WHUFC.com
Academy Director Tony Carr has praised coach driver Mick Straker for his
lightning reactions
25.01.2010
Tony Carr has lavished praise on West Ham United's Academy coach driver Mick
Straker following Saturday morning's drama on the M25. Straker showed
admirable reactions to keep control of the vehicle when an air pipe burst
and the brakes locked as the Under-18s made their way to take on Chelsea.
Thankfully, the motorway was quiet at the time and the driver was able to
keep the coach away from danger, save for a minor impact with a crash
barrier. After a short wait on the hard shoulder, the Hammers were collected
by a minibus provided by Chelsea before continuing their journey to Cobham
for the FA Premier Academy League fixture. Despite their dramatic journey
and falling 4-1 down just a minute after half-time, West Ham produced a fine
display in going down to a narrow 4-3 defeat. Cristian Montano netted twice
and Callum McNaughton his first goal in two years for Carr's side. The
Academy Director was immensely proud of everyone involved in Saturday's
game. "We had a difficult day all-round. We were involved in an incident on
the M25 and it could have been a lot more dangerous than it actually turned
out to be. We have to be thankful that we were all wearing seatbelts and all
came out uninjured.
"It was one of those things that galvanised us and brought everyone
together. It was an experience they had together and brought them closer.
Other than standing on the hard shoulder for 45 minutes in the freezing
cold, it was not too bad for them. "All credit must go to our driver, Mick,
who kept excellent control of the coach when the air pipe blew and the
brakes locked up. It could have been all so different and we all feel
fortunate to have come out unscathed. "It was nice that the new
vice-chairman, Karren Brady, rang us as soon as she heard about the incident
to check that everyone was OK. In all the years I have been travelling on
coaches, I've had the odd one break down, but nothing like this."
Following their eventful journey to Surrey, Carr's team understandably took
some time to settle, only to produce a stirring second-half comeback that so
nearly saw them earn a deserved point. "All credit to Chelsea, who sent a
minibus to pick us up, and we kicked-off half-an-hour later. We started the
game a little bit edgy, as you might expect, and Chelsea took the lead early
on. "We managed to equalise and I thought that would settle us down, but it
didn't as we conceded from a corner within three minutes. A bit of loose
marking in the box allowed him to score, and he duly completed his hat-trick
a minute before half-time. "We had a mountain to climb at half-time, which
then became even steeper when a goalkeeping error from Sam Cowler allowed
the ball to slip through his fingers and gift them a fourth goal. "From that
point onwards, I thought the team might feel sorry for themselves and
collapse and concede more goals, but all credit to them. They came back to
4-3 and the last 20 minutes we took the game to Chelsea but just didn't
quite have the quality to create an equaliser."
Among those individuals to do well on a day full of impressive performances
were schoolboys Dominic Vose, Blair Turgott and Robert Hall. The trio were
given a chance to shine after Nicky Barrett and Ahmed Abdulla were rested
after the midweek FA Youth Cup fourth-round victory over Queens Park
Rangers. "We had three schoolboys in the team and a special mention for them
as they played very well. Dominic and Blair had outstanding games in the
midfield, with Dominic getting all three assists, so there were some real
plus points from a day that had started very differently."
The U18s return to action next Saturday, when Charlton Athletic are the
visitors to Little Heath for an 11am kick-off.
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Cole raring to go
WHUFC.com
West Ham United's attacking options at Portsmouth could be boosted by
Carlton Cole's imminent return
25.01.2010
Carlton Cole has spoken of the belief in the West Ham United camp as the
squad head to Portsmouth in high spirits. The England striker could be back
on the bench for Tuesday night's match at Fratton Park after a two-month
absence and said the mood had been boosted by the arrival of new owners
David Sullivan and David Gold. He said: "It is good for everyone, the
players and the manager and the fans as well. "All of us can now just
concentrate and build on what we have got here already. We know we are here
to achieve things and have goals that have been set. "The first thing is to
get up the table but it is important also that we go on to realise the true
potential we have and we should have help coming with a few acquisitions to
the squad."
Cole is in contention for his first appearance since limping out of the 28
November visit of Burnley with a knee problem. He has been putting in long
hours at Chadwell Heath and will be ready whenever called upon, should it be
against Portsmouth or even the visit of Blackburn Rovers this weekend. "I
had a good pre-season which has given me a good base, so I just need to keep
building on everything now and get match sharp. "I am looking forward to
getting back out there on the pitch - trying to make sure I am explosive for
West Ham. I want to make a difference for the team when I get called upon.
"We have a run of matches coming up which we believe we can get results
from. With hopefully a full squad to choose from, we can get results in
these games. We are feeling positive, we want to get as many points on the
board as possible."
Cole said the squad had responded to the positive air around the Boleyn in
the last week. "It is good to hear the chairmen want to invest in helping us
because all we have heard in the past is that we may have to sell players.
"It is just nice to know and feel that we don't have to do that, that
everyone is settled. We can just concentrate on pulling in the same
direction and getting further up the table."
Cole, who has scored 14 goals in his last 25 league games since Boxing Day
2008, was part of a player delegation that met the chairmen at a special
training ground gathering last week. "It was very positive, I for one, took
a lot of confidence out of what they were saying, to know that they are here
for us, here for the fans, here for the staff. "They have come in with a
no-nonsense attitude which is good. First and foremost we have to get the
job done - our priority is to stay up. That is what we are focusing on and
are here to do. We must start that against Portsmouth. "We all know now what
we are doing and no player has to leave, so everyone knows they have to
fight for their places now, especially if other players get brought in. That
will be a real positive thing - competition for places is very important in
any team."
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Zola relaxed but ready
WHUFC.com
Gianfranco Zola has spoken of the positive impact given by the club's new
owners
25.01.2010
Gianfranco Zola has reiterated his relief that he is once again able to
focus solely on football matters - starting with Tuesday night's game at
Portsmouth. David Gold and David Sullivan were announced as the club's new
owners last week and the West Ham United manager has spoken publicly for the
first time about having them at the helm. With a key run of games to come,
Zola is well aware of the importance of a settled and stable atmosphere.
"It's positive for the club as we will have the stability we have been
talking about for such a long time," he said. "I take it as a positive thing
for everybody. We will see what happens but it is looking good. "All the
players are committed to what we are doing. They were feeling some
uncertainty with all the speculation around, but the fact we are owned by
people who want to keep everyone at the club and strengthen it is good for
the morale of everybody. "The main thing they've already done is to bring
stability and to keep the players that were already in the team. That
already has been a big thing. "Now they are also trying to strengthen the
team and that is good. I think they want to bring someone in and they are
working hard to do that."
While there has been positive news off the pitch, Zola is hoping for more
good news on it as Carlton Cole could make the matchday squad for the first
time since the 28 November meeting with Burnley. "It is very good, Cole
might be on the bench. He has been training with me and he looks OK which is
positive news because when you have him back it's a big lift for everybody.
"It is like a massive new signing for us as he's an important player. The
whole team looked very good in training this morning."
The manager is hopeful of having Herita Ilunga, Danny Gabbidon and Kieron
Dyer back in full training over the next week or so while Guille Franco is
making progress from his muscle injury. The Hammers last met Portsmouth on
Boxing Day when they won 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground. It was not until Radoslav
Kovac's late headed goal that the points were assured though, and Zola is
predicting a similarly tough match at Fratton Park. "It was a tough game but
we did very well. I'm expecting it to be as tough as that on Tuesday but my
team is prepared. We are ready to play every game but we will have a go and
will see what the outcome is. "Everyone knows it is a big chance and they
have to perform. I am looking forward to the game."
Portsmouth are struggling at the foot of the table but are unbeaten in three
games in all competitions and go into the fixture on the back of a 2-1 FA
Cup victory over Sunderland at the weekend. "For them it is a very important
match and that is why we need to be careful as they are going to be fighting
very hard. They are struggling and the game is vital for them. For us if we
want to win, we must match that as we are fighting for our lives as well."
The Portsmouth match begins a run of six consecutive games against teams
outside the top six and Zola is determined to take full advantage. "We've
got 18 games to go and the ones coming up are all against teams that are
fighting like us. They all count so it will be a massive game."
With nobody having to leave and the transfer window closing in a week's
time, Zola reiterated his desire to bring in some more firepower to help
bolster his attack. He praised the efforts of the new chairmen in helping to
achieve that goal. "We need some strikers as that is the position that we
lack more than anything and then we will see what else we can do but the
priority is that. "The club are looking for some reinforcements but we
didn't speak about a budget. They are trying to strengthen the team and that
is enough for me."
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McCarthy: please release me
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
Benni McCarthy is refusing to return to Blackburn - whilst stating that he
wants to join West Ham, according to reports. McCarthy, who is surplus to
requirements at Ewood Park is thought to have been the subject of a
£1.25million bid from West Ham last weekend. Rovers are said to have told
United that a deal would not be sanctioned until a replacement for the South
African striker had been found. The 32-year-old is understood to have failed
to attend training with his club since last Thursday as a result of the
impasse and, according to Sky Sports this lunchtime, has now confirmed that
he sees his future with the Hammers as a result of having been frozen out by
Sam Allardyce. David Gold first revealed West Ham's interest in the striker
upon being unveiled as the club's new joint-owner last week.
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Zola given unequivocal backing
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
Gianfranco Zola has been told that his job is safe - for as long as
continues to deliver results. Zola, who takes his team to bottom club
Portsmouth tomorrow night for what will be West Ham's first outing since the
club was (semi) purchased by David's Sullivan and Gold has been given the
full backing of the club's new owners, despite United's current league
position. Joint Chairman David Gold, speaking this morning revealed that
Zola had been told that he is the man to lead the club forward, adding that
he had been impressed by the Italian's reaction to the part-takeover. "My
relationship with him already - and I've only met him three times - I'm
finding him very comfortable to work with, he's very measured," Gold told
Five Live. "But managers are judged by performance, by results - we're all
aware of that. "I've alluded to the relationship between the manager and
the principles of the football club - and I can tell you that's excellent
already. His ability with the media - I think he comes over as a very
accessible person, I think he delivers himself very well through TV and
radio and I think that's very good as well because it embraces the fans.
"I'm a patient person. I will at all times - and I'm sure I'm speaking for
David Sullivan as well - put West Ham United Football Club ahead of
everything. I think that Gianfranco Zola will make an exceptional manager,
given time. "I can't see any reason why that would not be the case. But how
far do you go ahead? You might ask me whether I see him with us in ten years
time, to which I'd say 'I hope so'."
Zola, whose own difficulties seem almost trivial in comparison to those of
current Pompey boss Avram Grant could welcome Carlton Cole back into the
squad for what will be the first of a string of crucial fixtures against
teams in the lower half of the current Premier League table.
Following tomorrow night's trip to the south coast the Irons face Blackburn
(h), Burnley (a), Birmingham (h) and Hull (h). A fifth potential clash with
Wolves scheduled for 2nd February has however been postponed - again - as
Wolves' FA Cup clash with Crystal Palace finished 2-2 and will therefore
require a replay on the night of the rescheduled fixture with West Ham,
which was dependent on a result in the Cup match.
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West Ham player Calum Davenport denies sister assault
BBC.co.uk
Premier League footballer Calum Davenport has appeared in court to deny
assaulting his sister. The West Ham United player, of Bedfordshire, is
charged with causing actual bodily harm to Cara Davenport, 28, in Bedford on
22 August. The 27-year-old centre back was granted bail when he appeared at
Luton Crown Court with the condition that he does not contact his sister. A
provisional date for the two-day trial was set for 2 August.
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Gold on striker search
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 25th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has revealed that he would be 'hugely disappointed' if West Ham
United failed to sign a striker ahead of the transfer window deadline. Gold,
talking to Gary Richardson on Five Live's Sportsweek show confirmed that the
deal to sign Ruud Van Nistelrooy had fallen through but insisted that he and
his partner David Sullivan were working flat out to bring someone in before
February 2nd. "The difference there, the reason he went [to Hamburg] is that
we wouldn't be prepared to pay somebody £100,000 [per week] for
one-and-a-half years - but we would for four months," said Gold. "We've done
it before, we did it at Birmingham with Dugarry for a very short period of
time - and he saved us from relegation. "I would be hugely disappointed if
we didn't bring in a striker before the window closes. Our only weakness in
the team, as we see it, is a shortage of strikers. "We played an
18-year-old boy [Frank Nouble] at Aston Villa last week and that's asking
too much. He was actually superb at times and he's got a great future, but
it's asking an awful lot of an 18-year-old. "[We're looking at] any centre
forward, any striker - with a caveat that he must be able to score goals,
because there are lots of strikers that don't score goals - and we're
listening to proposals and working very hard to bring somebody in. "But the
greatest danger was that this [Nistelrooy] deal would have gone on and on
and on, and the window would have slammed shut on us."
Despite the failure to land Van Nistelrooy, West Ham continue to be linked
with a number of strikers, the latest including Monaco's Eidur Gudjohnsen,
Stoke's James Beattie and Tottenham's Robbie Keane.
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Gold defuses 'Olympic' row
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 24th January 2010
By: Staff Writer
David Gold has dismissed an apparent suggestion by Vice Chairman Karren
Brady that West Ham United could be renamed in the event of a move to the
Olympic Stadium.
Brady, speaking in her weekend column for the Sun was quoted as saying 'I
love the idea of calling the club West Ham Olympic', which led to angry
comments from supporters who felt that Brady was referring to the name of
the team. However Gold, talking to Five Live's Sportsweek this morning
calmed fears when he confirmed that a name change was not under
consideration - but that the new stadium name may contain reference to its
former Olympic status. Speaking to Gary Richardson about the proposals,
Gold said: "You have to pursue these opportunities, they come up once in a
lifetime. It could transform West Ham. "If you ask me personally as a fan I
want to stay in Upton Park, but I'm a realist - if West Ham is to move
forward and challenge in due course maybe three, four, five years from now,
we really have to move into a state-of-the-art modern stadium.
"West Ham United would never change whilst I'm co-Chairman of the football
club, I have to say. It's what I remembered 50, 60 years ago so I wouldn't
want that changed. I think what you might do is call the stadium [the] West
Ham Olympic Stadium, I can make a case for that. "Everybody that I've spoken
to is in favour of this project, particularly now that we're on board and
they can see our enthusiasm. I've not met a single person that's been
negative about our idea. "I think what we'll be doing is looking at every
possibility. We're even looking at the possibility of retractable seating.
There's a very good example of how successful this can be with the
Manchester City stadium. You would like to try and emulate that."
Brady, whose arrival at the club has been somewhat low-key in direct
contrast to Gold and partner David Sullivan, spoke mainly of her vision for
the club post-2012 in the remainder of her generally upbeat article.
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Hammers look at Menseguez
Argentine could secure another stint in the Premier League
By Graeme Bailey Last updated: 25th January 2010
SSN
Skysports.com understands West Ham United are exploring a possible loan deal
for Argentine attacker Juan Carlos Menseguez. The 25-year-old spent the
second half of last season on loan at West Bromwich Albion and impressed in
making seven appearances for the club. He was wanted on a permanent deal by
the Baggies before Tony Mowbray left his position as manager to take over at
Celtic. Mowbray tried to secure a reunion with the San Lorenzo schemer, but
was unable to agree a loan deal before the close of the summer transfer
window. Menseguez may now clinch another stint in the Premier League as West
Ham boss Gianfranco Zola steps up his search for more attacking options.
With the Hammers facing a battle to avoid relegation, Zola is keen to
strengthen his squad, with Menseguez one player being considered.
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West Ham footballer Calum Davenport denies assaulting sister
Evening Standard
25.01.10
A Premier League footballer denied today that he assaulted his sister. West
Ham United defender Calum Davenport, 27, is accused of causing actual bodily
harm to Cara Davenport, 28, on August 22 in an incident which later saw him
stabbed in both legs. He pleaded not guilty to the offence today at Luton
Crown Court. Davenport, of Greenfield, Bedford, appeared in court wearing a
grey-brown overcoat, grey suit and black tie. He is due to stand trial at
the same court on August 2 and was released on bail on condition he does not
communicate with his sister. Ms Davenport was pregnant at the time of the
alleged incident and is due to give birth at the end of March or beginning
of April. Her boyfriend, Worrell Whitehurst, pleaded guilty in November to
causing grievous bodily harm with intent to the former England Under-21
international on August 22. Davenport was left with a 15-inch scar on his
leg after the attack and required surgery before he could return to
training. Whitehurst, 25, of Finsley Walk, Derby, will be sentenced after
the conclusion of Davenport's trial.
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Three West Ham United legends in the making
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:25 January 2010 - 12:40
Sport.co.uk takes a look at three West Ham United players who could go on to
cement legendary status amongst the Upton Park faithful…
Valon Behrami
The £5m signing from Lazio has been a revelation since his arrival in summer
2008 and has recently been linked with a £15m move to Manchester City. Now
under new ownership, the Hammers will be very reluctant to sell one of their
young stars, especially as their misguided policy of signing
aging/injury-prone starts on big wages shows no sign of abating. Beharami is
a tireless worker with no little quality and, if Gianfranco Zola can
continue to line him up in midfield alongside Scott Parker and Jack
Collison, things are bound to pick up for West Ham eventually.
Scott Parker
Carlton Cole attracts the headlines for his goalscoring exploits, while
Robert Green and Matthew Upson get the England call-ups, but the Hammers'
true on-pitch leader is former Charlton Athletic, Chelsea and Newcastle
United midfielder Parker. His all-action style has found an appreciative
home at Upton Park and he makes for a great mentor to youngsters such as
Collison and Mark Noble.
Jack Collison
Mark Noble seems to have been more of a first choice over the last couple of
seasons, but Wales international Collison looks like the greater prospect. A
technically gifted attacking midfielder, Collison may lack the defensive
attributes of Behrami and Parker but, together, they could make for a
midfield blend which you'd think would be enough to just about see West Ham
safe this season. Although anxious supporters will have heard that one
before.
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