WHUFC.com
The manager had plenty of reason to be cheerful ahead of the squad's trip to
Austria for a training camp
12.07.2009
Gianfranco Zola and his first-team squad will travel to Austria on Monday
buoyed by a positive start to their pre-season preparations.
West Ham United were 2-1 winners at Grays Athletic on Sunday afternoon, with
most of the available players getting 45 minutes including Danny Gabbidon
for his first run-out since a reserve outing in January 2008. Also catching
the eye were Julien Faubert, Kieron Dyer, Anthony Edgar and Junior Stanislas
along with goalscorers Zavon Hines and Cristian Montano - with the two
Academy products leading the line as lone strikers in each half.
"I was very happy today," said Zola, who tried 22 different players in all
on a sunny afternoon at the New Rec in south Essex but was without most of
his internationals. "Everyone came through which is good because we have
only had one week of hard training and this is still very early in the
pre-season. I am pleased with how the young players did and they had lots of
confidence. It is very encouraging."
While it was a welcome work-out for established names such as Herita Ilunga
and Jack Collison, there was also the intriguing sight of two players who
are set to play a part in Tony Carr's Under-18 set-up this coming season -
namely Republic of Ireland Under-17 midfielder Eoin Wearen and England
Under-17 forward Robert Hall, who are still only 16 and 15 respectively.
They may feature at Cambridge United in a West Ham United XI next Saturday.
Savio - slightly older at 19 - travelled to Grays but was rested as a
precaution. He is expected to figure when the team play in Austria. The
first match of the ten-day trip will be at local third-division team SVL
Flavia Solva on Wednesday, when the likes of Robert Green, Matthew Upson,
Luis Boa Morte and Carlton Cole could also be in contention.
Luis Jimenez will travel after arriving in London on Sunday afternoon,
although he was not in time to watch his new team-mates play after sorting
out some personal matters back in Chile. Zola was clear about how the man
dubbed 'the Wizard' will improve his options. "He will give us something
extra especially in the last 30 metres. That is the kind of player we have
got."
Valon Behrami and Scott Parker are also expected to travel although only the
latter has a chance of playing in any of the four games. After Flavia Solva,
the Hammers take on German Cup holders Werder Bremen on Saturday before
meeting Turkish team Bursaspor on Wednesday week and then finishing up
against ND Mura 05 across the border in Slovenia a day later.
England Under-21 duo James Tomkins and Mark Noble will fly out with Jonathan
Spector midway through the camp, having had just a fortnight or so off so
far after their summer international exertions.
It remains to be seen if Dean Ashton and Terry Dixon will travel as they are
working hard on their fitness after lengthy injury lay-offs. The manager
revealed that there may be more attack-minded players on the way with
speculation linking the club with a range of players. "We are trying to spot
what our weaknesses are," he added stressing that there was plenty of time
for new recruits. "Certainly we need to improve up front and that is the
majority of the job."
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Grays 1-2 West Ham United FT
WHUFC.com
All the action as it happened from the first match of the summer ahead of
the squad's trip to Austria
12.07.2009
Pre-season friendly
The New Rec
Kick-off: 3pm
Full time: 1-2
90min - The referee blows the final whistle to make it a solid start for the
squad. Everyone here - bar the watching Savio and Luis Boa Morte - got an
extended run-out which will be welcome before the training camp in Austria.
89min - Hall has another effort and only Kitteridge's desperate save denies
him. It has been a lively cameo.
89min - Well done Gabbidon to sniff out the danger again. It looks like
being a winning start to this pre-season along with a welcome run-out for
the squad. The majority of these players will be joined by the likes of
Robert Green, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker and Carlton Cole in Austria. Luis
Jimenez has also arrived in England this weekend and will be making the
trip.
88min - So near but so far for Hall. Okus had broken up a Grays attack
before feeding Lee. He then played in Hall whose quick feet moved him five
yards clear of his marker. However, the home defender was able to get back
and just block as he shot for goal.
86min - Hall is denied a run through on goal by Toms. He has done well so
far and is clearly eager to make an impact.
85min - Good header from Gabbidon to clear the Grays danger. He then nearly
gets in Stech's way before then dealing adroitly with another cross into the
penalty area.
85min - Ilunga has the ball in the net from close range but the flag goes up
for offside. Stanislas had whipped in a low cross into the area that had the
home defence in trouble.
84min - Change in goal for Grays - off goes Nichols to be replaced by Ross
Kitteridge.
82min - Rare chance for Grays. Saviger wins the ball from Collison and fires
in but Stech is able to save with ease. At the other end, only a great
tackle from Hunt denies Stanislas making the game safe.
81min - The Hammers have switched to a more orthodox 4-4-2 with Hall and
Montano in attack.
77min - Hall may only be 15 but he is set to play for England Under-17s in
the Nordic international tournament later this month.
76min - Here comes Robert Hall - the 15-year-old striker - on for Edgar.
McKoy and McLeod are off for Milton Elenge and Jamie Archer. David Hunt and
Maty Toms are on for Grays.
75min - A great run from Stanislas ends only with a last-ditch Grays tackle.
A quick counter by Dumbaya ends with the West Ham defence getting rid of the
danger.
73min - GOAL! - Montano slides the ball into the net after a period of
pressure from the visitors. It was a composed finish by the forward. Slabber
is off and on is Reggie Saviger.
72min - Stanislas nearly slips in Edgar but the youngster just mis-reads the
pass. Stanislas is then fouled - he looks the most likely of anyone on view.
70min - It is clouding over here. We might see a bit of rain before the
final whistle. The real question though is will we see a winning goal?
67min - The game is a bit disjointed at the moment. Neither side has really
troubled the goal yet.
65min - Montano pounces on a loose pass and feeds Collison. The Wales
midfielder runs forward with the ball but is tracked well by the Grays
defence who see the danger away.
64min - Free-kick to Grays. Vernazza takes it but hits Stanislas who clears.
63min - It remains to be seen whether Savio will be involved. He had warmed
up before the game but may be saved for the Austria trip.
61min - Lovely interception by Conor Okus who sets Edgar away down the
right. Disbelief from the Hammers youngster as he was certain he had done
enough to win the corner.
60min - Grays are replacing Brayley, McSweeney and Michael Haswell with
Mustapha Dumbaya, Marcel McKie and Daniel Francis.
58min - Thomas fouls Ilunga after his surge up the left. Stanislas whips in
a free-kick that is just headed behind by David McSweeney.
57min - Lee plays in Stanislas and he quickly carries the ball 20 yards.
However, his shot is too high and clears the stand behind the goal.
56min - Grays try and build but Gabbidon reads the danger and the ball runs
through to Marek Stech.
55min - Lovely play over the middle from Stanislas after being picked out by
Ollie Lee. The ball runs for a corner which Stanislas takes and promptly
finds Spence. The England Under-19 defender cannot direct the ball on target
and his header comes to nothing.
53min - Montano is fouled coming back to collect a Stanislas pass. There are
3,169 fans here - a great turn-out from the Grays supporters. Stanislas hits
the wall with his free-kick.
52min - Jordan Spence is at right-back with Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson lining up
alongside Gabbidon in the centre.
50min - Herita Ilunga wins a header to break up the Grays attack. The
left-back is wearing No23, the shirt he is set to have in the new season.
48min - Corner taken by Stanislas but it is cleared. He was trying to pick
out Colombian-born Cristian Montano, who is playing the lone striker's role.
47min - Early chance for Junior Stanislas to run at the defence but it is
good play from Thomas to deny him. At the other end, Danny Gabbidon gets his
first touch in a Hammers' shirt since a January 2008 reserve-team outing at
Portsmouth.
46min - Stech, Spence, Eyjolffson, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Lee, Okus, Collison,
Stanislas and Montano form ten of a new-look starting eleven for the
Hammers. Only Edgar remains of the side that finished the first half.
Half-time - 1-1
45min - The half-time whistle goes and it is honours even. Expect plenty of
changes from Gianfranco Zola in the second half.
44min - Edgar finds himself to the right of goal and hooks the ball on
target. Nichols claimed that comfortably though.
43min - Grays have been well supported today with a few thousand in
attendance. Another fierce tackle on Hines that warrants a talking to for
home defender Bradley Thomas.
42min - Payne's lofted pass picks out Dyer. The ball eventually finds its
way to Edgar but he cannot keep his shot on target.
40min - West Ham are keeping possession well. Wearen gets an elbow in the
face but it was accidental. Free-kick to the visitors.
38min - Grasser's left-footed free-kick is headed clear by Grays, who break
quickly on the counter. Well done Dyer after he held up the home surge and
forced them back into their own half. Hines is back on the field of play.
36min - Hines is brought down again. This time he stays down for treatment.
Meanwhile, the Hammers substitutes come out to warm-up and get a good round
of applause.
34min - The move of the match. A lovely 60-yard crossfield ball from Collins
picks out Faubert who had surged unnoticed up the right. The Frenchman
collected the ball in his stride before cutting inside on to his left and
fizzing a low shot that just missed the far corner.
33min - Another deep cross from right-back Faubert when there was hardly any
space for him to move. No one read that though and it sails across the
goalmouth.
32min - Hines felt that one. The striker was clattered from behind but is
quickly up again. Payne is showing some lovely touches in midfield but Grays
are doing well to frustrate their visitors.
30min - Serge Makofo gets a shot away but Kurucz gets down low to save. He
was never really troubled was the Hungarian Under-21 international, who
signed his new contract this week having agreed the permanent move from
Ujpest FC last month.
28min - He may only be 16 but Wearen is already at least 6' tall and doing
well out on the right flank.
27min - Fry, the Under-18s captain from last season, concedes a free-kick
near the corner flag. Brayley will take this set-piece. He steps up and
curls it into Kurucz's grateful grasp.
26min - Allan McLeod steps up but his curling effort is high and wide.
25min - N'Gala concedes a corner after Slabber's cross into the box. Collins
then heads it away but Faubert concedes a free-kick on the edge of the
penalty area. Chance for Grays to test Kurucz again with a set-piece from 20
yards.
24min - Nearly the lead again for the Hammers. Hines did really well to work
an opening and fired in a shot that Nichols parried into the path of Wearen.
The youngster could not direct his effort on target though.
23min - Surging run from Dyer through the mddile but a good tackle from
ex-Watford man Paulo Vernazza denies him a sight of goal.
22min - GOAL! - An equaliser from former Spurs youth-team product Jamie
Slabber after he tricked his way past James Collins into space on the
right-hand side of the goal. There was little Peter Kurucz could do about
the shot low to his right into the corner.
18min - The game is a little bit scrappy since that opening goal. Both teams
are operating at a lively pace which is encouraging since we are so early in
the summer.
16min - Nick McKoy is down after a hefty challenge.
15min - GOAL! - Hines scores with a neat finish after bright play from Edgar
along the left. The striker has started this pre-season like he finished
last year's and is looking lively. Injury hampered his progress last year
but he still scored on his only first-team outing - in the League Cup
against Macclesfield Town - and was also an unused substitute for Jamaica in
a spring friendy against Nigeria.
13min - Wearen has not looked out of place and has linked up well with his
fellow midfielders. Kieron Dyer, the 33-times capped England international,
is urging him on and giving him plenty of encouragement.
11min - Hines cuts in from the left and has another go, but it is straight
at Nichols. Good work then from Bondz N'Gala to deal with a Grays
counterattack before Faubert gets another decent cross in. It is end to end
stuff.
10min - A decent shout for a penalty there after Wearen's shot struck an
arm. It had all begun with a terrific cross from Faubert to Hines before the
ball fell to the Irish midfielder to try his luck.
9min - Wearen tries to pick out Hines but the ball runs through to Paul
Nichols in the Grays goal.
7min - First shot from Grays from Bertie Brayley, the former West Ham
academy graduate who played in the 1999 FA Youth Cup winning team with
Michael Carrick and Joe Cole.
6min - Payne is playing in an advanced role in midfield, with Grasser and
Dyer also central.
4min - Jay Lovett is penalised for a foul on Zavon Hines. The striker is
playing as a one forward, with Wearen on the right and Edgar on the left
joining when ever possible.
3min - Bright early play, particularly down the left but Julien Faubert -
fresh from his Real Madrid loan spell - gets a chance to surge up the right.
Fry picks him out and he in turn slips it back to Eoin Wearen but the shot
is off target.
2min - Anthony Edgar sets left-back Matty Fry down the left and he runs 20
yards before crossing. The ball is knocked out for a corner. Edgar takes it
and picks out Collins at the far post. The Wales defender mis-hits his
volley and it goes wide of the post.
1min - Grays get us under way and there is an early touch for Peter Kurucz
after a lofted ball forward.
KICK-OFF
2.58pm - James Collins has the armband and is with the officials in the
centre circle and the Grays mascot, which is a large albatross.
Grays Athletic: Paul Nichols, David McSweeney, Michael Haswell, Nick McKoy,
Bradley Thomas, Jay Lovett, Allan McLeod, Paulo Vernazza, Jamie Slabber,
Bertie Brayley, Serge Makofo
Subs: Maty Toms, Ross Kitteridge, Reggie Saviger, Mustpaha Dumbaya, Marcel
McKie, Jamie Archer, Daniel Francis, David Hunt, Milton Elenge
West Ham United: Peter Kurucz, Julien Faubert, Bondz N'Gala, James Collins,
Matty Fry, Georg Grasser, Josh Payne, Kieron Dyer, Eoin Wearen, Anthony
Edgar, Zavon Hines
Subs: Marek Stech, Jordan Spence, Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Danny Gabbidon,
Herita Ilunga, Oliver Lee, Conor Okus, Jack Collison, Savio, Junior
Stanislas, Cristian Montano
2.35pm - The teams are in and Gianfranco Zola has a mixture of youth and
experience in his starting lineup. It is a big chance for the likes of Irish
youth international Eoin Wearen. Antonio Pintus is putting the players
through their paces.
2.22pm - All the Hammers first-team squad are here except for those players
on international duty at the end of last season along with Valon Behrami,
Scott Parker, Dean Ashton and Terry Dixon who are not yet ready for match
action. New signing Luis Jimenez has arrived in England this weekend and
will join the squad on Monday for the two-week training camp in Austria.
2.15pm - Welcome to the home of Grays Athletic for the first pre-season
friendly ahead of the 2009/10 season. West Ham United have arrived with a
strong squad and whufc.com will bring you full team news as soon as it is
available. The sun is shining and already the Hammers goalkeepers - Peter
Kurucz and Marek Stech - are out warming up with coach Ludek Miklosko. A
number of former players are here including Tony Gale, Tony Cottee and Alan
Devonshire, while John Moncur is here in his role as Grays chairman.
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Zola on transfers
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 12th July 2009
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has revealed that his priority this summer is to improve his
attacking options. Zola - who has already landed Luis Jimenez on loan from
Inter - still hopes to sign Jimenez's former team mate Mancini, with
Gianluca Nani in Milan again this weekend in an attempt to rubber-stamp the
deal. At least two other European-based foreign strikers - one experienced,
one considerably younger - are being courted by the Hammers as Zola attempts
to finalise his squad for the forthcoming 2009/10 campaign. Talking to Sky
Sports this afternoon following United's 2-1 friendly win at Grays, he said:
"We are trying to spot what our weaknesses are. Certainly we need to improve
up front and that is the majority of the job."
And when pushed on rumoured interest in Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen, Zola
refused to be drawn, adding: "Eidur is certainly a very good player. I am
sure West Ham are not the only team who are looking for a player like him."
The Italian manager - who leaves for Austria for a two-week tour with his
squad tomorrow morning - also revealed that the one-year contract offered to
Lucas Neill last month remains on the table. Asked if Neill would be
re-signing, Zola said: "We hope so. He has got our trust and we like him, so
it is down to him."
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Grays Athletic 1 West Ham Utd 2
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 12th July 2009
By: Staff Writer
A second half strike from Cristian Montano gave an understregth Hammers a
winning start to pre-season. Despite earlier reports suggesting that
Gianfranco Zola would field a full-strength first team only Julien Faubert
and James Collins had more than a handful of first team games under their
respective belts from the starting XI. The likes of Rob Green, James
Tomkins, Matthew Upson, Scott Parker, Dean Ashton, Carlton Cole and Luis
Jimenez were all excused duty ahead of this week's trip to Austria, for
which the squad leaves London tomorrow. Despite the weakened line-up the
Hammers started well and both James Collins and recent arrival Eoin Wearen
had chances in the opening minutes. United were then denied a penalty on the
10th minute mark when 16-year-old Wearen's effort clearly hit the arm of an
Athletic defender although nothing was given. However the Hammers didn't
have to wait long before taking the lead; Zavon Hines, who missed a late
sitter in the friendly here last pre-season made amends with a well taken
effort from the edge of the box on the quarter hour mark. Anthony Edgar also
deserved a mention for some excellent build-up play.
The lead was to prove short-lived however as former Tottenham trainee Jamie
Slabber made a bit of a monkey out of James Collins just four minutes later.
The Welsh international, and not for the first time in his career, was left
flat-footed having been turned inside out by Slabber who made the most of
the space his clever play had created by firing across Peter Kurucz into the
far bottom corner.
No more goals ensued ahead of the break and it was to be a far different
team that lined up for the second half. Of West Ham's original starting XI,
only Edgar remained; Herita Ilunga and Jack Collison being the notable first
team arrivals. However it was to be one of Tony Carr's youngsters who stole
the show in the second half. 18-year-old Cristian Montano, who hails from
Columbia gave the Hammers a deserved win when he struck the winning goal on
73 minutes. Having found his way into the box, Montano saw his first effort
blocked before slotting his second in the far corner.
A healthy travelling Hammers contingent were also treated to a cameo from
15-year-old striker Robert Hall, who gave the busy Edgar a rest for the
final quarter-of-an-hour. Hall, who is set to feature for England's under
17s later this summer made a good impresssion and created three efforts on
goal during his brief appearance on the field. With many fans opting to stay
away due to Grays' insistence on charging £20 admission fee (across the
board once the first 400 concessions had been sold) the 5,000 capacity New
Rec was almost half empty, although the Conference club will no doubt be
happy from the bumper gate receipts.
Next up for the Hammers is the friendly against Austrian outfit Flavia Solva
in Wagna this coming Wednesday evening - the first of four games Zola's side
are set to play on their two-week tour.
Grays Athletic 1 West Ham United 2: match facts
West Ham United: Kurucz (Stech 46), Faubert (Spence 46), N'Gala (Eyjolfsson
46), Collins (Gabbidon 46), Fry (Ilunga 46), Grasser (Lee 46), Payne (Okus
46), Dyer (Collison 46), Wearen (Lee 46), Edgar (Hall 76), Hines (Montano
46).
Subs not used: None.
Goals: Hines (15), Montano (73).
Grays Athletic: Nichols (Kitteridge 84), McSweeney (Francis 60), Haswell
(McKie 60), McKoy (Archer 76), Thomas, Lovett, McLeod (Elenge 76), Vernazza
(Toms 76), Slabber (Hunt 76), Brayley (Dumbaya 60), Makofo.
Subs not used: Saviger.
Goals: Slabber (22).
Attendance: 3,169
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Hammers consider Eidur
Zola rates former team-mate and wants Neill to return
By Peter Fraser Last updated: 12th July 2009
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has hinted that he could be considering an
offer for Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen as he looks to increase his
attacking options.
The Iceland international is thought to be close to leaving Camp Nou and it
has been claimed that Aston Villa, Everton and Fulham are monitoring the
situation. But Zola has now indicated that he could enter the race for
Gudjohnsen after witnessing the forward's ability firsthand during their
time together at Chelsea. The Italian holds his former team-mate in high
regard, but recognises he will not be the only European manager aware of the
30-year-old's talents. Zola told Sky Sports News: "Eidur is certainly a
very, very good player. I am sure West Ham are not the only team who are
looking for a good player like him."
West Ham finished ninth in the Premier League last season and Zola is
looking to improve on that display in the coming campaign. Luis Jimenez has
arrived on loan at Upton Park from Inter Milan to increase the Hammers'
guile in the attacking third, but their manager is still keen for more
variety. "We are trying to spot what our weaknesses can be," added Zola.
"Certainly we need to improve upfront and that is the majority of the job."
Zola is also hopeful defender Lucas Neill will agree a return to East London
after his contract expired in June. When asked if the Australian had a
future with West Ham, he said: "We hope so. He has got our trust and we like
him, so it is down to him."
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Friendlies round-up
Hammers win, Stoke shocked, Leeds held in six-goal thriller
Last updated: 12th July 2009
SSN
West Ham kicked off their pre-season schedule with a workmanlike 2-1 win at
Blue Square Premier outfit Grays Athletic. A second-string Hammers line-up
was bereft of players who have featured in summer international matches,
while injuries also ruled out Valon Behrami, Scott Parker and Dean Ashton.
New signing Luis Jimenez only arrived in England this week after signing on
loan from Inter Milan and will join up with Gianfranco Zola's squad on
Monday ahead of their two-week training camp in Austria. Julien Faubert,
James Collins and Kieron Dyer were the only recognised first-team players in
Zola's starting line-up, but the visitors nevertheless had too much quality
for non-league Grays. Jamaican youngster Zavon Hines opened the scoring for
the Premier League side before former Tottenham youth player Jamie Slabber
levelled for Grays with a low shot past Peter Kurucz. Hammers centre-back
Danny Gabbidon came on at the interval as he continued his comeback after 18
months on the sidelines, while 17-year-old Cristian Montano hit West Ham's
winner with a side-footed finish 17 minutes from time.
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NEILL TOLD 'WE WANT YOU BACK' 13/07/2009
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola insists Lucas Neill would be welcomed back to Upton Park
with open arms if he accepts a new deal at West Ham. The Australia
international, who is out of contract and linked with a move to Turkish side
Galatasaray, rejected the latest offer from the Hammers, which more than
halved his £90,000-a-week wages. But boss Zola says former skipper Neill
could still have a future with the club. "I hope Lucas comes back to the
club because he knows how valuable he is to us," said Zola. Young Colombian
striker Cristian Montano scored the winner as West Ham won 2-1 at Grays
yesterday. Jamie Slabber had cancelled out an early Zavon Hines goal for the
Hammers.
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Everton, Fulham, West Ham go for O'Neil
13.07.09 | tribalfootball.com
Middlesbrough expect an auction for midfielder Gary O'Neil. O'Neil has
struggled to settle on Teesside since his arrival from Portsmouth. And the
Daily Mail says O'Neil's availability is likely to spark a bidding war
between Everton, Fulham and West Ham.
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Hartson Faces Fight of His Life
West Ham Till I Die
Terrible news this morning. Former Hammers striker John Hartson has been
diagnosed with testicular cancer, which has spread to his brain. He's still
only 34.
I am sure all of you will join me in wishing him luck in fighting it. If
anyone has the resolve to beat this terrible disease, it's John Hartson.
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Barcelona's Gudjohnsen on West Ham radar
13.07.09 | Andrew Slevison
Barcelona striker Eidur Gudjohnsen has attracted interest from West Ham. The
former Chelsea man has stated he would love to return to the Premier League
one day and he could now get his chance with Hammers boss and former Blues
teammate Gianfranco Zola showing his interest. "Eidur is certainly a very,
very good player. I am sure West Ham are not the only team who are looking
for a good player like him," Zola told Sky Sports News. "We are trying to
spot what our weaknesses can be. "Certainly we need to improve upfront and
that is the majority of the job."
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What are your expectations of West Ham United this season?
Admiral Lard - Sat Jul 11 2009
West Ham Online
So here we go, once again. A well trimmed squad, long and medium term
injuries nearing readiness (Dyer, Ashton, Gabbidon, Behrami, Parker), a
great new signing in Jimenez and the tantalising possibility of Mancini to
follow,.
In addition Junior Stanislas, Jack Collison and James Tomkins showed well
last season, Savio must now start to show he is worth the £5M investment,
Carlton Cole leading the line and finally Lucas Neill, will he re-sign for
us?
West Ham's squad is thin, however Gianfranco wants it to be that way, he got
rid of some of the stiffs and Freddie Sears will hopefully learn to be a
first team striker under the tuition of our old friend Mr Warnock… ahem..
So much of my expectation revolves around us staying as injury free as
possible given the stresses of a premiership campaign and the accompanying
cup competitions.
The loss of Behrami and Collison on quick succession combined with Scotty
Parker and Dean Ashton's prolonged absences took the steam out of our
campaign in the closing stages of last season. In the event perhaps not a
bad thing that Europa football eluded us, Zola's project needs another
season to take shape.
As always at this stage of preseason there are so many ifs and buts, however
we saw enough toward the end of last season to suggest there may be bright
things on the horizon. In particular Cole's goal (goal of the season IMHO)
against Wigan was a footballing work of art.
A solid defence is also required, the loss of Lucas Neill without a quality
replacement could prove crucial. Matty Upson remains with us, James Tomkins
is looking premiership quality.
Herita Llunga is our best left back in many a year, Danny Gabbidon and James
Collins are right there in the defensive mix. There is a question mark over
Jonathan Spector's ability to step in as permanent right back should we not
replace Neill or he not sign on again.
If we can get our defence right and not ship some of the silly goals we did
last season I believe we have the talent and the confidence to more than
surprise a few people this season.
A couple more quality signings and the return of Dean Ashton, fit, well and
raring to go could be the lift we need to push on for a Europa place.
The top 4 will not change though perhaps Manchester City will challenge
them. I don't think City have the manager to achieve Champions league
football. Hughes to City will be like Ranieri to Chelsea
The Europa places will be fought out by Manchester City, Everton, Aston
Villa, Tottenham Hotspur, Fulham and West Ham. If West Ham make it into the
top 7 they will have had a very good season and I believe that is quite
possible.
So many ifs and buts, my hope and belief is that we will improve on last
season by some margin.
Come on you IRONS!
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Kurucz eyes No 1 spot
Teletext.co.uk
Goalkeeper Peter Kurucz is hoping to be Robert Green's back-up at West Ham
over the 2009-10 season. The Hammers were hoping to make Southampton keeper
Kelvin Davis No 2 to Green, but he rejected the chance to pen a new Saints
deal. The Hungary U21 international told the club's website: "I played six
matches in the reserves and I hope I will play in the Premier League this
season."
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Hartson Fighting Brain Cancer
The Sun
By ROBERT GRIEVE
Published: Today
FORMER footie star John Hartson has been diagnosed with brain cancer, The
Sun can reveal. John, 34, was given the devastating news after he went into
hospital with splitting headaches. The ex-Wales, Arsenal, West Ham and
Celtic striker is believed to be starting chemotherapy today - and has told
family and friends he is ready for the biggest fight of his life. A close
friend said last night: "If anyone can beat this, big John can."
John - a pundit on collapsed sports channel Setanta after he quit football
last year - went to Singleton Hospital in Swansea, Wales, on Friday. He had
been suffering severe headaches. John's family remained by his side all
weekend while doctors ran a series of tests. Yesterday they told John he was
suffering from testicular cancer - and that the disease had spread to his
brain. A pal said: "John had complained of really bad headaches recently.
"It reached the stage where he felt something was seriously wrong.
"It's devastating news for John and his family. His father is at his bedside
and worried sick. But the doctors are upbeat about his prospects and
chemotherapy will begin right away. John is a big, strong man. "Throughout
his career he was a battler - he'll fight this with everything he's got."
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