WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is hoping his side can build on an encouraging second half
display at Old Trafford
30.10.2008
Gianfranco Zola hopes that the promising second half display against
Manchester United can act as a catalyst for his side to start picking up the
points that recent performances have merited.
Two first-half strikes from Cristiano Ronaldo sealed a victory for the
reigning Barclays Premier League champions on Wednesday, but it was a
combative second period which produced several good opportunities for the
visitors that gave plenty of optimism for the manager, which he will take
into Saturday's game up at Middlesbrough.
Zola said: "I was very happy with the team in the second half and I told
them so. That is now a starting point for us. We knew that it was going to
be hard but we perhaps made it even harder for ourselves.
"We gave Manchester United all the respect that we needed to, but at the
same time we wanted to try and win the game. They've got fantastic players
but we can be as good as them. In this game however, we couldn't do that,
it's understandable because they're a great team in great form."
"The game was the complete opposite to our previous three games where we
started well. They will take every single opportunity and that was our
mistake."
The visitor's plight was not helped when Valon Behrami was stretchered off
with a calf injury on the stroke of half-time, meaning Zola had to shuffle
his midfield pack once more.
The Swiss international was replaced by Luis Boa Morte, one of three
substitutes that impressed the manager. He said: "The players who came on
for the second half - Jack Collison, Luis Boa Morte and Freddie Sears - did
very well and I'm pleased with them. It's a real pity that we're missing
some important players but we just have to get on with it and do our best."
Zola is confident in a change in fortunes, starting with the visit to the
Riverside to face Middlesbrough on Saturday, before home matches against
Everton and Portsmouth. "I know the value of my players and I'm not worried
at all. My concern is that they don't get too frustrated. I totally believe
in them and I have so much faith in their qualities for us. I am sure this
spell is going to be over soon."
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All the odds for Boro
WHUFC.com
Ahead of the trip to the Riverside, check out what is on offer from official
online sports betting partner Jaxx
31.10.2008
Middlesbrough have only beaten West Ham United on two occasions in the last
nine Barclays Premier League meetings. Scott Parker scored the winner as
United won 2-1 at the Riverside Stadium last season to make it three
successive wins over Gareth Southgate's side.
The visitors are 5/2 with online bookmaker JAXX to win on Teesside again as
they look to end a run of four successive defeats by winning their second
away game of the season.
Middlesbrough, who are a point and two places above their 11th-placed
guests, are available at 11/10 to record their fourth home win of the
season. West Ham United have not been involved in a draw this season and
just one of Middlesbrough's ten games have ended in a stalemate. The odds
for a draw on Saturday are 23/10.
Five of the last seven league games between the two sides have seen one or
other team fail to score. It is 1/4 that the hosts find the net at any stage
- as they have done against their guests in their ten meetings at the
Riverside. It is 11/5 that Gareth Southgate's side do not beat Robert Green.
It is 2/5 that the West Ham United score, while the odds against them
netting are 6/4. The odds for both teams to score are 3/4 and it is 17/20
that one or other fails to find the net.
The last two meetings have seen three goals scored in total. JAXX offer odds
on whether or not a match will contain more or less than 2.5 goals. The odds
for more than 2.5 goals scored in Saturday's fixture are 17/20, while it is
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West Ham United have won all four league matches in which they have led at
half-time and you can bet on the half-time result at JAXX. The east London
side are 27/10 to be in front at half-time, while it is 15/4 that they are
leading at half-time and full-time. The odds for a draw at half-time and
West Ham United to be in front at the final whistle are 6/1.
When West Ham United have scored the first goal in the game this season,
they have gone on to win every time. In contrast, they have scored the last
goal just once. The odds for Gianfranco Zola's side to score first are 9/10,
while it is 5/4 that they score the last goal on Saturday.
West Ham United are 11/20 when receiving a mythical goal start on the
Handicap, but for the pessimistic, Middlesbrough can be backed at 57/20 to
win by two clear goals or more. The draw on the Handicap is on offer at
51/20.
Don't forget, JAXX offer a plethora of markets for every West Ham United
game. There are also a number of exclusive Season Specials.
That is not all either - when you register with JAXX, place your first bet
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Middlesbrough v West Ham
Venue:
BBC.co.uk
Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Full-match commentary on BBC Tees 95FM, live text commentary on
BBC Sport website & updates BBC Radio 5 Live
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Team news to follow later.
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Gianfranco Zola is facing the first real test of his embryonic managerial
career. He must select a West Ham side to play Middlesbrough that will halt
a four-match losing run.
The Hammers went down 2-0 to Manchester United at Old Trafford on Wednesday,
while Middlesbrough were beating Manchester City 2-0 at the Riverside; only
their second win in seven league outings.
Middlesbrough have gained more home Premier League points against West Ham
than against any other club; 25, from eight wins and a draw in 10 meetings
on Teesside.
But the only occasion 'Boro did not take any points off the Hammers in a
home Premier League clash was last season's corresponding fixture, when a
last minute goal from Scott Parker stole all three points for the Londoners.
Distance between the clubs: 250 miles (402 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
MIDDLESBROUGH
Club stats
9th 13 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 13th
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
1. Not registered successive victories in a single Premier League season,
since ending last term with a 2-0 succes against Portsmouth, and 8-1
hammering of Manchester City on 3 and 11 May respectively.
2. One goal shy of 700 conceded in their Premier League history.
3. Won two of the last four Premier League matches.
4. Conceded more Premier League goals in the last 15 minutes than any other
club; seven.
5. Shipped a league high 93% of their total number of league goals in the
second half (14 of 15).
6. Completed 35 top-flight matches without a goalless draw; the most recent
being away to Bolton on 11 November 2007.
7. Gained only one victory in their last five Premier League matches against
London clubs; 2-1, home to Tottenham on 16 December 2008. Lost the most
recent, 0-5, home to Chelsea on 18 October.
8 West Ham were one of seven clubs to take maximum points away from the
Riverside last season.
Fixtures
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WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
11th 12 points
Highest achievable after Saturday's matches: 7th
Lowest could fall: 15th
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
1. Lost the last four against Bolton (h), Hull (a), Arsenal (h) and
Manchester United (a).
2. Yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
3. Won all four top-flight matches in which they have opened the scoring.
4. Yet to draw in any competition in this campaign, and completed 37 Premier
League matches since a goalless draw; the most recent being away to
Portsmouth on 27 October.
5. The Premier League's joint most dangerous club in the first 15 minutes,
when four of their 14 goals have been scored; only Chelsea and Manchester
City match that.
6. The Riverside was one of six grounds maximum points were gained at on
their travels last season.
7. Already beaten one North-East club this season; 3-1, home to Newcastle on
20 September.
8. Paying their first visit to the North-East, where they have won one of
the last nine Premier League trips; 1-2, against Middlesbrough on 22
December 2007.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
MIDDLESBROUGH
Squad profiles
Gary O'NEIL is the only remaining player to have been on the field for every
minute of every one of Middlesbrough's Premier League matches this season.
If selected:-
Andrew TAYLOR will be making his 100th career league appearance
(Middlesbrough and Bradford City).
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WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Robert GREEN and Matthew UPSON are the only remaining players to have been
on the field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League
matches this season.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
If selected:-
Dean ASHTON will be making his 250th career league appearance (Crewe,
Norwich and West Ham).
If on the field from the outset:-
Hayden MULLINS will be making his 150th league start in a West Ham shirt.
Suspended:-
Carlton COLE (two matches)
HEAD TO HEAD
Middlesbrough were one of four clubs West Ham did the double over last
season; the Hammers were one of three clubs to do the double over 'Boro. The
others were Chelsea and Everton.
West Ham also completed the double when they notched their previous away
top-flight victory over Middlesbrough; 2-3, at Ayresome Park on 20 March
1982.
Even so, there's nothing to choose between these clubs in the overall league
head-to-head standings.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Middlesbro 22 wins, West Ham 22, Draws 10
Prem: Middlesbro 9 wins, West Ham 9, Draws 2
at Middlesbrough only
League (inc PL): Middlesbro 15 wins, West Ham 6, Draws 6
Prem: Middlesbro 8 wins, West Ham 1, Draws 1
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Middlesbrough 1-2 West Ham United
22 December 2007 - Ref: Martin Atkinson
Middlesbrough scorer: Wheater 40
West Ham scorers: Ashton 44, Parker 90
REFEREE
Andre Marriner (West Midlands)
Premier League referees' table
Andre Marriner's 2008-09 Premier League card count
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Hammers snatch narrow win
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
A West Ham United XI has beaten Southend United's reserves in a
specially-arranged behind-closed-doors fixture at Chadwell Heath this
afternoon.
The Hammers - featuring the likes of Carlton Cole, Lucas Neill and Freddie
Sears - narrowly beat the Shrimpers 2-1 despite going behind early on to a
Charles Ademeno effort.
But two goals just ahead of the half time break were enough to see the
Hammers, watched by Gianfranco Zola, through to victory.
Club captain Lucas Neill has missed United's last two fixtures against
Arsenal and Manchester United with a virus, whilst Carlton Cole is out until
mid-November through suspension after being sent off in the closing stages
of Sunday's 2-0 derby defeat.
Zola will also be hoping to have Scott Parker back in his squad for this
weekend's visit to Middlesbrough, although Mark Noble and Valon Behrami -
injured during last night's defeat at Old Trafford - will definitely miss
out.
Southend United: Mildenhall, Harvey, Whittaker, Reynolds, Herd, Henry,
Lokando, O'Keefe, Forshaw, Ademeno, Furlong.
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Midfielder tempted by Hammers move
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
St Patricks Athletic midfielder Keith Fahey says he would be tempted by a
move to the Premier League. The Irish midfielder was watched by United
scouts recently and it was claimed that a deal to bring the 26-year-old to
East London had been done - something later furiously denied by Fahey's
current boss, Johnny McDonnell who claimed that "we have had no bids for
Keith." But Fahey himself says that he would be keen on a return to the
Premier League, having spent time at both Arsenal and Aston Villa in his
younger days. "I would like to move on," he said. "I don't think I can do
any more at Pats. I would like to move on if someone comes across.
"There is speculation but I know as much as you. There are a couple of
things going on. Hopefully something will happen towards the transfer
window." Fahey, who began his career as a trainee with Arsenal has also been
linked with Sunderland, Reading and Derby.
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Vinny's Manchester United Report
West Ham Online
Vinny - Thu Oct 30 2008
Manchester United 2 West Ham United 0
West Ham were brushed aside by Champions Manchester United with two first
half goals sealing the victory but anyone who saw the game will know it was
not even that close as we were outclassed and looked every bit a side who
had lost their previous three games.
It is a difficult game to express much opinion about as we were playing a
team who are miles better than us. Of course we are not expected to win a
game like this but it is disappointing to see that we cannot even compete.
For me the formation we started with was all wrong and to have two
lightweight players such as Etherington and Di Michele as part of a three
man attack was always asking for trouble.
Manchester United sliced through our midfield and although they score two,
it should have been more. Luckily for us they took the foot off the gas in
the second half which saw us see a lot of the ball, but no one could do
anything with it and the final ball was always poor.
Gianfranco Zola made a few changes from the defeat against Arsenal on
Sunday. In midfield, Scott Parker was missing and was replaced by Valon
Behrami. Up front Carlton Cole was suspended and replaced by Matthew
Etherington.
The hosts were coming off the back of a frustrating result at Everton from
the weekend and were obviously looking to take their frustrations out on us
from the start. They dominated the first half and should have had their
first as early as the second minute when a cross from the right found
Berbatov but his shot was deflected over.
On the left hand side Nani was taking the piss out of Faubert at every
attempt and nearly grabbed a goal when a shot across the face of goal just
missed the post.
Going to Old Trafford and expecting to just soak up the pressure and counter
attack rarely work but this is the stall we set out and although we did get
the ball into some good positions on the break, we do not possess anywhere
near the quality to pick out a player in the box.
Our only half chance in the first period came from a good run from
Etherington through the middle as things opened up but his left foot shot
was tame when if it had have really got hold of it we may have been looking
at a goal.
Berbatov nearly opened the scoring when his effort was cleared off the line
by Upson but the first goal was coming and on the 13th minute it did arrive
when our failure to clear the ball eventually was crossed back into the area
by Nani and recently crowned World Player of the year Ronaldo swept the ball
past Green.
This did not deter the 1,900 West Ham fans who had made the long trip. With
the traffic despite setting off at 2.30pm I arrived with just five minutes
to go before kick off. If there was anything good to come out of this game
it was the fans who sung from beginning to end.
An equaliser should have been found when Behrami was put through down the
right by a good pass from Mullins but the Swiss international could not pick
out a West Ham player in the area when he had so much time.
Behrami was taken out by Patrice Evra moments later in a scathing tackle
which could have seen the Manchester United left back get more than the
yellow card he received.
Around the half hour mark the home side doubled their lead and effectively
ended the game (if it wasn't over already). Anderson played an excellent
pass over the top for Berbatov who showed some world class skill to skip
past Collins and cross for Ronaldo to beat everyone to the ball and score
his second.
Another challenge by Evra on Behrami saw the returning midfielder stretched
off in what looks like another injury which will keep him out. On in his
place was Luis Boa Morte.
It should have been 3-0 but for a brilliant flying save from Robert Green
after former Hammer Carlos Tevez head towards goal from point blank range.
Half time came and we could be thankful in one way that it was not more than
two but we knew that it was over and it would surely be damage limitation in
the second half.
Zola made one change at half time as he replaced Etherington with Jack
Collison. This saw us go to a 4-4-2 although how Di Michele was allowed to
stay on the pitch still baffles me.
We saw a lot of the ball in this second half with only Luis Boa Morte
looking positive going forward. People may still boo him but his effort in
this second half was excellent.
Bellamy saw a quick thinking effort from a free kick nearly embarrass the
Manchester United keeper Kuszczak with a 35 yard free kick as the keeper
thought it was going to be a cross.
The West Ham fans continue to stay upbeat as a round of "We are West Ham's
Claret Blue Army" went for at least 10 minutes. Just about everything in our
songbook was performed on this bitterly cold night in Manchester. The home
supporters barely managed a peep and although it is always more difficult
for home teams to keep up the noise, they were embarrassingly poor.
On the pitch though only one team remained poor and although it was us in
possession most of the time, it was the hosts who looked as though they
would grab the next goal.
Freddie Sears was introduced by Zola in place of Lee Bowyer as Craig Bellamy
seemed to drop into center midfield.
Manchester United at the same time brought on Wayne Rooney who was quickly
involved in the action as his chip from close range nearly beat Green.
Rooney then saw a stinging 20 yard effort beaten away by Green who saw the
shot late.
We had a golden chance to grab a goal when a wonderful pass over the top saw
Boa Morte beat the offside trap but he got his shot all wrong and the tame
effort was easily saved by Kuszczak.
With about five minutes remaining we had another golden chance as Di Michele
was played through down the right with two players in the middle to pass the
ball to, but his pass was under hit to Sears and the chance was gone.
The final whistle went and the travelling supports remained to give the team
a reassuring applause.
Fair play again to Carlos Tevez who came up to the fans and applauded them
as he did last season.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Nothing he could do about the goals and made a few good saves as you would
expect him to have to go in a game like this.
Herita Ilunga
Was always going to be a struggle up against the World player of the year in
Ronaldo but he acquitted himself well enough.
Matthew Upson
He and Collins were really up against it in the first half with Manchester
United slicing through our weak midfield. This saw Upson making a number of
last gasp interceptions which would have surely caused more goals.
James Collins
Like Upson he was there to make some vital challenges but he looked ragged
at times as the isolation he and Upson found themselves was ultimately too
much.
Julien Faubert
Poor again as his overall distribution was not up to standard. His crossing
when going forward was poor and Nani had the better of him all game. In
fairness to Faubert, he had no support from the midfield and was often
caught two on one.
Valon Behrami
Made some good runs in the first half and if anyone was going to make
something happen it was him. His final ball was poor on a couple of
occasions and was taken off with injury in the first half.
Lee Bowyer
Coming back to full fitness this was a very difficult run out for Bowyer as
he struggled to keep up with the pace of the game. The effort was there and
I think we will see the best of him over the next few games.
Hayden Mullins
Looked lost throughout the game with this being out of those out of his
depth run outs. Worked hard as he always does but did nothing on the ball or
off it.
Matthew Etherington
A few decent bursts forward in the first half aside, there was very little
to take from this performance as any threat he possessed was easily
nullified by the Manchester United defence.
David Di Michele
I believe that Di Michele is a former footballer who is actually 42 and
retired a few years ago. He looks as though he once had a little something
but now is just enjoying playing any standard as football as he thinks about
what he once was. Cannot stay on his feet, cannot pass to a West Ham player,
cannot take the ball past a player. No pace, no quality, and this is not
just this game.
Craig Bellamy
Lots of high balls were played towards him which meant he could do little
with. Had a tendency to run towards the flanks instead of towards the goal
which was very frustrating. Another game without a goal.
Subs Used
Luis Boa More (on for Behrami 44 mins)
Our best player in the second half as he was actually able to beat a player
and show a bit of skill. Doesn't wimp out of challenges and although he
should have scored this was a good display from the much maligned winger.
Jack Collison (on for Etherington 45 mins)
A very assured display from what looks like a very promising youngster.
Confident on the ball and showed a lot of strength when up against a strong
home side.
Freddie Sears (on for Bowyer 69 mins)
Like Collison he looked quite good and really buzzed about kicking at the
heels of the Man United defenders. He seems to be a bit of a bastard to play
against as he doesn't let you settle. If I had the choice of starting him or
Di Michele at Boro' I know who I would pick.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Reid.
Overall
We are not expected to beat teams like Manchester United on their own patch
but there is a sense of panic simply because that is four games in a row
that we have lost.
This persistence with the 4-3-3 is becoming a little tiresome as you have to
change your formation to adapt to the opposition you are up against. We
needed to frustrate Manchester United but like against Arsenal we just let
them see a lot of the ball.
Without Carlton Cole to aim at we have nothing up front and we are really
struggling in this department but there again I am sure we all pointed this
out after our first Pre Season game at Hampton & Richmond.
This you cannot blame Zola for as he has not really had a chance to bring in
anyone although how good this Tristian bloke is remains to be seen.
It's Middlesbrough on Saturday at the Riverside and if this game was not one
we expected to take points from, the trip to Boro' is.
A defeat on Saturday and the panic button will be very close to being
pressed as we continue our slide down the table.
Saturday is a massive game for us and one which may shape our season.
Att: 75,397
Franco's Feelings
"They are the champions of Europe so it's difficult but at least they gave
everything in the second half.
"My players deserved a goal in the second half but Sears and Collison came
on and did very well.
"I have a great belief in my players, I trust them very much, and I am sure
this bad spell will be over soon."
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Zola set to give Tristan his debut against Middlesbrough
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:07 AM on 31st October 2008
Former Spanish international striker Diego Tristan looks likely to be
included in West Ham's squad for the first time tomorrow as Gianfranco
Zola's side go to Middlesbrough desperate to stop a run of four defeats.
Tristan has signed a one-year deal with West Ham after leaving Italian club
Livorno and has been working hard to build up his fitness. The 32-year-old,
who scored 78 goals in 177 matches for Deportivo La Coruna, could start on
the bench. Swiss international midfield player Valon Behrami is definitely
out with a calf injury but Scott Parker could return along with club captain
Lucas Neill.
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Ashton makes shock comeback claim
ESS
09:20, October 31, 2008
Dean Ashton has admitted he will be happy if he makes his comeback from an
ankle injury for West Ham before the end of the season. The 25-year-old
England international hitman has required surgery on the problem and it was
thought he could be back in first-team contention by March. However Ashton
has now admitted that he has no timescale and if he plays before the end of
the current campaign it will be a bonus. He told The Echo: "The papers have
said I'll be returning in March, but I don't know where they have got that
from. I haven't been given a date myself yet. "It's more a case of it being
at the end of the season and I'll be really happy if I can play my part in
the team then. That's looking more likely at the moment. "I'm pleased with
the way surgery went and how I'm feeling. I was feeling pretty down at
first, when all I could do was sit at home, but luckily that only lasted for
two weeks. "My spirits are a lot higher now I'm off my crutches. I've been
off them for a week, which is a good sign. "I am working hard at my rehab
already and I feel like I am on the way back."
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Man Utd No2 Phelan: We were watching Carrick at Wallsend
31.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Manchester United assistant boss Mike Phelan has revealed they were beaten
by West Ham for Michael Carrick when he was a kid at Wallsend. "Michael was
identified before he was at West Ham," Phelan told manutd.com. "But West Ham
got in there quick. We saw him young and always admired his talent - the
timing never fell right. Around the time we signed him, we wondered whether
to go for a defensive midfielder or one who could set the play rolling, and
Michael fell into that category. We targeted him as a player who fitted into
our grand scheme. "He gives a feeling of well-being within the team. "Where
other players might want to rush, he takes his time. He can take the sting
out of the game, and also keep the pace of it up. It's his control, attitude
and way of thinking. He's learned a lot through playing with good players,
and being at a club that is constantly striving for more. He's a winner, and
he wants to be the best midfielder in the country."
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Fellani suspended for Everton visit
9:59pm Thursday 30th October 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
EVERTON'S £15million summer signing Marouane Fellaini will miss the Toffees'
Premier League trip to West Ham United after picking up his fifth booking of
the season at Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday. Belgian Fellaini, who headed a
90th-minute winner at the Reebok, was shown a yellow by referee Phil Dowd
for his over-exuberant celebrations. The 20-year-old, who has scored three
goals in eight appearances for the Toffees, will still be able to feature
against Fulham on Saturday but will sit out the game at Upton Park on
November 8. Wednesday night's booking followed cautions in the games against
Hull City, Liverpool, Newcastle and Manchester United. Etterbeek-born
Fellaini, who also scored in the 1-1 draw against Manchester United last
weekend, arrived at Goodison Park for an initial £4million from Standard
Liege in August.
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West Ham lose Behrami to injury
Vital Football
West Ham's Valon Behrami could be out of action for up to a month having
been taken off injured during Wednesday's loss to Man Utd, sustaining calf
damage.
The 23-year-old broke down just before the half time mark in obvious
discomfort and was later stretchered off during his come back match having
missed out on the loss to Arsenal also because of injury. The Swiss
international's absence leaves manager Gianfranco Zola with an injury
headache, already missing a number of key players sidelined with injury. A
depleted Hammers squad travels to Middlesbrough on Saturday looking to pick
up a win in order to avoid a fith successive defeat.
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Ashton out until the end of the season
E24
30 October 2008
By NEIL TRAINIS
WEST HAM striker Dean Ashton could be sidelined for the rest of the season
after admitting this week that he has no idea when he will return to action
following ankle surgery. Ashton had surgery on the injury at the end of last
month and was originally expected to return within six weeks, but the
Hammers were left reeling when subsequent reports suggested that the England
international would be out of action until March. Now Ashton has admitted
that his lay-off could last even longer, dealing a major blow to manager
Gianfranco Zola, who is suffering from a striker crisis following Carlton
Cole's red card against Arsenal last weekend. Cole was handed a three-match
suspension after the Hammers declined to appeal the sending-off, leaving
Craig Bellamy, David Di Michele and teenager Freddie Sears as the only fit
forwards at the Italian's disposal. Zola looks set to be short of attacking
options for a considerable period after Ashton revealed that he is unlikely
to play again this season. He said: "The papers have said I'll be returning
in March but I don't know where they have got that from. I haven't been
given a date myself yet. "It's more a case of it being at the end of the
season and I'll be really happy if I can play my part in the team then.
That's looking more likely at the moment. "I'm pleased with the way surgery
went and how I'm feeling. I was feeling pretty down at first, when all I
could do was sit at home, but luckily that only lasted for two weeks. "My
spirits are a lot higher now I'm off my crutches. I've been off them for a
week, which is a good sign. I am working hard at my rehab already and I feel
like I am on the way back." Ashton's absence has coincided with a goal
drought at Upton Park. The Hammers had mustered just four goals from their
opening four Premier League away games ahead of last night's trip to Old
Trafford. Zola could now call on new signing Diego Tristan to lead the line
against Middlesbrough on Saturday. The former Spain international agreed a
one-year deal at West Ham a fortnight ago and has been battling to improve
his match fitness.
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