WHUFC.com
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is aiming to impress England coach
Fabio Capello this week
10.02.2009
West Ham United goalkeeper Robert Green is planning to grab his latest
England opportunity with both hands this week.
The 29-year-old, whose only England cap came in a friendly against Colombia
in Boston in May 2005, will battle Portsmouth veteran David James and
Manchester City rookie Joe Hart for the No1 jersey for Wednesday evening's
international with Spain at Seville's Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan stadium.
Green, was called into the England squad for the first time for the friendly
in Sweden in March 2004, has been selected regularly by head coach Fabio
Capello without being handed any playing time. However, with the former
England B international in impressive, consistent form for his club, the
Italian could reward the reigning Hammer of the Year with his second full
cap.
"It's good to go. I'll go there, train hard and see what happens with the
game on Wednesday. My name is first on the squad list but I think that's an
alphabetical thing! Seriously, though, I wouldn't go if I didn't see it as
an opportunity. It's another chance to show the manager and his staff what I
can do and hopefully give myself a chance.
"There are three West Ham United players [Green, Matthew Upson and Carlton
Cole] in the squad and two Manchester United players [Rio Ferdinand and
Michael Carrick] - both of whom are former West Ham players - and it is
recognition of the form that the lads have been in here."
Back at the Boleyn Ground, Green was in philosophical mood following
Sunday's narrow 1-0 Premier League defeat to champions Manchester United.
West Ham matched their visitors for long periods, with Ryan Giggs'
62nd-minute goal one of only six shots on target mustered by Sir Alex
Ferguson's team.
"It was disappointing because we've come away thinking that we didn't really
trouble them too much, but then they didn't really trouble us other than one
defensive slip - or three in the space of five seconds - that cost us.
"If you look at the game, United upped it for that 15 minutes after
half-time, got the goal and then went back into their shells again and never
really seemed that troubled by us. They played within themselves and,
realistically, will see that as a fairly comfortable win."
The Hammers' defeat to the Red Devils was their first in four matches
against the Premier League's 'Big Four', with Gianfranco Zola's team gaining
draws at Liverpool, Chelsea and Arsenal in recent weeks. However, Green
believes his colleagues can go one better and gain a victory next time they
take on one of the top-flight's leading lights.
"Last week [at Arsenal] we came out of the game with a good result but felt
we could have played better. It was the same on Sunday. We've come out of it
not having been humiliated by the best team in the world but we're thinking
we could have done that bit more, really taken it by the scruff of the neck
and really given it a go."
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Spence ready for duty
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's young defender is hoping to earn a fifth England Under-19
cap against Spain on Tuesday
10.02.2009
West Ham United Jordan Spence is part of the England Under-19 squad for
Tuesday night's friendly against Spain at AFC Bournemouth's Dean Court
ground.
Spence, who is currently on loan at League One side Leyton Orient, is part
of a strong selection containing Everton youngsters Jack Rodwell and Daniel
Gosling, Arsenal playmaker Jack Wilshere and Aston Villa striker Nathan
Delfouneso.
Brian Eastick's side are in good form, having beaten Germany 1-0 at
Colchester United's Weston Homes Community Stadium in November. Spence, who
captained the side in their three UEFA European Championship qualifying
matches against Albania, Northern Ireland and Serbia last October, will be
hoping to earn his fifth cap at U19 level.
The composed central defender, who can also operate at right-back,
previously skippered the England Under-17 side at the FIFA U17 World Cup in
Korea in 2007, scoring in the final seconds to defeat Brazil in the group
stages. Spence's goal was the only winner ever scored by an England player
against Brazil in a competitive international at any level. England went on
to reach the quarter-finals before being beaten by Germany.
Tonight's match, a 9,000 sell-out, will see Eastick's team continue their
preparations for the European Championship Elite Round qualifying fixtures
with Scotland, Slovakia and Bosnia-Herzegovina, which are to be staged in
England in May.
Meanwhile, academy striker Robert Hall is preparing for England's Under-16
friendly against Germany at Dietmar-Hopp-Stadion in Hoffenheim on 17
February
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Hines a Reggae Boy
WHUFC.com
Zavon Hines has been named in the Jamica squad for their game against
Nigeria
10.02.2009
Zavon Hines has been called up by Jamaica for their friendly against Nigeria
to be played at Millwall on Wednesday night
The 20-year-old striker, who scored on his one and only appearance for the
first team in last September's 4-1 defeat of Macclesfield Town, has just
battled back to fitness from a knee injury. He played in the most recent
reserve-team outing against Fulham on 20 January and has been training with
the first team.
Hines, who scored five goals in a terrific pre-season last summer, is
relishing the opportunity to play at international level - although he
cannot dream of the 2010 World Cup as Jamaica have already been eliminated.
He said: "I am really pleased. It is great to be given a chance and I am
looking forward to showing what I can do.
"It was great in pre-season for me, but then it was a bit frustrating, as I
got injured. I have worked hard and now this is like a reward, I am very
excited."
Hines, who was born on the Caribbean island but grew up in east London,
explained that he had not been thinking about a Reggae Boyz call-up before
he took the call from former Liverpool and England star John Barnes. "I
still have family out there but playing for Jamaica has not been on my mind.
I have just been concentrating on getting fit again.
"The manager [of Jamaica] called me up after training yesterday and told me.
I felt really good and now I want to use the experience and push on now.
It's been good to be training again and I am happy to be back playing. I
just want to show what I can do and play my best."
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Duo off to Hungary
WHUFC.com
West Ham United pair Tony Stokes and Ashley Miller are linking up with
Hungarian title-chasers Ujpest FC
10.02.2009
West Ham United pair Tony Stokes and Ashley Miller were flying out to
Hungary on Tuesday with a view to joining Soproni League title-chasers
Ujpest FC.
Midfielder Stokes, 21, and defender Miller, 19, will spend the next week
with the Budapest-based club. Should the trip prove successful, the duo
could sign on loan until the end of the season early next week.
Formed in 1885, Ujpest are one of the most successful clubs in the history
of Hungarian football, having won the league title 20 times and lifted the
Hungarian cup eight times. The team reached the semi-finals of the European
Cup in 1974 and the Inter-Cities Fairs Cup (now the UEFA Cup) final in 1969
- losing to Newcastle United.
Reserve team captain Stokes, who has been with West Ham United since he was
nine, said the opportunity to play competitive football for a team
challenging for a domestic title was too good to turn down.
"It is good for my future, to be honest. It is a good opportunity over there
to play football at a level comparable to the Championship here in England.
It will be nice to be able to try something new.
"Ujpest are a big club and they are going for the title. They are only three
points off the top of the table at the moment, but they haven't won it for
more than ten years, so if I can play a few games and help them win the
championship then that would be fantastic."
Stokes is happy to be sharing his experience with Miller, a good friend who
he has grown up with at the Academy of Football. The pair will live together
in Budapest, while Ujpest are also providing the players with a car to
enable them to get around.
"It should be a good laugh with Ash as we are good mates at the club. I'm
glad to be going out there with someone I know as it should make it much
easier for us to settle in. They want us to sign straight away until the end
of the season but we're just going to go out there for a week initially to
see how everything is. If it all goes well, we could sign next week."
Miller is also excited about the prospect of performing in front of big
crowds at Ujpest's new 13,500 all-seater Szusza Ferenc Stadion.
"I can't wait to get out there to be honest," said Miller. "It's an
opportunity for me to play first-team football and an opportunity for me to
show what I can do. It's obviously a completely different country but I've
done a bit of research on the internet and I can't wait to have the chance
to prove myself. They are a team that is challenging for the title and they
play in a smart stadium in front of decent crowds, so I'm looking forward to
the challenge."
While he is happy to be heading to Hungary in the short-term, Stokes is
hoping to catch the eye of English scouts and forge a long-term future for
himself in English football.
"I've got my girlfriend and my life here in England, to be honest, but it
will be great if I can get 15 games under my belt and impress the scouts. It
will certainly be better for them to see me play in competitive matches
rather than reserve team matches. We'll just have to see what happens, but
I'm really looking forward to it."
Stokes and Miller's move comes in the same week that Hungary Under-21
goalkeeper Peter Kurucz joined the Hammers on loan until the end of the
season.
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Faubert Wants Madrid Stay
Setanta.co.uk
by Laurent Picard , 10 February 2009
West Ham ace Julien Faubert has revealed that he will do his best to turn
his loan deal with Real Madrid into a permanent move. Faubert understands
that he has been this January transfer window's most surprising transfer,
but the Frenchman is determined to prove his worth in Spain. The Hammer, who
made his debut in the narrow win over Racing Santander, will do his best to
earn a permanent transfer to the Santiago Bernabeu. The versatile player
reckons that he was Juande Ramos' third choice on the market, after Aston
Villa's Ashley Young and Wigan's Antonio Valencia. Faubert told As: "I'm
aware that I didn't arrive at this club with [Zinedine] Zidane or [David]
Beckham's status, but I'm going to work like a bull to show that I deserve
to wear the Real Madrid shirt. "I have the physique and internal strength, I
hope I will continue here once my loan contract is over and I'm going to
fight for this. "Football is my life. I don't mind being third choice in the
club's or the coach's right winger wish list – it's normal that such a big
club study various options before they make a deal."
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All I want for Christmas is an Ujpest Dozsa away kit
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 10th February 2009
By: Staff Writer
Reserve team duo Tony Stokes and Ashley Miller are on their way to Hungary
in order to discuss a loan move with Ujpest FC.
The move, initiated as part of the deal that saw goalkeeper Peter Kurucz
come the other way (the signing finally confirmed by the club last night)
will grant Stokes, 21 and Miller, 19 the opportunity to impress during a
week's trial. Should that prove successful the duo could extend their stay
with the former Fairs Cup runners-up until the end of the season.
Stokes (pictured above), who has previously spent time on loan with Rushden
& Diamonds, Brighton and Stevenage has made just one first team appearance
for the Hammers, as an 86th minute substitute in the 4-2 League Cup win over
Sheffield Wednesday back in 2005. Talking to whufc.com about the move, he
said:
"I've got my girlfriend and my life here in England but it will be great if
I can get 15 games under my belt and impress the scouts. It will certainly
be better for them to see me play in competitive matches rather than reserve
team matches.
"We'll just have to see what happens, but I'm really looking forward to it."
Meanwhile Miller, who has never featured for the first team added:
"It's an opportunity for me to play first-team football and an opportunity
for me to show what I can do. They are a team that is challenging for the
title and they play in a smart stadium in front of decent crowds, so I'm
looking forward to the challenge."
Come on you Liláks: five things you (probably) didn't know about Upjest FC
1. Upjest FC, as they have been known since 1998 have formerly been called
Ujpest TE, Dozsa and, more famously, Ujpest Dozsa. They beat the-then mighty
Leeds home and away in a 1970 Fairs Cup tie and were subsequently hailed by
Don Revie as the best team in Europe.
2. Ujpest, nicknamed the Lilák's after their colours (er ... purple and
white shirts) play their home matches at the Budapest's Szusza Ferenc
Stadium, which has a capacity of 13,501. Their most famous player is László
Fazekas, who scored a more-than-respectable 252 goals in 407 appearances for
the club between 1965 and 1980.
3. Although never having won a major European trophy Ujpest have reached the
semi-finals of the European Cup (1974) and the UEFA Cup Winners Cup (1962).
In 1969 they lost a two-legged Fairs Cup final to Newcastle United 6-2 on
aggregate.
4. Their record win was a resounding 22-0 defeat of the mighty
Postatakarékpénztár back in 1905.
5. Upon entering their website you are bizarrely greeted by a selection of
(English spoken) pop standards from the 1960s and 1970s. Neil Sedaka, the
Carpenters and Tom Jones were noted before we could take no more.
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Chelsea players want Zola and Clarke back at the Bridge as Blues prepare to
name new boss in next 24 hours
By Simon Johnson and Ken Dyer Last updated at 11:53 AM on 10th February 2009
Daily Mail
Chelsea players have told the hierarchy they want club legends Gianfranco
Zola and Steve Clarke to become the new management team at Stamford Bridge
following yesterday's sacking of Luiz Felipe Scolari. All efforts to prise
the pair away from the fantastic job they have done at Upton Park will be
fiercely resisted by West Ham's board and Zola is also known to be keen to
see through the task he started last September. Although the Blues hierarchy
are confident that they can unveil a new manager within the next 24 hours.
Former Barcelona head coach Franck Rijkaard has said that he would consider
the post and Sky Sports News sources claim that only Guus Hiddink and
ex-Blues boss Avram Grant are the only two names on the Chelsea short list.
However, Zola is the name that the players appear to want in the Stamford
Bridge hot-seat. The Italian successfully fought to keep hold of all of his
big-name stars - with the exception of Craig Bellamy - during the January
transfer window, and the Hammers are rapidly improving, having lost only one
game in the last nine and that to champions Manchester United.
But the pull of Chelsea, where Zola spent seven years and was voted the
greatest player in the club's history by supporters in 2003, will be
enormous. The lure of a return to the Bridge will also be huge for Clarke,
who only left Chelsea in September after being sidelined by Scolari's
arrival. The Scot is hugely respected by senior players John Terry and Frank
Lampard and played a key part in the club's two Premier League title-winning
seasons under Jose Mourinho. Zola, though, is a fiercely loyal man and
turned down overtures to return before when Roman Abramovich took over the
club six years ago. Then, he had only just moved to Cagliari and was
reluctant to walk out on the Italian side. Yet Zola's lawyer Fulvio Marrucco
said: 'It is very difficult to say if anything will happen, but Chelsea is a
special place for Gianfranco Zola. 'Gianfranco is very happy at West Ham and
still thanks them for giving him the opportunity to be a coach in the
Premier League.'
Chelsea are understood to be prepared to do whatever it takes to secure Zola
and Clarke and may wait until the summer to get them.
Luiz Felipe Scolari has been fired by Chelsea after 36 games at the helm.
Yet, the Brazilian only lost six matches, and one of those was on penalties!
Do you think it was time for Big Phil to go? Or would you have given him
more time? TELL US WHAT YOU THINK If they refuse to walk out on West Ham,
Abramovich is sure to call upon a second-string list of targets that
includes Milan boss Carlo Ancelotti, Russia manager Hiddink and the out of
work Roberto Mancini and Rijkaard.
Ancelotti would not leave Italy until the end of the season and Hiddink is
currently working on securing a place for Russia at the World Cup in 2010.
But the Dutchman is a close friend of Abramovich and his agent Cees van
Nieuwenhuizen said: 'I think because of his personal relationship with
Abramovich he will definitely talk and listen to him. 'But I think also Mr
Abramovich realises that Guus has to finish his job in South Africa.' A
return for Avram Grant is extremely unlikely and Ray Wilkins will be in
charge for Saturday's Cup match at Watford.
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West Ham's Green admits expectations are rising
10.02.09 | Andrew Slevison
The recent form of West Ham has goalkeeper Robert Green excited and is happy
for expectations to rise on himself and his teammates. After a solid
performance in their 1-0 loss to champions Manchester United, Green said the
mindset of people involved with the club had changed dramatically of late.
"We are on a run of form and it would have been good to continue that but
it's a step in the right direction," he said. "A few months ago, people
would have been dreading this game outside of the dressing room and now
people are walking away rather disappointed. "Expectations have risen and no
more than among ourselves. "I didn't have a great deal to do and United
didn't really get into fifth gear at any point. "They stepped it up a bit
until they scored in the second half and then went down a bit afterwards.
They've had a lot of 1-0 wins recently. We didn't really trouble them too
much which is disappointing and it's a disappointing goal to concede. "We've
played United and Arsenal and held our own and done okay but we've never
really troubled either team too much."
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Zola reiterates his intent to stay at West Ham
10.02.09 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has reiterated that he is happy at the club
and will not be making the move to take over at Chelsea. The former Blues
star has been linked with the now vacant post at Stamford Bridge but has
reassured his current board that he will remain at Upton Park. Despite calls
from his lawyer that he is open to a move, Zola has pledged his commitment
to the East London club. West Ham sources have also said that the Italian
will not be lured away.
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Agent: Chelsea special to West Ham boss Zola
10.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
The agent of West Ham United boss Gianfranco Zola cannot rule out a move to
managerless Chelsea. "At the moment we know nothing about the link between
Zola and the vacant position at Chelsea," Fulvio Marrucco told Sky Sports
News. "Gianfranco is very happy at West Ham and still thanks the club for
giving him the chance to work in the Premier League. "It is very difficult
to say if anything will happen, but Chelsea is a special place for Zola."
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Collison: West Ham disappointment proof of improvement
10.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Jack Collison says the disappointment that greeted West Ham's narrow defeat
to Manchester United is proof of the improvements that have been made.
"Playing against United you know what to expect," said Wales midfielder
Collison. "They're champions of the world at the moment and we knew it would
be a tough game but looking back at it we're disappointed not to get
anything from it. "It shows how far we've come as a team that we're
disappointed not to have won at Arsenal last week and this time to get the
points against Manchester United. "That's credit to ourselves and how far
we've come as a team. We knew we could create chances but we just couldn't
convert them into goals."
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Man Utd's Ferdinand impressed by West Ham striker Cole
10.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Manchester United defender Rio Ferdinand admits he was impressed by West Ham
striker Carlton Cole on Sunday. "He has grown in stature, but that's because
he is working for a manager who understands him," said Ferdinand. "He is
appreciated and working in an environment that suits him. He is a young
player, he wants to learn and he is better for it."
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Real Madrid signing Faubert has no plans for West Ham return
11.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Real Madrid loan signing Julien Faubert is not planning to return to West
Ham in the summer. "I have the physique and internal strength, I hope I will
continue here once my loan contract is over and I'm going to fight for
this," said the midfielder. "Football is my life. I don't mind being third
choice in the club's or the coach's right winger wish list – it's normal
that such a big club study various options before they make a deal."
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Capello impressed by West Ham striker Cole
11.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
England boss Fabio Capello says he's following the progress of West Ham
striker Carlton Cole closely. "He is young and interesting," said the
England coach. "I have been following him and he has just got better and
better every game. "His movement and his strength impress me. He is in good
form at the moment. When he is in front of goal he has to be calmer.
"Sometimes he is too fast and he wants to shoot too quickly."
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New recruit for depleted Reggae Boyz squad
Howard Walker, Observer staff reporter
jamaicaobserver.com
Tuesday, February 10, 2009
West Ham striker Zovan Hines has been drafted into the Reggae Boyz squad to
play Nigeria tomorrow amidst a spate of injuries that has recently hit the
national team. The friendly international between the teams is slated to be
played at the New Den Stadium in London, home of championship side, Millwall
Football Club.
Hines, 20, who was born in England of Jamaican heritage, was subsequently
called up, while veteran striker Deon Burton has replaced Ricardo Fuller,
who was injured during Stoke City's English Premier League match last
Saturday and could be sidelined for at least three months. Fuller, 29, has
reportedly suffered a dislocated shoulder in the game against Sunderland.
Meanwhile, Portmore United's utility player, Wolry Wolfe, has also been
drafted into the John Barnes-coached outfit to replace captain Ricardo
Gardner and was scheduled to leave the island last night. Hines had been
playing youth and regular reserve team football for West Ham United before
being spotted by Coventry City manager Chris Coleman and was taken on loan
early last year. However, he returned to West Ham and scored his first
senior team goal against Macclesfield Town in a Carling Cup second-round
match on August 27 last year. The Reggae Boyz squad is thus depleted
following injuries to veteran players Tyrone Marshall, Gardner, Ian
Goodison, Donovan Ricketts, Fuller and new boy Darren Pratley, of English
championship club, Swansea City. Captain Gardner, 30, of Bolton Wanderers is
out with a sore knee while Marshall, 34, and goalkeeper Ricketts, 31, got
injured during pre-season training with their Major League Soccer clubs
Toronto FC and LA Galaxy, respectively. Ricketts damaged his finger and will
be replaced by Harbour View's Dwayne Miller, who also scheduled to leave for
London last night. Meanwhile Goodison, 36, suffered an ankle injury in a
League One encounter while representing Tranmere Rovers. New recruit
Pratley, 23, who plays midfield, suffered a serious injury to his shoulder
in Swansea's recent 4-1 win over Preston and will have to wait a bit longer
to make his debut for the Reggae Boyz.
Reggae Boyz Squad: Goalkeepers - Dwayne Miller (Harbour View FC), Shawn
Sawyers (Portmore United); Defenders - Claude Davis (Crystal Palace), Damion
Stewart, (Queens Park Rangers), Wolry Wolfe (Portmore United), Tyrone Mears
(Marseille, France), Eric Vernan (Portmore United); Midfielders - Rodolph
Austin (SK Brann), Jason Morrison (Ferencvaros), Jermaine Johnson (Sheffield
Wednesday), Demar Phillips (Aelesunds, Norway), Omar Daley (Bradford City),
Jamal Campbell-Ryce (Barnsley); Forwards - Marlon King (Middlesbrough), Dane
Richards (Red Bull New York), and Luton Shelton (Aalborg, Denmark).
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