WHUFC.com
West Ham United will be well supported when they travel to the Riverside
Stadium for the FA Cup replay
23.02.2009
Thousands of Hammers fans will be heading up to Middlesbrough on Wednesday
night for the FA Cup fifth-round replay and it is not too late to join them.
With today the last day for postal applications, the ticket office has
experienced high demand and the club is set to have a significant proportion
of the Riverside Stadium crowd. The first match between the teams on 14
February ended in a 1-1 draw. Kick-off is at 8.10pm and free coach travel is
being offered to all supporters buying a ticket.
The prize for the winners is an FA Cup quarter-final date at Everton on
Sunday 8 March, kick-off at 4pm. The winners of that tie will progress to a
Wembley semi-final on 18 April with the final following at the legendary
venue on 30 May.
For more information, click here
Ticket prices
Adults - £15
Adult season ticket holders - £10
Seniors - £7
Young Adult members - £7
Under-16s - £5
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Tomkins ready for next step
WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is eager to face Middlesbrough on Wednesday having done well
as a weekend substitute
23.02.2009
James Tomkins continued his Premier League education in the 2-1 defeat at
Bolton Wanderers and is in pole position for an FA Cup chance on Wednesday.
On Saturday, the England Under-19 centre-back was called upon after just 16
minutes when James Collins was forced off with a hamstring injury. By that
stage, Matthew Taylor and Kevin Davies had already given the Trotters a 2-0
lead at the Reebok Stadium but after that it was all about the visitors and
Tomkins was particularly impressive.
With Collins sidelined, he is eyeing a starting place in the fifth-round
replay at Middlesbrough and hopes to stake his claim for a regular spot in
Gianfranco Zola's side. However, he is mature enough to concede that he will
need to work as hard as ever to stand a chance.
"Obviously Ginge has been doing very well when he has been playing but maybe
there is going to be a chance for me. You obviously feel for the lad and
hope he's not going to be out for too long because he's been doing really
well for us. If I get my chance I've got to take it, but no place is
guaranteed at the moment.
"It was quite a surprise to see James go down but you have to knock out the
nerves and take it as it comes. We were 2-0 down so it was fairly hard
circumstances but you have to put that behind you and play the game as you
do."
With the physically-imposing tandem of Davies and Sweden international Johan
Elmander lined up against him, the 19-year-old rose to the challenge with an
eye-catching performance at both ends of the pitch on his first league
appearance of the season. While Tomkins coped admirably with the threat of
Bolton's powerful attackers, he also posed a threat at the attacking end,
winning a series of headers inside the hosts' penalty area.
"We started poorly and conceded two goals in the first 15 minutes and it was
always going to be a long way back from there," he said. "We outplayed them
and in the second half especially we had a lot of chances to win the game.
We had a mountain to climb, though, after going 2-0 down so early.
"In the dressing room everyone was down but we've got to pick ourselves up
again quickly because we've got a game on Wednesday. We have to look back at
it quickly, look at the errors that we made and obviously carry on from
there because we've got a big game coming up."
While he was disappointed to finish on the losing side Tomkins, who was
initially drafted into the Hammers lineup at the tail-end of last season,
was grateful for the chance to test himself against Bolton and, in
particular, the muscular Davies.
"They are very physical. Kevin Davies has got bags of experience and it's
done me wonders in terms of my own experience. I learned a lot playing
against him and I didn't think I did too badly. We were obviously 2-0 down
when I came on so it was fairly hard circumstances but I'm learning with
every game I play.
"I could have done better with a few headers but as long as I'm getting in
the box and attacking them [that's good]. It's another area of my game that
I've tried to improve and I just need to take my chances if I get them. It
would have been nice to notch but I'm going to keep battling away and
working hard in training. It would be nice to score at Middlesbrough."
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Collins faces month out
WHUFC.com
An MRI scan has confirmed that James Collins will be missing for up to four
weeks with a hamstring injury
23.02.2009
West Ham United can confirm that James Collins is likely to be out for four
weeks with a hamstring tear in his left leg.
The Wales defender was injured early in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Bolton
Wanderers when he went in for a tackle with Johan Elmander. An MRI scan
confirmed the injury on Monday afternoon, which means he could miss the next
three league games against Manchester City, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich
Albion. He could yet be fit for the international fixtures against Finland
and Germany in Cardiff on 28 March and 1 April respectively.
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has plenty of options to replace Collins,
with James Tomkins impressing as substitute at the weekend, while captain
Lucas Neill, Jonathan Spector and Radoslav Kovac could also play at
centre-back alongside Matthew Upson. Young defender Bondz N'Gala, 19, has
also travelled with the first team of late after an impressive run for the
reserves.
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Collins injury blow for Hammers
BBC.co.uk
James Collins joined West Ham from Cardiff City for £2m in 2005. West Ham
defender James Collins faces a race against time to be fit for Wales' next
2010 World Cup qualifiers after being ruled out for a month. The 25-year-old
centre-back was carried off in West Ham's 2-1 defeat at Bolton on Saturday
with a hamstring injury. Collins had a scan which revealed a tear in his
left hamstring which will keep him sidelined for four weeks. Wales have a
qualifying double-header in Cardiff against Finland on 28 March and Germany
on 1 April. Welsh boss John Toshack says Collins' defensive qualities are
vital to the national team and his impressive performances have been crucial
in West Ham's revival under new boss Gianfranco Zola. Collins, an
inspirational figure in West Ham's Premier League survival in 2007, returned
from a nine month absence after cruciate knee ligament damage in October.
The Hammers have lost just five times in 17 games since Collins' comeback
and his injury absence will be a big blow for Zola's European ambitions.
James Tomkins replaced Collins, capped 27 times by Wales, when he was
stretchered off after just 15 minutes at Bolton on Saturday. The
Newport-born defender joins club and country team-mate Danny Gabbidon on
West Ham and Wales' injury list. "It is a pity that we will lose him for a
while as he has been playing well," said Zola.
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Collins ruled out for a month
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 23rd February 2009
By: Staff Writer
James Collins will be out of action until the end of March with a torn
hamstring. West Ham United confirmed this evening that the Welsh centre half
will be out of action for around a month. Collins underwent an MRI scan
having pulled up early on in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Bolton, meaning he
will miss the forthcoming games against Middlesbrough, Manchester City,
Wigan and West Brom. The 26-year-old had been enjoying a run in the first
team since returning to action last October, having succesfully recovered
from a cruciate ligament injury sustained just seven months prior to his
return. Collins has been an integral part in West Ham's recent improved
form, and it is perhaps no coincidence that prior to the Bolton game the
side had remained unbeaten on their travels since last October's 2-0 defeat
at Manchester United - his first away game of the season. Collins' place is
likely to be taken by James Tomkins, his replacement at Bolton - although
Gianfranco Zola has other covering options for the central position
including new signing Radoslav Kovac and Jon Spector, who had a decent game
at right back on Saturday
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Collins out for a month
Hammers confirm hamstring tear
Last updated: 23rd February 2009
SSN
West Ham have confirmed James Collins will be sidelined for a month because
of injury. Collins picked up a hamstring problem in Saturday's 2-1 defeat by
Bolton and Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola feared the defender might face a
lengthy spell out. Scans have shown Collins has suffered a tear to his
hamstring which will rule him out of action for a month. "West Ham United
can confirm that James Collins is likely to be out for four weeks with a
hamstring tear in his left leg," read a statement on the club's official
website. "An MRI scan confirmed the injury on Monday afternoon, which means
he could miss the next three league games against Manchester City, Wigan
Athletic and West Bromwich Albion. "He could yet be fit for the
international fixtures against Finland and Germany in Cardiff on 28 March
and 1 April respectively." The news is a blow for Zola as Collins has formed
an impressive defensive partnership with Matthew Upson and had been
instrumental in the club's impressive run of form.
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Vinny's Bolton Report
Vinny 22 Feb 2009
West Ham Online
Bolton Wanderers 2 West Ham United 1
West Ham lost their first away game since October as two early goals from
Bolton had seen the damage already done despite the away side controlling
the rest of the game.
We battered Bolton for the majority of the game and after we got one back
through Scott Parker I was convinced that we would go on to get the
equaliser and maybe even a winner but when we got in and around the area we
were not clinical enough although there were a few guilt edge chances which
should have been taken.
The two early goals stunned players and supporters alike, but the character
we showed after that was pleasing to see and I think anyone who witnessed
this performance will know that it was a good one.
I was impressed by the amount of support we took to the Reebok Stadium. The
entire upper tier was filled with West Ham as was a section on the lower
where I took my seat. The Bolton fans had obviously forgot to come out again
as every one of their stands looked half empty.
A home made flag went across the Bolton fans stating that they were "The
One, The Only Wanderers". I hope no one ruins their fun and tells them about
the excistance of Wolves and Wycombe.
Gianfranco Zola made a few changes to the side who earned themselves a
replay last week against Middlesbrough. Lucas Neill was suspended and was
replaced by Jonathan Spector who was making his first start of the season.
In midfield Valon Behrami returned in place of Luis Boa Morte. The saw Jack
Collison return to the left hand side.
Up front saw Carlton Cole shake off an injury which was meant to keep him
out for two weeks as he partnered David Di Michele.
With both teams feeling each other out in the early stages we looked to take
a foothold on the game and a lovely flowing move put Ilunga through down the
left and he burst into the box to square for Cole but his goal bound shot
was blocked and away for a corner.
With ten minutes on the clock Bolton had their first attack with Mark Davies
being brought down outside the area by Jack Collison. There could be no
complaints about the free kick as it was a clumsey tackle from the
youngster.
Matthew Taylor stepped up to take it and as he did earlier in the season at
Upton Park he hit a beautiful shot which curled into the top corner beyond
Robert Green. There could perhaps be questions about Green's positioning but
I thought it was just a special goal.
If that goal was gutting what would happen just a minute later would leave
us all shell shocked as Bolton double their lead. Indecision at the back let
Elmander cross for Kevin Davies to sweep the ball past Green.
It would obviously be a long way back from here but the West Ham fans kept
singing despite their frustrations. To make matters worse James Collins was
stretched off with what looked like a nasty injury. He was replaced by James
Tomkins.
As an attacking force Bolton offered no more for the remainder of the game.
They were happy to sit back and let us attack them and attack them we did.
Excellent work from Cole saw the striker put Mark Noble clean through but
his decision making was not for the first time this season poor and he
attempted to square the ball and it was put away for a corner.
Noble would come close to redeeming himself moments later when he played a
wonderful pass with the outside of his boot to put David Di Michele clean
through on goal. The Italian showed a burst of pace which took him away from
the defenders as he advanced on goal. He attempted to curl the ball past the
keeper but his shot was closer to the corner flag as the fans looked on in
despair.
Matthew Upson and Mark Noble both picked up bookings in the first half with
the latter now having to serve a suspension against Manchester City next
week.
The second half saw us have an obvious task to get back into the game as
quickly as possible. This second half would see us batter Bolton.
The goal nearly came very early on as Mark Noble did well to win a corner.
Noble himself too the corner which found Tomkins who header was directed in
the path of Cole who instinctively nodded the ball past the keeper but it
was cleared off the line and away.
With just under half an hour remaining Collison was replaced by Savio who
went to the left wing as we looked to bring a bit more pace to our attacking
play.
On 66 minutes we got our reward for all our pressure as an excellent low
cross found Scott Parker who scored from close range with a neat finish.
Confidence swept across the West Ham support as we had looked so dominant in
the second half surely we would get the equaliser.
The best chance we would have would fall to Di Michele after a wonderful
footballing move which saw Parker bundled over in the area but the ball fell
to Di Michele who showed great skill to beat the keeper but his shot was
somehow cleared off the line by Cahill.
Savio saw his good cross find Cole but the header was not strong enough to
beat the Bolton keeper.
Time ticked away and Zola took off Spector and brought on another striker in
Freddie Sears but there was no last great chance which would see us go away
with the point we deserved and yet again we have been done by our bogey side
Bolton Wanderers.
I don't know about anyone else but I left the game pleased enough with the
performance and although disappointed and frustrated that we had not been
better in front of goal I can accept that we are not going to win every game
which is concept a few fans need to get their head around.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
I've read that people think he was at fault for both goals. Even looking at
them again I can't quite see it other than "he was at fault because he
didn't save them". His distribution of the ball was on the whole a lot
better and he claimed most things in the air successfully.
Jonathan Spector
I'm not a big fan of Spector and never have been but credit where credit is
due he did well. I thought he got forward well in the second half and was
always an option when going down the middle was too difficult.
James Collins
Seemed all over the place until his injury. Never settled and him going off
didn't effect us.
Matthew Upson
The battle of the day was between him and Kevin Davies. It was a bruising
affair which with the goal Davies came out on top. Still Upson did his best
in this physical battle and was nice to see him come up to the fans at the
end almost apologising for the defeat.
Herita Ilunga
Yet another good showing from the left back. The man has a lot of skill and
shows in at both ends of the pitch. Defensively was solid.
Valon Behrami
Whilst his work rate was there and he won a number of tackles there were not
enough probing passes from him which we could have done with seeing the
amount of possession we had in and around their area. Still, it was a decent
performance from Behrami.
Scott Parker
Not just for the goal but he was my man of the match. The goal was just
something he deserved as he put in a wonderful performance. The man was
everywhere and his passing for the majority of the game was much better. He
would burst forward an often be our attacking midfielder. Great stuff.
Mark Noble
A hard working display from Noble who managed to last the full ninety
minutes. He should have done better in the first half when he was put
through and seems to be lacking in a bit of confidence.
Jack Collison
Showed nice touches on the ball and he displayed a lot of skill. Needs to be
a bit more decisive at times and quicker making a pass as he tends to hold
onto the ball for too long. With Noble suspended for Manchester City it will
be interesting to see him in the centre of midfield.
Carlton Cole
I thought Cole was excellent and worked as hard as anyone. Held the ball up
well and didn't lose possession on many occasions. Was unlucky not to score
early in the second half and seemed to have no re-occurrence of his injury
picked up last week.
David Di Michele
Apparently he has promised Zola "two goals" in the next game. He certainly
needs to start scoring as he is having many guilt edged chances. He should
have score two goals in this game and after his glaring miss against Boro'
last week there can be no more excuses.
Subs Used
James Tomkins (on for Collins 16 mins)
On early in the game and although took a few minutes to settle he looked
comfortable for the rest of the game.
Savio Nsereko (on for Collison 62 mins)
Slowly but surely we are seeing more of what he is about and he looked quite
lively when he came on. He always wants the ball and in confident when he
gets its. I still would like to see him up front with Cole.
Freddie Sears (on for Spector 85 mins)
Not enough time for Freddie to make any impact.
Subs Not Used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Kovac, Tristan.
Overall
We controlled the majority of the game but the damage had already been done
with those two early Bolton goals. We fought well and did not panic with our
game not descending into a long ball affair but one in which we played some
nice football.
I believe that if we had have gone 2-0 down last season we would not have
shown the fight and determination we showed in this game. Some of our
football is very pleasing on the eye but we are sometimes guilty of over
playing.
In and around the area we must be more clinical and get the shots off when
we first get the chance. I don't think anyone who watched this game will be
thinking that we will struggle against Boro' because if we put in this level
of performance we should beat them.
Next up is of course Middlesbrough in the FA Cup 5th round with a quarter
final at Everton awaiting the winners. I have taken the option of going on
the free coaches which now depart at 10.30am. If we play the way we did
against Bolton there should be many West Ham fans going home happy.
The Feelings of Lil' Franco
"After all the chances we had I thought we'd get at least one point.
"They had two chances they took, we didn't - that's something we'll be
working on in the next few days.
"Every moment in the game I had the idea that we were going to get something
as the team were playing so well, they had problems handling us."
"It is a pity because the performance was the performance of a team that
didn't deserve it. This is football, you cannot afford to concede anything
to Premier League teams because they take advantage [if you let them] so it
is a good lesson for us for the future."
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Gabbidon wants to repay Zola's patience
Sport.co.uk
Author: Nigel Brown
Posted on: 23 February 2009 - 9:07 PM
Danny Gabbidon is determined to end his West Ham injury nightmare and repay
the faith shown in him by manager Gianfranco Zola. The Wales defender, who
has not featured for the Hammers since suffering a serious groin injury in
December 2007, is stepping up his rehabilitation following a long
lay-off.Wales boss John Toshack had voiced his doubts over whether Gabbidon
would ever return to action having not made an international appearance in
15 months. But the 29-year-old says he is happy with his progress and has
been encouraged by the patience shown in him by West Ham boss Zola. "I've
been to see a few different people and the club have been really good and
anything that I've wanted they have done," he said. "I'm working hard and
trying to get back to training and once I get to that stage it's about
getting back into the team, which is doing very well at the moment. "I've
spoken to the manager a few times and he has been really good to me. He asks
how I am and how I'm feeling, when I'm coming back and he's been really
good. "
James Collins will miss Wednesday night's FA Cup fifth round replay at
Middlesbrough after being ruled out for a month with a hamstring tear, which
he picked up during the weekend defeat by Bolton. And Zola looks set to keep
faith with Jonathan Spector after the defender came through the Bolton game
unscathed following his recovery from a hip problem. "That was the longest
I've been out so I couldn't be happier to be back in training and around the
team," said Spector. "There's a great team spirit and atmosphere at the club
at the moment and I'm just excited to be part of it. "We've had a good cup
run and it's definitely a game that we'll be looking to win. "I remember
West Ham's first season in the Premier League - they had an unbeaten cup run
and will be looking to better that by one game."
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From Adversity To Opportunity
Just Like My Dreams
An MRI scan has revealed that James Collins will likely be missing for up to
four weeks with a hamstring tear in his left leg. The Wales defender was
injured early in Saturday's 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers when he went in
for a tackle with Johan Elmander. An MRI scan confirmed the injury this
afternoon, and it means he could miss the next three league games against
Manchester City, Wigan Athletic and West Bromwich Albion before the
international fixtures against Finland and Germany in Cardiff on 28 March
and 1 April respectively.
Gianfranco Zola has "plenty of options" to replace Collins according to the
official site, with James Tomkins reportedly impressing as substitute at the
weekend. The England Under-19 centre-back was called upon after just 16
minutes on Saturday and by that stage, Matthew Taylor and Kevin Davies had
already given the Trotters a 2-0 lead at the Reebok Stadium. After that it
was all about the visitors and Tomkins looked very comfortable. "James
Collins has been playing very well. He is a big asset for us but the way
James Tomkins came on and played was very encouraging for me," said Zola
after the game. "I am sure he will do his job properly."
With Collins now sidelined, the youngster is eyeing a starting place in the
fifth-round replay at Middlesbrough and hopes to stake his claim for a
regular spot in Gianfranco Zola's side. However, he is mature enough to
concede that he will need to work as hard as ever to stand a chance.
"Obviously Ginge has been doing very well when he has been playing but maybe
there is going to be a chance for me," said Tomkins. "You obviously feel for
the lad and hope he's not going to be out for too long because he's been
doing really well for us. If I get my chance I've got to take it, but no
place is guaranteed at the moment. It was quite a surprise to see James go
down but you have to knock out the nerves and take it as it comes. We were
2-0 down so it was fairly hard circumstances but you have to put that behind
you and play the game as you do."
Captain Lucas Neill and new recruit Radoslav Kovac could also play at
centre-back alongside Matthew Upson if called on, while young defender Bondz
N'Gala, 19, has been travelling with the first team of late after an
impressive run of performances for the reserves. A further option could be
Jonathan Spector, who admitted to having mixed emotions after making his
first West Ham United start in ten months on Saturday. Spector played at
right-back for the Hammers in place of the suspended Lucas Neill, and
responded with an encouraging performance capped with an inch-perfect cross
for Scott Parker's 66th-minute goal. However, it was not enough to stop
Gianfranco Zola's side from falling to a 2-1 defeat.
The United States international endured a frustrating second half to 2008,
suffering a hip flexor injury that ruled him out of the Olympic Games in
Beijing and the opening half of the new Premier League season. Now, the
23-year-old is finally back to fitness and enjoyed his first start in claret
and blue since appearing in a 1-0 defeat at the same venue in April last
year. "On a personal level it was good to be back because it was my first
game in a long while but, more importantly, the team was very disappointed
with the result," he told the official site. "We went 2-0 down very early on
and gave ourselves a mountain to climb and made it really difficult for
ourselves. I think it was difficult from then on but we fought back and were
on top for the majority of the game but just weren't able to get it back.
"I couldn't be happier to get my first start under my belt but it's more
important to be winning the game but we didn't do that so it's a little bit
of a bittersweet moment for me. All things considered I was pretty happy
with my personal fitness. I felt good throughout the match. If you put the
work in then you hope that when the matchday comes you feel good, and that
was the case for me on Saturday. It was a great run by Scotty to get across
the first defender for his goal. I put it into the right area and he was
there with a perfect finish. I put another one in for Coley and he was a
little bit unlucky not to score. We had quite a few opportunities to score
but it just didn't happen for us."
Lucas Neill will be available again for Wednesday evening's FA Cup
fifth-round replay at Middlesbrough, but Spector is just glad to be in
contention again. "Of course it's frustrating when you're not playing but
you just keep going," he said. "We've got a great team here and a lot of
strength in the squad. The team has been playing extremely well and winning
games so it's understandable that I wasn't able to work my way in. I've just
got to make the most of my opportunities when they do come. I'm a West Ham
player and it's a great club and I'm more than happy to be here. Obviously
my aim is to work my way into the starting eleven, just as every other play
wants to. That's what makes the squad so strong. Everyone wants to play and
that's what has spurred our success this season."
Whether he is selected or not, the defender says it is important for the
Hammers to get back on the pitch and get Saturday's scarcely-deserved defeat
at Bolton out of their systems. "It may be a cliché that it's good to be
playing again so soon but it's very true. We've had a good cup run this year
and we want to continue that. It's a game where we're going to go up there
looking to win. I think we've got every chance to do that."
Another defender on his way back is Danny Gabbidon. The Welshman has not
featured for the Hammers since suffering a serious groin injury in December
2007, but is now stepping up his rehabilitation following a long lay-off.
Wales boss John Toshack was not alone in voicing his doubts over whether
Gabbidon would ever return to competitive action having not made an
international appearance in over 15 months. Yet the 29-year-old says he is
happy with his progress and has been encouraged by the patience shown in him
by West Ham boss Zola. "I've been to see a few different people and the club
have been really good and anything that I've wanted they have done," he
said. "I'm working hard and trying to get back to training and once I get to
that stage it's about getting back into the team, which is doing very well
at the moment. I've spoken to the manager a few times and he has been really
good to me. He asks how I am and how I'm feeling, when I'm coming back and
he's been really good."
In other news, Gianfranco Zola has reportedly joined the race to sign
highly-rated Wolves defender Kevin Foley in the summer. Several media
reports have linked the Hammers, as well as Everton and Blackburn, with a
move for the player who is rated at around the £2.5m mark. Foley, who cost
Wolves £6,000 when they signed him from Luton in August 2007, is out of
contract at the end of next season and Wolves will want to keep him and hand
him a new deal at the club. Whether he accepts is likely to depend on if
they are successful in their efforts to win Premiership football this
season.
Posted by Trilby at 10:01
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West Ham can still qualify for Europe, says Jonathon Spector
The Mirror
By David Anderson 23/02/2009
West Ham defender Jonathon Spector insists Europe is still firmly in the
Hammers' sights. Seventh place could clinch a UEFA Cup spot and West Ham are
in the mix, despite seeing their four-month unbeaten away run ended by
Bolton. Spector, who set up Scott Parker for West Ham's goal, said: "We're
not ruling Europe out, even though we lost. "We were hoping for seventh
before the game. We've been on a fantastic run of wins and a few draws and
we certainly believe we can get back on track. "We just see this as a minor
setback and we're ready to go again."
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JACK'S POSH DEAL
The Mirror
By Darren Lewis 24/02/2009
West Ham almost sold rising star Jack Collison to League One Peterborough
for just £300,000. The clubs agreed a fee back in August when Alan
Curbishley was still Hammers manager. But Posh boss Darren Ferguson was
frustrated when the Upton Park board changed their minds. Collison, 20, aims
to help knock Middlesbrough out of the FA Cup in tomorrow's fifth round
replay. And boss Gianfranco Zola says: "Jack has been a real surprise for me
- not just because of his qualities but also his personality.
"He will be a very important player in this country and for West Ham for a
long time."
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Tomkins pleased with new West Ham chance
24.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
James Tomkins was pleased to step in for injured West Ham defender James
Collins during their defeat at Bolton Wanderers. The youngster told
whufc.com: "Obviously Ginge has been doing very well when he has been
playing but maybe there is going to be a chance for me. You obviously feel
for the lad and hope he's not going to be out for too long because he's been
doing really well for us. If I get my chance I've got to take it, but no
place is guaranteed at the moment. "It was quite a surprise to see James go
down but you have to knock out the nerves and take it as it comes. We were
2-0 down so it was fairly hard circumstances but you have to put that behind
you and play the game as you do."
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Man City striker Bellamy: Liverpool result proof I made right move
24.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Manchester City striker Craig Bellamy says their 1-1 draw at Liverpool is
proof he made the right decision to join from West Ham last month. He said:
"I came here to raise my expectations and no one can tell me we have not got
a top-quality squad."
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Bolton skipper Davies unimpressed by Upson antics
23.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Bolton Wanderers captain Kevin Davies has slammed the antics of West Ham
defender Matthew Upson after victory on Saturday. The England defender was
shown a yellow card for a reckless challenge on the Bolton striker and
became increasingly exasperated as the game wore on. Davies said: "I think
he was trying to get me booked, which was disappointing. He knew he was
going to be in for a battle today and every time I went in for a challenge
he was on to the referee. I take that as a compliment that he wasn't very
happy playing against me."
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Everton, West Ham join interest for Wolves fullback Foley
23.02.09 | tribalfootball.com
Wolves fullback Kevin Foley is attracting big Premiership interest. The
Mirror says Blackburn Rovers, Everton and West Ham are keeping tabs on
Wolves' £2.5m-rated right-back Foley. Foley cost Wolves £600,000 from Luton
Town in August 2007 but his value has rocketed since then. He is out of
contract at the end of next season but Wolves are about to open talks to
hand him a new deal.
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West Ham frontmen fail in front of goal but Zola refuses to push the panic
button
By Andrew Hodgson Last updated at 1:15 PM on 23rd February 2009
Daily Mail
Gianfranco Zola will keep faith with his misfiring strikers as West Ham bid
to bounce back from the 2-1 defeat at Bolton by booking a place in the FA
Cup quarter-finals on Wednesday. The Hammers suffered their first away
defeat in eight league games at the Reebok with Carlton Cole and David di
Michele missing good chances to rescue a point. No striker has scored for
West Ham since Cole and Di Michele both hit the net in the 2-0 win against
Hull City last month. But Zola is confident that the four-game barren run
will end soon - hopefully starting with the FA Cup fifth-round replay at
Middlesbrough. Zola said: 'The lack of goals from the strikers is not a
concern for me. It would be a concern if we were not creating the
opportunities, but I am sure that my strikers will be scoring again soon.
'For me the most important thing was creating chances in open play and that
is what they are doing.' Defender James Collins is set to miss the Teesside
trip after limping off with a hamstring injury.
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