WHUFC.com
James Tomkins is looking for more in Sunday's 'massive' game with Fulham
30.09.2009
James Tomkins is thinking only of West Ham United getting back to winning
ways at the Boleyn Ground - starting with Sunday's London derby visit of
Fulham. With both of West Ham United's home games so far coming against
big-spending opponents in the shape of Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool,
Tomkins is looking for the Hammers to pick up their first points of the
season at the Boleyn Ground when Roy Hodgson's men visit. "We are not
worried," Tomkins said. "We have had a few tough games against teams that
are going to be up there. The lads are looking at the next game as a massive
game. "It is important with the fans get behind us early on and hopefully we
can get a result."
Although Monday night's defeat to Manchester City was disappointing, Tomkins
explained the mood at Chadwell Heath remained positive and was certain that
the Hammers would turn the corner. "The result on Monday was not good result
for us but there was a few positives, in the second half we came out and
gave it a go. But it wasn't to be.
"It wasn't a walkover. We had plenty of play, it was just creating chances
at that moment. I am sure that will come. Fulham is the next game and it is
a massive game for us."
Gianfranco Zola has handed Tomkins a start in the last four games. At
Eastlands, the absence of Matthew Upson and Danny Gabbidon meant the Academy
graduate was paired with new recruit Manuel Da Costa for the first time. As
a result the England Under-21 international was in the unfamiliar position
of being the senior figure in terms of Premier League experience. "There is
more responsibility," Tomkins said. "I have grown up in the last few games,
I have learned a lot and I am trying to take responsibility. I am one of the
more experienced players funnily enough. "Matty [Upson] does a great job,
doing the leading. I try to feed off him. I have had to grow up quick and be
a leader. I want to keep on improving my game. It comes with experience but
it is important I learn quickly. "I have had a few games this season. I am
getting better and more confident each game. I just want to get back to
winning as a team and that is important. It is only a few games in but we
need to get them under our belt."
Tomkins came close to getting West Ham United on the scoresheet with a
second-half chance from an Alessandro Diamanti corner, but it flew just
wide. After opening his account for the Hammers with a great header from a
similar opening against Sunderland last season, the 20-year-old is
determined to double his tally as soon as possible. "I have worked hard on
that part of my game. It is a good thing that I am getting in the positions
and hopefully soon I am going to get it in the back of the net. I am going
to keep working hard and get that goalscoring going."
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Dyer hopes lessons learned
WHUFC.com
Alex Dyer wants to see a strong reaction from his reserve squad after the
loss to Portsmouth
30.09.2009
Alex Dyer is hoping that the 3-0 defeat his West Ham United reserve side
suffered on Tuesday night will act as a motivation for his young side. A
Portsmouth team featuring the likes of Antti Niemi, Steve Finnan and
Frederic Piquionne proved too strong, but rather than letting their heads
drop, manager Dyer wants the defeat to spur his squad into working twice as
hard on the training pitch at Chadwell Heath. "They've got to look at
themselves, I'm looking at myself to see what I can do to put it right and
hopefully they will do the same. All I want them to do is train, show a good
appetite for the game and work hard on the things that they haven't done
against Portsmouth and work on the weaknesses in their games. "They need to
watch the DVD we will be giving them, learn from it, watch the first-team,
watch other teams, watch good players and try to improve. That's all it's
about."
Dyer will have plenty of time to get that message across with a near
three-week break before the reserves' next game, a trip to Chelsea on Monday
19 October.
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Hammers in my heart
KUMB.com
Filed: Wednesday, 30th September 2009
By: Staff Writer
Former Hammer Carlos Tevez has been speaking about his respect for the club
in the wake of his brace for Man City on Monday night. Tevez put United to
the sword at the COMS on Monday evening, scoring two of Manchester City's
goals in a 3-1 win - goals that he refused to celebrate out of respect for a
club where he was (and still is by many) idolised. "I've decided not to
celebrate my goals out of respect to West Ham," he said. "They were my first
club in England and, in my heart, part of me will always be a Hammer. "The
professional part of me was really pleased with my first City goals at home
but, personally, I would have preferred to beat another club. "All I hope
now is that West Ham improve and don't suffer all season. Their fans were
always with me, even in the bad moments. When I was there some other players
left the club in the January but I didn't want to say goodbye. "I stayed
there and I like to think that my goals helped them to stay up. It was a
very emotional time and I think the supporters were always satisfied with
what I did. I hope I've not damaged them too much now with my two goals."
Tevez joined the Hammers on transfer deadline day in August 2006 along with
fellow Argentinian Javier Mascherano in a move that stunned the footballing
world. However less than a year later he was off to Manchester United - the
supporters of whom are unlikely to receive the same respect from the
Argentinian international. "In the derby against [Manchester] United I had
also decided not to celebrate our goals," he added. "But after the bad
treatment I received from the supporters that day, I have changed my stance
on that. If I score in the next derby then I am sure that I will celebrate."
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Zola calls for thunderstorm
Hammers boss looking for positive response from players
By Chris Burton Last updated: 30th September 2009
SSN
Gianfranco Zola has told his players that they must 'thunder' into fellow
strugglers Fulham this weekend. The Hammers boss has branded Sunday's home
date with the Cottagers as a 'cup final' following his side's slow start to
the 2009/10 campaign. The Upton Park outfit have taken just four points from
their opening six games and currently sit inside the Premier League
relegation zone. Not since they slipped out of the top flight in 2003 have
West Ham endured such a torrid beginning to a season and Zola is all too
aware that performances must improve quickly if they are to start edging
clear of danger. "We are preparing for a cup final on Sunday so everybody
will be producing the best thunder they can give, including myself," said
the Italian. "We have one week to prepare and starting on Sunday, we will be
different. "I am angry with myself, my team and with everybody right now.
Not everyone, including myself, is doing what he is capable of. It's as
simple as that."
Zola is at a loss to explain the Hammers' sudden dip in form, but he is
confident his players will come good sooner rather than later. "Of course we
are much better than our position suggests, but at the moment we haven't
been able to show it," he added. "Belief is the main thing. Then there has
to be a better effort from everybody. I know the potential of these players
and I've no doubt that we will soon come back to the position we deserve.
"But for the moment, it's not good enough."
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West Ham United fear winter of discontent
The Times
Gary Jacob
With the season only two months old, Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham United
manager, has described Sunday's Barclays Premier League match at home to
Fulham as a "cup final". With West Ham in the relegation zone after taking
only four points from their first six matches and continuing financial
uncertainty behind the scenes, fans are steeled for a protracted struggle
against relegation. There was something particularly poignant about watching
Carlos Tévez destroy West Ham in Manchester City's 3-1 victory on Monday.
After all, his name is still sung by supporters in appreciation of his
endeavour in helping to keep them up three seasons ago. West Ham's starting
XI at the City of Manchester Stadium cost little more than half the £47
million that City — with the seemingly unlimited riches of their Arab owners
— paid for the services of the Argentina forward, reflecting two vastly
differing tales of foreign ownership.
The Icelandic owners, who bought the East London club in 2006, invested
funds at a level intended to make an impact, only to be hit by a financial
meltdown that has left West Ham about £45 million in debt and effectively up
for sale. There are similarities with Portsmouth, who have not earned a
point this season after being forced to sell many of their high earners in
the summer, although the widely predicted fire sale at Upton Park has yet to
materialise. West Ham had already recognised they were living beyond their
means before the credit crunch, with Björgólfur Gudmundsson, the former
owner, forced into bankruptcy by the collapse of Landsbanki, of which he was
the majority owner. Straumur, another Icelandic bank with its own financial
troubles, took charge and enforced self-sufficiency on the club, leaving
some fans to believe that off-field problems have begun to translate on to
the pitch, where the team have won only one league match and made an early
exit from the Carling Cup.
To them, the situation was summed up when two senior officials — Scott
Duxbury, the chief executive, and Gianluca Nani, the technical director —
needed to take a small pay cut to fund the wages of Guillermo Franco, a
forward and free agent. However, a lack of finance is not the only reason
for West Ham's struggles. Cashflow problems were apparent last season, yet
the emergence of talented young players such as Junior Stanislas, Jack
Collison and James Tomkins helped to keep the team competitive. The
conjuring act has proven harder to pull off this campaign. Zola was tasked
in the summer transfer window with balancing his books on player recruitment
and trimming the wage bill to reduce losses that were nearly £1 million a
month midway through last season. The manager kept nearly all of the
starting side that finished ninth in May — only Lucas Neill departed — but
any hopes of raising money to strengthen the team were affected by injuries
to some of the players who were surplus to requirements, such as Luís Boa
Morte, Calum Davenport and Dean Ashton.
The owners point out that Zola has lost none of his promising youngsters or
Matthew Upson, the England central defender, despite receiving offers, and
that previous chairmen have sold young talent when in trouble. West Ham also
believe there has been an overreaction to the team's poor start as four of
their six league matches have been away from Upton Park and their two home
fixtures have been against Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool. Three of their
defeats have been by the odd goal. The return of Valon Behrami, Collison and
Upson from injury should also help Zola to bolster his defence in the coming
weeks. Scoring has, however, been a key problem. They have managed only six
league goals this season and are heavily reliant on Carlton Cole, the
England forward, who has been responsible for half that total. Yet in the
background, the financial problems linger. Straumur's creditors are deciding
the future direction of the bank, which may have negative implications for
the club. No buyer has been willing to meet their £100 million price tag on
West Ham. After a difficult start, Zola managed to engineer a revival in
West Ham's fortunes when he took over just over a year ago. As this season
enters its third month, fans must be hoping for something similar.
Net losses: how the goals have dried up
West Ham United strikers' league records since January 1
Players left or on loan Goals Apps
David Di Michele 2 18
Freddie Sears 0 7
Diego Tristán 2 10
Players still at club
Luís Boa Morte 0 13
Carlton Cole 8 16
Alessandro Diamanti 1 3
Frank Nouble 0 3
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JEFF WINTER'S LEAGUE OF INJUSTICE - ARTICLE SIX: MANCHESTER CITY v WEST HAM
30-9-09
www.jeffwinterentertainmentandmedia.co.uk
At times during this game, just like at Old Trafford, City looked brilliant.
At other times, they are definitely a work in progress. They were still
worthy winners against a struggling West Ham outfit though. However, the 3-1
scoreline could have been a lot closer had Scott Parker's goal been allowed
to stand. I saw absolutely nothing wrong with Carlton Cole using his
strength to ward off a challenge from Lescott before pulling back a cross
for Parker and so the goal should have stood. Verdict: 3-2 to West Ham
instead of 3-1
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Tevez: Part of me will always be a Hammer
442 Staff - Yesterday, 15:33
Manchester City striker Carlos Tevez says he will not hesitate to celebrate
scoring against former employers Manchester United in the future. The
diminutive Argentine made the controverisal move across Manchester this
summer to join the Red Devils' bitter rivals. The move was naturally not
well received by United fans, whose distaste at the conduct of their former
star was evident in the hostile reception dished in his direction during the
4-3 derby thriller on September 20. And Tevez has revealed that the heated
reaction he received at Old Trafford has convinced him to change his mind
about his feelings towards the fans. "In the derby against United I had also
decided not to celebrate our goals but, after the bad treatment I received
from the supporters that day, I have changed my stance on that," he said.
However, the former West Ham forward insists that there remains no ill
feeling between himself and the Hammers. The South American held up his hand
in apology to the travelling supporters after scoring twice in City's 3-1
win at Eastlands on Monday night. "I've decided not to celebrate my goals
out of respect to West Ham," he said. "They were my first club in England
and, in my heart, part of me will always be a Hammer."
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West Ham acknowledge "appalling" fans
ViewLondon.co.uk
West Ham United have admitted the behaviour of some of their fans at last
month's controversial Carling Cup clash against Millwall was "appalling".
The Hammers face four separate Football Association charges of failing
control their fans both inside and outside Upton Park stadium on August
25th, one of which accuses supporters of racism.
And although admitting "a minority of fans inside the stadium" had
overstepped the mark, the club maintain they cooperated with local law
enforcement to the best of their ability to avoid any crowd trouble. A West
Ham United spokesman said: "We are reviewing the FA charges and will respond
accordingly. In advance of the Millwall match, the club followed the strict
advice of the police and relevant authorities at every stage of the planning
process. "That full cooperation continued on the night with the club working
closely with police on a carefully set-out plan that was initiated and
approved by the independent safety advisory group. "We do acknowledge the
appalling behaviour of a minority of fans inside the stadium and, in
conjunction with the police, will continue to take strong and appropriate
action against anyone found responsible." Both clubs have 14 days to respond
to their respective charges, with Millwall facing three charges of failing
to control their supporters making a total of seven individual cases against
the two teams.
© Adfero Ltd
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Kieron Dyer: my greatest regret was letting Sir Bobby Robson down
Kieron Dyer has revealed that his greatest regret in football was "letting
down" Sir Bobby Robson when he refused to play on the right side of midfield
against Middlesbrough.
Telegrpah.co.uk
By Telegraph staff and agencies
Published: 10:03AM BST 30 Sep 2009
Dyer, who was unable to attend Robson's memorial service in Durham last week
due to Carling Cup commitments with West Ham, had been identified by many of
the game's observers as the man who undermined Robson's grip on the
Newcastle manager's job following his antics just before the Boro match in
August 2004. Stories that Kieron Dyer was dropped to the bench for refusing
to play on the right wing were, in the aftermath of the match, dismissed as
"utter rubbish" by Robson, but Dyer has admitted that Robson was merely
covering for his player.
"We were at a stadium for a friendly and they organised a minute's silence
for him. "I broke down during that silence because I couldn't stop thinking
about that Middlesbrough game. "I couldn't stop thinking about what I cost
him. If there was one thing I could go back to and erase in my life, it
would be that. Just to have played that game. "What was so horrible about
Middlesbrough was that he got sacked a couple of games after. I took that on
my shoulders. "He understood my reasons and there's a lot more to that
story. I'm protecting a friend of mine so I can't tell it all. "But I still
should have started the game where he wanted me to start. I can't believe
now that I acted the way I did. Afterwards, the press got stuck into me for
letting Sir Bobby down. But he would not hang me out to dry. "Instead, he
came straight out of his press conference and said to me 'they've got a
story brewing but I've just told them you didn't play because of your tight
hamstring'. I was thinking 'I've just let you down and here you are still
protecting me'. It was unbelievable. "Soon after that, we had Norwich at St
James's Park in a night game. I started. I had 52,000 people booing me every
time I touched the ball because of what I'd done to the manager. "The gaffer
put me out of my misery after 60 minutes and I ran straight down the tunnel
and jumped in the bath. Sir Bobby came into the bathroom after all the lads
had gone. He sat down and he was upset because he thought he had let me down
because of all the stick I was getting and he couldn't protect me."
However, Dyer takes solace from the fact that Robson helped turn him into
the industrious, hard-working professional that he has become. "You look at
yourself as a 23-year-old thinking you can't be bothered to train today,"
Dyer said, "then you look at Sir Bobby doing press ups in the snow at 70. It
brings it home to you that you have to give it all you can while you have
got the opportunity. He never held the Middlesbrough thing against me. In
fact, he rang me up a few days after he had been sacked and told me to keep
my head up."
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Luca Toni closer to West Ham move after fall out at Bayern Munich
The chances of Luca Toni joining West Ham in the January transfer window
have increased after the Italian striker appeared to fall out with Louis van
Gaal, his coach at Bayern Munich.
Telegraph.co.uk
By John Ley
Published: 10:14AM BST 30 Sep 2009
Gianfranco Zola, the West Ham manager, has been a long-term admirer of Toni,
who has also expressed an interest in joining his compatriot at Upton Park.
Now Toni's future in Germany is looking untenable after the striker was left
out of tonight's Champions League, Group A game against Juventus. Millwall
'shocked' by FA charges Toni said: "The coach has told me that he is not
calling me up because he wants to wait for me to hit top form. "I feel fine
and I am really disappointed at missing out. I truly wanted people to have a
look at me against Juventus. "Van Gaal says I need to have a full game in my
legs in order to get back into the side, so next Saturday (against Cologne)
is also out of the question. He would like for me to play again for the
reserve team."
Toni, now 32, was discovered by Gianluca Nani, now the West Ham technical
director, at Brescia, and is friends with Zola. He joined Bayern Munich for
£7 million two years ago and has been leading scorer for the club in the
Bundesliga in consecutive seasons. However, reports from Germany continue to
suggest he wants to leave and, in the summer, his agent Jose Alberti said:
"At Bayern Toni is not playing and Zola is a great friend of his. I think it
will happen."
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Gianfranco Zola blasts underperforming West Ham but forecasts 'thunder' for
Fulham
By Sportsmail Reporter
Daily Mail
Last updated at 4:07 PM on 30th September 2009
Gianfranco Zola has warned Fulham they will face 'thunder' from West Ham
when the two sides meet on Sunday. West Ham have picked up only four points
from six Premier League games so far and sit third from bottom in the
Premier League table. The little Italian is not happy with his side's poor
start to the season and has demanded more from his players - and himself -
starting with a storming win against Fulham at Upton Park. 'We are preparing
for a cup final on Sunday so everybody will be producing the best thunder
they can give, including myself,' said Zola. 'We have one week to prepare
and starting on Sunday, we will be different. I am angry with myself, my
team and with everybody right now. Not everyone, including myself, is doing
what he is capable of. It's as simple as that. 'So I'm not pleased, first of
all with myself. I'm the first one I have to concern myself with.' 'I see
these players train and the way they train is absolutely fantastic,' he
said. 'But we need to take that on to the pitch as a team – not as
individuals.
Zola has also insisted that his side will climb away from the relegation
zone and out of trouble - as soon as the side starts working hard and
believing in its true potential.
He said: 'Of course we are much better than our position suggests, but at
the moment we haven't been able to show it. 'Unless we do more than we are
doing, it won't be good enough. I know the potential of these players and
I've no doubts that we will soon come back to the position we deserve. But
for the moment, it's not good enough. 'So from everybody, and I put myself
first, we need to ask much more from ourselves.'
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Herita Ilunga is fired up for Fulham showdown
30 September 2009
East London Advertiser
By JONATHAN CLEGG
Herita Ilunga has called for West Ham to show their fighting spirit against
Fulham on Sunday and kick-start the club's climb away from the Premier
League drop zone. The Hammers slumped to a fourth successive defeat at
Manchester City on Monday night and have dropped into the league's bottom
three after failing to win since the opening day of the season. West Ham
have yet to collect a single point at Upton Park this season and Gianfranco
Zola has admitted that this weekend's crucial home meeting with 17th-placed
Fulham represents "a cup final" for his beleaguered team. Ilunga insists the
Hammers are determined to overcome their London rivals and put their dismal
early-season form behind them. "We need to show a lot of character because
this is a difficult period for us, Ilunga said. "But last year we had a
difficult spell too and we need to put a good run together and I hope it
starts on Sunday against Fulham." "We're a team that plays very good
football. You see it in training - we work a lot, the coaches insist on us
playing football, keeping the ball, good possession. "But we need to play
and win at the same time - it's not enough to just play. We need results
too."
The Congo international has urged his Hammers colleaues to tighten up
defensively if they are to rediscover their winning habit. West Ham have
conceded nine goals in their past three matches and have failed to keep a
clean sheet since the end of August. Full-back Ilunga believes the team must
now focus on keeping a clean sheet to see off Roy Hodgson's side on Sunday.
"We need to get back our winning mentality. It is a state of mind," said
Ilunga, who this week made his third appearance since recovering from a head
injury. "We have to defend together, first of all, and then keep hold of the
ball and get forward at the opposition. It is very important we get
ourselves right mentally [and] recover our calm. "We need to find the right
spirit together and I hope it will happen at the weekend in front of our own
fans. It's very important.
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Carlos Tevez: My heart will always be with West Ham
East London Advertiser
30 September 2009
Carlos Tevez has revealed that he refused to celebrate his two goals against
West Ham on Monday night out of respect for his former club, adding that
"part of me will always be a Hammer". Tevez scored twice in Manchester
City's 3-1 win over West Ham, but the striker's first goals at Eastlands
prompted understated celebrations from the Argentinian.
The 25-year-old gestured apologetically to the travelling Hammers supporters
after his two strikes and later admitted that his enduring love for West Ham
was responsible for the muted reaction. He said: "I decided not to celebrate
my goals out of respect to West Ham. They were my first club in England and,
in my heart, part of me will always be a Hammer. "The professional part of
me was really pleased with my first City goals at home but, personally, I
would have preferred to beat another club." Tevez, who was named West Ham's
player of the year in 2007 after his goals helped the club avoid relegation,
added that he now hopes to see an upturn in fortunes at Upton Park. "All I
hope now is that West Ham improve and don't suffer all season," Tevez said.
"I hope I've not damaged them too much now with my two goals.
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Guillermo Franco tipped to have striking impact at West Ham
East London Advertiser
30 September 2009
By JONATHAN CLEGG
West Ham boss Gianfranco Zola believes new signing Guillermo Franco can have
a major impact in the Premier League and help the Hammers climb out of the
drop zone. Franco, 32, is still waiting to make his first appearance for the
club after missing out on a place in the 18-man squad for the 3-1 defeat at
Manchester City on Monday night.
The Mexico international moved to Upton Park as a free agent this month
after failing to find a new club following his release from Villarreal last
summer. But the veteran hitman is ready to make his West Ham bow in this
weekend's crucial clash with Fulham. And Zola insists that Franco possesses
the skills to become a "massive player" for the Hammers and prove that he is
still a top-flight performer. He said: "He's going to be a very good buy for
us. Franco can have a very big impact because he knows the game very much
and we need those kinds of player. "We are a very young team and to have
somebody that knows the game and reads the game like him is massive. "He's a
target player, he's got experience, he's got presence on the pitch - I'm
really impressed with him. I think he's going to be a massive player and
very important for us." Zavon Hines could also be recalled for the match at
the Boleyn Ground after the homegrown striker was surprisingly relegated to
the bench for the trip to Manchester City. Hines has emerged as a surprise
first-team regular this season and West Ham missed his pace and direct
running in a poor attacking performance on Monday night. Indeed, Zola admits
that the 20-year-old's high-octane displays and fiery attitude are
reminiscent of Craig Bellamy, who tormented his former West Ham colleagues
at Eastlands. "Zavon Hines is giving us support up front, which is a total
surprise for us - he's proving that he can be a very good alternative for
us. "I don't think he's got the pace of Craig Bellamy or the finishing yet,
but this boy has got a lot of desire and he can really pester the
opposition. He's playing very well and I'm expecting him to improve as
well."
Hines' breakthrough campaign is also set to be rewarded by a call-up to
Stuart Pearce's England Under-21 squad. The Hammers academy graduate was
born in Jamaica but is eligible to play for England despite being named in
the full Jamaica squad for a recent friendly.
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Tomkins ready to be a leader on the pitch
30 September 2009
London24.com
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WEST HAM defender James Tomkins is having to grow up fast at Upton Park,
writes DAVE EVANS. It is just 18 months since he made his first tentative
steps into the Hammers first team and since then he has hardly looked back.
Last season he made the centre-back berth his own alongside Matty Upson, and
this time round that position was further strengthened with the sale of his
main rival - James Collins - to Aston Villa. Now, with Upson on the
treatment table, the 20-year-old Basildon boy is stepping up as the leader
of the defence. "I think I've grown up a lot more over the last few games,"
admitted the England under-21 international. "I've learnt a lot trying to
take responsibility, even though I'm not as experienced as players I've been
alongside funnily enough."
Tomkins faced a real test at Manchester City on Monday and though it
certainly didn't go to plan for both himself and new defensive partner
Manuel Da Costa, they both battled valiantly until the bitter end. "It was
not a good night for us, but there were a few positives," he said. "In the
second half we came out and gave it a go, but it just wasn't our night."
It was not surprising. West Ham's inexperienced defence came up against
former Hammers Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy - formidable opponents for the
best of defences.
"You have to take into consideration their pace and ability on the ball,"
said Tomkins, when asked how best to deal with the two strikers. "We tried
not to give them too much respect, but they are clever players, world-class
players, and as a team we learnt a good lesson today."
Tomkins has been tutored by the best in his short time in the West Ham first
team, and now he is ready to move up to the next level. "I've learnt a lot
from Matty Upson," he admitted. "He does a great job leading the line and
I've tried to feed off that. "But I have needed to grow up quickly and be a
leader at the back. That is the part of the game that comes with experience,
but I'm having to learn it quickly."
Another aspect of his game that he is trying to improve is his efforts in
the opposing box. The defender, who has just one career goal to his name for
the Hammers, has had four or five golden chances at set-pieces so far this
season, but has failed to finish any of them. It is a record he is looking
to improve: "I've worked hard at trying to attack crosses, and hopefully one
day soon I can get the ball in the back of the net," he said. Tomkins was
also angry with referee Chris Foy following the awarding of the free-kick
that led to City's second goal on Monday night. "To let in such an early
goal was a bit of a killer blow, but we showed good character in getting
back level," said the defender. "The goal just before half-time knocked us
back again. The referee is shaking his head, saying it is not a free-kick,
but then obviously he changes his mind. "I don't know how you can change
your mind so quickly, but I think when you are losing a few games, the luck
doesn't seem to go your way."
Monday's defeat made it six league games without a win for the Hammers, but
Tomkins insists that there is no panic among the players. "I don't think we
are worried," he said. "We have had a few tough games, Tottenham, Liverpool,
Man City are all going to be up there this year, you can see that already.
"I think all the lads are looking at the next game as a massive one. It is
important that the fans get behind us early on and hopefully we can give
them a result.
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Vultures are circling again
30 September 2009
London24.com
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IT IS BARELY four weeks since the end of the summer transfer window, but
rumours about West Ham being forced to sell players in January already
appears to be surfacing.
Despite the Hammers being able to hold on to England centre half Matthew
Upson (left) both last January and then again in the summer, it seems that
the vultures are circling once again with Spurs boss Harry Redknapp linked
with a move for the 30-year-old. The West Ham captain was a target for
Italian side Fiorentina on deadline day, with the Serie A outfit allegedly
being told if they upped their £7million bid to £9million the deal could be
done. Fiorentina refused, while Spurs' bid of around £4million was
immediately rejected, but come January, much could depend on both West Ham's
financial predicament and their position in the Premier League table as to
whether the club would consider selling one of their prized assets, with
Spurs and perhaps more crucially Arsenal waiting in the wings. Robert
Green's criticism of his fellow players was seen by many as the first step
towards him asking for a move away from West Ham. But Hammers fans will
cling to the belief that neither Upson, or Green will want to go through the
rigmarole of a move in January, when they are battling for a place in Fabio
Capello's England squad for next summer's World Cup Finals.
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West Ham preparing another case for the defence
30 September 2009
London24.com
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WEST HAM are currently "reviewing" the FA charges against them following the
controversial Carling Cup second-round clash against Millwall, but are
likely to fight their corner to avoid possible ground closure, writes KIRK
BLOWS.. It has been speculated that the Hammers could be forced to play at
least one game behind closed doors, after being charged with four counts of
failing to control their fans at Upton Park on August 25. The charges
related to the "violent, threatening, obscene and provocative behaviour" and
"racist behaviour" of fans as well as missile throwing and supporters
entering the field of play. Millwall, meanwhile, have been hit with three
charges after seats were damaged in the visiting part of the ground and
hurled on to the pitch, while Hammers striker Carlton Cole was allegedly
racially abused. Both clubs have until October 11 to respond to the charges
and are set to defend themselves by insisting they worked closely with the
authorities before the game to reduce the threat of disorder. A West Ham
United spokes-man said: "We are reviewing the FA charges and will respond
accordingly. "In advance of the Millwall match, the club followed the
strict advice of the police and relevant authorities at every stage of the
planning process. "That full co-operation continued on the night, with the
club working closely with police on a carefully set-out plan that was
initiated and approved by the independent safety advisory group. "We do
acknowledge the appalling behaviour of a minority of spectators inside the
stadium and, in conjunction with the police, will continue to take strong
and appropriate action against anyone found responsible."
The game, which West Ham won 3-1 after extra-time, was twice interrupted
when fans ran on to the pitch after goals were scored, while a third
invasion took place after the final whistle. Millwall appear to be denying
any responsibility for their fans and insist they are "shocked and
disappointed" that charges have been made against them. A Lions statement
added: "Our question for the FA is: What can Millwall do to control
individuals' actions once inside our opponents' stadium?
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Staff dig deep to finance transfer
Romfordrecorder.co.uk
30 September 2009
AFTER missing out on the signatures of Eidur Gudjohnsen, Mancini, Mario
Balotelli and Luca Toni, it seems that West Ham's desperation to sign a new
striker reached bizarre lengths with the capture of Mexican international
Guillermo Franco, writes DAVE EVANS. The international striker is still
waiting to make his Hammers debut, despite travelling with the squad to
Manchester City, but it seems that without the sacrifices of two of West
Ham's staff, his chance would never have arrived. Times are undoubtedly hard
at Upton Park these days, despite their claims that they have stability in
their finances, but the news that chief executive Scott Duxbury and
technical director Gianluca Nani decided to forego part of their salary in
order to bring Franco to the club, is as worrying as it is heartening to
hear. Manager Gianfranco Zola was certainly in the dark about the situation:
"No, I didn't know about it - are you sure about it?" he told journalists at
Friday's weekly press conference. "If they have done that, it means they
have a lot of passion for what they're doing and they are committed, they
believe in what we're doing and it would be a great gesture if they've done
so."
It is certainly an incident unheard of in the realms of Premier League
football. After the frustrations of missing out on their top targets through
the summer because of the problem of huge salary demands and signing-on
fees, they thought they had finally got their man in free-agent Franco, who
had been released by Villarreal in the summer.
However, it would appear that both the Mexican and his agent were keen to
secure lucrative payments and when West Ham owners CB Holding were unwilling
to meet their demands, both Duxbury and Nani decided to step in. It seems
like a strange move from a club that prides itself on bringing youngsters
through the system and introducing them to the first team. Since Zola's
arrival a year ago, he has overseen the emergence of Jack Collison, James
Tomkins, Josh Pay-ne, Junior Stanislas, Zavon Hines and most recently Bondz
N'Gala. "That is the job I've been employed for and that is the job I like
to do," said Zola when asked about bringing youngsters into his first-team
squad. "I like to work with the player and make them better and get a bunch
of players and make a team, that is my ultimate task and I like it. But I
wouldn't mind also if I got some money to spend on a good player - I think
that would make the whole process a bit quicker."
Perhaps that is the plan with Franco, but it is a gamble. The striker may
well have scored four goals in his last six internationals for Mexico, but
he was released by his Spanish employers during the summer. West Ham fans
remember the disaster that was Diego Tristan last season, after the free
agent failed to make any impression during his time at Upton Park, scoring
just three goals in 17 disappointing appearances in claret and blue. Time
will tell whether Franco will prove a shrewder acquisition, but perhaps the
most worrying thing about the whole episode is the precarious financial
position that West Ham appear to be in. The club had to call on sponsors
SBOBET to help secure the signing of Italian star Alessandro Diamanti, and
though that appears to have been a mere bridging loan until West Ham managed
to sell James Collins to Aston Villa, it shows that West Ham's finances are
a real balancing act. "I don't think it's as bad as they're trying to say,"
insisted Zola. "Obviously we're not a club that can spend £20m to buy a
player right now, but we are a club that is solid and we can look forward
with positiveness."
You have to admire the Italian's optimism, but when members of staff are
having to raid their own piggy banks to help secure the signature of
players, then you have to worry.
It appears apparent that CB Holding are not prepared to stump up any cash to
help out the club come January, and though Duxbury and the rest of the board
are battling hard to balance the books as independently as they can, whether
that means selling some of the prized assets come the New Year, remains to
be seen.
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Cherries: West Ham prospect set to sign
5:29pm Wednesday 30th September 2009
BournemouthEcho.co.uk
Exclusive By Neil Perrett
CHERRIES are expected to sign highly-rated West Ham prospect Anthony Edgar
ahead of Saturday's trip to Port Vale. The versatile teenager, who can
operate anywhere across midfield, is poised to join the Dean Court outfit on
a month's loan. Edgar, who today celebrates his 19th birthday, is set to
come in after Cherries were given permission by the Football League to add
to their squad.
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West Ham target Luca Toni goes on strike in attempt to force January
transfer
Published 23:59 30/09/09 By Alan Nixon
The Mirror
West Ham target Luca Toni is refusing to play for Bayern Munich reserves -
and pushing himself closer to a move to the Premier League. Italian striker
Toni has fallen out so badly with coach Louis van Gaal that he was told to
join Bayern's B team in the third division of German football. However Toni
has refused and will now be looking to quit the Bundesliga giants in the
next transfer window, although he is clearly short of fitness. Toni said:
"The trainer told me I should play for the reserves and get the chance to
play 90 minutes. But I don't think that is a good idea." Van Gaal snapped
back: "A player has to be 100 per cent to play and Toni is not. It is a
process that takes time - even if the player thinks he is ready." Hammers
boss Gianfranco Zola is keen on signing Toni on loan and his chances of that
deal have soared because of the renewed row between the player and his Dutch
coach.
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Hammers : We'll fight FA riot rap
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM will fight the FA on all FOUR charges regarding the Millwall riot.
The Hammers hierarchy held a top-level meeting at Upton Park on Tuesday
night to piece together their case for the defence. The club are sticking to
claims they followed all the advice from police and relevant authorities to
try to minimise crowd trouble. West Ham fans invaded the pitch three times
and a Millwall fan was stabbed outside the ground before the ill-fated
Carling Cup tie on August 25. Around 200 seats and a toilet block were
wrecked in the away end. The FA have clobbered West Ham on four counts of
failing to control their supporters and League One Millwall have been hit
with three charges.
A Hammers insider said: "People at the top here reckon they did everything
they could and followed all the guidance given before what is an
historically volatile game. "The police and stewards were stretched inside
Upton Park but the main priority was to keep rival fans apart and we did."
Large-scale trouble outside the stadium overshadowed West Ham's win and riot
cops had to call in reinforcements to avoid being overwhelmed during clashes
before and after kick-off. Both clubs were charged on Monday and have 14
days to respond. West Ham could be forced to play behind closed doors if
found guilty or fined heavily. The win over Millwall was only their second
of the campaign following the opening-day success at Wolves. And Scott
Parker says their wretched start has left Gianfranco Zola's men desperately
short of confidence. He admitted: "We're on a bad run at the moment and
we're fragile as players and as a team. "We've got five senior players out
injured and we've got a small squad as it is. "It's still early on in the
season and if this run was happening in January then you would worry, but it
isn't. "Just as winning becomes a habit, losing also becomes a habit. We've
got a game at the weekend against Fulham that we have to win."
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