WHUFC.com
Robert Hall was on target as England's U17s won the Nordic International Youth Tournament
03.08.2009
West Ham United striker Robert Hall set England's Under-17s on course for Nordic International Youth Tournament glory. The 15-year-old scored England's first goal in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Scotland in the final, which was held at the Overlands Minde Stadium in Trondheim, Norway, on Sunday. Hall, who also scored his country's winner in the 1-0 semi-final victory over the host nation on Friday, set England on the comeback trail after the Scots had opened up a 2-0 lead. The teenager hit the net on 76 minutes to halve the deficit after Fraiser Fyvie and Jamie Walker had put Scotland two goals up at half-time. Middlesbrough's Ben Gibson levelled matters on 79 minutes - U17 football matches last only 80 minutes, so the equaliser arrived with just 60 seconds of normal time remaining - before Everton's Josh Bidwell put England ahead on 95 minutes. England held out for the remaining period to lift the trophy, capping a fine week for the country as a whole and Hall in particular. The youngster, who trained with the Hammers first-team squad for a week in July, also scored twice in the 8-0 group stage thrashing of the Faroe Islands, taking his tally to four in as many matches.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hines hungry for more
WHUFC.com
Zavon Hines is hoping his goal in Beijing can be the start of a superb season with West Ham United
04.08.2009
Young striker Zavon Hines found his feet in Beijing and wants that Far East experience to launch his bid for first-team action this season. The 20-year-old Hines scored with virtually the last touch for West Ham United in the 2-0 win over hosts Beijing Guoan in the Barclays Asia Trophy and is hoping he has shown manager Gianfranco Zola exactly what he can do.
"It has been a good tournament to play in," Hines, who scored five goals in six games in pre-season last year before suffering a knee problem, told whufc.com. "The conditions were hard, but you just have to work harder to get through it all and I am sure this will show well for us come the new season.
"Last year, I had a good pre-season and then got the injury, but hopefully I can carry on this year and get through the season with no injuries and be involved as much as I can with the first team. I want to show the manager what I can do."
Hines completed the scoring after defender Danny Gabbidon had grabbed the first in the 80th minute as West Ham secured third place in the tournament.
"I don't remember too much about my goal to be honest," added Hines "It was a through-ball to me and I remember going one-on-one and the ball going through the keeper's legs. I was just happy to score and it was nice for us to end the tournament with a good match and win."
Reflecting on the tournament that started with a 1-0 defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, Hines said: "The first game was not the best for us and we got the injury to Luis [Boa Morte] that we didn't want, but we played better football in the second match and I think the last few days we were more used to the conditions.
"It is good to play football in a completely different atmosphere and I am sure the fitness will show now we are back."
The team also got to visit the Great Wall of China when they had an afternoon of free time. "It was good to go there, something different. Although a bit tough on the legs, as there were so many steep steps. But it was a place that you can say you have visited."
Hines believes the trip to Beijing and, the one to Austria just before it, was also a good chance for the team to spend time together before the 2009/10 campaign kicks off on 15 August. The diminutive forward also revealed how the senior players in the squad had helped the younger members become part of the team.
"The trips have been good for team bonding. Everyone can spend time together as a squad, we got to know anyone new and just spend the time as a team on and off the pitch. It has been good to be around each other.
"The older and more senior boys really looked after us all well, making sure we were happy and OK. We get a bit of banter from them now and then, if you are not doing well in training, they will tell you. But it was really good to be there."
Now with the real business about to start, Hines has only one thing on his mind, scoring more goals and clinching a first-team place. He would love to be involved against SSC Napoli this weekend and then take it from there.
"My aim is at to be on the bench for the first team for the start if I can, but just to do my best in any game I play for West Ham United and go upwards from there."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Daprela eager to get started
WHUFC.com
Switzerland U19 defender Fabio Daprela is raring to get his West Ham United career underway
03.08.2009
Fabio Daprela believes he is in the perfect place to realise his undoubted potential. The Switzerland Under-19 defender joined West Ham United on a five-year deal last week, jetting into London after representing his country at the UEFA European U19 Championship in Ukraine. Daprela, who has moved to London from Grasshopper Zurich in his homeland, wants to follow in the long line of illustrious names to come off the Academy of Football's famed conveyor belt of talent. In a week that will climax with the second annual Bobby Moore Cup fixture, which will see West Ham host SSC Napoli at the Boleyn Ground, the 18-year-old singled out the Hammers and England great as the player he most looked up to.
"I know West Ham United is the Academy of football and they had Bobby Moore, a great captain in 1966," said Daprela, who has also been impressed by the performances of the club's present-day stars.
"I know quite a few players already from the television - Matthew Upson, Jack Collison, Carlton Cole and Herita Ilunga."
Daprela, who will train with his new team-mates for the first time this week, is also excited about the prospect of linking up with the club's band of promising youngsters, including wingers Junior Stanislas and Daniel Kearns, who he marked when the Swiss took on Northern Ireland in Belfast in April.
Now, he wants to carry his promising performances into the Barclays Premier League.
"I wanted to join with the other youngsters in the team. I know Stanislas is a great football and I saw the goal he scored on the television in Switzerland.
"I played against Daniel Kearns, who is a good player, very fast and good dribbling. I want to play with the first team in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hartson now out of critical care
BBC.co.uk
Former Wales international footballer John Hartson who is fighting cancer has been transferred out of critical care, say his doctors. The retired footballer, 34, has been critically ill at Morriston Hospital in Swansea since undergoing emergency surgery on his brain last month. He was diagnosed with testicular cancer which had reached his brain and lungs. He is now being treated at the city's Singleton Hospital and could begin chemotherapy this week. Hartson played for Arsenal and Celtic during his career and was capped 51 times for Wales, before retiring from the game in February 2008. Since the cancer diagnosis was made in July has undergone two operations on his brain. The first was emergency surgery to relieve pressure on his brain, and the second was a pre-planned neurosurgical drainage procedure. But last week the Abertawe Bro Morgannwg (ABM) NHS trust which is caring for him reported a gradual improvement in the star's condition. He was transferred from Morriston into the care of Singleton's cancer team on Sunday evening, the NHS trust confirmed in a statement. "If progress continues, we are planning to begin his chemotherapy treatment this week," the statement added.
The father-of-three's family, making their own statement, thanked all the staff at Morriston "for their help and support" as well as the ambulance staff who transferred the former footballer. "We are now focusing on helping John in the next stage of his treatment," they said. After an illustrious career on the pitch, Hartson was developing a new career as a television pundit when he became ill. Since the news of his illness has emerged, the hospital has been inundated with messages of support. Among them was one from American cyclist Lance Armstrong, who has himself fought testicular cancer. He has also received backing from UK troops fighting in Afghanistan, and US marines, his family have revealed.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Keeper bid rejected
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 3rd August 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are said to have had a bid for Stockport goalkeeper Owain Fon-Williams turned down. 22-year-old Fon-Williams, who is widely is regarded as League One County's most prized asset is said to have been the subject of a £150,000 bid from the Hammers - an offer that is said to have been instantly rejected. The talented Welsh under-21 international has been tracked by a number of Premier League clubs in recent months, including Everton and Sunderland. He has been at Edgeley Park for just a year following a free transfer from former club Crewe, whom he left having failed to break into the first team. Fon-Williams, who stands at 6'4" joined The Alex as a trainee in 2003 before a broken leg in 2004 halted his progress. After completing his move to Stockport in July 2008 following the completion of his contract at Gresty Road he was made first choice keeper, but soon lost his place after some indifferent form. Having returned to the number one spot in November the keeper went on to play every game for County before a problematic shoulder forced an operation in March that kept him of of action for the rest of the season. Prior to the setback Fon-Williams had earned his first call-up to the full Welsh squad.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers take on Chelsea
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 3rd August 2009
By: Staff Writer
Supporters of West Ham United and Chelsea have the opportunity to battle it out head to head in their team's colours and play with their heroes in a new, unique golf event launching this summer. The pro:fantastic Golf Challenge allows pairs of football fans from some of the country's top clubs to play off in a Sky Sports televised regional final against local rivals, in September, before qualifying for a grand final at a top continental resort. They will be joined at the final by stars from their club's past who will captain the team in the quest for the pro:fantastic Golf Challenge title. Blues and Hammers fans will compete together at Hampton Court Palace GC on September 7, with a pair from each club going forward to the grand final. Fans from a total of 22 English and Scottish teams will be playing and some of the biggest names in the clubs' recent histories have thrown their weight behind the event. Liverpool's record goalscorer Ian Rush, Chelsea goal machine Kerry Dixon, Manchester United's flying winger Lee Sharpe and West Ham's Frank McAvennie are just four of the keen golfing ex-pros who have already expressed their desire to take part. McAvennie enthused: "The pro:fantastic Golf Challenge is exactly what has been missing from sport. It's the perfect challenge for all golf and football fans alike."
Dixon said: "This really is a brilliant opportunity for football club supporters to make it into a major final of their own." The regional events, each at a top UK course, will see around 30 pairs of supporters from each club playing in a two-ball Stableford format with the best pair from each club heading to an expenses paid grand final abroad, where they will enjoy accommodation, 18 holes of competitive, televised golf and a gala dinner with their footballing heroes. Everybody competing at the regional finals will receive a golf shirt in their respective club colours, bacon rolls and coffee upon arrival, 18 holes of competitive, televised golf and a post-event hot buffet meal. Places in the event are limited and cost £136.85 per person. For more information or to book a place visit www.profantasticgolf.com or call 01698 429429.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mensah admits Prem lure
Sunderland and West Ham linked with defender
By Giscard Gourizro Last updated: 3rd August 2009
SSN
John Mensah has hinted that his future could lie in the Premier League amid reports linking him with a move away from Lyon. According to rumours in France, the Ghana international is attracting interest from Sunderland and West Ham United. Mensah is flattered by the speculation but remains focused on ensuring he enjoys a successful 2009/10 season. The 26-year-old defender told skysports.com: "It is great to be linked to Premier League clubs. "My past season with Lyon was not good and I hated to be injured. But I am fit now and raring to go, either at Lyon or the Premier League." He added: "I am aware of the interest, but nothing is agreed yet, it was always an ambition to play in the Premier League, so let's wait and see."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ricardo Fuller Hints At Stoke City Arrival Of Dean Ashton From West Ham United
The Jamaican seems to think he might be teaming up with a new strike partner in the Potteries soon, but would rather focus on pre-season preparations than transfer dealings...
3 Aug 2009 17:29:05
Stoke City striker Ricardo Fuller was out delivering season tickets to lucky fans in the Potteries today, and took some time out from doing so to talk about his club's likely dealings in the transfer window ahead of the new season. West Ham United striker Dean Ashton has been heavily linked with a move to the Britannia Stadium in recent weeks, and Fuller seemed to be optimistic that the striker was indeed on his way to join him.
"For a couple of months now there's been talk of Dean Ashton coming here," Fuller told Sky Sports News. "And a few more players, so hopefully the officials and the gaffer can bring in a few new faces.
"But at the end of the day, I'm just a player and all the other players will say the same. We just want to concentrate on our own job that we have to do, which is getting fit and continuing our preparation for the beginning of the season and let the gaffer do his job and bring in new people."
Ashton's time at West Ham has been severely disrupted by injury. However, his style of play would fit in well with the no-frills approach to the game favoured by Potters manager Tony Pulis, who last week claimed that the England international's injury problems would not put him off making an offer.
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham United Goalscorer Gabbidon Feeling Confident Ahead Of New Season
The Welshman found the net whilst the club were in China, and now hopes to take some of that momentum into the new season...
3 Aug 2009 17:14:39
West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon managed a rare goal whilst the club were in China last week as part of their preparations for the new season, scoring in the side's 2-0 victory over Beijing Guoan in the Asia Trophy. The defender managed to complete his first 90 minutes since December 2008, after suffering a complex series of injuries relating to an abdominal problem, and was delighted to have contributed to a victory by helping to keep a clean sheet as well as scoring a goal. He was clearly excited about his goal when speaking to the club's official website though, stating, "I didn't really see it coming. Nobes [Mark Noble] had whipped in a corner just before and I kind of ran in a bit too early so I thought the second one that comes in I am just going to hang back a bit. "It worked out perfectly. I lost my defender and it was great to see it going in. I was a bit shocked because I am not usually a goalscorer. It was probably the first time I have been up for a corner since I have been at West Ham. It was nice to score though. It was good for my confidence, especially as I also played a full 90 minutes. "It has made me feel better about myself but the main thing is the team. It was nice to get a win and finish the trip to China on a winning note. I wasn't expecting to score, as I was more concerned about contributing to the team by helping us keep a clean sheet."
Gabbidon was also pleased to be back home after a hectic pre-season for the Hammers that involved a trip to Austria as well as China over the last month or so, but he feels that the side are in good shape ahead of the coming campaign. "It is good to be back at home this week. It was hectic in Austria and China and there wasn't a lot of time to do anything but train and play but you won't hear us complaining," he explained. "It is nice for us to get back to see our families though and start thinking about the new season."
Zack Wilson, Goal.com
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Mensah Tracked By Sunderland & West Ham United
GhanaWeb.com
According to a report in Le Parisien, Olympique Lyonnais defender John Mensah is being courted by Premier League clubs Sunderland and West Ham United. The Ghanaian international star only joined OL from Stade Rennais last summer, however, the step to one of France's elite teams has been difficult for Mensah, who has struggled to gain regular playing time at the Stade Gerland over the course of his Lyon stay. Although he played 12 league games last season, these were not all in his favoured central defensive berth, where he struggled to displace Cris and Jean-Alain Boumsong. The 26-year-old's season was also hindered by injury, as his whole career has been to date.
"My last season at Lyon was not good because of injuries, but I am ready and in shape now, whether I am to play in Lyon or in Premier League," he told Ghanaian television, according to France Football. Lyon announced last week that Mensah could well be one of a number of squad players shed before the start of the Ligue 1 season on Saturday, with reports associating the Black Cats and the Hammers with the powerful defender. Sunderland are known to be in the market for a central defender and would appear to have the funding to match OL's reported €7 million asking price. France Football, however, notes that no move is likely for two weeks. There can be little doubting the quality of the Obuasi-born star, who has previously featured in Italy for the likes of Genoa and Modena, however, his ability to stay healthy must be a significant worry for any side interested in his services.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham in talks to keep Neill
Monday, August 3, 2009
ViewLondon.co.uk
West Ham are to continue talks this week with Lucas Neill in an attempt to keep him at Upton Park. With the Hammers now back from their trip to the Far East, manager Gianfranco Zola will step up moves to finalise his squad ahead of the new campaign. Zola's former Chelsea team-mate Eidur Gudjohnsen has been linked with a switch to Upton Park, but the Hammers are also keen to obtain Neill's signature again. The Australia international's contract expired at the end of last month and he did not fly to Beijing for the Barclays Asia Trophy as the 31-year-old considers his options, with Manchester City and Galatasaray reported possible other destinations. West Ham also have Julien Faubert available following from a loan spell at Real Madrid, and the Frenchman has impressed when slotting into right-back. Ghana international John Mensah has been attracting some interest from England, with the Hammers and Sunderland both said to be keen on the Lyon defender. Zola's current players have enjoyed a productive pre-season, which included a training camp in Austria and will see them face Serie A side Napoli at Upton Park on Saturday. Defender Danny Gabbidon is another back in the frame for the new campaign following a long injury lay-off. The defender scored in the 2-0 win over Beijing Guoan. Gabbidon said: 'It was hectic in Austria and China and there wasn't a lot of time to do anything but train and play - but you won't hear us complaining. 'It is nice for us to get back to see our families though and start thinking about the new season.'
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham ready for Bobby Moore Cup match
By Simon Hayes on August 3, 2009 3:43 PM
Wharf.co.uk
The football season is almost upon us but before it starts in earnest West Ham will honour arguably their greatest son in their final friendly game. The Bobby Moore Cup match will be held at Upton Park when the Irons meet Italian side Napoli on August 8. The Wharf spoke to Moore's widow Stephanie about the game, which will raise money for the Bobby Moore Fund. She said: "I'm looking forward to the game very much. It was a great occasion last year, the fans really got behind it and showed what the club is all about. "West Ham supporters are loyal to their heroes and remain loyal to them forever. They are a special band of supporters, a real community. This year it will be a tremendous game and what a great way to kick-start the season."
Last year's game against Villareal saw the retirement of the Hammers' number six shirt, which Moore wore with such distinction in 646 games for the club. Stephanie was presented with the shirt at half-time in that game by Matthew Upson, the last player to wear it, and she admitted she found it an emotional occasion. She said: "I knew it was going to be difficult so I didn't speak in public when I went onto the pitch to receive the shirt. It was an amazing day and words just can't do justice to what it meant."
The shirt was framed and was later sold at a charity quiz night for £3,000. The Bobby Moore Cup match itself raised £39,950 for cancer research. Stephanie admitted Moore would not have expected such a tribute. She said: "I think Bobby would have been surprised the number six shirt was retired because he did have his problems with the club after he left. The old board weren't very supportive of him and he rarely went back before he died. "But in recent years the club have been wonderful and the efforts they have made for the fund have been fantastic. "He was there man and boy and the club always meant a lot to him. He never had any regrets about his career there, even though people sometimes thought he should have moved to a bigger club to win more trophies. "But that West Ham side he played in was quite star-studded and achieved some tremendous things like winning the Cup Winners Cup. "And Bobby was great friends with so many players there, people like Harry Redknapp, so he was quite happy."
Last Thursday, July 30, marked 43 years to the day since Moore lifted the World Cup for England. He tragically died of bowel cancer in February 1993, at the age of just 51, and Stephanie wants to raise awareness of the disease to prevent its spread. She said: "The most important thing is to raise awareness of bowel cancer. It is curable if it's diagnosed early, but 44 people die from it every day. "It's also important to raise money for research. Over the last 15 years the treatment available has improved massively but the disease is still growing. People need to eat less red meat, cut down on their drinking and smoking and get more exercise. If we continue as we are it will become an epidemic. "My message is to go for a screening and if you have any concerns go to a doctor without delay."
The Bobby Moore Cup game against Napoli is on Saturday, August 8. For tickets visit whufc.co.uk.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
New signing Daprela already West Ham mad
04.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Former Grasshoppers Zurich defender Fabio Daprela is sure to have impressed West Ham fans with his knowledge of the club and his new teammates. The new signing told whufc.com: "I know West Ham United is the Academy of football and they had Bobby Moore, a great captain in 1966. "I know quite a few players already from the television - Matthew Upson, Jack Collison, Carlton Cole and Herita Ilunga." Daprela, who will train with his new team-mates for the first time this week, is also excited about the prospect of linking up with the club's band of promising youngsters, including wingers Junior Stanislas and Daniel Kearns, who he marked when the Swiss took on Northern Ireland in Belfast in April. Now, he wants to carry his promising performances into the Barclays Premier League. "I wanted to join with the other youngsters in the team. I know Stanislas is a great football and I saw the goal he scored on the television in Switzerland. "I played against Daniel Kearns, who is a good player, very fast and good dribbling. I want to play with the first team in the Premier League."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Gabbidon delighted with playing comeback
04.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender Danny Gabbidon is delighted with his return to playing action this preseason. Gabbidon is back in the frame for the new campaign following a long injury lay-off. The defender scored in the 2-0 win over Beijing Guoan. Gabbidon said on the club's official website: "It was hectic in Austria and China and there wasn't a lot of time to do anything but train and play - but you won't hear us complaining. "It is nice for us to get back to see our families though and start thinking about the new season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Posts
No comments:
Post a Comment