WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola is hoping his side can turn recent promise into points at
the Riverside on Saturday
31.10.2008
Gianfranco Zola is confident his West Ham United side will soon convert
their promising displays into winning ones.
After facing two tough matches against Manchester United and Arsenal, Zola
takes his squad to the Riverside on Saturday to face Middlesbrough hoping to
end a run of four defeats in the Barclays Premier League. Theresults has not
overly concerned him as he has seen plenty of positives in recent games and
on the training pitches of Chadwell Heath.
Zola said: "The attitude of the players has been fantastic, they've been
very unlucky not to get results in the last few games and I am sure this
can't go on forever. I have seen situations like this in my past so many
times that I am sure it is going to turn up. The players should be pleased
as for 75 minutes they played like a great team against Arsenal, one of the
best teams in Europe, and that is something they should be proud of."
"The problem would be if we were not creating chances. We are creating them
and it's a matter of getting the confidence and putting them way. I have no
problems about that. That is what I keep telling the players to keep trying
to do the same things and then I'm sure a big result will come. Maybe it is
going to be on Saturday, maybe the week after."
Zola, without the suspended Carlton Cole, has named Diego Tristan in his
squad for the first time Club captain Lucas Neill and defender James Tomkins
will also travel to the north-east, but Valon Behrami will miss out along
with Mark Noble (both calf). "We are going to have Lucas Neill and James
Tomkins back for selection so that is the good news for us. We do not know
yet whether Ilunga and Parker will be available."
The Middlesbrough fixture sees the start of a new month and, Zola hopes, the
start of some better fortune for West Ham United. He said: "It has been a
tough October and it has been a difficult moment but football is like that -
you go through tough patches but you need to carry on, you need to stick to
what you are doing and maybe soon we are going to be talking about a
different run.
"With this job every day you learn new things. The thing about this game is
it is so dynamic. You have to be ready of all the time to face new
situations - that is a good lesson that I learnt. So it's my idea about
football, it doesn't change by two, three, or four bad results."
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Middlesbrough match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news ahead of Saturday's trip to Middlesbrough in the
Barclays Premier League
31.10.2008
Barclays Premier League
Middlesbrough v West Ham United
Riverside Stadium
Saturday 1 November
3pm
Referee: Andre Marriner
WHUTV - Full audio commentary
Introduction
* West Ham United travel to Middlesbrough for their third game in six days,
following the meetings with Arsenal last Sunday and Manchester United on
Wednesday. An away win would lift them two points above their hosts in the
Barclays Premier League.
* Loses in those two fixtures have contributed to the Hammers enduring a run
of four straight defeats since their last victory - away at Fulham on 27
September.
* After the midweek games, West Ham United are eleventh with twelve points
from three wins and a minus four goal difference. Their hosts are ninth with
one point more than United after three wins and a draw with a goal
difference of minus five.
* West Ham United are the only side in the Premier League not to have drawn
a game yet this season. The visitors will be hoping to keep a clean sheet -
a feat not achieved since the 1-0 win a Fulham in February.
* The highest both teams could climb with a win is seventh in the table. If
they score first, the Hammers will hope to go on and win - as they have done
in all four games where they have taken the lead this season.
* Carlton Cole is the club's top scorer with three goals from nine league
appearances. If Hayden Mullins is selected it would be his 150th league
start in a claret and blue shirt.
* West Ham United are next in action on Saturday 8 November when they return
to the Boleyn Ground after two long away trips. Middlesbrough travel to
Aston Villa the following day.
Last time out
Wednesday 29 October 2008 - Manchester United 2-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Boa Morte
44), Bowyer (Sears 69), Mullins, Etherington (Collison 46), Di Michele,
Bellamy.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Reid.
Wednesday 29 October 2008 - Middlesbrough 2-0 Manchester City
Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater, Riggott, Pogatetz, Taylor, Aliadiere,
O'Neil, Digard (Arca 75), Downing (Adam Johnson 83), Sanli, Alves.
Subs Not Used: Jones, Emnes, John Johnson, Grounds, Walker.
Goals: Alves 53 pen, O'Neil 90.
Team news
* Diego Tristan is set to be named in the squad for the first time since
joining the club after working hard on his fitness at Chadwell Heath. Lucas
Neill and James Tomkins are also available after recovering from a virus and
knee injury respectively.
* Gianfranco Zola will make a late decision on whether Scott Parker (calf)
will play. Carlton Cole is unavailable as he serves the second match of his
three game ban following the red card against Arsenal. Calum Davenport will
not travel as he picked up a slight thigh strain in training on Friday.
* Valon Behrami is definitely out as he awaits the results of a scan on the
calf injury picked up at Old Trafford. Mark Noble will be out for three more
weeks with a calf problem.
* Luis Boa Morte, Jack Collison and Freddie Sears all received warm praise
from their manager for their impressive substitute appearances at Old
Trafford and will be hoping for starting places on Saturday.
* Jonathan Spector (hip) has been a welcome sight on his return to Chadwell
Heath this week as he begins full training following his recovery from a hip
injury. Kieron Dyer is in light training and is hopeful of joining the rest
of the sqaud within a month. Danny Gabbidon is progressing well with his
abdominal injury but no date has been set for his return.
* Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky has been ruled out for three weeks
with a thigh injury, while an ankle injury is expected to keep defender
Robert Huth out. Mido and Justin Hoyte trained late in the week and could
play a part on Saturday.
* West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola said: "First of all the work we
are doing here is very good. I've been a footballer such a long time and I
know the value of training sessions. Secondly the attitude of the players
has been fantastic, they've been very unlucky not to get results in the last
few games and I am sure this can't go on forever. I have seen situations
like this in my past so many times that I am sure it is going to improve."
Background
The last meeting of the clubs was West Ham United's 2-1 win at the Riverside
three days before Christmas last year, when Scott Parker scored his first
goal for the club - an 89th minute winner.
The lineups were:
Middlesbrough: Schwarzer, Young, Woodgate (Huth 63), Wheater, Pogatetz,
Johnson (Cattermole 77), Boateng, Arca, Downing, Aliadiere, Sanli.
Subs Not Used: Turnbull, Shawky, Lee.
Goal: Wheater 40
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Upson, McCartney, Spector, Solano (Noble 76),
Parker, Mullins, Ljungberg, Camara (Pantsil 85), Ashton.
Subs Not Used: Wright, Dailly, Ephraim.
Goals: Ashton 44, Parker 90
Last season's win was West Ham United's first at the Riverside and their
fifth in seven matches against Saturday's hosts. The second win in that
sequence was the most memorable; a Marlon Harewood winner in the FA Cup
semi-final on 23 April 2006 ensured the Hammers of a place in the Cardiff
final against Liverpool.
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
22 December 2007 - Middlesbrough 1-2 West Ham United
15 September 2007 - West Ham United 3-0 Middlesbrough
31 March 2007 - West Ham United 2-0 Middlesbrough
11 November 2006 - Middlesbrough 1-0 West Ham United
23 April 2006 - Middlesbrough 0-1 West Ham United (FA Cup)
17 April 2006 -Middlesbrough 2-0 West Ham United
Overall record v Middlesbrough (all competitions): W 24, D 11, L 23
Barclays Premier League fixtures
Saturday 1 November 2008
Chelsea v Sunderland
Everton v Fulham (12.45pm)
Manchester United v Hull City
Portsmouth v Wigan Athletic
Stoke City v Arsenal
Tottenham Hotspur v Liverpool (5.30pm)
West Bromwich Albion v Blackburn Rovers
Sunday 2 November 2008
Bolton Wanderers v Manchester City (4pm)
Monday 3 November
Newcastle United v Aston Villa (8pm)
General information
For details on getting to the Riverside Stadium, click here
Weather: The forecast is for a cloudy, rainy day with a top temperature of
9C.
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Hall gets another cap
WHUFC.com
Now 15, Robert Hall made his second England Under-16 appearance in Friday
night's Victory Shield victory
31.10.2008
Robert Hall won his second England cap on Friday night as he played his part
in a 1-0 victory against Wales in the Victory Shield Under-16s tournament.
The teenager, who turned 15 on 20 October, started the game at Llanelli,
having come off the bench in last month's 6-0 win away to Northern Ireland.
Hall played for 63 minutes of the 80-minute contest before being
substituted. The only goal of the came in the dying minutes from Benik
Afobe. Hall will hope to have done enough to keep his place for the Victory
Shield decider against Scotland in Lincoln on 28 November.
Hall, who was watched by Sir Trevor Brooking, has been with the club since
he was seven and proved to be a prolific goalscorer as he has progressed
through the Academy ranks. On 18 October, his first game at Under-18 level
for the club saw him score within a few minutes of coming on against
Chelsea. He is following in the footsteps of other West Ham United products
to have featured in the Shield including Brooking, Joe Cole and current U19
captain Jordan Spence.
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Parris matches coming soon
WHUFC.com
George Parris is once again staging his annual football event for youngsters
to play at the Boleyn Ground
31.10.2008
West Ham United can reveal details of the fourth annual mini-soccer
tournament for youngsters at the Boleyn Ground organised by club legend
George Parris.
Last summer's event was a great success, with teams from 16 counties
participating and another group of youngsters will again be getting the
chance to play at the stadium at the end of the season. The competition
format will be the same as before, essentially small-sided football rules
(seven-a-side matches - maximum ten players per squad), and the tournament
dates are as follows:
Under-12s, Under-11s, Under-7s - Saturday 13 June
Under-8s, Under-9s, Under-10s - Sunday 14 June
George will host the day and there will be trophies and medals for the
winners and runners-up of each competition, plus certificates for all who
take part. All participants will also have the opportunity to visit the
dressing room areas. The event will again be used to raise money for the
Great Ormond Street Hospital Children's Charity and so far more than £7,000
has been raised for this very deserving cause.
The tournaments will again be affiliated with the Essex FA and will give
many of the children a possible "once in a lifetime" opportunity to enjoy
the experience of playing at this famous stadium. Clubs interested in taking
part in next year's event should contact Jeff Garner via email on
jeffrey51@btopenworld.com or telephone 07941 877570 for further details.
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Striker Ashton returns to Crewe
BBC.co.uk
West Ham striker Dean Ashton has made a return visit to former club Crewe to
pay tribute to the Alex academy. Ashton, who has one cap for England, made
his debut for the Alex at the age of 16 before leaving to join Norwich City
for £3m in 2005. Crewe first-team coach Steve Holland told BBC Radio Stoke:
"He brought in a picture of himself playing for Crewe and one in his England
kit. "It was a nice touch. That's what Crewe is all about. It was good to
see him." Ashton is one of a string of players who have progressed through
the Crewe youth set-up and gone on to play at the highest level. The
24-year-old spent a year with the Canaries before moving to Upton Park for
£7.25m in January 2006. Meanwhile, Crewe have offered a new contract to
striker Tom Pope, whose current deal expires in the summer. "He's done
really well and I think we've done a good job improving him," said Holland.
"There's still some work to do if he is to become the player he is capable
of being, but he is now at a level where he will have a big part to play in
our season."
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Middlesbrough v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Venue: Riverside Stadium
Date: Saturday, 1 November Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Full-match commentary on BBC Tees 95FM, BBC London DAB and the BBC
London website, live text commentary on BBC Sport website & updates on BBC
Radio 5 Live
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Middlesbrough midfielder Mohamed Shawky (thigh) is out for three weeks and
Robert Huth (ankle) is also sidelined. Mido (groin) and Justin Hoyte (hip)
both trained on Friday and have an outside chance of being involved against
the Hammers.
West Ham will be without Valon Behrami, who has a calf problem. Carlton Cole
is suspended and Scott Parker (calf) is a doubt, but defenders Lucas Neill
(virus) and James Tomkins (knee) are set to return.
Middlesbrough (from): Turnbull, Wheater, Taylor, Riggott, Pogatetz, O'Neil,
Digard, Aliadiere, Downing, Tuncay, Alves, Jones, Hoyte, Grounds, Arca,
Walker, Emnes, A Johnson, Mido.
West Ham (from): Green, Lastuvka, Walker, Davenport, Upson, Collins, Lopez,
Faubert, Bowyer, Mullins, Collison, Etherington, Boa Morte, Sears, Di
Michele, Bellamy, Tristan, Neill, Tomkins, Ilunga, Parker.
Middlesbrough boss Gareth Southgate: "We've taken seven points from the last
four games and that's crucial. "The players needed to give a performance on
Wednesday which gave them belief that we can play well at home, score late
goals and keep a clean sheet, so there are lots of positives to take into
the weekend.
"But the key will be whether we can create an atmosphere here of
understanding that we're coming off a huge high and we're going to be
expected to go and win the West Ham game. "If the fans can stay with us, it
could be a significant result on Saturday if we can get a positive one."
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: "I was very happy with the team in the second
half of our last game which was against Manchester United and that is now a
starting point for us. "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 and we will get the results."
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'No confidence' vote in board
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 31st October 2008
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's board have been given a vote of no confidence by
supporters in a KUMB.com poll.
The poll asked whether supporters had faith in the current board, led by
owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson to bring long-term success to the club. With
around 300 votes currently in, an extraordinarily high figure of 80% have
voted 'no' - with just 16 voters (at the time of writing) backing the board.
Some of the main criticisms levelled at Gudmundsson's team are:
Financial uncertainty
The status of Gudmundsson's personal finances and his ability to invest
further in the club has been questioned in the wake of the collapse of
Landsbanki. Just a year ago Gudmundsson claimed that the club were on their
way to become one of England's top clubs with hopes of winning the Premier
League and playing regularly in the Champions League - since when the only
player signed for more than a nominal fee has been Valon Behrami.
Suggestions that Gianfranco Zola will need to sell before he can buy in the
forthcoming January transfer window have also worried some.
Playing squad
The board were panned for their policy of selling players capable of
fighting for a first team place and replacing them with cheap, foreign
imports. Some noted that our best defensive unit for years was broken up in
the summer with the sale of Ferdinand and McCartney - since when the team
have failed to keep a single clean sheet. The poor quality of replacements -
such as David Di Michele, Jan Lastuvka and Walter Lopez - has also been
questioned, whilst some claim that the squad is no better - if not worse -
than when the Icelandics first purchased the club two years ago.
Personnel
Whilst the appointment of Gianfranco Zola has been generally welcomed
(despite less than 4% of voters originally nominating him in a managerial
poll), the board received huge criticism for their handling of his
predecessor Alan Curbishley who supporters feel was undermined throughout
the summer and given little choice but to resign.
Inconsistency
CEO Scott Duxbury, speaking in the wake of the sale of Anton Ferdinand to
Sunderland claimed that the club had no need to sell and were simply
trimming the squad. However non-executive director Mike Lee, talking about
the sale of George McCartney on Five Live earlier his week admitted that 'we
needed to raise money'. Duxbury also made statements in the summer regarding
the Freddie Ljungberg pay-off that contradicted those initially made by
vice-Chairman Asgeir Fridgeirsson.
Litigation
Kia Joorabchian, Terry Brown, Sheffield United and a group of players have
all either sued or intend to sue the club since Gudmundsson purchased the
club - not to mention the Premier League's world record £5.5million fine.
The board have been criticised for taking West Ham United's formerly good
name into the gutter.
Internal blunders
Merchandising, online ticket sales, increases in ticket prices and the BM6
range were all highlighted by fans critical of the way the club have handled
their affairs in the last two years. There was also major criticism for the
way the club handled the recent fans' petition (signed by more than 10,000
names) to have the Bobby Moore Fund logo placed on shirts - something
ignored due to 'commercial reality' (some six weeks later the club still
feature no sponsor).
Radio silence
The board were lambasted for failing to keep supporters up to date on
schemes such as the propsed new training ground and stadium.
However it wasn't all bad news for the board; some fans praised them for the
changes made in non-playing personnel, such as the introduction of new
medical staff on the recommendation of the Roehampton report and the hiring
of inflential backroom figures such as Steve Clarke and fitness coach
Antonio Pintus.
Still plenty of food for thought however for Gudmundsson, as he prepares to
enter his third year as owner of West Ham United FC.
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Zola still smiling
SSN
Amiable Italian remains optimistic
By Ben Collins Last updated: 31st October 2008
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has vowed to keep on smiling as the Hammers
aim to halt a four-game losing streak. Zola's side travels to Middlesbrough
on Saturday looking to bounce back from defeats by Bolton, Hull, Arsenal and
Manchester United. That has put some early pressure on Zola, who was
confirmed as Alan Curbishley's successor six weeks ago. But the amiable
Italian is certainly not showing it as he relishes his first managerial
appointment. "I keep smiling because the situation doesn't worry me," he
said. "I know how the team has been playing and that gives me the confidence
to keep on smiling. "For me there is always something to enjoy in football.
I enjoy it when I am winning but also when I am losing. "Not as much when I
am losing but I won't let that take the joy of being in such a wonderful
game away from me. I try very hard to keep my smile all the time.
"Of course I worry. I have my moments but they are straight away overcome by
good feelings. You don't want to be too involved emotionally because
emotions can cause problems. "I am a positive man and that is the way I have
always handled my life. "We are not doing well at the moment so what can I
do? "I have two choices. I could get angry and lose my clarity of mind or
keep calm and try to see how we can improve. That is what I think a manager
should do."
Zola is adamant his side are playing the right way, if not picking up the
right results. "I keep telling the players, we need to keep doing the same
things as I'm sure a big result will come," he added. "Maybe it will be
today, maybe next week, but I'm sure it will come. My faith comes from the
work we are doing, which I know has been very good. "I have been a
footballer for such a long time and I know how to value work in training
sessions.
"The attitude of the players has been great so far. They have been very
unlucky not to get results in the last few games. "I have seen results like
this many times before. This team is not playing like a team that is going
to have problems with relegation. "This team is playing well and just needs
a little bit of confidence, and this will come through the games and through
results."
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Boro v West Ham preview
SSN
Hammers travel to Teesside looking to end bad run
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 31st October 2008
Middlesbrough go in search of their first back-to-back successes of the
season as they host West Ham United at The Riverside on Saturday. After a
humiliating 5-0 defeat to Chelsea, Boro have bounced back in superb fashion
with a draw at Blackburn - which was so close to a win - and then victory
over Manchester City. Boro have now moved into the top half of the table,
whilst West Ham have been going in the opposite direction. The Hammers have
lost four league games in succession and have failed to score in their last
three games, which has seen them drop to 11th. Victory at Boro could see
Gianfranco Zola's men climb back to as high as seventh and the omens are
good for The Hammers as they have won their last three meetings against the
North East club - including victory on Teesside last season, which was their
first in the Premier League. Should West Ham lose however, it would be the
first time they have lost five league games in a row since March 2007.
Boro look set to name an unchanged side for the third successive match.
Justin Hoyte and Mido are back in training after recent injuries and both
could make the bench, where they will join Julio Arca - who made his
comeback from injury in midweek. Mohamed Shawky and Robert Huth are both
weeks away from returning. West Ham are without Valon Behrami because of a
calf problem he picked up in the midweek defeat at Manchester United. Scott
Parker is struggling with a calf injury whilst Herita Ilunga is also
struggling, but Lucas Neill and James Tomkins look set to return to action.
Diego Tristan is in contention for his first taste of Premier League action
since his move to England from Spain, as Carlton Cole is suspended.
Youngsters Freddie Sears and Jack Collison could also be pushing for starts.
Mark Noble, Dean Ashton, Kieron Dyer, Jonathan Spector and Danny Gabbidon
are all long-term absentees.
Possible starting XIs
Middlesbrough: Turnbull, Wheater, Taylor, Pogatetz, Riggott, Downing,
Aliadiere, O'Neil, Digard, Alves, Tuncay
West Ham: Green, Neill, Ilunga, Upson, Collins, Faubert, Etherington,
Mullins, Bowyer, Di Michele, Bellamy
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Southgate wary of backlash
SSN
But Boro boss hopes to increase pressure on Zola
Last updated: 31st October 2008
Middlesbrough manager Gareth Southgate hopes his side can capitalise on
perceived low morale at West Ham. The Hammers arrive at The Riverside on the
back of four successive defeats and Southgate is looking to increase the
pressure on Gianfranco Zola. However, the Boro boss, who saw his men defeat
Manchester City in midweek, is wary that West Ham will be looking to end
their run of defeats. "After our win on Wednesday it's important we focus
on the next performance and we have to be respectful of West Ham," said
Southgate. "They've had a tough run and if it had been us in that run we
would want to roll our sleeves up and fight in our next game. "By the same
token, confidence must be low and we need to capitalise on that. "He (Zola)
will be desperately keen to make sure that they are hard to beat and we
won't have a team that comes and rolls over. "We might also be up against a
team that approaches the game in a different manner to Manchester City and
we'll have to answer different questions."
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Gianfranco Zola claims good times are on the way at West Ham United
Telegraph
Gianfranco Zola is adamant West Ham will not become embroiled in a
relegation battle and says he will not compromise his desire to play
"beautiful football".
By James Masters
Last Updated: 9:42PM GMT 31 Oct 2008
The Italian, whose side face Middlesbrough at the Riverside, has presided
over four consecutive league defeats in which his players have mustered just
one goal between them. Zola, however, maintains he is in a positive frame of
mind and believes his work will eventually bear fruit, despite the club's
injury crisis and the uncertain financial situation. "This team are not
playing as if they are going to have problems with relegation," he said.
"We're playing well. We just need some confidence which will come through
results. "I know what the situation is and I'm not worried. I know how the
team is playing and that gives me enough confidence to keep on smiling. You
go through times like these where it's not easy with four bad results. Of
course I worry. I have my moments but they are overcome straight away. "I
always had the belief that results will come through playing good football,
although in the last four games we have not won any points. I trust what
we're doing and we'll be OK soon."
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Coach Clarke is West Ham's signing of the season, says former Hammer
McAvennie
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 6:48 PM on 31st October 2008
Daily Mail
Former West Ham striker Frank McAvennie has claimed that the arrival of new
first team coach Steve Clarke from Chelsea could be the best signing the
club make this season. Hammers legend McAvennie played in the same St Mirren
team as Clarke, before they both transferred south of the border as players
in the 80s - Steve joined Chelsea as a player and Frank moved to Upton Park
in the summer of 1985. Clarke has proved himself one of the most respected
coaches in the Premier League and Europe under successive top managers at
Stamford Bridge, including Claudio Ranieri, Jose Mourinho and now Luis
Scolari. And McAvennie is adamant that the Hammers have got the right man.
'West Ham have got a very good man in Stevie Clarke,' he said. 'I know him
well from our playing days at St Mirren and he's absolutely superb. Anyone
who can coach some of the best players in the world at Chelsea has to be
respected. 'He knows how to deal with big-name players and he's a strong
character who won't take any nonsense. He also has plenty of experience of
working alongside top class managers in the likes of Mourinho. 'I think
Steve could be the best signing West Ham have made in a long time.'
McAvennie hopes the combination of Zola and Clarke, friends from their days
together at Chelsea, will herald an exciting new era of swashbuckling
football at Upton Park, where entertainment has been too thin on the ground
for the liking of many supporters in recent years. Enlarge Winners:
Clarke and Zola celebrate lifting the the Cup Winner's cup in 1998. From
left are captain Dennis Wise, Steve Clarke, Michael Dueberry, Gianfranco
Zola and Eddie Newton. 'Like Steve Clarke, Zola is also a lovely guy. I've
met him a few times but for all the fact that he is a very likeable
person,he's also a strong character and will certainly deal strongly with
anyone who gives him any trouble. No problem. 'West Ham were always going to
appoint a foreign manager to replace Alan Curbishley and, to all intents and
purposes, I heard that Chelsea were looking to him to become their manager
some time in the future, so it's good that West Ham have been able to get
him.
'Zola has coached Italy under-21s and I like the way Italians play the game
- it's proper football. They know how to defend and attack and Zola was one
of the most gifted players the English Premier League has ever seen. People
respect him for that and he'll instantly get the respect of the West Ham
players for the same reason.
As well as continuing to occasionally appear on the after-dinner circuit,
Frank is now in partnership with a friend who runs the Scottish-based Calcio
Promotions agency and is set to take his agent's exam next week. McAvennie
is back on Hammers territory this weekend, when he returns to Essex to
launch the new book, West Ham: In My Day. He will be at the RUSSC Club in
Mawney Road, Romford on Sunday (12 noon-4.00pm) signing copies, along with
fellow former Hammers Eddie Bovington, Johnny Ayris and Alan Stephenson.
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Big-money star will not face West Ham
11:05am Friday 31st October 2008
Echo
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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Neill Returns in Behind-Closed Doors Game
Vital Football
Lucas Neill, Carlton Cole and Freddie Sears all played in a specially
arranged friendly against a Southend XI at Chadwell Heath yesterday. The
Hammers won 2-1, but fell behind to a Charles Ademeno goal. The game enabled
Neill to test his fitness after missing the last two games. Carlton goal
played to remain match-fit during his suspension, and Freddie Sears got some
minutes under his belt. It remains to be seen whether Neill will start
against Boro tomorrow following the impressive showing of James Collins.
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Behrami ruled out for the Hammers - TeamTalk
West Ham will be without Valon Behrami for the trip to Middlesbrough in the
Premier League as the midfielder needs a scan on a calf problem. Midfielder
Scott Parker (calf) is a doubt but defenders Lucas Neill (virus) and James
Tomkins (knee) are set for returns following injury, with manager Gianfranco
Zola also mulling over including forward Diego Tristan in the squad for the
first time as Carlton Cole is suspended. Left-back Herita Ilunga is also
short of fitness and the Hammers will definitely be without longer-term
absentees Mark Noble (calf), Dean Ashton (ankle), Kieron Dyer (leg),
Jonathan Spector (hip) and Danny Gabbidon (stomach).
Hammers (from): Green, Lastuvka, Walker, Davenport, Upson, Collins, Lopez,
Faubert, Bowyer, Mullins, Collison, Etherington, Boa Morte, Sears, Di
Michele, Bellamy, Tristan, Neill, Tomkins, Ilunga, Parker.
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