Striker hoping to end goal drought
Last updated: 22nd December 2008
SSN
Carlton Cole is determined to end his frustrations in front of goal during the festive period. The burly West Ham striker has failed to find the target in almost three months, with his last goal coming in a 3-1 defeat to Bolton on 5th October. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola has been working with the former England U21 international in training, with the Italian coach keen to sharpen his finishing . With Dean Ashton still someway off a first-team return, and Craig Bellamy's future at Upton Park shrouded in doubt, Cole accepts that he must begin to carry the burden of goalscoring expectation. "My confidence is okay," he said. "I'm getting in the right positions and now I have to execute it."
Meanwhile, having seen the Hammers slip to 17th in the Premier League table on the back of a 1-0 defeat to Aston Villa on Saturday, Matthew Upson has called on his team-mates to pull together during these difficult times for the club. "I can't really explain how disappointing it is but we need to show a bit of resilience and character," said the centre-half. "It's at times like this and tests like this that really show you who you are as a team and as a group of people. "So, it's up to us to dig deep and the manager to rally and get the approach right. There's no reason why we can't get some good results."
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Upson flattered by transfer speculation
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 22 December 2008 - 9:49 PM
Matthew Upson says he is flattered by the constant speculation linking him with a move away from Upton Park. The West Ham defender, who is currently being eyed by Newcastle, Manchester City and Tottenham, could leave the troubled east London club in January with Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola desperate to raise funds.But the England international reckons a whole host of players, including Craig Bellamy and Robert Green could depart in January, with the club struggling for cash ahead of the transfer window. "Speculation can be quite flattering at times and it's just part of what is happening at this football club at the moment," said Upson. "I think every player has been speculated about to be for sale. Whether that is true or not only the owners know and can come out and clarify their position, so speculation is what it is. "Whether things will happen we shall have to wait and see, but it's definitely a difficult period in terms of the financial situation of the club. "But how difficult and what lengths they'll go to iron that out we'll soon see. "There's never a dull moment here but that can be a positive thing because it's a big football club. "People want to read about it and hear about it and it's a great club to play for but we really need to achieve a couple of results over the Christmas period."
The Hammers are just a single point outside the relegation zone and have scored just four goals in their past 12 Premier League games. And Upson has urged his team-mates to find their form in front of goal quickly or risk seeing their season descend into the nightmare of a relegation scrap. He added: "Everything which goes on, on the pitch, we have to take a collective responsibility. "At the moment we're all responsible for scoring goals and conceding goals and we can all contribute more, even if it's in the mentality to be more positive and attack-minded.That will nudge us over the edge to nick a win."
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Aiden McGeady would be 'wonderful' for West Ham, says Frank McAvennie
Frank McAvennie has extensive first-hand knowledge of what it's like to find yourself on the wrong side of a Celtic manager.
Telegraph
By Ewing Grahame
Last Updated: 9:28PM GMT 22 Dec 2008
During his two spells at Parkhead he frequently found himself at loggerheads with Billy McNeill, Liam Brady and Lou Macari ("the worst manager in the world but we won't go into that") and is therefore perfectly placed to pronounce on the current dispute between current boss Gordon Strachan and wayward winger Aiden McGeady.
Perhaps surprisingly, McAvennie, the maverick's maverick, backed Strachan in this instance, claiming that the decision to suspend the player for a fortnight merely underlines the extent to which the pair's relationship has deteriorated. McGeady, according to his agent, will contest the ban and the fine of two weeks' wages imposed following his spat with the manager in the wake of the 1-1 draw against Hearts 10 days ago. That response suggests to McAvennie that the interests of both Celtic and the player would be best served if the 22-year-old moves to England during next month's transfer window. "I'd love to see Aiden at Hull City or West Ham United because I think he'd be a wonderful player for them," he said. "He's got the ability. I've seen him playing for the Republic of Ireland against top defenders and he's been the star man. Managers need to nurse that talent and that's obviously not happening with Gordon and Aiden. "I think it would be better for everyone if he goes in January, although sometimes you only discover what a big club Celtic is after you've left it. Rangers is the same. "Barry Ferguson left for Blackburn Rovers and he was magnificent for them but Rangers was his club. "Shaun Maloney went to Aston Villa and couldn't cut it because it's not as easy as people think but Aiden has so much talent that he'd be all right, although he needs to sign for a team where he'll play rather than being on the bench. "I'd have preferred to see him leave under different circumstances. Celtic's my club and I don't like reading about this: it should have stayed in the dressing room."
The fact that the altercation between the pair almost immediately became public knowledge forced the manager's hand in this case. McAvennie believes that Strachan had no option but to adopt a hard-line approach if he was to maintain his authority with the rest of the squad. "What you don't do is have a go at the gaffer in front of other people," he said. "If you've got something to say to the manager then you do it privately. "Billy McNeill, when he was manager of Celtic, use to fine me every week – not for arguing but because I was never there – but he knew that he could put me on the pitch on a Saturday and that I'd give everything. "There's obviously something seriously wrong between Gordon Strachan and Aiden McGeady if he can't trust Aiden to do that. "He's obviously not in the right frame of mind because I can't see Gordon cutting his nose off to spite his face by doing this. You've got to back the manager no matter what. "The club's always bigger than any one player. McGeady appealing against his punishment isn't going to make any difference: it's just going to make the problem deeper. "If it was me I'd just take what was coming to me, get my head down and try to get back in the team. When you go on to that pitch it's not about feuds."
McAvennie, speaking to publicise Setanta's exclusive coverage of Saturday's Old Firm match at Ibrox, was infamously ordered off at the same venue in 1987, along with Rangers captain Terry Butcher and goalkeeper Chris Woods. All three, plus Rangers defender Graham Roberts, were also charged with breach of the peace but only Butcher and Woods were convicted. "I just hope that a couple of boys will be sent off and taken to court this weekend so that people will finally stop talking about us," joked McAvennie. "Looking back, I think I was the only one who enjoyed the court appearances because it meant that I didn't have to train for a whole week."
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Upson Wants Points for Xmas
Setanta
Toby Davis , 22 December 2008
Matthew Upson has challenged his West Ham team-mates to show what they are made of ahead of the busy Christmas period. The Hammers fell to their ninth league defeat of the season on Saturday at the hands of Aston Villa to leave them precariously perched above the relegation zone. Gianfranco Zola's side have the opportunity to put points on the board over the festive season with games against Stoke and Portsmouth and Upson says it is time for the players to show their mettle.
He told the official club website: "I can't really explain how disappointing it is but we need to show a bit of resilience and character. "It's at times like this and tests like this that really show you who you are as a team and as a group of people. So, it's up to us dig deep and the manager to rally and get the approach right. There's no reason why we can't get some good results. "We played with a lot of energy against Aston Villa. Perhaps we didn't pass the ball quite as well as we would have liked and I thought we could have created more in the first half. "But in the second half we came out and looked the more likely team to win the game. So, to go down to a really fluke goal like that was very disappointing."
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Aston Villa 'targeting Craig Bellamy'
Aston Villa reportedly preparing £7 million offer for West Ham striker Craig Bellamy.
Telegraph
By Emily Benammar
Last Updated: 9:32PM GMT 22 Dec 2008
Speculation surrounding the deal also suggests that 29-year-old Malon Harewood would return to Upton Park as part of a player-plus-cash deal. West Ham have made no secret of the financial difficulties they are experiencing, and Upton Park manager Gianfranco Zola has said he will consider any offers for with Bellamy or Dean Ashton in an attempt bring in some much needed cash. Bellamy himself, who only signed with West Ham a year ago, has not dismissed rumours suggesting he could already be leaving. "It's that time of year, there's always a lot of speculation," he said. "I'm very happy at West Ham and I'm never going to go in and ask for move. But you don't know what position the club is in. You don't know if they are going to accept bids or not accept bids." O'Neill may face competition from Manchester City, who, having failed to sign the 29-year-old in the summer, are showing a new found interest. Villa have also been linked with Sheffield United defender Kyle Naughton and Wigan duo Emile Heskey and Antonio Valencia.
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Cole Needs Lessons? He Really Is That Awful
The West Ham Process
By Sam H ⋅ December 22, 2008
When Cole unfortunately signed a 5-year deal recently, it was comments from Duxburry that really got my back up, "This news underlines that as a club we are only thinking of moving forward, and are on a sound financial footing". At the time that really annoyed me as it was a blatant lie - both parts of the statement. It was not a sign that we are moving forward, and it underlined the fact the we are not really on a sound financial footing. I don't think there is a single club in the Premier League who would consider signing Carlton Cole as moving forward. The fact that Zola is personally giving him shooting lessons every day until he can score underlines that perfectly for me. Zola says that, "From Monday on I'll be working on his finishing every single day until he's fed up with it. He has to score more goals because it can change performances so much". No kidding. If Carlton could finish, we would have beat Chelsea, we would have at least got a point against Villa. And that is to name just two recent games. We are a Premier League side, he is getting paid a Premier League players salary yet he needs finishing lessons. Give me a break.
I've kept calm for a long while as I know there is a lot of support for Carlton because he works hard. I'll give it to him, he does. And he has also improved on his ability to trap a ball and to flick one on. I've now seen him win a total of 3 headers this year.I would like to hear from people why they think he is a good asset to the team, it genuinely interests me because I personally cannot see it. I'd rather us play football on the ground and utilise the combination of the pace of Sears and Bellamy.
He has to score more goals because it can change performances so much Zola has realised that he is pretty much the main reason we are not winning games now, "We play well, we try everything, we create chances but we can't get it going right now and it's becoming a problem. Yet we are determined to change things. We deserve much better than this. Bellamy is playing very well and Cole is playing well too. But he needs to be more focused on scoring goals. He knows that"
Every single player in the side is putting in match winning performances at the moment. Green is outstanding, along with Upson, Davenport/Collins. Illunga is playing very well. Parker has been exceptional, so has Behrami. Noble is finding form again, Collison is playing brilliantly. When Mullins features he plays well and does his job. Bellamy is scaring defences and creating chances, for himself and for others (admittedly he's not scoring as many as I would like, but he is creating so many chamces for the team). It would seem that the job Cole is responsible for is putting his chances away. That is all.
We need to replace him with someone who can finish the chances we are creating. He can be lazy and not work hard for all I care because we don't need someone who runs around a lot. We need someone who can score - and then we will start to win games and the results will reflect our performances.
I am very frustrated by him and my patience is wearing thin.
COYI
Sam
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EXCLUSIVE: Manchester City give Hughes a £40m rescue package as boss lines up Santa Cruz and Bellamy
By Simon Jones and Lee Clayton
Daily Mail
Last updated at 11:22 PM on 22nd December 2008
Rather than sacking Hughes, the club's new owners will show impressive support for their manager. portsmail has learned of a list of players Hughes hopes will save his job, including two strikers - Blackburn centre forward Roque Santa Cruz and West Ham's Craig Bellamy. City hope they will be joined by Chelsea left back Wayne Bridge and Villarreal's midfield general Marcos Senna. The total outlay will not leave much change from £40million. Hughes appears to have been able to select the players himself, despite it previously being believed that the club's owners were insisting on high profile signings to boost their image. Instead, Hughes is bringing in his own men - three of whom he has worked with before and who therefore know his methods. Hughes said after Sunday's 2-1defeat at West Bromwich, which left City in the Premier League relegation zone: 'It's clear we need help. We are working hard to adjust things in the transfer window. 'We will bring in quality players to ensure that the club moves forward in the transfer window. There are no guarantees as to how many we will bring in, but we have to sign players who will make an immediate impact.' Hughes has been given a vast transfer budget- as well as assurances about his job from the highest level - but wants players he knows and can trust for the next phase of City's rebuilding plan. 'Right now, Mark needs players he knows, players who will bring pace and quality to the team,' a top level transfer source reported last night. 'He needs to start building his own team. 'He wants players who know the ropes and who can make an instant impact in the English league.'
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Upson happy at the moment
Tuesday 23 Dec 2008
4thgame.com
West Ham United defender Matthew Upson claims he is happy to remain at Upton Park 'for the moment' despite the uncertainty surrounding the club's financial position. The England defender is reported to be one of the players who could be sold off in January should the cash-strapped Hammers seek to raise funds. Manager Gianfranco Zola claims the club will not be forced to sell any of their key assets, but speculation continues to link Upson with a move to the likes of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. However, the former Arsenal and Birmingham City defender claims he is happy at Upton Park for time being. "Speculation can be flattering and is part of what's happening at the club," admitted the 29-year-old centre-half. "There are rumours every player is for sale but the owners haven't clarified anything. "It's a difficult period financially and people are aware but I'm happy playing here at the moment. I am enjoying my football."
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QPR and West Ham battling for Adrien Silva
The Mirror
By Football Spy 23/12/2008
QPR boss Paulo Sousa is competing with West Ham for the signature of highly-rated Portuguese teenager Adrien Silva. Sporting Lisbon had hoped to hold on to the 19-year-old midfielder until the end of the season, but a move to England in January now looks on the cards.
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Even I think Aiden has overstepped the mark, says bad boy FrankBy Stephen Mcgowan
Last updated at 1:15 AM on 23rd December 2008
Daily Mail
Frank McAvennie is a man armed with an encyclopedic knowledge of Celtic's disciplinary code. So when Scottish football's most celebrated playboy warns Aiden McGeady he has gone too far, then the time has surely come for the winger to take sober stock of his situation. In the 20 years since hard-living, extroverted McAvennie was in his Parkhead prime, the disciplinary details have changed but the principles remain the same. Provoke or antagonise the manager and you will pay the price - either financially or with your Celtic career. McGeady would no doubt reject a comparison between his own indiscretions and those with which McAvennie finds himself charged by Jonathan Watson on BBC Scotland every Hogmanay. In the nightclub carousing and dressing-room indiscipline stakes, the Irish international is a mere apprentice in comparison. Notoriety, however, can be a stubborn mistress to shake off.
Promoting Setanta's coverage of the upcoming Old Firm clash yesterday, Macca belied his rebellious reputation by backing his former Scotland team-mate Gordon Strachan. 'Big Billy McNeill fined me every week,' said McAvennie, happily married these days and living in Gateshead. 'But it wasn't so much for arguing - it was because I was never there. Hoop-la: McGeady was banned for his bust up with Strachan 'I would just take it on the chin and get on with it. The gaffer always knew he could still put me on the pitch. 'No matter what has happened, when you go on to that pitch, it's not about feuds. It's about playing for the club that pays you. 'I don't know what happened in the dressing room with Aiden. But when you have a go at the gaffer in front of people, it's not on. If you have something to say to the manager, you do it privately. 'I had to go to the gaffer all the time. I used to be fined but there must be something seriously wrong here. Because, no matter what I got up to, the manager always knew he could put me on the pitch on a Saturday. 'Obviously, Aiden is not in the right frame of mind. I don't think a manager would ever cut his nose off to spite his face. And, no matter what has happened, you have to back the manager.'
There was irony in the fact that an event held to talk up the second Glasgow derby of the season ended in a debate about a player who is destined to miss out.
But McAvennie, the former doyen of Page Three Girl suitors, disapproves of the way in which McGeady has dealt with the matter in hand. Of an era when managerial punishments were non-negotiable and binding, McAvennie believes the strong-willed winger has forgotten how privileged he is. 'The club is always bigger than any player,' he said. 'And Aiden appealing is just going to make it worse, isn't it? 'I would take the fine, get the head down and get back in the team. There is so much money that these guys are set up for life. It's a job and you are being paid for something you love - these guys should never forget that.' That there are so many other clubs willing to pay possibly more money is a disincentive to let sleeping dogs lie. A number of clubs have been linked with McGeady and, with his agent down south, McAvennie suspects something will soon be afoot. McAvennie was also popular with the West Ham faithful in the 1990's - and believes McGeady could also be a hit south of the border 'I'd love to see Aiden in the Premiership,' said the former West Ham striker. 'It won't be Manchester United but he could do a job at a Hull or West Ham. 'He would be a wonderful player down there. He has played for Ireland against top defenders and been a star man, so he is a talent. 'The manager has to nurse that talent, but it's not happening. I think Aiden will go in January. 'Barry Ferguson went to Blackburn and did magnificently, but Rangers are his club. Shaun Maloney then went to Aston Villa and didn't cut it. 'But Aiden is a talent who would come alight. He would do OK because, wherever he goes, he will knuckle down now.' One team he looks increasingly unlikely to play for again is Celtic. Not, at least, this weekend at Ibrox. Neither, for that matter, should new fans' idol Koki Mizuno, according to McAvennie. 'I don't think Mizuno will play and I don't think Nakamura will either - he's a luxury, ' said McAvennie. 'To go to Ibrox, you need muscle. I think Gordon will bring Paul Hartley back. 'Mizuno and Naka are luxuries. As a striker, it would be great to have them behind you, but I think Ibrox is a battleground. 'Maybe McGeady wouldn't have played for the same reason because Rangers have run over the top of Celtic many times there. 'You need people who will stand up and be counted.'
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Upson Fears For Hammers Future
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
MATTHEW UPSON admits he is in the dark over his future as West Ham battle for Premier League and financial survival. The England defender is enjoying a fine run of form which has alerted Hammers' rivals. He said: "Speculation can be flattering and is part of what's happening at the club. There are rumours every player is for sale but the owners haven't clarified anything. "It's a difficult period financially and people are aware but I'm happy playing here at the moment, I am enjoying my football." West Ham are one place off the drop zone, are up for sale and face a potentially crippling £30million payout to Sheffield United over the Carlos Tevez affair.
Upson, 29, added: "There is never a dull moment here but that can be a positive thing."
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