WHUFC.com
Craig Bellamy is relishing another big occasion when West Ham United head to
Manchester United
27.10.2008
Craig Bellamy is looking forward to West Ham United taking on top-class
opposition for the second time in four days on Wednesday.
The trip to Manchester United follows hard on the heels of the 2-0 home
defeat by Arsenal on Sunday when Bellamy and his team-mates turned in a
terrific display. Bellamy went close to opening the scoring - "It was nearly
there," he recalled - while Arsenal had several good moments before Julien
Faubert's unfortunate own goal and a late strike from Emmanuel Adebayor
after a swift counterattack.
"I am disappointed we lost but it's nice to be looking forward to the next
match, which comes soon, on Wednesday, and be involved with that," Bellamy
said. "It's been really good and after last season, being out injured,
obviously I am just happy to be playing again.
"I haven't had that opportunity for a long while, to have played and then be
looking to play again in the next game, so that is great for me." The
striker will be without his weekend partner Carlton Cole - who is suspended
for the next three games after his late dismissal - and he knows it will be
tough to take on the champions on home turf. Having played, and scored, in
the Champions League though, it is clear that Bellamy enjoys the big
occasion.
"This what it is all about, these games, to be playing in them. You are
playing at the highest level and this is what you want all the time, playing
where the football is of the highest quality - we will go there looking to
do what we can." The forward has also relished his role under Gianfranco
Zola and the three-pronged attack.
"It's a different type of game to what I have been used to a lot and made my
career from, being on the shoulder as the last man if you like. It's
completely different scenario but it's great for me, I want to work hard for
the team and want us to be successful."
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Payne to remain at Cheltenham
WHUFC.com
Josh Payne is to get another valuable four weeks on loan at League One side
Cheltenham Town
27.10.2008
West Ham United have agreed to allow midfielder Josh Payne spend a second
month on loan at Cheltenham Town under the guidance of Martin Allen.
The 17-year-old Under-18 captain has made a significant impact at the League
One outfit, with four appearances including a debut goal. Payne first caught
Allen's eye during a reserve-team outing at Chelsea early this season. The
club also have 30-year-old midfielder Nigel Quashie on loan at Birmingham
City. The Scotland international has made one appearance off the bench so
far after proving his fitness during a trial spell.
Homegrown prospect Ashley Miller, meanwhile, got a second game in three days
for Conference South side Bishop's Stortford on Monday. The 19-year-old
full-back played in a rousing 3-3 draw away to Chelmsford City, having done
well in his debut - a 1-0 loss on the road at Dorchester Town in Saturday's
FA Cup tie.
Finally, 18-year-old striker Balint Bajner is due to return to the club
after helping Hungary reach the Elite round qualification stage for next
summer's European Under-19 Championship in Ukraine. The striker scored three
goals in three appearances in their UEFA mini-tournament, although began on
the bench in their final qualifier against Scotland last Saturday with both
teams already through before the Scots ran out 1-0 winners.
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Half season tickets available
WHUFC.com
A limited number of half season tickets will go on sale to supporters from
Monday 3 November
27.10.2008
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that a limited number of half season
tickets will be available for the Stoke City fixture onwards.
Half season tickets will be available from 9am on Monday 3 November until
close of business Monday 24 November. After this date the Stoke game will be
on sale to members and any seat allocated for an individual game will not be
available for a half season ticket.
With the total number of season tickets being set to a maximum of 26,000 and
taking into account that more than 24,000 were sold prior to the start of
the season, fans are advised to get in early or risk missing out.
The half season ticket covers ten games including the four Category A games
in the second half of the season. Prices start at £375 for adults, £185 for
senior citizens and young adults, £120 for Under-16s and £60 for Under-10s.
These prices not only show exceptional value for money but could prove to be
an excellent Christmas present. As well as the last ten league games,
priority will be given on all home cup fixtures with tickets available at
discounted prices.
Tickets can be purchased in person at the Dr Martens ticket office, by
telephone on 0871 222 2700 via Option 3 or by postal applications sent to
Ticket Office, Boleyn Ground, Green Street, Upton Park, London, E13 9AZ.
Category A Adult Senior Y Adult Under-16 Under-10
Band 1 £475 £240 £240 £145 £60
Band 2 £435 £220 £220 £135 £60
Band 3 £405 £200 £200 £125 £60
Band 4 £330 £165 £165 £105 £60
Rest. View £375 £185 £185 £120 £60
Disabled £165 £80 £80 £55 £60
Key:
Rest.view - Restricted view
Y Adult. - Young Adult 16-21years old (Date of birth must be on or after
01/09/1986)
Under 16's - Under 16 years old (Date of birth must be on or after
01/09/1992)
Under 10's - Under 10 years old (Date of birth must be on or after
01/09/1998)
Proof of date of birth must be provided for ALL concession rate season
tickets.
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Three in a row for ladies
WHUFC.com
Two goals from Sam Pittuck helped West Ham United Ladies to a 3-0 win over
Cardiff
27.10.2008
Cardiff City Ladies 0-3 West Ham United Ladies
West Ham United Ladies secured their third straight win to remain second in
the FA Tesco Women's Premier League South after beating Cardiff 3-0 on
Sunday.
The Hammers took the lead through an own goal before two strikes from the
in-form Sam Pittuck ensured an impressive win at the Cardiff Athletics
Stadium.
The Welsh side went into the match one place behind their guests knowing
that a win would mean they leapfrog above them in the table. As the sun
shone down in the Welsh capital it was West Ham United that started
brightest as they forced a corner within five minutes. It was cleared as far
as Jess Barling, who crossed back into the area where a Cardiff defender's
sliced clearance ended up in the back of her own net.
The visitors were knocked by an injury to central defender Carly Roache on
fifteen minutes after she was caught late while intercepting a through-ball.
Manager Tony Marshal brought on Leah Cowan to play on the right side of
midfield with Rosey Sullivan moving to centre-half and Clare Rogers
switching to right-back.
The new formation seemed to work as the visitors started to press forward
further, with Nat Grafton's pace causing particular problems for her
markers. One such explosion of speed saw her beat two defenders before
pulling the ball back for Lindsey Morgan, whose well-placed shot was
spectacularly saved by the Cardiff goalkeeper. Tracey Duxbury then crossed
for substitute Cowan but she put her header narrowly over the bar.
Toni Munro, who was starting in goal in place of Paris Smith, had to be
alert to tip over a dangerous cross in what was to be Cardiff's best effort
of the opening period. The visitors showed them how it was done, though,
minutes later as they doubled their advantage. A patient build-up from the
back saw Rogers exchange passes with Marshall and then Morgan, who played a
superb through ball for Pittuck. The striker took the ball in her stride and
beat two defenders before applying a superb left-footed finish into the
bottom corner of the net to ensure the visitors went in 2-0 up at the break.
Cardiff came back strongly after the re-start and Jade Dempster and Sullivan
had to be alert to deal with several high balls into the area from a side
containing several Wales internationals. At the other end, the visitors had
several chances to extend their advantage - the most notable being a shot
saved from Grafton after a defence-splitting pass from Morgan.
The pressure eventually told as a 35-yard pass from Dempster was met by
Pittuck's head for her second of the game. That goal put the match beyond
Cardiff's reach and ensured all three points were travelling back to east
end of London.
Manager Marshall was understandably pleased with the result. He said: "This
was a real team performance. We weren't allowed to play our usual game but
we competed and earned the right to play. We should have had at least two
more goals but we are obviously delighted to come here and get this kind of
result as last season it would have been a big ask.
"I thought our back five particularly impressed, especially considering the
loss of Carly [Roache]. We had three 16-year-olds on show again today who
are improving every week."
West Ham United Ladies face crunch matches against Charlton Athletic and
Millwall Lionesses in the coming weeks, when a continuation of the current
winning run would be a major boost in the team's promotion charge.
West Ham United: Toni Munro, Jess Barling, Carly Roache (Leah Cowan 15,
Sophie Walker 70), Jade Dempster, Rosey Sullivan, Zoe Marshall, Clare Rogers
(Jo Wasahlo 70), Nat Grafton, Lindsey Morgan (c), Sam Pittuck, Tracey
Duxbury
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Zola on ... Arsenal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 27th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on yesterday's 2-0 home defeat against
Arsenal.
On the match ...
The performance was good, I have nothing to say to the players as they gave
everything they had against a great team. Only the result was bad. I told
them that if they perform like this it won't be long before we get [some]
victories.
Arsenal are a team that I like and admire very much and it was very hard. To
be fair to them they are a fantastic team and play so well. Maybe today they
didn't deserve to get a victory but you have to conceded that they are still
a great team.
On the returning duo ...
They played a fantastic match. [James] Collins was very, very good and Lee
[Bowyer] as well. There are positive things going on and as I said, the
result will come - they have to believe in that.
On Carlton Cole's injury time dismissal ...
It didn't look as if it was a bad tackle then I saw it on the TV. I don't
think he touched Song - it wasn't a nice, easy tackle but maybe a sending
off was too much. From my point of view, it was a little bit much.
On a third successive defeat ...
It's very difficult to take because this is the third game in a row that
we've lost and in this situation the confidence goes down. But that is the
moment that you see we are a team coming through and I have complete
confidence and belief in this team that they're going to do well. I'm not
worried.
Gianfranco Zola was talking to the BBC. It's now a year since KUMB.com were
first barred from attending post-match press conferences at the Boleyn
Ground
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Bellamy getting used to new role
SSN
Hammers striker glad to be over injury troubles
Last updated: 27th October 2008
West Ham United striker Craig Bellamy admits he is happy to be playing again
as he looks to get used to his new role. Bellamy has shaken off his injury
troubles to start the Hammers' last two games, and lined up in a 4-3-3
formation for Sunday's 2-0 defeat by Arsenal. The Wales international, along
with David Di Michele, played off main striker Carlton Cole, and Bellamy
acknowledged it is a test for him. "This position is completely different to
what I have made a career from, where I have been playing on the shoulder
and running into space," said Bellamy. "It is a completely different
scenario for me and it is a test as well. But I just want to work hard for
the team and bring success that way."
Bellamy's career at West Ham has been badly hampered by a succession of
abdominal, groin and hamstring injuries and the Arsenal game was his first
home start in over a year. "I am just happy to be playing and there is
nothing that can upset me at the moment," added Bellamy. "I am disappointed
we lost to Arsenal, but it is nice to be able to look forward to another
game (against Manchester United) on Wednesday. I haven't had that for a long
time." Meanwhile, West Ham will not appeal Cole's red card against Arsenal
for a foul on Alexandre Song, meaning the striker will serve a three-game
ban, starting with Wednesday's trip to Old Trafford.
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Scouts flock to Belgium
SSN
Genk and Standard attracts big interest
By Gerrit van Leeuwen Last updated: 27th October 2008
A total of 37 clubs, led by Celtic and including six English sides, were
represented when Genk took on Standard Liege on Sunday. Belgian football is
known to be on the up and that was summed up by the huge number of clubs
present at the Cristal Arena. Celtic were at the match checking on Israeli
target Elyani Barda, who they have scouted regularly in recent weeks. The
Israeli striker has bagged three goals so far this term and the Bhoys are
just one of number of clubs checking on the 26-year-old. The English scouts
present were from Premier League sides Bolton, Blackburn, Sunderland, West
Brom and Wigan, along with Championship outfit Wolves. It is believed
Blackburn were also there to watch a Genk player - Cameroon international
defender Eric Matoukou. There were also represenatives of 13 German and 13
Dutch clubs in attendance. And it is thought that most were watching
Standard players, who have impressed hugely during their current European
campaign. They were only just knocked out of the UEFA Champions League by
Liverpool, before they dispatched of the Reds' city rivals Everton to make
the group stages of the Uefa Cup. The likes of captain Steven Defour, Axel
Witsel and Dieumerci Mbokani have all been attracting major interest in
recent weeks.
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West Ham accept Cole's red card
The Scotsman
Date: 28 October 2008
WEST Ham have confirmed they will not be appealing against the red card
shown to Carlton Cole in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. Cole, 24, was sent
off by referee Phil Dowd for an injury-time foul on Alexander Song and now
faces a three-game ban.
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Zola says Hammers won't appeal against Cole red after striker burst into
Song against Arsenal
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 11:39 PM on 27th October 2008
Daily Mail
West Ham have confirmed they will not be appealing against the red card
shown to Carlton Cole in Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. Cole, 24, was sent
off by referee Phil Dowd for an injury-time foul on Arsenal midfielder
Alexander Song. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said after the game he did
not feel the challenge was worthy of a red card - but the club have decided
not to take the matter any further. Cole will be suspended for Wednesday
night's game at Manchester United plus the Barclays Premier League fixtures
against Middlesbrough and Everton.
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Zola: West Ham to remain attack minded
28.10.08 | Ian Ferris
Tribalfootball.com
A run of three straight defeats hasn't altered West Ham boss Gianfranco
Zola's philosophy of attacking football. The 42-year-old reckons there is no
need to panic and is adamant his attacking policies will come good. "I know
it might look crazy, but I am not worried at all, because we are going to
get through this moment and it's going to be hard to beat us," said the
Italian. "It would be easy for me to have a go at them, but the players'
commitment is fantastic and their attitude is perfect.
"They were doing everything I asked them to on the pitch, so I can have no
complaints. "We are just not getting the results and are not playing bad.
"I have faith in them and believe in what they are trying to do. We just
have to stick together because the results are not far away. "I have been
in this game such a long time and I know in a few weeks all these bad
results will be behind us."
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West Ham let Cole see red
28.10.08 | Ian Ferris
Tribalfootball.com
West Ham will not be appealing against the red card shown to Carlton Cole in
Sunday's 2-0 defeat to Arsenal. Cole, 24, was shown a straight red by
referee Phil Dowd for an injury-time foul on Arsenal midfielder Alexander
Song. West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola said after the game he did not feel
the challenge was worthy of a red card - but the club have decided not to
take the matter any further.
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