WHUFC.com
Dean Ashton is making good progress on the comeback trail from injury and
could running outside in a few weeks
25.03.2009
Dean Ashton is managing to keep a close eye on how his West Ham United
team-mates are doing, while looking forward to stepping up his rehab work
over the next few weeks. The 25-year-old striker, currently sidelined with
an ankle injury, has been able to start jogging on a treadmill and is hoping
to extend this to outside running in early April. The England international
has been working hard every day, with double sessions part of his regular
schedule. "It's a light at the end of the tunnel point for me," Ashton said.
"If you think about it, running forms a large part of training and playing
for a footballer and to get to this stage again now is a real step up for
me."
The forward is keen to make sure his rehab work is taken at a steady pace to
ensure his recovery work is not rushed. He said: "The ultimate aim is to get
back running and feel completely comfortable doing this, so I do everything
one step at a time. It is good to have this as part of my programme now,
though, and I will continue to work hard to take it further. "I want to come
back when everything is right, not return prematurely and end up getting
another injury, because all the hard work will be for nothing. If it means
continuing to be patient and let things take as long as they need to, then
that's what I will do."
The medical staff at West Ham are also making sure Ashton is making the
right progress at the right time, while giving him as much encouragement as
possible. "The manager and the staff here have all been keeping an eye on me
and watching my progress closely. There is no easy way back from an injury
that keeps you out for a long while, but as long as I know I am working my
hardest and keep taking steps forward, then I know it is all heading the
right way."
As well as his rehab work, Ashton is keeping tabs on his team-mates and is
delighted to see the likes of Carlton Cole, Robert Green and Matthew Upson
being picked at international level. "I think we are doing very well.
Considering we have had a few injuries of late, the lads who have come in
have added to the team's good form and it's great to see the boys getting
the results. "I am also pleased to see the boys playing for England. Matty,
Greeny and Coley all have been playing really well and deserve to be in the
squad. Coley has been on top form and has done well and I am sure, when he
gets it, he will take his chance again."
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Spence to face Czechs
WHUFC.com
West Ham United defender Jordan Spence will be in action for the England
Under-19 team on Wednesday
25.03.2009
Jordan Spence will hope to enhance his prospects of appearing at this
summer's UEFA European Under-19 Championship finals in Wednesday's friendly
with the Czech Republic.
The 19-year-old defender, who is currently enjoying a successful loan spell
at League One club Leyton Orient, is expected to start for Brian Eastick's
side at the Banks's Stadium, Walsall ahead of England's vital Elite
Qualifying Round games with Scotland, Slovakia and Bosnia in May.
Should England top their group, they will qualify for this summer's
tournament, which will be hosted by Ukraine in late July.
England will be captained by Arsenal midfielder Henri Lansbury on Wednesday,
a role Spence himself assumed on his Under-19 debut against Albania in
October. Eastick's squad contains a host of recognisable names, with fellow
Gunner Gavin Hoyte, Everton midfielders Daniel Gosling and Jack Rodwell,
Manchester United forward Danny Welbeck and Aston Villa striker Nathan
Delfouneso all expected to start.
The Under-19s will be looking to bounce back after being beaten 3-0 by Spain
at AFC Bournemouth's Dean Court stadium in their most previous friendly
outing on 10 February. However, the Czech Republic have also made it through
to the Elite Qualifying Round, where they will take on Spain, Germany and
Estonia, and will pose strong opposition for Eastick's youngsters.
Among the players at coach Ladislav Skorpil's disposal will be promising
Glasgow Celtic defender Milan Misun. The remaining 17 members of the Czech
Republic squad are all based in their homeland, with three players each
being called-up from SK Sigma Olomouc and AC Sparta Prague.
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Parker scoops award
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker has been named player of the month for February by readers of
Match Magazine.
25.03.2009
Scott Parker may have to invest in a larger mantelpiece at home after
winning yet another award for his outstanding recent performances.
The 28-year-old midfielder has been named as the 'Premier League's Player of
the Month' for February by readers of Match Magazine. The latest accolade
adds to the two consecutive whufc.com player of the month awards Parker won
for January and February, the E.ON Player of the Round award he picked up
for his performance in the FA Cup fourth round win at Hartlepool United and
the assortment of man-of-the-match awards he has gained from West Ham
United's televised fixtures.
Upon picking up his latest award, the modest midfielder was keen to share
the praise among his West Ham United team-mates. He said: "Any personal
recognition is nice. I know it's a cliché because it's always said, but it
really is a team thing. When the team play well it's easier to put in better
individual performances!"
Parker joins a list of players including Robin van Persie, Robinho and Frank
Lampard who have won the award this season.
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Lee passing on experience
WHUFC.com
Robert Lee is looking to help son Ollie follow in his footsteps by
representing West Ham United
25.03.2009
As a former England international with well over 800 league and cup
appearances under his belt during a stellar 23-year playing career, Rob Lee
knows exactly what it takes to make it as a professional footballer. West
Ham-born Lee, who was part of England's 1998 World Cup squad and won 21 caps
for his country, enjoyed spells as a player with Charlton Athletic,
Newcastle United, Derby County and, between August 2003 and November 2004,
West Ham United. The all-action midfielder, who scored on his England debut
against Romania at Wembley in 1994, also bagged more than 120 goals for club
and country. Now, though, his attention has turned from his own career to
that of son Ollie, who is currently working his way through the Hammers'
world-famous Academy. Ollie, who is 17, has been a regular member of Tony
Carr's Under-18 side in this season's FA Premier Academy League. A midfield
player like his father, the younger Lee also impressed in the Barclays
Premier Academy League South fixture against Aston Villa earlier this month
in an unaccustomed right wing-back position. Dad Rob is a permanent fixture
at his son's matches and takes an active interest in Ollie's development
into, he hopes, a top-class footballer in his own right. "Ollie has been
progressing very well, especially recently," said Rob. "His confidence has
gone right up. He's a big lad and he's still developing. He's not one of
those that developed very quickly - it's just been slow progress over the
course of the last year or so and he's starting to look like a bit of a
player now.
"Having a Dad like myself sometimes helps and sometimes it's a hindrance. I
don't say anything during the games, I leave that to Tony Carr and the
coaching team and rightly so. I tell him how I think he played after the
games and I'll be very critical of the way he played and to be fair to him
he's very critical of the way he plays anyway and knows when he has done
well and when he hasn't. I give him advice when it's needed and I tell him
off when it's needed and I give him praise when it's due."
While lifelong West Ham supporter Rob waited until he was past his 37th
birthday before pulling on the famous claret and blue shirt, the proud
father hopes his son will do so slightly earlier in his own career. "I hope
so. I did it very late in my career and would have liked to have done it in
my heyday and hopefully he will do it in his. He played in the reserves when
he was only 15 and I never did that so he's progressing well but it is a
tough sport and a tough career and you need to keep progressing every single
year and at the moment he is doing that. "The Academy has got a very good
reputation and as long as he progresses every year I will be pleased. West
Ham have bought some fantastic players through and he couldn't be at a
better place at the moment."
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Upson's national pride
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's England defender Matthew Upson is eager to impress for his
country
25.03.2009
Matthew Upson has expressed his pride at being one of West Ham United's
Three Lions.
The central defender is in Fabio Capello's squad for Saturday's friendly
with Slovakia and next Wednesday's 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifier against
Ukraine, both at Wembley, alongside club-mates Robert Green and Carlton
Cole.
Evoking memories of 1966, when Hammers Bobby Moore, Geoff Hurst and Martin
Peters led England to World Cup glory, the 29-year-old said he, Green and
Cole were all desperate to do well over the coming week to boost their
chances of appearing at next summer's finals in South Africa.
"It's massive, and something West Ham are very proud of. When the country
last won the World Cup there was a big West Ham influence so the club has
always carried that and it is very positive to have three players in the
current squad."
While Upson himself has impressed with his form for both club and country
this season - netting his first senior international goal in the 2-1 win in
Germany in November - he has also been pleased with the displays of Cole,
who made his England debut in the 2-0 friendly defeat in Spain last month.
"He's had a great run ever since Gianfranco Zola took over. He has known how
to get the best out of Carlton, and Carlton in turn has put in some great
performances. He deserves his call-up and he deserves his opportunity."
Zola's influence on his own career also drew praise from Upson, who has
overseen a transformation in West Ham's playing style since arriving at the
Boleyn Ground last September. The Hammers have been widely lauded for their
attractive brand of passing football, and the 13-times capped defender is
enjoying life under the Italian.
At the same time, Upson is also relishing the new lease of life he has been
handed by Capello. After more than three years in the international
wilderness, the Hammer was brought back into the England fold for the former
Milan, Juventus and Real Madrid coach's first game in charge against
Switzerland at Wembley 13 months ago. Upson has great respect for his
coaches for both club and country.
"There are a lot of similarities in their character and they way they view
football. They definitely have a real tactical knowledge. Italian football
is more tactical than the hustle and bustle of English football. Both
managers have brought tactical awareness to their teams and that will make
us better structured teams.
"At the top level that is the only way you can play football. Zola was a
flair player and loved passing and moving the ball. Playing with Fabio
Capello it is the same thing. If we don't have the ball we have a good shape
and are hard to break down."
Concentrating on the coming week, Upson is eager for England to rediscover
the form they showed in thrashing Croatia 4-1 in Zagreb in September at the
Home of Football.
"A lot of people have said that perhaps we haven't performed as well as we
should at the new Wembley, and they've probably got a right to say that. I
think it's up to us to understand why we haven't performed and put that
right and get some really good team performances and good results there.
"We really need to work to bring that level of performance from our away
games back to Wembley. It's such a fantastic arena to play in and I'm sure
the team will be giving it everything they've got."
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Upson likens Zola to Capello
Hammers defender sees similarities in both managers
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 25th March 2009
SSN
Matthew Upson has compared his West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola with England
boss Fabio Capello. The defender has been called up to Capello's squad for
the friendly against Slovakia at the weekend and the World Cup qualifier
against Ukraine at Wembley on Wednesday. The 29-year-old is a keen admirer
of both Italians and believes that they share the same tactical nous that
stands them apart from their managerial counterparts. The former Arsenal
centre-back highlights that the two have similar characters and both
emphasise the importance of keeping possession of the ball. "There are a lot
of similarities in their character and the way they view football," he told
the FA's official website. "They definitely have a real tactical knowledge.
Italian football is more tactical than the hustle and bustle of English
football. "Both managers have brought tactical awareness to their teams and
that will make us better structured teams. "At the top level that is the
only way you can play football. Zola was a flair player and loved passing
and moving the ball. Playing with Fabio Capello it is the same thing. "If
we don't have the ball we have a good shape and are hard to break down."
Robert Green and Carlton Cole are the other two Hammers players in Capello's
squad and Upson highlights that it carries on a famous West Ham tradition of
having players associated with the England set-up. "It's massive and
something West Ham are very proud of," he added. "When the country last won
the World Cup there was a big West Ham influence so the club has always
carried that and it is very positive to have three players in the current
squad."
England last hosted the World Cup in 1966 and with the country bidding to
host the 2018 tournament Upson has firmly backed the initiative. "It's
something overdue for this country to host again," he said. "The structure
is here to host the World Cup so I can't think of a better venue."
With England welcoming Slovakia to Wembley on Saturday the Hammers defender
is all too aware of the need to put on a show for the fans. The national
side have not always performed at their best in front of their own
supporters and at times have been booed off by the crowd. "A lot of people
have said that perhaps we haven't performed as well as we should at the new
Wembley and they've probably got a right to say it," he agreed. "I think
it's up to us to understand why we haven't performed and put that right and
get some really good team performances and good results there. "We really
need to work to bring that level of performance from our away games back to
Wembley."
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Kovac eyes permanent deal
Hammers loanee hoping to extend stay at Upton Park
By Vasek Kadlec Last updated: 25th March 2009
SSN
Radoslav Kovac is confident of turning his loan move from Spartak Moscow to
West Ham into a permanent deal in the summer. Currently on loan at Upton
Park until the end of the season the defensive midfielder has impressed
since settling to the pace of the Premier League. After waiting patiently
for his opportunity the 29-year-old has now started the club's last five
games with the Hammers losing just once. Having slotted in nicely alongside
Scott Parker in the Hammers midfield the Czech Republic international is
eager to prolong his stay at the club. "When I spoke with the club's
chairman, he told me that they would be willing to have me stay," he told
deniksport.cz.
"But the clause is not the most convenient one so I hope we will come to an
agreement somehow in the summer. "West Ham's stadium Upton Park has the
capacity of 35,000 and is always sold-out. I love it. "Moreover, I am
satisfied with the staff and my team-mates. Training sessions are great so
it is just a pity that I am here only on loan."
With seventh place likely to be enough to secure Uefa Cup, or the Uefa
Europa League football as it will be called next season, the eighth placed
Hammers face a realistic chance of playing on the continent next year. But
Kovac is quick to play down the possibility, insisting that other teams
around them will be favourites to finish above them.
"We will see. If we can stay where we are now, it will have been great," he
added. "We must go from one match to another as we don't have as strong a
team as the top clubs or Tottenham, who will surely go upwards. "Eight
rounds later we will see where we are. But it is clear that it will be a
difficult time. (Gianfranco) Zola said ahead of the Blackburn game that if
we would make 12 points out of the remaining eight games, we might be in the
Uefa Cup."
The former Sparta Prague ace has also been impressed with manager Gianfranco
Zola's footballing ideology, with free flowing football at a premium under
the little Italian.
"He wants us to keep the ball and loves short passes," he highlighted. "Our
striker Carlton Cole is very helpful in this aspect. He is amazing as he can
keep the ball at his feet. "He has been out through suspension for the last
two games and we are looking forward to seeing him back. With him we will be
stronger."
Kovac also stated that the club is in a better place without striker Craig
Bellamy who left for Manchester City in January. The midfielder never played
with the Welshman for the Hammers and states that he is only going off what
his team-mates have told him. "They are glad he is not in the team. They say
he is a maniac," he explained. "He shouted at everyone who did not pass the
ball to him in training, it was crazy. His departure has been a positive
thing for the players."
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Cole wants England chance
Hammers striker enjoyed first experience of international football
Last updated: 25th March 2009
SSN
Carlton Cole is hoping to improve upon his England debut when he is next
given a chance by Fabio Capello. The West Ham United striker won his first
senior cap as a late substitute in last month's friendly with Spain and came
close to scoring in the 2-0 defeat. He has kept his place in Capello's squad
for Saturday's friendly with Slovakia and next week's 2010 World Cup
qualifier against Ukraine at Wembley. Cole is again expected to be on the
bench, but is eager to live up to the increased expectations since making
his England bow. "I learnt a lot," the 25-year-old told the club's official
website. "There's a few things that I need to work on and hopefully I'll be
a more complete player when I next get the chance. "I've got high ambitions
and new levels of expectation around me now. "I just want to fulfil my
potential and get to the highest my game [can get]."
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Ashton steps up comeback
Hammers striker making steady progress in recovery from surgery
By Chris Burton Last updated: 25th March 2009
SSN
Dean Ashton is looking to take another positive step in his rehabilitation
from ankle surgery. The West Ham man has been out of action since September
2008 and went under the knife in February. He has seen his domestic outings
severely restricted as a result, while his international dreams have also
taken a battering. The 25-year-old is on the comeback trail, though, and has
begun to undergo light exercises. He hopes to be able to start jogging
outside next month, with the aim to then be back in full training in time
for pre-season. "It's a light at the end of the tunnel point for me," Ashton
said. "If you think about it, running forms a large part of training and
playing for a footballer and to get to this stage again now is a real step
up for me. "The ultimate aim is to get back running and feel completely
comfortable doing this, so I do everything one step at a time. It is good to
have this as part of my programme now, though, and I will continue to work
hard to take it further. "I want to come back when everything is right, not
return prematurely and end up getting another injury, because all the hard
work will be for nothing. If it means continuing to be patient and let
things take as long as they need to, then that's what I will do."
While Ashton has been left kicking his heels on the sidelines, the Hammers
have enjoyed a productive 2008/09 campaign. They remain on course to secure
a Europa League place for next season, while the likes of Robert Green,
Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have all forced themselves into England
reckoning. "I think we are doing very well," added Ashton. "Considering we
have had a few injuries of late, the lads who have come in have added to the
team's good form and it's great to see the boys getting the results. "I am
also pleased to see the boys playing for England. Matty, Greeny and Coley
have all been playing really well and deserve to be in the squad. Coley has
been on top form and has done well and I am sure, when he gets it, he will
take his chance again."
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West Ham United striker Dean Ashton will be patient as comeback continues
The Times
Russell Kempson
Dean Ashton would appear to have made more comebacks than Frank Sinatra and
he will have to wait until next season before making his latest return to
centre stage. At least the West Ham United striker can see some respite
after another frustrating period in his injury plagued career.
Ashton, 25, has started jogging on a treadmill, after undergoing ankle
surgery, and could resume running on the training ground next month. "It's a
light-at-the-end-of-the-tunnel point for me," he said. "If you think about
it, running forms a large part of training and playing for a footballer, and
to get to this stage again now is a real step up for me.
"The ultimate aim is to get back running and feel completely comfortable
doing this so I do everything one step at a time. It is good to have this as
part of my programme now and I will continue to work hard to take it
further.
"I want to come back when everything is right, not return prematurely and
end up getting another injury, because all the hard work will be for
nothing. If it means continuing to be patient and let things take as long as
they need to, then that's what I will do."
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Joao Moutinho: West Ham to Steal Long-term Everton Target, Newcastle Also
Monitoring the Player's Availability
New Football Pools.com
Sporting Lisbon reportedly turned down an £11.8m offer from Everton for
long-term midfield target Joao Moutinho in the summer but reports in
Portugal suggest a deal could be resurrected at the end of the season.
However, reports suggest that the Toffees won't be alone in their interest
with West Ham and Newcastle scouting the player. David Moyes certainly won't
be put off by recent comments from the player. The Portuguese international
had this to say, "What I want to do right now is achieve a good season with
Sporting. "What is going to happen next season? Moving abroad is an option
and I feel ready to make the step up to such challenge. "I`m aware that
Everton are interested in me. "I must say they are a good club and Nuno
Valente told me positive things about them."
The humbling of Sporting by Bayern Munich in the Champions League has left
many of the club's young starlets eyeing moves away from Portugal with
Miguel Veloso also set to move abroad with numerous Premier League clubs
monitoring his situation. The young Portuguese sensation has a £19.7m
buy-out clause in his contract but it is questionable whether David Moyes
would want to pay that amount on one player. Luiz Felipe Scolari was linked
with Moutinho whilst Chelsea manager as he looked to inject more youth into
his midfield. Arsenal have also tracked the playmaker but after the arrival
of Andrey Arshavin their interest seems to have been dropped leaving the
Hammers and Newcastle to compete with Everton for the playmaker.
The 22-year-old is already captain of his club side (the 2nd youngest player
to ever do so) and a regular in the Portuguese national team. Moutinho also
played in all 4 of Portugal's Euro 2008 matches (3 starts). Some of Europe's
football giants had been casting admiring glances at the player such as
Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea and Barcelona. After all, Moutinho has a
proven track record at every level of club and international football. He
made his Sporting first team debut at 17 and was brought into the national
side at 18. It's only since the 2006 World Cup that the youngster has
managed to cement his place in the national side and is now regarded as one
of the key players in the squad.
In his first season in the Sporting first team the club reached the Uefa Cup
final before losing out to Russian side CSKA Moscow. However, by beating 2
English clubs in that run (Middlesbrough & Newcastle) he was brought to the
Premier League's attention and his progress since has been monitored very
closely. Despite being a creative player he has shown great consistency
belying his tender age. Moutinho has made 129 career League appearances (126
starts) for Sporting and scored 16 goals. He has also won 22 caps (1 goal)
which is impressive considering the type of player he is and the abundance
of attacking talent which is produced by his nation. If Everton could pull
of this signing then it would be a bold ambitious move by the club and
enhance an ever improving small squad at Goodison. However, interest from
West Ham will be unwelcome news for Moyes as he continually builds Everton
into a side capable of competing for a Champions League place.
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Hammers are tough as nails, insists Green
East London Advertiser
25 March 2009
By JONATHAN CLEGG
Robert Green believes West Ham can maintain their European challenge in the
closing weeks of the season because they have shed their reputation as soft
touches. The Hammers withstood strong second-half pressure to secure a 1-1
draw at Blackburn last weekend and pick up a valuable point in the race for
Europa League qualification.
The battling display at Ewood Park was the latest in a series of resilient
performances, which are at odds with the club's traditional reputation as
eye-catching entertainers at home, and puny pushovers on their travels. Yet
Green is adamant that the Hammers are now capable of coming through a scrap
after developing the mental toughness to stand up to a physical challenge.
He said: "It was a backs-to-the-wall job at Blackburn - they are very
difficult to play against and we needed every inch of player we had today.
"Considering the restrictions we had on players, we played well in patches,
scored a wonderful goal and we battled and battled. "When you concede five
minutes into the second half and playing with the crowd on your back, it was
a game that in seasons gone by, we could have crumbled. "But everyone
defended with their lives and you're walking off the pitch thinking we've
worked hard for a point, and a point away in the Premier League is always a
good one."
Hammers No1 Green epitomised the club's newfound resolve at Ewood Park,
commanding his penalty area just days after he was elbowed in the face by
West Brom's Jonas Olsson. The England international required smelling salts
before he could continue against the Baggies, but Green showed no ill
effects at Blackburn as the Hammers survived an aerial bombardment in the
closing stages. "My tongue is still hanging off a bit [but] I've had worse
whacks than the one on Monday and picked myself up," said Green, who has
kept his place in Fabio Capello's Three Lions squad for this week's matches
against Solvakia and Ukraine. "It is difficult against Blackburn - the ball
was going to come into our box, that was inevitable, and some chances were
going to fall to them. "But everyone stood up to it and it was one of those
games which you could enjoy in a perverse way. If we had kept a clean sheet,
it would have been up there with the best of them.
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West Ham United
Green streets ahead of rest
25 March 2009
London24.com
WITH 10 MINUTES to go in Saturday's match, England goalkeeping coach Ray
Clemence had seen enough and made his way out of the directors' box, writes
DAVE EVANS.
For the former Liverpool and Spurs goalkeeper it was simply a case of
Rovers' Paul Robinson against West Ham's Robert Green, and when the England
squad was announced on Sunday evening, it was the Hammer who had won the
battle. It certainly hadn't been an easy week for the 29-year-old keeper.
Last Monday, he got an elbow in the face from West Brom's Jonas Olsson
,which caused bits of his tongue to drop off! On Saturday he had to deal
with the belligerent El Hadji Diouf standing in front of him at every
set-piece, trying to muscle the goalkeeper off the ball. Was Green wary of
going in where it hurts so soon after Monday's blow? Certainly not.
"I've had worse whacks than the one on Monday and picked myself up,"
insisted the former Norwich man, who will be looking to add to his two caps
when Fabio Capello's men take on Slovakia on Saturday and Ukraine next
Wednesday. "My tongue is still hanging off a bit, but they say the tongue is
the quickest healer, so thankfully it was almost healed by the next day."
It was not easy for Green at Ewood Park in the second half as Sam
Allardyce's men bombarded the West Ham area, but he and the defence coped
with it admirably. "It is difficult to know what to do as a goalkeeper," he
explained. "It is one of those where you are thinking 'come for everything
and help everybody out', but then sometimes if you are not going to catch
it, it makes it very difficult. "You have got to be clinical and it is about
making choices, so it is a different challenge and one if we had kept a
clean sheet today, would have been up there with the best of them."
Keith Andrews' equaliser early in the second half ruled out that clean
sheet, but Green was full of praise for the team's battling display. "It was
a backs-to-the-wall job at times," he admitted. "They are very difficult to
play against and the ball was inevitably going to come into our box. "But I
think considering the restrictions we had on players, we played well in
patches, scored a wonderful goal and battled and battled." Green has played
103 games for West Ham since his £2million bargain move from East Anglia in
the summer of 2006, and he has seen enough of his team to know that hanging
on for a point, is something the Hammers have struggled with. "It was a game
that in seasons gone by, at least since I've been at the club, we could have
crumbled," said Green. "But everyone stood up to it and it was one of those
games which you enjoy in a perverse sort of way. "It was a point, and a
point away in the Premier League is always a good one."
There was a time when Green was constantly ignored by various England
coaches, but Capello seems to have decided that the goalkeeper's classy
performances deserve a more secure place in the squad. He has kept seven
clean sheets in 15 games since the start of 2009, including three on the
trot before Saturday's game at Blackburn. And it is his club form that Green
is concentrating on. "I think there is probably someone from England
watching all the Premier League games, if they weren't, you would wonder
what they were doing," said Green modestly. "I've no idea what will happen
next week. It was great to get on last time against Spain, but all I can do
is carry on doing my stuff here and keep on working hard."
Green is certainly doing his stuff at West Ham and if he carries on doing it
until the end of the season, the Hammers won't be far away from that place
in Europe.
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Newcastle hero Lee proud of son Ollie's West Ham progress
26.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
Newcastle United hero Rob Lee is proud of son Oliver's progress at West Ham
United. Ollie, who is 17, has been a regular member of Tony Carr's Under-18
side in this season's FA Premier Academy League. A midfield player like his
father, the younger Lee also impressed in the Barclays Premier Academy
League South fixture against Aston Villa earlier this month in an
unaccustomed right wing-back position.
Dad Rob is a permanent fixture at his son's matches and takes an active
interest in Ollie's development into, he hopes, a top-class footballer in
his own right.
"Ollie has been progressing very well, especially recently," said Rob on
whufc.com. "His confidence has gone right up. He's a big lad and he's still
developing. He's not one of those that developed very quickly - it's just
been slow progress over the course of the last year or so and he's starting
to look like a bit of a player now.
"Having a Dad like myself sometimes helps and sometimes it's a hindrance. I
don't say anything during the games, I leave that to Tony Carr and the
coaching team and rightly so. I tell him how I think he played after the
games and I'll be very critical of the way he played and to be fair to him
he's very critical of the way he plays anyway and knows when he has done
well and when he hasn't. I give him advice when it's needed and I tell him
off when it's needed and I give him praise when it's due."
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Upson delighted for West Ham pal Cole over England call
26.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham defender Matthew Upson is delighted to see striker Carlton Cole
winning England recognition. Upson told thefa.com: "He's had a great run
ever since Gianfranco Zola took over. "He has known how to get the best out
of Carlton, and Carlton in turn has put in some great performances. He
deserves his call-up and he deserves his opportunity." Goalkeeper Robert
Green has also been selected, meaning Zola has a trio of players working
with Capello during the international break. "It's massive, and something
West Ham are very proud of," Upson said. "When the country last won the
World Cup there was a big West Ham influence so the club has always carried
that and it is very positive to have three players in the current squad."
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West Ham defender Upson happy working for Italian coaches
26.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham defender Matthew Upson is happy playing for Italian coaches
Gianfranco Zola and Fabio Capello, the England manager. "There are a lot of
similarities in their character and they way they view football," Upson
said. "They definitely have a real tactical knowledge. "Italian football is
more tactical than the hustle and bustle of English football. Both managers
have brought tactical awareness to their teams and that will make us better
structured teams. "At the top level that is the only way you can play
football. Zola was a flair player and loved passing and moving the ball.
Playing with Fabio Capello it is the same thing. If we don't have the ball
we have a good shape and are hard to break down."
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Ashton delighted for West Ham's England selections
26.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham striker Dean Ashton won't be rushing back ahead of schedule as he
recovers from an ankle op. "The manager and the staff here have all been
keeping an eye on me and watching my progress closely," said Ashton. "There
is no easy way back from an injury that keeps you out for a long while, but
as long as I know I am working my hardest and keep taking steps forward,
then I know it is all heading the right way."
Ashton is delighted that Carlton Cole, Robert Green and Matthew Upson have
been recognised at international level and that Gianfranco Zola's side have
progressed up the table. "I think we are doing very well," he added.
"Considering we have had a few injuries of late, the lads who have come in
have added to the team's good form and it's great to see the boys getting
the results. "I am also pleased to see the boys playing for England. Matty,
Greeny and Coley have all been playing really well and deserve to be in the
squad. Coley has been on top form and has done well and I am sure, when he
gets it, he will take his chance again."
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DEAN ASHTON'S SURGERY WOES
Daily Express
Thursday March 26,2009
West HAM striker Dean Ashton is ready to step up his rehabilitation work as
he recovers from the ankle surgery which has wrecked his season. Ashton, 25,
hopes to begin running outside early next month, but will not return to
action until the summer pre-season. England international Ashton said: "It's
a 'light at the end of the tunnel' point for me. Running forms a large part
of training and playing for a footballer and to get to this stage again is a
real step up for me."
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Upson out to change Wembley ways
TeamTalk
Matthew Upson wants England to give supporters something to cheer about at
Wembley after taking time to win them over in their new home. Home fans have
previously jeered England players but they have recorded a 100 per cent
start in their World Cup qualifiers and there is a mood of optimism ahead of
the clashes against Slovakia and Ukraine. "A lot of people have said that
perhaps we haven't performed as well as we should at the new Wembley, and
they've probably got a right to say that," the centre-back said. "I think
it's up to us to understand why we haven't performed and put that right and
get some really good team performances and good results there. "We really
need to work to bring that level of performance from our away games back to
Wembley. It's such a fantastic arena to play in and I'm sure the team will
be giving it everything they've got."
Upson feels Fabio Capello's men have learned from their defeat to European
champions Spain in their last friendly, and he is looking for a positive
reaction in the match against Slovakia before the important qualifier
against Ukraine. "That Spain game was a massive test. We were probably
playing against one of the best teams in the world right now and it was a
good opportunity to put ourselves up against that calibre of player, so it
was a good experience for us," Upson added. "There are big lessons to be
learned in defeat - people often say that you learn more about yourself when
you lose than when you win. "It's never a nice experience to lose a game,
obviously, but you need to take the positives out of the game and learn a
lot from the things we didn't do well enough. That's something the manager
has analysed since that game."
Skipper John Terry is expected to earn his 50th cap in the next week.
Striker Emile Heskey reached his half-century in the last qualifier, against
Belarus, and feels Terry will relish the moment. "It's a massive milestone
for a footballer and great that I'm playing regularly and able to get that
many caps," Heskey told The FA's website.. "It's one of the biggest memories
of my football career. Obviously getting 50 caps for your country is a great
achievement and a great honour as well. "The shirt I wore has a '50 caps' at
the bottom, so I've got that framed and the lads got a montage printed of my
games and signed it so that was very special."
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Spector overcomes injury woes to re-enter the picture
By Ravi Ubha
Soccernet
LONDON -- Expect plenty of time on the treatment table if you play for West
Ham. The injury list at Upton Park perennially lingers, with the likes of
influential striker Dean Ashton and roving midfielder Kieron Dyer -- OK,
he's always hurt, no matter what the club -- missing chunks of the current
campaign. Former manager Alan Curbishley blamed the malaise on
training-ground pitches in East London, a theory only partially accepted by
the Hammers' passionate, and always expectant, fans. Whatever the reason,
the curse afflicted Illinois utility man Jonathan Spector last season just
as the 23-year-old began to cement a spot at one of England's most famous
sides. Mind you, not as famous as Spector's first team in the Premier
League, quintuple-chasing Manchester United, which produced jack-of-all
trades duo Phil Neville and John O'Shea.
Spector returned to first-team action in December after hip surgery, though
injuries to teammates -- of course -- have meant a slight increase in action
under popular pint-sized Italian Gianfranco Zola, Curbishley's successor.
Spector spent time on loan at Charlton under Curbishley before switching to
West Ham three years ago. "Coming back from injury is always difficult,
especially being out for an extended period of time," Spector said. "On top
of that there's the new manager and new players. I knew coming in it would
be a tough season this year, but at the same time, the manager stressed he
wants me to be at the club. I had some loan options turned down because he
wanted me to stay."
According to Spector, who inked a new three-year deal in November, West Ham
rejected overtures by Sunderland, a few Championship sides and Germany's FC
Koln in the January transfer window. He made his lone start in a 2-1 loss
at Bolton on Feb. 21, lining up at right back and setting up Scott Parker's
consolation effort; entered as a midfield sub in a 1-0 win at Wigan on March
4 when top prospect Jack Collison sustained a freakish knee injury; and
surfaced in the first half of a dour 0-0 stalemate Monday at home against
bottom-feeders West Bromwich Albion that dented West Ham's UEFA Cup (Europa
League for the technical-minded) chances. This time, central defender
Matthew Upson got struck down, thanks to a calf problem, and Spector strode
on as a right back after a reshuffle, marking a fifth appearance since his
comeback. Zola overlooked Spector for a midfield start, opting for the
flashy Savio Nsereko and on-loan Czech Radoslav Kovac with Collison, Dyer
and Swiss international Valon Behrami sidelined. The U.S. international
picked his spots going forward, unlike left back Herita Ilunga, less averse
to exercising caution.
Despite his fondness for playing in the center of defense, a position he
adopted at under-23 level, Spector sees his future in England at right back.
He's unworried about his style not meshing with Zola's attacking philosophy.
Curbishley, gone in September, employed more conservative tactics, and
Spector's new deal, in the works for a while, picked up steam when the
Englishman was at the helm. "To be honest, I like the way the manager has us
playing," Spector said. "It is attacking, which the fans have enjoyed, and
we've had a fair amount of success playing that way. I'm a defender
naturally, so I didn't expect to come on in midfield Monday. But it looks
like a few opportunities may open up for me, and now it's down to me to make
the most out of them."
What do those West Ham fans make of Spector?
"I think he's one of these players most people think is never going to be a
star," said Iain Dale, a political commentator and writer who runs the West
Ham Till I Die Web site. "He's not going to score many goals and dribble for
40 yards. But he's quite reliable and very useful, and every team needs a
player like that." If current right back Lucas Neill departs when his
contract expires in the summer, Spector might finally have a stable
position. Then again, as Dale suspects, Zola could buy a replacement.
Anything that develops in the next two months is a bonus. Spector made his
26th and final appearance of the 2007-08 season in April, the hip keeping
him out thereafter. Training with the national team ahead of glamorous
friendlies against England, Spain and Argentina, he was diagnosed with a
torn labrum. A pitch had nothing to do with it; Spector blamed genetics.
His hopes of competing at the 2006 World Cup dashed because of a dislocated
shoulder, Spector endured more disappointment, missing out on the 2008
Olympics in Beijing.
The right hip won't ever be 100 percent. A realistic target is getting it
above 90 percent. "I couldn't be happier with how I've felt," Spector said.
"The surgeon actually expected that I'd have pain my entire first season
back. I haven't really had any pain or discomfort even after the surgery.
I'm totally surprised how well it healed and how much stronger everything
around my hip is. I continue to do the exercises I was given by the trainers
and physiotherapists and just stay on top of it."
Ravi Ubha is a London-based freelance journalist covering Americans abroad
for ESPNsoccernet. He also covers tennis for ESPN.com.
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Italian £10 Million rated youngsters wanted by West Ham
FootyLastest.com
West Ham despite sticking to their own youth policy are still looking
throughout Europe for young talent and in particular Italy utilising manager
Gianfranco Zola's extensive contacts and it appears they have identified a
couple of decent youngster's. Lino Marzorati a 22 year old centre back
currently playing for Serie B side Empoli and Francesco Pisano another 22
year old defender currently plying his trade with Cagliari.
According to Italian radio both players are known to Zola from his days as
Assistant manager to the U21 teams and the one that is of most interest is
Pisano who is said to be extremely fast and has been touted in some quarters
as the next Maldini. Marzorati comes with praise from none less than Carlo
Ancelotti though the AC Milan manager only rewarded him with the one
appearance for AC Milan before he was sold on. The combined fee for both
would be in the region of £10 million but despite the reports it must be
considered unlikely that West Ham would bring in two young defenders, one
maybe but two is a risk and Zola does not come across as a risky manager.
West Ham consistently get linked with young Italians and this is to be
expected considering the position that Zola held in Italy prior to taking
the West Ham job and it is to be expected that he will bring in players he
himself as previously identified as possible future stars. But this does not
mean that these players will end up West Ham but the mere fact that they
have mentioned as possible targets will be encouraging to Hammers fans
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Recovering Ashton nearing comeback
by Ben Blackmore , 25 March 2009
setanta.co.uk
Dean Ashton can see 'light at the end of the tunnel' after he stepped up his
recovery from ankle surgery. Ashton has reached the stage where he can run
on his fragile ankle once again, and he recently improved to undertaking
double sessions in order to speed up his recovery. After spending nearly the
whole season on the sidelines the England man is happy to be patient, but he
admits he can begin to get excited about playing football again. "It's a
light at the end of the tunnel point for me," said the burly forward. "If
you think about it, running forms a large part of training and playing for a
footballer and to get to this stage again now is a real step up for me. "The
ultimate aim is to get back running and feel completely comfortable doing
this, so I do everything one step at a time. It is good to have this as part
of my programme now, though, and I will continue to work hard to take it
further. "I want to come back when everything is right, not return
prematurely and end up getting another injury, because all the hard work
will be for nothing. If it means continuing to be patient and let things
take as long as they need to, then that's what I will do. "There is no easy
way back from an injury that keeps you out for a long while, but as long as
I know I am working my hardest and keep taking steps forward, then I know it
is all heading the right way."
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Boss - Tomkins played like 'a veteran'
Newham Recorder
25 March 2009
ENGLAND centre half Matty Upson missed his first Premier League game of the
season at Ewood Park on Saturday, but West Ham's reshuffled defence coped
admirably in his absence. Upson injured his calf during the draw against
West Brom last week, and though he is fit enough to be called up for the
England matches in the next week, Saturday's clash with Blackburn came just
too soon. However, West Ham's new look central pairing of club captain Lucas
Neill and youngster James Tomkins proved a big hit, as they kept the Rovers'
attack at bay with superb performances in the 1-1 draw. One man who had a
great view of the pair's performances was goalkeeper Robert Green and he was
full of admiration for both of them, especially the talented 19-year-old.
"They were fantastic today, I can't praise them enough," said the West Ham
number one. "'Tomka' is coming on leaps and bounds. He is a tall lad, but he
is learning that there are players in the Premier League who are so big and
so strong, like Jason Roberts today. "You have got to know when to stand off
someone and when to go in and challenge, and he is picking that perfectly
and being clinical out there. "Every ball that came to James he seemed to
win, while Lucas Neill (right) orchestrated from the back as Lucas does.
"He is a tremendous asset to have and a tremendous voice during the game.
Particularly one like today when the lads are going to look to him and the
other experienced players to guide the younger ones through when there is so
much frantic stuff going on - he is invaluable."
Manager Gianfranco Zola also praised the young star: "James Tomkins has been
excellent," he said. "He doesn't look like a 19-year-old, he looks like a
veteran. I'm very pleased with the improvement in his game, but the whole
team did well. "Lucas Neill was massive today and Jonathan Spector battled -
the team looks well.
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Lomas steps into manager's chair
Newham Recorder
25 March 2009
FORMER West Ham skipper Steve Lomas has stepped into the world of management
by taking the helm at United Counties League outfit St Neots Town. The
former Northern Ireland international, who left the Hammers in 2005 after
over 200 appearances in claret and blue, played for Queens Park Rangers and
Gillingham bef-ore retiring from the game in January 2008. Lomas will be
joined at the Cambridgeshire-based club by another former Hammer in winger
Michael Hughes. The pair were looking for their first win as a management
duo on Tuesday night with the tricky trip to Newport Pagnell Town!
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Dyer's back with a bang (again)
Newham Recorder
25 March 2009
THERE WERE 82 minutes on the clock when the player who epitomised West Ham's
injury crisis last season, stepped enthusiastically on to the Ewood Park
turf. Kieron Dyer made just three appearances in claret and blue during the
last campaign, before breaking his leg in two places against Bristol Rovers
in the Carling Cup in August 2007.
His return back in January saw him make two very promising substitute
appearances, before yet another frustrating injury in training led to
another operation and a two-month lay-off. The 30-year-old midfield man, who
has 33 full England caps to his name, will be praying that his latest return
will be the signal for a long, uninterrupted run in the team, and once
again, in the short time he was on the field, the former Newcastle United
man certainly impressed. "It's brilliant to have Kieron Dyer back,"
emphasised manager Gianfranco Zola. "I'm very pleased for him. He's a
special player and can make a big difference for us."
Goalkeeper Robert Green praised Dyer and hoped that mentally he had come
through his latest spell on the sidelines, without it affecting him
adversely on the field. "When you get asked about Kieron, or about Dean
Ashton or Danny Gabbidon, you just hope for their own welfare and for their
own physical and mental health that they can get through these difficult
times," he said. "For Kieron, he had an horrific injury and it has taken a
long time for him to come back and that is understandable, but today he
looked sharp. "If he can come back, you are not asking him to be charging
around for 90 minutes, but if he can do his part from now until the end of
the season, it is another great acquisition."
It certainly is. You could see his worth the moment he came on at Blackburn,
as he added much-needed pace to the equation, and when he stormed into the
area before Chris Samba sent him sprawling, he could easily have won the
penalty that took all three points. Zola was delighted, and is looking for
another contribution from Dyer in the next match. "Today, he had 10 minutes,
but now he has two weeks to prepare himself properly for the next game
against Sunderland, when he'll play a bit more. He's very important for this
club," said Zola. Six appearances since his arrival in the summer of 2007
suggest otherwise, but if he could just get his fitness right, then the
£6million man will finally start to pay back some of that transfer fee.
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Zola's no fan of Sam's football
Newham Recorder
25 March 2009
SAM ALLARDYCE has never been a great fan of West Ham United, stretching back
to the time when Yossi Benayoun opted for the Hammers instead of his beloved
Bolton Wanderers However, it seems that Gianfranco Zola has respect, but not
a liking for Allardyce's style of football. Speaking after Saturday's 1-1
draw, when Allardyce had slammed the linesman for allowing West Ham's goal
when it appeared Luis Boa Morte had collected the ball in an offside
position, Zola was asked about Rovers' brand of football. "Blackburn Rovers'
style is not my type of football," said the Italian, "But I respect the way
they play because Sam has won some very good points for the club.
"It's not my ideal and, in football, not all the teams can play the same
way. Not all the managers have the same ideas and I am a manager who likes
to see differences in football. I wouldn't want to see just one way to play.
That's not a reality. "In Italy, we say: 'You can get to Rome in different
ways'. The important thing is to get to Rome!"
What a wise man!
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Upson loving la dolce vita
TeamTalk
Matthew Upson has compared West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola to national coach
Fabio Capello - and is delighted to be playing for both. Both are Italian
and both have enjoyed success this season, with Zola putting West Ham in the
frame for European qualification and Capello getting England on the road to
the 2010 World Cup. "There are a lot of similarities in their character and
they way they view football," Upson said. "They definitely have a real
tactical knowledge. "Italian football is more tactical than the hustle and
bustle of English football. Both managers have brought tactical awareness to
their teams and that will make us better structured teams. "At the top level
that is the only way you can play football. Zola was a flair player and
loved passing and moving the ball. Playing with Fabio Capello it is the same
thing. If we don't have the ball we have a good shape and are hard to break
down."
Zola has also brought the best out of striker Carlton Cole, who joins Upson
in the squad to face Slovakia in a friendly on Saturday and the qualifier
against Ukraine on Wednesday. Upson told the FA's official website: "He's
had a great run ever since Gianfranco Zola took over. "He has known how to
get the best out of Carlton, and Carlton in turn has put in some great
performances. He deserves his call-up and he deserves his opportunity."
Goalkeeper Robert Green has also been selected, meaning Zola has a trio of
players working with Capello during the international break. "It's massive,
and something West Ham are very proud of," Upson said. "When the country
last won the World Cup there was a big West Ham influence so the club has
always carried that and it is very positive to have three players in the
current squad."
England hosted that tournament in 1966 and Upson has backed England's bid to
stage it in 2018. "It's something overdue for this country to host again,"
he said. "The structure is here to host the World Cup so I can't think of a
better venue." Striker Emile Heskey added: "The World Cup is massive, we
have the fans and the facilities to cope with it. We have all the stadiums
and everything so it would be really good for the whole country." While
Wembley has been a home for fans to be proud of, England performances until
recently have not given them much to cheer. Now they are on track with their
qualifiers, and Upson added: "A lot of people have said that perhaps we
haven't performed as well as we should at the new Wembley, and they've
probably got a right to say that. "I think it's up to us to understand why
we haven't performed and put that right and get some really good team
performances and good results there. "We really need to work to bring that
level of performance from our away games back to Wembley. "It's such a
fantastic arena to play in and I'm sure the team will be giving it
everything they've got."
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Dean Ashton Will Not Rush His West Ham United Comeback
The England international has revealed he is progressively stepping-up his
return to full fitness...
25 Mar 2009 14:46:17
Goal.com
West Ham United forward Dean Ashton has revealed that his recovery from an
ankle injury that has kept him out of action since September is going to
plan. At present, the former Crewe Alexandra and Norwich City striker is
able to run on a treadmill, although he hopes to begin running outside again
in April. "It's a light at the end of the tunnel for me," Ashton told the
club's official website. "If you think about it, running forms a large part
of training and playing for a footballer and to get to this stage again is a
real step up for me." The England international, who has won one cap to
date, has been limited to just five appearances this season, during which
time he scored two Premier League goals. Although he has missed out on
almost a full season's worth of action, the 25-year-old insists he is not
going to rush himself back to full fitness. "The ultimate aim is to get back
running and feel completely comfortable doing this, so I do everything one
step at a time," he said. "It is good to have this as part of my programme
now. I will continue to work hard to take it further. "I want to come back
when everything is right, not return prematurely and end up getting another
injury, because all the hard work would be for nothing. "If it means
continuing to be patient and let things take as long as they need to, then
that's what I will do. "The manager and the staff here have all been keeping
an eye on me and watching my progress closely. "There is no easy way back
from an injury that keeps you out for a long while. As long as I know I am
working my hardest and keep taking steps forward, then I know it is all
heading the right way."
The Hammers are enjoying a fantastic season, sitting in eighth place in the
Premier League table, and Ashton is delighted to see his team-mates being
rewarded for their hard-work. "I think we are doing very well," he enthused.
"Considering we have had a few injuries of late, the lads who have come in
have added to the team's good form and it's great to see the boys getting
the results. "I am also pleased to see the boys playing for England. 'Matty'
[Matthew Upson], 'Greeny' [Robert Green] and 'Coley' [Carlton Cole] all have
been playing really well and deserve to be in the squad. "Coley has been on
top form and has done well and I am sure, when he gets it, he will take his
chance again."
Ricky Brooks, Goal.com
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Dyer return can boost West Ham's quest for Europe
10:59am Wednesday 25th March 2009
Guardian Series
WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola believes Kieron Dyer could hold the key to
Europa League qualification after the midfielder made his long-awaited
return to action against Blackburn Rovers last week. The 30-year-old made
his first appearance for the club after a two-month injury lay-off, coming
on as a late substitute for David Di Michele.
But his comeback could barely have come at a better time for Zola, who has
had to endure the loss of two vital cogs in his midfield engine, after Jack
Collison and Valon Behrami were both ruled out after respective knee
injuries. Dyer came through ten minutes of action unscathed, and could even
have won a penalty for his team, but his appeals were waved away by referee
Chris Foy after going down under the challenge of Christopher Samba. Dyer
will have the benefit of two weeks on the training ground before the team's
next match – against Sunderland at Upton Park – and he could be thrown
straight in at the deep end by Zola, with a lack of pace in the side clearly
evident on the basis of the draws against West Brom and Blackburn. Zola
knows that the former Newcastle winger can still have a big say in the
club's fortune this season.
He said: "It's brilliant, I'm very pleased for him. He is a player that can
make a big difference for us. He had 10 minutes today and now he'll have two
weeks to prepare. It's very important."
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West Ham following Galway winger O'Shea
25.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
Galway and Republic of Ireland Under-21 winger Jay O'Shea is being tracked
by West Ham United. The Daily Star says Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola is
having O'Shea tracked after receiving glowing reports from his Ireland-based
scouts.
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Spurs and Hammers on alert as super Swiss
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 25 March 2009 - 11:39
Swiss striker Alezander Frei has alerted several clubs around Europe with
the news that he could leave Borussia Dortmund in the summer. Amid rumours
that his relationship with coach Juergen Klopp continues to deteriorate the
player appears to be eyeing up a move abroad with his contract due to finish
in 2010. Napoli and Paris Saint Germain have expressed an interest while
Spurs and West Ham United are also rumoured to be keen on the former Rennes
hitman. Speaking to German football magazine Kicker, Frei spoke about the
speculation linking him with a move away from Signal Iduna Park, "Those sort
of rumours always bear a certain truth. "I have always enjoyed a brilliant
backing from the fans and the team, I signed a four-year deal when I arrived
and it is also a valid deal next season. "Until now I am here and I will
also be here tomorrow." Despite an impressive tally of 31 goals in 69
Bundesliga games, Frei lost his starting place in the Dortmund eleven to
Mohamed Zidan and Nelson Valdez this season, and has been used mostly as a
substitute even after fully recovering from the knee injury suffered at the
European Championship on home soil.
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