Crew fans and at least 30 West Ham
fans. Columbus police officers and members of the Crew Stadium security
staff eventually separated the groups.
Highway Patrol officers arrested one fan outside the stadium for disorderly
conduct, a Patrol spokeswoman, Anne Ralston, said. A dispatcher did not say
whether the Columbus police had made any arrests inside the stadium.
The incident was the second involving Crew fans this season. When New
England celebrated its winning goal at Columbus on May 24, a fan shouted a
racial slur at Revolution forward Kheli Dube, who is black. The incident
prompted a league investigation, with M.L.S. Commissioner Don Garber saying
that the fan would be barred from league games for life if officials were
able to identify him.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Soccer fans clash at Crew-West Ham friendly - sports.yahoo.com
COLUMBUS, Ohio (Ticker) - A friendly between the Columbus Crew of Major
League Soccer and West Ham United of the English Premier League turned out
to be anything but.
Fans of the two teams engaged in a halftime brawl during Sunday night's
exhibition match at Crew Stadium. Columbus police officers and the Ohio
State Patrol each responded to the incident.
An officer for the Columbus police told PA SportsTicker early Monday morning
that a large crowd was involved in the fracas and that several arrests were
made, although she did not have a definitive number.
Sergeant Anne Ralston, a spokeswoman for the State Patrol, told PA
SportsTicker that two units who were in the area responded to the scene at
about 6:45 p.m. She added that the State Patrol was called by Columbus
Police after the game to serve "as a deterrent and a presence."
The State Patrol made just one arrest after the game for a minor disorderly
charge, Ralston said.
The Columbus Dispatch reported that a handful of West Ham fans approached a
section of Crew supporters, triggering a scuffle.
As security personnel were ushered away, supporters of both sides clashed on
the stadium concourse, where several punches were thrown.
The newspaper reported that at least one West Ham fan was thrown to the
ground and handcuffed by police, who used pepper spray or mace to help break
up the melee. A number of fans were seen handcuffed after the game.
Crew vice president of operations Scott DeBolt told the newspaper he would
have no details "until I get a report, which might not be till (Monday)."
The Dispatch reported that one fan, Peter Witham, who he is a supporter of
English Premier power Arsenal, said he was hit by a chemical spray used by
police while he was en route to the restroom.
"I've never experienced anything like that in my life and I've been going to
English Premier League games for forever," Witham told the newspaper.
According to the Dispatch, West Ham supporters unfurled a banner shortly
after halftime that read, "ICF, 30 Years Undefeated."
ICF stands for The Inter City Firm, one of the more notorious hooligan
groups in England.
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Jim: Wright Signing Very Close - TWTD.com
Monday 21 Jul 2008 07:14:24 by Phil
Richard Wright is finally expected to make his return to the Blues later
today. TWTD first revealed that Town were again eyeing their former keeper
back in March when former keeper-coach Andy Rhodes was spotted watching West
Ham's reserves, a previous move for Wright having failed last summer.
Boss Jim Magilton said: "We are very, very close. Everything is done and
dusted as far as we are concerned. We are waiting on the West Ham end now.
Richard has passed a medical so everything is at the late stages."
As reported by TWTD yesterday, Wright is likely to complete his move from
the Hammers today and will make his return to the Town goal when the Blues
travel to Gillingham for a pre-season game on Wednesday.
A £500,000 fee is believed to have been agreed with West Ham, while Wright
is understood to be putting pen to paper on a three-year deal.
Boss Jim Magilton is continuing to look at adding to his squad and says he
will hold talks with trialist Ben Thatcher, although there are other clubs
interested in the former Charlton left-back.
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