WHUFC.com
The road to Wembley starts with the visit of Millwall and demand for tickets
is sure to be high
13.08.2009
West Ham United can confirm ticket prices and selling dates for the Carling
Cup second-round tie with Millwall in the week beginning Monday 24 August.
Advance booking for the match is recommended with matchday sales unlikely.
whufc.com will confirm the date and kick-off time as soon as possible.
Season ticket holders have priority booking to purchase their seats at
reduced prices until Tuesday 18 August. Tickets are priced at £5 for
Under-16s and range between £10-£20 for adults. Academy members can buy
tickets from 9am on Wednesday 19 August with general sale following from 9am
on Thursday 20 August. Tickets are priced at £5 for Under-16s and range
between £15-£25 for adults. Tickets can be purchased in person at the West
Stand ticket office, by post by sending applications with either cheques,
postal orders or credit card payment to Ticket Office, PO Box 6731, London,
E13 9RA, by phone by calling 0871 222 2700 via Option 1 or online via
whufcboxoffice.com
Click http://www.whufcboxoffice.com/ for more information
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Cole knows the goal
WHUFC.com
Another night in the spotlight saw Carlton Cole underline his potential for
club and country
13.08.2009
Carlton Cole has spoken about his determination to reach the 2010 FIFA World
Cup after a terrific display for England. The West Ham United striker was a
lively second-half substitute in Amsterdam against the Netherlands and more
than contributed to Fabio Capello's men coming from behind to earn a 2-2
draw. "I enjoyed it," he told BBC Sport. "The manager has put faith I me to
come on and make an impact. "He told me that I would be coming on at some
stage. I just wanted to prove to him that I could do a job for England. I
wanted to carry on my good form for the club to England. "It was a great
opportunity for me. My game is all about hustle and bustle and keeping the
defence on their toes. I have been in the last four squads now and just
happy to be training with some of the elite players of Premier League
football. I am thankful that Mr Capello acknowledges that I am doing well
for my club. "Next summer is everyone's aim. You are not here to play about
and make up numbers you want to get in there and try and get to the World
Cup.
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More progress for Gabbidon
WHUFC.com
With his first international outing since December 2007, Danny Gabbidon's
confidence is growing
13.08.2009
Danny Gabbidon's return to form fitness was aided by an excellent 90 minutes
for Wales and he is looking forward to Saturday with renewed confidence. The
2-1 friendly defeat in Montenegro on Wednesday may not have been a welcome
result but it was only the 30-year-old's second full outing since his
comeback from 18 months out with various injury problems. There was the
added benefit of playing alongside club-mate James Collins and trying out a
different formation.
Due back at Chadwell Heath on Thursday, it will all stand Gabbidon and the
club in good stead for the big Barclays Premier League kick-off at
Wolverhampton Wanderers this weekend. "The first game is on Saturday and it
is going to be a tough start for us," he told BBC Sport. "I will get back,
have a couple of days rest and hopefully be ready for the weekend. Hopefully
we will get off to a good start."
"I have had a good pre-season and played a few games," he said. "I am still
a little off from where I want to get to. It was a little bit different
playing three at the back, I haven't done that for a while so it was a good
test for me. I still have work to do and a bit more improving but that will
come with the more games I play."
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Keen confident for Wolves
WHUFC.com
After a successful summer, Kevin Keen said the squad are ready to hit the
ground running on Saturday
13.08.2009
Kevin Keen said West Ham United are ready for the challenge when the new
Barclays Premier League season gets under way at his former club
Wolverhampton Wanderers this Saturday.
The first-team coach spent just under a year and a half as a player at
Molineux after his decade-long first spell at West Ham came to a close back
in 1993. As such, he was delighted to see them promoted this summer and is,
not surprisingly, relishing this weekend's meeting between the two clubs.
Keen said: "I was only at Wolves for 15 months but it is a fantastic club
and there is no doubt it is a big club. You have only got to look at their
history. They have super support and a terrific stadium. It is nice to see
them back up along with another of my former clubs, Stoke.
"It is great because they are two good old-fashioned clubs that deserve to
be in the Premier League. Wolves had a great season and Mick McCarthy is a
wonderful manager. It will certainly be a tough match.
"With it being the first game of the season, things are a little up in the
air. It might work in their favour but it might work for us if they are a
little too up for it as it were. We are definitely ready."
That readiness has been achieved with a pre-season training camp in central
Europe before a high-profile trip to the Far East to play two matches. Keen
is happy to be back in the more usual surroundings of Chadwell Heath though.
"It was nice to come back," he said. "The pitches here are wonderful and the
weather is not as hot as it was in Austria and China. It has been good to be
back. The lads have been training really well. The internationals have
messed things up a little bit but we have done a lot of work and we are
ready."
The 42-year-old does not think the time away necessarily had an impact on
improving team morale because that bond had long existed. The addition of a
forward or two would just be the icing on the cake for "a good squad that
can look to improve on last season".
He added: "If I am being honest, there has been a togetherness built up from
last year anyway. Jimmy [Luis Jimenez] has just come in and there have been
no problems. He has settled in perfectly so I think that spirit was already
there. Maybe it is even stronger but that spirit, that togetherness, and not
just with the players but with the staff was already there."
Keen said the homegrown trio of James Tomkins, Jack Collison and Junior
Stanislas were all well-equipped to play their part. "It is a big year for
all the young players. Jack particularly had a super season last time and
played the majority of the games compared to the other two but for all three
this second year is important. They need to establish their role in the
squad and improve within it. All three will do well and have a big part to
play for us."
That will all start with Wolves on Saturday and Keen will be quick to warn
the younger players in the squad of what to expect from the top-flight
newcomers. "Their lads will be running about everywhere. The enthusiasm will
be unbelievable I am sure backed by a very vociferous crowd. It will be a
different test but we have a good bunch that are organised and prepared.
"We will have good support up there ourselves and we want to do things this
season in the way we did them last season. That is playing good football in
the tradition of the club with a little bit of class and quality but also
that grit and determination which West Ham supporters expect every time we
play."
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Ilunga has the hunger
WHUFC.com
Herita Ilunga said he and his West Ham United team-mates are focused on
getting started with a victory
14.08.2009
Herita Ilunga has set his sights on a flying start to the 2009/10 campaign
for West Ham United at Molineux on Saturday.
The Congolese full-back acknowledged that newly promoted Wolverhampton
Wanderers would be fired up on their return to the top flight after five
years - but believes that the Hammers should not worry about their opponents
but just focus on getting their own game right.
Ilunga said: "We know they're a team who've just come into the league. They
were champions of their division last season so they're a serious team, a
good team.
"But we need to make a good start to the season. We're not going to worry
about them, we're going to worry about our own game - about playing well as
a team and making life difficult for them."
Ilunga, who played the first 45 minutes for DR Congo in their 2-1 defeat by
Senegal in Paris on Wednesday night, is determined that the Hammers hit the
ground running this season and build on the progress made last term under
boss Gianfranco Zola.
The left-back hopes to avoid a repeat of last season's scenario where the
Hammers were playing catch-up on their rivals in the top ten after a dip of
form in the autumn. "We really want the win - after what happened last year
it's very important to start well and have a good season."
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Shawcross race hots up
Stoke defender on the wish-list of top flight trio
Last updated: 13th August 2009
SSN
Skysports.com understands Liverpool, West Ham and Fulham are all chasing
Stoke City defender Ryan Shawcross. The talented young centre-half excelled
last season as Tony Pulis' side surprised everyone in comfortably
establishing themselves as a Premier League outfit following promotion. Key
to their success was a water-tight defence, with Shawcross' assured displays
having caught the eye consistently. Liverpool are in the market for a
central defender following Sami Hyypia's departure over the summer and are
keen for a British alternative to Daniel Agger and Martin Skrtel alongside
Jamie Carragher. Hull City's Michael Turner is known to be a target but Rafa
Benitez could instead opt for Shawcross given the Tigers' prohibitive
valuation of their player. Shawcross started his career at Manchester United
before joining Stoke permanently in January 2008 following a productive loan
spell at the Britannia Stadium.
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Zola remains in striker hunt
Hammers boss keen to strengthen
By Chris Burton Last updated: 13th August 2009
SSN
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola is still hoping to add two new strikers to his
squad in the coming weeks. The Hammers are short on attacking options
heading into the 2009/10 campaign and Zola is keen to address that issue as
soon as possible. Possible moves for Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Bayern
Munich's Luca Toni have been touted, but no deal has been concluded as yet.
Zola, though, is refusing to give up the chase and is optimistic regarding
his chances of brining in further firepower before the transfer window slams
shut. "We're looking for at least two strikers, that's the idea," said the
Italian. "It is not an easy market, but I think West Ham right now is an
attractive team and I'm sure I will find the right person."
Latest reports suggest Zola could join the hunt for Bordeaux ace Marouane
Chamakh. The Morocco international has been strongly linked with Arsenal
this summer, but the Gunners are yet to make their move.
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Feisty Cole cements place in squad
By Sam Wallace
Independent.co.uk
Friday, 14 August 2009
Carlton Cole was regarded as one of the biggest successes for England on
Wednesday evening by Fabio Capello and the West Ham striker will keep his
place in the squad if he continues his current form. The 25-year-old
impressed Capello and his staff with his willingness to run at players and
unsettle defenders and they believe that his presence was as integral to
England's comeback as the contribution of goalscorer Jermain Defoe and James
Milner. The striker has three senior caps for England now although he is yet
to start a match.
Capello said that he selected Cole having watched him play in a friendly for
West Ham against Napoli. He has picked him in his last four squads and
believes he can see something of the qualities he prizes in Emile Heskey.
Cole is yet to score for England, although the Italian regards him as a
contender along with Peter Crouch. John Terry said that the England squad
for next summer's World Cup, providing they qualify, was still open to
players who could prove their value. He said: "These friendlies are
massively important for guys on the bench."
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Gold Goes for Hammers
The Sun
By JANINE SELF
Published: Today
BIRMINGHAM owners David Gold and David Sullivan will mount a bid to buy West
Ham if Carson Yeung's £70m St Andrew's takeover goes through. It would
complete a lifelong dream for Gold in particular, who was born a stone's
throw from Upton Park and was a youth player with the club. A Birmingham
source revealed: "There would be no better time to move given the club's
parlous financial situation. "The two Davids would love to own the club
outright. But if that isn't possible, there may be an opportunity for them
to become big investors." The pair held a 29.9 per cent shareholding in the
Hammers during the 80s. Yeung must prove his Brum buy-out is serious by
putting down a £1m non-returnable deposit. Birmingham's board are willing to
sell but do not want the situation to drag on as it did two years ago.
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West Ham star Scott Parker urges Gianfranco Zola to add to squad
The former Charlton and Chelsea midfielder says West Ham need a couple more
players, as Hammers prepare for opening Premier League fixture against
Wolves with just one fit striker in Carlton Cole
by: thelondonpaper
14 August 2009
SCOTT PARKER has urged West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola to splash the cash and
give the Hammers every chance of competing for a place in Europe this
season. Zola has been frustrated in his bid to bolster his squad and has
just one fit striker available for Saturday's opening clash with Wolves at
Molineux. The Italian is still desperately trying to lure Bayern Munich's
Luca Toni and Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen to Upton Park before the end of
the month. Carlton Cole will lead the attack against Mick McCarthy's men but
midfielder Parker reckons Zola must bring in new blood if the team are to
improve on last year's ninth place finish. "We're going into the start of
the season strong but we could do with a couple of more players, which has
been well documented," he said. "I think that's clear for everyone to see
but other than that I think we'll be alright."
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No Hammers move for Moon
Football365.co.za
Bafana Bafana right back Bryce Moon has revealed he will not be joining West
Ham during the current transfer window. The 23-year-old has been linked
with the Hammers since June last year and SkySports reported the Premier
League side lodged a £1.5million bid for his services two months ago.
However, the Panathinaikos player admits negotiations between the club and
his agent Mike Makaab broke down and a move to England failed to
materialise. "I heard about it through Sky (Sports) news and them speaking
to me about it," he told Football365.co.za. "But definitely my manager did
tell me they were interested, but nothing materialised. Nothing came to
anything, but we'll see. I don't know what happened, my manager was in
discussion with them and I don't know what happened with those discussions."
Moon explained that Makaab only contacts him when a deal is close and thus,
when the talks hit a snag, he was not hassled with all the information. "My
manager only speaks to me when something is ready you know. He doesn't call
me everyday - only when there is a good chance something is going to happen.
He just calls me and says: "Listen Bryce, this is ready, do you want to go,
is this good for you, what do you say?" and that is how my manager operates.
He doesn't call you to get your hopes up."
The former Ajax Cape Town man insists he is relishing his time with the
Greek giants, who are preparing for a Champions League qualifier against
Atletico Madrid next week. I am very happy at Panathinaikos and I am looking
forward to the season with Panathinaikos. I don't think anything is going to
happen," he added when asked if he thought a deal could still be reached
with the Hammers. Meanwhile, Moon didn't want to go into detail about the
car accident he was involved in, in which a woman, Mavis Ncube, was killed
after the Confederations Cup tournament. "I have been charged, but that is
all I will say for now," he concluded before revealing his focus is on
football.
Gauteng police confirmed that Moon had handed himself over to the
authorities on Thursday in connection with the charges of drunk driving and
culpable homicide. He briefly appeared at the Randburg Magistrate's Court
and is out on bail, with his case being postponed to November.
By: Melissa Reddy
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Napoli urge West Ham to bid for Rinaudo
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Napoli are encouraging West Ham United to make a serious offer for defender
Leandro Rinaudo. The centre-half has been linked with the Hammers, though
manager Gianfranco Zola is yet to make concrete his initial interest. Napoli
are desperate to sell several of their players after a summer spending spree
and are urging West Ham to make them an offer for Rinaudo.
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Derby trials for West Ham keeper Walker
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
Derby County have handed trials to West Ham United goalkeeper Jimmy Walker.
The 36-year-old has been training with the Rams with a view to joining the
Championship club as back-up for first-choice Stephen Bywater. Walker, who
began his career in the East Midlands with Notts County, is without a club
after being released by West Ham at the end of last season. After leaving
Meadow Lane, Walker made more than 400 appearances for Walsall between 1993
and 2004. He had a loan spell with Colchester last season.
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Agent aware of West Ham push for Napoli's Rinaudo
14.08.09 | tribalfootball.com
The agent of Napoli defender Leandro Rinaudo says a move to West Ham could
be on. Rinaudo has been strongly linked with a move to West Ham, whose coach
Gianfranco Zola is said to be a long-time admirer of the centre-back.
However, Beppe Accardi insists Napoli are keen to keep the 26-year-old at
the Stadio San Paolo.
"I cant give any confirmation but, for his physical characteristics, he is
liked a lot in England," he told Radio Marte. "Already in past years English
clubs have been interested in him, but I knew about West Ham from the
newspapers. "It's a pleasure to learn all this but (sporting director
Pierpaolo) Marino confirmed to me two days ago that he is a player that
Napoli do not intend to let go. "He told me that a while ago teams asked
Napoli for information on the player but the club always repeated that they
didn't want to sell him. Accardi added: "Rinaudo is a player who has not
shown his true value. "He is a player who needs to feel as if he is an
integral part of the squad. "Today he feels more at ease, calm and more sure
of his talents."
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Millwall: Rivals West Ham don't want to play us in the Carling CupBy
Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 12:21 PM on 13th August 2009
Daily Mail
League One Millwall are in relishing their forthcoming Carling Cup second
round clash with West Ham after being drawn against their fierce London
rivals. Security concerns were instantly raised following Wednesday's draw
with both sets of fans noted for their notorious hatred towards each other.
Policing plans are already well underway for the Upton Park game with ticket
news being delayed until both clubs receive final confirmation from the
authorities. But Millwall managing director Andy Ambler is confident the tie
will be problem-free, despite previous trouble between the two clubs. He
said: 'We have a very experienced security team who are used to staging
these sorts of games and we will make sure [with West Ham] the match passes
off with as little disruption to fans and the community as possible.'
The Hammers have not beat Millwall since 1991 with Lions fans still smarting
over their 4-1 victory over West Ham five years ago in the Championship,
courtesy of a Tim Cahill double. And Ambler upped the ante, admitting he
expects Gianfranco Zola's men will not be as motivated as Kenny Jackett's
underdogs. He added: 'We are looking forward to the squad showing off what
they can do — though our players will be looking forward to it more than
their's will. 'This is a chance for our emerging side to test themselves
against Premier League opposition.'
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West Ham close in on Arsenal target Marouane Chamakh by offering 50 per cent
sell-on clause for Bordeaux striker
By Sportsmail Reporter
Last updated at 10:38 AM on 13th August 2009
Daily Mail
West Ham United have upped their pursuit of striker Marouane Chamakh by
offering Bordeaux half of any future transfer fee. The east London club are
waiting to hear back from the French champions after bidding an initial
£4.3million for the Morocco international. Bordeaux have already rejected
£6m from Arsenal but the 50 per cent sell-on clause is intriguing given that
the Gunners have withdrawn from the chase and will instead try to sign him
on a free transfer next summer. The 25-year-old has made it clear he will
not extend his Bordeaux contract, which expires next summer, and his suitors
have all refused to meet the club's £15m valuation. An alternative offer on
the table comes from Fulham, who will hand over 28-year-old Diomansy Kamara
in a straight swap. But West Ham's bid is more attractive and respected
French newspaper L'Equipe suggests Chamakh could visit Upton Park early next
week. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola wants to sign two strikers before the
window closes and has Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen and Bayern Munich's Luca
Toni as alternatives. 'We're looking for at least two strikers, that's the
idea,' said the Italian. 'It is not an easy market, but I think West Ham
right now is an attractive team and I'm sure I will find the right person.'
Blackburn Rovers, Sunderland and Tottenham Hotspur showed interest earlier
this summer, but have since signed alternative strikers.
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Toshack to stick with Danny Gabbidon
London Evening Standard
13.08.09
Wales boss John Toshack defended Danny Gabbidon after the West Ham defender
suffered a nightmare return to international football during a 2-1 defeat
against Montenegro. Gabbidon, who has just returned to full fitness
following a lengthy lay-off, conceded a penalty that was converted by Stevan
Jovetic. He was then caught out by Simon Vukcevic's pass and Radomir
Djalovic finished superbly. Sam Vokes scored from a Sam Ricketts cross to
reduce the deficit in Podgorica. Toshack said: "I have no problem with
Gabbidon. He has been out for almost two years with injuries, it was just
good to see him back." Northern Ireland warmed up for their upcoming World
Cup qualifiers with a 1-1 draw with Israel. Grant McCann curled in a
free-kick in the 18th minute before Elyaniv Barda levelled eight minutes
later. Spain came back from two goals down to beat Macedonia. Fernando
Torres struck for the Spaniards while his Liverpool team-mate Albert Riera
sealed a 3-2 victory. Under-fire Argentina coach Diego Maradona was given
some breathing space with a 3-2 win over Russia.
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No blame on Gabbidon - Toshack
Thu, 13 Aug 09:46:44 2009
Yahoo.co.uk
Wales boss John Toshack refused to be critical of West Ham`s Danny Gabbidon
after he conceded a first-half penalty and was to blame for the second goal
in a 2-1 defeat to Montenegro. Stevan Jovetic's spot-kick and Radomir
Dalovic's turn and shot past Wayne Hennessey seconds from half-time put the
hosts in full control. Sam Vokes pulled one back with a clever header after
the break to make the final score 2-1. Toshack said: "I have no problem with
Gabbidon. He has been out for almost two years with a succession of
injuries, it was just good to see him back on the pitch for us. "I felt the
penalty was a really soft one. I suppose that when you play away to
Montenegro and they have a Serbian referee, you wonder what is going to
happen. "But there may well have been an earlier penalty that was not given,
so I have no real complaints. Danny was always going to stay on for the full
90 minutes, unless he said otherwise during the game. "He desperately needs
game time after this long out, and we needed to let him have that if he is
going to be in any position to play against Russia next month."
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West Ham and Fulham look to Marouane Chamakh as Arsenal drop out of race
West Ham and Fulham are poised to go head-to-head in a bid to sign Morocco
international Marouane Chamakh after Arsenal pulled out due to Bordeaux's
inflated valuation of the player.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Telegraph staff
Published: 9:36AM BST 13 Aug 2009
The 25-year-old will be out of contract next summer and Arsenal manager
Arsene Wenger is unwilling to improve on the £5.5 million offer made in
June. However, West Ham are dangerously light on forwards going into the
new season and manager Gianfranco Zola believes that Chamakh will slot in to
his current side. West Ham are still interested in Eidur Gudjohnsen of
Barcelona and Bayern Munich's Luca Toni, according to a report in the
Mirror, though Zola values the pace of the Moroccan, even if he would set
the club back upwards of £10m. "We're looking for at least two strikers,
that's the idea," said Zola. "We are focused on that but we also know that
its not an easy market. There are not many good players around and those
that are around are very difficult to get because when a team has a good
player they don't release him very easily. "But we are confident. I think
West Ham right now is an attractive team and I'm sure I will find the right
person."
Fulham's hand may be strengthened by Bordeaux's interest in Diomansy Kamara,
with Roy Hodgson open to the idea of a swap deal. Meanwhile, Zola also moved
to dispel fears that Matthew Upson may become the next target for Manchester
City if their pursuit of Everton's Joleon Lescott comes to nothing. "I think
Matthew is happy here and for his game and his hopes for the national team,
West Ham can be very good for him," said Zola.
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West Ham goalkeeper Robert Green vows to be first choice for England
But Green admits it will be a tough challenge to remove Portsmouth
shot-stopper David James as England's number one for the 2010 World Cup in
South Africa
The London Paper
by: Chris Hatherall
13 August 2009
ROBERT GREEN has vowed to fight David James all the way for England's No1
jersey, but admits it will be a hell of a battle. West Ham star Green was
between the sticks in Amsterdam as England drew 2-2 - coming from 2-0 down
thanks to a second-half double from Tottenham's Jermain Defoe. The Hammers'
shot-stopper was pleased with his performance, but knows once Portsmouth
keeper James is fully it will be tough to keep him out of the team. Green
said: "I'm sure David James will come back fitter and stronger than ever.
There are a number of other guys wanting the shirt and whoever is on form
will get the it. "But I feel I am finding my feet at international level.
This was the most comfortable I have ever felt in the international scene.
"It was an enjoyable game and one that I felt more at ease than ever before.
The carrot of the World Cup is the biggest there is. To play for a country
like England is a massive fillip and achievement. "To be tantalizingly close
to the World Cup is something which no-one in the squad is underestimating
if and when we qualify."
Green now hopes to keep his place for England's friendly against Slovenia
next month and for the crucial World Cup qualifier at home to Croatia on 9
September, when victory could send Fabio Capello's men to the World Cup in
South Africa 2010. But he knows he will have to be in top form for West Ham
to do it. He added: "The manager will watch all of us at games and see how
we are doing in club football. For the first time that has really been taken
into account – your form. So the importance to keep your focus and form
throughout the league season is paramount."
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Millwall looking forward to cup test against West Ham
Ben Hunt
Evening Standard
13.08.09
Millwall are relishing this month's Carling Cup clash with West Ham but
don't think the Hammers will be so keen. They last played each other in
April 2005 - the Championship match ended 1-1 - and will meet again at Upton
Park as a result last night's second-round draw. Millwall managing director
Andy Ambler said: "This is a chance for our emerging side to test themselves
against Premier League opposition. "We are looking forward to the squad
showing off what they can do - though our players will be looking forward to
it more than their's will."
There has been trouble between the fans in the past but Ambler said: "We
have a very experienced security team who are used to staging these sorts of
games and we will make sure [with West Ham] the match passes off with as
little disruption to fans and the community as possible."
Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola wants a better performance in the competition
this term after getting knocked out by Watford last season. Elsewhere,
Crystal Palace take on big-spending Manchester City at Selhurst Park. The
clash could be televised, which would bring in extra funds for the
cash-strapped Eagles.
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Zola linked to forward pair
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:13 August 2009 - 10:36 AM
Manager Gianfranco Zola has confirmed that he is hoping to bring two new
strikers to West Ham United in the near future.Bayern Munich's Luca Toni and
Barcelona's Eidur Gudjohnsen are rumoured to be Zola's top targets, although
Bordeaux's Marouane Chamakh has also emerged as a possible target. Zola
confirmed: "We're looking for at least two strikers, that's the idea. "It is
not an easy market, but I think West Ham right now is an attractive team and
I'm sure I will find the right person."
Meanwhile Hammers frontman Carlton Cole was happy to have played his part in
England's 2-2 friendly international draw in the Netherlands, having come on
as a second-half substitute in the Amsterdam Arena. He told BBC Sport: "I
enjoyed it. The manager has put faith I me to come on and make an impact.
"He told me that I would be coming on at some stage. I just wanted to prove
to him that I could do a job for England. "I wanted to carry on my good form
for the club to England. It was a great opportunity for me. "Next summer is
everyone's aim. You are not here to play about and make up numbers you want
to get in there and try and get to the World Cup."
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Jackett excited by Hammers draw
11:27am Thursday 13th August 2009
Guardian Series
By Paul Green »
MILLWALL boss Kenny Jackett says he is delighted after his League One side
landed a Carling Cup derby date at West Ham. The Lions will take on their
bitter rivals at Upton Park in just under a fortnight for the first time
since the 2004-05 campaign and Jackett can't wait to pit his wits against
the Premiership outfit. He said: "It is a really good draw and we are really
looking forward to the game. "Last year we had a decent run in the FA Cup
where we ended up playing Hull away at a Premier League ground and we've
done it again this year. "I know there are issues about the fans but I'm
sure everything will go ok."
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McCarthy suffers defensive setback
Shropshirestar.com
Wolves boss Mick McCarthy has a defensive injury headache ahead of the
opening Barclays Premier League clash with West Ham – thanks to the
international games.
Defender Christophe Berra limped out of Scotland's damaging 4-0 defeat to
Norway with a hamstring problem. That leaves him short of cover at the back
if the former Hearts skipper fails to recover in time for the big kick-off.
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Saturday's big kick-off preview
Newham Recorder
13 August 2009
Wolves v West Ham United
Saturday, August 15, 3pm
Molineux
THERE IS A tried and trusted rule to observe about teams newly-promoted to
the Premier League - don't play them early in the season. West Ham suffered
last season when they went down 3-2 against West Brom at the Hawthorns in
early September. The promoted teams are full of vigour, enthusiasm and in
most cases, misplaced optimism when they begin their Premier League
adventure. By April they are scratching around wondering where the next
point is coming from. And therefore, we move on to Saturday's trip to
Molineux to play Championship winners Wolves. Gianfranco Zola will certainly
not be rubbing his hands with glee at the prospect. It is the Hammers first
away day on the opening weekend since they returned to the Premier League,
and Mick McCarthy's men will provide a tough task for a West Ham team
seemingly lacking in firepower.
Wolves will have the confidence of winning the title last season by a clear
seven points, and McCarthy has further invested during the summer. Kevin
Doyle has arrived for a club record £6.5million from Reading, but the former
West Ham target may well be only fit enough for the bench. They have also
added Andrew Surman from Southampton, Greg Halford from Sunderland, as well
as defender Ronald Zuber from Marseille and midfielder Nenad Milijas from
Red Star Belgrade, as they look to strengthen the squad. Sylvan Ebanks-Blake
grab-bed 18 goals in old gold last season and will certainly be one to
watch, though the west Midlanders will suffer from the absence of striker
Chris Iwelumo and star winger Michael Kightley through injury.
Wolves are likely to play with only one up front, and with West Ham set to
do the same, it could be a tight old match. The Hammers haven't got a
particularly good record at Molineux. They won there in the FA Cup in 2004,
but you have to go back to 1983 for a league win, when goals from Trevor
Brooking, Dave Swindlehurst and Tony Cottee gave them a 3-0 victory. While
West Ham were losing to Napoli, Wolves were going down 2-0 to Real
Valladolid, but Saturday is when it really matters and McCarthy's boys will
certainly be up for the fight. The Hammers may well have to settle for a
draw.
Possible team: Hennessey, Foley, Stearman, Craddock, Ward, Edwards, He-nry,
Milijas, Keogh, Ebanks-Blake, Jarvis.
Prediction:
Wolves 1 West Ham 1
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Zola has a Euro vision
Newham Recorder
13 August 2009
WEST HAM boss Gianfranco Zola is aiming for a European place in this
campaign, but he admits it will be even harder to achieve than last season,
writes DAVE EVANS.
The Hammers were pipped to a Europa League place by Fulham last time round,
but with the likes of big-spending Tottenham and Manchester City also
looking to propel themselves into the European spots, it will be a tough
task for West Ham to achieve. "The target obviously is to improve again on
what we did last year," said the Hammers boss. "Last year we came very close
to getting into Europe, so ideally the target would be to achieve Europe -
that is very important to the club."
West Ham finished in ninth place last season, a remarkable position
considering the injury problems they suffered - especially towards the end
of the campaign, but Zola is under no illusion at the size of the task he
has to overcome this time round. "Last season, Fulham ended up going to
Europe, and behind that Tottenham were just in front of us, and there was
also Manchester City just behind us, so Tottenham, Manchester City are
certainly going to be better this year," he reflected. "We have to really go
in front of those two teams, plus you have also Everton in front of us,
Villa, and Fulham are very close, so it is going to be a tough one, but I do
like the challenge, I do like that. "It will be an opportunity to push
ourselves harder as well."
West Ham certainly played some good football last season, though their lack
of goals proved their undoing in the race for a European spot, but the
little Italian is fully aware of the anticipation among the Hammers fans,
for the team to push onwards and upwards. "People must understand, we are
working very hard and we are trying to match their expectations," he
explained. "I'm sure the expectation is high for next season, and we will
try to match that, but we need the support of the fans. We need them to
understand that is not going to be easy."
It certainly won't be easy for the Hammers, because, like last season, they
are currently lacking the firepower to make a real impression. Unless they
can secure two quality strikers before the end of the month, then Carlton
Cole will be under too much pressure and the Hammers may find themselves in
the lower reaches of the table.
There is still plenty of confidence in Zola and Steve Clarke, but they can
only work with what is in front of them and at the moment, there is not
enough strength up front.
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Fulham and West Ham linked with Arsenal target Chamakh
Thursday, August 13, 2009
Metro.co.uk
West Ham and Fulham could out-fox Arsenal in the hunt for Bordeaux striker
Marouane Chamakh. The Gunners appeared favourites to land the 25-year-old
but talks stalled when French champions Bordeaux knocked back a bid of
£6million. With Chamakh out of contract next summer Arsenal boss Arsene
Wenger was reportedly prepared to wait 12 months before getting his man on a
free. However, it seems West Ham and Fulham have also turned to Chamakh as
they step up their own efforts to sign a striker.
If the duo are prepared to match Bordeaux's price now, Arsenal could miss
out on the player. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola admitted today: 'We're
looking for at least two strikers, that's the idea. 'It is not an easy
market, but I think West Ham right now is an attractive team and I'm sure I
will find the right person.' Fulham are also in the market for a frontman
and have been linked with free agent Mark Viduka.
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We're looking for at least two strikers
Sport.co.uk
Author: Andrew Allen
Posted on:13 August 2009 - 10:52
West Ham United manager Gianfranco Zola has revealed that the Hammers are
still keen on signing two new forwards as reports on the continent claim the
East End side have made a move for former Arsenal target Marouane Chamakh.
French publication L'Equipe claims that Zola will go head-to-head with Roy
Hodgson's Fulham for the Moroccan star's signature. It is also suggested in
the Spanish press that former Chelsea and Bolton man Eider Gudjohnsen is
still very much on the Upton Park radar with the payer willing to leave
Barcelona for one last stint in the Premier League. Bayern Munich's Luca
Toni, also linked with Tottenham Hotspur, and Inter Milan's Mario Balotelli
have also been mentioned as possible additions, with injury concerns
clouding the future of Dean Ashton. "We're looking for at least two
strikers, that's the idea," Zola stated, according to Sky Sports News. "It
is not an easy market, but I think West Ham right now is an attractive team
and I'm sure I will find the right person."
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