West Ham United have improved the club's existing expertise and experience
at Chadwell Heath
25.07.2008
West Ham United are delighted to confirm the club has taken steps to
significantly increase the level of expertise in the key areas of sports
science and medicine.
This includes widespread investment in facilities and the arrival of
renowned experts such as chief medical officer Nikos Tzouroudis, who has
worked for several leading European clubs including Panathinakos in his
native Greece, Fiorentina, Verona and Steaua Bucharest. He will take a
strategic overview of operations. From Italy, the recruits include a leading
Serie A osteopath in Marco Cesarini, who has considerable contacts, and
rehabilitation physiotherapist Giorgio Gasparini, who is used to working
one-on-one with elite players such as World Cup winners Fabio Cannavaro and
Filippo Inzaghi.
This action has come following concerns from the Board and the manager last
season about the number of injuries and the recurrence of certain conditions
among the first-team squad. As a result, the Board commissioned an
independent study from the renowned Sports Performance Assessment and
Rehabilitation Centre at Roehampton University into the club's existing
operations.
The Board and manager considered that report and other research and made a
decision to improve the club's medical set-up by augmenting the significant
expertise and experience already offered by existing staff including
physiotherapist George Cooper and sports scientists Nick Davies and Alex
Dyer. This includes the imminent purchase of a new training ground,
installing relevant state of the art equipment at the existing site and,
most significantly, this boost in the number of sports science and medical
staff.
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "The Board and manager have taken
these decisive steps to ensure the club has the very best support in place
for the entire coaching and playing staff. We sought the best independent
advice and over recent months have been looking at home and across the
continent for the leading experts in the field. I am delighted we have been
able to strengthen our existing operation in this way and am confident the
benefits will be considerable."
The club will shortly confirm via whufc.com a full overview of the new West
Ham United Medical Centre.
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Squad in good shape - WHUFC
Alan Curbishley paid tribute to the MLS All-Star Game as he spoke about the
form and fitness of his men
25.07.2008
Alan Curbishley was a content man at the conclusion of the MLS All-Star Game
with the manager seeing it as a vital step towards the new season.
Having seen his team come through unscathed in the 3-2 defeat and cope
without two key performers in Mark Noble and Craig Bellamy, Curbishley
learnt much about his team and got to see them tested against top-class
players in a top-class setting. "I would like to congratulate the MLS team
on their victory. For everyone concerned it has been a success. Some goals
scored, chances created - it could have been a bit more of a scoreline but
everybody came away with something.
"We are two weeks into a six-week programme of pre-season and we needed the
fitness work. We certainly got that. It was a good evening and I think
everybody can be pleased with their efforts." The manager has been able to
cast a close eye over his charges on the trip along with his backroom staff
and has been impressed with what he has seen in Columbus and Toronto. "We
are looking that much sharper than we did this time last year when we were
doing pre-season," he said.
West Ham United head back to England on Friday with a couple of days off
before getting back down to business against Peterborough United on Tuesday.
Playing such an intense game so early in the summer was not a concern,
however. "Obviously the teams that come from Europe to play this game will
face the same problems. It is in the start of our pre-season so it is a
little bit difficult. Nevertheless we were delighted to be invited.
"We knew our profile in America and Canada was high and hopefully it has got
a bit bigger. We have enjoyed our week here. We have been well looked after
and everybody has been fantastic to us. Anyone who has come to the game will
have enjoyed it ... The goals that the MLS scored were terrific. They showed
that they can compete. That was the big thing. The reason for the game is
for the MLS to show off their riches and their talent, they have done that.
We are really pleased that we have been invited and it will be a big memory
for everybody at West Ham."
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Deano a No9 dream - WHUFC
The MLS All-Star Game underlined that Dean Ashton looks ready to continue
where he left off last season
25.07.2008
A round of applause greeted Dean Ashton's closing remarks at the end of a
hectic post-game press conference at the MLS All-Star Game in Toronto.
The England striker had been an impressive performer on the pitch. Scoring
both the West Ham United goals - even if the second was a bit "lucky" - and
linking up well with Carlton Cole, Ashton was a threat all evening. He could
have had a hat-trick but for a superb save by Matt Reis in the All-Star goal
late in the game. Ashton then turned in an equally impressive display when
meeting the media as he spoke of the game and the support at the BMO Field.
Speaking after the 3-2 defeat, Ashton said: "I was quite surprised just how
good the support was. It could have been any ground in England. It was that
strong and if I was a Toronto player I would love to play in front of that
every week. It was great support and surprising." The No9 has given fans
plenty to think about on this North American tour with three goals in the
two games - although the second on Thursday night had an element of fortune.
"The first goal was a good flick-on from Carlton Cole," Ashton said. "I
think he had attracted a few defenders and left me with the space and it was
a case of just composing myself and thinking where I wanted to put it. I was
pleased with that. The second goal was pretty lucky as I shot at goal and it
has hit the guy on the ear and gone in. I will take them whenever."
Wearing the MLS All-Star shirt of Toronto FC's Jim Brennan, his former
Norwich City team-mate, Ashton also praised the contribution of England
colleague David Beckham and the way he coped with the intense scrutiny. Loud
cheers greeted every corner and flashbulbs went off in their hundreds with
every free-kick.
"I am sure David is used to that," Ashton said. To most of us his situation
seemed a bit surreal but he seems to handle it so well. It is always great
to play against great players such as David Beckham but there were other
great players out there - Blanco, who has played for Mexico, and American
and Canadian internationals. It was a great game to play in and I was
honoured to play. I will definitely keep this shirt for a long time."
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Season tickets update - WHUFC
The ticket office has fewer than 3,000 season tickets left for fans wanting
to see all the home 2008/09 action
25.07.2008
West Ham United are pleased to announce a number of season tickets for the
2008/09 season have now reached general sale.
More than 23,000 season tickets have already been sold for the forthcoming
season. With over two weeks before the home pre-season friendly against
Villarreal on 9 August, and three weeks to go before the opening Barclays
Premier League fixture at the Boleyn Ground against Wigan Athletic on 16
August, the number sold is expected to reach the 26,000 maximum.
Season tickets are available either by contacting our customer service team
on 0871 222 2700 via Option 3, by postal application including a fully
completed form available below or in person at our Dr Martens Stand ticket
office where any available seats can be viewed when purchasing.
Please note the opening two home games of the season will be on sale to
Academy Members from Monday 28 July and once tickets have sold for these two
matches season ticket availability will be greatly affected. Therefore if
wishing not to miss out on a season ticket for the 2008/09 season, we do
advise you contact the ticket office via the above methods as soon as
possible or risk missing out until 2009/10.
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Fan protest puts damper on MLS showcase
AARON HARRIS/THE CANADIAN PRESS
BMO Field in Toronto on July 24, 2008. Email story
Five years ago, after their team had dropped a few games in a row, fans of
Croatian side Hajduk Split snuck into the home ground one night. When the
players showed up for practice the next morning, they found eleven graves
dug in the middle of the pitch. Milan supporters once protested a more
rigourous frisking at the gate by smuggling a scooter into the San Siro,
lighting it on fire and chucking it off a balcony. Then there are the
semi-regular locker room invasions, public beratings and the odd coordinated
attack that fans in Italy, Spain and South America inflict on their beloved
home sides.
Being Canadians, we prefer our protests more by way of Gandhi than Che. The
local wrinkle being that we also try to bore you into submission. The
Toronto FC firms promised to disrupt last night's MLS all-star game by
refusing to engage in it. They hoped to embarrass Maple Leaf Sports &
Entertainment on the phantom issue of expanding BMO Field to accommodate CFL
games. Several hundred in the south and northwest ends arrived, as
promised, in black T-shirts. However, it was far from a uniform shroud.
Major League Soccer caused its own problems by botching the anthem set-up.
Prior to the emergence of the teams, only the English and American flags
were stretched out on the pitch. After the players came out, the anthems
began playing. There was some rumbling during "God Save the Queen." But when
"The Star Spangled Banner" kicked off, it was full-on booing from much of
the crowd. It was the night's low point. Unfortunately, this was the moment
league commissioner Don Garber chose to make his appearance. He was
sprinting through the pre-game handshakes when the Maple Leaf was finally
carried out. The fans bashfully quieted when they realized they were getting
an anthem after all – the misguided point being to give it a place of honour
at the very end.
As the game started, the vast majority looked to the south end. Everyone
there sat down. So the rest followed suit. The planned silence drained all
the fun out of the league's mid-season celebration. The only chant catching
any stadium-wide traction in the first half was `We want Brennan.' The FC
defender's 59th minute introduction along with Scarborough's Dwayne De
Rosario perked things up markedly. Having proven their point, many fans
jumped back into a rollicking game.
"I understand what they're getting at ... and I'm with them on it," Brennan,
the man best placed to judge at pitch level, said about the protest. "I
noticed it. I was always looking over to see what they were up to ... but
with our fans, they can't sit quiet for too long, can they? They have to
start cheering about something."
However, it was the first half that left the strongest impression. At times
it was eerie, a Twilight Zone flip-flop of a Toronto FC game. The quality of
soccer was the best the stadium's ever seen. The atmosphere was up there
with detention hall and a doctor's waiting room. For the team's owners, it
was a glimpse of what Leaf games would sound like if they were played
outdoors. If the fans proved anything, it's that they are the best reason to
attend a Toronto FC game. Whether their quixotic protest has achieved
anything beyond that is difficult to discern. MLS, the party with the most
egg on its face this morning, has vocally supported the fans' cause. MLSE
can't do much because they don't own BMO Field. Any final decision on
stadium expansion lies with the owners – the city.
The only problem is that stony silence at City Hall would probably be a
relief for the target audience.
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Fabricio Coloccini: Tough Tackling Argentine Defender: Newcastle & West Ham
Launch Bids - New Football Pools.com
Newcastle and West Ham are reportedly in a race to sign an Argentine
international defender this summer though may face competition from the
likes of Man City and Tottenham for his signature if they revive past
interest. That player is Deportivo La Coruna centre-half Fabricio Coloccini.
The 26-year-old has been linked to the Premier League in the past with
Liverpool's Rafa Benitez previously showing a strong interest. However, it
would seem the Magpies will now have to compete with the Hammers who are
reportedly in the hunt for a strong defender with Anton Ferdinand set to
leave this summer.
Coloccini is an experienced international having won 29 caps for his country
(1 goal) and has been playing in Europe for much of his career. He has
played for 7 different clubs including Boca Juniors, San Lorenzo (loan), AC
Milan, Alaves (loan), Atletico Madrid (loan), Villarreal (loan) and finally
Deportivo. He joined Milan in 1999 but only made 1 League appearance for the
club as he was continually loaned out, mainly to Spanish clubs.
The Argentine is renowned as a tough tackling, robust defender and enjoyed
arguably his most consistent season of his career after making 38 League
appearances for his Spanish club who finished a disappointing 9th in the
Primera Liga. He has been linked with both Spanish giants Real Madrid and
Barcelona in the past but could be heading to the Premier League if the Toon
or West Ham get their way. Coloccini was also part of the Argentine side
that won both the 2001 U20 World Championship and gold at the 2004 Olympics.
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All-Star Beckham Happy To Beat Hammers - Goal.com
David Beckham was in effervescent mood after inspiring the MLS All-Stars to
victory over Premier League side West Ham on Thursday. Dwayne De Rosario
scored the game-winning goal in the MLS select's 3-2 victory at a sold-out
BMO Field in Toronto, but Beckham did more than his fair share to ensure
that the All-Stars' managed to extend their unbeaten record against overseas
competition to five games. "Any good player that's passionate about soccer
is committed in every game that we play," Beckham told reporters after the
match. "And every player out there was committed to winning the game. "We
said we were going to take it seriously and we wanted to win the game and we
did that. "We also wanted to put in a good team performance because we are a
bunch of players that play against each other every week and haven't played
with each other," added the England star, who featured for the full 90
minutes of the showcase event. "But we proved tonight that we can come
together and we played as a team, we worked as a team and we won as a team.
"So, overall, it was a very good performance."
Cuauhtemoc Blanco and Christian Gomez were also on target for the best of
the MLS, while Dean Ashton got both of West Ham's goals in a losing cause.
Derek Wanner, Goal.com
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Match Report - the West Ham Process
MLS All Stars 3-2 West Ham: One Very Annoying Man And School Boy Errors
07.25.08
I had the 'pleasure' of sitting near somebody who was clearly over excited
at the prospect of staying up past his bedtime to watch the football. I
won't be horrible because he clearly enjoyed himself….but if I hear another
person refer to Behrami as "pepperami", I will not be overly happy……….
However, I always aim to be positive in everything I write…and there are (I
think) some positives that we can take from this game. As for negatives, we
can often make excuses. For example, we could use our lack of match fitness
as an excuse for the fairly sub-standard performance. We could also say that
"we fielded a lot of youngsters" and use that also as an excuse. And I think
it is fair to say that they are both indeed valid. But what annoyed me after
having stayed up for a 00:24am kick-off is the school-boy defending that
cost us the first and the third goals.
One of the first things that I was taught as a young centre back is not to
switch off if your team scores. Remain focused, because chances are that the
opposition will attempt to grab back at what they just lost with a counter
attack. It's common sense. The way we switched off and conceded almost
immediately after we scored our goals cannot be excused by fitness and
cannot be excused by youth. But like I said, positives. There are some.
Firstly I would like to mention Dean Ashton's work ethic and his technical
ability. I have often passed Deano off as being lazy….he certainly comes
across as that sometimes. Tonight there were times when he was tracking back
into our defensive 3rd to pick up the ball. Credit to him.
When he plays alongside Bellamy, he doesn't need to worry about that.
Instead, he can fully focus on scoring goals. Something he really does do
quite well. It would seem that even when he has a bad game, he still pops up
with a goal. He and Bellamy (if they can stay fit) have the potential to be
an exceptional partnership next season. It's exciting.
Secondly, and not for the first time, Joe Widdowson. This guy is showing
more maturity and composure in every game that he plays. I really think that
if injuries go in his favour (if that's possible?!), he could have a massive
season ahead of him. He certainly didn't go to the Lucas Neill school of
defending that's for sure.
On that note, do City still want him?
Starting Line-Up: Green, Anton, Davenport, Widdowson, Matty, Parker,
Mullins, Faubert, Ashton, Cole
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
MLS All-Stars 3-2 West Ham: Ashton to the double - The Mirror
By Dan Silver, Mirror.co.uk 25/07/2008
West Ham suffered the first defeat of their pre-season programme last night
at the hands of the MLS All-Stars in Toronto. The annual fixture has
previously seen the pick of the North American football league defeat the
likes of Fulham, Chelsea and Celtic, and last night a team featuring LA
Galaxy's David Beckham continued their unbeaten record in a five goal
thriller against the Hammers. Watched by a capacity 20, 844 crowd – a record
for the BMO Field – West Ham took the lead in the 26th minute when Dean
Ashton latched on to Carlton Cole's flick-on and lashed his shot past
goalkeeper Matt Reis. The All-Stars struck back immediately as the
impressive Cuauhtemoc Blanco – later voted the game's Most Valuable Player –
released Christian Gomez with a skilful backheel, and the Argentinean
striker beat West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green from inside the box. The MLS
players' superior fitness told as they finished the half strongly,
eventually taking the lead thanks to another fine piece of skill from
Blanco. After deceiving Hammers midfielder Scott Parker, the Mexican
playmaker curled a sweet shot past Robert Green's outstretched hand. Despite
drawing level after Dean Ashton's 67th minute speculative long-range
pot-shot took a wicked deflection to deceive Reis, West Ham finished the
game in training mode, with several youngsters taking to the field as the
second-half wore on. As such, it was no surprise when the MLS All-Stars
scored the game's decisive goal with 20 minutes to go. Having been fouled in
the box by Hammers captain Lucas Neill, Canadian midfielder Dwayne De
Rosario scored the resulting penalty himself.
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Irons join Magpies in race to sign Argentina defender - Guardian Series
10:52am Friday 25th July 2008
WEST HAM are reportedly in a two-way race to sign tough-tackling Argentine
defender Fabricio Coloccini. The 26-year-old has previously attracted the
attention of Premier League rivals Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs, and
Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. However, the Irons are believed to
joined Newcastle in launching a firm bid for the Deportivo La Coruna ace.
Coloccini - who has 29 Argentina caps - started his career at Boca Juniors
before moving to AC Milan in 1999. However, he never made the breakthrough
at the San Siro and was continually loaned out, notably to Spanish clubs
Alaves, Atletico Madrid and Villarreal.
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Beckham leads MLS to win over West Ham - metro.co.uk
Friday, July 25, 2008
David Beckham hailed the collective spirit of the Major League Soccer
All-Stars after they beat West Ham 3-2 at BMO Field last night. The MLS side
extended their unbeaten All-Star Game record against overseas opposition to
5-0 in front of a stadium-record sell-out crowd of 20,844, with impressive
first-half goals from Christian Gomez and Mexico's Cuauhtemoc Blanco and a
second-half penalty by Canada's Dwayne De Rosario. Striker Dean Ashton
netted both goals for West Ham as the Londoners took the lead in the 26th
minute and then levelled 2-2 in the 67th in a competitive match. 'Any good
player that's passionate about soccer is committed in every game that we
play,' Beckham said. 'And every player out there was committed to winning
the game. 'We said we were going to take it seriously and we wanted to win
the game and we did that. 'We also wanted to put in a good team performance
because we are a bunch of players that play against each other every week
and haven't played with each other. But we proved tonight that we can come
together and we played as a team, we worked as a team and we won as a team.
'So, overall, it was a very good performance.'
MLS coach and former Liverpool player Steve Nicol was delighted with the
victory, hailing it as a great boost for the MLS' standing in world
football. 'It's always a pleasure to be involved with good players and I
think we showed tonight that not only do we have good players in this league
but great players,' Nicol said. 'It was a fantastic performance, we
thoroughly deserved to win and it was a pleasure for me.'
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Irons keen on Donetsk stopper - Guardian Series
11:02am Friday 25th July 2008
WEST HAM are interested in signing Shakhtar Donetsk keeper Jan Lastuvka,
according to the player. The 26-year-old's spell in the Ukraine looks to be
over after stints spent on loan at Fulham in the 2006-7 season and then at
German side Bochum last term. And it appears as though the Irons - who
earlier this week allowed back-up keeper Richard Wright to rejoin Ipswich -
have already tabled an offer for the Czech Republic-born stopper. "The offer
from West Ham is there," said Lastuvka. "The club wants me and going back to
the English league is definitely interesting." However, Lastuvka added that
the two clubs were struggling to see eye-to-eye over his valuation, adding:
"Unfortunately, the negotiations have become very complicated on certain
matters."
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Former Fulham keeper Lastuvka in talks with West Ham - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:58 PM on 25th July 2008
Jan Lastuvka says he is currently undergoing negotiations with West Ham. The
Shakhtar Donetsk goalkeeper had a spell with Fulham but was unable to win a
place in the first team. Meanwhile West Ham are said to be considering a
move for tough-tackling Argentina defender Fabricio Coloccini - but could
face competition from Newcastle United for his signature. The 26-year-old
Deportivo La Coruna star has previously been linked with the likes of
Liverpool, Manchester City and Spurs, as well as Spanish giants Barcelona
and Real Madrid.
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Hammers to send big names to face Posh - Guardian Series
1:34pm Friday 25th July 2008
WEST HAM are expected to send a full-strength squad to London Road for
Tuesday's pre-season encounter with Peterborough United. The Irons are
currently on a nine-day tour of North America, which culminated in last
night's 3-2 defeat against a David Beckham-inspired MLS All-Stars side. But
that will not stop the club from sending a full squad of first-teamers to
the League One outfit. That should see new £5 million signing Valon Behrami
get his first taste of action in a Hammers shirt following his arrival from
Lazio. "I've spoken to the West Ham people and they have confirmed the
entire first-team squad will be in attendance," Posh director of football
Barry Fry told the Peterborough Evening Telegraph. "It's a great fixture for
our players and fans, but West Ham believe it will also be a good test for
their players."
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West Ham and Newcastle linked with move for Argentina hard-man Coloccini -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:22 PM on 25th July 2008
West Ham are said to be considering a move for tough-tackling Argentina
defender Fabricio Coloccini - but could face competition from Newcastle
United for his signature. The 26-year-old Deportivo La Coruna star has
previously been linked with the likes of Liverpool, Manchester City and
Spurs, as well as Spanish giants Barcelona and Real Madrid. It is the
Hammers who are now in the driving seat to capture the former AC Milan
defender, although Newcastle boss Kevin Keegan is also reported to be
interested. The shaggy-haired Coloccini started his career with Boca Juniors
before earning a move to the San Siro in 1999. However, he failed to settle
in Italy and was loaned out to the likes of Alaves, Atletico Madrid and
Villarreal in Spain, before completing a permanent move to Deportivo in
2004. He has won 29 full caps for Argentina and played two games at the 2006
World Cup finals, starting the quarter-final defeat against hosts Germany.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defender maintains Foxes focus - teamTalk
Joe Mattock insists he remains focused on the job in hand at Leicester
despite speculation linking him with a move to the Premier League. The
Leicester-born defender was the subject of a bid from West Ham last season,
while Aston Villa and Everton have also been linked with a move for the
18-year-old.
Mattock is ignoring the speculation and concentrating solely on events at
the Walkers Stadium. "Things like that happen but I am just focusing on what
I am doing on the pitch," Mattock told the Leicester Mercury. "The manager
is trying to get a good team bonding going and a good team spirit is what we
need because this league is going to be fast and he wants us to just play
our football."
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Hammers sending their big names to London Road - PeterboroughToday.co.uk
WEST Ham United have promised to send their full first team squad to next
Tuesday's friendly with Posh at London Road. The Hammers are currently in
Canada on a pre-season tour, but manager Alan Curbishley has confirmed that
all his fit first-team stars will be at Posh. They will include
internationals Craig Bellamy, Robert Green, Danny Gabbidon, Matthew Upson,
Freddie Ljungberg and Lucas Neill as well as new £5 million signing Valon
Behrami, a Swiss international recruited from Lazio. Posh Director of
Football Barry Fry said: "I've spoken to the West Ham people and they have
confirmed the entire first-team squad will be in attendance. "It's a great
fixture for our players and fans, but West Ham believe it will also be a
good test for their players."
Former Posh star Matthew Etherington is unlikely to be involved as he is
recovering from an ankle injury. Posh have sold close to 5,000 tickets for
the match, but fans can pay on the turnstiles. Posh have an even more
attractive fixture at London Road against Manchester United on Monday,
August 4.
United should also be bringing their international stars with the exception
of injury victim Cristiano Ronaldo. Posh have sold over 8,000 tickets for
the United fixture.
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West Ham young gun Sears sees controversial Bellamy as 'father figure' and
even gets advice about how to avoid the limelight - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 11:17 AM on 25th July 2008
Freddie Sears has found an unlikely father figure at West Ham - Craig
Bellamy. The England Under 19 international has been taking advice from the
firebrand striker, who has been no stranger to controversy both on and off
the pitch. Sears, 18, says Bellamy has been passing on tips on how to train
properly and even how to avoid the limelight. It is a stark contrast from
the Wales international's reputation and Sears believes the 29-year-old has
mellowed with age. He said: 'Dean Ashton helps me a lot, along with Craig. I
am quite similar to Craig and he has been giving me tips on how to improve
as a player. He is certainly someone to listen to because he is a full
international and played in the Champions League with Liverpool, so I can
learn from him. 'He has been telling me about how to lead my lifestyle — not
going out and doing silly things — and he has also been helping me with my
technique.
'He's kind of like a father figure for me and seems like he's calmed down.'
Sears has been at West Ham since he was 11 and last season scored 25 goals
in 24 matches for the youth and reserve teams. It was that form which earned
him his first-team debut in March when he made a dramatic impact, coming on
as a substitute to score an 81st-minute winner against Blackburn.
He said: 'It was good because I knew people were asking Alan Curbishley
about me and I built up a bit of a reputation. I then came on and scored and
it all went like dream. I now get stopped in the street and supermarket and
get people coming up to me, but I like that.' Sears is focusing on the new
season, which he hopes will see the Hammers push for a European spot. He
said: 'We need to push on. If we were to finish 10th in the League again it
would be the same as last season and we need to be aiming for the top six.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Leicester Teenage Wonderkid Tracked by West Ham, Aston Villa, Everton &
Liverpool - New Football Pools.com
Leicester City's highly-rated starlet Joe Mattock is expected to leave this
summer but is concentrating on the Foxes promotion push from League One
despite interest from the likes of West Ham, Aston Villa, Everton and
Liverpool. The teenager told the Leicester Mercury, "Things like that happen
but I am just focusing on what I am doing on the pitch." "The manager is
trying to get a good team bonding going and a good team spirit is what we
need because this league is going to be fast and he wants us to just play
our football." Alan Curbishley is reportedly leading a host of Premier
League clubs interested in the young star.The 18-year-old has been scouted
by a number of clubs including Everton, Liverpool and Aston Villa over the
past season but after the Foxes relegation to League One the club are
expected to sell one of their prized assets with a move to Upton Park now
looking most likely. The young left-sided player has represented England at
every age level from the U15's to the U21's despite his tender age. In fact
his appearance in Stuart Pearce's side made him the 2nd youngest player
behind Theo Walcott to ever appear for England at this level. He's since
made 4 appearances. He can play anyway along the left flank and has already
played 35 times in the Championship including 31 League appearances in
Leicester's disappointing campaign last season.
Mattock made his first team debut at 16-years-old in the Foxes 2-1 defeat to
Norwich in April 2007 before playing a further 3 games that season. However,
this season the youngster has been a regular in the City first team despite
playing under 5 different managers in his short career. West Ham were
rumoured to have had a £1.25m bid rejected for the player in January whilst
Villa got to see first hand how good the youngster is in the Foxes 1-0
Carling Cup win at Villa Park last season. However, Everton have recently
shown a strong interest in the talented starlet as David Moyes looks to
improve his relatively small squad.
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Sears: West Ham pal Bellamy like father figure
tribalfootball.com - July 25, 2008
Freddie Sears admits he sees West Ham teammate Craig Bellamy as a
role-model. He said: "Dean Ashton helps me a lot, along with Craig. I am
quite similar to Craig and he has been giving me tips on how to improve as a
player. He is certainly someone to listen to because he is a full
international and played in the Champions League with Liverpool, so I can
learn from him. "He has been telling me about how to lead my lifestyle - not
going out and doing silly things - and he has also been helping me with my
technique. "He's kind of like a father figure for me and seems like he's
calmed down."
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Green weighing up West Ham future
tribalfooball.com - July 25, 2008
Robert Green is weighing up his options at West Ham United. The Sun says
Green is unhappy with the terms of his contract and club insiders fear he
may ask for a move if a new deal is not put on the table.
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