Craig Bellamy, Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Matthew Etherington could all
return at the weekend
29.08.2008
Alan Curbishley should have a number of players back in contention for
Saturday's visit of Blackburn Rovers to the Boleyn Ground.
Craig Bellamy may figure against his former club after impressing on his
return to full training after three weeks out with a minor hamstring
problem. The manager has said his forward is "looking sharp" although he has
a host of attacking options to consider with Dean Ashton, Freddie Sears and
Carlton Cole all in contention as well. The latter was particularly
impressive off the bench in the midweek Carling Cup win and is over the back
complaint suffered at Manchester City last week.
In midfield, Mark Noble, Scott Parker and Matthew Etherington should all
feel the benefit of a rest in midweek. At the back, Valon Behrami should
also be fine after coming off against Macclesfield with a facial injury.
Behrami has been playing at right-back so far this season with Lucas Neill
filling in at left-back, although George McCartney is also available after
recovering from a virus. "George coming back was a big bonus," the manager
added. "I took the gamble that George was going to half a game and he stayed
on there a little bit longer."
Finally, the manager is expecting to have James Collins and James Tomkins
close to contention after the international break, giving further
competition to Matthew Upson and Calum Davenport who have struck up a good
understanding in the opening games of the season.
The ticket office still has some seats available on Friday with prices
starting from just £35 for adults and £12 for Youth Academy members. These
may also be available from the ticket office on the day with supporters yet
to purchase advised to arrive early to avoid queues at the ticket office.
Click here for more information.
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Captain's Blog - Friends reunited - WHUFC
Lucas Neill reflects on Manchester City and Macclesfield Town ahead of the
visit of his old club
29.08.2008
This week sees a very important game for us and we'll be looking to bounce
back from a disappointing result last weekend in difficult circumstances.
For 45 minutes we were comfortable without too much happening in the game.
However, the unfortunate dismissal of Nobes had us playing for a draw at
best. Our second-half plan was to go out and make sure we didn't concede and
hope to nick something but after the first goal went in, it was always going
to be tough.
The midweek game saw a lot of changes in the team which meant some were
coming back from injury and playing their first 90 minutes in a while. After
a bad start the boys had to show a lot of patience and try to wear down a
dogged Macclesfield team and in the end the difference in quality finally
showed. It was really pleasing to see a few important members of the squad
back including last season's runner-up for player of the year, George
McCartney.
It was also good to see Zavon [Hines] and Reidy take advantage of their
opportunities with performances and goals that will be great for their
confidence going forward. The most important thing to come out of Wednesday
though is that we are in the hat for Saturday's draw and keeping our fingers
crossed for another home draw.
We welcome the staff, players and fans from Blackburn and, in particular for
me, friends that I have shared good memories with. I have had three wins
from three against my former club and I am confident this weekend we can
make it four. As we all know Blackburn are always tough opposition in terms
of fitness and organisation and they have got off to a great start with an
away win against Everton so we must be on our guard.
After this weekend it will seem a long time between league games with
internationals to be played but thankfully we will also see the transfer
window closing which is always unsettling for all clubs and players with
constant rumour and speculation that often causes unnecessary distraction.
On a final note I would like to pay tribute to Anton's 15 years at the club.
He's a great lad and we wish him well for the future.
Lucas Neill
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Nigeria refuse to give up on Cole
By Oluwashina Okeleji
BBC Sport, Lagos
West Ham's Carlton Cole is still in the Nigeria squad as the Super Eagles
hope he will be eligible to play for them. This despite the 24-year-old
being too old under Fifa regulations to swap nationalities, having already
played for England at under-21 level. The Super Eagles assistant coach
Daniel Amokachi told BBC Sport: "We have not completely ruled out Carlton
Cole. "His agents and the English FA are trying to help him secure a special
Fifa clearance."
The former Everton striker added: "So we can only wait to see what happens
but it's no longer in our hands." Cole, who was born in England to a
Nigerian father and Sierra Leonean mother, was called up to the Nigeria
squad that Shaibu Amodu named in August. But Fifa only allows players who
have represented one country at junior level to switch to another country if
they are still under the age of 21. Meanwhile Amodu has had to makes changes
to his squad that was announced last month to face South Africa and Sierra
Leone in the 2010 World Cup and Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers. Injuries
rule out Emmanuel Okoduwa, Obafemi Martins and midfielder John Mikel Obi of
the game against South Africa on 6 September in Port Elizabeth. Joseph
Akpala of Belgian side Club Brugge has been called up as a late replacement
for Ukraine-based Emmanuel Okoduwa. Also included are Spain-based Ikechukwu
Uche and Udinese midfielder Christian Obodo. The Udinese man's last
appearance for Nigeria was in an international friendly against Ghana in
London in February 2007.
Nigeria squad:
Goalkeepers: Greg Etafia (Moroka Swallows, South Africa), Dele Aiyenugba
(Bnei-Yehuda, Israel)
Defenders: Taye Taiwo (Marseille, France), Obinna Nwaneri (Sion,
Switzerland), Joseph Yobo (Everton, England), Yusuf Muhammed (Al Hilal,
Sudan), Danny Shittu (Watford, England), Chidi Odiah (CSKA Moscow, Russia),
Daniel Ola (AC Cesena, Italy)
Midfielders: Christian Obodo (Udinese, Italy), Seyi Olofinjana (Stoke City,
England), Lukman Haruna (AS Monaco, France), Yusuf Atanda Ayila (Dynamo
Kiev, Ukraine), Kalu Uche (Almeria, Spain)
Strikers: Ikechukwu Uche (Getafe, Spain), Nwankwo Kanu, John Utaka (both
Portsmouth, England), Joseph Akpala (Club Brugge, Belgium), Yakubu Aiyegbeni
(Everton, England), Carlton Cole (West Ham, England)
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Short-changed? - KUMB
Filed: Friday, 29th August 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Icelandic owners have spent approximately £10million less
on transfer fees since taking over the club than previous Chairman Terry
Brown did in his final two years. Brown, who was often criticised by
supporters during his tenure for failing to invest sufficiently in the squad
spent a total of £24.15million net on players in the last four transfer
windows his regime oversaw - an average of £6.04million per window. That
total net figure is almost £10million higher than that which the current
Board - led by banker Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson - have committed since
purchasing the club almost two years ago. As we revealed earlier this week,
just £14.8million net has been spent by the Icelandic board on transfer fees
in the four transfer windows since they gained control of West Ham United.
In contrast to Brown's average window outlay of £6.04million, the current
administration have spent an average of just £3.7million per transfer
window.
Brown's highest transfer fee paid was the £7million Norwich received in
exchange for Dean Ashton. Gudmundsson's is higher, though not by much -
Craig Bellamy being the club's record signing from Liverpool at £7.5million.
Although the current transfer window remains open for another three days,
the club are not thought to be planning any further major outlays.
Brown's Transfers - Ins
August 2006: Carlos Tevez/Javier Mascherano - £5m* (Corinthians, fees paid
to agent); Robert Green - £1.5m (Norwich); George McCartney - £600,000
(Sunderland)
July 2006: John Paintsil - £1m (Hapoel Tel Aviv); Carlton Cole - £2m
(Chelsea); Tyrone Mears - £1.9m (Preston)
June 2006: Jon Spector - £500,000 (Man Utd)
January 2006: Dean Ashton - £7m (Norwich); Yaniv Katan - £100,000 (Maccabi)
July 2005: Clive Clarke - £275,000 (Stoke); Yossi Benayoun - £2.5m (Racing
Santander); Danny Gabbidon - £2m (Cardiff); James Collins - £1m (Cardiff);
Paul Konchesky - £2m (Charlton)
Brown's Transfers - Outs
July 2006: Carl Fletcher - £400,000 (Crystal Palace); Clive Clarke -
£400,000 (Sunderland)
June 2006: Elliott Ward - £1m (Coventry); Chris Cohen - £250,000 (Yeovil)
January 2006: Luke Chadwick - £100,000 (Stoke); Gavin Williams - £300,000
(Ipswich); Tomas Repka - £750,000 (Sparta Prague)
Totals
Expenditure 2006: £19.6m
Expenditure 2005: £7.75m
Total Expenditure: £27.35m
Receipts 2006: £3.2m
Receipts 2005: £0m
Total Receipts: £3.2m
Transfer Expenditure 2006: £16.4m
Transfer Expenditure 2005: £7.75m
Total Transfer Expenditure: £24.15m
* Best estimates of undisclosed fees.
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West Ham Utd v Blackburn Rovers - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 28th August 2008
By: Preview Percy
So having played Mark Hughes' current club we return to the Boleyn to face
his former charges Blackburn Rovers, managed of course by Paul Ince.
Let's get their manager out of the way first. To the outside world the whole
affair centres over the infamous shirt-wearing episode where, whilst still a
West Ham player, he happily posed for photographs wearing a Man Utd shirt.
However Ince's behaviour at that period plumbed even greater depths than a
simple fashion faux-pas. Manchester United's role in the whole affair was a
complete disgrace and, on Ince's own admission, "Sir" Alex Ferguson was in
constant and totally illegal contact throughout the whole episode. This
culminated in the appalling sight of Ince spending a match standing in the
centre circle with his hands on his hips effectively refusing to play for
the club that was still paying his wages.
Ince, when he comments on the period, tends to gloss over this and he
usually forgets to mention the fact that he was taking his instructions from
Fergie. Instead he predictably tends to concentrate on the shirt-wearing,
the blame for which is conveniently shifted to his then agent Ambrose Mendy.
The fact that Mendy later did time for attempted fraud will tell you all you
need to know about that particular individual. As for Ince, well he was
quick to dump on the club that effectively kept him out of serious trouble
as a kid and in my opinion he will deserve every last decibel of the booing
that he will no doubt get this weekend. In the Preview Percy household
contempt for Ince is only matched by that for the ex-wife, who is slightly
more tolerable only because she doesn't turn up at my home ground once a
season and grin stupidly.
Rant over so let's move onto our opponents. Blackburn owe their place in the
modern game largely to the late Jack Walker. Walker made an absolute fortune
in the steel industry and returned to his home town to invest his profits in
his home town team. The ground got redeveloped and the Premiership trophy
arrived at Ewood Park in 1995, largely, and famously, as a result of Ludo's
last day heroics against a Man Utd side that contained Blackburn's current
boss. That side broke up and Blackburn suffered relegation 4 years after
being crowned champions. Sadly Walker died after a long illness before his
club returned to the top flight. His legacy lives on however and the club is
still 98% owned by the Jack Walker Trust and, although the trust is willing
to sell the club, the trustees appear to have a fairly stringent "fit and
proper" test of their own. A number of groups have come in to buy the club
in recent years but none have succeeded. The trust used to finance the club
but withdrew regular funding once the club had become self-financing, though
additional funds were made available at the start of this season to enable
investment in the transfer market.
When I started to write this preview it hadn't been the busiest of windows
for Rovers up to this point – though Ince had proved that he is learning the
managerial ropes well by trotting out football manager cliché 462 (the one
that says "we're looking at bringing in one or two before the window
closes") whenever asked about transfers. Since first turning on the computer
Torino Aussie Vince Grella has arrived and Ince has also raided his former
club MK Dons for their skipper Keith Andrews.
Earlier in the window septic Brad Friedel left for Villa to be replaced by
Paul Robinson who has managed to escape Spurs relegation battle despite his
reputation for dodginess. Making the reverse trip was England (when he feels
like it) midfielder David Bentley in a rare case of a rat joining a sinking
ship. Roque Santa Cruz – who might have had a shedload against us last
season – spent all summer being linked with Manchester City before
eventually signing a new deal. Chilean footballer of the year Carlos
Villaneuva has also come in on loan, and, although he had a place on the
bench for the season opener up at Everton, though he hasn't featured in
either of their league matches to date. However, by all accounts he put in a
useful shift in midweek in the 4-1 victory over Grimsby in the League Cup.
Robinson is likely to start in goal this weekend and he is likely to have an
unchanged back 5 in front of him of Ooijer (missus), Warnock, Samba Nelsen
and Mokoena. In the middle much will depend on whether David Dunn is fit for
selection. Dunn apparently bossed the first 45 against new boys Hull City
but remained in the changing room after the interval having picked up an
Achilles problem. Brett Emerton deputised for the second half, though the
arrivals of Grella and Villanueva give them more options and Ince may be
tempted to change things around and maybe even revert to a back four given
the Chilean's performance in midweek. Up front the chosen pairing has been
Santa Cruz and Roberts and, with seven subs now sitting in the racing car
seats (we can hardly call it a bench these days can we), they have been able
to find room in the technical area for McCarthy – who is quaintly referred
to as "Benedict" in all the official stats – and Derbyshire, both of whom
have been linked with the Hammers at one time or another.
Last season's match saw the home support leave with a big collective smile
on its face as Freddie Sears bagged the winner on his debut in what, for
many fans, was probably the highlight of an otherwise dull season. The goal
certainly caught the imagination and a Preview Percy tour of pubs in a
certain part of the Republic of Ireland over Easter found the locals wanting
to talk about little else when West Ham cropped up in conversation.
The visitors' lie in 4th place in the embryonic table at present – for what
it's worth. A fine last-minute (if apparently controversial) 3-2 win at
Everton was followed up by a couple of points dropped at home to Hull. It's
fair to say that our own form has been somewhat indifferent – which is about
the politest way of saying things without upsetting anyone so if anything
predictions should point to an away win. However, I am going to buck the
trend at this point. 30,000 plus supporters welcoming Ince back to the
Boleyn should make for a somewhat hostile atmosphere directed, for once,
away from the home players and management. I'm taking that aggression to
filter through to the players to gee them up for a change. We've had some
entertaining clashes with them in recent years so I'll keep 'em crossed and
go for a 2-1 home win and sweetness and light will fill the air.
Enjoy the match!
Last year: 2-1
Danger man: Santa Cruz
Look out for: Their manager
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Cole a happy Hammer - SSN
Striker reassures fans he is not looking to leave
Last updated: 29th August 2008
West Ham v Blackburn - West Ham to win 13/10 or Draw 12/5
Correct Score - West Ham 3-2 25/1 or 2-1 15/2
Carlton Cole insists he is happy to stay at West Ham United as he looks to
secure his long-term future. The striker was understood to be disappointed
by the failure to agree a new contract after talks with the club stalled.
However, the former England Under 21 international admits he is not looking
to move on from Upton Park and remains hopeful of reaching agreement on an
extension. "I don't want the fans to think that I want to leave," Cole told
the club's official website. "I am happy at West Ham. I have just had a
baby and I don't want to go anywhere. I am really settled in my life and
only want to work hard and do well for West Ham."I am just looking forward
to a bright future and when the time is right the deal will be done."All I
am thinking about is pushing on this season and scoring more goals. That is
my main objective. "I am happy with my current situation and hopefully I can
carry on playing games and doing my best for West Ham."When I play, I am
happy. Every time I play for West Ham I try and give 100 per cent and
hopefully I can stay fit and be available for selection every game like I
was last season."
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Macari Threatened by Ince Agent - West Ham Till I Die
A couple of weeks ago I listened to Lou Macari talking about his new
autobiography for half an hour on 5 Live. I hadn't realised he had a son who
committed suicide. Anyway, my copy of the book arrived this morning and I
have just finished reading the chapters about West Ham. He says resigning
his job at Upton Park was the worst decision of his life and now realises he
shouldn't have done it. He praises Julian Dicks to the skies and reveals
that Terry Venables tried to sign him for Tottenham. But perhaps the most
interesting part is his view of Paul Ince. Here's how he starts a chapter…
I didn't know much about Paul Ince before I walked through the doors at
Upton Park, but it did not take me long to get acquainted… I was threatened
by his agent, Ambrose Mendy. Agents were still in their infancy in the late
eighties. I couldn't remember having dealt with one before. Let's just say
Mendy was a bit of a lad. "I think it would be in your interests if you did
not stand in his way," he said. "If you do, it could be a problem for you."
I may have misunderstood the message, but it seemed menacing enough to me.
What else could he have meant? … Matters quickly came to a head … Ince was
pictured in a newspaper with a Manchester United shirt on. No one from
United had been in touch with me. And I had no intention of speaking to Sir
Alex. Now I had a problem. I was determined not to let Ince leave. No matter
what Mendy said, I was ready to dig my heels in. Quite apart from anything
else, I knew the fans were not going to stand for any of that crap. The West
Ham support is fiercely loyal. they saw it as a betrayal. I couldn't
disagree with them… But that picture changed everything. United had already
been in touch…
Intertesting stuff, eh?
This entry was posted on August 29, 2008
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Transfer Talks: New Sigings to be announced - Cmon Yu Irons
29 August 2008
News that West Ham will announce the signing of Stephen Appiah from
Fenerbahce as rumoured by C'Mon Yu Irons! on Wednesday.
Other signings to be announced on Monday could be what Gianluca Nani has set
up on year long loans, the signings will be an attacker and a defender with
the leading candidates including Henrik Larsson and Pegguy Luyindula,
Larsson is also associated with Everton, the other candidate is Walter
Pandiani, who is hoping to move back to the Premier League.
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Rejuvenated Blackburn Rovers striker guns for Hammers - Guardian Series
2:20pm Friday 29th August 2008
ON-SONG Rovers striker Jason Roberts believes Blackburn's all-for-one and
one-for-all mentality has survived intact from a summer of upheaval at Ewood
Park and helped them make a promising start to life under Paul Ince. The
departure of Mark Hughes, Brad Friedel and David Bentley – as well as
speculation regarding a crop of other established players – may have rocked
weaker dressing rooms. But Roberts, as he prepares for the trip to West Ham
tomorrow, insists that was never the case at Rovers. "Regardless of what was
being said on the outside, I always thought we had a unit here that was used
to playing together and fighting together. And no matter what happened we'd
always do that," Roberts said. "A new manager's come in with different
ideas, and rightly so, but we've always remained focused on what we wanted
to do as a team and hopefully we'll continue to do that and keep getting
results."
A team ethic was crucial to the success Rovers enjoyed under Hughes and
while the core of that spirit has remained, Roberts revealed that Ince has
also added his own input to sustain the strength from within. "There haven't
been wholesale changes but of course a different manager comes in with his
own beliefs and ideas and I think we've been able to put them into practice
the majority of times in the two league games we've played," Roberts added.
"The way he wants to approach games and his preparation is different. But
it's enjoyable. We have a good team spirit, we've always had that and that's
something that we've worked on during pre-season. "I think we're working as
a team. If you see us out there on the pitch there's no doubt that we care
for each other and we want to work hard for each other and the manager. As
long as we keep doing that it won't be an issue."
After a bleak mid-winter, Roberts had begun to re-assert himself at Ewood at
the back end of last season and it appears that the former Wigan and West
Bromwich Albion frontman is ready to maintain the momentum under Ince.
No-one at Rovers has started the season in better form and after opening his
goal-scoring account against Hull City last weekend, Roberts is looking to
forge a fruitful partnership with Roque Santa Cruz. "You know what you're
going to get from Roque," Roberts said. "He's always going to give 100 per
cent and he's always going to provide a goal threat. "The more we play
together the more we understand each other's game. We'll just keep
endeavouring to do that. "If we are both playing at our best then we can
cause people some problems. "With the support of the guys behind us, I think
it could be a very exciting season for us."
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Premier League Preview: West Ham - Blackburn - GOAL.com
What: Barclays Premier League
Who: West Ham United (16th EPL, 3 pts) vs Blackburn (3rd EPL, 4 pts)
When: Saturday 30th August, 15:00 (BST)
Where: Boleyn Ground, London
It's been a difficult week for Alan Curbishley and West Ham. It began with a
3-0 defeat to Manchester City last weekend and ended with Anton Ferdinand
being sold to Sunderland, with a less-than-impressive showing in the Carling
Cup against Macclesfield sandwiched between. Now, Craig Bellamy and Carlton
Cole are also rumoured to be on the way out. Thus, Curbs is still the
bookies' favourite to be the first Premier League boss to get the boot,
another stat which is not helping matters. The Irons, therefore, will be
anxious to get out on the pitch and put their current troubles behind them,
although Blackburn Rovers and former Hammer Paul Ince are the visitors on
Saturday.
Blackburn began the season with an excellent 3-2 victory over Everton at
Goodison Park but must have been disappointed to drop points against Hull
City at Ewood Park last weekend. For many Premiership clubs, Hull at home is
probably viewed as something of a home banker.
Familiar Faces
The fixture is obviously notable for the return of ex-Iron Ince, who will be
coming back to the club with whom he began his career as a player. Ince
joined West Ham as a trainee and spent five years in East London before
moving to Manchester United in 1989.
To say that the move did not go down well with the fans is something of an
understatement. It ensured that whenever Ince returned to Upton Park as a
player he recieved a hot reception. Although a manager this time, it is
unlikely the crowd will afford him any more affection.
Should they play, striker Craig Bellamy and defender Lucas Neill will also
be facing former team mates.
A Star Is Born
Last season, West Ham did the double over Blackburn, beating them 1-0 at
Upton Park, courtesy of a Dean Ashton goal. However, the return match at
Ewood Park was far more memorable. This time, the Londoners also won via a
2-1 scoreline, in a game which served to introduce teenager Freddie Sears to
the football world. He came off the bench to hit the winner and ensure that
the Irons left the North West with all three points.
FORM GUIDE
West Ham have been up and down. They scraped past Wigan on the opening day,
but were found out last week. Alan Curbishley's side slumped to a 3-0 defeat
at Eastlands, with midfielder Mark Noble sent off against Manchester City.
Rovers, meanwhile, suffered a slight blip at home last weekend, where they
suffered the indignity of going behind to Premier League newcomers Hull
City, before Jason Roberts rescued a point.
Last Five Results
West Ham
23 August Manchester City 3 West Ham 0
16 August West Ham 2 Wigan 1
11 August Tilbury 0 West Ham XI 3
9 August West Ham 1 Villareal 1
5 August Bishops Stortford 0 West Ham 2
Blackburn
23 August Blackburn 1 Hull City 1
16 August Everton 2 Blackburn 3
9 August Blackburn 1 NAC Breda 1
2 August Wolverhampton Wanderers 4 Blackburn 2
26 July Sporting Lisbon 2 Blackburn 1
TEAM NEWS
West Ham
Craig Bellamy is struggling with a hamstring injury and is a doubt for
Saturday's game. Mark Noble, sent off last weekend, is suspended and Lee
Bowyer, a goalscorer in midweek, may come in.
Possible starting XI: Green, Behrami, Davenport, Upson, Neill, Faubert,
Bowyer, Parker, Etherington, Ashton, Cole
Blackburn
Australian midfielder Vince Grella has joined Rovers from Torino and could
make his debut against the Hammers. Keith Andrews has arrived from MK Dons,
although he is more likely to settle for a place on the bench.
Possible starting XI: Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Reid,
Mokoena, Dunn, Pedersen, Roque Santa Cruz, Roberts.
PLAYERS TO WATCH
West Ham
The last time these two sides met a certain Freddie Sears made a name for
himself by coming off the bench and hitting the winner as West Ham triumphed
2-1. Previously, few had heard of the teenager outside of East London, but
his goal made the Premier League sit up and take notice. Blackburn,
certainly, will remember his name.
Whether he starts the game remains to be seen, but he should be at least on
the bench and, if the home side need a goal in the second half, don't be
surprised to see Sears ready and waiting to take his chance.
Blackburn
Roque Santa Cruz may get the plaudits, but it is fellow striker Jason
Roberts who has been hitting form, and the net, recently. Paul Ince has
taken time out to praise Roberts' all-action performances, which is
especially notable given that striker was linked with an Ewood Park exit
over the summer.
It was Roberts who hit the equaliser against Hull last weekend and he may be
the man the Irons need to watch out for this week, too.
PREDICTION
A draw at home to Hull last time out will not have impressed Paul Ince, who
will be desperate to claim three points on his first return to Upton Park as
a manager.
West Ham did the double over Blackburn last season and, to keep the pressure
off Alan Curbishley, will be hoping for more of the same this time round.
The Hammers, tohugh, are not at all happy at the moment and, with Blackburn
in a determined mood, Ince and co. may just pile on the misery.
West Ham 0 Blackburn 2
Gill Clark
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West Ham v BLACKBURN: Warnock returns but Dunn doubtful - Daily Mail
By Dave Wood
Last updated at 2:05 PM on 29th August 2008
Blackburn manager Paul Ince is set to be without David Dunn for the trip to
West Ham after the midfielder missed training with an Achilles injury which
forced him to sit out the Carling Cup victory over Grimsby. Stephen Warnock
missed the game through illness but will return to the squad while new
signing Keith Andrews is unlikely to start because he is short of match
fitness after his move from MK Dons. Vince Grella is still awaiting
international clearance following his switch from Torino but could be
involved if the paperwork is completed in time. Strikers Matt Derbyshire and
Carlos Villanueva are pressing their claims after scoring in midweek.
TEAM (from): Robinson, Ooijer, Samba, Nelsen, Warnock, Emerton, Reid,
Mokoena, Pedersen, Santa Cruz, Roberts, Andrews, Brown, McCarthy, De
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UPSON: WEST HAM ARE PAYING PRICE OF MONEY WASTED - Daily Express
Friday August 29,2008
By Matt Law
MATTHEW UPSON claims West Ham are paying the price for wasting millions of
pounds in the transfer market. Under previous chairman Eggert Magnusson, the
Hammers spent more than £40million on new players – including £6m on captain
Upson himself. But billionaire owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson became unhappy
with Magnusson's open cheque book and replaced him as chairman in a bid to
balance the books. Then he paid up Freddie Ljungberg's contract, sold John
Pantsil and Bobby Zamora to Fulham, and this week sanctioned the £8m sale of
Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland. Manager Alan Curbishley insists no more
players will be sold behind his back before next week's transfer deadline,
but Craig Bellamy has been linked with Manchester City and goalkeeper Robert
Green has already voiced his dissatisfaction. Gudmundsson's penny-pinching
has been blamed on the credit crunch, but Upson simply thinks he is counting
the cost of making bad decisions. "The transfer policy has changed very
quickly hasn't it?" said Upson. "It just shows that it's all very well
having that money, but if it is not invested wisely, then you can soon find
yourself in trouble. "The sale of Anton was a business decision. There are a
lot of other factors other than what he was doing on the football pitch and
what the manager needs. "The club, at the end of the day, is a business and
if the owner wants to run it in that way then that's his choice and it's not
up to us to complain. We just have to get on with it."
There is a fear the uncertainty at West Ham has damaged dressing-room morale
and central defender Upson admitted the players are desperate for some
security. But he also said he and his team-mates must try to focus on their
own performances, starting against Blackburn at Upton Park tomorrow.
Following their victory against Wigan, the Hammers were beaten 3-0 by
Manchester City and suffered a Carling Cup scare against League Two
Macclesfield, during which chants of "you're getting sacked in the morning"
were directed at Curbishley. "I wouldn't say morale is too bad," said Upson.
"Once things settle down behind the scenes and stabilise, then the players
will be pleased. "But we're here to do a job and all that stuff is not
really any of our business. It's happening at our club, but it's not a lot
to do with us."
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Ince will take the heat off Curbishley as he returns to a cauldron of hate
at West Ham - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:18 PM on 29th August 2008
Alan Curbishley doesn't know Paul Ince but already he owes him a debt of
gratitude. It has been the West Ham manager who has so far borne the brunt
of supporters' frustration at recent events at the Premier League club but
tomorrow, all that is sure to change. Curbishley, already under pressure
just two weeks into the season, can look forward to a brief respite at Upton
Park. Instead, it will be the man in the other dugout who will have to
endure even more vitriol as it cascades down from the stands at the Boleyn
Ground. The Guv'nor is back, you see and, as with the return of Frank
Lampard junior, you can be assured that some West Ham fans will be preparing
a special verbal welcome. It's now almost two decades since Ince, then a
highly promising young player at West Ham and on the point of joining
Manchester United, was pictured in a United shirt. West Ham fans back then
were incandescent with rage at the young man's lack of respect - their anger
has hardly cooled. Since then Ince has been back to Upton Park on numerous
occasions as a player and the reaction has been unanimously hostile. The
former England midfield star, who has swiftly carved out an impressive
managerial reputation since retiring from playing, can expect more of the
same tomorrow, the difference being he will be in the dug-out for the first
time, as manager of Blackburn Rovers, rather than out on the pitch.
Ince himself has done his best to defuse the situation in recent seasons
but, as he is likely to discover tomorrow, he has had only limited success.
He was even moved, not long ago, to explain the notorious shirt episode
which so upset the Upton Park faithful. 'I spoke to Alex Ferguson,' he
recalled, 'and the deal was close to being done. I then went on holiday and
my agent said it wasn't worth me coming back to do a picture in a United
shirt when the deal was completed, so I should do one before I left and it
would be released when the deal was announced. 'The photographer took the
picture and put it into the newspaper's library. Soon after, the sister
paper were looking for a picture of me and found the one of me in a United
shirt in the pile. They published it and all hell let loose. I came back
from holiday to discover West Ham fans were going mad. 'It wasn't really my
fault, I was only a kid. I did what my agent told me and took all the crap
for it.'
The photographer in question has since confirmed that Ince was blameless
and, unlike a substantial number of West Ham fans, the Blackburn boss is
keen to draw a line under the episode. I have known Ince since he was a 17-
year-old from a poor part of Ilford, desperately trying to make his mark in
the West Ham first team. He would say then: 'You know John Lyall, can't you
talk to him? Tell him to pick me in the first team. I'm going crazy in the
reserves.' Ince soon got his wish and it wasn't long before the big clubs
were alerted to this midfield bundle of energy who liked tackling so much
that he once said: 'Tackling? It's better than sex!'
I have talked to Ince several times since those days and, despite the
assured reaction from the fans, he retains a sense of affection for the club
and the people who worked for it. None more so, in fact, than the late John
Lyall, a father figure to the often unruly Ince in those early days. If Ince
owes Ferguson a debt of thanks for his development at United, then he surely
owes just as much to Lyall, who put him back on track when he was
threatening to self-destruct. Ince demonstrated his gratitude for his former
West Ham manager when he mentioned him by name at his inaugural press
conference at Blackburn and he is certain to spare a thought or two for his
mentor at some stage tomorrow. 'I don't know Paul,' said Curbishley, 'but
it's good to see a young manager come through the ranks to the Premier
League because it's unusual these days. 'Some others wouldn't have perhaps
started at a club like Macclesfield, other top players wouldn't have gone
there as manager but he went in there and turned things around.'
Ince, like Roy Keane and Mark Hughes, has been mentioned as a possible
successor to Sir Alex Ferguson when he retires and Curbishley said: 'He
ticks all the boxes, as do the others. They are all in there jostling. 'I
don't know if the crowd will turn on him. I'm more interested in what is
happening out on the pitch. Tomorrow is a big game for all sorts of reasons
and I am looking for a better performance.'
Right-back Valon Behrami faces a late fitness test after sustaining a nasty
mouth injury against Macclesfield while Craig Bellamy is likely to be back
in contention.
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Time to end Ince hate campaign, says Redknapp as security is increased for
Blackburn boss - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:40 PM on 29th August 2008
Former West Ham boss Harry Redknapp has urged fans to end the hate campaign
against Paul Ince as the club prepare to lay on extra security for
tomorrow's match with Blackburn Rovers. Ince, who has been running a
gauntlet of hate at Upton Park for 19 years since he posed in a Manchester
United shirt before his £1million move had gone through, will return to
Upton Park for the first time as a manager with Blackburn. He is keen to
draw a line under the incident, for which he says he was blameless, but the
security at Upton Park will be tight for the Ilford-born, former England
midfield star's return.
Security around the dugout will be increased and Ince has been advised to
keep a low profile. 'Our stadium security, just as in any other Premier
League game, will be adequate for any given situation,' said a club
spokesman today.
Redknapp knows Ince will get a rough ride from some fans tomorrow but
believes, after almost two decades, it is time to stop the hatred. The
Portsmouth manager said: 'I hope he doesn't get slaughtered. A bit of
jeering and some banter is all part of it and West Ham have some terrific
wits on the terraces, but it's time to move on. 'Paul left West Ham nearly
20 years ago. I spoke to someone close to him a few weeks back and they told
me the reason he wanted to leave was because the old manager John Lyall had
been sacked. 'Incey grew up without a dad and John was like a father to him.
When he got the push Paul couldn't stay. Yes, he made a mistake being
pictured in a Manchester United shirt but I reckon a lot of the fans at the
game will be too young to remember it anyway.' In his column in The Sun,
Redknapp added: 'I have a lot of admiration for him. In an era when players
earn £50k a week it is encouraging to see someone prepared to work his way
up from the bottom.'
Ince's return could deflect some of the pressure on West Ham manager Alan
Curbishley, but he knows another defeat could put his job in jeopardy with
reports that Croatia coach Slavan Bilic, another former Hammers player, is
one of the names in the frame to replace him, should he be sacked.
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Transfer Rumours: West Ham chasing 2 Strikers and Midfielder -Cmon Yu Irons
29 August 2008
Walter Pandiani is among the attacking players being considered by West Ham
United. The Uruguay striker, who scored six league goals for Birmingham City
over the course of 2005, is playing for Osasuna and is available on loan or
for a modest fee. Fulham and Stoke City are also interested in the
32-year-old. West Ham are also considering Edison Cavani, the Palermo
forward, and Stephen Appiah, but the latter deal is complicated by
uncertainty as to whether the Ghana midfield player is a free agent from
Fenerbahçe, Appiah was reported to be paying a vist to Upton Park today.
This post was submitted by Martin Samuel.
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West Ham v Blackburn preview - Setanta
by Ciaran Baynes, 29 August 2008
Paul Ince returns to Upton Park nearly 19 years after leaving them for
Manchester United, but is still sure to get a hot reaction from West Ham
fans bitter about the way he left the club. West Ham and manager Alan
Curbishley dodged a bullet in midweek when recovering from a one-goal
deficit to beat Macclesfield 4-1 in extra time, but will be keen to put in a
decent performance after their crashing defeat to Manchester City last
Sunday. Blackburn started the season superbly winning 3-2 at Everton and a
similar result will suit Ince fine. Former West Ham manager Harry Redknapp
says he hopes Hammers fans will bury the hatchet and revealed why Ince left
the club in the first instance. "It's time to move on," Redknapp told The
Sun. "Paul left West Ham nearly 20 years ago. "I spoke to someone close to
him a few weeks back and they told me the reason he wanted to leave was
because the old manager John Lyall had been sacked. "Incey grew up without
a dad and John was like a father to him. When he got the push Paul couldn't
stay. "Yes, he made a mistake being pictured in a Manchester United shirt
but I reckon a lot of the fans at the game will be too young to remember it
anyway."
Perhaps it will be best that Ince draws some attention away from the players
as Rovers have lost their eight games to West Ham all by a one-goal margin.
Dean Ashton scored in both fixtures last season and is likely to be
partnered up front by Freddie Sears who also scored on his debut against
Rovers last year. Ince has to decide whether to give Vince Grella his debut.
If so he will face his countryman Lucas Neil as he returns from being rested
in midweek.
Valon Behrami and George McCartney should also be fit to play and Craig
Bellamy is also in contention to play against the side he performed well on
loan for at the end of the 2005/06 season.
PIVOTAL PLAYER: Dean Ashton. The Hammers' star man notched a brace in their
first game and they may need him to have a similar impact as there does not
look to be a lot of goals elsewhere in the side.
PREDICTION: 2-2
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Bellamy close to Hammers return - Clubcall
West Ham United, 11:53, August 29, 2008
Striker Craig Bellamy is racing to overcome his hamstring injury in time to
feature for West Ham's clash with Blackburn at Upton Park. The 29-year-old
Wales international, who was linked with a move to Manchester City earlier
in the week, has not featured this season due to the problem he suffered
during the summer. However, the striker has been back in training and could
line up against his former club on Saturday. Bellamy's return would be a
welcome boost for Curbishley, who would have a selection dilemma on his
hands with Carlton Cole proving he is over a back problem with a goal
against Macclesfield in the Carling Cup on Wednesday. Dean Ashton is also
firing on all cylinders, so he will be a definite starter against former
Hammers midfielder Paul Ince's Rovers.
Full-back George McCartney made his return from injury and illness against
the Silkmen, but was withdrawn after 55 minutes which suggests Curbishley
was saving him for a first Premier League start this weekend. Meanwhile,
defender Matthew Upson has no complaints at criticism from the supporters
after the Hammers needed extra time to see of League Two strugglers
Macclesfield 4-1 on Wednesday. However, he wants a much improved display
against Rovers to take the pressure of Curbishley. He said: "We just have to
focus on what we're doing. But I understand the fans' frustration. "They
have every right to be frustrated and if they're angry at the manager then
that's just something he needs to deal with."
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Rested Lucas back to face Rovers - teamTalk
West Ham skipper Lucas Neill was rested for the midweek Carling Cup win over
Macclesfield but should return against his former club Blackburn. Midfielder
Valon Behrami broke his front tooth against the Silkmen but should be fit to
play, while George McCartney has made his comeback from a virus.
Craig Bellamy has been out with a hamstring injury but was considered a
possibility earlier in the week. Kieron Dyer (broken leg), Jonathan Spector
(hip), Danny Gabbidon (stomach), James Tompkins (leg) and James Collins
(knee) are still out.
Hammers (from): Green, Behrami, Davenport, McCartney, Upson, Neill, Faubert,
Parker, Noble, McCartney, Etherington, Ashton, Cole, Bellamy, Lastuvka,
Reid, Bowyer, Spence, Boa Morte, Mullins, Sears, Widdowson, Hines, Spence.
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Bilic poised to replace Curbishley
By Jason Burt
Friday, 29 August 2008
Belfast Telegraph
Alan Curbishley is fighting for his future at West Ham United with the
Croatia coach Slaven Bilic understood to be interested in succeeding him at
Upton Park should he be sacked.
No final decision has been taken on whether to dispense with Curbishley but
there is a growing sense of frustration over what is perceived to be his
dour manner and negative approach given the strength of his squad.
That squad should be enhanced further today as West Ham hope to announce the
signing of the powerful midfielder Stephen Appiah from Fenerbahce for £5m
although they were last night dealing with late interest from the Ghanaian's
former club, Juventus. Two more signings are expected before the transfer
windows closes at midnight on Monday - a striker and a defender - with the
leading candidates including Henrik Larsson and Pegguy Lyundula, for the
attacking role, and Gael Givet in defence. The latter two would be
season-long loans with an option to buy.
West Ham believe the arrivals would complete one of the most impressive
squads in the Premier League, including a strong spine to the team and
several experienced internationals, and taking the number of players with
first-team squad numbers to 35. That includes eight young players but, with
an accent on youth, all, such as Freddie Sears and James Tomkins, have
bright first-team futures.
Despite that there is a hysteria now surrounding the club. Much of it has
been blamed on Curbishley and his own behaviour - not least in the way he
handled the £7m departure of Anton Ferdinand to Sunderland, suggesting the
sale was beyond his control. However it appears he accepted that losing the
defender, who had turned down the offer of a five-year contract, would not
hurt the first-team.
Beyond that there is the questioning of tactics, his coaching
methods and, also, his demeanour. It has been a difficult summer for him
which, given the advances West Ham have made in appointing a new technical
director, in Gianluca Nani, and over-hauling their infra-structure should
not have been the case. The medical department has been revamped, to deal
with the constant injury crisis at the club, while plans for a new training
ground are progressing. There is a growing sense that West Ham are
attempting to progress in spite of, not because of, Curbishley.
The 50-year-old - who has one more season after this one on his contract
having succeeded Alan Pardew in 2006 and would be eligible for a pay-off of
around £1m - appears to have portrayed himself as a manager leading a club
that is being asset-stripped. He has lost Ferdinand, Bobby Zamora and
Freddie Ljungberg.
If West Ham were to lose against Blackburn Rovers at home tomorrow, and
produce another poor performance, then Curbishley's position may become
untenable even this early into the season. Curbishley will be relieved to
know that Craig Bellamy - who has been the subject of a rebuffed bid by
Manchester City - is fit and is expected to partner Dean Ashton in attack
tomorrow which increases the chances of securing a victory.
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Transfer Talk - The Spoiler
Walter Pandiani to West Ham
Hammers fans have been panicking about the fact that Dean Ashton, Craig
Bellamy and Carlton Cole are all being linked with moves away but there's no
need to worry any more. 32-year-old Pandiani, who scored seven goals for
Birmingham a few years back, is on his way. Excellent.
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West Ham v Blackburn Rovers preview - WestHamBlog.co.uk
Well, midweek was a debacle, we all know that. Waiting for the Macc Lads to
drop down to ten men before being able to exert superiority is again not
good enough. The only decent thing to come out of it was the youngsters
showing some of the seniors how it is done. But we cannot get carried away
with them and Paul Ince's Blackburn team will provide some stiff opposition.
Quite hard to pick the team, a couple of people have come back and some have
started the season appalingly. We're going to need some bite in the middle,
which is why I am including Bowyer. I'm not his biggest fan but one thing
he is capable of is breaking up the play. I assume Noble is suspended for
this one? Macca looked out of sorts and I'm not sure rushing him back is
great plan, so I'd give him a run from the bench. Up-front, it's a tricky
one but I'd start with Cole and Ashton and give matchday mascot Freddie
Sears a run out for the last half hour. So my line up would be;
Green
Neill – Upson – Davenport – Behrami
Etherington – Parker – Bowyer – Faubert
Ashton – Cole
Bench – Latuvska, Mullins, Sears, Boa-Morte, Spence, McCartney, Widdowson
It's a tough one to call and mystic blog got things wrong last week, but
I've got a feeling the crowd will give the lads a lift and not accept Ince
getting the better of us on our home turf. However, Rovers will give us a
good run for their money, so I'm going with a 2-2 draw and Paul Ince to be
booed a lot. Coral will give you 14/1 for that result, though they won't
take bets on Incey being booed, I imagine that is what they would call a
dead cert. Anyway, pick up a free bet by clicking below and come on you
Irons!!!!!!
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Cole happy to stay a Hammer - Guardian Series
10:05am Friday 29th August 2008
CARLTON COLE admits he is loving life with West Ham and is talking over a
new contract after being linked with a move away from the club. The
24-year-old emerged as a £4million target Premier League newboys Stoke City
this week. That followed rumours he was looking for the Upton Park exit door
after contract talks with the club supposedly stalled. However, the former
Chelsea man revealed he is "chuffed" to be discussing a new deal with club,
and is keen to seal his long-term future with the east Londoners after
establishing himself as part of Alan Curbishley's plans. "I don't want the
fans to think that I want to leave. I am happy at West Ham," Cole told the
clubs official website. "I have just had a baby and I don't want to go
anywhere. "I am really settled in my life and only want to work hard and do
well for West Ham. "I am just looking forward to a bright future and when
the time is right the deal will be done."
Cole was arguably the most improved player at Upton Park last season and won
the fans over with his hard-working displays. Now he is determined to show
that he has an all-round game by hitting the back of the net more this term.
"All I am thinking about is pushing on this season and scoring more goals,"
he added. "That is my main objective. The fans have not seen the best of me
yet. "My hold-up play is, I think, quite good but I want to show there is
more to my game."
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Leicester Reject £5M Bids for Wonderkid from Sunderland, Newcastle & West
Ham - FootballPools.com
Will Liverpool, Aston Villa & Everton Renew their Interest?
Leicester City's highly-rated starlet Joe Mattock is expected to leave this
summer but his club have reportedly rejected bids of £5m from the likes of
West Ham, Newcastle and Sunderland.
Alan Curbishley was 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. However, now the Hammers are competing with big
spending Sunderland and their North-East rivals Newcastle who've started the
season in impressive fashion.
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 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. This
season he has played in two of the Foxes matches which both resulted in
wins.
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 6 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, now both
Sunderland and Newcastle have made their move the price may well rise as a
bidding war begins with days remaining before the close of the transfer
window.
So are Hammers, Newcastle and Sunderland fans pleased to be linked with this
youngster or would you prefer your club to be signing proven first team
talent? Do Leicester fans feel a bid of £5m is a decent fee for the
youngster or do you feel he's destined for great things and worth a whole
lot more? Let's hear your views.
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Super Slav rumours gather pace.. - BubblesInTheAir
Friday 29 Aug 2008 09:45:55 by Tony Watson
Yet more rumours are thrown around this morning as Alan Curbishley's
position at the club is severely under threat. Despite the Hammers boss
brushing all sorts of speculation under the carpet in the last week or so,
it is said that Curbs is hanging onto the West Ham job by the skin of his
teeth. This mornings papers will do very little to ease the anxiety for him
as the reports suggest former Hammers hero Slaven Bilic is in the frame to
replace him - much to the supporters approval. Curbishley joked off claims
he was under pressure earlier on in the week after the 4-1 victory over
Macclesfield - a scoreline that flattered the Hammers dramatically. "What
can I do about it apart from win games and keep going? I've had this now for
a little while, I'll get on with it. I'm a big boy as I've said before.
"The disappointing thing is the players are the ones that have to go out and
perform. "The fans are brilliant when they are behind us and they have to
realise the effect it has when they are not behind us. It can all change at
the weekend. "Football is a bit like this, you go through periods like this.
It has happened to other managers and happened a bit last year."
A poor performance this weekend could spell the end of Curbishley's reign as
West Ham boss and whilst I'm the first to admit to us being very poor for
the last year under him, one can't help feel a bit sorry for Curbs as his
powers as manager seem to have been somewhat limited from the start.
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