Tony Carr is hoping a few more of his academy graduates will make a
first-team impact this season
15.10.2008
Tony Carr is excited about how the season is panning out and hopes that a
few more of his academy graduates will get their first taste of Premier
League action.
Carr is working closely with Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke to help plan
the youngsters' course into the first team and the West Ham United academy
director is delighted with the new manager's enthusiasm for promoting his
talented teenagers. "I think a lot of young players will blossom with
Gianfranco Zola and Steve Clarke with the way they are working them," Carr
said.
"Speaking to Gianfranco, he's very much youth-orientated and wants the young
players to do well and to give them opportunities. It's my responsibility to
ensure that they are good enough and hopefully we are taking steps in that
direction."
The likes of Marek Stech, Jordan Spence and Junior Stanislas are all on the
verge of joining the six homegrown players at the club who have made their
first-team bow - namely James Tomkins, Jack Collison, Mark Noble, Kyel Reid,
Zavon Hines and Freddie Sears. Carr is optimistic they will not be the last.
"The idea is the youth team every Saturday is the vehicle for young players
to develop.
"Whether we win cups or are top or bottom of the league, the objective is
the same and that is to push one or two players into that first team squad
and that's the aim this year. We look at Freddie Sears and he's old hat now
as he's been with the first team for nearly a year. So we're now looking at
the next one or two that can make the step and hopefully by the end of the
season one or two of them will have come to the fore."
Carr watched a reserve side featuring ten teenagers came up againt a Fulham
side full of internationals last week. United lost the match 4-1 but Carr is
sure it will have been a great lesson to the youngsters. "Making the step up
to reserve level is part of the process to becoming a professional player.
You've got to come out of your comfort zone, play in an open age environment
like the reserves and still got to be able to do your stuff. It's all part
of the learning process for all the players.
"Winning and losing is good experience for them. I know we lost we 4-1 at
Fulham, but in the early part of the game we gave as good as we took but we
couldn't keep it going. What you want is an ideal balance with perhaps two
or three senior players to play and help them through it. But some days,
like it was on last week, you have basically the youth team against their
reserves. It was going to be a tough call even before the kick-off."
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Upson on the up - WHUFC
Matthew Upson is hoping to win his eleventh cap for England in Belarus on
Wednesday evening
15.10.2008
Matthew Upson is hoping to feature for England again in Belarus tonight -
and use the performance as a springboard to a place at the 2010 World Cup.
Upson started the 5-1 win over Kazakhstan at Wembley on Saturday and is
favourite to again partner captain Rio Ferdinand in central defence
following John Terry's withdrawal through injury. Robert Green, meanwhile,
also missed out on the trip to Minsk because of a sore knee but is expected
to be fit for the weekend game at Hull City.
"My goal is to play in the World Cup for England, that's my target," he
said. "You do have to visualise it, you have to picture it. Most great
things you do, you'll have pictured it before you've done it. So you'll
start at the end, which is achieving it, and work backwards, on how do I get
there? There's loads of factors involved, ups and downs and mishaps,
positive things; it's a process."
Although Ferdinand and Terry have been Fabio Capello's first-choice pairing
so far this season, the West Ham United No15 believes that he can force his
way into the starting XI. "I don't think being the captain or vice-captain
automatically means you are going to be picked," Upson said. "Things change
very quickly in football, be it injury or loss of form. Whatever it is, I
have to make sure I'm ready.
"Previously when I joined up with the squad, maybe I didn't believe I
deserved to be here. I think that only ends up in one way, with poor
performances. Now I fully believe I deserve to be here and am capable of
stepping in and doing a good job. I've been practicing my mental approach
for the last three or four years. It is something I've worked really hard on
and it is something that has benefited me more than anything else."
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Bellamy ready for Germany - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy is delighted to be back playing and is hoping to lead Wales to
a famous win tonight
15.10.2008
Wales captain Craig Bellamy will lead his side into battle tonight against
the might of Germany.
The Welsh No8 made an impressive comeback on Saturday in a 2-0 win against
Liechtenstein at the Millennium Stadium and is pleased to be back playing
again. "It was good to get the game under my belt," Bellamy said. "I
desperately needed it and it was good for my confidence too. I've done
enough training but games are different. I feel good so it should be no
problem."
Bellamy had several chances at the weekend but could not mark his return
with a goal, but he remains confident. "Another one will come along and I
always fancy my chances. I probably won't get the same amount of chances as
I did on Saturday but when you have been out for a long time and you are
trying to finish it can take its toll on you."
The match in Monchengladbach will present a stern test to an improving Wales
side, who secured an impressive 0-0 draw in Frankfurt last November. "It's a
huge task, they are an outstanding side," Bellamy said. "They got to the
World Cup semi-finals and European final. People say this isn't the best
German side but they are doing really well in tournaments. They may say they
took their foot off the gas in Frankfurt but a lot of our boys will take
confidence from that match. Hopefully, we can go one better this time," he
said.
James Collins is also expected to make his first start for over a year
tonight after coming on as a substitute against Liechtenstein and Bellamy is
pleased to see his team-mate back in contention. "I've seen a lot of his
hard work. He has been in a similar situation to me and sometimes on a long
injury, it's difficult."
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Taking the Michael? - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 15th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a January move for Chelsea's England under 21
Michael Mancienne. The 20-year-old Isleworth-born centre-half has become
increasingly frustrated with life at Stamford Bridge having failed to break
through to the first team. And reports in this mornings tabloids suggest
that Gianfranco Zola wants to bring the youngster in on loan for the
remainder of the season. Mancienne has been at Chelsea since the age of
eight and made his reserve team debut as a schoolboy. He spent the 06/07
season on loan at QPR where he played mostly at right-back, but still did
enough to be voted runner-up Player fo the Year by Rangers fans. Having been
in and around the first team squad at Chelsea since he opted to sign a new
contract with the Blues only last summer. However a year on he finds himself
no closer to the first team. Steve Clarke, number two to Zola at United is
thought to have recommended the signing.
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No miracle for JC - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 15th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Mark Noble will be representing the Hammers in next summer's European
under-21 Championships after England narrowly saw off Wales in the second
leg of their play-off. England, led by former Hammer Stuart Pearce had to
come from behind to secure a 2-2 draw with Wales - a result that saw them
through to the finals 5-4 on aggregate following England's 3-2 win in
Cardiff last week. But the English found themselves hanging on for dear life
for the final 25 minutes fater Tottenham's Tom Huddlestone was shown a
straight red card after catching Cardiff City's Darcy Blake late. Wales -
featuring Noble's stablemate Jack Collison - were excellent on the night and
can consider themselves extremely unfortunate not to be taking their place
in the finals. Led by Brian Flynn, the Welsh were just a width of a post
away from going through after Sam Vokes' effort five minutes from time
bounced clear of Joe Hart's goal after striking the post. A relieved Pearce,
speaking after the game, said: "I'm fantastically proud of my players. To
lose a man was a blow but they stuck together and stood up in the face of
adversity. "We showed fantastic spirit and courage, especially after going
down to ten men. We know we have to improve - but that's something we will
do."
England under 21s: Hart, Wheater, O'Hara, Cattermole (Muamba 31), S.Taylor,
Mancienne, Milner, Huddlestone, Agbonlahor (Campbell 46), Noble, Johnson.
Subs not used: A.Taylor, Heaton, Cranie, Derbyshire, Lallana.
Goals: Huddlestone (14), Vokes (35 og).
Wales under 21s: Williams, Eardley, Wiggins, Collison, Blake, Jacobson, King
(Bradley 60), Church, Ramsey, MacDonald (Adams 83), Vokes.
Subs not used: R.Taylor, James, Basey, Brown, Allen.
Goals: Ramsey (24), Church (29).
Referee: Kevin Blom.
Attendance: 23,812.
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Nani slams Behrami rumours - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 15th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United technical director Gianluca Nani has dismissed reports
claiming that Valon Behrami is set to return to Italy. The Swiss midfielder
arrived in East London back in July and has received positive reviews for
his handful of games thus far this season. However the Italian press last
night carried a story in which Behrami's agent, Alessandro Beltrami, claim
that Serie A outfit Roma were keen to lure the 23-year-old back to Italy.
"Roma have inquired after Valon," he said. "Despite the whispers that
suggest the Giallorossi have no substantial funds to secure the transfer, I
have been told a different story. "I am currently in Brazil and I cannot
meet with the Lupi directors, but we will certainly set up a meeting over
the next few days to have a clear picture of the situation. "I repeat, Roma
have given me their word that they are keen on the lad and willing to close
a deal. However, we are in the early stages."
But Gianluca Nani moved swiftly to rebut Beltrami's suggestion that Behrami
may be able to return to Italy, by telling both the agent and Roma that
'Behrami is not for sale'. "I am tired of responding to questions on
Behrami," he said. "I repeat - Behrami is not for sale and Roma have never
asked for the player. "Before you start any kind of transfer, Rome must
speak with West Ham, which has not happened. Behrami is our player, we have
high hopes for him so I see no reason to sell. "Even if an offer arrived
from Rome for 50 million euros we would not sell. It is not a matter of
numbers but of will on our part to keep the player."
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Interest mounts in Dortmund star - SSN
Keeper free to talk in January
Last updated: 15th October 2008
A number of Premier League clubs are looking to open talks with German
goalkeeper Roman Weidenfeller in January, skysports.com understands. The
28-year-old is rated as one of the best goalkeepers in Germany and is on the
verge of an international call-up. Borussia Dortmund are desperate to hand
Weidenfeller a new long-term contract with his current deal set to expire at
the end of the season. However, the former Kaiserslautern shot-stopper is
set to take advantage of the fact that he is free to talk to rival clubs in
January. Dortmund have offered Weidenfeller a three-year deal - but with
clubs from England and Italy showing an interest, he could be set to depart
his homeland. A number of English scouts have been in attendance at the
Signal Iduna Park in recent weeks and have been impressed with that they
have seen and the fact he will be a free transfer next summer is sure to
appeal. German sources have claimed the likes of Arsenal, Manchester City,
West Ham, Bolton, Middlesbrough and Newcastle are amongst those interested.
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Quashie hopeful of Blues chance - TeamTalk
West Ham midfielder Nigel Quashie is hopeful of securing a loan move to
Birmingham after coming through a reserve game with Manchester City. The
30-year-old is back to full fitness following a serious ankle injury and
after losing his mother to cancer earlier this month is hoping to be handed
a fresh start by Blues boss Alex McLeish. He told the Birmingham Post: "It
has been a really frustrating time and I did think I would have to pack in,
so I am grateful just to be playing again. "Losing my mum, who I was very
close to, as well has made it the hardest time of my life so I am due a bit
of luck after everything I have been through. "Everyone at Birmingham has
been fantastic. Alex has given me the chance to come here and train and if I
get an opportunity to come here and play it will be a massive sigh of
relief. "It would be great to be part of a club that is pushing to get back
into the top flight, and with the players we have here we can do it."
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I'll repay Zola with loads of goals for West Ham, vows new Hammer Diego
Tristan - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:43 AM on 15th October 2008
Striker Diego Tristan is determined to repay Gianfranco Zola's faith in him
by "scoring lots of goals" for West Ham United. Former Spain international
Tristan yesterday signed a permanent deal at Upton Park after impressing on
a two-week trial. The 32-year-old, who becomes Zola's first signing as
manager, had been a free agent after leaving Italian side Livorno. Tristan
told the club's website, whufc.com: "The manager has spent lots of time
working with me. "He has helped me a lot and I want to say thanks to him by
scoring lots of goals and doing well for the club. "I am very grateful to
the manager for giving me the opportunity to play here.
"I have been really impressed from the moment I arrived at the training
ground. "The coaching staff and the players have all helped me to settle in.
I had a lot of offers to go to other countries and play for a lot of money
but I feel that I still have lots to offer. "I want to show West Ham fans
that I can still play at the highest level. That is why I am here."
The striker, who won 15 caps for Spain between 2001 and 2004, also played
for Deportivo La Coruna and Real Mallorca in his homeland. However, the 6ft
1in forward endured lean times at Livorno and scored just one goal in 20
appearances. He will be in contention to make his debut in Sunday's Barclays
Premier League match at Hull. Tristan added: "I have always been impressed
by English football whenever I have played here. "The stadiums and the fans
are great and it was always a dream of mine to come here and play. "Now my
dream is going to become reality. I am at a great club and I want to see if
I can help West Ham get into Europe and play at that level. English football
is very similar to Spanish in that it is very quick and technical. There is
more of an emphasis on attacking football so I will have more chances to
score goals. "In Italy, it was more defensive, and not easy for forwards to
get scoring opportunities. West Ham play the right way and that should help
me to do well."
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Behrami Back To Base? - Reports - Goal.com
West Ham new summer recruit Valon Behrami is reportedly in negotiations to
secure a move back to Serie A and could sensationally return to Rome... to
wear Giallorosso. The Switzerland international's rapport with Lazio boss
Delio Rossi and chief Claudio Lotito had deteriorated over the last few
seasons and he had even threatened to take advantage of FIFA's Article 17 to
free himself from the Formello-based side. Eventually he managed to leave
the Stadio Olimpico and opted to depart Serie A to join Premier League
outfit West Ham, signing a five year contract in East London. But the
player's agent has set off the rumour mill today by revealing to website
Laromasiamonoi.it that the Lupi have allegedly made a move for the
23-year-old. "Roma have inquired after Valon," Alessandro Beltrami asserted,
"and despite the whispers that suggest the Giallorossi have no substantial
funds to secure the transfer, I have been told a different story. "I am
currently in Brazil for work and I cannot meet with the Lupi directors, but
we will certainly set up a meeting over the next few days to have a clear
picture of the situation. "I repeat, Roma have given me their word that they
are keen on the lad and willing to close a deal. However, we are just in
ther early stages." Hammers' sporting director Gianluca Nani had previously
denied that the Eternal City side were chasing the gifted midfield man.
Vince Masiello
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West Ham chief Nani dismisses Roma link for Behrami
15.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United chief Gianluca Nani has dismissed reports that they will
sell Valon Behrami to Roma in January. "The news is absurd," said Nani. "I
do not have anything against Roma, but we have no intention of selling
Behrami not to Roma nor anyother club. "He is very important for us and this
is good. He said in an interview recently he wants to stay here for ten
years."
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Ferdinand grateful to Sunderland fans for welcome
15.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is grateful to Sunderland's fans
for the way they've welcomed him. "The Sunderland fans have made me feel
welcome - I've enjoyed it. At West Ham I was the kid who came through the
ranks but here I've been brought to the team to make them better," he told
The Journal. "It's different - I was saying to my girlfriend and to my
family that it's mad because I'm not used to getting the loudest cheer. Now
when my name gets called I'm getting potentially the loudest cheer and it's
crazy. But it's a great feeling. "I don't normally think about it but I
noticed it and it's a great feeling. Hopefully I can repay them with good
performances now."
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West Ham chief Nani: We're not in financial crisis
15.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United chief Gianluca Nani has dismissed reports they must sell to
survive. He said: "West Ham is not in a financial crisis, we have just
signed Diego Tristan. The project continues and I see no alarms. Just
because we won't throw money away does not mean that we are in crisis."
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Ferdinand confident he can make England breakthrough at Sunderland
15.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Former West Ham defender Anton Ferdinand is confident he can fulfill his
England ambitions with Sunderland. "My number one priority is playing well
for Sunderland and being part of what we're trying to achieve here.
Obviously I want to play for England too and I'm only 23," he told The
Journal. "I can see it being in my grasp in the next year or two if I do
well for Sunderland. If I do that then hopefully I'll get the call - if I
don't then I need to work harder. "Obviously there are people in the squad
who are doing things that I'm not doing at the moment and I've got to try
and work out what those things are and get better at them. "Experience in
big games is what I need - I'm only 23 and I've played in big games but I'm
talking about Champions League games and playing in Europe. I think the
biggest thing for me is consistency. I think my biggest downfall is that
I've been inconsistent in the past. I need to be consistent through a season
and - touch wood - to not have injuries either and then I'll have a chance."
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