WHUFC.com
All the minute-by-minute action from a pulsating 2-2 draw at St James' Park
10.01.2009
Barclays Premier League
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Saturday 10 January
3pm
Referee: Alan Wiley
Newcastle United: Given, Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique,
Gutierrez, Guthrie, Geremi (N'Zogbia 62), Duff, Owen, Carroll
Subs not used: Harper, Xisco, Kadar, Edgar, LuaLua, Donaldson
Booked: Guthrie
Goals: Owen 19, Carroll 78
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble (Mullins 86), Collison (Boa Morte 76), Cole, Bellamy (Di Michele 81)
Subs not used: Stech, Faubert, Tristan, Tomkins
Goals: Bellamy 29, Cole 55
Attendance: 47,571
MINUTE BY MINUTE
2.45pm - The atmosphere is growing at St James' Park. It is a cold, clear
day in the North West as West Ham United go for a third straight Premier
League victory.
2.50pm - Gianfranco Zola's side have returned to the dressing room following
a pre-match warm-up on the pitch. Last down the tunnel are Scott Parker and
Diego Tristan. Both look fully focussed on getting the three points today.
2.55pm - The ''Blaydon Races' rings out around the stadium. The huge stands
are filling up as the 3pm kick-off fast approaches.
2.56pm - Newcastle United's two giant Magpie mascots are playing football on
the pitch in front of the dugouts.
2.57pm - The teams are in the tunnel. The two sets of players exchange a few
jokes ahead of the big match.
2.58pm - The two sides take to the pitch to the strains of 'Dire Straits'
Going Home', the theme to the film 'Local Hero', The tune has been
reinstated this season following a campaign by supporters and the band's
frontman Mark Knopfler.
2.59pm - Now it is time for the official Premier League music as the two
sets of players shake hands on the halfway line.
3.00pm - Referee Alan Wiley does a few last shuttle runs to keep himself
warm on what is a cold afternoon. It is not as bitter as it has been in
recent days, however, and the pitch looks in good condition.
FIRST HALF
3.01pm - Craig Bellamy gets us under way.
3.03pm - Michael Owen finds Andy Carroll 20 yards out, but his left foot
shot is well blocked by James Collins. Valon Behrami clears the danger.
3.06pm - West Ham are knocking the ball around confidently in midfield. A
good spell of possession on the edge of the Newcastle penalty area but the
visitors just cannot work a clear shooting opportunity.
3.06pm - Lucas Neill fouls Jonas 30 yards from goal. Geremi curls the
resulting free-kick straight into Robert Green's arms.
3.07pm - West Ham's 3,000 travelling fans are making plenty of noise high up
in the Sir John Hall Stand.
3.09pm - Damien Duff's eighth minute cross is met by Carroll but his header
is blocked by James Collins. Home appeals for a penalty are turned down by
Wiley.
3.11pm - Craig Bellamy has been caught offside a couple of times. Newcastle
are playing a high defensive line, however, and the Welshman should keep
making his attacking runs.
3.13pm - A huge let off for the Hammers as Owen rolls a left foot shot
against the base of Green's far post following good work by Jonas down the
left wing.
3.15pm - The game is really livening up. First, Mark Noble's shot is
blocked, then Bellamy's goalbound header from Herita Ilunga's deep cross
hits Jose Enrique and bounces clear.
3.16pm - Matthew Upson fouls Owen, but again Geremi can only curl his
free-kick straight to Green. The two teams are going at each other as if
both believe they can win this game. It is making for an entertaining
spectacle.
3.18pm - Green, sporting some fetching white shorts, is out smartly to grab
Enrique's cross off the head of the lurking Carroll.
3.20pm - GOAL - Owen gets free of his marker and picks up Enrique's entry
pass 25 yards from goal. He turns, Collins slips, and the England striker
unleashes a low shot that Green can only get fingertips to on its way into
the bottom left-hand corner. NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-0 WEST HAM UNITED
3.21pm - West Ham look to hit back immediately. Collins meets Noble's deep
corner, but it is an easy catch for Shay Given.
3.24pm - Danny Guthrie becomes the first player booked by referee Wiley. He
receives a yellow card for a late lunge on Parker.
3.26pm - Carroll should make it 2-0. Guthrie's far-post cross finds the
striker unmarked, but he can only aim his header into the side netting from
six yards. That could be a big miss.
3.28pm - Behrami fouls the dangerous Jonas. Yet again, Geremi's free-kick
finds Green's gloves. The man who scored a direct free-kick for Chelsea
against the Hammers a couple of seasons ago has not found his range this
afternoon.
3.29pm - GOAL - West Ham hit back through that man Bellamy. The striker wins
the ball on the edge of the penalty area, exchanges passes with Parker and
chips an exquisite finish over the advancing Given. NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-1
WEST HAM UNITED
3.30pm - That really was a superb finish from Bellamy. He kept his composure
brilliantly to net against his former club. That is Bellamy's fourth goal in
his last four league matches.
3.31pm - Green holds on to Duff's rising drive.
3.33pm - Neill is forced to head Duff's cross out for a corner.
3.34pm - Noble is penalised for pulling back Guthrie. This free-kick is in a
dangerous position 25 yards from goal. Geremi's low effort ricochets off
Collins and falls to Jonas. His shot flicks off Bellamy and into the side
netting. That was close! Green claims Guthrie's resulting corner.
3.36pm - Enrique romps forward, swaps passes with Carroll but can only watch
as hit long-range shot flies well over. The miss is welcomed by a rousing
rendition of 'Bubbles' from the away supporters.
3.38pm - The threatening clouds that had gathered over St James' Park
earlier in the half have started to clear. There is even a hint of blue sky
above the stadium. Amazing!
3.39pm - The home supporters are in the mood for a song themselves. 'Black
and White Army' rings out from the Gallowgate End.
3.40pm - Guthrie lobs the ball into the box and Carroll goes down under
Neill's challenge. Wiley waves away the penalty claims. West Ham's fans
respond with another tune, this time the 'Ludek Miklosko' number is their
chosen ditty.
3.42pm - This really is an engrossing game. First, Bellamy's cross flashes
across the Newcastle penalty area. Less than a minute later, Owen fires well
wide from 30 yards.
3.43pm - Noble is denied by a fantastic save by Given. The midfielder beats
the Newcastle offside trap and latches on to Neill's long ball. He bears
down on goal, only for his low shot to bounce off the goalkeeper's left
heel. Bellamy tries to net the loose ball, but the angle is against him and
his shot flies into the side netting.
3.46pm - Newcastle hit back yet again. Guthrie's shot flicks off Upson for
yet another corner. Guthrie curls a high ball to the far post where Carroll
can only nod well wide.
3.47pm - Carlton Cole and Sebastien Bassong both end up on the ground after
tangling on the halfway line.
3.48pm - Another fine passing move from the Hammers ends with Cole's
deflected shot being gathered by Given. That is the last action of a
pulsating 45 minutes as referee Wiley blows for half-time.
HALF-TIME - NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-1 WEST HAM UNITED
The half-time entertainment is under way. Four home supporters are hoping to
win £40 of club shop vouchers by hitting the crossbar from the edge of the
penalty area.
The first one misses. The second one pulls his jeans up and his beautiful
effort clips the top of the bar on the way over. Well done! The last two
efforts are not so good. One flies too high and the other too low. Second
time around a second fan slams his shot against the woodwork. Very
impressive!
SECOND HALF
4.03pm - West Ham's players are back out on the pitch. No sign of Newcastle
though.
4.04pm - The 'Blaydon Races' welcomes the home side back out of the tunnel.
4.05pm - And we're off and running again,
4.06pm - Just 20 seconds in and West Ham have a strong penalty claim turned
down. Bellamy races on to Noble's chip but appears to be held back by
Bassong. The Hammers remain the only Premier League team not to be awarded a
spot-kick this season. Replays show Bassong's arm clearly impedes the
striker.
4.08pm - With Hull City losing 2-0 at half-time and Fulham's home match
against Blackburn Rovers having been postponed, a West Ham winner could take
Zola's side into eighth place. Cole curls a powerful shot in but Given is
equal to it.
4.09pm - West Ham are all over Newcastle. Ilunga whips in a cross from the
left, Cole holds it up but Noble can only poke his shot straight at Given.
4.10pm - Another shooting chance for the Hammers. This time Enrique blocks
Noble's effort after good work from Cole.
4.13pm - Fantastic football from West Ham. Ilunga and Bellamy play a neat
one-two on the left before Collison runs at the Newcastle defence. His left
foot shot is deflected behind. Neill meets Noble's corner but cannot direct
his header on target.
4.14pm - GOAL - Geremi fouls Parker 40 yards from the Magpies goal.
Newcastle scramble the ball clear but Ilungha plays it back into the box
where Cole controls instantly before unleashing an unstoppable left foot
volley past Given. It flies in off the inside of the near post. What a goal
- it' is Cole''s fourth in four matches. NEWCASTLE UNITED 1-2 WEST HAM
UNITED
4.16pm - A crowd of 47,571 witnessed that goal!
4.18pm - Newcastle get another corner but Geremi wastes it, curling the ball
miles past the far post and out for a goal kick. The Newcastle supporters,
who saw Manchester United triumph 5-1 in their last home match, register
their displeasure loudly.
4.19pm - The hosts get the message. First, only geat defending by Upson
denies Carroll, then Jonas drags his shot wide from 25 yards.
4.20pm - The pace of the game shows no sign of slowing as it passes the hour
mark. That really was a fantastic finish by Cole. He gave Given absolutely
no chance at all.
4.21pm - Newcastle manager Joe Kinnear makes his first substitution. Geremi
is replaced by Frenchman Charles N'Zogbia.
4.23pm - A strange hush has descended over the stadium. The crowd livens up
again as Collins dives to block N'Zogbia's shot behind. Guthrie's corner is
claimed by Green.
4.25pm - Carroll leaps high to get on the end of Duff''s cross, but it
bounces wide.
4.27pm - Behrami brings down Duff just a yard outside the left edge of the
West Ham penalty area. Guthrie lays the free-kick back to N'Zogbia but his
shot is blocked. Coloccini curls the ball back into the penalty area and
Neill slices it into his own net, only for Wiley to whistle for a foul by
Steven Taylor on Collins. Neill has a broad smile on his face.
4.29pm - Cole holds the ball up well and finds Behrami, but his deflected
shot rolls just too far in front of Bellamy and into the arms of Given.
4.30pm - This is still a game you cannot take your eyes off.
4.31pm - Green readjusts well to tip N'Zogbia's cross over for another
Newcastle corner. It eludes everyone again. Duff crosses and Owen's shot is
well blocked by Upson.
4.34pm - There are 16 minutes left. Can West Ham hold on to extend their
unbeaten run away from home to six matches? If they can, it' will be their
best top-flight run on their travels in eight years.
4.35pm - Zola makes his first substitution. Jack Collison has worked hard
this afternoon and is replaced by Luis Boa Morte for the final 14 minutes.
The Portuguese player is welcomed with a song from the travelling
supporters.
4.36pm - Noble has moved into the centre of midfield. Boa Morte is out on
the left wing.
4.38pm - GOAL - Jonas and Duff combine down the left wing. The Irishman
curls in a cross and Carroll rises above Upson to head past Green. It is a
fine header, to be fair to the England Under-19 striker. NEWCASTLE UNITED
2-2 WEST HAM UNITED
4.40pm - The goal has brought the home supporters back to life again.
4.41pm - Bellamy is replaced by David Di Michele. The substitution is
greeted by loud whistles from the home fans. Di Michele netted twice against
Newcastle in September. Can he score a late winner?
4.42pm - Ilunga gets in a toe just in time to deny Owen. Good defending.
4.44pm - Bassong does well. Cole looks like he has the beating of the French
defender but he gets back superbly to block the striker's shot out for a
corner.
4.45pm - Five minutes left. Both teams look capable of nicking a winner. Who
is going to be the hero? Not Mark Noble. He is replaced by Hayden Mullins.
4.47pm - Jonas fires in a low cross and Collins clears well. This game is on
a knife-edge.
4.50pm - The home fans are starting to leave as we tick over into the final
minute of the 90. Di Michele is fouled wide on the left touchline. Cole is
penalised for a foul as Boa Morte curls a free-kick into the penalty area.
There will be three minutes of added time.
4.51pm - Collins makes another fine tackle to thwart Owen.
4.52pm - A minute of added time remaining. Can West Ham hold on for a
valuable point?
4.53pm - Amazing! Jonas skips past Collins but Upson makes an amazing
last-gasp block to divert the ball out for a corner. Just seconds later Owen
heads over from close-range.
4.54pm - Alan Wiley blows the final whistle. A point keeps West Ham in tenth
place. Upson and Collins march the length of the field to applaud the
travelling fans, who are still singing.
4.55pm - That was a superb match. End to end and full of incident. That
makes it six Premier League away matches without defeat for the Hammers -
their best run since the 2000/01 season.
FULL-TIME - NEWCASTLE UNITED 2-2 WEST HAM UNITED
Team News
Gianfranco Zola made four changes to his West Ham United side for Saturday's
Premier League trip to Newcastle United. Captain Lucas Neill, Matthew Upson,
Valon Behrami and Scott Parker all returned to the starting lineup.
Julien Faubert, James Tomkins, Luis Boa Morte and Hayden Mullins all dropped
to the substitutes bench at St James' Park. Strong competition for places
meant Jonathan Spector, Kieron Dyer and Freddie Sears missed out on the
matchday squad as the Hammers went for a fourth successive win in all
competitions.
Teenage Czech Republic goalkeeper Marek Stech was included among the
replacements in a Premier League fixture for the first time after compatriot
Jan Lastuvka was ruled out with a minor leg injury.
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Honours even at Newcastle
WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Newcastle United contested an entertaining 2-2 draw at
St James' Park
10.01.2009
Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
West Ham United extended their unbeaten Premier League record away from home
to six matches with a deserved point at Newcastle United thanks in no small
part to Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole.
The home side had started brightly and Michael Owen gave them the lead on 19
minutes. West Ham United hit back and got level just before the half-hour
mark when Bellamy finished off a slick team move. Cole continued his fine
goalscoring form to put the visitors in front ten minutes into the second
half with a rasping volley. Chances were to fall at both ends before Andy
Carroll headed Newcastle level with 12 minutes remaining.
Gianfranco Zola made four changes that progressed to the third round of the
FA Cup against Barnsley seven days before. Captain Lucas Neill returned
after recovering from an ankle injury. He was joined in defence by Matthew
Upson who was back after overcoming the virus that ruled him out against the
Tykes. The two changes in the centre of the park saw Valon Behrami and Scott
Parker start in place of Luis Boa Morte and Hayden Mullins. The 18-year-old
goalkeeper Marek Stech was named on the bench due to Jan Lastuvka's slight
knee injury.
The visitors started strongly and enjoyed plenty of the ball in the Magpies'
half in the opening ten minutes and only a few close offside calls prevented
Bellamy from racing clear against his former club. Then Owen nearly opened
the scoring in the 13th minute when he found himself in space in the area.
He rolled a shot across Robert Green but, agonisingly for him, the ball
bounced off the post to safety.
The England international made no mistake six minutes later, though. After
collecting the ball from Jose Enrique he shimmied past James Collins - whose
footing seemed to give way at the crucial moment - and finished at the near
post with Green only able to get a hand to the ball as it flew into the net.
Midway through the half, Danny Guthrie was booked for a late tackle on
Parker and moments later the former Liverpool trainee crossed for Carroll to
head wide when well placed as the hosts attempted to seize the initiative.
West Ham equalised as a superb passing move involving Mark Noble, Parker and
Jack Collison led to Parker flicking a ball into the Newcastle area to send
Bellamy free and he made no mistake with a deft left-footed chip over Shay
Given to make it four goals in his last four league matches.
The half settled after that with chances harder to come by. Jonas
Gutierrez's deflected shot flew narrowly wide, while at the other end Noble
had a great chance to send the Hammers in ahead at the break. The England
Under-21 international beat the offside trap to race clear, only to see his
effort well saved by Given. The rebound fell to Bellamy but he could only
find the side netting from a tight angle.
Within a minute of the restart, United could have had a penalty when Bellamy
appeared to be wrestled to the ground by Sebastien Bassong. The visitors
continued to press and after referee Alan Wiley's whistle had thwarted one
attack just as Collison forced Given into a full-stretch save, Noble fired
straight at the Irishman from inside the area.
After several more half chances, the pressure eventually told as Cole scored
for the fourth consecutive game. The No12 got behind the Newcastle back line
to collect a long ball from Herita Ilunga, turn and unleash an unstoppable
left-footed drive into the top corner. The away support among the 47,571 -
tucked away high behind Given's goal - exploded into a chorus of approval as
the freezing temperature suddenly did not seem quite so chilly.
The hosts made the first change of the match when Geremi was replaced by
Charles N'Zogbia just after the hour and moments later they thought they had
drawn level when Neill's attempted clearance flew in, only for it to be
chalked off for a foul on James Collins in the build up. Zola then made his
first change by bringing on Boa Morte for Collison with 14 minutes to go.
Two minutes later it was all-square as Carroll - whose physical presence had
been a threat all afternoon - headed in Damien Duff's centre to set up a
grandstand finish. Then, with nine minutes to go, Bellamy was withdrawn
after another all-action display as David Di Michele took his place in
attack. United's final change saw Hayden Mullins come on for Noble as they
searched for a late winner.
It was Newcastle who were to come closest, though, as Upson had to be at his
very best to thwart Jonas with a last-ditch tackle at the death. The result
means it is now six games unbeaten on the road for Zola's men - a run
stretching back to 29 October 2008.
The Hammers are also unbeaten in four matches in all competitions and will
be confident of recording a home win when Fulham visit the Boleyn Ground
next Sunday afternoon.
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Bellamy and Cole on song
WHUFC.com
The delighted manager was particularly proud of the goalscoring efforts of
Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole
11.01.2009
Gianfranco Zola paid tribute to his potent strike-force after they helped
his team to a sixth match unbeaten away in the Premier League.
Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole were on target in the 2-2 draw at Newcastle
United to give West Ham United the perfect platform for two successive home
games to come against Fulham and Hull City - either side of an FA Cup trip
to Hartlepool United. For Bellamy, it was a superb strike on his return to
Newcastle while Cole scored for the fourth game running to show the benefits
of his hard work in training.
Bellamy had equalised Michael Owen's opener with his fine take on the
half-hour. Zola said his performance underlined the commitment to the cause
every time he walks on to the pitch. "If you see the way he plays all over
the pitch, it is fantastic. It is an example of professionalism and he is
performing very well - as is everybody." The manager added his substitution
was a precaution because his hamstring 'felt a little bit tight'.
It was Cole who looked like he might have given the Hammers all three points
with his clinical finish on 55 minutes. "Carlton Cole is on fire," the
manager added. "His confidence is back. He has always been playing very well
since I have been here but now he is focused and dangerous [in front of
goal]. It is a great thing for him. He has many qualities and they are
coming out."
As it was Andy Carroll's late goal for Newcastle ensured a share of the
spoils, but Zola felt his team were deserving of more overall. "Considering
the way we played I am a little bit disappointed we didn't win the game but
we were playing against a very good team. Although they were suffering a lot
against us they tried until the end. They got the final goal and it gave
them a point.
"We played a very good match - especially in the first 15 minutes of the
second half. We were absolutely outstanding." That spell produced several
chances and scintillating football, with the midfield particularly
impressing despite an average age of 23 with only Scott Parker having any
major Premier League experience and Mark Noble only just denied by Shay
Given when through on goal.
Although unbeaten in four in all competitions, Zola is only thinking of
moving onwards and upwards from the current tenth position. "I am confident
because the club is determined to improve. It is not true that we want to
sell our best players. We want to improve so we are hopeful we can do this.
This team deserves this for the way it is playing and training."
A key man in that push could be Kieron Dyer with the midfielder missing out
on Saturday only because of the competition for places. The manager is fully
aware he will make a "big difference" and is "looking forward to having him
back". In summary, he was clear that his team were fully focused and in no
way affected by the speculation or gossip that follows all clubs at this
time of year.
"It is a credit to their professionalism. They are fantastic. Being a
footballer I know it is not easy when you have so many rumours around to
concentrate and perform but they are outstanding. Their performance has
actually gone higher and they have improved in this period. I have a lot of
respect for them so I am very pleased."
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Two changes to fixtures
WHUFC.com
There are new dates for the forthcoming fixtures against Manchester City and
Wigan Athletic
11.01.2009
Fans should take note of two fixture changes in early March with official
confirmation that the games against Manchester City and Wigan Athletic have
both been put back a day.
The visit of Mark Hughes' City will now take place at 12.30pm on Sunday 1
March, because of their UEFA Cup involvement. That has meant the game at the
JJB Stadium to take on Steve Bruce's Wigan will get under way at 7.45pm on
Wednesday 3 March. For ticket information, click here
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Newcastle 2-2 West Ham
By Paul Fletcher
BC.co.uk
Andy Carroll scored his first Premier League goal to equalise for Newcastle
and prevent his team from slipping to a third straight league defeat.
Michael Owen struck the post before his 20-yard strike put the Magpies
ahead. Craig Bellamy equalised with a composed finish from 10 yards, while
Shay Given made an unbelievable save from Jack Collison after the break.
Carlton Cole put West Ham in front with a vicious close-range strike before
Carroll headed his team level. The Hammers and Newcastle are the subject of
intense speculation, with several key players at both clubs strongly linked
with moves during the transfer window. But they cast aside their
off-the-pitch uncertainty to produce an entertaining game in which the
quality of attacking play was far in excess of the respective defensive
displays.
The draw was probably a fair result for the 300th Premier League game to be
played at St James' Park. And as well as stopping the rot at Newcastle it
meant that West Ham failed in their attempt to win three straight Premier
League fixtures for the first time under Gianfranco Zola.
In many ways it was a game of contrasts - with Newcastle often searching out
tall striker Carroll, while the home side looked to play the ball down the
channels for Bellamy - but both teams were united by their desire to attack.
James Collins struggled to contain the aerial threat posed by 20-year-old
Carroll but it was Owen who first threatened the Hammers goal. His first
touch from Jonas Gutierrez's low pass completely wrong-footed Collins and
the striker was unlucky not to score when his low strike across goal
defeated Rob Green but not the woodwork. Collins then lost his balance as
Owen closed in on goal and the striker had the time to pick his spot from 20
yards, with his low strike putting the home team in front. Carroll should
have extended his team's lead after Danny Guthrie picked him out at the far
post with a deft cross but the unmarked striker found the side netting with
his header.
Bellamy was repeatedly caught offside but timed his run to perfection for
his goal, latching on to Scott Parker's deft pass before lifting the ball
over Given. Mark Noble ought to have put the Hammers ahead after a long ball
forward caught out the Newcastle defence but Given made a good block and
Bellamy hit the side netting from an acute angle with the rebound. Zola's
team were superb in the early minutes of the second half and and they were
unlucky not to be awarded a penalty when Sebastien Bassong clearly impeded
Bellamy. Given then made an amazing save to deny Collison, who looked
stunned that his eight-yard effort had not found the net. The away team's
dominance was rewarded when Herita Ilunga's through ball was controlled by
Cole with his first touch and smashed into the roof of the net with his
second for his fourth goal in as many games.
The visitors were awakened from their second-half inertia after conceding
and thought they had equalised when Hammers skipper Lucas Neill quite
spectacularly miscued a volley that flew into the roof of the West Ham goal.
However, referee Alan Wiley ruled out the goal for a shove on Collins by
Steven Taylor. The equaliser eventually came when Carroll struck. Gutierrez
and Duff worked the ball well down the left, with the latter crossing for
the young striker to head the ball past Green. Matthew Upson made a
brilliant last-ditch tackle to deny Gutierrez in injury-time and ensure a
share of the spoils for his team.
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Newcastle assistant boss Chris Hughton: "Andy's made a very telling
contribution in the two games he's played and I was very pleased he got the
goal. "You always want to claim three points at home but in the period when
we were 2-1 down they were always a threat up front. "And at that point
you'd probably have settled for a draw."
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola: "It was an excellent game. "If we had come
out with three points nobody could have said a word about it because the
performance we put on this afternoon was excellent. "To be fair we played
against a team that did not want to lose and they got a late goal. "Bellamy
and Cole are on fire and that is making the difference."
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
Newcastle: Given, Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique, Gutierrez,
Guthrie, Geremi (N'Zogbia 62), Duff, Owen, Carroll.
Subs Not Used: Harper, Xisco, Kadar, Edgar, LuaLua, Donaldson.
Booked: Guthrie.
Goals: Owen 19, Carroll 78.
West Ham: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker, Noble
(Mullins 86), Collison (Boa Morte 76), Cole, Bellamy (Di Michele 81).
Subs Not Used: Stech, Faubert, Tristan, Tomkins.
Goals: Bellamy 29, Cole 55.
Att: 47,571
Ref: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
----------------------------------------------------------------------------
----
BBC Sport Player Rater man of the match: Newcastle's Shay Given 7.88 (on 90
minutes).
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Praise for Bellamy and Cole
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Newcastle's assistant manager Chris Hughton has praised West Ham's front
line after both Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole scored in this afternoon's
2-2 draw.
Hughton, talking to the BBC after the game admitted that the in-form duo -
who have now scored seven goals between them in the last four games - were
simply too hot for his inexperienced back line to handle. However he still
felt that the Magpies had done enough to win the game.
"We know what quality West Ham have got," he said. "When you look at their
team you can see why they're a good team away from home. What they're able
to do is keep good possession, they've got very good footballers and they've
got that threat up front with Cole and Bellamy - the physical presence with
Cole and the pace of Bellamy.
"You get to the stage in the game where you think that perhaps you would
settle for a draw because even though I felt we were the team that were more
likely to win the game, particularly in that last period, they had enough
quality to go down the other end of the pitch, break away and score.
"But from a supoorters point of view it was a very good game."
Both teams were involved in controversial second half decisions, firstly
when Craig Bellamy appeared to be pushed over in the penalty box by
Sebastien Bassong and then when Newcastle had a Lucas Neill own goal ruled
out after Michael Owen was deemed to have fouled James Collins.
But Hughton agreed with referee Alan Wiley's decisions on both counts,
confirming that 'we knew' Owen had fouled Collins whilst adding that 'we
never felt that it was any more than what it was and what the referee gave'
with regards to the penalty shout.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola on ... Newcastle
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on today's well-deserved draw at
Newcastle ...
On the game...
I think it was very tight for us. I thought the way we were playing we could
have won the game and, I think, probably deserved to. But to be fair to
Newcastle they tried until the end, they were determined to get a point and
in the end they did. So fair play to them, they tried very hard.
On the penalty claim...
It was a close one but the referee didn't see it and we have to respect
that. The referees are there and we have to help them and not put them on
the line all the time.
I have to say that apart from that the way we played in the first fifteen
minutes of the second half was fantastic - and we could have scored more
than two goals.
On seven points from the last nine...
Even when we were losing so many games we were playing good football. We
were positive but it just wasn't happening. We were missing so many chances
and the opposition on so many occasions were scoring first.
But we've kept our confidence despite all the bad games and now everything
is coming together. It's just down to the work the players put in on the
pitch and every day on the training ground - and I'm sure that the team can
improve even more.
On six away games without defeat...
That is down to the attitude of the players, the application and desire to
succeed. It's good. We are very pleased that we are on a good run and we
intend to keep it as long as possible.
They're showing a lot of maturity, a lot of confidence and belief in
themselves which is one of the most important things in football. But that's
what they do every week in training and now they're managing to take it onto
the pitch. They're really enjoying it and it's a pleasure for me to see them
playing like that.
I can feel that they are having fun and are getting results - which is the
best thing that can happen.
On an attacking philosophy...
My beliefs are untouchable - there's no bad result or series of results that
can change that. To be honest the players also believe in that and this is a
great thing, I tell you.
On transfers...
We have to keep hold of our best players. I'm sorry that Matthew Etherington
and Lee Bowyer went but I couldn't guarantee them a regular place in the
team so they needed to go and play. I hope they have success wherever they
go.
They [the press] are picking up so many things about us but the good thing
for me is that I've got a fantastic squad, a fantastic team and they are
really trying very hard for this team despite all the things they are saying
about it. But we are here, we are ready to fight and we are confident.
This club is determined to improve and it's not true we want to sell our
best players. We want to keep this team together. For me this transfer
window is not very good because you're seeing clubs that have much more
money than you and they come and pick up your best players. It's very
annoying, I have to say.
But as I was saying, we're confident that we can keep our best players.
* Gianfranco was talking to SkySports and the BBC.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle Utd 2 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th January 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham continued their rich run of form by take a well deserved point home
from Newcastle this afternoon.
Gianfranco Zola's side - who went into today's game on the back of straight
league wins against Portsmouth and Stoke - fell behind to an early Michael
Owen strike before goals from Craig Bellamy and Carlton Cole put the Hammers
in front. However Andy Carroll's late equaliser ensured the spoils were
shared - a fair result on reflection, and one that keeps West Ham in the top
half of the Premier League tonight.
On what was a freezing cold day in the North East it was the home side who
threatened to score first when Owen, so often a thorn in claret and blue
sides clipped the post after just 12 minutes.
The Irons failed to heed the warning and Newcastle took the lead on 19
minutes through the aforementioned former England striker. Owen picked up a
Jose Enrique pass on the edge of the penalty box before firing home past a
retreating United defence and keeper Rob Green, who, on reflection, will
probably feel that he could have done better with the shot.
Undettered, the Hammers - for whom the point ensured they remain unbeaten on
their travels since October 29th, almost three months ago - restored parity
on the half hour mark through Craig Bellamy, returning to one of his old
stomping grounds. Bellamy was picked out by a superb pass from Scott Parker
before lifting his shot over the advancing Shay Given.
It could have been even better for the Hammers two minutes ahead of the
break when Mark Noble was sent clean through on goal by a superb Lucas Neill
pass. However the young midfielder failed to repeat Bellamy's feat and Given
was on hand to produce a good stop.
The Hammers, boosted by a good finish to the first half started the second
period the brighter of the sides and should have been awarded a penalty
within seconds of the restart when Bellamy was clearly hauled over by
Sebastien Bassong inside the box - not so, according to referee Alan Wiley
who can't have seen the incident clearly.
But it wasn't long before that particular wrong was righted when Carlton
Cole notched his fourth goal in four games on 55 minutes. Herita Ilunga's
through ball was perfectly weighted for Cole who turned and smashed the ball
into the roof of Given's net - and all with his left foot. Gianfranco Zola's
extra work on the training ground is certainly paying off.
Inevitably perhaps, given the deficit Newcastle finally began to get into
the game and thought they had equalised on 68 minutes when Lucas Neill had
one of those ground-swallow-me-up moments when he sliced a cross from the
right into his own net. It took the embarrassed Australian a good 30 seconds
before he realised that the 'goal' had been disallowed for a push by Owen on
James Collins moments before, much to his obvious relief.
But as in the first half, the Hammers failed to learn from their mistakes
and Newcastle grabbed a point with just 12 minutes left of normal time
remaining when the impressively-coiffeured Andy Carroll, only in the side
due to injuries elsewhere nodded home a Damian Duff to make it 2-2. Matthew
Upson will be disappointed that the youngster managed to beat him in the
air.
However if there was any question of fault over Upson's involvement in that
goal he more than made up for the faux pas with a vital intereception in the
final seconds of injury time. Jonas Gutierrez looked odds-on to score when
he raced through on goal but Upson produced a brilliantly-timed tackle to
save a point from a game that the Hammers could have come out of with a
three, given a little more luck.
As it is the one keeps United in the top half of the table with 26 points -
six ahead of the relegation zone and probably five wins from safety. However
it is upwards that Zola's side should be looking after an impressive run of
form that has seen the Hammers go four games unbeaten.
Next up for United is the visit of Fulham - who are currently one place
above the Hammers on goal difference - to the Boleyn Ground next Sunday.
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble (Mullins 86), Collison (Boa Morte 76), Cole, Bellamy (Di Michele 81).
Subs not used: Stech, Tomkins, Faubert, Tristan.
Goals: Bellamy (29), Cole (55).
Newcastle United: Given, Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Jose Enrique,
Gutierrez, Guthrie, Geremi (N'Zogbia 62), Duff, Owen, Carroll.
Subs not used: Harper, Xisco, Kadar, Edgar, LuaLua, Donaldson.
Booked: Guthrie (23).
Goals: Owen (19), Carroll (78).
Attendance: 47,571
Referee: Alan Wiley (Staffordshire).
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Carroll saves Magpies' blushes
Young striker marks first home start with equaliser
Last updated: 10th January 2009
SSN
Man of the match: Andrew Carroll netted Newcastle's late equaliser. However,
the youngster was a permanent threat and dominated the West Ham defence.
Moment of the match: Craig Bellamy's equaliser at 1-1. You could hear a pin
drop around St James' Park and the Welshman was also excellent throughout
before limping off with an apparent hamstring injury.
Save of the match: Matthew Upson's last-gasp challenge on Jonas Gutierrez as
the Newcastle winger looked set to sneak the points in the dying minutes was
superb.
Talking point: Will both of these sides escape relegation? Will this St
James' Park outing be Bellamy's last in a West Ham shirt before a move
Newcastle United youngster Andrew Carroll was his side's hero as he rescued
a point at St James' Park in a 2-2 draw with West Ham United.
The 20-year-old was making his first home start for the Magpies and earned
Joe Kinnear's men a share of the spoils with his first goal in league
football.
Newcastle had taken the lead in the 19th minute as the visiting defence
backed off Michael Owen and allowed the Magpies skipper to fire in hard and
low from 18 yards for his 12th goal in 14 games against the Hammers.
However, the lead was to last just 10 minutes as former Newcastle striker
Craig Bellamy latched on to a superb pass from Scott Parker to poke a chip
past the advancing Shay Given from close range.
West Ham then dominated immediately after the interval and deservedly had
their reward on 55 minutes as Carlton Cole collected a long ball from Herita
Ilunga to fire into the top corner.
Carroll, though, ensured the points were shared as he met a Damien Duff
cross to head Newcastle level with 12 minutes remaining.
Despite another fractious build-up week the home side had started well and
Carroll had the first chance in the second minute when Owen created space
for him to drive a shot into the legs of Matthew Upson.
And the home side were closer in the eighth minute when Carroll glanced a
right-wing cross from Duff goalwards but the excellent James Collins headed
clear despite appeals for a penalty.
Superb
Owen had a superb chance to put Newcastle in front in the 13th minute after
being fed by Jonas Gutierrez on the right and cutting a low shot across goal
which clipped the base of Robert Green's left-hand post on its way out.
But there early glimpses of the startling holes in the home defence with
Bellamy seeing a 14th minute header bundled clear by Fabricio Coloccini
after he had been left unmarked in the box.
But when Owen got his opener it was well deserved, the striker fed on the
left by Luis Enrique and advancing to the edge of the box before hitting a
low right-foot shot past Green.
Newcastle should have gone further ahead in the 25th minute after a fine
right-wing cross by Duff reached Carroll at the far post but the striker
made a mess of his jump for a simple close-range header.
Then Bellamy came back to haunt his former club in the 29th minute when he
nipped onto the end of a clever Parker ball in the box before neatly lifting
his shot over Given into the net.
Kinnear's men almost regained the lead in the 34th minute when Geremi's
long-range free-kick clattered into Collins and rebounded into the path of
Gutierrez, who lashed a powerful effort into the side-netting.
Then Carroll had a loud penalty appeal turned down in the 39th minute when
he collapsed under the challenge of Collins in the box as the pair sought to
deal with high ball into the box from Duff.
The Hammers should have gone in ahead at the break when Neill sent Mark
Noble clean through in the 42nd minute but his shot was bloked by Given and
Bellamy's follow-up from a tight angle found the side-netting.
Blatant
And the visitors were denied what appeared to be a blatant penalty moments
after the restart when Sebastien Bassong used his arm to prevent Bellamy
reaching a loose ball in the box.
Cole, anonymous in the first half, was coming more into the game and being
afforded a ridiculous amount of space in the left channel, but the home side
failed to heed a host of warnings.
And Cole duly lashed the Hammers into a deserved lead in the 55th minute
when he controlled a long ball from Ilunga in the left side of the box and
screwed a superb left-foot shot into the top corner.
The busy Collins got in a fine saving challenge to deny Carroll a shot on
goal just before the hour, then the apparently want-away N'Zogbia was
roundly booed when he was introduced in place of Geremi.
Neill's embarrassment was spared in the 67th minute when he mis-kicked the
ball into his own net from a Coloccini cross only for referee Alan Wiley to
blow up for a push by Taylor on Collins.
But the home side clinched their equaliser in the 78th minute when Carroll
jumped highest to meet a high cross from the right by Duff and steered the
ball past a helpless Green.
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Carroll spoils Hammers game of patience
Newcastle United 2 West Ham United 2
By Michael Walker at St James' Park
Sunday, 11 January 2009
Independent.co.uk Web
If January is about persuading wallets to open just that little bit more
than the owners would like, then Manchester City's scout will have left St
James' Park to inform his superiors that money may need to talk: he
witnessed three strong arguments yesterday. Shay Given, Craig Bellamy and
Scott Parker each gave fresh reasons why any club, not just City, would want
them. Given made two vital saves, one fantastic, Bellamy scored a sweet
equaliser and Parker drove the game from midfield with energy and invention.
Bellamy did walk off gingerly with a hamstring injury late on, but the
amount of running the Welshman produced may be the explanation. Gianfranco
Zola sounded unconcerned afterwards, saying of Bellamy: "It shouldn't be a
problem, if you see the way he plays, he's fantastic. He is an example of a
professional."
Zola was equally enthusiastic about Parker and Matthew Upson, another
coveted Hammer. "Having been a footballer, I know the speculation is not
easy, but if anything their performances have gone even higher. A lot of
respect from me to them."
Do those above Zola share that sentiment? "The club is determined to
improve," Zola replied. "It's not true that we want to sell. This team
deserves to get to a better position than it is in now."
The visitors possessed cohesion their hosts lacked. But West Ham, for all
their neat passing and forward movement, conceded two poor goals and that
frailty will undermine progress if not addressed. James Collins had a good
game otherwise, but his 19th minute slip allowed Michael Owen to open the
scoring – Owen's 12th goal in 14 matches against West Ham – while Upson was
also obdurate only for him to somehow lose Andy Carroll with 12 minutes
remaining and Newcastle chasing hopeful crosses.
Carroll, a willing, physical 20 year-old making only his second Premier
League start, was stronger than Upson when Damien Duff's centre came in. A
solid contact from Carroll brought a first senior Newcastle goal. Just as
significantly, it meant Newcastle did not lose for the third League game in
a row. The point took them up three places but it did not feel like triumph
because it wasn't one.
Every Newcastle fan knows their team and their squad is vulnerable. Bringing
Peter Lovenkrands in on a week's trial will not have the Toon Army
salivating. Nor will it convince Given that his future should be under
Dennis Wise's leadership of the club. City have offered £3m for Given, which
someone at Newcastle described as "laughable". It is a word they are
familiar with at St James'.
Given might think it twice the sum Newcastle paid for him, and the club has
had 11 years from the Irishman. His saves from Mark Noble on 43 minutes and
from Jack Collison on 49 altered the course of the game.
Following the last game here, the 5-1 defeat by Liverpool, Newcastle needed
a heartening opening. Owen provided it, hitting the post before then
drilling in a low shot as West Ham's defence vanished in front of him.
Carroll might have made it 2-0 but missed and West Ham built steadily, pass
upon pass until the 29th minute when Bellamy ran on to Parker's cute touch
and, left-footed, scooped the ball beyond the exposed Given. A fine goal,
Bellamy's 100th of his career.
Newcastle had effort, the Hammers had a plan. A Given foot denied Noble and
then superb reflexes foiled Collison but with Newcastle's defence static, on
55 minutes, Carlton Cole seized Herita Ilunga's long-ball and, unchallenged,
belted it high past Given on the volley. West Ham did not impose themselves
sufficiently thereafter, yet a Newcastle equaliser could not be called
expected.
Attendance: 47,571
Referee: Alan Wiley
Man of the match: Parker
Match rating: 7/10
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carroll makes point with leap into limelight
Observer report Match facts
Premier League
Newcastle United 2 Owen 19, Carroll 78
West Ham United 2 Bellamy 29, Cole 55
Philip Dorward at St James' Park The Observer, Saturday 10 January 2009
"There's probably no God." Newcastle and West Ham fans don't need the help
of a new atheist advertising campaign on the side of buses to tell them
this; merely following their teams this season requires the patience of a
saint.
Financially and strategically, the football deities are not looking too
kindly on either of these clubs at the minute. Even if generous applause did
meet the curtailment of this fitfully entertaining match, come the witching
hour at the end of the season West Ham could still regret not collecting all
the points here when they should have. Newcastle may be glad of the draw,
especially as eight first-team injuries have left them looking more ravaged
than a Woolworths store on its final day, but just now they remain
unconvincing.
Their form has dipped alarmingly since Christmas and the clamour to exit St
James' is even more concerning. Of their "want-away" players, only the
seemingly embittered Charles N'Zogbia was given the boo-boy treatment. There
was a rousing chorus of "There's only one Shay Given" although that was
immediately after he had given the volatile Craig Bellamy a talking to. It
was the former Newcastle enigma who seemed to draw the collective derision
of the crowd, though he was to have his revenge.
It was not until Newcastle had opened the scoring in the 19th minute,
however. José Enrique slipped a short pass to Michael Owen from the left on
the edge of the West Ham box. Crucially, James Collins slipped as he was
about to confront Owen and, unopposed, the striker drilled a low,
left-footed daisy cutter past Rob Green for his first goal in a month.
Ten minutes later a couple of St James' old boys popped up with the
equaliser. Bellamy played a neat defence-splitting one-two with Scott Parker
and his cheeky lob over Given added insult to injury for the Gallowgate end.
Bellamy's bombastic celebration ended with a cuddle for Parker.
Fair play to West Ham; when they were defeated at home to Spurs at the
beginning of December they looked gone, but since then they've stitched
together results and are now six on the road undefeated. In a sign of their
progress, Gianfranco Zola, who is confident that come 1 February he will
still have his key players, was frustrated at just the point. "Considering
the way we played it's a little disappointing we didn't win the game. We
gave them a point when we deserved more than that," he said.
Indeed, after they equalised West Ham were stronger and they should have
extended their lead either side of half-time but for an imperious Given
producing world-class saves to deny Mark Noble and Jack Collison.
The third time, in the 55th minute, he was not so lucky. Hérita Ilunga
dropped a howitzer in behind the Newcastle defence for Carlton Cole to beat
the withering offside trap and whip a left-foot shot high past Given. It was
a landmark goal for Cole, who has now entered uncharted career territory of
four goals in four games.
Newcastle might have thought the football gods were totally against them
midway through the second half as they had an own goal from Lucas Neill
chalked off when the referee Alan Wiley correctly spotted a push by Steven
Taylor on Collins, but they rallied in the 78th minute when Andy Carroll got
his head on the end of Damien Duff's high cross to score his first goal for
his hometown club.
Both sides knocked seven shades out of each other searching for a winner but
to no avail. Somehow the British Humanist Association's other ungodly
message to "Stop worrying and enjoy your life" still seems premature for
Newcastle and West Ham supporters this season.
Rob Higgins, Observer reader With a threadbare squad, Joe was forced to
field the walking wounded and it showed in the first 20 minutes when we
barely got a kick in. With Geremi as our main playmaker and N'Zogbia again
mysteriously left on the bench, our midfield struggled. Michael Owen showed
his class with a goal out of nothing. His likely departure is a depressing
prospect for the fans. Craig Bellamy was the panto villain as usual. We
could have won it with a couple of late bursts, but were happy to get a
point after coming from behind.
The fan's player ratings Given 7; Taylor 5, Coloccini 6, Bassong 8, José
Enrique 5; Duff 5, Guthrie 6, Geremi 4 (N'Zogbia 6), Gutiérrez 6; Carroll 7,
Owen 7
Luke Madden, Observer reader Before the game, you'd always take a point
playing away from home, but having taken the lead you really want to close
it down and win. So it was disappointing in that respect, but not a
discouraging result overall. We looked more likely to get another at 2-1,
but at 2-2 and with Bellamy substituted it looked as if they might have
nicked it. He and Cole both played well, but I'm still not sure that they're
a partnership. It was an exciting, open game. We're in a good little run of
form.
The fan's player ratings Green 7; Neill 5, Collins 6, Upson 7, Ilunga 7;
Behrami 7, Parker 7, Noble 6 (Mullins n/a), Collison 7 (Boa Morte n/a); Cole
7, Bellamy 8 (Di Michele n/a)
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Forget Carlos Tevez, West Ham's future hinges on bankers
By Daniel King Last updated at 11:37 PM on 10th January 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham's future will be decided by an overseas bank and not by the new
Carlos Tevez inquiry. And the board are taking a calculated gamble by
selling fringe players like Matthew Etherington - rather than cashing in on
bigger names like Craig Bellamy - in order to keep the club in the Premier
League this season and make themselves attractive to potential buyers. A
big-name overseas bank is controlling the process of selling West Ham
because they are the largest creditor in a consortium of five institutions
owed a total of £42million by the club. Potential bidders, including the
overseas party with a long-standing takeover interest, have been directed to
speak to the lead bank rather than the club or their Icelandic owner
Bjorgolfur Gudmundsson. The decision by the FA and Premier League to open a
new inquiry into the relationship linking West Ham, Tevez and his 'owners'
MSI at the end of the 2006-07 season will delay any sale, because the
outcome will have an impact on the level of compensation an independent
tribunal will order West Ham to pay Sheffield United. That, in turn, will
affect how much Gudmundsson will ask for the club and how much any
interested party are willing to pay for West Ham. But it is the banks,
rather than Gudmundsson or the Icelandic administrators for the club's
holding company, Hansa, who will vet buyers. They will have to decide
whether to allow a new owner to inherit the debts or demand that they are
paid off as part of the club changing hands, now unlikely before the summer.
Selling Etherington and others will slightly reduce the £42m debt, but their
determination to keep Bellamy, Scott Parker and Matthew Upson, rather than
slash borrowings by selling, reflects a belief that boss Gianfranco Zola can
beat relegation this term. The new inquiry will focus on the club's dealings
with Tevez's representatives after the initial punishment. A key point to be
investigated is the evidence provided to the tribunal by lawyer Graham
Shear, solicitor for Tevez's agent Kia Joorabchian. Shear said that chief
executive Scott Duxbury had provided verbal assurances that the third-party
agreement still existed - despite him having informed the Premier League
that it had been terminated.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
At last, a chance for justice to be done over the Tevez affair
Daily Mail
Last updated at 7:20 PM on 10th January 2009
Curiouser and curiouser. After more than 18 months of tortuous intrigue,
claim and counterclaim, the Carlos Tevez affair has taken another twist with
the announcement of a new inquiry. Actually, it is as much Bleak House as
Alice in Wonderland as the game shows again its capacity for the litigious
and the lunatic.
Bar a probably doomed appeal to the Court of Arbitration for Sport by West
Ham, the episode seemed settled when a Football Association panel ruled last
September that Sheffield United were entitled to compensation for their
relegation from the Premier League after Tevez's goals had kept West Ham up
at their expense. Only the amount appeared left to be decided, with
Sheffield United claiming £30million.
During the course of that panel sitting, however, some damaging and
significant evidence emerged to cast fresh doubt on the veracity of West
Ham's testimony to the Premier League, who are looking expediently cavalier,
even incompetent in their handling of the case. To recap, as simply as
possible . . . during the 2006-07 season, it emerged that Tevez, along with
Argentina colleague Javier Mascherano, was playing for West Ham contrary to
League rules which state that clubs must own players, not third parties such
as the agency that had brought them to Europe, MSI.
The League charged the London club, who admitted the breaking of rules. In
April of 2007, West Ham were fined £5.5m. By now Mascherano had gone to
Liverpool, all above board with the club owning his rights. Tevez remained
at West Ham, though, and did much to keep them up, to the disgust of
Sheffield United, who had agreed with Fulham, Charlton and Wigan that
whoever was relegated would contest their fate, as they believed West Ham
should have been docked points and thus gone down.
The League said they allowed Tevez to keep playing that crucial spring
because West Ham, through chief executive Scott Duxbury, had assured them
that the club owned the player, having persuaded MSI to give up their
'economic rights'.
Many of us doubted that, but the League were adamant all was now clean. In
the course of that FA panel, though, Graham Shear, the lawyer acting for
MSI, Tevez and his agent Kia Joorabchian, let the cat out of the bag. Shear
insisted that Duxbury had offered him 'oral cuddles' to reassure him that
the third-party agreement remained in place. That is enough, the FA believe,
for a new inquiry.
The Premier League are also putting their name to the inquiry, but you
suspect that they have little choice.
Privately, they probably just want this whole thing to go away. The FA's
response to that is now clear: not so fast. In recent years, the FA, their
chairman Geoff Thompson worryingly cosy with his fellow Sheffield Wednesday
fan and Premier League chairman Dave Richards, almost seemed to concede
power in the running of the game to the professionals. The new independent
chairman, Lord Triesman, looks keen to re-assert the FA's authority, with
the Tevez affair offering a goalscoring opportunity.
Some will wonder what the purpose is now and who will benefit by a fresh
inquiry. There will certainly be those who suffer from it. Primarily, the
Premier League deserve to be discomforted - which may well be a pleasing
by-product - for their feeble pursuit of West Ham and lamentable failure to
punish them adequately. It will be interesting to discover, for example,
just what paperwork the League insisted on from West Ham to prove they, and
not MSI, owned Tevez.
You hope it prompts fresh questions, too, about the League's changing of
rules to allow Manchester United to sign Tevez on a two-year loan (and the
suspicion here has always been that United would not take up the option to
buy). Also, if the League thought West Ham did own the player, why is it
openly talked about now that any fee for him will go to Joorabchian and his
associates?
There seems no need for the inquiry to last long as a wealth of evidence
already exists. Once the main aim has been achieved - to expose the farce of
the process over which the Premier League presided - Sheffield United should
get some money and West Ham the appropriate punishment, possibly the docking
of future points. The purpose and the beneficiary? Justice.
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