WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas has joined James Tomkins and Freddie Sears in the England
U20 squad this week
29.03.2009
Junior Stanislas continues to have a memorable March after being drafted
into the England squad for the Under-20 friendly against Italy at Loftus
Road on Tuesday night.
The 19-year-old winger, who can play on either flank, will join club-mates
James Tomkins and Freddie Sears in the squad, raising his prospects of
earning a place in the selection that will travel to Egypt for the FIFA U-20
World Cup in late summer. Stanislas has enjoyed a tremendous 2008/09
campaign, first of all consolidating his place as a regular in Alex Dyer's
reserve-team set-up.
Things have accelerated in recent weeks. On 1 and 4 March respectively, he
was an unused substitute for the first-team's 1-0 wins against Manchester
City and Wigan Athletic. He was then taken by Gianfranco Zola on the club's
warm-weather training camp to Spain before a major stride forward with his
senior debut as a subsitute for Savio in the 0-0 draw against West Bromwich
Albion on 16 March.
Stanislas then hit a hat-trick last Friday in a 4-2 reserve-team friendly
success away to Chelsea, with several experienced internationals on view in
both teams. The south Londoner has previously been capped by England at
Under-19 level. He has been with West Ham United since the age of ten and is
the eighth Academy graduate to play for the first team this season.
* England U20s v Italy U20s gets under way at 7pm at Loftus Road on Tuesday.
Admission on the door is £5 for adults and £1 for concessions
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson shines, Cole out
WHUFC.com
Matthew Upson played the whole game, Robert Green missed out and Carlton
Cole picked up an injury
28.03.2009
Matthew Upson turned in a solid display to win his 14th cap for England on
Saturday but it was a disappointing experience for club-mates Robert Green
and Carlton Cole.
Central defender Upson partnered John Terry in the absence of Rio Ferdinand
as Fabio Capello's team won 4-0 against Slovakia at Wembley. The friendly
match was a warm-up for Wednesday night's FIFA World Cup qualifier against
Ukraine at the same venue - and Upson will feel he has every chance of
retaining his place at the heart of the England rearguard when the Group 6
leaders aim for five wins from five.
Further forward, Cole got a chance off the bench in the 15th minute with a
hamstring injury to seventh-minute goalscorer Emile Heskey. However, the
striker lasted only 20 minutes before making way himself with a muscle
problem suffered in taking a shot on goal moments before. Capello has a
potential striking headache for midweek with Cole's replacement Peter Crouch
also picking up a late knock to his hip.
Speaking in his post-match press conference, the England manager confirmed
that Cole would not be fit for the midweek encounter with the injury and
would be returning to the club - a blow for the striker who had been lined
up for his West Ham United return with this Saturday's visit of Sunderland.
Cole has missed the last two club outings through suspension and it remains
to be seen how long he will be on the sidelines.
Green was an unused replacement with Ben Foster getting the nod to replace
usual No1 David James at the half-time interval. Also of note was the 109th
cap won by David Beckham to surpass Bobby Moore's record for an outfield
England player. Half-time substitute Beckham made his mark with the assist
for man of the match Wayne Rooney's 70th-minute goal before Frank Lampard
and then Rooney again wrapped things up.
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Collins back in action
WHUFC.com
The weekend saw the welcome sight of James Collins' playing return although
Wales were beaten
28.03.2009
James Collins got a welcome 90 minutes under his belt this weekend although
was on the losing side as Wales lost 2-0 to Finland a vital FIFA World Cup
qualifier.
Collins was making his first competitive appearance since suffering a
hamstring early in the 2-1 defeat at Bolton Wanderers on 21 February. He had
not figured since for West Ham United but was deemed fit enough for
selection for this week's internationals, which will conclude for Wales with
Wednesday night's trip visit of Germany.
On Saturday, Jonatan Johansson and Shefki Kuqi scored at the end of each
half respectively to consign Wales to defeat at the Millennium Stadium. The
loss has severely damaged Welsh hopes of reaching next summer's finals in
South Africa. Germany and Russia are the runaway leaders at the top of Group
4 with only the team finishing in first space guaranteed a qualification
place. Finland move into third.
Although he has suffered national-team disappointment, Collins' fitness will
be a big boost for Gianfranco Zola who will have a selection headache to
ponder for next weekend's visit of Sunderland to the Boleyn Ground. James
Tomkins has performed admirably in Collins' absence while Lucas Neill -
himself on World Cup duty with Australia on Wednesday - has also impressed
in a central position.
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Specs and Kovac wait
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector and Radoslav Kovac sat it out for their countries as both
nations earned weekend draws
29.03.2009
Jonathan Spector and Radoslav Kovac had a watching brief on World Cup duty
for the United States and Czech Republic respectively this weekend.
The West Ham United duo were both unused substitutes although could yet
figure in meaningful action with another round of qualifiers for the 2010
finals to be played this Wednesday. Lucas Neill will also be on view this
midweek when Australia can take a major step towards South Africa next
summer with a home win against Uzbekistan in the final stage of Asian zone
qualifying.
Spector's US came back from a two-goal deficit to draw 2-2 in El Salvador to
stay on top of their final round qualifying group in the CONCACAF region
ahead of the visit of Trinidad and Tobago to Nashville. Kovac's Czechs drew
0-0 in Slovenia to stay three points off the Group 3 summit in UEFA
qualifying before a major meeting with Slovakia in Prague.
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Hall helps down Dons
WHUFC.com
Still only 15, Robert Hall scored twice in a strong team display by the
Under-18s on Saturday
28.03.2009
Milton Keynes Dons Under-18s 0-3 West Ham United Under-18s
Robert Hall struck twice as a very youthful West Ham United side featuring
six schoolboys eased to an impressive away win at Milton Keynes Dons on
Saturday.
The England Under-16 striker, who is due to represent his country again next
month, underlined his promise with two fine strikes in the second half after
Ahmed Abdulla had opened the scoring soon after the interval. Hall, who does
not turn 16 until October, has impressed whenever he has featured for the
U18s this season. He now has four goals from seven appearances - although
Saturday was only his second start.
In difficult conditions, neither side looked like scoring during the first
half of this FA Academy League inter-group encounter but it was a different
story after the break. Colombian-born midfielder Cristian Montano combined
with Hall to set up captain for the day Abdulla to score with a neat finish.
Then, Hall struck his first midway through the half after good work again
from Montano in tandem with Nick Barrett.
The third goal was all about the young forward as he turned on the ball on
the edge of the penalty area and rifled in an unstoppable shot. The win was
particularly pleasing for Carr as he was without several of his regular U18s
because of Friday's reserve-team friendly at Chelsea - an impressive 4-2
success - and the second string's Barclays Premier Reserve League outing at
Stoke City this coming Monday night.
Full reaction to follow
West Ham United Under-18s: Adam Street, Miles Smith, Callum Driver (Jack
Werndley 80), Paco Craig, Callum McNaughton, Sergio Sanchez, Cristian
Montano, Nick Barrett, Ahmed Abdulla, Robert Hall, George Moncur (Danny
Subuola 70).
Sub not used: Dominic Vose
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Season tickets 2009/10
WHUFC.com
Season ticket prices for the 2009/10 season have been announced
27.03.2009
West Ham United are pleased to confirm that season ticket prices for the
2009/10 season have been reduced.
With the club aware of the current uncertain economic climate, fans
purchasing season tickets for next season will now be able to save up to
eight per cent compared to this season's prices. Furthermore, the club can
also confirm that season ticket prices for the 2010/11 season will be
frozen, subject to VAT staying at the same level.
The decrease in prices for next season reflects the recent VAT cut, as well
as a further reduction of up to six per cent added by the club. This means
adult supporters can save up to £75 on their season tickets for next season.
Under-16s will also continue to receive generous discounts, with under-10s
able to purchase a season ticket for just £100.
Purchasing a season ticket offers excellent value, representing a saving of
20 per cent of the cost of 19 match tickets as against 15 per cent in the
current season. The saving equates to the cost of four to five non-category
A match tickets.
Season ticket holders will be further rewarded with promotions and deals
throughout the season, including special offers for non-category A televised
Premier League matches and, wherever possible, discounted ticket prices for
cup games at the Boleyn Ground.
As an additional incentive to reward long-term loyalty, any season ticket
holder who renews for the fifth consecutive season (including this renewal
season) will receive a 20 per cent discount on the cost of their season
ticket for season 2012/13. At current season ticket prices this would save
an adult a minimum of £100.
West Ham United CEO Scott Duxbury said: "The current economic climate is a
challenge for us all. It's so important we acknowledge this and adjust our
prices accordingly. Our fans are central to this club and everything we do.
Their support has been, and continues to be, invaluable.
"As I have repeatedly said, nothing will divert us from achieving success
and our fans are an integral part of the 'football project'. We have a sound
business plan and the prospects for development have never been clearer.
Coupled with our performance on the pitch and the excellent work being done
by Gianfranco Zola and his team, we are very much looking forward to an
exciting and rewarding next season for all concerned with West Ham United."
For full details of season ticket prices click here. Season ticket renewals
will commence on Monday 6 April with season ticket holders receiving renewal
documentation around that time.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Stanislas hits a hat-trick
WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas kept his great run going with three goals in a reserve-team
friendly away to Chelsea
27.03.2009
Junior Stanislas scored a hat-trick to underline his burgeoning potential in
a 4-2 behind-closed doors reserves friendly win against Chelsea on Friday.
The England Under-19 winger had played against the Chelsea first team in two
FA Cup matches during a loan spell at Southend United back in January and
had another game to remember against the Blues, this time at their Cobham
training centre. He was watched by manager Gianfranco Zola and assistant
Steve Clarke, with the match giving welcome fitness to those players not
away on international duty.
Stanislas helped the visiting Hammers fight their way back into the contest
in the second half after Franco Di Santo had put Chelsea in front just
before half-time. As the away side took hold after the interval, there was
plenty of promising play from the 19-year-old Stanislas, who was already on
a high having made his first-team debut in the 0-0 draw with West Bromwich
Albion on 16 March.
He struck twice more - after his outstanding solo effort to equalise - with
winger Anthony Edgar, another graduate from Tony Carr's Under-18 set-up,
adding the other to give Alex Dyer's side a welcome win. The hosts' Ricardo
Quaresma, who was joined by fellow Chelsea first-teamers Hilario, Alex and
Florent Malouda, rounded out the scoring. The West Ham side included Kieron
Dyer, who got an extended run-out.
Meanwhile, Freddie Sears and James Tomkins will join up with the England
Under-20 squad this weekend ahead of the friendly international against
Italy to be played at Loftus Road on Tuesday. Mark Noble, meanwhile, was
left out of the England Under-21 party that played a Euro 2009 warm-up in
Norway on Friday but could feature in the visit of France in another U21
friendly to be played in Nottingham on Tuesday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Fresh injury scare for Cole
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 28th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
Carlton Cole is a major doubt for next weekend's Premier League clash
against Sunderland after limping out of England's friendly with Slovakia
this afternoon. Cole - on himself as a 14th minute replacement for the
injured Emile Heskey - lasted just over 20 minutes before pulling up with
what appeared to be a groin strain. He was replaced moments later by
Portsmouth's Peter Crouch. The news is a huge blow to Gianfranco Zola who
has seen his United side struggle to score goals in Cole's recent absence;
the Sunderland game would have marked his return to action after a two-match
suspension.
* Matthew Upson started the game for England alongside Chelsea's John Terry
in the centre of defence. The other Hammer in the squad, Rob Green, starts
on the bench.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Quids (and kids) in
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
The club have today announced their new season ticket prices for the 2009/10
season.
The big savers are those with season tickets in Band 1, who save £75 - a
reduction of around 8.5%. However the biggest benefactors of the new prices
are the under 16s, who will pay just £100 next season - a reduction of 13%.
To see how much your season ticket will cost next season - and how much you
will save - take a look at the chart below.
Season ticket price changes: 2008/09 to 2009/10
Adults
Band 1: Reduced from £885 to £810 - saving £75 (8.5%)
Band 2: Reduced from £810 to £750 - saving £60 (7.4%)
Band 3: Reduced from £755 to £700 - saving £55 (7.3%)
Band 4: Reduced from £615 to £570 - saving £45 (7.3%)
Seniors/Young Adults
Band 1: Reduced from £440 to £405 - saving £35 (8%)
Band 2: Reduced from £405 to £375 - saving £30 (7.4%)
Band 3: Reduced from £375 to £350 - saving £25 (6.6%)
Band 4: Reduced from £305 to £285 - saving £20 (6.6%)
Under 16s
Band 1: Reduced from £265 to £260 - saving £5 (1.9%)
Band 2: Reduced from £240 to £235 - saving £5 (1.8%)
Band 3: Reduced from £225 to £220 - saving £5 (2.2%)
Band 4: Reduced from £185 to £180 - saving £5 (2.7%)
Under 10s
All bands: Reduced from £115 to £100 - saving £15 (13%)
Disabled
Adult: Reduced from £310 to £275 - saving £35 (11.3%)
Senior/Young Adult: Reduced from £155 to £140 - saving £15 (9.7%)
Under 16s: Reduced from £105 to £90 - saving £15 (14.3%)
Under 10s: Reduced from £80 to £75 - saving £5 (6.25%)
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Season ticket reductions announced
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 27th March 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United have announced season ticket reductions of up to 8% for the
2009/10 campaign.
In a statement released on whufc.com this morning the club also confirmed
that "season ticket prices for the 2010/11 season will be frozen, subject to
VAT staying at the same level."
Prices have been slashed by up to 6% with the extra 2% as a result of the
Government's recent VAT reduction, meaning that adult fans can save up to
£75 per year.
Meanwhile the club have also announced that supporters who have held a
season ticket for the last five years will receive an additional 20%
discount on their 2012/13 season ticket price.
CEO Scott Duxbury said: "The current economic climate is a challenge for us
all. It's important we acknowledge this and adjust our prices accordingly.
Our fans are central to this club and everything we do. Their support has
been, and continues to be, invaluable.
"We have a sound business plan and the prospects for development have never
been clearer. Coupled with our performance on the pitch and the excellent
work being done by Gianfranco Zola and his team, we are very much looking
forward to an exciting and rewarding next season for all concerned with West
Ham United."
The welcome news comes at a time when the club are struggling to fill the
Boleyn Ground, with no more than a handful of games being sold out this
season.
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Behrami welcomes fan support
Hammers ace starts long road to recovery
By Chris Burton Last updated: 27th March 2009
SSN
Valon Behrami is determined to win his fitness battle and return to the West
Ham fold a better player. The Swiss international suffered anterior cruciate
ligament damage against Manchester City last month and was forced to undergo
surgery in an effort to rectify the problem. Having being forced to accept
that his 2008/09 campaign is over, the former Lazio man is now setting his
sights on being ready for action next term. He has a lot of hard work ahead
of him as he begins the slog of rehabilitation, but insists the support he
has received from the Hammers faithful has given him the motivation to
bounce back. "I know with this support I can do my rehab work even better,"
Behrami told the club's official website. "It is always a pleasure to see
and hear the West Ham fans, they have been fantastic to me since I arrived
and I want them to know I want to come back stronger and give my all for the
team when I can. "I have been lucky because I have not been out with an
injury like this before. "This season I have played nearly all the games and
you look to keep going like that and hope that if you have an injury, it
doesn't keep you out for long. But now I am getting my head around a
different routine and starting my rehab work."
Behrami only joined West Ham last summer but admits that he already feels
settled at Upton Park. "I feel this is my home now," he said. "When I
arrived here, most of the team were away because they were on a pre-season
tour, but when they returned, I settled in with them all very quickly and it
has gone from there really. "I like the mentality here, the club and the
people. I have taken on all the advice about how much time it will take for
me to get back. "I won't rush anything as I want to come back stronger and
give much more to the team again."
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Hammers linked with Floccari
Striker will be allowed to leave Atalanta in summer
By James Dall Last updated: 27th March 2009
Atalanta have confirmed striker Sergio Floccari could be sold in the summer,
with West Ham United credited with an interest in the player. Floccari has
impressed since signing for Atalanta from Messina in 2007 and has netted 12
goals in 27 games in Serie A this season. A report in Friday's press
suggests the Hammers are keen on the Italian, while Newcastle, Juventus,
Roma, Villarreal, Wolfsburg and Zenit St Petersburg are all also mentioned.
Atalanta sporting director Carlo Osti said in the Daily Mirror: "Sergio has
now reached his full potential as a footballer in this league. "We have an
agreement with the player and his agent that he will be sold at the end of
the season if someone is interested." West Ham have yet to confirm or deny
the rumours suggesting they are keen on 27-year-old Floccari.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Exclusive: Cole 'not sure' over Ukraine fitness
by Tom Adams , 28 March 2009
setanta.co.uk
Carlton Cole has admitted to setanta.com he is a big doubt for Wednesday's
World Cup qualifier with Ukraine after he damaged his groin. Cole came on as
an early substitute for Emile Heskey during Saturday's 4-0 win over
Slovakia, but soon the West Ham man followed his team-mate down the tunnel
after damaging a groin.
Peter Crouch also went off later in the game with a hip injury as Fabio
Capello counted the cost of three injured strikers from a comfortable 4-0
friendly triumph over Slovakia. Crouch is expected to be fit for Wednesday's
World Cup qualifier, but Cole is far from sure over his own involvement.
"I'm going for a scan and hopefully I can get the result straight away,"
Cole told setanta.com in an exclusive interview after the match. "I'm not
sure for Wednesday, hopefully they can analyse it. "It's disappointing
because their defence caved in at the end and me and Crouchy were
disappointed we couldn't be involved."
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Sanchez considering legal action in Tevez affair
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 29 March 2009 - 1:12 PM
Lawrie Sanchez has announced he is considering suing West Ham over the
Carlos Tevez affair. Sanchez was Fulham manager at the end of the 2006-07
season when West Ham avoided relegation and finished 15th, one place above
Fulham. But West Ham have recently agreed to pay Sheffield United, who were
relegated that season, around £20m after effectively admitting Argentine
striker Tevez was not eligible to pay for them. It has been reported that
Fulham are taking legal action against the east London club. saying they
missed out on £700,000 by finishing a place below them. And Sanchez, who was
sacked by Fulham in December 2007, feels he would be entitled to some of the
cash and has blamed the FA for allowing the controversy to get out of hand.
"I'm going to look at my contract and see if it did injustice me in some
way, shape or form," said the former Northern Ireland manager, who is
currently out of work. "If everyone else is sticking their nose in the
trough then perhaps I need to have a look at it. As manager of the team, I
must have lost out financially in some way. "If West Ham feel they got away
with something and that paying £20m to Sheffield United is a way out of it,
then I have no problem with anyone else who feels they were unjustly treated
taking legal action."
Sanchez, speaking to the Football Pools Podcast, added: "The FA should have
dealt with the situation better in the first place. "One good thing all this
will do is make the FA stronger in their administration of the game. All of
this is about the FA not being strong enough."
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Hammers glad 'maniac' Bellamy left - Kovac
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on: 29 March 2009 - 2:32 PM
The West Ham players are relieved that 'maniac' Craig Bellamy left the club,
according to Radoslav Kovac. The Hammers midfielder joined after Bellamy
moved to Manchester City for £14million in January and the Czech ace says he
is glad to see the back of him.Kovac, 29, said: "They are glad he is not in
the team - they say he is a maniac. "He shouted at everyone who did not pass
to him in training, it was crazy. His departure has been a positive thing
for the players." Meanwhile, Bellamy questioned how his country would move
on after Wales were soundly beaten 2-0 by an aging Finland team on Saturday.
The woeful World Cup qualifying result leaves the Welsh fourth in Group Four
- and they face leaders Germany on Wednesday. Bellamy said: "God knows where
we go from here."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Tevez 18
Sheffield Star
Published Date: 30 March 2009
By James Shield
Eighteen past and present Sheffield United players are now said to be
seeking compensation from West Ham over the Carlos Tevez affair. They could
now put their case before an independent tribunal as the Hammers have
steadfastly refused to enter into negotiations stating that the £25-million-
plus settlement figure with the Blades was a final payment. United players
who felt they had been financially blighted by their relegation from the
Premier League in 2007 - a drop influenced by Tevez's illegal third-party
contribution to the Hammers' cause - are reportedly seeking around £3.5m in
damages. A fresh tribunal may be called in to arbitrate. Ex-Sheffield United
striker Geoff Horsfield was the first player to publicly admit that he is
considering legal action. Horsfield made only a handful of appearances for
the Blades after completing a £1.2m move from West Bromwich Albion in May
2006. West Ham, found guilty of breaching rules governing third party
ownership when they signed the Argentine and compatriot Javier Mascherano,
insist they will not entertain private claims from individuals detailing
loss of earnings - including then United manager Neil Warnock. The Hammers
are warning of the dangers of "legal anarchy" because of the modern claims
culture. But Horsfield, now with Lincoln City, says: "There are no personal
grudges against West Ham from any of the Sheffield United players involved,
myself included. "But the fact is we lost considerable sums of money as a
result of being relegated to the Championship because our wages dropped as a
consequence." "It is nothing personal or about being bitter, but about
justice."
David Cotterill and Jamie Ward did not get on the field for Wales and
Northern Ireland in the weekend internationals. Gary Naysmith played in
Scotland's 3-0 defeat to Holland.
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West Ham striker's injury a blow for club and country
10:56pm Sunday 29th March 2009
Echo
WEST HAM striker Carlton Cole has been ruled out of England's World Cup
qualifier with Ukraine after injuring his groin during Saturday's 4-0
victory over Slovakia.
In a cruel twist, Cole hobbled off just minutes after coming on as a
substitute for the injured Emile Heskey. The Hammers' frontman was brought
on after 15 minutes with a fantastic chance to prove his international
credentials in his second cap for his country. However, he injured a muscle
in his leg in the process of attempting a shot on goal, and he was
substituted in the 20th minute for Peter Crouch. While the blow leaves
England boss Fabio Capello with limited options up front for the match
against Ukraine – Crouch was also left struggling with a hip problem at the
end of the weekend's game – it will provide a more severe dilemma for
Gianfranco Zola. Things were beginning to look up for the Irons' manager
with the return to fitness of Kieron Dyer, Matthew Upson and James Collins
in recent days, but Cole's absence, coupled with the injuries to Jack
Collison and Valon Behrami, will leave him with a selection headache in
attack for the visit of Sunderland on Saturday.
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Dyer continues West Ham comeback in victory over Chelsea
29.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
Kieron Dyer continued his comeback from long-term injury for West Ham United
on Friday. The England midfielder featured in a behind-closed-doors friendly
against Chelsea, which the Hammers won 4-2. West Ham winger Junior Stanislas
struck an impressive hat-trick against a Chelsea team featuring Ricardo
Quaresma, Alex and Florent Malouda.
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West Ham management excited about academy talent
29.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United academy boss Tony Carr is excited about the talent coming
through their system. He told whufc.com: "You can't predict these things.
There may be a player that is quite ready but there may be an England
international blocking his path so he may have to go along the route of
getting his experience on loan at various clubs. "You can never predict
these things, all you do say is we feel as a whole in the Academy we've got
players with great potential and it's up to us to make them realise that
potential. I think we've had three through this year and three last year,
which is a fantastic two years for the production line of the Academy. We
mustn't be too greedy but we do feel that there are players in the Academy
for the foreseeable future."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham Academy chief Carr hails N'Gala progress
29.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United academy boss Tony Carr is delighted with the progress this
season of defender Bondz N'Gala. N'Gala had a loan spell at MK Dons earlier
this season and Carr told whufc.com: "Bondz plays centre-back and is a very
aggressive type of player, very strong. He has a good pace about his game
for a big lad and is quite dominant in the air as you'd expect from a
six-foot-plus boy. "He's made good strides and he needs to keep moving
forward and making improvements and he's certainly done well. To get on the
bench against Blackburn was a real bonus he probably wouldn't have expected
this season."
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West Ham kid Hall continues to add to reputation
29.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United teenager Robert Hall continues to impress. Just 15, England
U16 striker Hall struck twice for the Hammers' U18s in their 3-0 victory
over MK Dons last week. West Ham also had Colombian-born midfielder Cristian
Montano and Spaniard Sergio Sanchez featuring.
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Neill-led defence intent on keeping clean sheet
30.03.09 | Andrew Slevison
Australian captain Lucas Neill says he is only worried about keeping a clean
sheet on Wednesday when the Socceroos take on Uzbekistan. Neill knows how
important it is to keep the visitors goalless in the World Cup qualifier no
matter who plays alongside him in the back half. "From my point of view,
everyone's harping on about good performances, more goals, but all I really
care about is keeping the scoreline at zero," Neill said. "As a defender,
you have that mindset. 'Schwarzy' [goalkeeper Mark Schwarzer] and I, Craig
[Moore] and the rest of the boys, we're really proud of the fact there's
been four clean sheets in a row, and we want to make it one more. "'Moorey'
is obviously a big loss for this game, but now someone else gets the chance.
"I don't know who it's going to be. There are some good options. Chris
(Coyne) I've worked with before, he's an English style of centre half, so
that makes it easy for me. "'Meggsy' [Beauchamp], I've played with him many
times, no problem there. And 'Jado' [North] came from nowhere and put a
blitzing performance in China. Whoever it is, doesn't matter, as long as
they realise how important it is we get that zero.
"Pim has had a word to us, and made it clear it's time to switch on and
focus. It's been a nice and relaxing in camp, as always, but there's so many
things which could go wrong. He wants to make sure we get it right so we
don't have to rely on the last three games. "Everyone's just talking about
winning, about winning easy. "Obviously, we know it's not going to be like
that. Let's qualify first, then worry about how good we are, and how good it
was to get there. A few of us senior pros, we've made it clear to the boys
that it's not about getting distracted by the environment, or worrying about
entertaining. All Pim cares about is a one-nil [win], even if it's in the
95th minute."
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West Ham striker Cole: Man Utd's Rooney let down by his temperament
30.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham striker Carlton Cole says Wayne Rooney's temperament can let down
the Manchester United forward. Cole, who is now an England teammate of
Rooney's, said: "Sometimes his temperament lets him down, but he's got
world-class qualities and showed exactly what he can do against Slovakia.
"It doesn't matter if he's knocking corner flags around as long as he's not
knocking anyone out."
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LA Galaxy's Beckham receives backing from Moore family
30.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
LA Galaxy star David Beckham has revealed the support of West Ham legend
Bobby Moore's family after winning England cap No109. Beaming with pride
after the 4-0 win over Slovakia, he said: "I got a note from Stephanie Moore
after my 108th cap saying congratulations and that Bobby would have been so
proud. "That was an unbelievable moment, but to get to 109 is great and to
do it at Wembley means so much." Asked to do a commemorative picture with an
England shirt bearing 109 on the back he refused. He revealed: "I was asked
to do the picture but I did that for 100. "And though it's a big thing for
me I don't want to focus too much on that because the performance of the
team is more important. "Of course I'm proud for myself and for my family
but it's more important that England beat Slovakia and now we move on to the
Ukraine game."
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West Ham defender Upson: I've learned so much from Capello
30.03.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender Matthew Upson is enjoying his time with the England
squad. "I have learned so many things playing for Fabio Capello," said
Upson. "I've improved tactically and technically and working in his squad
has been great for my personal development. "Tactically, the emphasis has
been on defending in the box and always being aware of where your man is.
"Technically, it's about improving my first touch and moving the ball
quickly. "Every time I join up with the England squad I go home a better
player."
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