WHUFC.com
The manager is looking to see a reaction from his team as they sign off
their campaign in Beijing
31.07.2009
Gianfranco Zola will send his team out against Beijing Guoan later on Friday
with the intention of finishing the Barclays Asia Trophy on a winning note.
As Hull City found out when they scraped past the Chinese side on penalties
on Wednesday, it promises to be a tricky contest. The Workers Stadium will
be full of home fans ready to cheer on the Chinese league leaders but Zola
said his team will be ready. His men were eager to make up for the 1-0
defeat by Tottenham Hotspur although the main focus is the preparation for
the Barclays Premier League start on Saturday 15 August.
"It is not going to be an easy game," he said. "I saw some of their game
[against Hull] and they are fit, they are well organised. It is not going to
be an easy ride at all for us. We are going to improve on the first
performance. We know that it hasn't been our best - but we are going to use
it to help us improve for the future. We know that it is part of the
preparation for the new season."
Aware that Beijing lined up in a 4-4-2 formation last time out, Zola was
keeping his cards close to his chest about his own lineup and tactics. "We
will try to play our game. On the fitness side they will certainly be ahead
of us - first of all because they are acclimatised and also because they are
ahead in their league schedule.
"We are going to make the most of it. I don't know yet what formation we are
going to play as there a few with knocks but we are going to play
competitively."
The manager had an update on Luis Boa Morte who will travel home with the
team as planned this weekend and see a specialist before heading to Portugal
for the first phase of his recovery. He said he had no thoughts yet on how
to replace him in the team. "For me the main concern is him getting better
as soon as possible," he said. "We will find a solution. To be honest, I
haven't thought of anything else than his situation.
"He is a great boy. He never stopped smiling since. We all had long faces
when we sent to him and he was the only one smiling. It tells you a lot
about the man. He is a big loss."
Adding more experience to the squad is key to the manager's plans of
building a team that allows young players to thrive. "We don't have the
possibility to spend a lot of money like other clubs," he said. "We don't
complain and we are happy with the situation. We will try to work it out.
"It was very good last year because everyone performed at their best. We had
young players coming through like Jack Collison, James Tomkins and Junior
Stanislas. This year there will be some others.
"We have a good atmosphere and fortunately we have some experienced players
like Scott Parker which is really good to push the young players in the
right direction. They help them a lot. On top of that, I am sure the club
will try to get some players that will push the level of the club a bit
higher. I am totally confident.
"We need to have more options in attack. Carlton Cole was fantastic last
season and I am sure if he has someone to help him, it will be a great
thing."
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China challenge excites Specs
WHUFC.com
After a successful summer with his country, Jonathan Spector is raring to go
for his club
31.07.2009
Jonathan Spector will hope to make his first start of pre-season on Friday
with the high-profile match in the Barclays Asia Trophy against Beijing
Guoan. The United States defender could figure from kick-off having come off
the bench late on in the 1-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday. The
host club will be as eager as the Hammers to secure a victory, having lost
on penalties to Hull City. A capacity crowd of 60,000-plus is likely to be
in the Beijing Workers Stadium and temperatures will once again be in the
high 30s.
Spector, who took part in a flagship Premier League Creating Chances
community event on Thursday, said: "We were all disappointed to lose to
Tottenham. It is about pre-season though and being ready for the upcoming
season. We are excited though to be able to come to Beijing to play and play
in front of the Chinese fans.
"It is nice to come here and the people have been great since we arrived.
What is special here is how popular football is to everyone. To have the
opportunity to come here and experience that is great. We are all looking
forward to playing a team from China and seeing how we compare.
"The Tottenham match was played in a very different atmosphere to what we
were used to but the fans were great. We had some over watching us and the
Chinese supporters were really friendly."
Spector was a late arrival to the team training camp in Austria earlier this
month because of his success in the FIFA Confederations Cup. The 23-year-old
played every minute of every game in South Africa as the US went all the way
to the final before losing 3-2 to Brazil.
He said: "We had a great run. It was publicised a lot at home which was nice
but unusual in the US media for soccer. We were disappointed not to win in
the final. In the end it was probably a fair result, Brazil are a fantastic
team and they deserved it.
"It is nice to play all over the world and experience the different cultures
and atmospheres. The fans I would say were great in South Africa, just as
they are here."
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Parker looking to prove point
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker is hoping to start his first game of the pre-season campaign
against Beijing Guoan
30.07.2009
Scott Parker could make his first start of the pre-season on Friday as West
Ham United conclude their involvement in the Barclays Asia Trophy against
host club Beijing Guoan.
Parker is still finding his feet this summer after successfully overcoming
the groin injury he picked up towards the end of last season. After coming
on as a second-half substitute against Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday, he
has now got two 45-minute run-outs under his belt following his appearance
against Slovenian side MD Mura last Thursday.
"I am happy, obviously it's been a bit frustrating, because I had to come
off the back of last season with the injury and although I haven't had what
you call a full pre-season, playing in every match, I have been able to be
involved and have had match action and hopefully more on Friday night before
we go home.
"So it's just about getting my head down now and keep working and being
ready for the start of the new season."
Wednesday's match saw Parker's team-mate Luis Boa Morte suffer a serious
knee injury which will keep him out for at least the next six months. Parker
explained that the team were "gutted" for Boa Morte, but he believes the
combative Portuguese midfielder will be back firing on all cylinders when he
can.
"It's a big blow for us to lose Boa, he's a good lad. In our squad we have a
lot of young players and Boa is one of the more experienced, so it is a blow
to lose him in the dressing room. We were all gutted for him, but knowing
him, Boa being Boa, he'll come back fighting."
If Parker does play his part in tomorrow's match against Beijing Guoan, he
says he will be well aware of the dangers the local side will pose after
they gave Hull City a stern test in the other semi-final of the tournament.
"It's going to be hard, we found it tough in the first game with the
temperature and climate, but overall we are getting fitter and fitter with a
couple of weeks to go before the season starts now. We want to improve on
Wednesday's performance, without a doubt, that is the aim plus everyone gets
through another game ok."
Looking ahead to the new campaign, Parker says there are already good signs
that the team can improve on last year.
"I believe we can keep improving. We have a good squad here and I am sure it
will be added to in the near future as the manager looks to bring in the new
faces he wants and we can certainly push on from there."
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Kingstonian preview
WHUFC.com
A West Ham United XI side travel to Surrey for a friendly with Kingstonian
on Friday evening
31.07.2009
Alex Dyer will take a youthful West Ham United XI side to Kingstonian on
Friday night hoping to build on a dramatic 3-2 win seven days earlier.
The Hammers overcame Thurrock last week with a last-minute winner from
debutant Frank Nouble. The 17-year-old, who had completed his move from
Chelsea just three days before making his bow, is expected to be one of a
number of youngsters on show again at the Kingsmeadow home of the non-league
club.
Olly Lee, Georg Grasser and Anthony Edgar, who will all have gained valuable
experience from ten days away with the first team in Austria, could all
feature, while the experience could once again be provided by Nigel Quashie
and Calum Davenport.
"Thurrock was a hard game for us. Some of the lads were not meant to play 90
minutes, but we had a couple of injuries at half time and we had to dig in,"
Dyer said. "But all of the fitness work we have been doing in training,
getting the ball out and playing football every day, it is certainly
starting to pay off."
As well as the eye-catching display of Nouble, reserve-team manager Dyer
also singled out Cristian Montano for particular praise. "I put Cristian in
that left-sided midfield role and last week he was up and down and when you
need that little bit of quality he produced it and he put it right on a
plate for Frank.
"I was impressed with him as well as he was a new boy coming in and a lot
expectation on him and to be fair in the first half and the second half he
produced with a lot of good stuff."
As well as the youngsters looking to stake their claim for a place in squad
for the Bobby Moore Cup game in eight days' time, it could also be a special
night for two more senior figures. Ian Pearce, who played 171 games for West
Ham from 1997 to 2004, is set to make his second appearance for Kingstonian
against his former team. Meanwhile, Hammers goalkeeping coach Jerome John
will no doubt be looking forward to returning to the club where he won the
Isthmian League Championship in the 1997/98 season.
Kick-off is at 7.45pm and tickets will cost £9 for adults, £6 concessions
and £3 for juniors.
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Cole sees bigger picture
WHUFC.com
A competitive contest in difficult conditions will prove invaluable in the
long run, says Carlton Cole
30.07.2009
Carlton Cole has been back in training as the squad look to Friday's fixture
against Beijing Guoan as the chance to end the Barclays Asia Trophy on a
positive note.
The England striker said the team were very disappointed at losing out 1-0
to London rivals Tottenham Hotspur in their opening game but that there were
positives to be taken. He said the pre-season campaign was about being ready
to go once it all gets under way again on Saturday 15 August.
Cole said: "It was difficult out there for both teams in the conditions, it
was very humid, the air was really dry," he said. "But I am sure that all of
this, playing in these conditions and the work we have been doing both here
and in Austria last week will help us for the new season ahead. We will be
fitter and better for the experience."
On Thursday morning, Cole was given a lighter session as he warmed down with
those that had played a full part in the Spurs fixture, while the rest of
the squad had a more intense programme and finished off with a lively match.
Absent from proceedings was Luis Boa Morte, who was back at the team hotel
after his knee injury against Tottenham. Cole said he and his team-mates
were all concerned over their colleague during the contest but had to
quickly adjust their thoughts to the match at hand. Despite that early
setback, the team did their best to get back on terms with Tottenham but
Cole had to be content with a number of half-chances.
"It was frustrating not have got more of a chance to score, but you have to
keep going," Cole added. "As I have said, I and the rest of the team are
looking to the new season, knowing that all this hard work we have been
doing this pre-season will start to pay off for us if we continue what we
have been doing."
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A Beijing birthday treat
WHUFC.com
John Grainger was able to meet Mark Noble and Gianfranco Zola during a break
from training in China
30.07.2009
A lifelong West Ham United fan got the surprise of his life in China when he
was presented with a shirt by midfielder Mark Noble to celebrate his 70th
birthday. John Grainger had only just got over the shock of being brought
out to Beijing to see his beloved team play. His family had organised the
trip as a surprise treat for his milestone birthday. After then learning he
could watch the team in training on Tuesday evening, John was left
speechless when straight after finishing a strong session, Noble walked over
to meet John and presented him with a shirt on behalf of the team. Manager
Gianfranco Zola also spoke with John to pass on his congratulations and
thank him for his continuing support.
John, who lives in the West Midlands and makes the long journey south to
watch the team play as often as possible, was delighted. "I was completely
shocked, but what a fantastic surprise," he said. "To receive the shirt from
Mark was magnificent. "I am a huge supporter of his. He is one of our best
players and one that has come through our academy. Then to meet Gianfranco
was an honour. I shall certainly never forget my 70th birthday."
West Ham were alerted to John coming over by the Premier League, who had
been contacted by his family. The club then swung into action and made sure
a new away shirt was brought along, together with his name and the No70, on
the back. Noble said: "It was a really nice to meet John and give him the
shirt on behalf of the team. He was delighted and we were more than happy to
make his day. He and his family, like many other fans, have travelled a
really long way to see us and it was nice to be able to do something like
this, as we really do appreciate the tremendous support we get wherever we
play."
Zola echoed his midfielder's thoughts. "It was nice to meet John and wish
him a happy birthday," he said. "I know there are many supporters like him
who have travelled over here and I thank them for backing us. It is
certainly a long way to come."
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Hall at the double
WHUFC.com
Robert Hall scored twice as England's U17s thumped the Faroe Islands 8-0 on
Wednesday
29.07.2009
Robert Hall helped England's Under-17 side move a step closer to the final
of the Nordic International Youth Tournament with two goals in an 8-0
thrashing of the Faroe Islands on Wednesday.
West Ham United striker Hall, 15, scored the opening two goals for his
country after eleven and 21 minutes at the Tydal Stadium in Trondheim,
Norway.
Liverpool's Andre Wisdom and West Bromwich Albion's Saido Berahino also
scored twice apiece to put England 6-0 up at half-time. Second half
substitutes Jake Fowler of Middlesbrough, and Zeli Ismail of Wolverhampton
Wanderers completed the rout after the break.
Having drawn their opening match 1-1 with Denmark, coach Kenny Swain's team
must now beat the host nation in their final Group A fixture at the
Overlands Minde Stadium on Friday to reach Sunday's final.
Norway goes into the match top of the group, having added a 3-1 victory over
Denmark to their opening 7-0 thumping of the Faroese.
The Danes cannot reach the final, but can deny England second place in the
group should Swain's side lose and the Scandinavians score enough goals in
beating the Faroe Islands to overcome a ten-goal deficit.
Finland, Iceland, Scotland and Sweden are battling it out in Group B, with
the final between the two group winners being held at the Overlands Minde
Stadium on Sunday 2 August at 3pm UK time.
Further details of England's comprehensive victory over the Faroese will
follow soon.
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Next signing imminent
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th July 2009
By: Staff Writer
Swiss defender Fabio Daprelà should sign for West Ham United this weekend,
according to his current club. gcz.ch - the website of Swiss outfit
Grasshopper Club Zurich - reports today that the 18-year-old full back will
sign for United this Saturday, assuming an impending medical goes through
without a hitch. "The Grasshopper Club Zurich thanks Fabio Daprelà for
services rendered," read a brief statement, "and wish him well for both his
professional and personal future."
The two clubs have agreed a nominal fee and Daprelà - who is contracted to
Grasshoppers for another year - will join up with his new colleagues a
fortnight ahead of the new Premier League season. He is expected to play
understudy to first team left back Herita Ilunga. West Ham confirmed last
night that the deal was close to completion, a statement on whufc.com
confirming that "Switzerland Under-19 left-back Fabio Daprelà could also
arrive this week."
Daprelà has spent the last six year with Grasshoppers and has been a member
of the first team squad since the summer of 2008. He represented his country
at the European under 19 Championships in Ukraine earlier this year.
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Zola sweet on Gudjohnsen
Hammers name Barca frontman as possible summer target
Last updated: 30th July 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has named Eidur Gudjohnsen as a possible summer target as
West Ham bid to bolster their attacking options. The Hammers recently
revealed that forward Luis Boa Morte could be out until the New Year after
sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage. With strike partner Dean
Ashton looking bound for Stoke, Zola has limited options up front heading
into the new season. The Italian has been strongly linked with a move for
Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli this week, with Carlton Cole now the only fit
recognised striker. Keen to bring in more than one name, he admits that a
move for Barcelona striker Gudjohnsen would not be completely out of the
question.
"Lots of players have been linked to West Ham and Gudjohnsen is one of
them," he said. "We would love to have him playing for us, but we will see
what happens. "We have to be more effective going forward and certainly we
are on the lookout for another striker. "I don't know who it will be, but
hopefully somebody will come." He added: "I am thinking more about Boa Morte
himself, not about how I can replace him. "My main concern is that he is
better as soon as possible."
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Zola to rely on youth, not money
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 30th July 2009
By: Staff Writer
You would be forgiven for thinking that Gianfranco Zola is among a number of
Premier League managers that are jealous of the money Mark Hughes has at his
disposal for Manchester City. The Eastlands boss can almost pick and choose
the players he wants without any financial concern.
Unlike Hughes, Zola has to be very careful with his spending this summer and
make sure that every penny spent is worth it for the team and therefore the
club. Despite this though, the Italian is very happy with the situation at
Upton Park.
Speaking about the ways in which you can build a team for the Premier
League, Zola says there are 'two ways' of doing so, its just that Manchester
City are 'using the quicker one'. The other way, is to use 'patience,
working with the young players and trying to develop them' and this is the
way Zola is going at West Ham.
The Italian concedes that this way will 'take a lot longer' but that it can
'still achieve great results'. Overall, this policy is something Zola
remains 'very committed to'. He wants to make the most out of what he has
and make sure that the young players become as good as they can be.
With this in mind, it seems fair to say that Zola will be happy that his
squad is not short of a talented youngster or two. James Tomkins, Jack
Collison and Frank Nouble are just three young players that are ready to
make a huge impact this season and help bring success to West Ham.
This way, the financial state of the club is secure, the players are all
committed to West Ham and long-term success is a distinct possibility.
That's the plan anyway and Zola believes in it 100%.
Continuting his 'I wouldn't want Manchester City's money' argument, Zola
went on to say that he belives that 'football is not only about money' and
that supporting players and 'making them better' can be just as affective.
For all of our sakes, I hope Mr Zola is correct. Anyone else fancy a victory
over Man City in September? Gianfranco would certainly enjoy that!
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West Ham target Barcelona forward Eidur Gudjohnsen
Gianfranco Zola has confirmed his interest in bringing former Chelsea
team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen to West Ham as he looks to bolster his attacking
options for the coming season.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 6:42AM BST 31 Jul 2009
Carlton Cole is currently West Ham's only fit senior forward, with Dean
Ashton seemingly set to leave Upton Park, while Luis Boa Morte is ruled out
for up to six months through injury. Consequently Zola knows he needs
reinforcements up front, a factor highlighted in their relatively impotent
attacking display against Tottenham at the Barclays Asia Trophy on
Wednesday. West Ham receive Gabbidon boost The Italian is a keen admirer of
Gudjohnsen, who has expressed a desire to leave Barcelona this summer after
becoming frustrated with a lack of first-team football. "Gudjohnsen is one
of the players who have been linked with West Ham," said Zola. "He is one of
those players that not only West Ham would be interested in. "We know we
need to be more effective going forward and so we are looking for a striker.
"We don't know who it will be but hopefully someone will come."
However, Zola admitted he is not afraid to turn to the club's highly
successful Academy should the need arise this season. Players such as Jack
Collison and Junior Stanislas broke into the West Ham first team last season
and Zola is confident more talented youngsters could make the grade again
this term. "We already have so many young players like Jack Collison and
Junior Stanislas and they are playing already," he added. "It is good to see
the players from the youth team making it in the Premier League.
"That is down to the fact the West Ham have a good Academy and the club
policy is to play them. "Obviously we don't have the possibility to spend
money like other clubs.
"We have a good atmosphere in the club, we have some experienced players and
they are really good for the others. "I have total confidence in West Ham,
there is a positive atmosphere and everyone is working well so I am positive
it is going to be a good year."
West Ham play Chinese side Beijing Guoan at Beijing's Worker's Stadium in
the third place play-off of the Barclays Asia Trophy today.
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Zola striving for Super Mario signing
442 Staff - Yesterday, 16:09
FourFourTwo.com
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola believes Inter Milan striker Mario
Balotelli would benefit from a move away from Italy. The 18-year-old has
struggled to hold down a first-team place at the San Siro - making 33 league
appearances since making his debut in December 2007 - with the Italian U21
international's chances of action under Jose Mourinho in 2009/10 still
expected to be limited following the arrival of Samuel Eto'o from Barcelona.
And Zola, who is keen to strengthen the Hammers' attacking options, believes
he is doing everything in his power to secure the starlet's services. "I
have done everything I can to sign Mario," he said. "It would be in both our
interests if he came to West Ham. "There's no place for him at Inter and
he's a natural talent. "He is extroverted and knows his attitude can upset
people, but he's intelligent and still learning to handle situations."
West Ham are in talks with Inter over a prospective move which, if
completed, will be the second deal between the sides this summer, after Luis
Jiminez arrived on loan.
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Dean Ashton's West Ham days are numbered as promising Swiss left-back Fabio
Daprela signs on
By Matt Lawless
Daily Mail
Last updated at 8:03 PM on 30th July 2009
West Ham have offered their clearest indication yet that Dean Ashton is on
his way out after Junior Stanislas adopted the club's No 9 shirt. The
academy graduate wore the squad number during Wednesday's pre-season 1-0
defeat to capital rivals Tottenham in Beijing. Although the Upton Park club
insist that Stanislas was wearing the shirt to comply with Premier League
rules in China, stipulating that squad numbers must range from 1-24, the
Stoke and Hull City target's time in east London looks increasingly ominous.
The 25-year-old was omitted from Gianfranco Zola's 23-man party for the
Premier League Asia trophy in China with the club claiming the forward is
continuing his rehabilitation from injury. But Sportsmail understands that
Stoke boss Tony Pulis and Hull manager Phil Brown, who is staying at the
same hotel as the Hammers in Beijing, are preparing offers of around
£5.5million for the injury-ravaged forward. The Italian favours a 4-3-3
formation with Carlton Cole leading the line, accompanied by new recruit
Luis Jimenez and youngster Stanislas occupying the flanks, leaving no room
for Ashton, who has been sidelined since Zola's first day arrival as
manager. Stoke star James Beattie admits he would the relish opportunity to
forge a strike-partnership with the former Crewe player, hailing Ashton's
predaratory instincts. He said: 'He's got great natural ability. I've spoken
to Mathew Etherington and a couple of the lads I know at West Ham who are
very commendable about him.'
Etherington, meanwhile, is under no doubt that his former team-mate would be
rejuvenated by a move to the Britannia Stadium, insisting he has plenty of
goals to offer.
'Dean will score goals for us, there's no shadow of doubt about that,' he
told the Stoke Sentinel. 'He'll be a great asset if we can get him. There's
not only the goals, but
also a great ability as well. If we can get him fully fit, which I'm sure we
can, then he's a top, top player. He must be to have played for his
country.'
Ashton's sale would generate vital funds for West Ham with Zola refusing to
give up on former Chelsea colleague Eidur Gudjohnsen who is available at
£5million from European champions Barcelona and still in the hunt for Inter
Milan teenage sensation Mario Barotelli. Zola could be forced to spend on a
new midfielder, however, after Luis Boa Morte suffered a devastating blow
during this morning's pre-season clash against Spurs. The Portuguese
international is out until Christmas after rupturing his cruciate knee
ligaments in the opening exchanges in the Beijing contest. Czech Republic
midfielder Radoslav Kovac, who spent the back end of last season on loan at
the Barclays Premier League outfit, remains an option with the club weighing
up a renewed £4million offer to sign the Spartak Moscow man on a permanent
basis. The Hammers, meanwhile, will welcome highly-rated Switzerland
under-19 international Fabio Daprela to their squad this weekend. The
promising left-back will arrive as cover for first choice Herita Ilunga
after his club Grasshoppers announced that they have reached a deal to sell
the 18-year-old.
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Zola Swoops for Fab buy
The Sun
SWISS Under-19 ace Fabio Daprela has joined West Ham. The Grasshoppers
left-back, 18, meets up with Gianfranco Zola's side for a nominal fee
tomorrow. Zola is also on the trail of Nantes' Togo international striker
Thomas Dossevi, 30.
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Boa Morte injured as Hammers show they are striker light
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009
West Ham United 0 Tottenham Hotspur 1
LUIS BOA MORTE was stretchered off, Rob Green made a terrible mistake and
West Ham showed that they are severely lacking in firepower as their Asia
Cup clash with Spurs ended in disappointment. There were certainly some plus
points. Luis Jimenez looked lively and linked the midfield well with lone
striker Carlton Cole. James Collins had a storming match at centre half,
while some of the West Ham passing was crisp and incisive. But, in the end,
they did not have the cutting edge to hurt even a Spurs team lacking in
experienced defenders and once more, it seemed that Gianfran-co Zola's
favoured 4-3-3 formation did not suit West Ham's players as they handed the
initiative to Spurs. The match was decided 15 minutes from the end. Jack
Collison had just had an effort held by Carlo Cudicini when the ball was
hoisted to the other end where Jermain Defoe was clean through. His shot
looked too tame and too close to Green, but the England goalkeeper spilled
it and saw it trickle into the empty net. West Ham played their best
football in the first half, with Jimenez at the heart of it. The Chilean's
free kick picked out Matty Upson, only for his header to go straight to
Cudicini.
Silly mistakes allowed Spurs in for their best first half chances. Mark
Noble - on for the badly injured Boa Morte after just 12 minutes - lost
possession to Jamie O'Hara who set up Roman Pavlyuchenko for a shot that hit
the post, while O'Hara himself went close after Jimenez had been robbed.
Scott Parker replaced Kieron Dyer in the second half, and it was good to see
the midfielder get another 45 minutes, but with him on the field, the West
Ham formation looked even more negative and Spurs were carving out chance
after chance following the introduction of Robbie Keane. Either side of two
Defoe misses came a decent West Ham move that saw Jimenez combine with Cole,
before lifting a shot over the bar from a tricky angle. Keane put in Luca
Modric with a superb pass, only for the Croatian to find Green equal to his
shot, but then came the keeper's mistake and what proved to be Spurs'
winner.
Zavon Hines came on to add much-needed support to the tiring Cole, and it
was he who began the move that should have led to the equaliser. He stole
the ball superbly, before feeding Julien Faubert and the Frenchman's low
cross looked on a tee for Cole, only for the striker to fire well over the
bar. All in all, there seems a lot of work for Zola and his squad to do.
Spurs are one of their big rivals for a Europa League spot this season and
on this evidence, the north London team are already a few steps ahead.
West Ham: Green, Faubert, Ilunga, Collins, Upson, Stanislas (Savio 66), Dyer
(Parker h/t), Collison (Spector 81), Boa Morte (Noble 12), Jimenez (Hines
81), Cole.
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Hammers are Ice breakers!
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009
THE LONG-RUNNING saga to land Icelandic international striker Eidur
Gudjohnsen is set to end this week, when he finally signs for West Ham
United, writes DAVE EVANS.
The 30-year-old was in London at the weekend with Barcelona for the Wembley
Cup competition, and it seems that Hammers negotiators Gianluca Nani and CEO
Scott Duxbury finally persuaded the former Chelsea man to return to the
Capital. A deal is expected to be concluded by the end of the week and
Gudjohnsen's arrival will at last add to Gianfranco Zola's attacking
options, as he continues to be frustrated by the uncertainty over Mancini's
move to Upton Park. With just two-and-a-half weeks to go until the beginning
of the new campaign, and four weeks to the end of the transfer window, time
is running out for Inter Milan's Brazilian winger to be integrated into the
West Ham squad. The more experienced Gud-johnsen should have few problems
however. He has worked with both Zola and assistant boss Steve Clarke before
at Stamford Bridge, and is likely to adapt to West Ham's style of play
quickly. One player linked that does not seem likely to come though is
Italian forward Luca Toni. The 32-year-old Bayern Munich marksman is said to
have fallen out with coach Louis van Gaal, and an Italian newspaper linked
him with a move to Upton Park this week. It would certainly be quite a coup
for the club, and there is a connection, as Nani brought him to Brescia
during his time with the Serie B side. Toni has made 47 appearances for the
Italian national side, including the World Cup winning team in 2006, while
during his time at Bayern, he has netted 38 goals in just 56 games. However,
the big stumbling block with such a world class player is undoubtedly his
huge wage demands, and with the Hammers currently attempting to reduce their
salary commitments, the introduction of a 32-year-old player may not be the
wisest move they could make. Meanwhile, West Ham face competition from
Italian side Fiorentina for the signing of Swiss left back Fabio Daprela.
The 18-year-old has just returned from the European under-19 Championships
in Ukraine, where his team were pipped to a semi-final place by the hosts
and England. Talks will now begin again with the youngster over a move to
London as back-up to Herita Ilunga. Another full back who West Ham seem to
have missed out on is Sedan defender Paul Baysse, who is set to sign for
Sunderland. The 21-year-old said: "The wages on offer at Sunderland are 20
per cent bigger than the ones offered by West Ham and Blackburn."
West Ham face Spurs in the Asia Cup today (11am) with Matty Upson set to
take the captain's armband, while Scott Parker is expected to sit the game
out.
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Middle management will be vital for Zola
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009
A LOT has been made about the lack of strikers in the West Ham squad at the
moment, and that becomes even more appa-rent when you compare it to the
embarrassment of riches they have in midfield, writes DAVE EVANS. Last week
saw the return to action of midfield general Scott Parker, meaning that only
Valon Behrami is fighting for fitness, and his remarkable recovery could see
him back for the Spurs game on August 23. That means that if you include
youngster Josh Payne and Nigel Quashie, the Hammers have an incredible 10
midfielders vying for a probable four places in the middle of the park. If
fit, Parker seems to be the one automatic selection, though manager
Gianfranco Zola may want to ease him back gently. "Pre-season has been quite
difficult for me as I still had the problem I had last year and only got
over it two weeks before I came back," admitted the 28-year-old. "As a
professional athlete, I'm not sure you're ever 100 per cent fit, but that's
the way it is. "I feel fine and as good as I can be. I just hope to get fit
now and push on, but I've not played for the best part of four months."
One player who has got used to missing out on pre-season is England
international Kieron Dyer, but after his goal against ND Sura in Austria
last week, it is clear that he is at long last fit and raring to go, a real
luxury for Zola. "It was great to score, but to be honest, I am so happy to
be getting so many games in pre-season," said the 30-year-old, who has 33
England caps to his name. "It's the first one I've had in quite a while and
I feel I am getting stronger and sharper with ever game I play. "Fingers
crossed I get a few more matches and will be able to achieve the main target
of being in top condition come August 15 when the season starts."
Which is, of course, part of the dilemma facing Zola. What is his best
midfield? And who starts the match against Wolves? Certainly last season,
Zola and Steve Clarke hit upon a diamond formation that really worked. That
saw Parker and Behrami playing with Mark Noble and Jack Collison, and the
blend of youth and experience, toughness and flair worked a treat.
However, with Chilean international Luis Jimenez unlikely to have been
brought to Upton Park from Inter Milan to sit on the bench, that means one
of those will have to make way. Similarly, Dyer's fitness will put him in
the frame, and what about Junior Stanislas - one of the huge success stories
of last season? Added to that equation is young German Savio, who will be
looking to improve on his efforts since his arrival, if he is given the
opportunity. Then there is Payne, who like Noble and Collison before him,
will want to break into the first team sooner rather than later, not to
mention Quashie, who is still at the club. Some may say that it is vital to
have a lot of options in midfield during a long and arduous Premier League
season, especially with the amount of injuries the squad have suffered over
the last two campaigns. But it will be difficult for Zola to keep everyone
happy and his management of the midfield will be one of the more important
aspects of the new campaign. The boss has been quick to stress that he is
looking for goals from his midfield, something the team has been lacking in
recent seasons, and if that is the main criteria, then Jimenez, Collison and
Dyer may well be the choices alongside the vital and dependable Parker.
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Out in the cold!
Newham Recorder
30 July 2009
WEST HAM may not have taken a slow boat to China over the weekend, but
whether by sea or air, the result was the same - Dean Ashton was not with
them, writes DAVE EVANS. Some would say that he is merely continuing with
his fitness rehabilitation, just as Terry Dixon and Valon Behrami are back
at Chadwell Heath. Others though will point to his significant absence from
the recent 10-day trip to Austria, where despite his injury, Behrami, as
well as the struggling Scott Parker, were both there as part of a
team-bonding exercise. Ashton has been on the verge of fitness for the last
couple of months. He attended the Liverpool home game, looking lean and fit
in his West Ham tracksuit, but since then he has been conspicuous by his
absence. And now at least three Premier League clubs are queuing up for the
services of the England striker, who is still just 25-years-old. The likes
of Fulham, Hull City and Stoke City don't see a particularly tempting
triumvirate for Ashton to consider - though Fulham are in the Europa League
this season - but it seems that West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is already
planning for life without the big man. Ashton has never played under the
current boss. His last game in claret and blue was in the 3-2 defeat at West
Brom last September - the day that the little Italian arrived at the club.
Two days later he injured his ankle in training and the rest is history,
just as Ashton's West Ham career seems to be.
The centre forward arrived at Upton Park in a blaze of glory when Alan
Pardew signed him for a then club record £7.5million deal in January 2006.
His goals helped the Hammers to ninth place in the Premier League, into
Europe and into the FA Cup Final, where he scored West Ham's second goal in
their heartbreaking defeat. Injury had already reared its ugly head before
that Millennium Stadium showdown however, with Ashton only 70 per cent fit
for the final, but his fragility really hit home at the beginning of the
next season when an injury, training with England, ruled him out for the
whole campaign. He returned the following season to top score with 11 goals
for the Hammers and even made his England debut against Trinidad in the
summer of 2008, but his injury in September means he has made just 56
appearances for West Ham in three-and-a-half years, though scoring a healthy
19 goals. Ashton's match fitness, even when he was available for selection,
was always a matter of debate, but his undoubted finishing skills never were
- he was simply international class. He showed it again at the beginning of
last season. Two goals in the opening 10 minutes of the new campaign against
Blackburn Rovers at Upton Park, set him on his way, but they were to be his
only strikes of another frustrating campaign. Zola's teams are about pace up
front, about hitting teams on the break, and it seems that Ashton just
doesn't fit the bill. It would be a great shame to see a fit Ashton knocking
in the goals for one of West Ham's rivals however, and if no teams are
prepared to take the gamble on him at around £5million, then he still could
be an asset for the club in the future. One asset that Zola and West Ham are
desperate to cling on to is England centre half Matthew Upson, who has been
linked with a move away once again this week. The 30-year-old defender, who
has 14 international caps to his name, is a target for Harry Redknapp at
Spurs as well as for moneybags Manchester City. Having lost out on John
Terry over the weekend, and having had a big for Joleon Lescott turned down
by Everton, it seems they are now turning their attention to the West Ham
centre back, who was in stunning form last season. A bid of around
£12million has been mooted, but West Ham are not under pressure to accept
it, unless the player himself asks to leave.
Towards the end of last season, Upson went on record to talk about his
desire to play European football, but as neither City or Spurs are in that
position, it does not seem logical that the player would consider a move to
either. With Lucas Neill destined not to return, Upson is also likely to be
offered the captaincy of the club, and that too may sway him towards
staying. One word of warning however, should City turn their attention to
Kolo Toure and Champions League side Arsenal then make an inquiry for Upson,
it may be a very different story. There are just two-and-a-half weeks to go
until the start of the season and just over four weeks to the end of the
transfer window, and yet little seems to have been resolved at Upton Park.
Strikers are the top priority at the moment, so it would seem a little
premature to be selling off one of your prize assets, even if he is still
injured!
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Dean Ashton heading to Stoke after West Ham line up replacement
By Darren Lewis 31/07/2009
The Mirror
West Ham will allow Dean Ashton to join Stoke once they tie up a deal for
his replacement. And Stoke boss Tony Pulis insists he has no fears about the
luckless striker's injury record. Pulis said: "You are always taking a risk,
you are always taking a chance with people who have had injuries. "But we
took Ricardo Fuller and nobody would touch Rick. We paid Southampton a
nominal fee for him. "He's come to the club and I don't think he has missed
a day's training. The only time he has missed game has been through
suspension! Not injuries. "So now and then you have to take a chance. And if
they've got the quality that you can't get anywhere else then even more so."
West Ham are confident of landing Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen while
they also believe they can tie up a loan deal for out-of-favour Bayern
Munich striker Luca Toni, 32. It would leave luckless Ashton free to move to
the Britannia Stadium where he would be reunited with academy director Steve
Holland - an influential figure in his development during his time at Crewe.
Ashton, 25, was a trainee at Stoke before moving to Crewe ahead of switches
to Norwich and Upton Park. Despite his outstanding ability Ashton - signed
for £7.5million three years ago - has suffered a nightmare run of injuries
in the past three years. But Pulis added: "I've spoken to Peter and Peter
thinks: "Let's have a roll of the dice, let's have a pop at it.' "Whether we
do that with other players or not I don't know but we assess everything.
Everything. "Dean is one of a number of players we have spoken to. Whether
we can do the deal, whether we can't, we'll have to wait and see."
Carlton Cole remains West Ham's only fit senior striker at the moment while
Luis Boa Morte six month lay-off with cruciate ligament has heightened the
club's search for reinforcements up front.
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PULIS PUNTS ON ASHTON
By Darren Lewis 31/07/2009
The Mirror
West Ham will allow Dean Ashton to join Stoke once they tie up a deal for
his replacement. And Stoke boss Tony Pulis insists he has no fears about the
striker's injury record. Pulis said: "You're always taking a chance with
people who have had injuries, but we took Ricardo Fuller when nobody would
touch him and paid Southampton a nominal fee. "I don't think he's missed a
day's training since he came here and the only games he missed have been
through suspension, not injury. "Now and then you have to take a chance and
even more so if they have the quality you can't get anywhere else."
West Ham are confident of landing Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen and
believe they can take Luca Toni on loan from Bayern Munich. That would leave
Ashton free to move to the Britannia Stadium where he would be reunited with
academy director Steve Holland, who was an influential figure in his
development during his time at Crewe.
Ashton, 25, was a trainee at Stoke before moving to Crewe and then Norwich
and Upton Park. Ashton, who has one England cap, was signed by the Hammers
for £7.5million three years ago - but has had a nightmare run of injuries.
Pulis (right) added: "I've spoken to our chairman Peter Coates and he
thinks, 'Let's have a roll of the dice, let's have a pop at it'."
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