WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola should be able to call on Valon Behrami for the trip to
Manchester United
28.10.2008
West Ham United will welcome Valon Behrami back for Wednesday night's trip
to Old Trafford to take on Manchester United but Lucas Neill is still
missing.
Swiss international midfielder Behrami had been an ever-present until
Sunday's defeat by Arsenal when a slight groin problem saw him miss out as a
precautionary measure with the trips to United and Middlesbrough on Saturday
in mind. Matthew Upson will captain the side again in the absence of Neill,
who is still laid low with the virus that kept him out of Sunday's match.
Recent recruit Diego Tristan will not make the trip but is getting closer to
full fitness, and could be involved at the weekend. He could deputise for
Carlton Cole, who is serving a three-game ban that will keep him out of
contention until the 15 November visit of Portsmouth. Mark Noble is also on
the sidelines with a calf muscle injury, meaning Lee Bowyer and Hayden
Mullins could continue after impressing against Arsenal.
Gianfranco Zola is not worried about the prospect of taking on the defending
champions at Old Trafford, even without his leading scorer Cole. "We do
respect them but we don't fear them," the manager said. "We are going to go
there and play our game. We are going to try to win the game as we always
try to do that."
As was the case with Arsenal, when his team more than matched their
opponents before some late misfortune, Zola is well aware of what it takes
to compete with the elite clubs. "I'll be certainly telling them that it is
a tough match but in football everything is possible. We are a good team and
I believe that we can do that. We respect them but we will play our game and
then we will see."
The match comes on the back of three straight defeats but the manager and
the team can consider themselves more than unlucky not to have picked up any
points in what have been close-fought encounters. "It never happened to me
that I saw a team playing that well and then not getting any points for
three matches.
"I know that in football things can change quickly. We just need a game to
get it right and then everything will be better. It's a good starting point
to play well, results are a consequence of that. That's my philosophy and I
will pursue it. The way we are playing suits the team very well and just
have to accept that sometimes there are bad moments and things don't go your
way."
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Manchester United preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news ahead of West Ham United's trip to Old Trafford on
Wednesday evening
28.10.2008
Barclays Premier League
Manchester United v West Ham United
Old Trafford
Wednesday 29 October
8pm
Referee: Peter Walton
WHUTV - Full audio commentary
Introduction
* West Ham United travel to Manchester United for their fifth away fixture
of the 2008/09 Barclays Premier League season. An away win would move the
club level with their hosts on 15 points.
* The Hammers go into the game on the back of three straight defeats. Having
won two games in a row against Newcastle United and Fulham, the side lost
their 100 per cent home record to Bolton Wanderers, before losses at Hull
City and, most recently, at home to Arsenal on 26 October.
* After the weekend's games, West Ham United are tenth in the Barclays
Premier League with four wins and five defeats and a goal difference of
minus two. Champions Manchester United are sixth with four wins and three
draws from their first eight games and a goal difference of plus eight.
* West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola said: "It's never a good time to
play Manchester United but we have to play them - we respect them but we
don't fear them. We are going to go there and play our game and we are going
to try to win the game as we always try to. I'll be certainly telling the
players that it is a tough match but in football everything is possible. We
respect them but we will play our game and then we will see."
* The last meeting between the sides was in May at Old Trafford when the
hosts ran out 4-1 winners. In the reverse fixture at the Boleyn Ground last
season West Ham United secured a memorable 2-1 victory as Matthew Upson
scored the winner - his first goal for the club.
* That result meant the team from east London had beaten the Red Devils
three times in a row following 1-0 wins at the Boleyn Ground and Old
Trafford - the latter on the 2006/07 final day to ensure the club's Premier
League status was secured.
* The guests will be hoping to keep their first clean since the 1-0 win at
Fulham in February.
* West Ham United are next in top-flight action on Saturday with another
away trip, this time the Riverside to face Middlesbrough. Manchester United
play host to Hull City the same day.
Last time out
Sunday 26 October - West Ham United 0-2 Arsenal
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Mullins, Parker
(Boa Morte 77), Bowyer (Sears 89), Di Michele (Etherington 78), Bellamy,
Cole
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Collison
Saturday 26 October - Everton 1-1 Manchester United
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Brown, Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra, Ronaldo,
Fletcher (Tevez 78), Giggs, Park (Anderson 67), Berbatov, Rooney (Nani 71)
Subs not used: Kuszczak, Neville, O'Shea, Evans
Goal: Fletcher 22.
Team news
* Valon Behrami is set to return after missing the Arsenal match with a
slight groin problem, although Lucas Neill will not travel because of the
virus that kept him out of the Arsenal game.
* Carlton Cole starts a three-match ban after his red card in that match,
while Mark Noble could be out for at least three more weeks with a calf
tear.
* James Collins, Lee Bowyer and Hayden Mullins will be vying to keep their
places after impressing against Arsenal, while Matthew Etherington, Luis Boa
Morte and Freddie Sears - all used off the bench on Sunday - could be in
line to replace Cole.
* Diego Tristan will not feature as he continues to work on his fitness,
although Zola has been impressed with his progress in training and he may be
in contention for the weekend.
* Jonathan Spector was at the Boleyn Ground for Sunday's match and has
resumed training this week. James Tomkins is back in full training after his
medial knee ligament injury suffered in the summer.
* Kieron Dyer continues to build up his fitness and is expected to begin
full training in three weeks. Danny Gabbidon is working hard at Chadwell
Heath as he continues his recovery from an abdominal injury. Dean Ashton has
begun his early rehabilitation from his left ankle injury.
* Manchester United will be hoping that midfielder Michael Carrick will be
fit to face his former club following an ankle injury. Paul Scholes remains
the only long-term absentee.
Background
* The last meeting of the clubs was Manchester United's 4-1 win on 3 May
this year.
The lineups were:
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Hargreaves, Brown, Ferdinand, Evra, Nani
(sent off 37) Carrick, Scholes (O'Shea, 72), Park (Giggs 61), Ronaldo
(Fletcher 64), Tevez
Subs not used: Anderson, Kuszczak
West Ham United: Green, Pantsil, Tomkins, Neill, McCartney, Noble, Parker,
Mullins (Sears 75), Boa Morte (Solano 52), Ashton (Cole 56), Zamora
Subs not used: Walker, Collison
* Although not expected to feature, Spector would be facing the club where
he began his professional career.
* Manchester United could name three former West Ham United players in their
starting XI. Rio Ferdinand played 158 times for the club after graduating
from the Academy. Carrick, another homegrown player, made 159 appearances,
scoring six goals.
* Former Hammer of the Year Carlos Tevez only spent one season - 2006/07- at
the Boleyn Ground but became a firm fans' favourite after scoring seven
goals, including the winner at Old Trafford in his last game in a claret and
blue jersey.
* West Ham United have enjoyed good form against their hosts in recent
seasons - winning three and losing three of the last six, including a
'double' over them in the 2006/07 season.
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
3 May 2008 - Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United
29 December 2007 - West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United
13 May 2007 - Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
17 December 2006 - West Ham United 1-0 Manchester United
29 March 2006 - Manchester United 1-0 West Ham United
27 November 2005 - West Ham United 1-2 Manchester United
Overall record v Manchester United (all competitions): W 41, D 24, L 50
Barclays Premier League fixtures
Wednesday, 29 October 2008 (8pm unless stated)
Arsenal v Tottenham Hotspur
Aston Villa v Blackburn Rovers (7.45pm)
Bolton Wanderers v Everton
Fulham v Wigan Athletic (7.45pm)
Hull City v Chelsea (7.45pm)
Liverpool v Portsmouth
Middlesbrough v Manchester City
Stoke City v Sunderland (7.45pm)
General information
Tickets for this fixture are now sold out. For details on getting to Old
Trafford, here
Weather: The forecast is for a chilly, cloudy night. The top temperature is
set to be around 6C.
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Foulness in football
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 29th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Lawyers representing 15 former and current Sheffield United players have
been instructed to sue West Ham United for loss of earnings. The latest
example of sheer, breathtaking greed by those attached to Sheffield United
FC is revealed in today's Mail who claim that the group, assisted by Chris
Farnell of IPS Law, have instructed a 'leading sports lawyer' to represent
them in a compensation case said to be worth around £5million.
Sheffield United FC have already stunned football by their outrageous
damages claim of some £30million in the wake of their 'victory' at a recent
arbitration panel hearing - a figure that could yet rise if Blades chairman
Kevin McCabe (whose 'Fairness In Football' campaign has been made a mockery
of by recent events) decides to file for further 'losses'.
The players, say the Mail, held talks with Sheffield United officials before
deciding to move for compensation; how they intend to pursue their case
remains a mystery although it is probably safe to assume that they, like the
club they represent, will seek to blame West Ham United - and Carlos Tevez
in particular - for their failure to secure enough points to prevent
relegation in 2006/07.
West Ham United are yet to comment on this latest development.
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Man Utd v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Venue: Old Trafford
Date: Wednesday, 29 October Kick-off: 2000 GMT
Coverage: Live text commentary on BBC Sport website & updates on BBC Radio 5
Live
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson may recall midfielder Michael
Carrick for the visit of West Ham. The England international has only played
70 minutes of football this season due to an ankle problem but he returned
to training last week.
West Ham will be without the suspended Carlton Cole who was sent off against
Arsenal on Sunday. Mark Noble is out with a calf injury, while the game may
have come too soon for new striker Diego Tristan.
Man Utd (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Brown, Neville, Rafael,
Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, O'Shea, Carrick, Ronaldo, Park, Fletcher,
Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez.
West Ham (from): Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Di
Michele, Bellamy, Etherington, Sears, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Mullins,
Davenport, Bowyer, Collins.
Manchester United boss Sir Alex Ferguson: "Rio Ferdinand's best years are in
front of him. He has leadership qualities and we are really starting to see
maturity in his game. "We always knew that he was good at taking the ball
out of defence because he has such wonderful balance and great pace. "Now we
are seeing more edge to his game and more of a contribution in terms of
being voluble towards his team-mates. He is much better at that."
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola: "We respect Manchester United but we do
not fear them. It is a difficult moment for us, but from these times good
teams come out. "I feel really bad about it. I have never seen a team play
so well but get no points from three matches. "I know in football things can
change very quickly, so we just need to keep our game right and then
everything will be better. We feel we will go there to play our own game and
to win."
Make your Premier League predictions
BIG-MATCH FACTS
Champions Manchester United have won their last four in all competitions at
Old Trafford, but know they will not return to the top four, even if
opponents West Ham suffered a fourth successive league defeat.
Sir Alex Ferguson's side are eight points behind Liverpool at the summit
with a game in hand, and will want to return to winning ways, having been
held by Everton at Goodison Park on Saturday.
Victory for the Hammers would take them level on points with the Red Devils.
The Eastenders started promisingly under Gianfranco Zola, but now are in
danger of slumping to their longest losing league sequence since March 2007
when they lost five on the spin in Alan Curbishley's first 12 games in
charge. His reign started with just one victory in the opening dozen, that
being 1-0, home to Manchester United.
West Ham have dropped more Premier League points to Manchester United than
any other club (59).
Distance between the clubs: 211 miles (339 kilometres)
CLUB FORM
MANCHESTER UNITED
Club stats
Going into the midweek round of fixtures: 6th 15 points
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
(all statistics are ahead of the midweek fixtures)
1. Undefeated in nine in all competitions; won six and drawn three in league
and cup.
2. Won three and drawn two of the last five Premier League matches, since
losing 2-1, away to Liverpool on 13 September; their only league defeat this
season, and sole loss in 10 Premier League outings.
3. Been replicating last season, but now two points behind their eight-game
total of 17 points last term.
4. On a league high 45 matches without a no score draw; the goalless
stalemate, home to Reading on the opening day of last season, 12 August
2007, being the most recent.
5. Scored in each of the last 32 league games; the 1-0 defeat away to Bolton
on 24 November 2007 was the last occasion in which they failed to score.
6. Also on the longest current run in the highest league of 86 matches since
a loss by more than a single goal; 3-0, away to Chelsea on 29 April 2006.
7.The lowest placed of the three remaining clubs with unbeaten home records
in the highest league.
8. Won their last five home Premier League matches against London clubs. The
only London club to take any points off United in eight matches at Old
Trafford since the beginning of 2007, was West Ham; 0-1 on 13 May 2007.
Fixtures
WEST HAM UNITED
Club stats
Going into the midweek round of fixtures: 10th 12 points
2008-09 Premier League performance - best and worst categories in the league
(all statistics are ahead of the midweek fixtures)
1. Lost the last three against Bolton (h), Hull (a) and Arsenal (h).
2. Yet to keep a clean sheet this season.
3. Won all four top-flight matches this season in which they have opened the
scoring.
4. Yet to draw in any competition this season, and completed 37 Premier
League matches since a goalless draw; the most recent being away to
Portsmouth on 27 October.
5. The Premier League's joint most dangerous club in the first 15 minutes,
when four of their 14 goals have been scored; only Manchester City match
that.
6. Playing back-to-back fixtures against 'Big Four' clubs; lost 0-2, home to
Arsenal last time out.
7. Lost seven of the last season's nine Premier League games against the
'Big Four' quartet of Arsenal, Chelsea, Liverpool and Manchester United;
including the last four.
9. Gained two points from a possible 21 on their trips to the North-West
since beating Blackburn 0-1 on 9 December 2007; lost the last three.
Fixtures
KEY PLAYER NOTES
MANCHESTER UNITED
Squad profiles
Rio FERDINAND is the only remaining player to have been on the field for
every minute of every one of Manchester United's Premier League matches this
season.
Wayne ROONEY, who's scored nine goals in his last eight games for club and
country and five in six appearances for United, needs one more to total 100
club goals (Everton and Manchester United).
If selected:-
Edwin VAN DER SAR will be playing on his 38th birthday.
FERDINAND will be facing the club where he began his professional career.
The 29 year old England defender made 158 appearances (127 in the league)
and scored two league goals for the Upton Park club in five years from
November 1995, until his £18m move to Leeds.
Michael CARRICK will also be opposing the club where he was a trainee. The
27 year old England international made 159 appearances (136 in the league)
and scored six league goals in six seasons for the Eastenders until his £3m
move to Tottenham in August 2004.
Carlos TEVEZ will be facing former club-mates. The 24 year old Argentina
international made 29 appearances (26 in the league) and scored seven league
goals for West Ham in the season before last.
If on the field from the outset:-
Dimitar BERBATOV will be making his 100th start for an English club
(Tottenham and Manchester United).
John O'SHEA will be making his 150th English league start (Manchester United
and Bournemouth).
WEST HAM UNITED
Squad profiles
Matthew UPSON is the only remaining outfield player to have been on the
field for every minute of every one of West Ham's Premier League matches
this season.
Lee BOWYER is a double shy of 50 career Premier League goals (Leeds,
Newcastle and West Ham).
If selected:-
Dean ASHTON will be making his 250th career league appearance (Crewe,
Norwich and West Ham).
Jonathan SPECTOR will be facing the club where he started his professional
career, making eight appearances (three in the League) for United before
joining West Ham for £500,000 in June 2006, after a loan spell with
Charlton.
Suspended:-
Carlton COLE (three matches)
HEAD TO HEAD
The Hammers are pursuing only their third Premier League victory at Old
Trafford, having lost 11 of 13 visits.
United's 4-1 victory in this corresponding fixture last season ended West
Ham's three-game winning sequence over the Red Devils.
The Hammers' joint biggest Premier League defeat was 7-1 away to Manchester
United on April Fools Day 2000. Since 1999, they have conceded four goals
three times in games with the Red Devils, five once, and seven once.
Home and away
League (inc PL): Man United 46 wins, West Ham 37, Draws 23
Prem: Man United 15 wins, West Ham 4, Draws 7
at Man Utd only
League (inc PL): Man United 35 wins, West Ham 12, Draws 6
Prem: Man United 11 wins, West Ham 2, Draws 0
LAST SEASON'S CORRESPONDING GAME
Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United
3 May 2008 - Ref: Mike Riley
Man Utd scorers: Ronaldo 3, 24, Tevez 26, Carrick 59
West Ham scorer: Ashton 28
Sent Off: Nani (Man Utd) 37
REFEREE
Peter Walton (Northamptonshire)
Premier League referees' table
Peter Walton's 2008-09 Premier League card count
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Injury update
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Valon Behrami is set to return for the Hammers when they face Manchester
United tomorrow night. The 23-year-old Swiss international missed Sunday's
2-0 defeat against Arsenal after complaining of a tight groin, and was
subsequently pulled out of the squad as a precautionary measure. However he
has since been given the all clear and is part of the squad that travels to
Manchester to face the reigning league Champions. Definitely out though are
Lucas Neill (virus), Diego Tristan (unfit), Mark Noble (calf) and Carlton
Cole, whose three-match suspension will keep him out of action until
United's home clash with Portsmouth next month. Meanwhile Gianfranco Zola is
still without the likes of Kieron Dyer, Dean Ashton, Danny Gabbidon and Jon
Spector who are all long-term injuries.
West Ham Utd: likely starting XI
Green; Faubert, Ilunga, Upson, Collins; Mullins, Parker, Behrami,
Etherington; Di Michele, Bellamy.
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Today's snippets
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
A round-up of the latest titbits regarding West Ham United ...
* St Patricks Athletic have denied rumours that West Ham have reached an
agreement to sign midfielder Keith Fahey in the January transfer window.
Manger Johnny McDonnell told the Irish media "it's very straightforward; we
have had no bids for Keith."
* Youth team captain John Payne has extended his stay with League One outfit
Cheltenham Town by a further month. 17-year-old Payne joined former Hammers
midfielder Martin Allen's new club last month and impessed enough to earn a
second spell.
* West Ham United have announced that half-season tickets will be on sale
from November 3rd. Around 2,000 tickets - which start at £375 for adults -
will be made available.
* Youth team striker Balint Bajner is back in the UK after helping the
Hungarian under 19s qualify for next summer's European under 18
chapionships. Bajner, who played in all three games in the mini-tournament
hit a hat-trick against minnows San Marino.
* Former Hammer Freddie Ljungberg is set to join MLS outfit Seattle
Sounders. He told Swedish newspaper Sport-Expressen "it feels great and I am
delighted to be here."
* Former Hammer Michael Carrick could make his long-awaited comeback against
Gianfranco Zola's side at Old Trafford tomorrow night. Carrick, one of three
former Hammers now plying their trade for the current league champions has
played just 70 minutes of football thus far this season due to an ankle
injury.
* KUMB.com understands that Miranda Nagalingam, the media officer
responsible for banning us from attending post-match press conferences one
year ago tomorrow has finally been fired. Nagalingam, formerly of Norwich
City was suspended by the club in July following an incident that took place
during the club's tour of North America.
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Lee: club not for sale
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Non-executive director Mike Lee has said that West Ham United FC is not for
sale. Lee, speaking in an interview with Five Live this morning spoke to
reassure supporters concerned about the club's future. Despite numerous
stories claiming that current owner Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson is looking to
sell up at the earliest opportunity, Lee claimed that there was no truth in
the rumours, adding that Gudmundsson remained full committed to the club. He
also confirmed that the club fully intend to fight the recent arbitration
panel's ruling in favour of Sheffield United, stating that the decision was
one 'we cannot accept, and one football cannot accept'.
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Zola's Old Trafford dilemma
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has a striker dilemma ahead of tomorrow's Premier League
clash with Manchester United. West Ham United have confirmed that they do
not intend to appeal against Carlton Cole's straight red card in the closing
stages of Sunday's 2-0 defeat against Arsenal, meaning that the big striker
will sit out the Old Trafford clash through suspension. With Dean Ashton
already sidelined for the remainder of the season, Zola is left with only
Craig Bellamy, rookie Freddie Sears and veteran loanees David Di Michele and
Diego Tristan to choose from. Fortunately for Zola, Bellamy - who started
his first home game in over a year against Arsenal at the weekend - came
through the match unscathed and is raring to go. However the problem is who
to play in the target man role, should Zola persist with his 4-3-3
formation; Sears, despite scoring for fun in the reserves and youth team is
clearly not ready for the Premier League whilst Di Michele also appears to
be struggling despite scoring a brace against Newcastle on his debut. That
means Zola could yet turn to Spanish striker Tristan, who is said to be some
weeks away from full fitness despite having undergone a gruelling fitness
regime since officially joining the club a fortnight ago. Alternatively,
Zola could go with Luis Boa Morte as an emergency option. Talking about the
forthcoming game, Bellamy told whufc.com: "It's nice to be looking forward
to the next match and be involved with that," he said. "After last season 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."
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Infamy, infamy, they've all got it in for me
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 28th October 2008
By: Staff Writer
Alan Curbishley has claimed that the press had it in for him in the weeks
leading up to his resignation. The former Hammers boss walked out on the
club he had managed for just under two years at the beginning of September
in protest at the present board's asset-stripping policy, which saw them
sell Anton Ferdinand and George McCartney to Sunderland towards the end of
the summer transfer window only to replace them with cheap, foreign imports.
Talking in an interview with Setanta Sports regarding the club's new
European set-up, Curbishley blamed the press for the negative publicity he
received in his final months at the Boleyn.
"It's common in every club abroad where the manager coaches the team and
deals with that, and the chairman and sports director deal with all the
players coming in," he said. "I brought in Nani at West Ham and I got
criticised when I spoke about it. It opened my eyes up a little bit and I
was criticised by certain members of the press who were after me anyway. "I
brought Nani in for his big forte, his scouting network which was very
successful at Brescia.West Ham decided they wanted a football director and I
did have an input on the guy who came in. "Unfortunately, we only worked
together [briefly] before I left."
Curbishley, still out of work despite being linked with the Charlton,
Tottenham, Newcastle and Portsmouth jobs in recent weeks admitted that he
would be preparedto go back into management - even if it meant working under
a director of football againa. "Foreign players make up perhaps 50% of the
players in the Premier League and one manager cannot cope with what's going
on with the scouting system," he added. "If there's a role of buying and
selling players, it becomes very difficult for a manager if he's relying on
those players week in and week out and is responsible for the results. If I
got offered a job and there was a sporting director already in place, I'd
know what I was in for when I go in. If I go into a club and there wasn't a
sporting director there, I'd have one or two things to think about."
Non-executive director Mike Lee, talking about Curbishley's departure on
Five Live last night cconfirmed that the final straw for Curbishley was the
club's decision to sell George McCartney to Sunderland. "Alan didn't
particularly want to sell certain players but we needed to raise money - he
knew that, he was committed to that policy," said Lee. "The one player in
the end that seemed to force the issue was McCartney. The problem the club
had with George McCartney, very late in the day, right at the end of the
transfer window, there was a domestic family issue about his wife wanting to
move back to the North East. "He put in a written transfer request, we had
an offer on the table and we also had alternatives. That was the one Alan
thought was unacceptable - so he chose to resign."
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Zola - We don't fear United
SSN
Good football will make the difference, says Hammers boss
By Claire Hughes Last updated: 28th October 2008
West Ham United will walk out at Manchester United on Wednesday with no
fear, according to manager Gianfranco Zola. Old Trafford is usually the last
place a team wants to visit after three successive defeats. But Zola
believes that his side are going to the defending champions with a healthy
dose of respect - and nothing to fear.
"We do respect them but we don't fear them. We are going to go there and
play our game. We are going to try to win the game as we always do that," he
told the club's official website. "I'll be certainly telling them that it is
a tough match but in football everything is possible. We are a good team and
I believe that we can do that. We respect them but we will play our game and
we will see."
Zola's managerial philosophy is that playing good football leads to good
results - despite their recent run of defeats. But the Italian believes that
just one result will revert the trend and get things back on track. He said:
"It never happened to me that I saw a team playing that well and then not
getting any points for three matches. "I know that in football things can
change quickly. We just need a game to get it right and then everything will
be better. It's a good starting point to play well, results are a
consequence of that. That's my philosophy and I will pursue it. "The way we
are playing suits the team very well and just have to accept that sometimes
there are bad moments and things don't go your way."
The good news for the Hammers' boss ahead of Wednesday's trip to Old
Trafford is that Swiss international midfielder Valon Behrami will be back
after a groin problem. But captain Lucas Neill, who has been suffering with
a virus, will miss out again, leaving Matthew Upson to lead the team in his
absence. The other key absentee is striker Carlton Cole, who has been given
a three-match ban after being sent off in the 2-0 defeat to Arsenal.
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Manchester United aim to make up ground
The Times
Ferguson's side are eight points adrift of Liverpool in the Premier League
James Ducker
Sir Alex Ferguson, the Manchester United manager, would probably have wanted
less difficult opponents than West Ham United this evening, after his team
slipped eight points behind Liverpool in the Barclays Premier League at the
weekend. In the wake of the disappointing 1-1 draw away to Everton on
Satur-day, United will view victory against Gianfranco Zola's team at Old
Trafford as a necessity as they look to claw back ground on the leaders, but
while West Ham have suffered three successive defeats, they have beaten the
champions in three of their past four meetings. If there was a positive for
Ferguson to take from the match at Goodison Park, it was the performance of
Darren Fletcher. As some of his more illustrious team-mates struggled,
Fletcher capped another fine display with his third goal of the season.
Although he signed a new four-year deal with United this month, the Scotland
midfield player came close to leaving the club in the summer after
expressing a wish for more first-team football. Everton, Sunderland, Celtic
and Rangers were eager to sign the 24-year-old, but with injuries to Owen
Hargreaves, Paul Scholes and Michael Carrick having left a void at the heart
of United's midfield for much of this season, it is little wonder that
Ferguson is so relieved that he persuaded the player to stay.
"Fletcher signing a new contract has probably been the relief of the season
for us because there were a lot of clubs trying to buy him," the United
manager said. "He had one year left on his contract and he wanted more
football than he got last season. "I could easily have made that
consideration [that Fletcher could go] simply because in Hargreaves,
Carrick, Scholes and Anderson we have so many central midfielders. But
Darren's a United player and in big games he's outstanding. "He played in
most of the big games last season and I think that convinced him to stay.
Now, with the injuries we've had, we're seeing he's such an important player
for us."
Carrick is expected to play some part against West Ham, his former club,
after 6½ weeks out with a broken bone in a foot. West Ham are without
Carlton Cole, the striker, who was sent off against Arsenal on Sunday, as
well as Mark Noble, the midfield player, who has a calf injury.
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Zola makes case for the defence
7:38pm Tuesday 28th October 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
GIANFRANCO Zola believes that while it may not arrive at Manchester United
on Wednesday evening, West Ham United's first clean sheet of the season is
just around the corner. The Hammers have not managed to shut out their
opponents for an amazing 21 Premier League games - a run stretching back to
their 1-0 win at Fulham on February 23. During that eight month period,
League Two Macclesfield Town and Championship side Watford have also
breached the Irons' back-line during Carling Cup ties. But, despite his
side's defensive struggles, manager Zola is adamant his goalkeeper Robert
Green and defenders are not performing badly. "If you analyse the last three
matches - forget about Arsenal today as we played Arsenal - but in the other
matches (against Bolton Wanderers and Hull City) the defensive part of the
game was not that bad," he insisted. "We didn't concede much. "We conceded
goals but there were a few occasions but in general I am happy with the way
the defence is working. "We are going to be alright, I am 100% convinced
about this. "We have a few problems but we are going to be sorting them
out."
Among Zola's defensive problems is the absence of captain Lucas Neill with a
stomach virus that kept him out of Sunday's home defeat to Arsenal and will
do likewise at Old Trafford tonight. Meanwhile, normally reliable goalkeeper
Robert Green made two glaring errors against Bolton and was lucky not to be
sent-off after handling the ball a yard outside his penalty area against the
Gunners.
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MANCHESTER UNITED v West Ham: Michael Carrick poised for comeback
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 2:30 PM on 28th October 2008
Daily Mail
Michael Carrick could return to first-team duties for Manchester United
against former club West Ham at Old Trafford. Carrick has been restricted to
just 70 minutes of senior action this term as he battled to overcome an
ankle problem but after returning to training last week, is expected to come
into consideration. Carlos Tevez is also due to a recall, with one of Wayne
Rooney, Dimitar Berbatov and FIFPro world player of the year Cristiano
Ronaldo expected to be rested for the Barclays Premier League match.
Team (from): Van der Sar, Kuszczak, Foster, Brown, Neville, Rafael,
Ferdinand, Vidic, Evans, Evra, O'Shea, Carrick, Ronaldo, Park, Fletcher,
Anderson, Giggs, Nani, Rooney, Berbatov, Tevez.
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Manchester United v WEST HAM: Striker Cole suspended
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 2:37 PM on 28th October 2008
Daily Mail
Carlton Cole is suspended for West Ham's Barclays Premier League trip to
Manchester United after being sent off against Arsenal at the weekend.
Manager Gianfranco Zola is also without long-term injury victim Dean Ashton
while new arrival Diego Tristan is not expected to be match fit in time. In
midfield, Mark Noble is out with a calf injury but Matthew Etherington could
come back into the side after spending the Arsenal game on the bench.
Provisional squad: Green, Faubert, Neill, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Di
Michele, Bellamy, Etherington, Sears, Lastuvka, Lopez, Boa Morte, Mullins,
Davenport, Bowyer, Collins.
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Spanish striker Antonito admits he's heard of West Ham link
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 2:19 PM on 28th October 2008
Daily <Mail
West Ham are being linked with a move for Spanish striker Antonito when the
transfer window reopens in January. Xerez CD star Antonito, 30, said: 'I've
heard the rumours but I still haven't spoken to anybody about it.' Meanwhile
Carlton Cole is suspended for the Hammers's Barclays Premier League trip to
Manchester United after being sent off against Arsenal at the weekend.
Manager Gianfranco Zola is also without long-term injury victim Dean Ashton
while new arrival Diego Tristan is not expected to be match fit in time.
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No Hammers bid for Fahey
12:39pm Tuesday 28th October 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United have yet to make a formal bid for St Patrick's Athletic
midfielder Keith Fahey. Irishman Fahey, who began his career at Arsenal
before making a solitary Intertoto Cup appearance for Aston Villa, scored in
front of Hammers' scouts in Friday's FAI Ford Cup semi-final between St
Pat's and Bohemians. Fahey scored his side's goal in a 3-1 defeat, but
manager Johnny McDonnell revealed that the club had yet to receive an
approach from the Irons. He said: "It's very straightforward. We have had no
bids for Keith." Fahey, 25, is a former Republic of Ireland youth
international.
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Sheffield United players chase £5million compensation over Tevez scandal
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 2:44 AM on 29th October 2008
Daily Mail
Sheffield United's players want more than £5million in compensation after
their relegation from the Barclays Premier League in May 2007. Fifteen
players have instructed a leading sports lawyer to pursue their claim for a
loss of earnings in the wake of the Carlos Tevez scandal. Sheffield are
already demanding more than £30m after an independent FA tribunal concluded
that they should be compensated by West Ham. But the players have held a
series of discussions with Bramall Lane officials, as well as
representatives from the PFA, and have subsequently joined forces with Chris
Farnell of IPS Law in demanding up to a year's money per player.
Mick McGuire, deputy chief executive of the PFA, said the players' union
were following the case with 'interest'.
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Xerez CD star Antonito welcomes West Ham interest
29.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
Xerez CD star Antonito is aware of interest from West Ham United. The 30
year-old striker said: "I've heard the rumours but I still haven't spoken to
anybody about it."
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Noble: Man Utd clash will test West Ham character
29.10.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham midfielder Mark Noble says they face a test of character against
Manchester United tonight. The 21-year-old has been almost ever-present for
the Hammers this season and hopes he can help spring another upset, just
like on the closing day of the 2006/07 season. "On that day, and in the last
10 games of that season, we really gelled together," Noble told the Reds'
matchday programme, United Review. "As much as United had chances, we
defended really well and deserved to win the match. "The big games against
teams like United test your character; the bigger the game, the more
experience you get. You can challenge yourself and be a better player for
it. "The derbies and matches against United, Liverpool, Arsenal and
Tottenham are all fixtures I look out for at the start of the season."
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