Kevin Keen was full of praise for the experienced Christian Dailly and
youthful James Tomkins
24.01.2008
Kevin Keen paid tribute to his "outstanding" senior professionals after they
helped the reserves to victory in a competitive encounter against Portsmouth
last night.
Although Craig Bellamy's return to form and fitness was the headline of the
1-0 win - "He played with plenty of energy and its lovely to have him back",
said Keen - there were special plaudits for veteran defender Christian
Dailly who once again excelled and young Academy graduate James Tomkins who
is showing versatility at a young age.
Dailly was deployed at right-back, having performed in the previous two
reserve games as a tough-tackling central midfielder, and barely put a foot
wrong. "As a reserve team manager, he's the perfect man to have," Keen said
of the 34-year-old who was a constant constructive presence on the south
coast last night. In muddy conditions on a chilly night, he gave his all for
the cause - barking orders to team-mates, weighing in with strong challenges
and even having a few passionate exchanges with the match officials.
"Christian has a real enthusiasm for the game," Keen added of the committed
Scottish international who has not long returned from a two-month loan at
Southampton . "He does everything right and he is really fit. He's
experienced, he talks to the players in the way they understand, his
enthusiasm rubs off on others, it's great to have him around and obviously
he really wants to play first-team football."
The manager added that a knee injury suffered by James Collins in the game
could yet lead to a first-team opportunity for Dailly, although Danny
Gabbidon and Tomkins also impressed against Portsmouth. The duo's display
underlined the defensive strength in depth with Matthew Upson, Anton
Ferdinand and Jonathan Spector also available to Alan Curbishley, who was an
interested observer last night..
Tomkins was deserving of particular praise, having begun the game in an
unfamiliar left-back role before replacing Collins in the centre. In the
previous reserve outing, a 2-1 defeat away at Aston Villa, Keen deployed the
18-year-old at right-back. It is all part of a plan to give the young
defender vital experience of playing right across the back line, and a
greater appreciation of what his team-mates encounter.
"He is a very talented young man. He played very well and it is good for him
to play somewhere else to get an understanding of the game. Having played at
left-back he will understand what it takes to play that position, but he can
improve. I had a go at him afterwards, as he gave a free header towards the
end, and I didn't want a repeat of what happened against Villa when they
scored in the last two or three minutes. I expect that little bit more
because he's got it in him."
Keen was also full of praise for his other younger performers. "The attitude
shown was excellent," he said. "It was a really decent game played by us.
Freddie Sears did well, playing up front with Bellamy. Kyel Reid and Zavon
Hines, the two wide men, worked really hard. And, in midfield Jack Collison
and Tony Stokes, who is back from Stevenage, did really well against two
good players. I think they came out on top."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ladies facing Sunday showdown - WHUFC
The small matter of an FA Cup tie against Arsenal this Sunday is up next for
Tony Marshall's team
24.01.2008
West Ham United Ladies will take centre stage this weekend when they go to
European champions Arsenal in the FA Cup fifth round.
With the men's side having a free weekend, Tony Marshall's team will be
firmly in the spotlight for Sunday afternoon's game at Boreham Wood. While
West Ham United are striving to reach the top tier of women's football from
the Premier League Southern Division, Arsenal are the European champions and
going for a hat-trick of FA Cup wins.
The north London club reached this stage with an 11-1 fourth-round victory
against Newquay while West Ham United were 7-0 winners against Colchester
United. Sunday's game, which kicks off at 2pm, promises to be a tighter
affair for both London clubs this time around although the home side, also
bidding for a fifth consecutive Premier League title, will be the undoubted
favourites.
# Return to whufc.com on Friday for a special feature on Hammers defender
Carly Roache, who has extra incentive for wanting success this Sunday.
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Stewart reflects on Lyall impact - WHUFC
Ray Stewart has added his thoughts to those paying their respects to John
Lyall this week
24.01.2008
West Ham United great Ray Stewart has described the late John Lyall as being
like "a father figure" to him when he made the move from his native
Scotland.
Speaking after attending the special service that saw a commemorative plaque
unveiled outside the front of the Boleyn Ground in memory of the former
manager, the former full-back talked about the man he knew and the coach
that inspired him to follow in his footsteps. "Both as a manager and a
person, he was simply different class," said Stewart. "He did everything he
could for his players.
"John helped me improve my game no end and I can honestly say he made me the
player I became. After I stopped playing, he was again an inspiration to me
when I decided I would go into the coaching and managing side of things."
Stewart made 431 league and cup appearances for the Hammers between 1979 and
1990, scoring 84 goals. He said Lyall had a unique way of getting his point
across. "He was a strong, determined person and he used those qualities in
getting what he wanted you to do, across to you. It was his way yes, but he
was simply a very, very good coach and knew how to man-manage players."
He added: "He gave you confidence and also looked out for you as a person. I
remember it being no trouble at all for him to take you home or help you out
in any way in your life generally. Bearing in mind my family were back in
Scotland, if I needed to talk, then John would be the person I knew I could
go and nine times out of ten, the problem would be solved."
The former Scottish international also said that Lyall met all of his family
and in later years when Stewart was coaching, made regular visits up to see
the teams where he was based. "Over the last few years, before he died, John
made a trip up to see me and always made time to catch up with any of my
family who were there.
"I smile when I think of how a lot of things are done now in football,
agents and deals and such like, as I don't think John would have liked it,
because it was all different in his day!" Stewart said the service and the
plaque unveiling would last as a great reminder to what Lyall did for the
club, but said the biggest tribute was seeing all the people who attended on
the day - including Sir Geoff Hurst, Billy Bonds and Sir Trevor Brooking.
"It speaks volumes for what everyone, players and colleagues alike thought
of John. There was even people who could not make it, but sent their
apologies - for me that is a testament to John's influence. "I still keep in
touch with John's family, he was a big part of my life in both my career and
personally, he is much missed."
Stewart said he keeps in touch with how West Ham United are doing these days
and hopes the team continue to climb the league table. "We are doing well.
Alan Curbishley has had it tough with so many players being out this season,
but everyone has got on with it and we are getting results. As long as we
keep getting the points, that's the most important thing. I would love to be
out there with them!"
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Gabbidon firmly on comeback trail - WHUFC
Danny Gabbidon came through his reserve return and is hopeful that James
Collins will soon be back
24.01.2008
Danny Gabbidon was delighted to get through his comeback match for West Ham
United last night but he had words of sympathy for defensive colleague James
Collins.
The Wales duo were reunited at centre-back for last night's reserve-team
outing away to Portsmouth, with the match played at the Westleigh Park home
of FA Cup giantkillers Havant and Waterlooville. Gabbidon has been out with
a groin injury since the Carling Cup tie against Everton on 12 December but
got 76 minutes in the 1-0 win to show that he is on the way back to full
fitness.
"It was nice to come back and play a full part," he said. "I was
disappointed to get injured as I had just started to find my form in the
team. These things happen but it was nice to get back out on the field. The
boys played really well - I was impressed with a lot of the young lads. It
was good to get a clean sheet and get a few minutes under my belt."
There was some concern before the game that recent wet weather on the south
coast had affected the pitch and Gabbidon admitted the muddy conditions were
a factor. He said: "It was a bit tricky. We knew the pitch wasn't going to
be the best. When you haven't played for a few weeks you don't read things
so well but as the game went on, I felt better. You just have to get on with
it."
While the comebacks for Gabbidon and Craig Bellamy - playing his first game
since 27 October after recovering from an abdominal problem - were real plus
points, it was a miserable night for the third established Welsh
international on view. Collins has been back in the first-team picture after
overcoming his own groin troubles but suffered a knee injury when an
opponent appeared to fall on his right leg in an innocuous collision. He
left the ground on crutches and was to have scans for possible ligament
damage.
"You are hoping everyone gets through the game and no one gets injured,"
said Gabbidon, who will know his compatriot will have had every hope of
being involved in next week's top-flight visit of Liverpool. "I feel for
James because he was playing really well up to then. He was a bit unlucky
the guy fell on his knee and he has done something to it. Hopefully he can
recover and get back as quick as possible. It is disappointing to see him
get an injury."
Gabbidon may now find himself as the main rival for Matthew Upson and Anton
Ferdinand in the next few weeks. Wisely, the 28-year-old is not getting
carried away. "I am not going to say anything yet," he said. "I got through
this game and we will see how my body reacts. Hopefully now I can keep
improving, get stronger and stronger and get some games under my belt - I
just want to try and stay available for the first team for the rest of the
season now."
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Pantsil hopeful, Camara gets started - WHUFC
John Pantsil may play against Namibia on Thursday while Henri Camara's
Senegal are under way
24.01.2008
John Pantsil has been cleared to play in Ghana's remaining two group games
at the 2008 African Cup of Nations after further medical tests.
The right-back will hope to figure in Thursday's second Group A outing
against Namibia after playing in the 2-1 win against Guinea last Sunday.
Following that victory, in which he received a head injury, he complained of
dizziness and was taken to hospital. Although the versatile defender has
since been given the all-clear, he will be closely monitored.
Meanwhile, his club-mate Henri Camara played the last half-hour off the
substitute's bench on Wednesday night as Senegal began their Group D
campaign with a 2-2 draw against 2004 champions Tunisia. The striker, who is
making his third finals appearance, will hope for a starting berth when
Senegal are next in action on Sunday night against Angola.
2008 African Cup of Nations (selected fixtures)
Thursday 24 January
Group A - Ghana v Namibia (7.30pm)
Sunday 27 January
Group D - Senegal v Angola (5pm)
Monday 28 January
Group A - Ghana v Morocco (5pm)
Wednesday 31 January
Group D - Senegal v South Africa (5pm)
The quarter-finals will be played on 3/4 February although Ghana and Senegal
cannot meet until the semi-finals at the earliest. These will be held on 7
February, with the final set for 10 February.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bellamy back as reserves win - WHUFC
Craig Bellamy made an instant impact on his return to action but James
Collins picked up a knee injury
23.01.2008
Portsmouth reserves 0-1 West Ham United reserves
A lively Craig Bellamy returned to action on Wednesday night but the away
win was marred by James Collins being carried off with a first-half knee
injury.
Bellamy was making his first competitive appearance since the 0-0 draw away
to Portsmouth's first team in Premier League action at Fratton Park back on
27 October. It was the fit-again striker's perpetual pace that made the only
goal in the 50th minute as he raced away on the right before a low cross
forced home defender Jean Francois Christophe to put through his own net.
On a chilly evening, young right-winger Zavon Hines had the first chance,
coming off the flank to meet a cross from James Tomkins, who had begun in an
unfamiliar left-back role, but he could not direct the ball on target.
Bellamy then combined well with 18-year-old strike partner Freddie Sears to
set captain Jack Collison away but the offside flag denied him a clear run
on goal.
The assistant referee was to be a busy man throughout the half with several
stoppages as West Ham United, with Danny Gabbidon also back after injury,
looked to play on the break. Chances were at a premium at the home of FA Cup
giantkillers Havant and Waterlooville though with Joe Collins flashing
Portsmouth's first real chance wide. Collison was next to go for goal but
Asmir Begovic easily saved before Tomkins headed over.
In the 17th minute, Bellamy hit the post with a low drive from Reid's cross
but had already been flagged offside. Four minutes later, Adda Djezeri hit
the woodwork at the other end after Gabbidon lost his footing. Pompey were
on top at this point and first Joe Collins forced Marek Stech to save before
Danijel Subotic flicked a header just wide. On the half-hour mark, Tony
Stokes won possession before stinging Begovic's hands.
The next incident of note was the unfortunate injury to James Collins who
went over in the centre circle before an opponent appeared to fall on his
right knee. He instantly waved to the sidelines and was carried off on a
stretcher to be replaced by Lorcan Fitzgerald, who went to left-back as
Tomkins switched inside. There was a subdued finish to the half with a
Stokes header and Tomkins long-range effort standing out before Udo Udogi
had the ball in the net for the hosts only to be offside.
West Ham United were brighter after the interval and, within five minutes,
the visitors were in front. Bellamy raced away down the right flank and his
low cross forced Christophe to divert past Begovic. Bellamy had moved up a
gear and was giving the home defence plenty to think about with some lively
runs - ably supported by the driving runs of Collison and Stokes.
Bellamy particularly threatened when pulling on to the left flank against a
Portsmouth team featuring just two players with first-team experience -
Frank Songo'o and Sean Davis. Kyel Reid was also doing well off that flank
and forced an opening before the play switched to the other end and Gabbidon
had to be alert to stop Djezeri's similar surge.
As the game entered its closing stages, Bellamy had perhaps his best effort
of the match, meeting a Hines cross and firing in a shot that just curled
over the crossbar. His international team-mate Gabbidon then went off in the
76th minute to be replaced by Jordan Spence. Portsmouth also made a change
two minutes later with Jordan Hughes on for Djeziri. Sears nearly made it
two for the Hammers soon afterwards, racing away before unleashing a shot
that Begovic did well to stop at his near post.
There was another scare in the final minutes as Tomkins limped to the
sidelines, but it appeared to be nothing more than a case of cramp. With
three minutes remaining, Bellamy walked off to generous applause from the
200 spectators as Jack Jeffery came on to partner Sears. Songo'o was
cautioned for pulling back Hines and, from the resulting free-kick, Reid
forced Begovic to save. One goal was to prove enough for Kevin Keen's men
though, who were joined on the team bus back to London by Collins, who had
walked away on crutches awaiting further tests on his right knee.
Portsmouth: Asmir Begovic, Ugo Udogi, John Page, Marc Wilson, Jean Francois
Christophe, Sean Davis, Geraint Price, Adda Djezeri (Jordan Hughes 78),
Danijel Subotic, Franck Songo'o, Joe Collins
Subs not used: Tom Smith, Andreas Govas, Ryan Woodford
West Ham United: Marek Stech, Christian Dailly, Danny Gabbidon (Jordan
Spence 76), James Collins (Lorcan Fitzgerald 34), James Tomkins, Zavon
Hines, Tony Stokes, Jack Collison, Kyel Reid, Freddie Sears, Craig Bellamy
(Jack Jeffery 87)
Subs not used: Adam Street, Joe Widdowson
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton looking to Liverpool - WHUFC
After a couple of days of full training, Dean Ashton is feeling good and
hopeful of facing the Reds next week
23.01.2008
Dean Ashton is back in full training and is looking forward to returning to
action against Liverpool at the Boleyn Ground a week today.
The 24-year-old striker was forced to sit out Sunday's 1-1 draw at
Manchester City because of slight injury problems caused by a run-in with
City goalkeeper Joe Hart in the midweek FA Cup match against the same
opponents. "I got a dead leg off the keeper on Wednesday night and from the
collision with him I ended up having a slight back problem as well," he
said.
"The muscles were still in spasm on Friday so I wasn't able to travel to
Manchester for the league game but after having worked with our back
specialist here over the weekend I feel fine. I returned to full training
yesterday and felt good over the last two days and so I will definitely be
available for contention against Liverpool."
Ashton is the club's leading scorer this season with six goals from 20
league and cup appearances, seven of which were as substitute. His most
recent strike came on his last top-flight outing against Fulham on 12
January. With Ashton feeling good and strong form throughout the squad, Alan
Curbishley could well have selection issues against Liverpool as the likes
of Danny Gabbidon, Nolberto Solano and Craig Bellamy are also closing on a
first-team return.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bowyer pointing the way forward - WHUFC
Lee Bowyer has European experience and sees no reason why the club cannot
set their sights high
23.01.2008
Lee Bowyer is back and has added his voice to those claiming West Ham United
can mount a realistic challenge for a top-seven finish this season.
On Saturday 10 November, Bowyer walked off the pitch at Pride Park after
scoring twice and making another in a 5-0 rout of Derby County. The man of
the match display appeared to come at a short-term price as a fifth yellow
card of the campaign activated a one-match suspension but there was no
indication that a troublesome hernia injury was to sideline him for much
longer.
Two months later and the 1-0 FA Cup defeat and 1-1 league draw last week at
Manchester City were Bowyer's first starts since that Derby day.
Unsurprisingly, the 31-year-old midfielder is delighted to be back in the
thick of it for West Ham United - although he is also not complaining about
a free weekend coming up. "I was off for eight weeks and I will be glad for
this rest," he told WHUTV. "I got a bit tired towards the end."
While he was away, his team-mates had helpfully positioned the club into the
top half of the table and, after Sunday's stylish showing, Bowyer sees no
reason why they cannot finish the season with even higher aspirations. "We
have got to be pushing for Europe now," he said. "That's top seven - we are
seven points off that. You never know there is a long way to go yet. If we
keep pushing, we might just nick a place."
Bowyer knows all about what it takes to secure continental competition
having played for Leeds in the 2000/01 Champions League semi-finals.
Certainly the club more than held their own against City, the team currently
occupying that seventh spot, and will take plenty of confidence from their
dominant displays against a side that have earned many plaudits this
campaign.
"Obviously it was disappointing not to come away with the three points [on
Saturday] but we will take the point, especially after the disappointment on
Wednesday," he added. "Over the two games we were the better side. It was
just the final ball at times that let us down and stopped us taking all
three points."
Refusing to dwell on the contentious goal scored by Darius Vassell, that
many thought was offside - "sometimes you get them decisions, sometimes you
don't" - Bowyer added: "We showed good character. We moved well and we could
have had another two or three goals. It was a good solid team performance.
One point is better than none."
In terms of the top-flight table come Sunday 11 May, only a fifth-place
finish automatically brings UEFA Cup football but the sixth and seventh
spots can become open to the European competition if the FA Cup finalists
and League Cup winners respectively also finish inside the top four.
In truth, worrying about such ifs and buts is some way off for the Hammers,
who will nevertheless get a true test of their credentials when Liverpool
arrive a week today. While the Hammers will have been resting up, the Reds
will have played two full matches - including Monday night's taxing 2-2 home
draw against Aston Villa - a fact not lost on Bowyer. "We can prepare now
properly for Liverpool," he said. "It is a home game and you never know what
might happen."
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JAXX.com and West Ham United - WHUFC
whufc.jaxx.com has gone live after a partnership agreement between the club
and JAXX.com
22.01.2008
West Ham United have teamed up with JAXX.com to be the club's exclusive
online sports betting partner.
The partnership between West Ham United and JAXX.com, one of the newest and
most innovative names in the UK gambling market, promises to revolutionise
the way fans of the club can bet online. A dedicated site has been launched
at whufc.jaxx.com featuring unique betting propositions tailored exclusively
for Hammers fans, as well as other football clubs and sports.
Mark Irvine, JAXX UK managing director, said: "This season is proving to be
a big one for West Ham, with a host of new players making things happen on
the pitch as the positive effects of a new owner and new manager are felt.
We will be seeking to capitalise on this by revitalising the club's official
betting proposition with a much higher profile and a more dynamic offering
from our London-based trading team."
West Ham United supporters will also be able to take advantage of the unique
JAXX Club programme, which offers reward points for every betting
transaction. These can be traded for a range of gifts and once in a lifetime
sporting opportunities.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
(Another) month off for Collins? - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
James Collins is anxiously awaiting the results of a scan for possible
ligament damage. The Welsh international centre-half sustained the knock
during last night's 1-0 reserve team win over Portsmouth and had to be
carried off the pitch after colliding with an opposition player. It was
revealed today that the 24-year-old international had suffered suspected
knee ligament damage in the challenge - an injury that could keep him out
for several weeks. Danny Gabbidon, Collins' international team mate who was
also making a return to action in the same game told whufc.com: "[James] was
a bit unlucky the guy fell on his knee, and he has done something to it.
"Hopefully he can recover and get back as quick as possible. It is
disappointing to see him get an injury."
Collins has made just five first team starts this season, and revealed in
November that his season was rapidly becoming 'a nightmare' following a
succession of injuries. "At the end of last season I was playing the best
football of my career," he said at the time. "Now I keep getting niggly
injuries that have constantly kept me out for weeks at a time. "I just can't
get myself into a run of games."
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Sene-galling - KUMB
Filed: Thursday, 24th January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Henri Camara's Senegal were denied a winning start to their African Nations
Cup campaign thanks to a late equaliser from Mejdi Traoui. Traoui - who
plays his football for Étoile du Sahel in his home country - notched a
spectacular 25-yard equaliser seven minutes from time to rescue a point for
the Tunisians, who had initially led before going behind to goals from Saint
Etienne's Moustapha Sall (44 mins) and Fulham's Diomansy Kamara (66).
Camara - on loan at West Ham for the season - came on as a second half
substitute for Bastia's Frédéric Mendy five minutes before the Senegalese
took the lead through Fulham's Kamara. Next up for Senegal are Angola, who
drew 1-1 with World Cup 2010 hosts South Africa. Meanwhile, West Ham
United's John Paintsil is expected to feature later today when Ghana play
their second game of the competition against whipping-boys Namibia. Paintsil
was taken to hospital after the Black Stars' 2-1 win over Guinea at the
weekend but is back in line for contention having fully recovered.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Duo return - KUMB
Filed: Wednesday, 23rd January 2008
By: Matthew O'Greel
Craig Bellamy and Danny Gabbidon were back in action for the Hammers tonight
in the reserves 1-0 win at Portsmouth. The Welsh striker had missed United's
last 16 games through injury but made a timely return tonight at Havant &
Waterlooville, where a second half Jean Francois Christophe own goal was the
difference between the two sides. Bellamy - who looked sharp throughout -
played all but the final five minutes of tonight's match to put himself
firmly in the frame for the visit of former club Liverpool a week today.
Also back in action after recent injury was Danny Gabbidon who had been out
of action since the 2-1 home defeat against Everton in mid-December. The
Welsh centre-half played 76 minutes before being replaced by youngster
Jordan Spence. Sadly there was bad news concerning Bellamy and Gabbidon's
Welsh international team mate James Collins, who was carried off on a
stretcher after sustaining a mystery injury on the half-hour mark. The only
goal of the game arrived five minutes into the second half when Craig
Bellamy's low cross was turned into his own net by the unfortunate
Christophe.
Match Facts
West Ham United: Stech, Dailly, Collins (Fitzgerald 33), Gabbidon (Spence
76), Tomkins, Hines, Stokes, Collison, Reid, Bellamy (Jeffery 87), Sears.
Subs not used: Street, Widdowson.
Goals: Christophe (og 50).
Portsmouth: Begovic, Udoji, Christophe, Wilson, Page, Djezeri (J Hughes 78),
Davis, Songo'o, Proce, Subotic, Collins.
Booked: Songo'o.
Subs not used: Smith, Woodford, Walker, Govas.
Referee: A Rodda.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Nilsson seeks way out - SSN
Hammers reportedly keen on want-away forward
By Patrick Haond Last updated: 24th January 2008
Lars Nilsson could be set to leave St Etienne as the forward is growing
increasingly frustrated at his lack of first-team opportunities. Nilsson
joined the French side from Heerenveen last summer, but has been handed just
one first-team appearance since his switch. Reports in France suggest West
Ham United, Lens, Sochaux, Lorient and Auxerre are all monitoring the
Swede's situation. Nilsson, 26, is at a loss as to why Laurent Roussey
brought him to Stade Geoffroy-Guichard, and is open to offers, with a view
to leaving in January. "I joined St Etienne with a lot of hopes. But I can't
really understand why they approached me," he said in L'Equipe. "I want to
play. If it is at St Etienne, that's fine. If it is somewhere else, I will
go somewhere else. "Sometimes I talk to the coach, but my situation does not
change."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton eyes return - SSN
Forward recovers from problem
By Amanda Cornforth Last updated: 23rd January 2008
West Ham striker Dean Ashton expects to make a return to the first team in
next week's clash against Liverpool. The 24-year-old missed Sunday's 1-1
draw with Manchester City because of a minor injury problem he picked up
following a run-in with City goalkeeper Joe Hart in the midweek FA Cup match
against the club. He has since returned to full training and has declared
himself fit to feature in next Wednesday's home Premier League game with
Liverpool. "I got a dead leg off the keeper on Wednesday night and from the
collision with him I ended up having a slight back problem as well," Ashton
told the club's website. "The muscles were still in spasm on Friday so I
wasn't able to travel to Manchester for the league game but after having
worked with our back specialist here over the weekend I feel fine. "I
returned to full training yesterday and felt good over the last two days and
so I will definitely be available for contention against Liverpool." Ashton
is the Hammers' top goalscorer this season having netted six goals in 20
league and cup appearances.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collins blow for Hammers but Bellamy comes through reserve clash - Daily
Mail
Last updated at 13:02pm on 24th January 2008
West Ham defender James Collins is facing another spell on the sidelines
after being carried off on a stretcher with a knee injury in the first half
of last night's reserve match at Portsmouth. Meanwhile Craig Bellamy made
his comeback after nearly three months out with an abdominal injury when he
played 87 minutes for the reserves in their 1-0 victory at Portsmouth last
night. The Wales striker made an impact as his cross was turned into his own
net by Jean Francois Christophe.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gunners close to Freeman deal - TeamTalk
Gillingham chairman Paul Scally has confirmed teenager Luke Freeman is on
the verge of completing a move to Arsenal. The 15-year-old striker has
attracted interest from several Premier League sides - including Newcastle
and West Ham - since rising to prominence earlier this season, but now
appears set to join the Gunners. The cash-strapped League One club are
resigned to losing the services of Freeman, who became the youngest player
to feature in the FA Cup when he appeared as a late substitute against
Barnet in the first round back in November. Scally now expects the youngster
to complete the formalities of his move over the coming days with a fee in
the region of £200,000 the reported cost to the north Londoners. "We have
agreed in principal a deal for Luke to go to Arsenal," said Scally. "We are
still waiting on some of the finer details to be concluded but we are
confident that it will happen very soon. "It is a shame for Gillingham to
lose a special talent such as Luke but we cannot stand in the way of such a
fantastic opportunity. "Arsenal have gone about their business in a fair and
commendable way so it was a pleasure to do the deal with them. "They are a
fantastic club and I know that they are the right ones to take Luke on and
make him into a Premiership player."
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Cole: Faubert return great for West Ham
tribalfooball.com - January 24, 2008
West Ham striker Carlton Cole says a fully fit Julien Faubert will be a huge
boost in the second-half of this season. "The whole team will benefit when
he starts," Cole said. "He's quick, he's fast and that's what the squad
needs." The Frenchman ruptured his achilles in July and had to wait until
earlier this month for his debut.
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Somoza rules out West Ham move
tribalfootball.com - January 24, 2008
Villarreal midfielder Leandro Somoza has ruled out leaving Real Betis, where
he is on-loan. The Argentine is a target for West Ham United, but Somoza
said: "I know what has appeared in the newspapers, but my only objective is
to finish the season in Seville playing well, and in the summer return to
Villarreal."
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Stokes returns to West Ham
tribalfooball.com - January 23, 2008
Attacking midfielder Tony Stokes has returned to West Ham United after his
short spell on-loan at Stevenage."He is available to play. He has looked
sharp in his couple of days of training," said Hammers reserves coach Kevin
Keen.
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Spurs want West Ham star
Wed, Jan 23, 08 15:04
Mark Apostolou
A more likely story involves West Ham keeper Robert Green, who is attracting
a great deal of attention from other sides. Apparently a number of clubs are
about to launch bids for the former Norwich goalie – these include Arsenal,
Spurs, Man United, Man City, Newcastle, Celtic and Chelsea (Daily Express)
The asking price is thought to be around £7m. Green is keen to make the
England No.1 spot his own, although the 28-year-old hasn't yet been given
enough of a chance at national level. He has just the one cap, which is
crazy for the best English keeper. He rarely makes crucial errors – unlike
some England keepers I could mention. I hope West Ham keep hold of him, and
I think Green will stay loyal to Upton Park, but then I could be wrong, I
have been before.
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Paintsil to play on - Setanat
by Laurent Picard , 23 January 2008
Ghana and West Ham defender John Paintsil is out of Thursday's game with
Namibia but is expected to be available for the rest of the African Cup of
Nations. The full back picked up a head injury during the first game of the
competition against Guinea and had to pass scans and an MRI. Team doctor
Martin Engman made the trip to Lagos with the player for further tests at
the Nigerian Teaching Hospital and has revealed that the injury is not a
grave one. "I am very optimistic that Paintsil will be back by Wednesday to
rest for Ghana's other games," he said. "He is however ruled out of
Thursday's clash Namibia."
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Kuyt in swap deal for Hammers star? - kop-tv.com
Contributed by Redneck • 23rd January, 2008
Under-pressure Rafa Benitez is reportedly becoming increasingly frustrated
with the lack of goals from £10million Dutch (miss)hit-man, Dirk Kuyt, and
is lining-up a swap-deal involving West Ham United striker Dean Ashton
(pictured). A potential stumbling block for a deal to go ahead is the
Hammers' valuation of Ashton, thought to be in the region of £17million, but
Rafa has several players at his disposal that he is willing to off-load in a
multiple swap-deal. Norwegian John Arne Riise, who has struggled for form
this season, is also a target for Newcastle's Kevin Keegan, but more
importantly, Hammers boss, Alan Curbishley is understood to be a keen
admirer of the ginger-winger and could pave the way to broker a deal during
the January transfer-window. Momo Sissoko is also waiting in the Anfield
departure lounge but the Mali International wants to ply his trade (which is
apparently playing football) in Italy.
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