WHUFC.com
James Tomkins says spirits are high ahead of Sunday's game with Tottenham Hotspur
20.08.2009
James Tomkins has told WHUTV he is looking forward to the big London derby with Tottenham Hotspur on Sunday. England Under-21 international Tomkins sat out the opening-day win at Wolverhampton Wanderers with a minor foot injury but is optimistic he could be ready to facing Harry Redknapp's side in what will be the first home game of the season. West Ham United impressed during the 2-0 win at Molineux and Tomkins believes the result means they will go into the match in a high. "The boys are buzzing after the first win and they want to take that into a big match like Sunday's," Tomkins told WHUTV. "Hopefully we can build on what we achieved on Saturday."
Spurs will also go into the match on a high after two wins from two and Tomkins says his team-mates are all too aware about the threat posed by the north Londoners after losing 1-0 to them in the Barclays Asia Trophy in Beijing. "I think we're all more than aware of how big the game is. They've started off really well. We played them in China so we got a taste of how they're playing. We lost that game but hopefully we will get a victory and build from there."
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Run-out for new duo
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola saw Radoslav Kovac and Fabio Daprela turn in solid displays in a practice game
20.08.2009
Radoslav Kovac and Fabio Daprela both impressed as West Ham United won a behind closed doors practice game 2-1 against Watford. Josh Payne grabbed the opener with a penalty just after the half-hour mark and Zavon Hines capitalised on a defensive mistake seven minutes into the second half to make it two after good work from Frank Nouble. A hard-working and lively Watford side scored a late consolation with five minutes to go.
Kovac, who was making his made his first appearance since signing a permanent deal with the club last Friday, was impressive in a central midfield role and was key to much of the good work shown by Alex Dyer's side. The former Czech international used all of his experience and strength to thwart several dangerous Watford attacks, while also showing he is equally impressive as an offensive force by spraying several well-placed long balls forward.
Daprela also showed why he had caught the eye of his new employers at just 18 with an assured performance at left-back. The Switzerland Under-19 international was strong in the tackle and was comfortable on the ball going forward.
Dyer had named a strong team with Nigel Quashie, Payne, Hines and Nouble, fresh from his weekend first-team debut, all boasting first-team experience. Captain Bondz N'Gala and Anthony Edgar had also travelled with the first team to Austria in pre-season.
On a gloriously sunny day at Watford's London Colney training ground both teams seemed content to zip the ball around on the floor but neither side mustered a chance of note until the Hammers were awarded a penalty in the 31st minute for handball. After a brief discussion with Hines, Payne won the right to take the spot-kick and justified his insistence with a superbly placed effort into the top left-hand corner.
The two potential penalty takers were regularly West Ham's biggest threat going forward and six minutes before the break, Hines showed some delightful trickery to beat his marker, only to fire straight at the Watford goalkeeper. Adam Street was in goal for the Hammers at the other end and he had to be at his best to turn a 25-yard daisy-cutter around the post.
Hines then had an even better chance after more neat footwork but once again found the Watford stopper in fine form.
West Ham doubled their advantage when a chipped pass forward by N'Gala gave Nouble something to chase. His power was enough to force the defender into mis-judging an attempted back header, which allowed Hines to race in and flick the ball over the keeper and into the net.
As West Ham turned up the heat even further, Payne saw several powerful long-range efforts saved, with the pick of the bunch only just being turned around the post by the goalkeeper.
Watford ensured there was to be a tight finale, though, with a goal of their own five minutes from time, but the Hammers held on for a morale-boosting win ahead of Sunday's game first-team game with Tottenham Hotspur.
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Making his Mark
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble was delighted to get the 2009/10 season off to a winning start at Wolves on Saturday
19.08.2009
Mark Noble was being typically modest after getting West Ham United's 2009/10 campaign off to a spectacular start at Wolverhampton Wanderers. The former England Under-21 captain shot the Hammers into a 22nd-minute lead at Molineux with a 25-yard special, setting Gianfranco Zola's side on the way to a 2-0 Barclays Premier League victory.
To complete a memorable afternoon in the Midlands, Matthew Upson completed the scoring with a superb downward header from Noble's left-wing corner. After the game, however, the 22-year-old told WHUTV the win was far more important than his own personal glory. "The three points were the most important thing. When you play against a newly-promoted club on the opening day of the season, you know it's going to be tough, with the adrenaline and the crowd and everything. "To be fair to them, they started well, but we knew they would and we weren't going to come here and hold out for the whole game. "Obviously we got fortunate and went one-nil up and held on until half-time. They then came out and played well for the first five minutes of the second half and had a couple of chances, but we kept the ball well and had a few one-on-ones and that.
"Matty got the goal and, from then on, we were comfortable."
Noble revealed that his goal had been the direct result of advice from manager Zola. "The gaffer has been saying a lot lately that, when we're outside the box, we've got to shoot more and take our chances more and try and see what happens. I had a go and it went in. "It was obviously nice for me, but the three points are what we came for and we got them. A return to Wolves also brought back memories for Noble, who made his league debut for West Ham in a 4-2 loss at Molineux in January 2005. "I was saying to the boys on the bus on the way to the ground that I played against Paul Ince that day. It's been a while since then, but I really enjoy that game. In fact, I think that was one of the best games I've played for West Ham, to be fair. "Although we lost, I enjoyed it, but it was nice to come back and get a positive result this time."
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Hammers in for Italian striker?
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are being linked with a move for Livorno's Alessandro Diamanti. The 26-year-old, who can play in either an advanced midfield position or as an out-and-out striker is said to have been the subject of a loan bid by the Hammers within the last 48 hours. News of United's interest was confirmed today by Livorno president Aldo Spinelli who said:
"We have requests from England - mainly from West Ham - even if we do not consider them satisfactory. However the player wants to go to London; for him, the gains would be substantial. "His value is around €10million, but the figure West Ham have offered is not a problem. If they seriously want Diamanti, they could be accommodated."
Diamanti - who was closely linked with Inter Milan earlier in the summer and hit 12 goals for the Tuscans in Serie B last term - is also said to be interesting fellow Italian outfit Parma, who are said to have offered €4.5 million for a 50% share in the player. Talking about the proposed move to Milan in June, he said: "It's pleasing when your worth is recognised. Just thinking about playing for Inter is a dream, but in my career I have been left disappointed one too many times and I will picture myself at a big club only after signing a contract. "I am not just a trequartista; I can play as a second striker, as a third striker… It's enough for me to play, because I love football."
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Hammers make improved offer
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are understood to have made an increased offer for Moroccan striker Marouane Chamakh. Hammers CEO Scott Duxbury is reported to have made an improved offer for the Bordeaux striker of €7million plus a 25% sell-on fee and an additional annual sum of €1million (although it is unclear for how many years this particular clause applies).
It was revealed earlier in the week that Bordeaux were holding out for €8million plus a sell on fee, whilst the Hammers are understood to have initially offered a fee in the region of £4.5million. Meanwhile, Sir Trevor Brooking - who was in charge of the Hammers last time they were relegated in 2003 - has warned the current owners that the club must enhance their attacking options ahead of the transfer window deadline. "West Ham need a couple of strikers – and they would be the difference between a top-half finish or looking over their shoulder," he said. "The new asset management group of creditors need to support the club because, to get their money back, they'll need West Ham to stay in the Premier League."
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Shock call for Collison
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 20th August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Jack Collison has been drafted into the Welsh under-21 squad to face Italy on 4th September. The West Ham midfielder is one of seven youngsters recalled to the under-21s from the full squad, who are without a game until 9th September. Collison is joined in the 21s by Aaron Ramsey, Chris Gunter, Neal Eardley, Lewin Nyatanga, Simon Church and Sam Vokes - all of whom have featured recently for the full squad. 20-year-old Collison is eligible to play for Wales through his grandfather, despite having been born in bred in England. He made his first appearance at under 21 level shortly after his 19th birthday in November 2007, and just a year later made his full international debut against Iceland.
Welsh under 21 squad: Cornell, Maxwell, Blake, Bloom, Eardley, Gunter, Morris, Nyatanga, Ribeiro, Richards, Taylor, Wilson, Allen, Bradley, Collison, Craig, King, MacDonald, Partington, Ramsey, Church, Evans, Thomas, Vokes, Williams.
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Pulis hopes for Collins deal
Defender yet to agree personal terms over move to Stoke
Last updated: 20th August 2009
SSN
Stoke City boss Tony Pulis remains hopeful of agreeing personal terms to sign West Ham United defender James Collins. Skysports.com revealed earlier this week that the Potters had lined up a move for the Wales international, with the two clubs agreeing a £5million fee. However, Collins has yet to accept a move to the Britannia Stadium, with Pulis admitting the two parties are 'a little bit apart'. Pulis is not giving up his pursuit of the centre-half, though, and is optimistic of concluding a deal before the close of the transfer window. "I think both sides are only a little bit apart on that one," Pulis told The Sentinel. "I just hope we can all get around the table again. "I certainly don't think it's dead and he's a player I would like, along with others before the end of the transfer deadline."
Collins started West Ham's opening game of the season against Wolves last weekend, but injuries have restricted the 25-year-old to just 63 appearances since his move from Cardiff in 2005.
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Rafael Benítez left frustrated after money men scupper Liverpool bid for Matthew Upson
A proposed move by Liverpool to sign Matthew Upson from West Ham United for up to £15 million appears to have collapsed because the Anfield club's bankers are concerned about the scale of the fee.
Telegrpah.co.uk
By Jason Burt Deputy Football Correspondent
Published: 7:50AM BST 21 Aug 2009
The failure to sign the 30-year-old England international is believed to have been one source of the frustration being felt by Liverpool manager Rafael Benítez, who is keen to bolster his defensive options but does not appear to have the money available. West Ham have been prepared to sell Upson, who has two years left on his present contract, if their valuation of £15 million for the central defender is met. Liverpool 4 Stoke City 0 Manchester City have inquired about Upson but were only willing to pay around £10 million, while Aston Villa have denied making a bid.
Liverpool's interest comes as a major surprise given the size of fee and the age of the player. Benítez has previously made inquiries about Stoke City's Ryan Shawcross – and is believed to have bid £5 million for the defender who Stoke rate at £8 million – and Hull City's Michael Turner, falling £4 million below their £10 million asking price. Upson has made no secret of the fact that he is prepared to leave West Ham and is desperate to play for a club in the Champions League. His sale would ease West Ham's financial position – and help provide manager Gianfranco Zola with funds to improve his squad – but will be questioned by supporters.
West Ham have now agreed a deal with Bordeaux to sign striker Marouane Chamakh for around £7 million but the deal is conditional on the club raising funds. Much to West Ham's frustration they had agreed a deal to sell James Collins to Stoke City for £5 million but that move has stalled because the defender has failed to agree terms at the Britannia Stadium. It's unclear whether West Ham would sanction the sales of both Upson and Collins in the same transfer window and although Zola would be expected to bring in more defensive cover if he did allow their departures, it would appear to be a risk.
Benítez is also feeling the squeeze. When he signed a new five-year contract in March the Spaniard thought he had been promised a transfer fund of £20 million by the club's American owners. The £17 million spent on Glen Johnson has been recouped by sales while Xabi Alonso was sold for £30 million and his replacement, Alberto Aquilani, cost £20 million. It means Benitez is in profit. The Liverpool manager has now agreed a £2 million deal to sign the Greek defender Sotirios Kyrgiakos from AEK Athens. However, the Merseyside club face a lack of defensive cover with both Martin Skrtel and Daniel Agger out, while Sami Hyypia, is yet to be replaced after joining German outfit Bayer Leverkusen in May.
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West Ham confident of landing £7m Marouane ChamakhGary Jacob, Peter Lansley
Telegraph.co.uk
West Ham United are confident of agreeing a deal to sign Marouane Chamakh after raising their offer to about £7 million plus a 20 per cent sell-on clause. The forward, who has been offered a five-year contract, has become more inclined to agree to a move to Upton Park since Arsenal dropped out of the race at the weekend. Bordeaux, his club, who had said that he was nearly certain to stay for the remaining year of his contract, are considering replacing him with Nikola Zigic, of Valencia, who was offered to clubs in England. West Ham would fund the deal with the sale of James Collins, almost certainly to Aston Villa, after the Wales defender rejected a move to Stoke City. Collins, 25, is likely to be one of two defenders who join Villa. Matthew Upson, who is valued at about £13 million by West Ham, could be the other.
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West Ham close on Chamakh transfer
By Mike McGrath, PA
Independent.co.uk
Thursday, 20 August 2009
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is edging closer to signing Bordeaux forward Marouane Chamakh and is looking to sell James Collins to push the deal through. Stoke manager Tony Pulis is still hopeful of signing Collins but the Hammers are also waiting to see if Aston Villa are willing to bid for the 25-year-old centre-back. The money for Collins would be used for Morocco international Chamakh, who is needed to support Carlton Cole as Zola's only senior striker. Chamakh wants to leave his French club and earlier in the summer was on the radar of Arsenal but Arsene Wenger felt his price was too expensive for a player whose contract is running out. Meanwhile, left-back Herita Ilunga's facial injury means he is rated as doubtful to face Tottenham on Sunday in the Barclays Premier League clash at Upton Park. Jonathan Spector is a likely replacement but Fabio Daprela, the Switzerland Under-19 international, impressed in a behind-closed-doors practice match against Watford. Radoslav Kovac also featured in the 2-1 win, his first appearance since signing a permanent deal with the club. Josh Payne and Zavon Hines scored the goals in the friendly.
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Trevor Brooking urges West Ham to spend
Hammers legend Brooking admits strikers needed
The London paper
by: Kirk Blows
20 August 2009
SIR TREVOR BROOKING has urged West Ham to sign two strikers – because they can't afford to flirt with the drop under their current ownership. The Hammers have just one fit forward in Carlton Cole and links with Eidur Gudjohnsen and Marouane Chamakh have so far come to nothing. And Brooking, who spent his entire playing career at Upton Park, is eager for signings to be made. He said: "West Ham need a couple of strikers – and they would be the difference between a top-half finish or looking over their shoulder.
"Strikers would be the difference between a top-half finish or West Ham looking over their shoulder" "The new asset management group of creditors need to support the club because, to get their money back, they'll need West Ham to stay in the Premier League."
Brooking, the Football Association's director of football development, was speaking at the launch of a twinning scheme between the FA and the Government's £270m myplace programme to develop top-class youth facilities in England. Brooking said: "The FA is delighted to be supporting this initiative. The facilities in this country are key to encouraging youngsters to participate in sport. "And I'm sure the scheme will help provide them with an opportunity to think about what kind of sports they can get involved in. "From a footballing point of view, five-a-side and mini-soccer is growing in popularity and we want to keep these youngsters involved in the sport. The myplace age groups are key ones for us."
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Marouane Chamakh boost for West Ham
This Is London
20.08.09
West Ham's hopes of signing striker Marouane Chamakh were boosted after Aston Villa joined Stoke in a £5million battle for Hammers defender James Collins. Although West Ham have agreed a fee with Stoke, Collins is reluctant to move to the Britannia Stadium. West Ham hope Villa will be a more attractive proposition for Collins as they need to sell the 25yearold before they can complete a deal for Bordeaux forward Chamakh. Ideally West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola would like to keep Collins but he knows that Straumur, the investment bank who effectively own the club, have made it clear they must be self-financing. Zola knows he is short of strikers with Dean Ashton's injury problems leaving only Carlton Cole, Savio Nsereko and youngster Zavon Hines available to play in attack. Chamakh has also been a target for Arsenal but the proposed deal with West Ham includes an initial payment of £6m plus an extra £1m for each year of a five-year contract. There will also be a 20 per cent sell-on fee should he leave.
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Time for a reality check, Lucas Neill
Grantley Bernard
News.co.au
August 21, 2009 12:00am
SOCCEROO Lucas Neill has come under attack from West Ham great Julian Dicks, who has told the defender to take a reality check on his wage demands. A free agent after two seasons with West Ham, Neill has been on the open market, considering offers from the Hammers and English Premier League rival Sunderland, while he has also been linked with Turkish club Galatasaray. But with the season under way and Neill unsigned - although leaning towards a return to West Ham - Dicks has questioned the Socceroos skipper's age and standing and whether he is worth his asking price. "Is it me, or am I missing something here?" Dicks said. "He's 31. Hardly in his prime, but he does a job at right back. I am told he was offered a two or three-year deal with the Hammers on about ($80,000) a week. "The word is that he was on ($150,000) a week and was obviously unhappy at the reduced wages. But, come on, ($80,000) a week."It's time he showed the club a little loyalty. I can understand every player must look out for himself . . . but ($80,000) a week for the next couple of years ain't bad, is it? Mr Neill needs to get a reality check."
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Aston Villa hijack Stoke bid for James Collins with £5m offer as Tony Pulis admits snag in talks
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 2:51 PM on 20th August 2009
Daily Mail
Aston Villa have matched Stoke's £5million bid for West Ham defender James Collins. Martin O'Neill hopes to snatch the Wales international after Stoke boss Tony Pulis admitted Collins had failed to agree terms for a move to the Potters. Upton Park boss Gianfranco Zola is understood to have sanctioned the 25-year-old's sale to raise funds for other targets. Sportsmail revealed earlier this week that Stoke's bid had been accepted and Pulis still hopes to get his man, despite admitting the two parties were 'a little bit apart'.
'I think both sides are only a little bit apart,' said Pulis. 'I just hope we can all get around the table again. 'I certainly don't think it's dead and he's a player I would like, along with others before the end of the transfer deadline.' Collins appeared in West Ham's opening game of the season, a 2-0 win at Wolves. His departure would help fund a bid for Bordeaux striker Marouane Chamakh.
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West Ham close in on Arsenal target Marouane Chamakh as Bordeaux prepare to do cut-price deal
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 1:42 PM on 20th August 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham United and Bordeaux are close to agreeing a deal that would take Marouane Chamakh to Upton Park. The Morocco striker increased the pressure on his employers yesterday by insisting he would leave the club on a free next summer unless a transfer was agreed by Monday. And the tactic appears to have paid off with the clubs now understood to be less than a million apart in their valuations. The Hammers are said to be ready to pay Bordeaux £6million up front, plus £1m for each year that he stays, and 20 per cent of any future profit on a future sale. The French champions have proved hard to do business with, as Arsenal, Sunderland, Blackburn Rovers, Fulham and Tottenham have found this summer. And while they have dramatically dropped their initial £15m asking price, they are still holding out for about £900,000 more up front, plus a 25 per cent cut of future fees. West Ham's bid may be dependent on selling players first to fund the transfer, but boss Gianfranco Zola hopes to welcome Chamakh to Upton Park before the weekend.
It looks increasingly likely that Chamakh will get his dream move to the Barclays Premier League, even if chances of moving to his favoured destination of Arsenal look remote.
The 25-year-old could yet opt to stay at Bordeaux for the final year of his contract and gamble on Arsene Wenger still being interested in him next summer. The Arsenal boss was not prepared to bid much more than £5m for him now. Bordeaux are keen on Fulham's Diomansy Kamara as a replacement for Chamakh but Valencia's Nikola Zigic has emerged as their first choice. The 6ft 8in Serbia striker has previously interested Blackburn Rovers, Stoke City, Everton, Fulham.
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Chamakh shelves departure plans
Reuters - Yesterday, 02:00
442.com
PARIS - French champions Girondins Bordeaux should be able to count on Ligue 1 top scorer Marouane Chamakh for one more season after he shelved his English Premier League dreams. The Morocco striker has already netted three goals to help Bordeaux win their first two games this term. If they beat Nice at home on Sunday, the champions will extend their record winning streak to 14 games in the league, counting their impressive run in the second part of last season. Title favourites Olympique Marseille and resurgent Nancy also have maximum points from their first two games. "I had said I would leave once I had won the French title with Bordeaux. Well, I will leave after winning two," local media quoted Chamakh as saying this week. "The board and the coach have closed the door. I have accepted that fact," he added. Bordeaux have turned down many offers from Premier League sides, including one from Arsenal, for their 25-year-old former trainee throughout the close season. They also refused to let Chamakh go to Sunderland saying they were not a good enough team for him. "I can understand the fact they rejected a move to Sunderland but I was surprised they could not reach an agreement with Arsenal ... I was disappointed and I am still," said Chamakh
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"West Ham in Diamanti talks" Friday 21 August, 2009
Football-italia.net
Livorno have confirmed that Gianfranco Zola's West Ham are "in negotiations" over Italian starlet Alessandro Diamanti. This week President Aldo Spinelli announced that he had received "enquiries from an English club," which was believed to be Sunderland. However, he has now broken his silence and made clear that the side interested in Diamanti is based at Upton Park. "Diamanti would like to play in the Premier League and we are in negotiations with West Ham, but the offer is not satisfactory," Spinelli told Sky Italia television. "We also received a proposal from Parma for co-ownership worth £3m, but we value him at around £8m. "It is not out of the question that Diamanti could remain with us, though."
The trequartista is one of the bright emerging talents in Italian football and shone in Serie B last season with 16 goals in 36 games, including the promotion play-offs. The 26-year-old provides many assists, but is also notable for his stunning long-range strikes and free kicks. Meanwhile, Livorno patron Spinelli also revealed other transfer titbits from Tuscany. "Only the official word has to be given, but Luigi Vitale is a Livorno player," he said of the Napoli winger. "We were lacking in that role and when our other target fell through, we jumped on Vitale, who is a youngster with great prospects. "It will be a loan with the option to buy because we intend to build him up and keep him."
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Aston Villa target Sylvain Distin but rule out bid for Matt Upson
Aug 20 2009 By Mat Kendrick
BirminghamMail.net
SYLVAIN Distin remains top of Martin O'Neill's defensive wish-list after Villa distanced themselves from reports of a £12 million bid for West Ham defender Matt Upson. O'Neill is a known admirer of Upson but has not made an offer for the England centre-half and is first set to pursue his summer-long interest in Portsmouth's Distin. The Villa boss is reluctant to pay such a hefty sum for 30-year-old Upson and is also haggling with Pompey over the price being quoted for Distin who is a year older. Villa have made two offers for the Fratton Park captain and are prepared to play a waiting game right up to transfer deadline day to snag their No.1 defensive target. O'Neill will continue to monitor the situation with Upson. Further contact has also been made with Blackburn about Stephen Warnock after Villa had a bid for the left-back rejected earlier this month. O'Neill hopes Rovers' capture of Real Madrid defender Michel Salgado yesterday will boost his chances of persuading Sam Allardyce to sell Warnock. O'Neill is no longer believed to be interested in David Bentley although he is still keen on his Tottenham midfield colleague Jermaine Jenas. Meanwhile, Steve Sidwell and Nigel Reo-Coker have been challenged to bounce back from their opening-day snubs by proving they belong in the first team against Rapid Vienna tonight. The midfield duo were overlooked for Saturday's dismal 2-0 defeat to Wigan with the manager selecting rookie Fabian Delph alongside new captain Stiliyan Petrov. But Sidwell and Reo-Coker are expected to get their chance in this evening's Europa League play-off clash at the Hanappi Stadium with O'Neill planning to rotate his squad. O'Neill was impressed with the former Chelsea and West Ham pair during the Peace Cup in Spain and has told them to take heart from his own playing experiences at Nottingham Forest. "I thought they came through pre-season with a lot of pluses, not least in terms of a bit of courage and determination," said O'Neill. "I won't give away anything about the side, but this football team certainly at this time does not pick itself and there are places up for grabs. "I've been in this a long time. When I was younger I used to think about one game and focus all my energy on that. "The number of times the manager saw fit not to play me in the opening game of the season and then I'd end up scoring ten goals from midfield. "You think that everything is going to cave in and within four weeks you're flying, you're going great and everything is rosy. It's a tough old business, but there are places here well and truly up for grabs."
O'Neill is bemused by the reaction he receives when senior players are left out and believes Villa need to get to grips with the idea of squad rotation. "I've said this before in a kind of joking fashion, but other football clubs when they make a change it's called 'rotation', when Aston Villa make a change it's called 'being dropped'," he added. "Whether it's because we've got a reputation for going in with the same side for quite a number of weeks I don't know. "Then people think that's it, that's your side. I'm not talking about your Manchester Uniteds, I'm talking about other sides in our position."
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