Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - II 12th August 2008

Capello's Ashton warning - KUMB
Filed: Tuesday, 12th August 2008
By: Staff Writer

Dean Ashton has been told to lose weight if he wishes to extend his
international career. England boss Fabio Capello revealed that he ordered
the West Ham striker to shed the pounds back in May if he wanted his
international career to flourish, according to today's Daily Mail. Ashton -
who finally made his full debut against Trinidad at the end of last season -
is set to be included in Capello's squad to face the Czech Republic despite
the previous warning from his national boss. And having had a solid
pre-season behind him, the former Crewe striker - who hit a hat-trick at
Ipswich last week - is also looking in better physical shape having fully
recovered from the injuries that blighted his last two seasons, leaving him
less than 100% fit. "We followed Dean in a lot of games last season and he
was very good - but he had injury problems before that," said Capello. "I
spoke with him in Trinidad and I told him he had to lose weight and be
better physically because technically he is good but he is not quick. But he
has since told me he is fit now."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammer Ashton's told to get rid of the flab by Fab - Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 10:22 AM on 12th August 2008

Fabio Capello has revealed that he warned Dean Ashton he must lose weight if
he wants to further his England career. Ashton was out for 18 months after
breaking an ankle in an England training session but is now fully fit and
has been impressive for West Ham in pre-season. England play the Czech
Republic in a friendly a week tomorrow and Capello is expected to include
the striker in the squad when it is announced on Saturday. But the coach
today said that he delivered an ultimatum to Ashton to shed some weight
during the summer. The 24-year-old played in England's last game against
Trinidad & Tobago but ahead of the May friendly Capello and his medical
staff apparently asked Ashton to shed two kilos in weight. 'We followed Dean
in a lot of games last season and he was very good but he had injury
problems before that,' said Capello. 'He has since told me he is fit now. I
spoke with him in Trinidad and I told him he had to lose weight and be
better physically because technically he is good but he is not quick.'
Meanwhile, another England striker, Theo Walcott, has been backed to make a
big impression this season. Chelsea and England midfielder Joe Cole believes
the 19-year-old is ready to shine for Arsenal and has tipped Walcott to
force his way into Capello's plans. 'I was really impressed with the way
Theo Walcott finished the season,' said Cole. 'If people aren't demanding
he's in the England team, they're writing him off. 'But I think he'll
develop into a world-class player if people just give him some space to
express himself.'

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Injured Hammers defender included in Northern Ireland squad - Guardian
Series
8:42am Tuesday 12th August 2008

WEST Ham United defender George McCartney has been named in the Northern
Ireland squad for the friendly with Scotland in Glasgow on August 20.
If selected the left-back, who is currently battling back from a hamstring
injury, could win his 26th cap. However, McCartney may be forced to pull
out of the Tennent's International Challenge Match at Hampden Park.

Northern Ireland: Taylor (Birmingham), Mannus (Linfield); Baird (Fulham),
Hughes (Fulham), Craigan (Motherwell), McAuley (Ipswich), McCartney (West
Ham), Evans (Manchester United), Duff (Burnley); Davis (Fulham), Gillespie
(Sheffield United), O'Connor (Crewe), Clingan (Norwich), Brunt (West Brom),
Shiels (Hibernian); Healy (Fulham), Lafferty (Rangers), Thompson
(Stockport), Feeney (Cardiff - on loan at Dundee United), Paterson
(Scunthorpe).

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham striker Cole glad to find scoring touch as opening day looms -
Daily Mail
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:42 PM on 12th August 2008

Carlton Cole is relieved to have got off the mark before Saturday's Premier
League opener against Wigan. The West Ham striker was on target in the win
over Villarreal and he said: "I hadn't actually got any goals until
Saturday, so hopefully I've saved it until the start of the season."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers unlikely to bid for Appiah - Echo news
12:22pm Tuesday 12th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard »

WEST Ham United are unlikely to pursue a bid for Ghana midfielder Stephen
Appiah. The 27-year-old, who spent the 2002/03 season under new Irons
technical director Gianluca Nani at Serie A side Brescia, has spent the last
three seasons at Turkish giants Fenerbahce. However, the past two years of
his career has been blighted by a serious knee injury. And, for that reason,
the Hammers - themselves hit by an unprecedented injury crisis over the past
18 months - are unlikely to bid for the powerful midfielder. "He has had a
serious injury and West Ham do not want to sign players with question-marks
over their fitness, especially after what has happened at the club in the
last year or so," said a source. Appiah began his career at Ghanaian club
Hearts of Oak before moving to Italy and Udinese in 1997, when he was just
16. From there, the Accra-born player moved to Parma in 2000 before joining
up with Nani on loan in 2002. Under the technical director, he became a
first-team regular, scoring seven goals in 31 appearances. Appiah's form at
Brescia attracted the attention of Juventus, who took him to the Stadio
delle Alpi for around £5million. He spent two seasons in Turin before
heading to Fenerbahce in 2005, starring for his country at the 2006 World
Cup in Germany.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ashton Is Too Fat - Capello - Goal.com

Dean Ashton has been warned by England coach Fabio Capello to lose weight in
order to further his international career. The West Ham United striker's
weight is reported to be somewhere between 77kg and 82kg, and he has been
informed by Fabio Capello that he must shift some of his considerable bulk
to stand a chance of international recognition. Ashton has had an
interrupted career up to now, and has spent a good deal of time on the
treatment table at Upton Park since his move from Norwich in 2006. However,
the 24-year-old has looked in good form during his club's pre-season
campaign, and is deemed by his employers to be finally fully fit. His
international manager is not in agreement; Capello has stated that although
Ashton is a technically able commodity, his physical condition is a
hindrance to his game. Ashton has hitherto made one England appearance, he
featured in June's friendly win against Trinidad and Tobago. Capello
revealed that he informed Ashton of his concerns on the Caribbean island,
and is eager for him to shape up. He told the press: "I spoke with him in
Trinidad and I told him he had to lose weight and be better physically
because technically he is good but he is not quick."

Peter Staunton

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com

Web Digest [ West Ham United ] - 12th August 2008

Lastuvka off to a good start - WHUFC
Jan Lastuvka has made his first appearance for West Ham United at non-league
Tilbury on Monday night
11.08.2008

Tilbury 0-3 West Ham United XI

A young West Ham United side turned in a professional performance to record
a good victory away to Tilbury on Monday night.

Goals from Jack Jeffery, Junior Stanislas and Anthony Edgar separated the
sides on an evening when Jan Lastuvka made his first appearance for the club
and kept a clean sheet. The Czech summer signing made a number of good
stops, particularly before the deadlock was broken. It was the final
official pre-season friendly for Kevin Keen's men, with the reserve-team
season due to begin on 15 September.

Jack Jeffery opened the scoring with a good finish from the edge of the
penalty area that he bent into the far corner. The academy product, back at
the club after a loan at Cambridge United at the end of last season, struck
not long before the interval. Around the hour mark, Stanislas made it two
with a shot from the edge of the area before Edgar rounded out the scoring
with a similar strike as the game entered its closing stages.

Keen said: "It was a good performance by a young team in a competitive
environment. Jan did very well. He made a very good save in the opening
minutes to keep us level. I was very pleased overall. We played some good
football, they had a strong crowd out and made some money."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tilbury 0 West Ham Utd XI 3 - KUMB
Filed: Monday, 11th August 2008
By: Staff Writer

Goals either side of the break saw Kevin Keen's reserve side end pre-season
in style at Chadfields tonight. The Hammers - watched by technical director
Gianluca Nani and Academy boss Tony Carr - eased past their Ryman League
opponents thanks to strikes from Jack Jeffrey, Junior Stanislas and Anthony
Edgar. United - featuring recent signings Jan Lastuvka and Balint Bajner -
suffered an early scare when Tilbury's Chris Stowe thundered a header past
the Czech keeper only to be denied by the crossbar. However they began to
take control soon after and deservedly took a first half lead through
Jeffrey on 38 minutes when the youngster fired home at the second attempt
after a smart save from Dockers keeper Andy Hall. That lead was doubled 19
minutes into the second half when Junior Stanislas found the net from just
outside the penalty box - although the Hammers had to wait until the closing
minutes to kill the game off when Anthony Edgar made it 3-0 on the night
from close range.

A pleased Kevin Keen told whufc.com: "It was a good performance by a young
team in a competitive environment. Jan did very well. He made a very good
save in the opening minutes to keep us level. I was very pleased overall.
"We played some good football, they had a strong crowd out and made some
money."

West Ham United: Lastuvka, Miller, Widdowson, N'Gala, Spence (Edgar 62),
Eyjolfsson, Harvey, Payne (Lee 67), Stanislas (Kearns 88), Bajner (Abdulla
84), Jeffrey.
Subs not used: Loveday.
Goals: Jeffrey (38), Stanislas (64), Edgar (82).

Tilbury: Hall, Phillip, Butkus, King, Yusuf, Hodge, Keith, Cohen, Barrett,
Fontaine, Stowe.
Subs: Ryan, Wallace, Thomas, Dapo, Sabbaroach, Mason.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham suspend 2 Employees after recent Incidents - Cmon Yu Irons

Head of media, Miranda Nagalingam, and press officer Gemma Clarke have been
suspended by the West Ham board following incidents that took place on West
Ham's tour of the USA and Canada. Complaints about the 2 women were made to
the club and a disciplinary process is underway. I dare say kumb.com will
not be losing any sleep over Miranda's suspension, due to the fact she
refused Kumb entry to anymore pre-match interviews back in Oct 07 after they
spent 4 years asking questions on behalf of the fans. If anybody has any
idea what happened in the USA Canada tour with these girls, let us know, and
please dont comment saying they might have been involved in the Columbus
Crew scuffle.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Thatcher Given 24 Hours, but Hammers Still Keen - Vital Football ( Ipswich )

Ipswich boss Jim Magilton has confirmed that target Ben Thatcher will give
an answer to the Blues contract answer within 24 hours, but West Ham are
still pondering a deal. Thatcher spent a week with Ipswich, while also
playing a trial game for Wolves and featured in West Ham's 1-1 draw with
Villarreal on Saturday. However, when playing for the Hammers, Thatcher was
booed by their fans. United boss Alan Curbishley said: 'Ben is steady but he
has a couple of clubs interested in him and I will have to have a think
about it.' Free agent Thatcher has previously seemed uninterested in a move
to Portman Road, but Jim confirmed: 'We offered Ben a deal and we are hoping
for an answer today or tomorrow. If it doesn't happen then we move on but he
is a player that I feel could be a useful addition to the squad.' The
Welshman was released from Charlton at the end of last season after
reportedly being on 'Premiership wages', but if he is holding out for a
better deal he has got to learn that beggars can't be choosers.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Young Hammers too strong for Tilbury - Thurrock Gazette
11:44pm Monday 11th August 2008
By Rob Pritchard >

Tilbury 0, West Ham United 3

A YOUNG West Ham United team completed the club's pre-season preparations
with a competitive win at Tilbury on Monday evening, in front of a crowd of
several hundred. The Irons, featuring debutant goalkeeper Jan Lastuvka and
Hungarian trialist Balint Bajner, secured victory through goals from Jack
Jeffrey, Junior Stanislas and Anthony Edgar. But, watched by technical
director Gianluca Nani, assistant manager Mervyn Day and Academy director
Tony Carr, Kevin Keen's side were given a run for their money by their Ryman
League Division One North opponents for 45 minutes. Early on, especially,
the Dockers gave their illustrious opponents a real fright at Chadfields,
especially when Chris Stowe's 10th minute header thudded off Lastuvka's
crossbar. Slowly but surely, the Hammers took control of proceedings, with
Bajner, teenage midfielder Josh Payne and Icelandic centre-back Holmar Orn
Eyjolfsson all looking impressive. Bajner, twice, and Stanislas had both
gone close to giving the Irons a deserved lead before Jeffrey finally broke
the deadlock seven minutes before the break. Tilbury goalkeeper Andy Hall
denied Stanislas before Joe Keith blocked Jeffrey's follow-up effort, but
the ball was worked back to the striker and he fired low into the far
corner. Bajner and Payne, who stung Hall's palms with a rising 30-yard shot,
continued the onslaught before Jeffrey headed woefully over in first half
stoppage-time. Into the second half and West Ham largely dominated
proceedings, passing and moving incisively past their part-time opponents.
Payne fired straight at Hall before full-back Ashley Miller flashed a
long-range strike narrowly wide. And it was no surprise when the visitors'
second goal arrived on 64 minutes, Stanislas making space for himself before
smashing home from 20 yards. The Dockers broke occasionally, but Keen's men
always looked likely to add to their tally and substitute Anthony Edgar did
just that, driving home at the second attempt with eight minutes remaining.

Tilbury: (4-4-2) Hall, Phillip, Butkus, King, Yusuf, Hodge, Keith, Cohen,
Barrett, Fontaine, Stowe. Subs: Ryan, Wallace, Thomas, Dapo, Sabbaroach,
Mason.

West Ham United XI: (5-3-2) Lastuvka, Miller, Widdowson, N'Gala, Spence
(Edgar 62), Eyjolfsson, Harvey, Payne (Lee 67), Stanislas (Kearns 88),
Bajner (Abdulla 84), Jeffrey. Unused Subs: Loveday.

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Dressing Room Unrest Speculation Dismissed As Upson Claims Players
Backing Curbishley - Premeirship Latest.com
Submitted by Niraj Prabhu on Mon, 2008-08-11 18:35.

Matthew Upson has stressed that West Ham United boss Alan Curbishley needs
time to bring the desired results and that the Hammers manager has full
support of the players. The former Charlton Athletic manager has come under
criticism for his transfer dealings, while players have also reportedly
expressed their reservations with the talk of the boss losing the dressing
room has been rumoured. However, defender Upson has dismissed the
speculation about player unrest, and backed the 50-year-old boss. "Curbs
seems a bit more relaxed and he most definitely has the backing of the
players," Upson said in The Sun. "I can understand why he is under
criticism. He's taken a job at a football club who had a huge financial
injection. "People expected big things at this place and, so far, those
massive things have not been delivered. "But people need to be aware that
it is a process and no matter how much money you throw in, there has to be a
foundation."

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boo Boys are worse than Hooligans! - Cmon Yu Irons

I come from the days when Hooligans were causing all the damage to West Ham
and its credibility, today its the Boo boys doing the damage. The last half
of last season was a disgrace when West Ham's very own supporters were
booing not only players like Boa Morte but also the Manager Curbs and his
Assistant Day.
As a football team we pride ourselves on tradition and history, in the 100+
years that we have been a professional club and risen through the ranks, we
have never been so cold and callous as we are today with our own Team and
Manager. It seems that we, the fans, have to take control of what we want
for the club which will make our Manager a puppet to us, and as supporters
we do have the right to want the best, and eventually West Ham will once
again be among the best, but until then we need to stop the Boos and the
constant alienating of our own players and Manager.

Sir Alex Ferguson's beginning years as Man Utd manager was from from ideal,
but he soldiered on and the club went from strength to strength and is now
undoubtedly the greatest club in the world, In 5 years, and this could
happen to West Ham. Lets not be like Tottenham and kill our manager off
every 2 seasons, we are better than that., we always will be. You cannot
fool yourself into believing that booing is going to make the Manager and
Players perform and make better decisions, we, The Fans hold the key to a
happy club, Let us be the 12th player this season and sing instead of
Booing.

We are West Ham till we Die!

::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::

http://vyperz.blogspot.com