WHUFC.com
Junior Stanislas was all smiles after netting a goal on his full first-team debut for West Ham United
06.04.2009
For Junior Stanislas, his first West Ham United goal was a lifelong dream come true. The England Under-20 winger joined the Hammers at the age of eleven, working his way through the club's famous Academy before being handed his full first-team debut in Saturday's 2-0 Premier League victory over Sunderland. Stanislas, who netted the opening goal following a slick four-man move three minutes before half-time, said his first senior start in a claret and blue shirt had been everything he expected and more besides. "I couldn't have asked for a better start," said the 19-year-old. "It was my full debut, I came on against West Brom a couple of weeks ago but this was my first start. A goal, three points and a clean sheet, it can't get much better than that."
Stanislas was handed his full debut after impressing manager Gianfranco Zola with his talent and attitude after returning from a successful loan spell at League One side Southend United. The 19-year-old caught the eye at Roots Hall, starring in two FA Cup third-round ties against Premier League Chelsea, before returning to Chadwell Heath in mid-January to train as part of the first-team squad. Back at West Ham, Stanislas excelled in a 4-2 reserve friendly win over the Blues on 27 March, scoring a hat-trick at Chelsea's Cobham training ground in front of the watching Zola and first-team coach Steve Clarke. Following that display, and another eye-catching run-out for England's Under-20s on 31 March, the manager decided to throw the winger in against the Black Cats. The teenager responded with another match-winning performance. Afterwards, Stanislas admitted he had relished the opportunity to show what he could do from the kick-off. "The manager just said to me to clear my mind and go out and play my normal game. Gianfranco and Clarkey have come in and got the boys playing well. They've put a lot of confidence back into the squad so it's looking good."
Stanislas was told he would start Saturday's game just a couple of hours before kick-off, but there was still enough time for him to call a group of friends from his home in south London and get them to the Boleyn Ground in time for the match. It would not be long before he would make their trip worthwhile by tapping the ball into Craig Gordon's net. "It was a great feeling, I've been dreaming about if for years now so for me to start in the Premier League and score as well was amazing."
Despite his unforgettable full debut Stanislas, who named the Brazilian striker Ronaldo, AC Milan forward Kaka and England star Steven Gerrard as his footballing idols, admitted his West Ham team-mates will not allow the goal to go to his head. "The boys here will keep my feet on the ground. They won't let me enjoy it too much, trust me. When I come back in for training, I can guarantee you it will be business as normal."
Stanislas will be hoping he has done enough to keep his place for Saturday's Premier League trip to Tottenham Hotspur, where West Ham will continue their challenge for a top-seven finish. Wigan Athletic's defeat at Everton on Sunday strengthened the Hammers' hold on seventh position and a place in next season's UEFA Europa League.
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Tomka's vote of thanks
WHUFC.com
Goalscorer James Tomkins has paid tribute to the people who have helped him fulfil his dream
06.04.2009
James Tomkins paid tribute to everyone from his parents to his West Ham United team-mates to Academy director Tony Carr after scoring his first senior goal for the Hammers.
The England Under-20 defender, who has been in imperious form during the club's recent five-match unbeaten run in the Premier League, powered a header past Craig Gordon to help the Hammers to complete a 2-0 victory over Sunderland at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday.
For Tomkins, who turned 20 on Sunday 29 March, the goal was a reward for not just himself but also the many people who have invested time and effort in his football career since he joined West Ham at the age of eight.
The most important of those people are Tomkins' parents, who drove endless miles from the family home in Basildon to the club's Little Heath Academy base.
"My Mum and Dad were at the game and it was obviously a moment that I need to thank them a lot for. Over the years they have taken me to training and my goal was for them."
The defender, who has formed part of a back-five that have conceded just one goal in their last five matches, also thanked Academy director Tony Carr and his staff for their work in turning him from a promising youngster into a Premier League footballer.
"You can see the challenge from the players that have come through at the club, these massive players like [Michael] Carrick, [Joe] Cole and [Rio] Ferdinand. They are brilliant players and Tony Carr has a lot to do with it. He manages the youth team. A lot of the staff are brilliant in terms of boosting your confidence and giving you your chance here."
Injuries have meant Tomkins has been partnered by both captain Lucas Neill and Matthew Upson in recent weeks, while the loss of Jonathan Spector on Saturday saw the ball-playing centre-back switch to an unaccustomed right-back role.
The youngster, whose goal was his first since scoring twice for England's Under-19s against Germany in March 2008, said the experience of playing alongside experienced internationals was of great benefit to his game, as was the chance to work under first-team coach and former Scotland defender Steve Clarke.
"The two lads have got great experience as have a lot of the other lads. Clarkey has come in and he's been brilliant for me. The gaffer has given me my chance as well so I've got to credit a lot of people. I'm going to keep learning from the good players who are at the club.
"With Steve, if there is an area of the game on which I need to improve, he is brilliant for me. He has played in my position and has bags of experience. The gaffer gives everyone confidence and has got everyone playing nice football which all the fans want to see. They've changed things round and been like a breath of fresh air since they came in for all the players."
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Spector on the sidelines
WHUFC.com
Jonathan Spector will be absent for the next two games after being injured against Sunderland
06.04.2009
Jonathan Spector will sit out West Ham United's next two fixtures after suffering a head injury in the weekend win against Sunderland.
The US international was knocked unconscious midway through the second half of the 2-0 victory and required several minutes of treatment on the pitch before being taken to hospital. Although he soon came around, Spector was kept in hospital overnight before being released on Sunday morning.
Spector will spend this week at home recovering as is standard with all injuries of this nature before returning next week to Chadwell Heath for light work. He will miss out on the away matches at Tottenham Hotspur and Aston Villa over the next two weekends but could return for the home game against Chelsea on Saturday 25 April.
The 23-year-old had been in good form. He started the last two Barclays Premier League encounters, having come off the bench in the previous three fixtures. Spector had just returned from international duty, having been with the US national team for the World Cup qualfiers away to El Salvador and at home to Trinidad and Tobago.
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Hammers land compensation
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham are set to receive around £200,000 from the Football Association to compensate for the loss of Carlton Cole. Cole was injured whilst on England duty last weekend and is set to miss the majority of the remainder of the current season, something that is a serious dent in United's bid for a Europa League spot next season.
Despite the potential multi-million pound losses that could be incurred as a result on missing out on European qualification next season the Hammers will only receive a compensation figure from the FA's insurers suffice to cover the cost of Cole's wages during his spell on the sidelines. Should Gianfranco Zola's side miss out on qualifying for Europe as a result of Cole's injury questions will perhaps be asked as to whether the FA's liability should be even greater, given that an independent panel sitting on behalf of the ruling body decided last year that Carlos Tevez was single-handedly responsible for Sheffield United being relegated in the 2006/07 Premier League campaign.
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Stanislas hails day to remember
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Man-of-the-moment Junior Stanislas has vowed to keep his feet on the ground despite making all the headlines at the weekend. The 19-year-old midfielder marked his first Premier League start with the opening goal in Saturday's 2-0 win over Sunderland. However he has vowed not to let success go to his head and to continue working hard in order to secure a regular first team spot. "I was singing Bubbles as I waited in the tunnel with the rest of the team," he admitted. "The manager just told me to clear my mind and go out and play my normal game. "Gianfranco and Clarkey have come in and got the boys playing well, they've put a lot of confidence back into the squad so it's looking good. "It was a great debut but the boys here will keep my feet on the ground. They won't let me enjoy it too much - trust me!"
Meanwhile Luis Boa Morte - who set up Stanislas' 42nd minute goal with an inch-perfect weighted pass - revealed that he was equally delighted to be playing in the first team once again. "If the gaffer sends me on to the pitch then the effort has to be there both attacking and defending," he told whufc.com. "I got stuck in; I just tried my hardest and to come off the pitch with a smile was very important."
Whilst on the goal, he added: "I could have smashed it across and he could saved it - but I read the game and Junior understood my eye contact and knew where the ball would be landing. But it was like a slow-motion pass!"
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Zola on ... Sunderland
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 5th April 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola shares his thoughts on an important win ...
On the game...
It was a massive victory today. We had many difficulties before the match, so many injuries - Kovac was the last one to pull out so we had to play some players out of position. But it went very well and I'm very pleased - especially for some of the young players who came on and did very well.
The second goal was such an important thing because they are a good team and you can't really give them any opportunity, they can score any moment. So the second goal gave us more freedom and tranquility. After that the team played very well and we could have scored more than that, so it's very pleasing.
On the kids...
It's brilliant, it's really really good. Junior was one and also [James] Tomkins who's been playing for a while but don't forget is still only 19 - he scored his first goal and played very well. It's a good moment for us and I'm pleased because there's a great team spirit and when you have these conditions it's easy for whovever comes in to do a good job - and I look forward to it continuing.
I believe that it is important to have young players in your squad and it's important to leave them always a little bit of space where they can come through and do their job. We're looking forward to continuing that tradition for West Ham so we're going to try to carry on working the way we're working.
But it's also very important to have experienced players - they really make it easier for those young players that are coming through.
On Jon Spector's injury...
He's been taken to hospital, we don't know yet what it's going to be. They're talking about concussion, something like that but hopefully it's not going to be too bad and we're looking forward to seeing him soon.
On the hunt for Europe...
We know that we need to get that seventh spot - and we're going to be trying to the end.
Ricky Sbragia (Sunderland)
We tried to keep it nice and tight but we got caught on a corner kick and found ourselves 1-0 down at half time. We tried to go a bit more adventurous but the second goal killed us and it was a hard task from then on.
We can't give away free headers in the 18-yard box. We seem to give the opposition plenty and that's down to bad defending - I think on that occasion Anton [Ferdinand] was at fault. But we can't afford to do that.
They make the game big, they're a good passing team. Altogether they're a good team and very difficult to beat at home but from our point of view it was two bad goals. I thought that West Ham saw the game out at 2-0 to be honest.
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Hammers seeking compensation
West Ham file compensation claim with FA
Last updated: 6th April 2009
SSN
West Ham have reportedly submitted a claim for compensation with the Football Association following Carlton Cole's groin injury sustained while on England duty. The 25-year-old hit-man suffered the injury in England's recent 4-0 friendly victory over Slovakia at Wembley. With Cole now requiring five weeks of rehabilitation before he returns to action, West Ham are hoping to win compensation via the FA's insurance cover. Michael Owen's injury at the last World Cup led to a high-profile settlement with Newcastle, and West Ham believe they should be compensated for the loss of their star striker. Cole's absence comes at a time when his club are chasing seventh place in the Premier League and a place in the Europa League that should come with it. "It is frustrating if you consider that we now have Carlton Cole out as well as Valon Behrami and Jack Collison, plus Scott Parker is not at his best," said manager Gianfranco Zola. "It is frustrating because they are important players for us. It is a crucial moment of the season. The whole season has been like that, always having something to deal with."
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West Ham Pick Up Promising Charlton Youngster, Danny Uchechi
By Sam H ⋅ April 6, 2009 ⋅
The West Ham Process
So first of all, after my post the other day about how to write a West Ham article, the following had better turn out to be true. But, I'm putting my neck on the line and reporting what I've heard nontheless!
A source today has reported seeing promising Charlton forward, Danny Uchechi, pull up to our Chadwell Heath training ground and start signing autographs for the West Ham fans who were around. Here's the email I received:
Charlton Youngster Danny Uchechi was at Chadwell Heath training ground this morning. The Nigerian international was picked up from Upton Park stadium in a cab, also in the black cab was financial director Nick Igoe. The cabbie was instructed not to talk to either of the men, but once the player entered the Chadwell Heath area he immediately stopped the cab driver after seeing west ham fans getting some autographs from danny gabbidon, and then wound his window down and signed west ham items such as balls and shirts. He stated he must sign for his fans.
To be honest I didn't who he was when I saw him this morning, but a Charlton supporter recognized him from when West Ham u18s drew 3-3 with Charlton.
Like I say, I have this on pretty good grounds, but it's not directly from me - I'm just the messenger! In the meantime, here is a forum thread about him over at Addickted.net
I'm trying to track down some photos of the fella actually signing the autographs which are apparently in existence somewhere, I will post them up here if I can get my hands on them, add a bit of meat to the report and all that!
IRONS
Sam
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West Ham boss' grand plan is starting to come together
Posted by: Rob Facey , on Mon 6 Apr 2009
West Ham Football Fancast
Gianfranco Zola's revolution at West Ham continued after a 2-0 victory over Sunderland this weekend. Goals either side of half time from products of the Upton Park academy cemented the Hammers' spot in the league with European football now looking a real possibility for next season. But how much credit should Zola get for ensuring that the youngsters get a chance in the first team? It is, after all, a promise he made when he first took control of the team. "Tell me if this is something I didn't say at the beginning," Zola said, as reported in The Times. "I said the idea was to create this kind of situation. It's working very well and I am very pleased. "It was a project and when I spoke to you first time probably some did not believe it, but to see things come together is such an unbelievable satisfaction."
Junior Stanislas, 19, opened the scoring after a West Ham counter before James Tomkins, 20, doubled the lead with a bullet header after the break. The club have really asserted themselves since Zola's appointment on and off the pitch. If you had told West Ham fans that they would be favourites to qualify for the Europa League then they would have written you off as crazy. Now, however, rejuvenated under the former Chelsea forward, the club have seen their faith in youngsters repaid, with some of the best young players in Britain turning out at Upton Park. There is nothing more pleasing than seeing something from the training ground come off during a game and seeing players from your club's academy make it into the first team - and play a vital role in winning games - brings exactly the same feeling. Federico Macheda will be the youngster on everyone's lips this morning, but Hammers fans will be quietly confident that they have a few diamonds of their own within their ranks. You cant win anything with kids? Zola is following in Ferguson's footsteps in proving that may not be entirely true. The future looks brighter than ever in East London and Zola can take great credit in the role he has played so far. You get the feeling that he, along with some of the players he has blooded, will be involved at the club for many years to come.
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Boa Morte on Sunderland victory
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 6th April 2009
By: Thomas Rooney
It is not so long ago now that Luis Boa Morte's West Ham career seemed all but over. A move to Hull was on the cards back in January, but the former Portugal international turned them down. This decision was questioned at the time, but now it seems like Boa Morte made the correct choice. He chose to stay at West Ham and fight for his place. Now, thanks to a number of injuries, he has had a decent run in the side. In fact, Boa Morte has started the last two games for Gianfranco Zola and was heavily involved in the most recent one – a 2-0 home win over Sunderland. The former Fulham man played a crucial role in setting up the first Hammers goal for Junior Stanislas. He played the youngster through on goal with a perfectly placed cross just before half time. Speaking about the victory, Boa Morte said that it was 'a good result' and a 'deserved victory' for his side. He went on to say that Sunderland played 'better than expected' but that there was no doubt about who deserved the three points.
In terms of his own performance, Boa Morte was pleased. He rarely gets handed a start for West Ham these days, so he was happy to make the most of his chance.
The 32-year-old says that he 'tried his hardest' and 'got stuck in' from the very first whistle. This, combined with his attacking ability, meant that he caused Sunderland's defence some problems throughout the game. Boa Morte has been heavily criticised by some sections of West Ham's support in recent months, but he does have a lot to offer the team. Fair enough, he might not be first choice, but to have a player like him available when there are lots of injuries isn't bad at all.
As for the goal he set-up, Boa Morte said that Stanislas 'understood' his eye contact and 'knew where the ball was landing'. This made the fact that it was a 'slow-motion pass' completely irrelevant! The winger could have easily smashed the ball across goal and wasted the opportunity, but he has the ability to read the game so he took his time and picked his pass. Boa Morte is a clever player and it showed in this instance. The opening goal was added to by a James Tomkins header in the second half to hand West Ham a 2-0 win and three crucial points in the hunt for a place in Europe. With regards to football betting, don't be too quick to go against the Hammers reaching their goal this season. Zola's men now occupy the all important 7th spot and sit three points ahead of the chasing pack after Wigan, Fulham, Manchester City and Tottenham all lost their games over the weekend. Next up is a difficult trip to White Hart Lane, where Boa Morte will be hoping for another start, another assist and another three points.
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Real Madrid Flop Julien Faubert Wants West Ham Return
After being unable to impress during his first two months on loan at Real Madrid, the French winger knows that he will not be asked to stay...
6 Apr 2009 11:57:24
Goal.com
Julien Faubert has given up on his dream of earning a permanent move to Real Madrid and is now keen to rejoin West Ham United in the summer, according to a report.
The French winger moved to the Bernabeu in the winter transfer window after Juande Ramos insisted that the team needed a new wide man to give them more balance.
Rumours in the Spanish capital suggest that director, Miguel Angel Portugal, approved the move for Faubert without consulting sporting director, Predrag Mijatovic.
Madrid were linked with the 25-year-old when he was impressing at Bordeaux, during a run of form that saw him earn a place in the French national team three years ago.
His arrival in January though did not impress, and even Ramos has recognised that Faubert is not the player that he thought he was signing, as he has struggled with fitness and injuries since joining the Spanish champions. Now The News of the World report that Faubert realises Madrid are highly unlikely to consider keeping him in the summer when major reshaping of the squad is due to take place. Instead, he wants to return to West Ham United and try and prove himself to Gianfranco Zola in order to win a regular place in the Hammers´ team next term.
Lucas Brown, Goal.com
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West Ham to net £200,000 from FA as compensation for loss of England striker Cole
By Sportsmail Reporter Last updated at 12:20 PM on 06th April 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham United are set to receive around £200,000 in compensation from the FA after Carlton Cole was injured playing for England. The striker will be out for another five weeks after damaging a groin muscle after coming on as a first-half substitute in England's recent friendly against Slovakia. The FA's insurers will pay Cole's salary during his enforced absence providing that he does return to first-team action before the end of the season. Cole meanwhile, was one of six first choice players missing as West Ham beat Sunderland 2-0 in what Gianfranco Zola described as the "best ever" result since the boss joined the club last September. That gave an opportunity for south Londoner Junior Stanislas, 19, to cap a dream debut by scoring West Ham's first goal two minutes before half-time. Stanislas said: "I've been at the club since I was 11 years old and I've dreamt about scoring a goal for the first team for years." Defender James Tomkins netted the second in the 53rd minute.
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Bologna striker Di Vaio not interested in West Ham
06.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Bologna striker Marco di Vaio has ruled out a move to West Ham United. Di Vaio has been linked with both West Ham and Fulham in the past week after a superb season in front of goal. But he said: "I only want to stay in Bologna."
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West Ham's Spector suffers concussion, looks set to miss two
07.04.09 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham's Jonathan Spector will miss the next two matches after suffering concussion in the clash with Sunderland on the weekend. The US international was involved in a challenge in the air and left unconscious and had to be stretchered off the pitch. "He lost a little a bit of consciousness and he lost his short-term memory. He is fine and they are confident it is not going to be a big problem. He couldn't remember much of it but he was fine," said Hammers manager Gianfranco Zola.
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Tomkins credits West Ham coach Clarke for success
07.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
West Ham United defender James Tomkins credits coach Steve Clarke for his success this season. Tomkins told whufc.com: "The two lads have got great experience as have a lot of the other lads. Clarkey has come in and he's been brilliant for me. The gaffer has given me my chance as well so I've got to credit a lot of people. I'm going to keep learning from the good players who are at the club.
"With Steve, if there is an area of the game on which I need to improve, he is brilliant for me. He has played in my position and has bags of experience. The gaffer gives everyone confidence and has got everyone playing nice football which all the fans want to see. They've changed things round and been like a breath of fresh air since they came in for all the players."
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Stanislas: West Ham debut couldn't have been better
07.04.09 | tribalfootball.com
Junior Stanislas admits his scoring debut for West Ham United couldn't have gone better. "I couldn't have asked for a better start," said the 19-year-old after their victory over Sunderland. "It was my full debut, I came on against West Brom a couple of weeks ago but this was my first start. A goal, three points and a clean sheet, it can't get much better than that."
He also told whufc.com: "The manager just said to me to clear my mind and go out and play my normal game. Gianfranco and Clarkey have come in and got the boys
playing well. They've put a lot of confidence back into the squad so it's looking good."
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