WHUFC.com
West Ham United's new recruit Guille Franco looks set to play at the 2010
FIFA World Cup
11.10.2009
Guillermo Franco was involved in the crucial first two goals as Mexico won
through to the 2010 FIFA World Cup finals with a 4-1 home success against El
Salvador on Saturday night.
The West Ham United striker played for 86 minutes and was lively throughout.
He helped cause confusion in the El Salvador penalty area on 25 minutes
before visiting defender Marvin Gonzalez put through his own net. Franco
then created the second in the 70th minute with a superb solo run before
teeing up veteran playmaker Cuauhtemoc Blanco to score in a one-on-one with
the goalkeeper.
The victory in front of more than 100,000 fans at the Azetca Stadium in
Mexico City was seemingly confirmed by Paco Palencia's late third although
there was still time for an El Salvador consolation. Mexico had the last
word though through substitute Carlos Vela in added time and the
comprehensive win means they will definitely progress from the CONCACAF
qualification section to next summer's finals.
The match had taken a strange turn in the first half when a swarm of bees
halted play for a good ten minutes after taking up residence in the El
Salvador goal. Franco appeared at the 2006 FIFA World Cup in Germany and
will hope to carry over his international form - after Wednesday's academic
fixture in Trinidad and Tobago - to his club and a potential Hammers debut
in next Saturday's match at Stoke City.
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Green off in England defeat
WHUFC.com
Having made his sixth straight start for his country, Robert Green suffered
the misfortune of a red card
10.10.2009
Robert Green was sent off after just 14 minutes as already-through England
lost their 100 per cent record in 2010 FIFA World Cup qualifying with a 1-0
defeat in Ukraine.
The West Ham United goalkeeper was left cruelly exposed in a one-on-one with
Artem Milevskiy after a defensive mistake by Rio Ferdinand. As Green came
out to collect the ball, Milevskiy went over his outstretched arms, leaving
the referee to point to the spot and brandish the red card.
With Aaron Lennon sacrificed for David James, Ukraine captain Andriy
Shevchenko missed the resulting spot-kick but Sergiy Nazarenko scored the
only goal of the game on the half-hour mark. James was left with no chance
as Nazarenko's long-range effort was deflected into the net off Ashley Cole.
While Green had been given hardly any chance to impress, Carlton Cole came
on for the last 18 minutes as a replacement for Emile Heskey. The in-form
forward had little chance to shine though as ten-man England struggled to
keep possession against a Ukraine side still dreaming of joining them at
next summer's finals in South Africa.
Green will miss Wednesday's final qualifier at home to Belarus, when Matthew
Upson, an unused substitute in Dnipropetrovsk on Saturday evening, will hope
to get a chance to dislodge either Ferdinand or John Terry. Carlton Cole
will also look for a starting opportunity, having teed up Wayne Rooney for a
last-gasp effort that just fizzed wide.
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Hines the England hero
WHUFC.com
A dream debut for Zavon Hines saw him come off the bench to fire England
U21s to victory on Friday
09.10.2009
England U21s 6-3 FYR Macedonia U21s
Zavon Hines scored two fine goals for England Under-21s on Friday night as
they just about held their nerve to win a nine-goal thriller at Coventry's
Ricoh Arena.
The West Ham United striker had entered the fray at half-time as a
replacement for Theo Walcott and shone on his debut. With Junior Stanislas
an unused substitute, fellow club-mate James Tomkins played the entire match
as the Young Lions raced into a two-goal lead in the first half through
headers from Kieran Gibbs and Micah Richards before the half-hour mark.
The visitors then surprised everyone with two goals back either side of
half-time - only for Andy Carroll to restore the advantage on 54 minutes.
FYR Macedonia managed to claw their way into the contest again through
Gibbs' own goal before Hines struck the decisive goal in the 67th minute.
After stealing in superbly behind the defence, he kept his cool to slip the
ball underneath the on-rushing keeper. Carroll then calmed nerves in the
closing stages with a fifth before turning provider with a neat assist that
led to a volleyed second from Hines.
All three Macedonian goals had come from England mistakes, but there was
little the impressive Tomkins could do about any of them. Goalkeeper Scott
Loach will feel he should have done better with the first that squeezed
under his body from a long-range free-kick. Michael Mancienne then lost his
marker for the second before Gibbs slashed at a corner and ended up
diverting the ball beyond Loach.
England are in second place in qualifying Group 9 for the 2011 finals in
Denmark, having already won 2-1 in FYR Macedonia - when Sears scored - and
drawn 1-1 away to leaders Greece last month. They are next in action on 14
November against Portugal, with the match to be played at Wembley after a
special request to the FA by coach Stuart Pearce.
Hines was not the only West Ham scorer in Under-21 action on Friday night.
The 19-year-old central defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson was on target for
Iceland in an 8-0 demolition of San Marino in Reykjavik. Eyjolfsson made his
league debut last week for Cheltenham Town and is tipped for a bright
future. Iceland make the return trip to San Marino next Tuesday.
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Collison returns in friendly
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola was able to put his players through their paces at the
Boleyn Ground on Friday
09.10.2009
Jack Collison made a goalscoring return as a West Ham United XI got a
welcome run-out in a friendly against French top-flight outfit Valenciennes
on Friday.
The midfielder found the net in the 40th minute of a behind-closed-doors
match that finished 2-1 to the visitors at the Boleyn Ground. Collison has
not figured since the 29 August goalless draw at Blackburn Rovers. Both he
and Wales team-mate Danny Gabbidon - who last featured in the 3-2 loss
against Liverpool - played as they work their way back to fitness.
Valenciennes have had a solid start to the season and sit eleventh in Ligue
1. They are in good form, having won three and drawn one of their last four
matches - including a 3-2 home success against high-flying Marseille. They
were without four regulars because of international duty against a West Ham
squad shorn of seven players with England at various levels among ten away
overall.
The visitors opened the scoring in the fourth minute when Gael Danic was
upended in the penalty area. Peter Kurucz had no chance to save as Luigi
Pieroni stepped up to score from the spot. The home side, with Collison and
Behrami industrious on the left and right flanks respectively, were in
lively mood though and attacking midfielder Luis Jimenez nearly played in
17-year-old striker Ahmed Abdulla on nine minutes.
A minute later, Kurucz produced two good saves to deny Gregory Pujol. The
first from a fierce shot that led to a corner. When the ball dropped to
Pujol in the area, Kurucz was alert to deny the striker from close range.
Julien Faubert then tested Gregory Wimbee with a good effort having raced 60
yards to latch on to a through-ball before Mark Noble, who had been
operating in a holding role, saw a goalbound effort deflected wide.
Pieroni was always a threat but Collison found the equaliser when he
controlled a deep Faubert cross on his thigh at the back post before
stroking the ball into the net past Wimbee. The same two players teamed up
again a minute later but Collison this time could not direct his diving
header on target. Gianfranco Zola made a number of changes at half-time,
including sending on Josh Payne for Behrami in a planned substitution.
Valenciennes regained the lead on 55 minutes with a close-range header from
Pieroni that gave Marek Stech no chance in goal. The Hammers were instantly
on the attack with Jimenez and Alessandro Diamanti both given license to
move forward. Faubert and captain Herita Ilunga also tried to attack
whenever the chance arose. Collison was replaced on the hour and got a
deserved pat on the back from Zola for his efforts with Gabbidon making way
soon afterwards.
The closing stages were low on chances as the home side made a host of
changes, with no restrictions on the amount of replacements. A very youthful
Hammers side finished well with Terry Dixon getting his first taste of the
Boleyn Ground pitch. The striker was making his second appearance in a week
after a friendly at Ipswich Town on Tuesday and very nearly combined with
Jimenez for a late equaliser. He then tested the keeper with a low shot
after a surging run from Fabio Daprela.
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Nouble leads U19 line
WHUFC.com
Young striker Frank Nouble has made the step up to U19 level with England
after his debut on Friday
09.10.2009
Frank Nouble made his Under-19 bow as England won 3-1 against Finland in the
opening match of their UEFA European U19 Championship qualifying round in
Slovenia.
The 18-year-old striker, wearing the No9 shirt, played for 72 minutes of the
match in Murska Sobota before being substituted with England in full
control. Nouble will hope to get another run-out against the mini-tournament
hosts Slovenia on Sunday. The group - which will see the winners progress to
the Elite round in the spring - will conclude against Slovakia on Wednesday.
Nouble had previously been capped at U17 level. Should England go all the
way to the finals, they will be making a short trip across the channel to
northern France in July.
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Green dismissed as England falter
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th October 2009
By: Staff Writer
West Ham United's Rob Green lasted just 13 minutes of England's clash with
Ukraine in Dnipropetrovsk. The Hammers 'keeper was sent off less than a
quarter-of-an-hour into tonight's game after felling Artem Milevskiy inside
the penalty box following a dreadful error by Rio Ferdinand - thereby
becoming the first ever England keeper to be shown a red card. Manchester
United skipper Ferdinand - restored to the starting XI in place of Matthew
Upson, who reverted to the bench - allowed a long ball in behind him forcing
Green to come for it. As Milevskiy rounded Green the keeper went to ground
- as did the striker, leaving referee Damir Skomina no option but to dismiss
the West Ham number one, who was immediately replaced by main rival David
James. Fortunately for England the resulting penalty was missed by former
Chelsea striker Andriy Schevchenko, whose effort hit the outside of the post
before rebounding to safety. However a first half own goal by Ashley Cole
gave the home side a 1-0 win that virutally guarantees them a place in next
year's World Cup finals. Carlton Cole was a 72nd minute replacement for
Emile Heskey; Matthew Upson was an unused substitute.
England: Green, Johnson, Cole, Ferdinand, Terry (c), Lennon (James 15),
Lampard, Gerrard (Milner 46), Carrick, Heskey (Cole 72), Rooney.
Subs not used: Upson, Bridge, Barry, Agbonlahor.
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Frankly speaking
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th October 2009
By: Staff Writer
Frank Nouble's debut for the England under 19s ended in success as Noel
Blake's side won 3-1 against Finalnd. The big striker, who joined West Ham
from Chelsea in the summer played for 72 minutes as England overcame the
Fins in their first game of the European Championship qualifiers. Nouble -
despite failing to score - had a good game and left the field with England
2-1 up thanks to goals from Aston Villa's Nathan Delfouneso (8 mins) and
Chelsea's Jacob Mellis (16 mins, currently on loan at Southampton). The win
was confirmed in the second minute of injury when Dean Parrett added a
third. Next up for the Nouble and the under 19s are Slovenia, who host
England in Fazanerija this coming Friday (9th); that game kicking off at
3pm. England under 19s: Rudd, Clarke, Malone, Wallace, Brown, Baker,
Parrett, Nouble (Donaldson 72), Delfouneso, Mellis (Caulker 62), Mason
(Stewart 54)
* West Ham youngster Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson scored the second goal as
Iceland's under 21s thrashed San Marino 8-0 in Reykjavik.
Eyjolfsson - currently on loan at Cheltenham - converted a Gudmundsson cross
from close range to put the Icelanders 2-0 up in a game that had been
switched to the Icalandic capital due to adverse weather conditions in
Akranes where the game had been due to take place. The game was Eyjolfsson's
tenth appearance for the under 21s.
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Zav on target
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th October 2009
By: Staff Writer
Zavon Hines marked his England under 21 debut with a brace as Stuart
Pearce's charges hammered Macedonia 6-3 in Coventry. The young Hammers
striker, who had formerly featured as an unused substitute for Jamaica made
his England debut as a second half substitute for Theo Walcott. 20-year-old
Hines notched his first goal on 67 minutes before adding a second in the
final minute as Pearce's side evetually thrashed their oppenents - despite
being held 2-2 and 3-3 during the game. Hines' first was reminiscent of the
goal he scored against Beijing Guoan on the China tour this summer; having
been sent through on goal by Cleverley, he bided his time before slipping
the ball between goalkeeper Naumovski's legs. His second was a more
conventional finish having been teed up by Newcastle's Andy Carroll who also
notched a brace. Hines' West Ham team mate James Tomkins played a full 90
minutes whilst Junior Stanislas was an unused substitute.
England under 21s: Loach, Richards (c), Gibbs, Rodwell, Tomkins, Mancienne,
Cleverley, Wilshere, Carroll (Welbeck 90), Walcott (Hines 46), Rose (Muamba
69).
In other news, a strong Hammers XI went down 2-1 at home to French outfit
Velenciennes at the Boleyn Ground yesterday afternoon. The game, arranged
for those players not on international duty this weekend saw West Ham go a
goal behind early doors before Jack Collison restored parity five minutes
ahead of the break. However the French side won the game with a goal ten
minutes into the second half.
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Cole eyes World Cup spot
West Ham striker admits he is far from the finished article
By Richard Bailey Last updated: 9th October 2009
SSN
Carlton Cole has admitted he is far from the finished article as he looks to
guarantee himself a place in Fabio Capello's England squad for the World
Cup. The West Ham striker has been rewarded for his fine form this term,
four goals from seven Premier League games, by being selected for England's
final qualifying games against Ukraine and Belarus.
However the 25-year-old failed to make the bench for the last qualifier
against Croatia despite receiving a call-up to the squad and is aware he has
work to do if he is book his place on the plane to South Africa next summer.
The former Chelsea youngster is keen to improve his game and keep knocking
on the door so he remains in the forefront of Capello's mind. "I always say
I am far from the finished article and have got to keep working on my game,"
he told the club's official website. "I know what I have to do and what I
have to improve on. I have been trying to improve all the time. "It is
important for me to play for my country and if selected will give 100 per
cent. That is what I am there to do and if I can, make a contribution. "I
just want to keep going from strength to strength for both West Ham and
England. It is a case of one step at a time. "I have a lot of hope that I
can make the World Cup, but I know I have to keep plugging away and knocking
on the door."
Cole has been for the tipped for the top ever since he came through the
ranks at Stamford Bridge but it has only been in the past two seasons that
his promise has begun to shine through and the frontman says he has made a
conscious effort to change his ways off the pitch. "I have made changes to
my background life that has helped me and I have made changes to what I do
and how I do things on the field," he added. "I am just looking to get
better and better. Hopefully if I can keep working hard I will reach the
levels I want to get to."
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Hines on Target as Green Sees Red!
West Ham Till I Die
There have been both ups than downs for the Hammers playing for England this
week!
Zavon Hines made a great debut for the England U-21s against Macedonia. He
scored a predatory brace in England's 6-3 win at Coventry, after coming on
as a second half substitute. Studying footage of the game, Hines made an
real impact playing up front with Newcastle's Carroll, who bagged a brace of
his own. Hines' pace, his instant understanding with Carroll and ruthless
finishing all stood out.
Indeed, Hines showed just how effective he can be playing off a target man,
through the middle. And it raises the question whether he is at his most
effective in West Ham's current 4-3-3 formation, where he plays on the left
of the front three. I have previously argued that Hines could be best
deployed as Cole's strike partner in a 4-3-1-2 formation? We could
certainly do with the clinical finishing in and around the box that he
demonstrated against Macedonia!
Also, congratulations to James Tomkins, who played the whole 90 minutes for
the U-21s and Frank Nouble who made his full debut for the England U-19s on
Friday. Sadly, Junior Stanislas was restricted to bench warming duties for
the U-21s against Macedonia! Better luck with selection next time Junior!
Far less happy news, however, from the full England squad in today's World
Cup qualifier against the Ukraine. Hammers keeper, Rob Green was totally
hang out to dry by Rio Ferdinand's shocking defensive error. Green was
forced in to a last ditch 1-on-1 challenge and brought down their striker
in the box! Result, a straight red for Green and a 1-0 England defeat! Oh
well, they have already qualified, now it's just a matter of how many
Hammers are on the plane to South Africa and who makes the starting line up?
Anyway, what's with Rio lately? I know he has had injury problems of late,
but he really seems to be struggling for fitness and form. As a 31 years
old centre back, he should rightly still be in his prime. Is it just a
temporary dip in form or is he showing the first signs of decline?
I am sure that Matt Upson sees an opportunity there to stake a claim for a
starting place if Ferdinand's poor form continues. While Carlton Cole was
once again restricted to an 18 minute cameo appearance from the bench!
Call me biased if you like, but I really do not see why Capello did not
start Cole in this game, how much more does he need to learn about Heskey
and co? Whereas he certainly needs to give Cole a proper chance to show
what he can do over a full 90 minutes!
And as a post-script:
Nearer home, we have received excellent news that Jack Collison has made his
come back in a friendly behind closed doors at Upton Park. The Hammers lost
1-2, but who cares. The important thing is that Collison scored and is well
on the way back ! With Berhami also back, we will very soon have two key
players available for selection who are going to be instrumental to our
forthcoming recovery!
Note the 'forthcoming recovery' comment. How's that for confidence and
ending on an optimistic note!
SJ Chandos.
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Why the emergence of Zavon Hines is the silver lining in West Ham's
financial cloud
By Mirror Football Blog
The Mirror
Published 22:29 10/10/09
The financial crisis at West Ham has provided at least one positive spin-off
for manager Gianfranco Zola – the emergence of striker Zavon Hines, writes
Steve Stammers. The tightening of the purse strings at Upton Park has meant
that Zola has had to make use of the club's famed academy system. And the
talented Hines is a product from that conveyor belt of talent. West Ham are
hovering around the relegation zone but there is no question that Hines is a
star of the future – for club, and his adopted country England.
Born in Jamaica, he moved to England at the age of seven. He was called up
by his homeland for a friendly but never came off the bench. Then England
came calling with the offer of a place in Stuart Pearce's Under-21 team –
and Hines took advantage of the opportunity with two goals as a second-half
sub in Friday's 6-3 victory over Macedonia.
"It wasn't a difficult decision to make," said Hines. "I mean, I grew up in
England and England has always been part of my heart. England has done a lot
for me, and my family were happy about my decision." Raised in South London,
Hines, now 20, has been part of the West Ham set-up from the age of 14.
"They showed faith in me and stood by me when I had a few injury problems so
I have to thank them for a lot. "It is a good club because youngsters there
are getting a chance. "OK, so we are not on a good run at the moment but I
know we will bounce back."
With financial resources at a minimum, Hines acknowledges that Zola will
often turn to young home-grown talent. "It is good to see the young players
coming through," said Hines. "Not a lot of clubs are producing their own
players but every year West Ham produce one or two. "The club has belief in
the young players so they always get a chance. It is up to the players
whether they take it or not."
Hines certainly has. He recently ran Liverpool ragged – and marvelled at
being on the same pitch as stars like Fernando Torres and Steven Gerrard.
He recalled: "It was kind of unbelievable to be out there against them, but
when it comes to football, everything is possible." And Hines revealed he is
benefiting from heart-to-heart talks with Zola and from extra work after
training. "He encourages me and has one-to-one talks with me and I do a bit
more after training. "His advice ? Well, I was missing a few chances and he
just told me to look at the net, not the keeper. He was a world-class
striker so it is good for me to have him as manager."
What is a concern is West Ham's league form, with taxing matches away at
Stoke and at home to Arsenal on the horizon after the international break.
"It is true we have been on a bad run," said Hines. "But I am confident we
will get out of it." He will return to club duty with his confidence
sky-high. "It was a dream to score two goals," he said. "So many kids would
love to play for their country."
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International break is a chance to re-group
KUMB.com
Filed: Saturday, 10th October 2009
By: Thomas Rooney
Every West Ham fan knows that it hasn't been the greatest start to the
season. Gianfranco Zola's men sit in the bottom three of the Premier League
after just one victory so far. The performances haven't been too bad, but
the table doesn't lie and things need to improve.
With this in mind, it might not be the worst thing that there is an
international break. It gives the squad a chance to go away with their
country, to focus on something other than West Ham and hopefully come back
refreshed and ready to go on a decent run.
A victory at Stoke a week on Saturday could be the chance for a 'the season
starts now' attitude to be adopted. It would be a fresh start with renewed
confidence for the next stint of games. Of course, The Hammers have to pick
up the three points at the Britannia Stadium first though and this won't be
easy.
Put it this way. A defeat when the Premier League returns will mean that the
break would have been wasted. There will be a case of 'here we go again'
creeping in and this isn't what we want at this early stage. All in all, how
West Ham perform in the month after the international break is crucial to
the season.
So, why don't we take a look at the Premier League fixtures that lie ahead?
We can predict the outcome with consideration to the toughness of the game
and basically try and assess where West Ham might be in a month's time.
First up is the tough trip to Stoke. As I mentioned, a positive result here
would do wonders for the confidence after the international games. Even if
it is a draw, it is something to go on. So, I am going to put my optimistic
hat on and predict a solid 1-1 draw.
Next up is another tough one – Arsenal at Upton Park. They are scoring
plenty of goals at the moment, but if West Ham can raise their game, they
CAN get something. An early goal for the home side would really put the
Gunners under pressure. I'm going for an entertaining 2-2
draw.
The home game with Arsene Wenger's men is followed by a trip to Sunderland.
If we are honest, this is another difficult game. Steve Bruce has got them
playing good football and in Darren Bent and Kenwyne Jones, they have a
quality striker force. Again, draw might be best West Ham can hope for. 1-1.
What the team needs though is a win and hopefully this will come against
Aston Villa on the 4th November. Ideally, there will be momentum from the
three previous games and this will help Zola and his team to a hard-working
1-0 victory.
The final game in this optimistic prediction session is Everton at home.
This has draw written all over it. Everton are a good side with good
players, but by now The Hammers should be playing with a lot more
confidence. A relatively dull 0-0 draw.
Overall, the main point I am making is that these five games are pretty
crucial for West Ham's season. A decent run of results is needed if the team
isn't going to be sitting in the bottom three still come Christmas. Let's
hope everyone come backs from international duty injury free and raring to
go.
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Gold and Sullivan West Ham talks end in deadlock
Published 23:00 09/10/09 Exclusive By James Nursey
The Mirror
David Sullivan and David Gold's preliminary talks about buying West Ham from
Straumur have ended in deadlock. Sullivan's 16-year reign at Premier League
Birmingham officially ends next week when Carson Yeung completes his
£80million takeover. And Yeung's incoming regime have confirmed City
chairman Gold is also following Sullivan out of the exit - as revealed by
Mirrorsport. But the pair are keen to stay in football and have held talks
with representatives of the Hammers' Icelandic owners Straumur. Discussions
ended in stalemate though over West Ham's massive £100m debt. Sullivan hoped
to restructure some of the club's debts to make buying West Ham better
value. But the Hammers owe a total of £45m to seven different banks who are
unwilling to right off the debts. Other debts, like £19 to Sheffield United
as compensation for the Carlos Tevez affair, must also be paid and Sullivan
is unhappy West Ham have pre-sold several revenue streams up to three years
in advance. Straumur would now rather hold on to West Ham than sell for a
bargain price to Sullivan and the Gold brothers. Straumur reckon with the
2012 Olympics in London nearby Upton Park that the club's value will rocket
in the near future.
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Brady can see ex-Birmingham owners Gold, Sullivan at West Ham
10.10.09 | tribalfootball.com
Departing Birmingham City managing director Karren Brady can see David
Sullivan and David Gold taking charge of West Ham United. The outgoing
co-owners have been linked with a takeover bid for the Hammers and Brady
told The Sun: "David Sullivan and David Gold have been linked with an Upton
Park takeover, but under West Ham's present financial arrangements that
would be madness. "They're a great club and the two Davids are Hammers bred,
so who knows."
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