WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola will send his team out in positive mood at Manchester City
on Monday evening
27.09.2009
Gianfranco Zola has vowed to take the fight to in-form Manchester City on
Monday evening. West Ham United visit big-spending City, whose first defeat
of the season came in last Sunday's Manchester derby, eager to register
their first Barclays Premier League victory in four matches. While some
pundits may be predicting that Zola will send the Hammers with a defensive
mindset at Eastlands, the manager insists he will tell his West Ham team to
play their own game. The possible return of Luis Jimenez and a potential
debut for Guille Franco will certainly help. At the same time, Zola insisted
that his players would scrap for every ball. "Last year, there were times
when we went on the pitch and we were tough and defended in a rough way. If
it's necessary, we will do it again. There's no problem about that. "I
haven't thought yet thoroughly about the way we're going to play, but that's
something I'll be considering over the weekend. I think we're in the
condition to go there and play our own game and see if they are better than
us. That is the kind of thing I want to do all the time. "I'm not looking
for the result itself. I'm looking for the team to get better and better and
I think we can achieve that."
Monday's game will see Zola pit his wits against former Chelsea strike
partner Mark Hughes, who has guided City into the top-six after spending
upwards of £100m during the summer. Kolo Toure, Joleon Lescott, Gareth
Barry, Carlos Tevez, Roque Santa Cruz and Emmanuel Adebayor have all joined
Hughes' City revolution, and Zola insists both he and the Welshman are under
pressure to produce the goods. "Both of us are under pressure for different
reasons. He obviously knows that, with the budget he's got and the team he's
got, that he has to perform and produce good results, and this is a
pressure. "For me, as well, I have all the time to think and find solutions.
The edge is how to take it and Mark takes it very well and I'm trying to do
the same. I'm coping with the job. To be honest, this situation is making me
more creative, and is making the club more responsible for what it is
doing."
While Hughes has been bankrolled by the Abu Dhabi United Group, Zola has
instead concentrated on developing young players, with the likes of James
Tomkins, Jack Collison, Valon Behrami, Mark Noble, Carlton Cole and Zavon
Hines flourishing under his direction. "That's the job I've been employed
for and that's the job I like to do. I like to work on the players and to
make them better and to get a bunch of players and to make a team. That's my
ultimate task and one I like. "But I don't mind if I get some money to spend
on a good player! I think that would make the whole process a little bit
quicker, but I don't mind, really. I like what I'm doing and I think this
team has got a future."
Zola and Hughes are just two of a host of former Chelsea team-mates to go
into management. Romanian Dan Petrescu has taken unheralded Unirea Urziceni
into the UEFA Champions League, while Dennis Wise and Gus Poyet teamed up at
Leeds United and Gianluca Vialli took charge at Stamford Bridge between 1998
and 2000. The Hammers boss said he was not surprised so many of the squad
had taken up coaching posts, but admitted he was sometimes shocked to find
himself in a Barclays Premier League dugout alongside yet another ex-Blue in
first-team coach Steve Clarke "I didn't imagine myself as a football manager
and regarding Mark, he was strange because on the pitch he was unbelievable.
I'm telling you, it was my fortune as a footballer to have him on my side,
but on the training ground, he was the worst training mate I've had in my
career! You wouldn't have wanted to have him on your side during training
sessions. "It was difficult to say we'd be managers one day, but I must say
he's doing very well in his job. It's not only this year but he did very
well at Blackburn and with the national team. I have only admiration for
him. I had admiration for him as a player and now as a manager."
"It's unbelievable. You had the feeling that that team was made by
intelligent people, excluding me! Dan Petrescu is doing great, and we also
had Dennis and Steve. You could see that we went on to the pitch and we
didn't need to be told very much. They were thinking players and so it comes
not as a big surprise to me to see so many of them doing the job."
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Noble knows the score
WHUFC.com
Having earned a harsh red card at Manchester City last year, Mark Noble is
looking to put things right
26.09.2009
Mark Noble is aiming to enjoy better fortune than on his last visit to
Eastlands to take on Manchester City when West Ham United arrive on Monday
night. Little more than a year ago, the midfielder was sent off after just
38 minutes for two yellow cards in a 3-0 defeat for the Hammers that saw
nothing go right on the day. After that disappointment on 23 August 2008, it
was a different story in the return match on 1 March this year at the Boleyn
Ground when Jack Collison's solitary strike gave West Ham all three points.
"Hopefully it will be good for us and we can go there and win," said Noble.
"I remember playing them last season and we had some good games with them. I
got sent off there which wasn't so good though but we go there now and [it
is different], they are known as one of the big teams now with the players
they have got."
Despite the considerable riches at City's disposal, the homegrown Hammer
said he and his team-mates should not be overly concerned. "We don't fear
them. We know they have got a lot more ability in their team [than last
season]. Craig Bellamy is on fire and we know what he is capable of. I think
it will be a good game to play in. They play football and so do we. May the
best team win."
The match will be the Hammers fifth on the road out of seven games in all
competitions this season, and Noble said there was a determination to get a
first win in five attempts. "I am looking forward to the game. They are
doing so well at the minute. We are playing well but aren't picking up
results. We need to start getting some points.
"Monday is our first priority," added the 22-year-old. We need to go there
and pay the way we can do and hopefully get some points off them It is a
lovely stadium to play at. If we can go there and put a good stall out and
get some points that would be fantastic."
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Franco and Jimmy in line
WHUFC.com
Guillermo Franco and Luis Jimenez could both figure in Monday evening's game
with Manchester City
25.09.2009
Gianfranco Zola could have two more senior players to call on for Monday
night's Barclays Premier League meeting with Manchester City. New signing
Guillermo Franco and the fit-again Luis Jimenez both trained fully with the
squad on Friday and could bolster the forward options available to Zola as
he seeks his second consecutive win over the Mark Hughes' side. Captain
Matthew Upson could also be back in training on Saturday, while Valon
Behrami has two days to prove his fitness. "It would be fantastic if Franco
could start," Zola said. "I think he is going to be very important for us.
He has all of the experience, he's got presence on the pitch and I'm really
impressed with him. I think he is going to be a very good signing for us. "I
don't know yet with Behrami. Upson may train with us on Saturday so it is
good news. Jimenez is coming back so nearly all of the players are back
which is good news for us."
With two narrow home defeats and a win, draw and loss away from home so far,
Zola is focused on picking up points. Although he would have preferred a
better return thus far, the West Ham United manager is relaxed about how his
side will fare over the coming weeks. "I am the first to say that
points-wise, we are not doing great but as a manager here we don't work on
three points - I see the bigger picture. Our team is playing as a big team
now and it is a matter of time before we start picking up points and
consistency as well."
Zola knows that Hughes' Manchester City will provide stiff opposition to
that aim in Monday's televised game. Having won their first four games, City
lost their 100 per cent record last time out to a 96th-minute Michael Owen
winner in the Manchester derby. "I have a lot of admiration for them. They
have a lot of talent and they are working very hard to be a team too. The
results have been very good so I have a lot of respect for them."
To add a bit of extra spice to the occasion, there could be a couple of
familiar faces lining up in sky blue. Striker Craig Bellamy left the Hammers
for the City of Manchester Stadium in January, and the Wales international
could be joined in attack by former Hammer of the Year Carlos Tevez.
Speaking of Bellamy, Zola said: "I think it will be massive as he has done
very well. When he left, for the supporters he left on strange terms so he
will be very up for it. We are going to find a way to look after him. It is
not going to be easy as he is a very good player but we will try."
Monday's opponents' new-found strength could leave some managers slightly
green with envy, but Zola is not one of them, explaining that he feels
privileged to be in charge of the Hammers. "I don't envy anyone. I am very
happy to be manager of this club. This group is a group that is going to
give a lot of satisfaction to our fans. "I am excited to work with them and
take them to a better position and I am enjoying it and don't want to be in
another position."
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Manchester City preview
WHUFC.com
All of the early team news ahead of Monday's Premier League match at the
City of Manchester Stadium
25.09.2009
Barclays Premier League
Manchester City v West Ham United
City of Manchester Stadium
Monday 28 September
8pm
Referee: Chris Foy
Introduction
• West Ham United travel to high-flying Manchester City for their fifth away
game of the season and their fourth in the north west of England. The
Hammers have had mixed luck on the road so far, beating Wolverhampton
Wanderers on the opening day before drawing with Blackburn Rovers and losing
out to Wigan Athletic and then Bolton Wanderers in the Carling Cup on
Tuesday.
• Monday night's game will be West Ham's second consecutive league game
televised live on ESPN - the third of the season so far following the visits
of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool to the Boleyn Ground.
• The Hammers sit in 16th place in the fledgling Barclays Premier League
standings with four points from five matches, while Manchester City are
eight points and 12 places ahead, having played the same amount of games.
• West Ham and Manchester City are the only two sides in this season's
Premier League yet to be behind at half-time.
• It was honours even last season as City beat the Hammers 3-0 in the
corresponding fixture on 24 August 2008. West Ham got their revenge in the
return match, though, with a single Jack Collison goal securing the win for
the east Londonders at the Boleyn Ground on 1 March. That victory halted a
run of seven games without a win against the Citizens stretching back to
2006. Four of those six games came in the 2007/08 season.
• The 2007/08 league season started with City's trip to the Boleyn Ground on
11 August - the first game in charge for manager Sven-Goran Eriksson, who
lasted only a season. Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni scored the goals as City
won 2-0.
• That was followed by the first FA Cup third-round meeting on 5 January,
again in east London. Neither side could break the deadlock in a contest
that saw Robert Green and Joe Hart excel. The replay at the City of
Manchester Stadium on 16 January was again a tight affair and only a
73rd-minute headed goal from Elano separated the sides.
• The final meeting of that season was the 1-1 league draw four days later
on 20 January. Carlton Cole scored a terrific overhead kick in the eighth
minute before Darius Vassell struck a 16th-minute equaliser.
• West Ham United's biggest victories against Manchester City are a 6-1 home
success in the old First Division on 18 May 1963 and victory by the same
margin in the away fixture that season on 8 September 1962.
• This is the 88th meeting between the two sides. West Ham have come out on
top on 35 occasions with 14 draws.
Last meeting
• On 1 March this year, West Ham United edged a closely-fought encounter in
what was, at the time, a key match in the hunt for a UEFA Europa League
place.
• With 20 minutes to go, Jack Collison was on hand to loop in a rebound
after Shay Given could only palm Savio's shot into his path. Despite the
result that day, neither side were to secure European football for this
season with West Ham finishing ninth on 51 points and City a point and a
place below.
The teams that day were -
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Tomkins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Savio 43),
Parker, Collison, Kovac (Spector 83), Di Michele (Lopez 45), Cole
Subs: Lastuvka, Payne, Stanislas, Sears
Goal: Collison (70)
Manchester City: Given, Zabaleta, Onuoha, Dunne, Richards (Caicedo 15), De
Jong (Bojinov 89), Ireland, Kompany, Bridge, Robinho, Bellamy (Elano 65)
Subs: Hart, Garrido, Berti, Vassell
Last time out
Tuesday 22 September 2009
Carling Cup third round
Bolton Wanderers 3-1 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Spector, Tomkins, Da Costa (N'Gala 63), Ilunga,
Noble, Parker, Kovac, Dyer (Cole 75), Diamanti, Hines (Faubert 88)
Subs: Kurucz, Payne, Edgar, Nouble
Goal: Ilunga (59)
Wednesday 23 September 2009
Carling Cup third round
Manchester City 2-1 Fulham
Manchester City: Given, Bridge, Zabaleta, Lescott, Toure, Ireland (Petrov
75), Wright-Phillips, Barry, De Jong (Weiss 91), Tevez, Bellamy
Subs: Taylor, Garrido, Sylvinho, Vidal, Petrov, Weiss, Ball
Goals: Barry (52), Toure (111)
Referee
• Monday's referee will be Chris Foy.
• Now 46, Foy started refereeing at the age of 20 in 1983. He joined the
Football League list of assistant referees in 1994 and the Premier League
assistant referees' list a year later.
• Foy became a Football League referee in 1996 before being promoted to the
Premier League list in 2001, taking charge of his first top-flight fixture
in December of that year.
• Foy took charge of the 2007 FA Trophy final between Stevenage Borough and
Kidderminster Harriers at Wembley on 12 May 2007.
• He returned to the national stadium as fourth official for the 2008 FA Cup
final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City before refereeing last season's
Carling Cup final between Manchester United and Tottenham Hotspur.
• Foy has been actively involved in the 'Don't X The Line' campaign to
eradicate abusive or aggressive behaviour from players and spectators at
junior and youth matches.
• Foy took charge of three West Ham fixtures last season, refereeing the
Hammers' 1-0 defeat at Hull City on 19 October, the 2-0 defeat to Tottenham
Hotspur on 8 December and the 1-1 draw with Blackburn Rovers on 21 March.
• This will be Foy's second West Ham United match this season, after taking
charge of the opening day win against Wolves.
• Foy also took charge of the FA Community Shield match between Chelsea and
Manchester United.
Old boys
• There could be a couple of familiar faces on show at the City of
Manchester Stadium on Monday.
• Craig Bellamy scored seven goals in 24 league games for West Ham United
between July 2007 and January 2009. He moved to Manchester City for an
undisclosed fee on 19 January.
• He could be joined in attack by former Hammer of the Year Carlos Tevez,
who left the Boleyn Ground to join City's great cross-town rivals Manchester
United at the end of the 2006/07 season. He joined the blue half of the city
for an undisclosed fee in June.
• Other famous faces to have played for both clubs are Ian Bishop, James
Cumming, Justin Fashanu, David James, Patrick Leonard, Steve Lomas, Trevor
Morley, John Payne, Stuart Pearce, Trevor Sinclair, Paulo Wanchope and Mark
Ward.
Last six meetings
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
1 March 2009 - West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City
24 August 2008 - Manchester City 3-0 West Ham United
20 January 2008 - Manchester City 1-1 West Ham United
16 January 2008 - Manchester City 1-0 West Ham United (FA Cup)
5 January 2008 - West Ham United 0-0 Manchester City (FA Cup)
11 August 2007 - West Ham United 0-2 Manchester City
Overall record v Manchester City (all competitions) W 35 D 14 L 39
West Ham United
• West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola said: "I have a lot of admiration
for them. They have a lot of talent and they are working very hard to be a
team too. The results have been very good so I have a lot of respect for
them."
• Robert Green has played 93 consecutive Barclays Premier League games -
more than any other player in the top-flight currently. All being well, he
will reach his unbroken century away to Hull City on Saturday 21 November.
• Four players - Mark Noble, Matthew Upson, Alessandro Diamanti and Carlton
Cole (twice) - have got on the league scoresheet for the Hammers so far this
season.
• Cole has had more shots (17) than any other West Ham player this season,
with nine of them on target.
• Noble leads the way in the assists chart, with two to his name.
• Scott Parker has won more free-kicks than any other Hammers player (13)
• Cole has also done his bit at the back with more defensive clearances (5)
than anyone else.
• Cole led the way in the scoring charts last season as well with ten
Premier League goals, one in the FA Cup and one in the League Cup.
• The Hammers finished last season in ninth in the Barclays Premier League
with 51 points, a place and two points higher than they managed in the
previous season.
• West Ham have recorded exactly 700 Premier League points so far, with the
0-0 draw at Ewood Park taking them to that milestone.
• Diamanti's appearance as a substitute at the DW Stadium two weeks ago saw
him become the 800th player to represent West Ham.
• West Ham are next in action on Sunday 4 October when they play host to
Fulham in the Barclays Premier League.
Manchester City
• Speaking about why Craig Bellamy played in Manchester City's midweek
Carling Cup win over Fulham, manager Mark Hughes said: "My only concern is
that given Craig's injury history I am reluctant to play him in three games
in a week. It is the only the fact we are playing on Monday that I was able
to play him. We hope everyone recovers by then and the two extra days makes
all the difference."
• Man City saw their 100 per cent record in the league this season halted in
the Manchester derby at Old Trafford last weekend as a Michael Owen strike
six minutes into injury time gave United a 4-3 victory.
• Mark Hughes' team have shipped six goals in their last two games against
United and Arsenal.
• However, they are unbeaten at home and have managed to keep clean sheets
in all their other league games this term.
• City's leading goalscorer this season is Emanuel Adebayor with four league
goals. Bellamy has three to his name after his brace at Old Trafford.
• Carlos Tevez has had the most shots on goal (10) and has the most assists
(3) out of any City player.
• New recruit Joleon Lescott has made more defensive clearances (15) than
any other player.
• It is 50 league games since City were last involved in a goalless draw.
• Manchester City are unbeaten at home in the league to West Ham since April
2003, winning three of four matches.
• City are next in action seven days after the West Ham game when they play
Aston Villa at Villa Park, also on ESPN.
Team news
• With the game not until Monday evening, both managers still have two full
days of training ahead of them to finalise their plans for the game.
• One player expected to return is Chilean forward Luis Jimenez, who has
recovered from a muscle injury and has returned to full training.
• Guillermo Franco could be in line to make his debut, but will have some
tough competition for a place in the shape of the in-form Cole and Zavon
Hines.
• Valon Behrami continues to edge closer to fitness after his slight muscle
injury, although a decision will not be taken on his selection until Sunday.
• Manchester City will definitely be without Emmanuel Adebayor, who is
serving the last game of a three-match suspension.
• Stephen Ireland is doubtful after being concussed in the Carling Cup match
with Fulham.
• Robinho and Vincent Kompany remain sidelined.
General information
• For ticket information, click here. For details of getting to the City of
Manchester Stadium, click here.
• The weather forecast is for light rain with a top temperature of around
18C.
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TC hopeful for Hines
WHUFC.com
Tony Cottee believes there could be a good season ahead for young striker
Zavon Hines
25.09.2009
Former Hammers hero Tony Cottee has been keeping a close eye on fellow
striker Zavon Hines as he has turned in some impressive displays this
season. Hines has caught the eye after starting West Ham United's last three
games, having earned his call-up following a goalscoring appearance in the
second round of the Carling Cup and a hat-trick for the reserves. Cottee was
at the Boleyn Ground to watch the 20-year-old bag his treble against
Birmingham City and was instantly impressed by what he saw. "Looking back to
that reserve game [a 6-0 win against Birmingham City] everyone was talking
about [Alessandro] Diamanti and the return of [Valon] Behrami but I left the
ground that night very excited about what I had seen from Zavon. "He had
already scored the goal against Millwall, which I thought was a really good
finish. You could see the confidence that came after scoring that goal. I
think the challenge then for Zavon was to get into the team and to stay in
the team."
Hines soon cleared that first hurdle as he was given his full Barclays
Premier League debut at Wigan Athletic on 12 September. Two more appearances
against Liverpool and Bolton Wanderers have followed and Cottee believes
Hines has done enough so far to retain his place at Manchester City on
Monday. "Although I wasn't at the Wigan game, I spoke to Tony Gale and he
said that he had done really well for a full debut in the Premier League.
Although it was a disappointing result, he was one of our best players. "I
was at the Liverpool game and I thought he was our best player. He gave Glen
Johnson a tough time and looked dangerous with some of his skills. He did
everything right in the first couple of minutes apart from putting his
chance it in the net. It might well have changed the game. "And then, by all
accounts, he did well at Bolton the other night. I felt that the challenge
that lay ahead for him was to get in the team and stay in the team and I am
really thrilled for the lad that he's got in there and he's taken his
chance. He looks like a real prospect."
As with any of the Academy youngsters making their bow in the first team,
there is always a certain air of uncertainty about how they will adapt to
the jump to top-flight football. Cottee believes Hines has shown enough so
far to indicate he wil not look too far out of place in the Barclays Premier
League. "I do get a bit frustrated when people say 'I didn't realise how
good he was going to be' or 'I wasn't expecting him to do that'. You can
watch a kid in the youth team or the reserve team but you just don't know
how they are going to do until they get that chance. "The real positive for
me about Gianfranco Zola's first year in charge is that he has given the
kids a chance. They have had the opportunity to get into the team and
express themselves and, when they have done well, they have stayed in the
team and that's the real positive. I think it's great the kids from our
wonderful Academy are being given a chance."
Like Cottee, Hines has progressed through the youth ranks at Little Heath
under the watchful eye of Academy Director Tony Carr. Now, the seven-times
capped England international believes that Hines may benefit from being
nurtured in the same way he was during his formative years under John Lyall.
"Zavon has done really well. It's early days yet but he's made a fantastic
start to his career. From his performances it looks like mentally he is
right to stay in the team but it may be similar to what John Lyall did with
me. "When I got in the team as a 17-year-old and then as an 18-year-old the
following season, John seemed to play me for six to ten games and then
perhaps I got a bit tired and it didn't quite go for me so he took me out
for three or four games and then put me back in the team. "He did that for
my first 18 months of my career and then at the start of what was my third
season, I started every game. I know it's different now and it's a squad
game but at the moment you can't put the reigns on him. You've got to say
'Off you go' and let him carry on with what he's doing."
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U18s defeated
WHUFC.com
West Ham United Under-18s lost 2-0 to Ipswich Town on Saturday
26.09.2009
Ipswich Town U18s 2-0 West Ham United U18s
West Ham United Under-18s went down 2-0 at Ipswich Town on Saturday.
They will feel unlucky to have not taken anything from the game after
hitting the woodwork twice and being denied by two outstanding saves from
the Ipswich goalkeeper with the score at 0-0.
Ipswich took the lead in the 25th minute with their first attack of the game
and it stayed that way until half time. In the second half Cristian Montano
was denied in a one-on-one by another superb save from the Ipswich stopper.
Moments later, the hosts got the killer second after the West Ham defence's
offside trap was broken to leave their striker with a simple finish.
The Under-18s will be looking to return to winning ways when they play host
to Southampton at Little Heath next weekend.
West Ham United Under-18s: Mehmet, Modelski, Brown, Lampe, Sanchez, Moncur
(Driver 65), Barrett (Smith 70), Wearen (Werndly 65), Subuola, Montano,
Abdulla
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Zola shares his views
WHUFC.com
The League Managers Association invited Gianfranco Zola to take part in a
special conference
25.09.2009
Gianfranco Zola was a special guest at the League Managers Association
annual management conference at the Emirates Stadium. The event featured
fellow Premier League managers Arsene Wenger and David Moyes, as well as a
host of industry leaders. It was chaired by former BBC director general Greg
Dyke and included a series of keynote addresses from the business and
football worlds. Standing out was a debate featuring former Hammers defender
and current England Under-21 manager Stuart Pearce that also included
British Airways chairman Martin Broughton talking about talent spotting and
internal communication. The final event of the day was a question and answer
session featuring Zola and Moyes with broadcaster, and West Ham fan, Matt
Lorenzo.
One of the subjects discussed was how managers can bring the best out of
players with Zola telling the conference that it was important to work
closely with the squad but that also the player's own attitude was equally
significant - as in the case of Carlton Cole. "Carlton is very humble and
sometimes he's too quiet," the manager said. "He just needed to realise how
good he was - perhaps he didn't know. He didn't realise what he was capable
of and so we try to speak to him every week showing what he was doing and
what he was good at. "We try to look after him in every aspect of his game
and his mental approach. People try to give me credit but actually it's all
down to him."
Richard Bevan, LMA chief executive, said: "Our event reinforced the
similarities between management at the top level of football and business.
Arsene Wenger, David Moyes, Gianfranco Zola and the other LMA members who
spoke gave an incredible insight into their roles, demonstrating that they
are outstanding strategists, talent managers and leaders. "It is right that
they should share a stage with some of the most talented leaders from UK
industry and deliver such as successful event."
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West Ham & Millwall charged by FA
BBC.co.uk
By Frank Keogh
West Ham and Millwall have been hit with several Football Association
charges after the crowd trouble which marred their Carling Cup match. They
are expected to contest the accusations of failing to control their fans at
the match on 25 August. Both clubs are alleged to have taken insufficient
action to stop missile throwing and violent, threatening and racist
behaviour at Upton Park. The Hammers face four charges, while Millwall must
answer three. A Millwall supporter was stabbed as fans clashed outside the
east London ground and pitch invasions by West Ham fans followed each of
their side's goals in the 3-1 extra-time win. West Ham's Carlton Cole and
Millwall's Jason Price also alleged they were racially abused by supporters.
A total of 200 seats and a toilet block in the visiting supporters' section
of the ground are understood to have been damaged.
An FA statement alleges the clubs did not ensure their supporters conducted
themselves in an orderly fashion "in and around the ground". Both West Ham
and Millwall face charges of failing to ensure their fans refrained from:
- Violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour
- Racist behaviour
- Throwing missiles, harmful or dangerous objects onto the pitch
West Ham are also charged with failing to ensure their supporters did not
enter the field of play. The FA has liaised with the Metropolitan Police and
received reports from both clubs, who have 14 days to respond to the
charges. Fans identified as troublemakers will face lifetime bans, the FA
has said. Details of possible sanctions if the clubs are found guilty have
not been revealed, although it appears heavy fines are an option, with West
Ham facing the biggest punishment. Previous records of dealing with crowd
behaviour will also be taken into account, while footage from 47 closed
circuit television cameras inside Upton Park is being examined as police
inquiries continue. West Ham, who were knocked out of the competition by
Bolton Wanderers after extra-time last Tuesday, have received information
from fans after photos from the night were published on their website and in
a match programme. The club have already issued 10 lifetime banning orders,
including a number to supporters who identified themselves as pitch
invaders.
Both teams have held reputations in the past for attracting a hooligan
following, and Millwall have particularly sought to change the club's image
which has been blighted by violence. The club complained before the match
when their ticket allocation was halved to 1,500 following a police request.
Hundreds of supporters were thought to have turned up for the game without
tickets.
It was the first time the east London rivals had played each other since
April 2005. Eyewitness reports suggested opposing fans threw bottles and
bricks at each other and started small fires as police moved in to try and
quell the disturbances outside the ground. Inside the stadium, police and
stewards battled to remove fans from the pitch throughout the match.
West Ham are likely to tell the FA they complied with requests made by the
police-led safety advisory group, which met twice before the match, and
point to the fact there were no direct clashes between the opposing
supporters inside the ground. At the time Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola said
he was "shocked" by the crowd trouble, adding he had not seen anything like
it in seven years as a player in England. Sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe
labelled the incidents " a disgrace to football" while former West Ham
manager Harry Redknapp said the sides should not be allowed to meet again.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Man City v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Monday, 28 September 2009
Premier League
Venue: City of Manchester Stadium Date: Monday, 28 September 2009
Kick-off: 2000 BST
Coverage: BBC Sport website, BBC Radio 5 Live, local radio, Final Score &
highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy look set to lead the City line against their
former club in the continued absence of Emmanuel Adebayor and Roque Santa
Cruz. Stephen Ireland is doubtful after being concussed in the League Cup.
Robinho and Vincent Kompany remain sidelined.
Gianfranco Zola may be forced to play the same side who lost to Bolton in
the League Cup. Matthew Upson and Jack Collison both have calf injuries
while Luis Jimenez is still nursing a groin problem.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Manchester City
Suspended: Adebayor (3 of 3 matches)
Doubtful: Richards (shoulder), Ireland (concussion)
Injured: Onuoha (thigh), Robinho (ankle), Benjani (hip), Johnson (groin),
Santa Cruz (knee), Kompany (ankle)
West Ham
Suspended: None
Doubtful: Upson & Collison (both calf), Jiminez (groin)
Injured: Ashton (ankle), Boa Morte (knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
Manchester City blew away a few of their post derby-day cobwebs with an
extra-time Carling Cup victory over Fulham on Wednesday night. That win
followed their first defeat of the season at neighbours Manchester United
which came after a faultless start in their opening five games in all
competitions.
606: DEBATE
Have your say on the match
Defeat to neighbours Manchester United may have left City fans feeling blue,
but owner Sheikh Mansour responded to the loss by splashing more cash,
buying the remaining 10% of shares from former owner Thaksin Shinawatra.
Craig Bellamy is free to play after Greater Manchester Police revealed that
no complaint had been made against the Welsh international after he pushed a
fan in the face at Old Trafford last Sunday. Both the FA and Manchester City
had already revealed they will not be taking any further action regarding
the matter.
West Ham are winless in three trips to the North West in all competitions so
far this season. Despite their spluttering start Hammers boss Gianfranco
Zola insists West Ham can emulate last season's eigth place finish and
claims his players are up for the challenge.
I think we're getting above ourselves, thinking we're better than we are at
the moment
Robert Green, West Ham goalkeeper
However, goalkeeper Robert Green launched a stinging attack on his teammates
after their Carling Cup defeat at Bolton. The current England number one
went as far as to suggest his club colleagues have an inflated view of
themselves.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Manchester City are unbeaten at home in the league to West Ham since April
2003, winning three of four matches.
• Two thirds of Premier League games between the two sides have been won by
the home side - 12 of 18 matches.
• Manchester City and West Ham are the only two sides in this season's
Premier League yet to be behind at half-time.
Manchester City
• City have won each of their last five home league games, since a 3-1
defeat at Eastlands last April.
• 50 league games have passed since City were last involved in a goalless
draw.
• Craig Bellamy has scored six goals in 13 Premier League appearances
against his former clubs - including five in his last nine games. He is two
goals short of 100 league goals.
West Ham
• West Ham are in danger of losing three successive league games for only
the second time under Gianfranco Zola. They lost four in a row in October
last year just a month after the Italian took charge.
• The Hammers have accrued just four points from their opening five games,
their lowest tally since the 2002/03 season which ultimately resulted in
relegation.
• Zola's side are yet to beat a side from the top half of the table this
season, after losing at home to both Tottenham and Liverpool.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Manchester City
Adebayor: 4 goals (4 league); Bellamy: 3 goals (3 league)
West Ham
Cole & Stanislas: 2 goals (2 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Chris Foy
Assistant referees: Trevor Massey & Bob Pollock
Fourth official: Mike Jones
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Manchester City (L3-4 v Man United, a): Given, Richards, Lescott, Toure,
Bridge, Wright-Phillips, Barry, De Jong (Petrov 83), Ireland, Bellamy,
Tevez. Subs Not Used: Taylor, Zabaleta, Garrido, Weiss, Ball, Sylvinho.
West Ham (L2-3 v Liverpool, h): Green, Faubert, Tomkins, Upson (Gabbidon
25), Ilunga, Behrami (Kovac 27), Parker, Noble, Diamanti (Dyer 65), Cole,
Hines. Subs Not Used: Kurucz, Spector, Nouble, Payne.
MOST RECENT MEETING
West Ham 1-0 Man City (1 March 2009)
West Ham scorer: Collison 71
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Double dip
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 25th September 2009
By: Staff Writer
It has been claimed this morning that CEO Scott Duxbury and Technical
Director Gianluca Nani were forced to dip into their own finances to secure
the capture of striker Guille Franco. The 32-year-old Mexican international
announced that he would be moving to West Ham on September 10th - although
it was not until the 17th that the news was eventually confirmed by the club
on whufc.com. According to the story in today's Evening Standard, the
reasons for that delay were purely financial, specifically with regard to
agents and player fees - and only resolved once Duxbury and Nani apparently
agreed to fund the deal. CB Holdings - who refused to sanction Franco's move
- are said to have informed the club that, following the arrival of
Alessandro Diamanti, no more forwards were required. The news - which
follows West Ham's poor start to the season - further highlights the extent
of the gulf that exists between the club's owners and Duxbury's team. The
CEO - who is thought to be becoming increasingly frustrated at the lack of
financial backing - has also had to fend off the clubs bankers, who are
thought to have been responsible for the sale of James Collins to Aston
Villa on transfer deadline day.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Clubs face FA punishment
Duo charged in the aftermath of ugly Upton Park scenes
Last updated: 28th September 2009
SSN
West Ham and Millwall face the prospect of severe punishment by the Football
Association after being charged with several offences - including racist
behaviour by both sets of fans - following the shocking crowd violence in
August. The FA have issued four charges against West Ham and three against
Millwall after an investigation into the serious disturbances in and around
Upton Park on August 25. A full range of sanctions are available including
the clubs being made to play matches behind closed doors.
An FA statement said each club faces charges of:
:: Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from violent, threatening,
obscene and provocative behaviour.
:: Failure to ensure their supporters refrained from racist behaviour.
:: Failure to ensure their supporters did not throw missiles, harmful or
dangerous objects onto the pitch.
West Ham have also been charged with failure to ensure their supporters did
not enter the field of play - there were three pitch invasions during the
Carling Cup second round tie. West Ham striker Carlton Cole and Millwall's
Jason Price both suffered racist abuse during the match, which the home side
won 3-1. During the evening, one 44-year-old man was taken to hospital with
stab wounds and several others were injured. The FA's statement added: "The
FA has liaised closely with all relevant authorities including the
Metropolitan Police during the course of its investigations and has been in
constant dialogue with both clubs during this time. "Both clubs now have a
period of 14 days to respond to the charges."
After the match, sports minister Gerry Sutcliffe backed the FA's call for
life bans for those fans found to have been involved and described the
scenes as "a disgrace to football".
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola - I am under pressure
Hammers boss insists he has it tough
Last updated: 27th September 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola insists he is under just as much pressure as Manchester City
boss Mark Hughes. The West Ham chief comes up against Hughes' City on
Monday. And Zola is looking forward to clashing with his former Chelsea
team-mate. "Both of us are under pressure for different reasons. He knows
with the budget and the team he has got he has to produce results," said
Zola. "But I have to produce solutions and that is a pressure as well. "I am
coping with the job and the situation is making me more creative, more
responsible. It is a good challenge. A positive pressure. "I like to work
with the players and make them improve. And to build a team. I wouldn't mind
some money to spend on a good player. "It would make the process a little
quicker. But I don't mind, I like what I am doing and this team has got a
future."
Zola admits that he never thought that he and Hughes would one day be
meeting on the sidelines after playing together. "It was difficult for me to
imagine myself as a football manager. Mark was unbelievable on the pitch in
those days," he said. "It was my fortune as a footballer to have him on my
side. "On the training ground he was the worst training mate I have ever had
in my career. "But he is doing very well in his job. He did well at
Blackburn and when he was with Wales. I have only admiration for him as a
footballer and a manager."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola - Bellamy improved me
Bellamy bother helped improve Italian as Hammers boss
By Elliot Ball Last updated: 27th September 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has revealed the confrontational personality of former West
Ham striker Craig Bellamy made him a better manager. The Hammers boss will
be trying to counter the Welsh international's pace when Manchester City
welcome Zola's side to Eastlands on Monday night. And the Italian tactician
has admitted managing Bellamy was a steep learning curve in his career as a
Premier League boss after wrestling with the feisty personality of the
controversial 30-year-old marksman. "I loved working with him because he
tested me a lot," said Zola. "He has such a fire inside and it can be hard,
but if you approach him in the right way he can give you a lot of
satisfaction.
Bellamy is bang in form after netting a brace in City's 4-3 derby defeat to
Manchester United in their last league outing and will be keen to put on
another good show according to his former boss. Zola said of West Ham's
official website: "I think (Monday's game) will be massive as he has done
very well. "When he left, for the supporters he left on strange terms so he
will be up for it. We are going to find a way to look after him. It is not
going to be easy as he is a very good player but we will try."
Bellamy joined the City revolution last January, signing for his former
international coach and Blackburn boss Mark Hughes. Zola has struggled to
replace his pace and verve and could hand 32-year-old Mexican striker
Guillermo Franco his Hammers debut against City in a bid to kick-start a
season which has struggled to ignite since they beat Wolves at Molineux on
the first day of the season. While West Ham have gleaned just four points
from five matches and been knocked out of the Carling Cup by Bolton, Zola
believes he is building a side capable of qualifying for a European place.
"I am getting close to getting the right combination," added the Italian.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola open minded over Sol
Hammers could move for Campbell if he needs experience
Last updated: 25th September 2009
SSN
West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola admits he would consider signing Sol
Campbell if he needed to add an experienced defender to his squad. Campbell
quit Notts County earlier this week just a month after agreeing a five-year
contract with the ambitious League Two outfit. The 35-year-old is not
allowed to join a new club until January, but his former Portsmouth boss
Harry Redknapp believes the centre-half can still perform in the Premier
League. Fulham and Wolves were among the clubs to pass up the chance to land
Campbell in the summer, but Zola concedes he could move for the ex-England
international depending on the circumstances. "It would depend on whether
you needed him, but he's a good player with experience and he's got
everything," said Zola. "If I was in need of an experienced player, I would
think of him."
Meanwhile, the Hammers head to Manchester City on Monday night having failed
to win in the Premier League since the opening day of the season. But, after
recently bringing in Guillermo Franco on a free transfer, Zola insists he is
not jealous of the seemingly unlimited millions available to City boss Mark
Hughes. Zola said: "I don't envy anybody. We are not a club who can spend
£20million on a player, but we are solid. We have stability and can look
forward with a positive attitude. "Franco is going to be important for us.
He has got experience and presence on the pitch. He will be a very good buy
for us." He added: "We know we are not getting the points we should, but we
are playing well and improving. I'm the first to say that points-wise we are
not doing great, but I am not working just on three points. "I am working on
a project. I see the big picture. It is just a matter of time before we
start picking up points with consistency."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola hopes for positive outcome
Hammers boss insists club have co-operated fully
Last updated: 25th September 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola hopes West Ham are not punished by the Football Association
after ugly scenes marred their Carling Cup clash with Millwall last month.
One man was stabbed as fans clashed outside Upton Park and there were three
pitch invasions during the game, prompting an investigation. The Hammers
have co-operated fully with the authorities and the talented Italian manager
hopes their actions help towards the overall verdict. The FA will announce
their findings next week and Zola, who is currently preparing his team to
face Manchester City, hopes for a positive outcome. "I don't know what is
going to come out," Zola told Sky Sports News. "I believe they listened to
us. I believe we've done everything possible to help the FA to find the
truth. "We're waiting and we have faith in the people that are deciding.
"We'll see. As a club we've done everything possible to collaborate to find
a good solution."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
View from the Opposition - Manchester City FC
One McAvennieeeeee - Wed Sep 23 2009
West Ham Online
After the bitterly dissapointing result last night, we're back to the league
this weekend, well Monday night, and we make the long journey up to
Eastlands to play one of the wealthiest clubs in Word Football, Manchester
City.
The performance last week has had some mixed reviews. Some stating we didn't
deserve to lose and some saying we didn't do enough to try and win the game.
I'm siding towards the latter. We never really got out of our half in the
second period when the game looked to be there for the taking. Saying that
though, there's no disgrace to losing to Liverpool when a player like Torres
is on fire.
As for last night, well we were beaten by a better side. I think Rob Green
summed it up perfectly when he basically said we need to buck our ideas up.
Let's hope the Management team have taken notice.
Man City have had a decent start to the season and really do look the real
deal for a top 4 finish. They were desperately unlucky in the derby game
last week but they will be looking at this as an easy 3 points, and I can't
see many going against that.
This week, we have Paul Gallagher answering our questions. For those of you
that don't know, Paul is the 'Other brother' of Liam and Noel of Oasis.
Q. For City it was a busy transfer window – how did it go in your opinion?
A. I think we have brought in decent players for the positions we needed to
strengthen, tho we still have some way to go before we are all happy with
the squad.We are still light in some positions, especially in the creative
middle..Any injury to Stephen Ireland or Shaun Wright Phillips will be
massively felt.
Q. Is your squad good enough to finish in the top 4 this season?
A. I have backed us to win the title.Now whether that happens is open to a
whole list of things.. Form, Injuries and Suspensions. I always felt if we
hit the ground running we could get a flying start. The Adebayor ban took
the shine off that slightly, and the Derby left a bitter taste. But we have
proved in the first half a dozen games, that we'll have a major say on who
will win the title. Chelsea are the team to beat for me..and we'll be there
or thereabouts.
Q. New players you'd like to see come in January?
A. A new left back , right back.. these positions are our weakest. For me
Micah Richards hasn't been right since he became an England player, i know
he isn't anymore. He bulked up, lost his pace, his positioning is erratic..
a classic case of too much too young.. He will be replaced by Zabeleta as
the season progresses.Also Wayne Bridge..mister one foot. He looks good in
cameos.. but to win titles, you need to be solid, and he ain't really, he's
no Ashley Cole, he gets caught out so many times.As for new names.. Riquelme
in the midfield, Yaya Toure, Messi. ( only joking)
Q. Doubtless it's been a bit of a Blur but sum up your feelings after the
first half dozen games?
A. Going great guns.. shows the benefit of building a squad..i think when
the defence settles we'll have a great season. the midfield and attack has
gelled instantly, its the defence that's let us down in the past two games,
lapses of concentration, players knowing their jobs, not everyone can be an
attacker.Barry should be captain, Toure, im not convinced he's the right man
for the job., saying all this we have 4 clean sheets out of 6..
Q. Time has come to see a decent team with good support get the opportunity
to compete against the best – with the best currently being your closest
neighbours, What has been the general reaction in Manchester (or should I
say Surrey) about your good fortune?
A. United fans are bitter towards city.. they can see us coming,. and they
don't like it, not one little bit. But hey.. United didn't invent football,
the premiership, trophies.. I seem to remember they went 26yrs without a
title win before 1991..nor does the media want change.. there's a growing
resentment towards us..keep the SKY 4 at all costs?
Q. History has giving us a number of good games - What is your best memory
of City v West Ham?
A. In the past 3 or 4 years we have had the indian sign over you at
Eastlands..and you have tended to have the upper hand at Upton Park
historically.
And we have shared some brilliant and not so brilliant players.. Ian Bishop,
Paolo Wanchope to name but two..The 3-0 home win for us .. a couple of
seasons back.. Elano's 2 well taken goals and Daniel Sturridge cool finish
before he believed his own hype and drove himself down to Chelsea's bench.
Svens debut away win at Upton Park is another highlight.. prob due to the
fact we were in Christian Dailly's box and we took a nice 0-2 score back to
Manchester. happy days..
Q. Emmanuelle Adebayor – Ban for the stamp fair? And what is your view on
his actions towards the Arsenal fans?
A. As a City fan you want to see your players.. play fair.. was it a stamp,
a flick, an accident, only Adebayor really knows what went on.The 3 match
ban was the best you could hope for.. though I didn't like the way the FA
rushed thru the hearing, after all the other incidents in the past weeks
have not even being heard as yet..half of me thinks it was influenced by
United to rush it through..( they have people in the FA ya know)
As for Arsenal fans, they have history with the player. I didn't like the
way they through bananas at Adebayor, which was an oversight in the media (
obv to protect the olympic bid), knocking out stewards, come on Arsenal
fans, you're all supposed to be graphic designers who are basically the Man
U of the South, when did you turn into Millwall..
Arsenal fans are obviously frustrated.. they have now become a selling
team..Wenger doesn't seem to want to part with anything above £10m, and they
are playing prudently, getting by, which is why Arsenal fan's are
frustrated.
As for Adebayor.. yeah stupid thing to do.. but we'd all do it.. given the
chance.. to score.. and then race towards the people that have been giving
me hell for 80 mins..and say.. take that..
Q. How was the Derby weekend last week from a fans perspective?
A. For me..Terrible to watch.. When Rooney scored after 2 Min's.. I feared
the worst. What you need at Old Trafford is a solid start, don't give
anything away in the first 15 mins, then build..but to be fair to us, we
never gave up, we got the 1-1, brilliant chasing by Tevez, nice and calm by
Barry. Then Tevez had the chance for 1-2 before half time, that was the
turning point cos United came out in the 2nd half and pummelled us.. but we
hung in there.. fantastic saves by Shay kept us in the game and great goals
by Bellamy for 2-2 and 3-3. then the extras..that got me i must admit. 7
mins of injury time in a game with no injuries, it was hard to take.
Q. I think when you see quality players playing attractive football all over
the park life doesn't get much better – with a number of good players who is
the fans favourite now?
A.Usually its the home grown players. the ones that have come thru the
ranks. City like West Ham, love their own blossoming. SWP, Ireland, Onuoha,
Weiss ( one for the future), as for the big money buys.. Given,
Barry,Bellamy, Adebayor, Kompany..Robinho needs to put some sweat on the
shirt to be accepted..
Q. Do you think West Ham will do any good this season?
A. 9th-10th..I think you'll do OK in the FA Cup.. Zola is a decent manager ,
or he will be.. Great pedigree, great player in his time
Q. Describing us, Noel once said we are a bunch of thugs – what is your view
of our fans?
A. West Ham have been like City in many ways.. they like to play football on
the deck, they like to pass the ball, the fans are used to the glory days of
the past, and cry out for modern footballers to emulate this.I don't mind
West Ham fans, they ain't the worst, they support their team.
Q. Eastlands is like many grounds now as far as the quiet home support goes,
but what is your favourite song 2 opposing fans – what is the best you've
heard coming back at you?
A. I don't think opposing fans of the bigger clubs give their teams that
much vocal support anymore.They don't get behind the side the way they used
too. Society has changed so much. What was acceptable in days gone by.. is
outlawed now..Even some of our songs are embarrassing.. "invisible man" song
being one..
Spurs away last season..I never knew spurs fans had "humour" in them..
singing to Liam.. " yer just a shit chas and dave,, made me chuckle..
Q. Now Diving has had a lot of publicity recently – In your view Is it
acceptable from your own players even if there's no other way of scoring?
A. Diving should never be accepted..I'm from the old school.. stay on your
feet at all times.The British game was always a fair game, nowadays, players
just get touched and go to ground.. I know all the arguments for being
tripped at pace, but come on, some of the diving is outrageous..Drogba being
a prime example.. that fella is what.. 6"2.. and for him to go to ground on
the slightest of contact is out of order,Eduardo the same.. It should be
eradicated from the game otherwise its gonna be danicng on ice in 10yrs
time..
Q. By and large the Universal thinking seems to be that Mark Hughes isn't
going to be up to the task of looking after these big name players – I
personally disagree, what are your thoughts?
A. It depends.. Football fans on a whole expect miracles... Managers can
only manage when the players are gonna take on board whats being said to
them. Mark Hughes has no more of a difficult job than say Alex Ferguson.
He's a winner. His playing career was a testament to this.. Barcelona,
United, etc etc. And given time..he will be a top class manager..Though some
of his substitutions or lack of them leave me fuming, I would hope that
Hughes would become a legendary manager at Manchester City. We have to
emulate our past teams. Joe Mercer + Malcolm Allison.. the 60s was so long
ago. Put it this way. He has the best chance of any Manchester City manager
in the past 40yrs to create a dynasty, if our owners stay interested.. which
I'm sure they will.. we could be the team to beat for the next 20 years or
so
Q. Likelihood is you have a choice where to see games - Where do you prefer
to watch them, in an executive box (like your brothers) with no atmosphere,
or down with the Eastland fans..... also with no atmosphere?
A. I prefer away games..Most new stadia is so new that the atmosphere that
was built up in an old creaky grounds took 50yrs+ to bear fruit. I'm not
saying wait this long, but it will take some stadiums 10yrs+ to try and
replicate what we had at Maine Road, and will it ever be the same as society
has changed, plus all seating stadia hasnt helped..I would have liked to
follow the German route, where they still have a standing section.
I don't care where I sit..out in the open, in an Exec Box, its all much of a
muchness..I just wanna see City perform, put in a shift and WIN..
Q. Unless the memories are too traumatic, Tell us your favourite memories as
a kid of going to City games with your brothers?
A. I never went to the games with Liam, as he was too young... back in the
day, the 1980s.. we'd go in a gang.. Myself , Noel, and a few others..
Memories.. hahaha.. too many too mention.. Sheff United away.. boring 0-0
draw..riots..Notts C away pitch invasions at half time, coach leaving us in
Nottingham, arriving back in Manchester penniless at 2 the next
morning..lost..Barnsley away.. Lost.. Lincoln away.. Lost.. you get the
picture?
Quality football was a blur back in the yo yo 80s..Thankfully the way we are
going now.. I will finally have some joy in watching city..1999 and that
final was enough for ONE heart to take, though its 20 years ago today that
we murdered UNITED 5-1..I remember it well..
Q. Recently they were both spotted at opposite ends of the ground - Do you
go and watch with them now, if so whose box do you choose?
A. For starters.. neither of them have a box..For the Wolves game I was with
Liam in Stephen Ireland's box.. and Noel was with Umbro in theirs.Its no
biggie you know..Noel has his pals, Liam has his, I have mine.. Sometimes we
get together, and sometimes we don't, we are all together in one thing...
supporting CITY..
Q. Tell us about Craig Bellamy, although being a completely charmless man he
has been missed at Upton Park, on the pitch at least. How has he settled in?
A. Charmless?? I think he's one of the last breed of millionaire UK
footballers that has the desire to win every game, he will fight ( OK some
of it not legit), and he has pace to burn. How many times do we see talented
footballers, just walking around the pitch not putting a shift in. Bellamy
gives 100%, or he has been doing since he came to us. His problem seems to
be keeping fit, but when he is.. what a player. I just think he needs to
feel the love, to be made feel wanted. And with Mark Hughes and Mark Bowen,
he has people there that understand him, understand what he gives the team.
Q. If you could implement one rule change what would it be?
A. Technology.. the time has come to take some of the key decisions away
from the referees and linesmen.
Don't they have enough to do without the extra time, penalty decisions,
offsides, etc etc..look at other sports.. rugby being one.. I'd like to see
the sin bin brought in.. instead of sendings off.. which ruin the game.
Q. Tell us which of our players you most like in your squad?
A. Shay Given without doubt the best goalkeeper in the league,solid, and
unbeatable most of the time.Stephen Ireland for his work rate and vision,
SWP for his ability to bounce back from being attacked every game, Craig
Bellamy for his sheer determination and will to win and Gareth Barry for his
100% every game.
****Paul miss-read this question and sends his apologies. The correct answer
is Mark Noble****
Q. Loads of new players in, but which of your players would you happily see
leave the club?
A. Robinho for me..That may sound mad..£32m footballer..for City to be the
best, we cant afford passengers. With what he gives us with his tricks- he
loses in every game, doesnt track back, leaves SWP exposed every time.
West Ham away last season summed it up. We may as well have turned up with 9
men as him and Elano were pedestrian. He'll be gone in January maybe with
Micah Richards.
Q. Every interviewee gets asked this one for some reason – what's your
favourite flavour crisp?
A. Crisps.. If i do eat them which is rarely.. Salt and Black Pepper.
Q. So that just leaves your Match Prediction?
A. 3-1 to us..We're pretty solid at home,if we score in the first 15 Min's..
its a tough 75mins+ for the opposition.
Many thanks to Paul for taking the time out to answer these questions.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester City v West Ham United
ESPN
Updated: September 27, 2009, 1:16 PM UK
Roque Santa Cruz could make his Manchester City debut in Monday's encounter
with West Ham at Eastlands. The Paraguay international has been consigned to
the sidelines since his £17million summer move from Blackburn after a knee
operation. However, he came through a reserve team encounter with Wrexham
unscathed on Wednesday and should be on the bench for the Blues. Michael
Johnson played in the same game and is also available after abdominal
trouble, while Stephen Ireland will be assessed by City's medical staff
after he was released from hospital on Friday morning after being admitted
complaining of dizziness. Emmanuel Adebayor sits completes the final game of
a three-match suspension picked up for his facial attack on Arsenal`s Robin
van Persie. Mark Hughes is not too worried about being without Adebayor
because his City players need to get used to it. The disciplinary problems
are not over for the £25million striker either given he is still to face an
improper conduct charge brought by the FA following the former Arsenal man's
controversial goal celebration against his old club. Yet Hughes is looking
much further forward, to the African Cup of Nations in January. If Togo
demand Adebayor's release as soon as FIFA statutes allow and then go on to
be successful in the competition, which will be played in Angola, the
25-year-old could be missing for an entire month. "Ade has been a big part
of the start that we have been able to achieve,'' said the City boss. "But
at times during the season, certainly when he is on international duty next
year, we will have to go into games without him. "We may as well get used to
being without him and making sure we understand what we have to do when he
is not around.''
Striker Guillermo Franco could make his debut for West Ham. West Ham boss
Gianfranco Zola is hopeful that England defender Matthew Upson will have
recovered from a calf injury while Luis Jimenez is also back in training
after nursing a thigh strain. Midfielder Valon Behrami, however, is doubtful
with a back injury he suffered in last week's defeat against Liverpool. Zola
believes confronting the fire of former West Ham striker Craig Bellamy made
him a better manager. The Hammers boss must find a way to counter the pace
of Bellamy when his side meet Manchester City at Eastlands. While Zola
admits managing Bellamy was not the easiest task of his year-long career so
far as a Premier League boss he admits grappling with the feisty personality
of the controversial Welsh striker was a steep learning curve. Zola said: "I
loved working with him because he tested me a lot. He has such a fire inside
and it can be hard, but if you approach him in the right way he can give you
a lot of satisfaction. "He is a person you have to listen to for the second
thing he says, because the first thing sometimes can be hard. "He is honest
and is not worried about telling somebody they are doing something wrong.
Even to the manager.''
Zola admits they did have one altercation when they fronted up to each other
following West Ham's defeat at Hull last season. Zola learned that Bellamy
had been harsh in his criticism of some of West Ham's players in the
dressing room and warned him not to do so again. "He said 'Are you
threatening me?' recalls Zola. "And I said 'No I'm not threatening you.'
"From then it was the break point. After that we respected each other and
everything went well. I always listened to his opinion and he always
listened to my advice.''
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Roque Santa Cruz prepared for Manchester City debut at last
The Times
James Ducker
Twenty-one months after Manchester City began their torturous pursuit of
Roque Santa Cruz, the club's supporters may finally get their first glimpse
of the Paraguay striker as he prepares to make a long overdue debut at home
to West Ham United in the Barclays Premier League this evening.
City's interest in Santa Cruz pre-dates Mark Hughes's arrival as manager at
the club in the summer of last year, but despite finally getting their man
after what amounted to a seventh bid was accepted by Blackburn Rovers in
June, the agonising wait to blood him continued as he was sidelined by a
troubling knee injury.
Having spent the past three months recuperating, however, Santa Cruz is
expected to be given a chance against West Ham to show why City persevered
for so long trying to sign him.
"We could have brought him back sooner but given the fact that we had good
options up front, we had no need to rush him back," Hughes said. "We had a
game behind closed doors against Wrexham last week and he looked in good
fettle. It is good to see him on the training ground, playing in games and
looking in good nick."
With Carlos Tévez and Craig Bellamy expected to lead City's attack once
again, Santa Cruz may have to settle for a place on the substitutes' bench,
but he will be involved at some point.
Quite where Santa Cruz will figure in City's plans once Robinho, the Brazil
forward who is injured, and Emmanuel Adebayor, the Togo striker who
completes his three-match ban for violent conduct, return remains to be
seen.
With Bellamy impossible to drop at the moment and Tévez the fans' favourite,
it would appear to be a straight choice for Hughes between his two big men
up front — Adebayor and Santa Cruz — but while the African's form so far has
made him indispensable when available, Hughes is a big admirer of the
Paraguayan. So what does £18 million buy you?
"He is a big guy, his physical presence is important for us and he is quick,
strong, brave and good in the air," Hughes said. "Technically, he is good
enough and he is a great character and that is part and parcel of what I am
looking to bring to the club."
Unfazed by Santa Cruz's history of injury problems, Hughes paid Bayern
Munich £3.3 million to bring the striker to Blackburn in July 2007, a
decision that paid handsome dividends as the player plundered 23 goals in
his first season with the club.
"I will always remember the first training session he had at Blackburn and
the reaction the other players showed when they saw what he had produced,"
Hughes said. "He has the ability to make people sit up and take notice.
"He has been at the biggest club in Germany so he is used to performing
under pressure and at a club with a big profile. He has the mentality I
need. I blew all of my budget on him when I was at Blackburn so that shows
you what I thought of him. If he can replicate even half of what he did
there, then he will be good value."
Team line-ups
Manchester City (probable; 4-2-3-1): S Given — P Zabaleta, K Touré, J
Lescott, W Bridge — N De Jong, G Barry — S Wright-Phillips, S Ireland, C
Bellamy — C Tévez.
West Ham United (probable; 4-3-2-1): R Green — J Faubert, J Tompkins, M
Upson, H Ilunga — V Behrami, M Noble, S Parker — Z Hines, A Diamanti — C
Cole.
Referee: C Foy Television: Live on ESPN from 7pm (kick-off 8pm)
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Hammers Facing Shutdown
The Sun
By PAUL JIGGINS
Published: Today
WEST HAM face a shutdown for their night of shame. The FA will today hit the
Hammers and Millwall with charges of failing to control their fans after
last month's Carling Cup tie between the clubs was marred by serious crowd
trouble. If found guilty the Premier League outfit could be forced to play a
game behind closed doors at Upton Park. Both clubs will be hauled in the
dock for "failure to ensure their supporters refrained from violent,
threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour."
They will also be charged with "failure to ensure their supporters refrained
from racist behaviour" and "failure to ensure their supporters didn't throw
missiles, harmful or dangerous objects on to the pitch." In addition, West
Ham must also answer a charge of "failure to ensure their supporters didn't
enter the field of play." The charges follow the FA's probe into the trouble
at the clubs' second-round tie on August 25. Hundreds of fans were involved
in violent scenes before, during and after the powderkeg encounter. Millwall
insisted last night they were not to blame. Chief executive Andy Ambler
said: "It was widely acknowledged that none of our supporters came on to the
pitch, and the behaviour and forbearance of our fans brought praise from
observers."
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Neill's English house 'robbed'
28 September 2009 | 13:50 - AAP
Worldgame.sbs.con.au
Socceroos defender Lucas Neill has apparently become the latest English
Premier League star to fall victim to thieves. Neill was at home when
intruders entered his house and took items including his car keys before
stealing the car, which was later recovered by police, News Limited
reported. Neill has only just signed for Premier League club Everton after
leaving West Ham in the off-season after his contract with the Hammers
expired. The Australian captain is the latest English-based star to suffer
such a crime, with Socceroos team-mate Vince Grella one of the 30 reported
victims after thieves stole cash and jewellery before taking off his BMW.
Other players to have endured a home invasion this year include Liverpool
stars Steven Gerrard, Dirk Kuyt and Pepe Reina, Manchester City striker
Roque Santa Cruz, Manchester United star Darren Fletcher and Aston Villa's
Emile Heskey. Most of the thefts have occurred in the north-west region of
England in the Liverpool and Manchester area, although a dozen have also
happened in London and Essex.
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