Tomka back in contention
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is ready to stake his claim for a first-team return after a
solid showing with the reserves
26.11.2008
James Tomkins will report back for duty at Chadwell Heath today full of
confidence after a successful first run-out of the season in the reserves'
2-0 home victory over Portsmouth.
The homegrown defender had not figured in a competitive contest since a
medial knee ligament injury while with England Under-19s in July. He had
hoped to return earlier but had a brief setback before proving his fitness
in the last couple of weeks. He underlined that with the full 90 minutes
against Portsmouth and was more than solid, especially up against two lively
forwards in David Nugent and Ben Sahar.
"I'm well pleased to be back in action and playing my first game of the
season at Upton Park," said Tomkins, who has been encouraged by the chances
given to Jack Collison and Freddie Sears under Gianfranco Zola. "I've had a
lot of frustration with the injuries I've had so I was just delighted to get
a full 90 minutes under my belt. I've been a bit unlucky but, touch wood,
I'm back now and I can stay injury-free."
Tomkins' frustration was heightened because of the strong way he finished
the 2007/08 campaign with six first-team appearances. That left him on a
high for the summer, before the setback on duty with his country. "I did my
knee pre-season while I was away with England. Then, when I came back,
things came in twos like they do. I ended up having a hamstring injury as
well when I first got back and played in a practice game at Chadwell Heath."
Things are looking up and Tomkins is focusing on challenging Calum Davenport
- his assured defensive partner in the Portsmouth success - and fit again
Jonathan Spector for the right to put pressure on Matthew Upson and James
Collins in the first-team picture.
His confidence will be boosted by the way he responded to a strong Nugent
challenge that he admitted initially "scared me a bit". The 19-year-old
added: "Luckily I've been working on my physical side while I've been out
injured. As soon as he did it I was hoping it wasn't serious one. Thankfully
it's just a little niggle and I've been lucky."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Positive progress for loan trio
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence, Josh Payne and Bondz N'Gala are all furthering their
development on loan in League One
26.11.2008
Alex Dyer is expecting all three West Ham United youngsters out on loan to
League One clubs to reap the benefits of the experience and eventually push
on at the Boleyn Ground.
The 18-year-old defender Jordan Spence was the latest to head out, being an
unused substitute for Leyton Orient in their goalless draw away to
Huddersfield Town on Tuesday night. On the same evening, midfielder Josh
Payne, also 18, began his third month with Martin Allen's Cheltenham Town by
playing the final 19 minutes of their 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town as a
substitute.
Bondz N'Gala had a winning feeling for the second time in four days as he
came off the bench for MK Dons with 23 minutes played at Hereford United.
Playing at right-back, he was impressive in a 3-0 victory with all the goals
coming after his arrival. His debut on Saturday had seen him play in similar
circumstances, being called off the bench on 24 minutes for his league debut
in what proved a 3-0 win at Walsall.
Reserve-team coach Dyer explained why the latest loan involving Spence would
be so beneficial to the youngster, particularly when considering the
positive progress made by Payne and N'Gala. "I am hoping it will help him a
great deal. He is chomping at the bit. He is at the age now where he wants
to play. He has represented his country, he has captained his country.
"At this present time he isn't going to get in the first team here and he
needs to play first-team football or be around the first time squad.
Hopefully that will serve him well and he will come back a better and
stronger player.
"Josh has been away now for his third month at Cheltenham. He is doing well.
He is a young lad and this experience for him will be good. When he comes
back hopefully he will feature in the reserves and push on to the first
team.
"Bondz played 70 minutes on Saturday and again on Tuesday. He is doing well.
He is a big lad, he is strong and he can handle that division. Hopefully he
will come back a better player for West Ham United."
Nigel Quashie is the fourth West Ham United player out on loan and he began
the second month of his stay at Championship high-fliers with a return to
the starting eleven for their 2-1 home win against Ipswich Town on Tuesday
night. Quashie, who had been suspended at the weekend, played 65 minutes
before going off with an injury suffered during a challenge with an
opponent.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Di Michele and Reid on target
WHUFC.com
David Di Michele and Kyel Reid scored the goals on a night that marked a
welcome return for James Tomkins.
25.11.2008
West Ham United reserves 2-0 Portsmouth reserves
Gianfranco Zola will have been delighted with a professional reserve-team
victory on Tuesday night that saw David Di Michele and Kyel Reid on target
and solid displays by the returning James Tomkins and Diego Tristan.
At a freezing Boleyn Ground, a team containing ten players with senior
professional experience swept aside a Portsmouth side that also had several
notable names in their ranks including Lauren, Djimi Traore, Ben Sahar and
David Nugent. Di Michele and Reid struck sublime first-half strikes to
ensure the reserves made it three home wins in three, and reaffirmed the
feelgood factor created by the first team's away win at Sunderland and the
progress in training of Jonathan Spector, Mark Noble and Kieron Dyer.
The game sparked to life when Di Michele finished a slick move involving the
three forwards Alex Dyer had deployed in his 4-3-3 formation just before the
quarter of an hour mark. Reid won the ball on the left and fed Tristan,
making his second appearance for the club at this level. His low ball into
the area was expertly dummied by Freddie Sears before Di Michele dispatched
it left-footed into the top-left hand corner.
It was two 16 minutes later as a corner from Luis Boa Morte was half cleared
to the edge of the area where Reid smashed it into the top corner. It was a
superb strike that was no less than the 20-year-old midfielder deserved
after an impressive opening half hour.
The hosts were dominant and a strikforce offering strength, guile and speed
was causing the visitors from the south cost endless problems.. Tristan had
the audacity and ambition to try his luck from the halfway line and Di
Michele had several other half-chances to add to his tally. Only a
last-ditch tackle from Malian international Traore denied the Italy striker
when well placed and, a short while after, he almost converted a good assist
by Sears.
It was not just at the front that the hosts were showing composure; Calum
Davenport and Tomkins - who has missed out this season with a medial knee
ligament injury suffered back in July on England Under-19 duty - were
marshalling the backline well, eagerly supported by Walter Lopez and
Northern Irish youngster Ryan O'Neill. The latter was the only home player
in the starting eleven yet to play first-team football in his career. Boa
Morte was demonstrating his strength too by winning several tough tackles in
midfield.
Peter Gregory came on for Lauren at the break as Portsmouth tried to change
things but Tristan soon went close to making it three. His turn and shot was
saved by Asmir Begovic in the away goal. Sahar then left the field for Mark
Smith before Tomkins once more showed how alert he was to block a shot from
Tom Kilbey. It was then Lastuvka who had to be on his toes with 20 minutes
to go as he beat away a drive from Pablo Navas, who soon made way for Calum
Reynolds.
Dyer made two late changes by bringing on Junior Stanislas and Tom Harvey
for the tireless Boa Morte and Tristan, who will both particularly hope to
be in contention for the first team's trip to Liverpool on Monday night.
More chances were to fall the Hammers' way - particularly for Sears - but
there was to be no more scoring.
West Ham United: Lastuvka, O'Neill, Davenport, Tomkins, Lopez, Stokes, Boa
Morte (Harvey 88), Reid, Di Michele, Tristan (Stanislas 82), Sears
Subs not used: Loveday, Widdowson, Bajner
Portsmouth: Begovic, Lauren (Gregory 45), Blackman, Duffy, Traore, Pack,
Nlundulu, Kilbey, Nugent, Sahar (Smith 60), Navas (Reynolds 74)
Subs not used: Stewart, Mantyla
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reserves 2-0 Portsmouth FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened from the Boleyn Ground as Alex Dyer's side saw
off Portsmouth on Tuesday
25.11.2008
Barclays Premier Reserve League South
Tuesday 25 November
Referee: M Stewart
Final score - 2-0
90min - The full time whistle goes on what has been a solid performance by
Dyer's team. It is the third home win in a row for the second string and a
welcome 90 minutes for James Tomkins also stood out on a freezing night.
90min - So nearly a goal for Sears. Lopez had made it with a strong run down
the left before squaring to the young striker. He took a touch and blasted
it goalwards but the shot was blocked and then cleared.
88min - Boa Morte has a shot from distance that goes over. It is his last
contribution before making way for Tom Harvey.
87min - Boa Morte lofts a lovely ball over the top for Lopez to chase. He
just cannot keep the ball in play though.
85min - Stanislas capitalises on a weak clearance and works an opening on
goal. He shoots but Begovic flings out a palm to push it to safety. From the
corner, Stanislas again cuts in and then shoots wide.
83min - Nugent gets away from his markers for the first time. His free
header is good but Lastuvka is equal to it. The Czech then shows quick
thinking to claim an attempted chip from the same player, rushing out to
close the angle.
82min - Junior Stanislas is on for Tristan.
82min - Lopez is cautioned for a late challenge. The Uruguayan has not
shirked a tackle tonight but just mis-timed that one.
81min - Blackman tests Lastuvka with a low shot. The keeper was always
confident though.
78min - The home team are passing the ball around in defence. Lopez then
breaks forward with a surging run. We are into double figures now with
passes, good football all round although Portsmouth regroup and eventually
get the ball away just as it nears the penalty area.
76min - Lastuvka claims another corner. A quick counter finishes with Reid
firing in on goal but Begovic saves.
75min - Nlundulu wins a corner for Marlon Pack to take but Lastuvka punches
it clear with aplomb.
74min - Portsmouth make their final change with Callum Reynolds on for
Navas.
73min - Lopez makes ground on the left before sliding the ball into Sears.
The youngster makes space before having a go. His shot is deflected behind
for a corner. Reid takes but the ball is comfortably claimed by Begovic.
71min - Lastuvka makes his first real save of the evening, parrying well
from Pablo Navas.
69min - Tristan shoots for goal after fine play by Di Michele and Sears
conjures an opening. The No9's effort was cleared for a corner. From that,
Davenport flicks to the back post and Tristan again has a go, only to be
frustrated again. Good play all round.
67min - Tristan is temporarily off the field for treatment on his lower
back, clearly feeling the impact of the previous incident when he was
clattered into by two defenders.
64min - Boa Morte chases Kilbey down but this time is penalised. Portsmouth
try and get going again through Blackman. He surges forward but Reid tracks
back and times his tackle well.
62min - Tristan feels the weight of two defenders in behind him. He shakes
off the knock though and is involved in another attack.
60min - Sahar is coming off after a foul left him with a facial injury. Mark
Smith is replacing him.
58min - A lovely break by Sears and Tristan ends with Reid getting a shot
away. The ball is cleared for a corner that comes to nothing.
57min - Tomkins blocks a Tom Kilbey effort. The No8 had connected well and
it was travelling.
56min - Tristan again peels off his defender and points to where he wants
the ball played just behind the Portsmouth rearguard. Lopez just fails to
squeeze the ball through.
54min - Good play by Di Michele and Sears nearly sets Tristan away but the
ball to him is just too short. Portsmouth launch a counter but O'Neill
brings it to an end with a foul. From the set-piece, Boa Morte bravely
blocks Nugent's attempted effort.
51min - Tristan tries his luck with a shot on the turn. It goes straight
into the grateful grasp of Begovic.
48min - Tomkins goes down after a strong tackle by David Nugent. The striker
is cautioned by the referee and Tomkins is soon up and about again.
46min - The second half is under away. Portsmouth have replaced Lauren with
Peter Gregory.
45min - Half-time.
45min - Tristan has done well on his first appearance at the Boleyn Ground.
He has been a focal point for the attack and held the ball up well when
needed.
43min - Davenport clears for a corner and Reid then gets the ball away.
42min - Stokes lets fly from 30 yards but the shot zips over the crossbar.
It was a rare foray forward for the holding midfielder.
40min - Andre Blackman comes forward from the left-back and has a shot from
the edge of the area. It sails wide of Lastuvka's left-hand post.
38min - Lastuvka comes and claims a Nlundulu corner. He sets the team away
on a quick counter that ends with Di Michele being flagged for offside.
37min - Tomkins steps out and clears a potential Portsmouth attack. He has
not been too troubled tonight.
33min - Alex Dyer's team have looked menacing every time they go forward.
The front three are up against an experienced back four featuring three
internationals in Lauren, Richard Duffy and Traore.
31min - GOAL! Boa Morte takes the corner and the ball eventually falls to
Reid, who fires into the corner from the edge of the area beyond Begovic's
despairing dive.
31min - Di Michele sends Lopez away on the left before the No3 earns a
corner.
29min - The front three combine well before Di Michele and then Sears both
get opportunities to shoot. Di Michele is looking particularly lively.
28min -Nlundulu crosses but it is too deep. O'Neill shepherds the ball away.
26min - Sears picks out Di Michele with a lofted left-wing cross. The
Italian striker shows great control to kill the ball with one touch but is
then unable to get the shot away in time.
23min - Di Michele almost scores again but is just foiled by Champions
League winner Traore. Di Michele had played a neat one-two with Sears to
work the opening.
20min - A superb tackle by Boa Morte tracking back dispossesses Israeli
international Sahar. The referee was right on the spot.
18min - Great play by the home side ends with a tame cross by Lopez. The
midfield three of Reid, Stokes and Boa Morte are working hard.
17min - Davenport does well to head away a cross into the home area.
15min - Tristan has a go from the halfway line after seeing Asmir Begovic
off his line. His effort goes ten yards wide.
14min - GOAL! - Di Michele scores from an almost identical range to his
previous effort. Reid had done well on the left with a tackle before teeing
up Tristan to cross into the area. Freddie Sears executed a delightful
stepover and Di Michele was on hand to smash the ball into the corner of the
net.
13min - Di Michele shoots over from ten yards after good work by Diego
Tristan, who is making his second appearance at reserve-team level after 45
minutes against Tottenham Hotspur earlier this month.
12min - Kyel Reid does well on the left before crossing into the box.
Portsmouth get the ball away and break quickly. Lauren crosses but Jan
Lastuvka claims well.
9min - Ryan O'Neill, playing at right-back, does well to block Ben Sahar's
shot after he had cut in from the left wing. O'Neill is the only home player
on view without senior team experience.
8min - Djimi Traore fails to connect with the ball from seven yards out
after David Nugent's shot fell into his path. West Ham United clear.
7min - Lopez clears for a corner. Nlundulu takes it but Lopez is there to
clear. Within seconds the Uruguayan is penalised for a foul. Portsmouth
play the ball into the area but David Di Michele had tracked back well.
5min - Neither team has settled into their stride yet. It is a cold night.
Tony Stokes is captaining the team and he shows some neat footwork in the
holding midfield role to start an attack. Portsmouth regroup well though.
4min - It is a welcome first run-out this season for James Tomkins. He is
partnering Calum Davenport at centre-back.
2min - Lopez is soon defending in the full-back position and fouls Gael
Nlundulu. The Portsmouth No7 takes it but Luis Boa Morte is able to clear.
1min - West Ham United get us under way, kicking towards the Centenary
Stand. Walter Lopez wins a corner after just 18 seconds with a run down the
left. The corner comes to nothing.
KICK-OFF
West Ham United: Lastuvka, O'Neill, Davenport, Tomkins, Lopez, Stokes, Boa
Morte (Harvey 88), Reid, Di Michele, Tristan (Stanislas 82), Sears
Subs not used: Loveday, Widdowson, Bajner
Portsmouth: Begovic, Lauren (Gregory 45), Blackman, Duffy, Traore, Pack,
Nlundulu, Kilbey, Nugent, Sahar (Smith 60), Navas (Reynolds 74)
Subs not used: Stewart, Mantyla
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spence loaned to Orient
WHUFC.com
Jordan Spence is the latest homegrown Hammer to get vital experience away
from West Ham United
25.11.2008
England Under-19 defender Jordan Spence will get a chance to further his
development with a month-long loan at Leyton Orient.
The Chigwell-based youngster could make his debut for the League One club
when Orient go to Bradford City in the FA Cup second round this weekend.
Spence played at the Matchroom Stadium for West Ham United reserves earlier
this month in a 2-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur.
The 18-year-old was part of the first-team squad that travelled to North
America in the summer before being an unused substitute for the first three
games of the season. He has continued to gain reserve-team experience and,
at international level, he helped England last month to qualify for the
Elite round of the 2009 European U19 Championship.
Spence is one of the brightest young defensive talents in the country. He
had the honour of captaining England to the U17 World Cup quarter-finals in
late summer 2007, having guided England to the European U17 Championship
final earlier in the year. During those finals in South Korea, Spence scored
a late winning goal against Brazil - the first time England had beaten their
South American rivals in a FIFA tournament.
He becomes the third homegrown Hammer out on loan at League One clubs with
Josh Payne and Bondz N'Gala at Cheltenham Town and MK Dons respectively,
while Nigel Quashie has just agreed a second month at Birmingham City. The
18-year-old midfielder Payne and Spence could be on opposite sides on
Saturday 13 December when Cheltenham head to Orient for a league encounter.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker points way forward
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker is looking for the win at Sunderland to be the start of better
things to come at West Ham United
25.11.2008
Scott Parker has said the players' thoughts have already shifted from
success at Sunderland to their second consecutive trip to the north.
Parker was instrumental in helping the Hammers to three points at the
Stadium of Light on Sunday, and the midfielder will be hoping they can carry
their good form into Monday's game against Liverpool. It was the second
clean sheet in a row and the new-found defensive stability will be much
needed for the match at Anfield.
"People have been questioning our defending but against Sunderland we were
the first to everything, second balls as well and we really shut the door on
them," Parker said. "On a personal level, it was the kind of game I enjoy
and it was one that I was pleased to be on the winning side of."
The 1-0 scoreline ended a run of seven games without a win and Parker
believed it would provide a timely boost as the squad knuckle down to more
hard training this week. "I think the lads were up for it against
Sunderland," he said. "We could feel the pressure a little bit as things
hadn't been going for us, so it was certainly a game where we had to put in
a performance."
The No8 - who was given the man of the match award by the Sky Sports team -
hopes the win indicated the side have now turned a corner in their season.
He said: "I think it was paramount we got the three points against
Sunderland. We went there after a bad run of games when results hadn't been
going our way.
"We had been playing some nice stuff but not getting the points, so the
important thing was the result. On Sunday we didn't play as well as we had
done over the previous three weeks but we got the result, which was the most
important thing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ticket news for Chelsea
WHUFC.com
Want to see the team head west for the London derby with Chelsea? Contact
the ticket office today.
25.11.2008
There is still time for anyone wanting to see the team in action for next
month's derby with Chelsea at Stamford Bridge - although you will have to
hurry to avoid missing out.
Tickets are on general sale for the Barclays Premier League fixture on
Sunday 14 December when Gianfranco Zola will lead his team out against the
club he served as a player. Recent defensive performances, with two
consecutive clean sheets and four points from a possible six, suggest the
Hammers are heading in the right direction.
Lower tier tickets are £45 for adults, and £20 for seniors and under-16's
Upper tier tickets are £48 for adults, and £20 for seniors and under-16's.
Any remaining tickets can be purchased either in person from the Dr. Martens
Ticket Office or by calling 0871 222 2700 via Option 3.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole commits to the cause
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole has signed a new contract that ties the in-form striker to the
Boleyn Ground until 2013
24.11.2008
Carlton Cole was delighted to pledge his long-term future to West Ham United
on Monday by signing a new five-year contract.
The 25-year-old has established himself as an integral part of the attack
with his hard work and all-round team play earning high praise. The striker,
who signed from Chelsea in July 2006, said: "I am very pleased to sign. It
is nice that I can just focus on playing good football for the club. I know
now I am here for quite a while so it is time to knuckle down. The manager
has 100 per cent faith in me and I have got 100 per cent faith in him and
our team as well.
"It is good that I have got this opportunity to show West Ham supporters,
and prove to myself, that I can be a big part of the prospects to come. We
are playing some good football, the results are starting to turn in our
favour and the only way is up from now. Hopefully the manager can get the
team where he wants us to be and I reckon we will do really well."
Cole is the club's leading scorer with four goals in 12 appearances, with
the most recent run-out being his tireless turn in Sunday's 1-0 win at
Sunderland. Although working hard on adding more goals to his game, Cole
knows the value of his contribution. "It does please me to play like that. I
ran myself into the ground. I am still hurting and my body is still sore
from yesterday but I just feel that it was a well-deserved win and all the
efforts of the whole team paid off."
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted that Carlton has
agreed a new five-year contract and has committed his long-term future to
the club. He is a major part of Gianfranco Zola's plans and he deserves this
new deal for his continued good form and dedication to the West Ham United
cause.
"This news underlines that as a club we are thinking only of moving forward
and are on a sound financial footing. We have a clear football project and
have invested heavily in the medical and technical departments. That is
paying dividends, and securing key players on long-term contracts is a major
part of this project."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Behrami up and running
WHUFC.com
Valon Behrami is looking for the team to 'continue in this way' after an
excellent away win at Sunderland
24.11.2008
Valon Behrami was pleased at scoring his first goal for West Ham United -
but was even more delighted that it proved to be the match-winner.
The Swiss international's left-footed drive on 20 minutes was all that was
needed as a composed defensive display ensured Sunderland could find no way
past Robert Green on Sunday. Behrami said: "I was happy to score against
Sunderland but I am very happy for the win away from home. We have to
improve a lot of things but this is the right way and we want to continue in
this way."
Behrami, who has proved to be an astute summer signing from Lazio, could
have added a second when he hit the crossbar from five yards just before
half time after Craig Bellamy had rounded the goalkeeper, but in the end had
to settle for just the one. "It was perfect for me - scoring my first goal
for West Ham and the team winning. But it would have been more perfect if I
had scored the second goal.
"For me to score two goals in a game would be crazy, it has not ever
happened in football before! I missed the chance and it was difficult
because then Sunderland were pushing a lot, but for us to win this game was
important."
The 23-year-old celebrated his maiden strike by running straight to share
the euphoria with manager Gianfranco Zola. He explained: "It had been a
difficult moment for everybody. The manager takes all the responsibility
every game and it is good to celebrate with him because we knew, after seven
games when we didn't win, it is difficult for everybody and difficult for
him. It was a moment that I wanted to celebrate with him."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole signs long-term Hammers deal
BBC.co.uk
Striker Carlton Cole has signed a new five-year contract with West Ham. The
25-year-old, who joined the club from London rivals Chelsea in July 2006,
said: "I am here for quite a while so it is time to knuckle down. "The
manager has 100% faith in me and I have 100% faith in him and our team.
Hopefully, the manager can get the team where he wants us to be." Cole has
scored four goals in 12 games this season, making him West Ham's leading
scorer. He has benefited from the injury-enforced absence of England striker
Dean Ashton to be a regular this season. The club's chief executive officer
Scott Duxbury said: "I am delighted Carlton has committed his long-term
future to the club. "He is a major part of Gianfranco Zola's plans and he
deserves this new deal for his continued good form and dedication to the
West Ham United cause. "This news underlines that as a club we are thinking
only of moving forward and are on a sound financial footing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
O's sign Hammers' Spence on loan
BBC.co.uk
Leyton Orient have strengthened their squad with the signing of West Ham
defender Jordan Spence on loan. The 18-year-old England Under-19
international has yet to appear for the Hammers first team but will join the
O's until January 1. Spence was born in nearby Woodford, just five miles
from Brisbane Road. He captained England at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and
has been a regular member of the West Ham reserve team this season.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Quashie extends Birmingham stay
BBC.co.uk
Birmingham City have extended the loan of midfielder Nigel Quashie from West
Ham for a second month. Quashie, 30, has been at St Andrew's since October
after proving his fitness following a long-term foot injury. "We've worked
very hard to get Nigel to a level of fitness and we want to take our time
with that," Blues boss Alex McLeish told BBC WM. "Hopefully he's going to
get much, much sharper and then we can look at extending it further."
Quashie returns to the Blues squad for Tuesday's home game with Ipswich
after serving his one-match suspension for getting sent off in the 3-2 win
over Charlton. Nigel knows that he's missed an awful lot of football and
he's now trying to impress. "Nigel's given us a fantastic contribution, the
sending off was difficult but he made a couple of goals," McLeish added.
Quashie, who has won 14 caps for Scotland, was out for 19 months with a
persistent foot problem while at Upton Park and McLeish said he was always
keen to have the player around for a bit longer. "Nigel knows that he's
missed an awful lot of football and he's now trying to impress. "It's about
getting games under his belt and there's not any reason for us to rush into
a long-term agreement."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jordan off to the Orient
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
United youngster Jordon Spence has joined Leyton Orient on a month's loan.
18-year-old Spence has been widely tipped to make the breakthrough to the
first team this season, although he will have to wait a little longer for
the opportunity having been sent to Brisbane Road in order to gain vital
competitive experience. Spence did make the first three first team squads
this season during Alan Curbishley's tenure but has not been selected since
Gianfranco Zola replaced his predecessor. Orient - who described Spence as
'a talismanic figure for England' - confirmed the loan deal this morning;
O's boss Martin Ling said: "Jordan has come here to strengthen our centre
half position. He will come here and give us breathing space in that
department and will get a first taste of senior experience too. "The loan
will be beneficial for both parties. He will be with us for an eight-game
period - and then we will assess the situation from there."
Spence will link up with the O's squad in time for Tuesday's trip to
Huddersfield Town and will remain at Brisbane Road until the beginning of
January 2009. He is the fourth Hammer to go out on loan along with Nigel
Quashie (Birmingham City), Josh Payne (Cheltenham) and Bondz N'Gala (MK
Dons).
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Al vs Franco
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 25th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Despite West Ham's miserable recent run of seven games without a win,
Gianfranco Zola's side have secured just two fewer points than at this stage
last season.
Prior to winning at Sunderland at the weekend the Hammers had gone seven
games without a win. But thanks (in main) to the points picked up under Alan
Curbishley at the beginning of this season Zola's side are still neck and
neck with the team that went on to finish in tenth place last season.
The 19 points secured by this stage last term saw the Hammers to tenth spot
in the table - eight points above the relegation zone, which included Derby
(6 points), Wigan (9) and Middlesbrough (11) in 2007//08.
However with no whipping boys in the Premier League thus far this term
United currently sit just three points above the relegation zone in 13th
spot, with West Brom (11 points), Blackburn (13) and Newcastle (14)
completing the bottom three. The extra two points this term would have seen
the Hammers in eighth spot, lifting them above Bolton (17 points), Man City
(17), Middlesbrough (18), Fulham (18) and Portsmouth (19).
By the end of 2007 Curbishley's side sat in ninth spot after 19 games having
picked up ten points from the next five games, thanks to wins over Blackburn
(a), Middlesbrough (a) and Man Utd (h) and a draw against Reading (h).
Zola's current team have a somewhat more difficult run to the end of the
year, facing Liverpool (a), Tottenham (h), Chelsea (a) Aston Villa (h),
Portsmouth (a) and Stoke (h).
Meanwhile last season's Premier League had no less than five teams on
United's current total of 17 points or less at the turn of the year,
something which is unlikely to be repeated this term with the league a much
tighter affair.
However both sides are faring considerably better than Alan Pardew's team of
2006/07 who had gained just 14 points at this stage of the season. Pardew
was fired after just three further Premier League games, all of which ended
in defeat.
07/08 vs 08/09 ...
West Ham United: first 14 games (2007/08)
Man City (h) 0-2; Birmingham (a) 1-0; Wigan (h) 1-1; Reading (a) 3-0;
Middlesbrough (h) 3-0; Newcastle (a) 1-3; Arsenal (h) 0-1; Aston Villa (a)
0-1; Sunderland (h) 3-1; Portsmouth (a) 0-0; Bolton (h) 1-1; Derby (a) 5-0;
Tottenham (h) 1-1; Chelsea (a) 0-1
19 points (9 home, 10 away) including two games against the 'top four'. From
seven home and seven away games.
West Ham United: first 14 games (2008/09)
Wigan (h) 2-1; Man City (a) 0-3; Blackburn (h) 4-1; West Brom (a) 2-3;
Newcastle (h) 3-1; Fulham (a) 2-1; Bolton (a) 1-3; Hull (a) 0-1; Arsenal (h)
0-2; Man Utd (a) 0-2; Middlesbro (a) 1-1; Everton (h) 1-3; Portsmouth (h)
0-0; Sunderland (a) 1-0
17 points (10 home, 7 away) including two games against the 'top four'. From
seven home and seven away games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole pens new deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole has signed a new five year deal with West Ham United. The
25-year-old striker has been a virtual ever-present in the United side this
season, due mainly to Dean Ashton's latest injury, and has hit four goals in
his first 12 games of the season. The club confirmed this evening that the
two parties had a greed a new deal that ties Cole to United until 2013.
Talking on the club's website at whufc.com, Cole said: "I am very pleased to
sign. It is nice that I can just focus on playing good football for the
club. I know now I am here for quite a while so it is time to knuckle down.
"The manager has 100 per cent faith in me and I have got 100 per cent faith
in him and our team as well. It is good that I have got this opportunity to
show West Ham supporters, and prove to myself, that I can be a big part of
the prospects to come. "We are playing some good football, the results are
starting to turn in our favour and the only way is up from now. Hopefully
the manager can get the team where he wants us to be and I reckon we will do
really well."
Cole was signed by Alan Pardew in the summer of 2006 from Chelsea for a fee
of £2million. Having been used on an irregular basis by Pardew in his first
year - despite scoring against Charlton on his debut - it looked as if Cole
may be heading for the Upton Park exit until he began to feature regularly
as a stand-in for a succession of injured team mates last season.
Carlton Cole - WHU stats
2006/07 - 21 appearances, 3 goals
2007/08 - 37 appearances, 6 goals
2008/09 - 12 appearances, 4 goals
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Midfielder extends stay
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 24th November 2008
By: Staff Writer
Nigel Quashie will spend a second month with Championship outfit Birmingham
after an extension to his current loan spell was agreed. 30-year-old Quashie
- who played just a handful of games for the Hammers following his January
2007 move from West Bromwich Albion - has impressed enough to earn a second
spell at the City Ground, although a permanent move is by no means a
certainty. "We've worked very hard to get Nigel to a level of fitness and we
want to take our time with that," Blues boss Alex McLeish, confirming the
deal, said this afternoon. "Hopefully he's going to get much, much sharper
and then we can look at extending it further.
"Nigel knows that he's missed an awful lot of football and he's now trying
to impress. He's given us a fantastic contribution. "It's about getting
games under his belt - and there's not any reason for us to rush into a
long-term agreement." Quashie was signed by Alan Curbishley in January 2007
for £1.5million. He made just eight appearances before sustaining a mysery
foot injury that kept him out of action for some 18 months.
* Both of West Ham United's other loanees featured at the weekend; youth
team captain John Payne was an 86th minute substitute as Cheltenham lost 1-0
to Carlisle whilst Bondz N'Gala was a 24th minute sub for MK Dons as they
coasted to a 3-0 win at Walsall.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Cole commits to Hammers
Striker pens five-year deal with West Ham
By James Dall Last updated: 25th November 2008
SSN
West Ham United have announced that striker Carlton Cole has signed a new
five-year contract with the club. Cole joined the Hammers from Chelsea in
2006 and has recorded 59 Premier League appearances, scoring nine goals,
since the switch. The 25-year-old, who has netted four times this season,
has spoken of his delight at penning the fresh terms that will keep him at
Upton Park until 2013. He told the club's official website: "I am very
pleased to sign. It is nice that I can just focus on playing good football
for the club. "I know now I am here for quite a while so it is time to
knuckle down. The manager has 100 per cent faith in me and I have got 100
per cent faith in him and our team as well. "It is good that I have got this
opportunity to show West Ham supporters, and prove to myself, that I can be
a big part of the prospects to come. "We are playing some good football, the
results are starting to turn in our favour and the only way is up from now.
Hopefully the manager can get the team where he wants us to be and I reckon
we will do really well."
West Ham chief executive officer Scott Duxbury added: "I am delighted that
Carlton has agreed a new five-year contract and has committed his long-term
future to the club. "He is a major part of Gianfranco Zola's plans and he
deserves this new deal for his continued good form and dedication to the
West Ham United cause. "This news underlines that as a club we are thinking
only of moving forward and are on a sound financial footing. We have a clear
football project and have invested heavily in the medical and technical
departments. "That is paying dividends, and securing key players on
long-term contracts is a major part of this project."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Want Giovinco - Agent
Goal.com
Premier League club West Ham are interested in Juventus attacker Sebastian
Giovinco. Since returning from his loan spell with Empoli, Sebastian
Giovinco has seen very little time on the field for the Bianconeri due to
the form of Amauri, Alessandro Del Piero, and Vincenzo Iaquinta
It is rumoured the 21-year-old could be on his way out of the club and his
agent Claudio Pasqualini spoke about the possibility of a move to West Ham
on Tuesday.
"It is useless to hide the fact that Gianfranco Zola (coach of West Ham) is
interested in him," the agent told RadioKissKiss of Napoli. "However, he
won't leave in January. We have renewed with Juventus recently."
West Ham coach Gianfranco Zola will have gotten a good glimpse of Sebastian
Giovinco as he worked with the Italy U-21 side last season with coach
Pierluigi Casiraghi. Giovinco has recently vented his frustration about the
lack of playing time, but following the 0-0 draw with Zenit on Tuesday
Bianconeri coach Claudio Ranieri assured the youngster he will get his
chance to shine.
Adam Scime
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Unbeaten night for Irons' on-loan trio
11:25pm Tuesday 25th November 2008
Echo
By Rob Pritchard »
WEST Ham United's on-loan trio enjoyed an unbeaten night in League One on
Tuesday. Josh Payne's Cheltenham Town held Southend United to a goalless
draw at Whadden Road, while Bondz N'Gala and Jordan Spence celebrated
victory with MK Dons and Leyton Orient respectively. All three began the
evening on the substitites' bench, but N'Gala was called into action after
just 23 minutes after team-mate Carl Regan suffered a leg injury. The
defender came on at right-back and helped the Dons to secure a 3-0 win over
relegation-threatened Hereford United at stadium:mk. Payne appeared for 18
minutes as a replacement for Darren Kenton while England Under-19 defender
Spence, who had joined the O's earlier in the day, was an unused substitute
as Martin Ling's men secured a fine 1-0 win at Huddersfield Town.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola smile shone through in dark times, says Collins
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 25 November 2008 - 9:03 PM
Gianfranco Zola's smile has shone through the gloom at West Ham and has
inspired the players to come out fighting - according to defender James
Collins. The little Italian, whose side broke their seven game winless
streak with victory at Sunderland last Sunday, has refused to buckle under
the growing pressure at Upton Park. Despite the club's perilous financial
state and the prospect of a January fire sale, Zola has kept on smiling
after a difficult start to managerial life in east London.
And Collins, who is looking back to his best after an impressive performance
at the Stadium of Light last weekend, is backing the feel-good factor within
the squad to help lift the Hammers away from danger. "The boss is always
smiling," he said. "He's always talking to us and always helping us. "He
tells us to train with a smile on our face, never mind how bad the results
are. "He is always happy and jolly. He has been disappointed, especially
after we lost to Everton. "He's not one to shout and scream but you
certainly know when he's angry.You know when we've not played too well. "But
irrespective of the result, he's always in first thing Monday with a big
smile on his face."
And the Hammers have plenty more reasons to smile following the win on
Wearside, although with games against Liverpool, Tottenham and Chelsea on
the horizon, Collins is hoping the Hammers can build on their latest
success. "It's been frustrating because the whole team has been playing well
but we've not got the results," he added. "The Everton game was typical of
how our luck was and then we failed to hold on against Middlesbrough, but
hopefully now we'll be able to kick on."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Will the VAT Cut Affect Ticket Prices?
West Ham Till I Die
Received from a reader…
I am not sure if this is correct but are tickets for sports events, such as
football matches, subject to VAT at the normal rate? If so, is there a way
of checking if the prices of tickets for sports events are reduced from
Monday following the announcement by the Chancellor. For example if West Ham
are selling tickets for a forthcoming home game at £35, will the be reduced
by 87p?
Perhaps you can look into this and invite examples to your blog. If prices
aren't reduced, it would blow a massive hole in the Chancellor's
announcement.
Without going into the politics of this, the cut in VAT will have absolutely
no effect on ticket prices at football matches, except to give the club a
small extra profit margin. If a ticket is sold for a game this Saturday for
£45, the VAT on that is £6.70. For a game next Monday the same ticket of £45
would have a VAT component of £5.87. So the club makes an extra 83p profit
for every ticket sold after 1 December. They may well, as a gesture, reduce
ticket prices for the odd game so as not to be seen as profiteering. But in
essence, they are only obliged to give the government 15% of whatever the
same price is of what they are selling. They are not obligated to reduce
prices by 2.5% from 1 December.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Local residents have their say on West Ham plans
24 November 2008
London2012.com
West Ham Station will be one of the main stations used during the London
2012 Games
Local residents and commuters are being asked to comment on plans to improve
West Ham Station, which have been released by the Olympic Delivery Authority
(ODA). It will be one of the main stations used for people visiting the
Olympic Park both during and after the Games in 2012. The ODA have sent
information leaflets to 3,000 homes in West Ham, detailing the proposals set
out in the consultation. Local people are also being encouraged to attend
one of three drop-in sessions in the local area for West Ham Station. The
plans include a temporary walkway spanning the eastbound track of the
District and Hammersmith & City Lines and Manor Road. This new path will
allow visitors to the Park to walk straight onto the Greenway and up to the
Park.
Regular commuters and residents will be able to follow their usual route
through the station with minimal disruption during the Games.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
HAMMERS TALK: Zola keen on Italian youngster
10:29am Tuesday 25th November 2008
Echo
WEST HAM continue to be linked with a January loan move for Juventus
youngster Sebastian Giovinco. Irons boss Gianfranco Zola is reportedly keen
to land the 21-year-old when the transfer window opens, having worked with
the midfielder while Italy under-21 coach. And, according to reports,
Juventus are believed to be considering allowing Giovinco to move out on a
temporary basis to get some first team experience. Spanish giants Atletico
Madrid and Sevilla are also thought to be interested in the promising
youngster.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Juventus young gun Giovinco linked to West Ham
26.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
A lack of first team action could see Juventus midfielder Sebastian Giovinco
leave on loan in January. Highly regarded as the future of Italian football,
Giovinco is craving first team action and Juventus are likely to send him
out on loan to get more playing time. According to reports in Italian daily
La Gazzetta dello Sport, La Liga clubs Sevilla and Atletico Madrid are keen
on securing Giovinco although the Italian link with Gianfranco Zola has West
Ham as favourites for the loan move should Juventus coach Claudio Ranieri
agree.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Parker: We could sense growing pressure
26.11.08 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United midfielder Scott Parker admits the players could sense the
pressure ahead of victory over Sunderland. "I think the lads were up for it
against Sunderland," he said. "We could feel the pressure a little bit as
things hadn't been going for us, so it was certainly a game where we had to
put in a performance."
Parker also told whufc.com: "I think it was paramount we got the three
points against Sunderland. We went there after a bad run of games when
results hadn't been going our way. "We had been playing some nice stuff but
not getting the points, so the important thing was the result. On Sunday we
didn't play as well as we had done over the previous three weeks but we got
the result, which was the most important thing."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
http://vyperz.blogspot.com
Posts
