WHUFC.com
All the early team and ticket news plus background for Tuesday night's trip
to take on the champions
22.02.2010
Manchester United v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
Old Trafford
Tuesday 23 February 2010
8pm
Referee: Alan Wiley
Introduction
• West Ham United will take on Manchester United looking to make it three
wins from three after beating Birmingham City 2-0 at the Boleyn Ground on
Wednesday 10 February and picking up a 3-0 home win against Hull City on
Saturday.
• It was the first time the club had won back-to-back matches - apart from
the final game of last season and the first of this campaign - since 1 and 4
March 2009, when the Hammers picked up 1-0 wins against Wigan Athletic and
Manchester City.
• The Hammers go into Tuesday's game 13th in the Barclays Premier League
table. Gianfranco Zola's men cannot rise in the standings as they are seven
points adrift of Blackburn Rovers in 12th, although they do have a game in
hand.
• West Ham last won three league matches in a row at the end of the 2006/07
season when they won four straight - culminating in the last-day 1-0 win at
Old Trafford.
• Zola's men twice won three games in a row last season although each run
included an FA Cup success - the most recent being the victories against
Fulham, Hartlepool United and Hull in January.
• West Ham have lost their last four matches against Manchester United,
although prior to this run had won three in a row.
• Manchesster United go into the contest - brought forward because of their
involvement in Sunday's League Cup final against Aston Villa - four points
behind leaders Chelsea, with both clubs having played 27 matches.
• This is the 110th league meeting between the two sides. Manchester United
have won 49, West Ham United have won 37 and there have been 23 draws.
• West Ham have not lost at home in the Barclays Premier League since the 5
December visit of Manchester United. Since then the club have drawn 1-1 with
Chelsea, won 2-0 against Portsmouth, drawn 0-0 with Blackburn Rovers, beaten
Birmingham City 2-0 and won 3-0 over Hull City.
• Zola's men have kept four clean-sheets in the last six league matches, and
conceded just three goals during that period.
• The most recent meeting at Old Trafford came on 29 October 2008 when Sir
Alex Ferguson had Cristiano Ronaldo to thank for a 2-0 win with goals in the
14th and 30th minutes. The match was notable for a lively second-half
display off the bench from Jack Collison.
• The lineups that day were:
Manchester United: Kuszczak, Rafael (Neville 81), Ferdinand, Vidic, Evra,
Ronaldo, Fletcher (Carrick 69), Anderson, Nani (Rooney 70), Tevez, Berbatov
Subs not used: Foster, Giggs, Park, O'Shea
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami (Boa Morte
44), Bowyer (Sears 69), Mullins, Etherington (Collison 46), Di Michele,
Bellamy
Subs not used: Lastuvka, Lopez, Davenport, Reid
• West Ham's biggest away win in the top-flight at Old Trafford was a 2-0
success on 27 November 1976. United's best home league showing against their
east-end visitors was a 7-1 success on April Fool's Day in 2000 when Paul
Scholes scored a hat-trick.
Last time out
Saturday 20 February 2010
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 3-0 Hull City
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Upson, Tomkins, Spector, Behrami, Parker,
Kovac, Diamanti (Collison 85), Franco (Ilan 63), Cole (Mido 79(
Subs not used: Stech, Da Costa, Noble, Stanislas
Goals: Behrami 3, Cole 57, Faubert 90
Saturday 20 February 2010
Barclays Premier League
Everton 3-1 Manchester United
Manchester United: Van der Sar, Neville, Brown, Evans, Evra, Park (Obertan
66), Carrick, Fletcher, Valencia (Owen 81), Berbatov (Scholes 66), Rooney
Subs not used: Foster, Rafael, Vidic, Gibson
Goal: Berbatov 16
Last meeting
• The teams last met at the Boleyn Ground on Saturday 5 December when
Manchester United won 4-0 - the heaviest home defeat suffered by Gianfranco
Zola's men this season and the last time they lost at home in the Premier
League.
West Ham United: Green (Kurucz 73), Spector, Gabbidon, Tomkins, Ilunga,
Parker, Kovac (Dyer 67), Collison, Stanislas, Franco, Hines (Diamanti 45)
Subs not used: Faubert, Da Costa, Payne, Nouble
Manchester United: Kuszczak, Fletcher, Neville (Carrick 34), Brown, Evra,
Valencia, Anderson, Gibson (Berbatov 67), Giggs, Scholes, Rooney (Owen 73)
Subs not used: Foster, De Laet, Park, Nani
Goals: Scholes 45, Gibson 61, Valencia 70, Rooney 72
Old boys
• West Ham United defender Jonathan Spector joined Manchester United as a
17-year-old in 2003. The United States international, who has a German
passport, spent two seasons at Old Trafford - making eight appearances for
the first team - before moving to Charlton Athletic on a season-long loan in
the summer of 2005. Spector left Manchester United for West Ham in June 2006
for an initial fee of £500,000.
• Manchester United have two former West Ham United players in their squad.
England defender Rio Ferdinand made 158 appearances for the club between May
1996 and November 2000, scoring two goals. Midfielder Michael Carrick scored
six goals in 159 appearances between July 1999 and May 2004.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Roy Carroll,
Noel Cantwell, Luke Chadwick, Billy Grassam, Paul Ince, Ralph Milne,
Frederick Milnes, Frank O'Farrell, Stuart Pearson, Dave Sexton, Teddy
Sheringham and Raimond van der Gouw.
Head to head
Last six meetings: (Premier League unless stated)
5 December 2010 - West Ham United 0-4 Manchester United
8 February 2009 - West Ham United 0-1 Manchester United
29 October 2008 - Manchester United 2-0 West Ham United
3 May 2008 - Manchester United 4-1 West Ham United
29 December 2007 - West Ham United 2-1 Manchester United
13 May 2007 - Manchester United 0-1 West Ham United
Overall record v Manchester United (all competitions) W 41 D 24 L 53
Referee
• Tuesday's referee will be Alan Wiley.
• Aged 49, Wiley has been a Premier League referee since 1999.
• Having learned his trade in the West Midlands (Alliance) League, Wiley
joined the Football League List of assistant referees in 1991, before being
promoted to the Premier League List three years later.
• In 2000, he was the fourth official at the last FA Cup final at the old
Wembley Stadium, which saw Chelsea beat Aston Villa 1-0.
• Since becoming a Select Group referee ten years ago, Wiley has taken
charge of the 2002 FA Community Shield, the 2006 League Cup final and,
famously, the 2006 FA Cup final between West Ham United and Liverpool.
• Wiley, who also refereed the 2008 Championship play-off final between Hull
City and Bristol City, has taken control of two West Ham matches so far this
season - the 1-0 defeat at Wigan Athletic on 12 September and the 2-1 home
loss to Everton on 8 November.
West Ham United
• The Hammers have scored all seven of the penalties they have been awarded
this season, a Barclays Premier League high.
• West Ham have scored 35 goals this season in the league with 14 different
players on target. Carlton Cole leads the way (nine), with Alessandro
Diamanti (six) and Guille Franco and Matthew Upson (three) next in line.
Jack Collison, Mark Noble, Junior Stanislas (two each), Ilan, Manuel da
Costa, the departed Luis Jimenez, Zavon Hines, Radoslav Kovac, Valon Behrami
and Julien Faubert have also registered. An own-goal from Everton's Tony
Hibbert completes the tally.
• Scott Parker has been cautioned nine times this season and Franco and
Noble five. Julien Faubert, Cole, Collison and Kovac are each on four yellow
cards, but will not be suspended if they receive a fifth as the FA
disciplinary deadline has passed. Should any player reach ten cautions
before the second Sunday in April, they will receive a two-mach suspension.
• Only Robert Green has played in every league game for the club this
season. He is on a run of 113 successive league starts. The only minutes he
has missed in that time came with his late substitution in the meeting
betwen the two clubs back in December when he complained of being unwell.
• Cole is on a run of 16 goals in 28 league starts since Boxing Day 2008
when he scored the second goal in a 4-1 win at Portsmouth.
Manchester United
• Manchester United come into Tuesday's game eager to bounce back from
Saturday lunchtime's 3-1 Barclays Premier League defeat at Everton. The loss
put the Red Devils four points behind leaders Chelsea with eleven fixtures
remaining.
• Sir Alex Ferguson's team have not suffered back-to-back league defeats
since March 2009, when they lost to Liverpool and Fulham.
• United are the division's joint-top scorers with 63 goals- alongside
Chelsea. Wayne Rooney is the champions' leading marksman with 21 league
goals from 26 appearances. Dimitar Berbatov has nine league goals to his
name, while Antonio Valencia has five.
• Rooney has scored in United's last five home league games, netting eight
goals during that stretch.
• United players have received seven red cards this season. Paul Scholes,
Nemanja Vidic, Darren Fletcher, Nani, Michael Carrick, Gary Neville and
Fabio have all received their marching orders this term.
• Scholes, with seven, has also received more yellow cards than any of his
team-mates.
• France left-back Patrice Evra is the only United player to have started
all 27 league matches for the club this season. Rooney has started 26.
Team news
• England midfielder Kieron Dyer will hope to be in contention for
Gianfranco Zola's West Ham United matchday squad after training fully again
over the weekend.
• Benni McCarthy (knee) is not expected to return before the visit of Bolton
Wanderers on Saturday 6 March while Danny Gabbidon (hamstring) is close to a
full training return.
• Herita Ilunga is not expected to play again until the middle of next month
at the earliest with a tendon injury suffered during the defeat of
Birmingham City earlier this month.
• Luis Boa Morte (knee), Calum Davenport (leg) and Zavon Hines (knee) are
all long-term absentees. Boa Morte has been doing some light training around
the Chadwell Heath pitches - having not played since his cruciate ligament
injury at the Barclays Asia Trophy in China in July.
• Manchester United will definitely be without Ryan Giggs, who is nursing a
broken wrist, and thigh injury victim Jonny Evans. Long-term absentee Owen
Hargreaves (knee) will also be unavailable.
• Portugal winger Nani is suspended after being sent-off in the 1-1 draw at
Aston Villa on 10 February, but former West Ham defender Rio Ferdinand is
available again after serving a four-match ban.
• Serbia defender Nemanja Vidic could return to partner Ferdinand after
being out since 30 December with a nerve problem.
General info
• A limited number of tickets for Tuesday's game will remain on sale until
11am on Tuesday. For further information, click here.
• For up-to-date public transport information click here.
• Tuesday's weather forecast is for a cloudy evening with a maximum
temperature of 5C.
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'We could really go places'
WHUFC.com
Scott Parker believes a strong West Ham United squad can produce the goods
at Manchester United
22.02.2010
Scott Parker says West Ham United will travel to Manchester United with
"massive confidence" following back-to-back wins over Birmingham City and
Hull City. The Hammers recorded consecutive Barclays Premier League
victories for the first time since March 2009 by overcoming Hull 3-0 at the
Boleyn Ground on Saturday. Having picked up six crucial points to rise to
13th in the standings, Parker insists a visit to Old Trafford should hold no
fear for Gianfranco Zola's side. "I said a few weeks ago when we were on a
bit of a bad run of results that, if we could put two wins back-to-back, we
could really go places. We've now got those two wins back-to-back and
hopefully we can push on. "We've got a tough game at Manchester United on
Tuesday but, if you look at our home games, they're winnable fixtures, so
we've got to keep going if we can. "We go there with massive confidence.
We've had two good results against an in-form Birmingham and we came out
worthy winners on Saturday, so we go there with confidence. We all know how
hard it is going to Old Trafford, and they're coming off a little stinging
at Everton [where the champions lost 3-1 on Saturday], but we'll go there
and see what we can do."
West Ham's improved form has coincided with a boost to Zola's attacking
options, with the return to fitness of Carlton Cole and Guille Franco,
coupled with the arrivals of Mido, Benni McCarthy and Ilan late in the
January transfer window. Parker believes the wealth of forwards at the club,
combined with a settled back-four and midfield, has been a telling factor in
the recent upturn in results. "I think, at the moment, everyone is either
fit or coming back to fitness. We've got practically a full squad, with Luis
Boa Morte and Kieron Dyer coming back. It's probably the first time this
season that we've looked so strong. "We obviously brought forwards in in
January, which is helping massively, and Coley is back and Franco came back
on Saturday, so everything is going in the right direction for us and we can
really start putting some results together now."
While Cole has scored in those two victories over Birmingham and Hull,
Parker said that the role of Franco in Saturday's win - and his potential
influence at Old Trafford - should not be overlooked. "He's a very clever
player. He drops into those little spaces which are hard to mark. He's
crucial for us, really."
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Get your mini-season ticket
WHUFC.com
Mini-season tickets for the final six home matches of the season are
available today
22.02.2010
With the 2009/10 season approaching a thrilling finale, West Ham United are
offering fans the chance to guarantee their place at the club's final six
home matches. Supporters can save up to £68 by purchasing a mini-season
ticket for the vital fixtures against Bolton Wanderers, Wolverhampton
Wanderers, Stoke City, Sunderland, Wigan Athletic and Manchester City. With
prices starting at just £170 for Adults, £80 for Students and OAPs, £55 for
Under-16s and £30 for Under-10s, fans cannot afford to miss out on this very
special offer.
BUY YOUR MINI-SEASON TICKET
CALL THE TICKET OFFICE ON 0871 222 2700
Purchasing a mini-season ticket for the final six matches of the campaign
represents a 35 per cent saving on the guaranteed price for the season. In
addition, supporters can save up to a further £10 on match-to-match booking
fees, as well as avoiding the last-minute rush for tickets. So, to guarantee
your seat for what promises to be an exciting end to the season, call in at
the West Stand ticket office before or after Saturday's Barclays Premier
League visit of Hull City. Alternatively, call the ticket office on 0871 222
2700 or buy online here. http://www.whufcboxoffice.com/
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Faubert pushing forward
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert believes he is back to his best after netting his first goal
for the club in Saturday's win over Hull
22.02.2010
Julien Faubert feels he is at the top of his game after inspiring West Ham
United to 3-0 Barclays Premier League victory over Hull City on Saturday.
Playing his 50th league game for the club, the Frenchman laid on the
Hammers' second goal for Carlton Cole with an inch-perfect pass before
adding the third with his first ever goal in a claret and blue shirt.
Faubert's 20-yard strike, which gave Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill no chance,
got his name on the scoresheet for the first time since he netted a header
for FC Girondins de Bordeaux in a 2-1 Ligue 1 defeat by Olympique Lyonnais
on 23 August 2006. "It's my first goal for West Ham and my first goal for a
long time! We played a great match. This was a big match for us and we won,
and I think we have to go forward now."
The 26-year-old said his goal was an illustration of his return to form and
fitness after a difficult first two years in east London. After suffering a
ruptured achilles tendon just days after his move to the Boleyn Ground,
Faubert struggled on his return, leading to him spending the second half of
last season enduring a frustrating loan spell at Spanish giants Real Madrid.
"I tried to score with my left foot before, but it wasn't very good, so I
tried with my right and I scored, so I'm very happy for myself and my
family. I had a bad moment in Madrid, but now I'm playing regularly so I'm
very happy. "I had a bad moment when I came here with my Achilles rupture
and I came back and I wasn't really fit when I came back. I worked hard over
the summer and came back fit and was careful about my weight and everything.
I just want to keep going now and to play regularly.
"When I went to Madrid, it was a nice experience but nobody gave me a
chance. I came back to West Ham but it's not a step down. It's just that I
want to play football. When I was in Madrid, I forgot I was a football
player, so when I came back I just wanted to be on the pitch and that's
happened. "Mentally and physically, I think I am at my best. I am a bit
older now, so I think I can go forward."
Faubert suffered the passing of his mother Elisabeth at the end of January,
and the Le Havre-born player vowed to play in her memory for the remainder
of his career. To help him along, the Frenchman has received plenty of
support from West Ham fans, many of whom sent him messages of condolence.
"It's better because I had great support when I lost my Mum. When you are
competitive and when you are fit, you get the crowd behind you. I am very
happy about this. I play for them, because they pay for their tickets and
they pay to support their team, so I'm happy. "When I lost my Mum recently,
I had a lost of emails from the fans. I also had nice support from my wife,
my son and my family. My wife helped me a lot in a hard moment, so now I
have to go forward for them. It's been hard, but I'm trying to play well in
her memory."
While Faubert's relationship with the supporters is much-improved off the
pitch, the same can be said of his relationship with his team-mates on it.
Cole has benefitted from Faubert's vision with goals in each of the Hammers'
last two games, while the full-back has also struck up a good understanding
with right midfielder Valon Behrami. "Me and Coley have some understanding.
I saw his run and I tried to give it to him. This one was a little bit lucky
because it was close to the defender, but I'm very happy because he scored.
Like I told the programme, I feel just as happy to create a goal as I do
when I score. "I can feel the game better and, with Valon Behrami, we know
each other very well. When I go forward, he covers me. I am at my best level
now."
Having recorded back-to-back victories over Birmingham City and Hull,
Faubert said he and his team-mates would head to Manchester United on
Tuesday full of confidence.
"Before, I thought we had to win Saturday's game and we did. Hull fight
against us directly, so I think it's a good result. We're going to go to Old
Trafford and it's going to be a different game, but we can get a draw or
maybe win. You don't know what happens in football, so we will try our
best."
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Diamanti delight at match award
WHUFC.com
Boostfine Mechanical Services were able to present Alessandro Diamanti with
his latest honour
22.02.2010
Alessandro Diamanti has spoken of his happiness at being named man of the
match for the 3-0 weekend win against Hull City. The dynamic forward was in
an unfamiliar left-wing position for the second game in a row on Saturday
but was tireless and dynamic for the claret and blue cause. He was presented
with his champagne by Boostfine Mechanical Services, who were the proud
sponsors of Saturday's game. "It is nice to get this award," he said. "I
thank the people for choosing me. It was a good win for all of the team, the
manager, the players, supporters - everyone."
Diamanti nearly registered with a spectacular shot from the halfway line
that had Hull goalkeeper Boaz Myhill scrambling back before tipping the ball
to safety. "I would have liked to score," he added with a smile. "Winning is
the most important thing though and so I am happy for this." The No32 will
hope to continue his run of form at Old Trafford on Tuesday but knows it
will be a tough ask. "Now we are all preparing for Manchester United. It is
difficult but hopefully we can get a good result. Everyone is confident."
Match and matchball sponsorship at West Ham United is an exciting new way to
get involved with the club and enjoy a day to remember at the Boleyn Ground.
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Legal hurdle for West Ham's 2012 stadium plan
BBC.co.uk
Ex-London mayor Ken Livingstone believes West Ham co-owner David Gold's idea
to move the club to the 2012 stadium faces serious legal obstacles.
Livingstone helped London win the 2012 Olympics arguing that the stadium
would be an athletics venue after the Games. "There's a legally binding
contract between the Mayor and the International Olympic Committee that the
stadium will be an athletics venue," he said. The IOC would also have to
approve any change in the stadium's usage. "If we had said we were building
a football stadium, we would not have won," Livingstone told BBC Radio 5
live. However, Gold has received political support for his idea from Sir
Robin Wales, the Mayor of Newham. The Newham Mayor said he "would like West
Ham to be in there", adding it was a "sensible solution".
The Newham borough is home to the Premier League team's Upton Park ground as
well as the Olympic Stadium, which will host two-thirds of the events at the
2012 Games.
Wales, who sits on the boards of the Olympic Park Legacy Company and Games
organiser Locog, said: "My view is to develop the stadium as a football
stadium in legacy and use the money from West Ham and the developers to then
build a proper athletics offer in London. He believes there could be "a
problem with the legacy" if the club did not move into the £450m stadium.
Gold maintains that a deal for West Ham to relocate there remains a "serious
possibility".
"I'm sensing an easing of the stance that it should be a legacy to
athletics," the West Ham co-owner told BBC Radio 5 live. "We have to be more
pragmatic. Do we want to have a stadium like we have at Crystal Palace which
just deteriorated and rotted away because it wasn't sustainable? "We believe
there is a serious possibility that we could strike a deal that would take
West Ham to the Olympic Stadium. "If that can be done, we would have a super
stadium that could take the club to the next level."
Gold and co-owner David Sullivan took over the cash-strapped club last month
and immediately confirmed their interest in relocating to the
80,000-capacity Olympic Stadium in Stratford as they try to improve the club
finances. Olympics Minister Tessa Jowell has insisted that keeping the
stadium as a grand prix athletics venue was one of the reasons that London
bid for the Games, and keeping the running track at the stadium to leave a
legacy to athletics in East London remained a strong commitment. The Olympic
Park Legacy Company is to shortly invite bids from businesses that want to
apply for a commercial stake in the stadium. Gold had also floated the idea
of West Ham moving to the Olympic venue and then building a separate stadium
that could be used for athletic events. "One other possibility is to abandon
the athletic idea altogether and maybe build a small athletics stadium that
can be used for ever," he said. "Not as an Olympic athletics stadium but a
regional stadium with seating facility commensurate to their requirements
which would be about 5,000."
However, UK Athletics chairman Ed Warner accused the Hammers co-owner of
being "patronising". "When we are told we can go to a little regional
athletics stadium, I think this is another example of football rather
arrogantly thinking it has all the solutions to sports problems in the UK,"
said Warner. The Games are about leaving an "iconic venue for athletes of
all ages and abilities to aspire to compete in", he added.
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Manchester United v West Ham United: Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Monday, 22nd February 2010
By: Preview Percy
We were hoping that he might have forgotten that there was a midweek match
on. Unfortunately somebody reminded him. Preview Percy takes a look at our
forthcoming trip to Old Trafford.....
Next we venture north to Salford for an 8pm kick-off against the red bit of
that part of the world.
They currently sit in second place, four points behind that other "brand"
Chelsea, having gone down to 3-1 to Everton at the weekend. The defeat was
put down by the ever cheerful "Sir" Alex Ferguson to "tiredness" following
their trip to Milan in midweek. Still no doubt they'll be happy with the Sky
money that came in as a result of the early kick-off at Goodison.
It's been a less than fluent defence of their title so far. They've won
four, drawn one and lost one of their last six. However their home form is
more impressive, having won their last five in a row since losing to Villa
on 12 December last year. However, it should be noted that Leeds picked up a
1-0 win in the Cup at the start of the year.
Much has been made of their defensive problems this season, where a settled
back four at Old Trafford has been as rare as a Mancunian accent in recent
months. The reason for this has been injuries to their first choice
partnership in the middle of Ferdinand and Vidic. Vidic was fit enough to
return to the bench at the weekend and may be available to start. Ferdinand
will also return following a four match ban following the club's cynical
manipulation of the appeal system that enabled him to play in the second leg
of the League Cup semi-final.
It'll be interesting to see what side they put out on Wednesday night. On
the one hand, they've not been above resting players in advance of major
matches. On the other, the Carling Cup is a tournament in which clubs have
been known to field less than full strength teams. So, do they rest players
in advance of a cup final or do they play all the big guns in an attempt to
close the gap on Chelsea? I suspect it will be the latter, especially in
view of the authorities' recent decision to fine Wolves for infringement of
the rarely invoked rule concerning team strength. Also, let's face it; to
them the Carling Cup is a mere bauble. The financial rewards aren't great
and they're already nailed on to finish in a so-called "Champions" League
position so European qualification isn't an issue.
We can thus expect to see the likes of Rooney starting. The spud-faced
granny botherer is in a rich vein of form at the moment, though he failed to
score against his old club at the weekend. There are rumours that he may be
given a rest on the bench for this one, though, frankly I'll believe it when
I see it.
Their goal at Goodison came from ex-Spud Dimitar Berbatov. The goal meant
that he has narrowed the gap between himself and "Own Goals" in the race to
become second top scorer behind spud face.
One player who hasn't had much of a look in of late has been Michael Owen.
Whilst his move to Salford was widely regarded as a shrewd move on Taggart's
part, it's not one that has proved to be fruitful for either party. Owen
himself has all but conceded that his lack of a run in the first team is
likely to mean that he will spend the summer watching events from South
Africa on the box like the rest of us.
In addition to Ferdinand, Michael Carrick will be the other ex-Hammer in the
squad. Such was their lack of defenders when we played them at home in
December, Carrick was drafted in to play centre back when the loathsome Gary
Neville pulled up with injury in the first half.
One star name who will be absent for this one is the evergreen Ryan Giggs.
The Welshman managed to break his elbow in the 1-1 draw at Villa earlier
this month. As injuries go it's a strange one and I'm not sure it'll catch
on in football circles in the same way as the good old-fashioned hamstring
or even the more recent broken metatarsal that David Beckham made so
popular. Another long-term absentee will be Owen Hargreaves, their own
version of Kieron Dyer.
For our part it seems likely that Benni McCarthy will miss this one again.
It would be nice if, just once, we could sign a player that doesn't get
injured. However, up front is one area in which we now have cover. Ilunga
and Daprela will also be missing through injury, along with, er, Gabbidon
and Dyer.
Zola mentioned after the Hull match that he might make changes for this one.
It would not come as too much of a surprise, therefore, were he to revert to
a 4-5-1. Assuming that the groin niggle that led to Cole's substitution at
the weekend is not a problem one might then see Franco and Noble swap places
on the bench.
Let's be clear about this. Despite the recent improvement in form, this one
will still be a toughie. Our cause won't have been helped by their defeat at
the weekend – it's rare that they lose two on the trot at the best of times,
and the fact that they will want to go into the weekend as close as possible
to Chelsea will, no doubt, prompt a reaction. Against that is the fact that
we have been improving, though the opposition will undoubtedly give a
sterner test than Birmingham and Hull were able to provide in recent weeks.
Try as I might I can't see us coming home with anything from this. Their
need for the win is just too great and the assistance that they will no
doubt get from compliant officials will probably be too much of a mountain
to climb. It'll require more than the threat of a 25% pay cut to get
anything out of this one. Free vouchers at Ann Summers might do the trick
but, in the absence of such incentives, I can see us going down 3-0 to a
Rooney-inspired backlash. Sorry.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: Lost 2-0 - a Ronaldo double was enough to sink us in a match
where we failed to show any threat as an attacking force.
Danger Man: Wayne Rooney – the way he is playing at the moment means that
the defence will have its work cut out. Also Michael Owen – if he gets on he
has a worrying goalscoring record against us. Oh and "Own Goals" who has
scored so many for them this season.
Referee: Alan Wiley – Seen earlier this season evoking the spirit of Clive
Thomas in disallowing a Carlton Cole effort up at Wigan by blowing the
half-time whistle just before the ball crossed the line. Let's hope he
remembers Taggart's accusations of a lack of fitness earlier on in the
season and acts accordingly.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Faubert enjoying fine form
Training helped defender beat bulge and earn starting place
Last updated: 22nd February 2010
SSN
West Ham defender Julien Faubert says he is in the best form possible
following his first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Hull City. Faubert
bagged the final goal in the crucial victory over their relegation rivals,
having earlier set up Carlton Cole with a superb pass to put his side in
cruise control. Valon Behrami opened the scoring for the Hammers to secure a
result that lifted Gianfranco Zola's men up to 13th in the Premier League
table and four points clear of the drop zone. It took Faubert 31 months and
50 league games to open his account for the side he joined in 2007, and the
full-back is now commanding a regular place in the starting XI. His time at
Upton Park has not always been easy for the Frenchman, however, after he
struggled to win over the fans and force himself into the first-team
reckoning. But the 26-year-old says that has changed, and he now believes he
is playing the finest football of his career after spending the second half
of last season on loan at Real Madrid. He said: "I have been waiting a long
time for that goal. Maybe it's a surprise that I haven't scored before.
"Mentally and physically I am on top of my game now, because I can get
forward more now. I am at my best level now."
The defender also revealed how he saved his career during the summer by
enrolling at a fitness boot camp. He admits he was overweight prior to the
start of the current campaign and is now reaping the benefits by playing on
a weekly basis. He added: "I was overweight. I worked hard on my fitness
last summer. I have worked hard to keep my weight careful. "My wife Pamela
booked me a week at Merano in Italy, where we went and I did some fitness
work. "I lost five or six kilos and had a good pre-season. It has worked
out. She likes it when I play regularly because I come home happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham's Carlton Cole is pure Gold when it comes to beating the drop
Published 23:00 22/02/10 By Neil McLeman and James Nursey
The Mirror
David Gold has claimed seeing Carlton Cole flogging himself to near death
has convinced him West Ham will beat the drop. The new Irons co-owner said
he thought the England striker "was going to die" after his exertions in the
win against Birmingham. Gold, who bought the Hammers along with David
Sullivan last month, admitted he is suffering "sleepless nights" trying to
keep the club up. But before tonight's daunting trip to Old Trafford, he
insisted such spirit will save the Hammers from relegation following the
weekend win over Hull. "Things are turning around on the pitch," he said.
"Getting two wins is fantastic and we are starting to get out of this mess.
"If you look at Carlton Cole, after the Hull game I thought he was going to
die. He could barely breathe. He had given absolutely everything because he
was fit but not match fit. "But when he was called on, he found the energy
and he went for it despite being barely able to stand up. "That is what I
want to see. He had given 100 per cent so once you know the players are out
there giving 100 per cent, it gives you the hope that everything is going to
be OK. I have not seen that before. "I am having sleepless night about
relegation and now I know the players feel the same way."
Gold reckoned the improved on-field performances - Cole scored again on
Saturday - were directly related to the club finally finding stability in
the boardroom. "They have been under stress," he said. "There was no
leadership. Nobody knew. It was like being on a boat and discovering that
the rudder wasn't working. "That definitely impacted on the players. They
had doubt in their minds when we first came. Slowly they are realising we
are serious people and really want the best for this football club."
Cole is relishing the chance to play United tonight, not least of all
because his role model, Wayne Rooney, is on the other side. "Wayne's changed
his game dramatically," said Cole. "I want to be the same. I want to be a
team player and a goal-scorer. "He's trying to get in the middle more. He's
not just trying to make things happen for other people.
"He's trying to get on the end of things and he's world class. "He knows
where the goal is but he's changed his game to get even more goals. "When
I'm in the England team I've seen what he can do. He's a very dominant
forward. He can do things most other people can't. "He's got so much talent.
It's all natural. I'm just happy to be in and around him and looking at what
he does, because it's marvellous. "I'd love to play with Wayne at the World
Cup - that's my main target. "
Gianfranco Zola's side have won back-to-back matches for the first time this
season to climb up to 13th place before going to Old Trafford. "Our future
is our home games," said Gold, whose club face Bolton at Upton Park next.
"We have to go away to Manchester United, Arsenal, Chelsea - bloody hell.
But you would like to think win three out of four home games and it is
pretty much job done. "We have got nothing to expect from the three away
games but then we can surprise somebody and get something. That is football.
"We need a bit of luck. When I see the players driving out of the ground in
their cars, I am thinking, 'Slow down, go easy guys'. "One injured player
could make the difference between a couple of places. You wouldn't do that
if we were in the middle of the table. "But when you are in this position,
you want all the luck to go for you."
Gold has also not given up on West Ham moving to the new Olympic Stadium
after 2012 despite Tessa Jowell insisting it must remain an athletics
stadium. "You have to be pragmatic," he said. "Do we have a stadium like we
have at Crystal Palace which just deteriorated and rotted away because it is
not sustainable?"
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Carlton Cole: Wayne Rooney has taught me so much
The Times
West Ham United striker says he has benefited from teammate's leadership
with England and hopes to play with him at World Cup
Gary Jacob
Wayne Rooney has accomplished many feats in the game, but educating Carlton
Cole is one you may not have expected to hear of the Manchester United
forward. The West Ham United striker gave an insight yesterday into how he
has benefited from Rooney's leadership and stature around the England camp.
Cole's reward may yet be to play alongside Rooney at some stage during the
World Cup finals this summer. The 26-year-old has not scored in six
appearances for his country, but he hopes to stake a claim for selection if
named in England's squad for the friendly against Egypt at Wembley a week
tomorrow. "I'd love to play with him at the World Cup," Cole said. "I'm just
happy to be around Wayne and looking at what he does because it's
marvellous. He is one of the chief boys in the squad, always in the meetings
with the seniors. When the gaffer calls the seniors in, he's in among it
with the captain and the rest of the hierarchy. He's a big player, growing
in confidence every game."
The same was once said of Cole when he plundered goals for the Chelsea youth
team. He lost his direction, focus and sharpness, but his fortunes were
largely turned around by Gianfranco Zola's arrival as manager at Upton Park.
Cole has become more aggressive and stronger at holding off defenders, and
might have had more than his nine goals this season if he had not suffered a
knee injury. "I want to change my game to score more goals in the way that
Wayne has," Cole said. "He's not just trying to make things happen for other
people, he's trying to get on the end of things."
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David Gold refuses to drop move bid
The Sun
Published: 22 Feb 2010
DAVID GOLD believes West Ham's chances of moving to the Olympic Stadium
after the London 2012 Games have improved. The Hammers, under new co-owners
Gold and David Sullivan and vice-chairman Karren Brady, have expressed
interest in relocating from Upton Park to the 80,000-capacity arena in
Stratford. Their overtures have been played down by Olympics chiefs who want
it to remain as an athletics venue. But Gold remains optimistic. He said:
"I'm sensing an easing of the stance that it should be a legacy to
athletics. "We have to be more pragmatic. Do we want to have a stadium like
we have at Crystal Palace which just deteriorated and rotted away because it
wasn't sustainable? "We believe there is a serious possibility that we could
strike a deal that would take West Ham to the Olympic Stadium. "If that can
be done, we would have a super stadium that could take the club to the next
level."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
England do it Rooney's way
The Sun
By PAT SHEEHAN
Published: Today
CARLTON COLE has revealed Wayne Rooney is the head boy whenever England team
meetings are held by boss Fabio Capello. The West Ham star has run into top
form since returning from a knee injury and has a big chance of being one of
hitman Rooney's World Cup strike partners. Cole played alongside the
Manchester United maestro for a short time against Slovakia at Wembley 11
months ago and has seen enough of him in international training camps to
realise the enormous influence he has both on and off the pitch.
Rooney made his England debut at 17 in 2003, the youngest-ever new boy until
Arsenal's Theo Walcott broke his record by 36 days. Now, at just 24,
Rooney's opinions are held in high regard by England manager Capello.
Whenever he calls meetings with senior players like Frank Lampard, John
Terry and David James, Rooney is there too. Cole, yet to score for his
country in six appearances, revealed: "Since I've been in the national team,
you can see he's one of the chief boys. "He's always in the meetings with
the seniors.
"When the gaffer calls in the seniors, he's in amongst it with the captain
and all the rest of the hierarchy there. He's a big player."
Cole has scored 16 goals in 30 league games since establishing himself as a
valued member of Gianfranco Zola's Hammers squad at the end of 2008. And he
will be looking to add to that tally when he lines up against Rooney at Old
Trafford tonight. He has seen a big change in Rooney's attitude and game -
and knows the improving Londoners will find it tough going as they try to
ease any lingering relegation fears. Cole added: "Wayne's world-class now.
Fair play to him. He has done really well. "He's a very dominant forward and
it's all natural. I am just happy to be in and around him and looking at
what he does. It's marvellous. "Wayne has changed his game dramatically.
He's trying to get in the middle more. "He's not just trying to make things
happen for other people but is getting on the end of things. He has always
known where the goal is but he has changed his game to get even more goals.
"I want to be the same. I want to be a team player and a goalscorer."
Cole faces tough opposition from Aston Villa forward Emile Heskey to make
the final cut for the World Cup this summer. But he insists he will run
through brick walls if that is what it takes to secure his place at the
tournament. He admitted: "I'm not at all confident about making South
Africa. "All I can do is keep doing what I'm doing. If I'm given the chance,
I'd like to think I'll take it. "I have to get selected first. I can only do
that if my club form is top-notch. "If we can get the blend right in the
England team, whether it be me who comes in, or Heskey or Defoe, I think the
England strike-force will be very healthy."
The Hammers will be chasing a third successive win tonight, though Cole
knows they face a possible backlash after United's surprise 3-1 defeat at
Everton. He said: "We're going to give it our best and you simply never
know. "It might be enough on the day. United are the better team but lost to
Everton. "That could work both ways. Yet we're going to go there and play
with confidence. "We have been playing well, scoring goals and keeping clean
sheets."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold plans to bite Brum
The Sun
Published: Today
DAVID GOLD is set to take legal action against former outfit Birmingham over
suggestions the West Ham co-owner is too old to be running a football club.
Gold, 73, is upset by Brum's vice-chairman Peter Pannu, who said: "When
people reach a certain age and have made their money, they should retire.
Their faculties become affected." Pannu also criticised Gold and David
Sullivan's takeover of the Hammers. He added: "They have caused an
earthquake."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Hammers eye Hart loan bid
The Sun
ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
WEST HAM are planning a summer swoop for Manchester City's England Under-21
keeper Joe Hart. The Hammers hope to leapfrog Birmingham and take Hart on
loan next season as a replacement for Robert Green. Green, 30, has indicated
he is considering his Upton Park future and may want to leave at the end of
this campaign. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan helped secure Hart's current
loan spell at his old club Birmingham and is now using his Eastlands
contacts to take Hart to East London. A West Ham insider said: "So much
depends on what Green decides to do. "But West Ham see Hart as an ideal
replacement."
Blues boss Alex McLeish is already trying to get Hart on another loan for
next season but now faces stiff competition. West Ham head to Manchester
United tonight with co-owner David Gold telling the Hammers players: Die for
the cause. Back-to-back victories have boosted confidence but now comes a
tough run, starting at Old Trafford. Gold said: "If you look at Carlton
Cole, he is not match-fit. After our win against Birmingham I thought he was
going to die. "He had given everything and could barely breathe. He had
given 100 per cent - and that is what I want to see."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Boa a goer for Hammers return
The Sun
LUIS BOA MORTE could make a shock return for West Ham before the end of the
season. Boa Morte, 32, was expected to miss the whole campaign after
sustaining anterior cruciate ligament damage during the Hammers' pre-season
game against Spurs. But the Portuguese winger has resumed light training.
And he is now hoping to play some part for the Premier League strugglers as
they battle to beat the drop.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Manchester United v West Ham United
ESPN
Updated: February 22, 2010, 3:13 PM UK
Rio Ferdinand and Nemanja Vidic could be back to bolster Manchester United's
flagging Premier League title challenge against West Ham tomorrow. Sir Alex
Ferguson has not had his first-choice central defensive partnership
available since October but with Ferdinand now clear of suspension and Vidic
over the nerve problem that has prevented him making an appearance in 2010,
both are expected to start against the Hammers.
With the Carling Cup final just five days away, Ferguson might have been
tempted to rest Wayne Rooney but that hardly seems likely in the wake of
Saturday's defeat at Everton that left the Red Devils four points adrift of
Chelsea. Nani is still suspended . As someone who has finished a champion in
each of his three full seasons since his £18.6million move to Old Trafford
from Tottenham, midfielder Michael Carrick is reluctant to let than run come
to an end. However, he knows extending it means inflicting some pain on West
Ham, the club where he started his career and who he clearly retains a lot
of affection for. "West Ham gave me my chance,'' he said. "They took me away
from home, taught me a lot of things and guided me through. "They gave me a
chance in the first team, so I have a lot to thank them for. "I still have a
lot of friends there who I like to see when I go back. "But, obviously, when
we kick off it is business as usual and I am desperate to get the win.''
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has doubts over striker Benni McCarthy. The
South African star, who signed for the Hammers on the last day of the
January transfer window, has been out with a knee problem since the 2-1
defeat at Burnley on February 10. England midfielder Kieron Dyer and
defender Danny Gabbidon (both hamstring) are not yet fully fit. Herita
Ilunga is set to miss out with a tendon injury while Luis Boa Morte (knee),
Calum Davenport (leg) and Zavon Hines (knee) are all long-term absentees.
The victory over Hull on Saturday pushed West Ham into 13th place in the
Premier League table and optimism has returned ahead of the trip to Old
Tafford. Midfielder Scott Parker said: "I said a few weeks ago when we were
on a bit of a bad run of results that, if we could put two wins
back-to-back, we could really go places. "We've now got those two wins
back-to-back and hopefully we can push on. We've had two good results
against an in-form Birmingham and we came out worthy winners on Saturday.
"We've got a tough game at Manchester United and we go there with massive
confidence. "We all know how hard it is going to Old Trafford and they're
coming off a little stinging at Everton but we'll go there and see what we
can do.''
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
David Gold still hopeful West Ham can take over London Olympic Stadium
22.02.10
Evening Standard
David Gold believes West Ham's chances of taking over the Olympic Stadium
after the London 2012 Games have improved. The Hammers, under new co-owners
Gold and David Sullivan and vice-chairman Karren Brady, have expressed
interest in relocating from Upton Park to the 80,000-capacity arena in
Stratford but have found their overtures played down by Olympics chiefs.
Olympics minister Tessa Jowell and London 2012 chief Lord Coe insist keeping
the stadium as a grand prix athletics stadium was one of the reasons
London's bid for the Games was successful. But Gold remains optimistic. "I'm
sensing an easing of the stance that it should be a legacy to athletics,"
the Hammers co-owner told BBC Radio Five Live. "We have to be more
pragmatic. Do we want to have a stadium like we have at Crystal Palace which
just deteriorated and rotted away because it wasn't sustainable? "We believe
there is a serious possibility that we could strike a deal that would take
West Ham to the Olympic Stadium. "If that can be done, we would have a super
stadium that could take the club to the next level."
Gold has even suggested West Ham could build a separate athletics stadium to
support their move to the main arena. "One other possibility is to abandon
the athletics idea altogether and maybe build a small athletics stadium that
can be used forever," he said. "Not as an Olympic athletics stadium but a
regional stadium with seating facility commensurate to their requirements,
which would be about 5,000."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
The Vetos That Will Scupper an Olympic Move
West Ham Till I Die
David Sullivan has been beating the Olympic Stadium drum again today. All
well and good, and I am in favour of it, but I do wonder if he and his
colleagues realise the fight they have on their hands.
I was on Ken Livingstone's LBC show on Saturday and during a break we had a
chat about the Olympic Stadium. He told me that there was absolutely no hope
of West Ham getting their hands on it as it would stay an athletics stadium.
Why? Because when the stadium plans were being negotiated Livingstone put a
lock on it remaining an athletics facility. For this to change, four vetos
would have to be removed. Boris Johnson, Seb Coe, the IOC and the World
Athletics Federation all have vetos and all would have to agree to a change.
I can see Boris being persuaded, but the other three? There's more chance of
Boris beating Seb Coe in the 800 metres.
Ken also told me that the Mayor's office were all set to sell the old
Parcelforce site to the club and he still thinks this would be a go-er.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CHARLES SALE: Alan Curbishley case strikes new Hammer blow to West Ham
By Charles Sale Last updated at 12:42 AM on 23rd February 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham's drastic cost-cutting has spilled over into a row about the legal
advice they were given concerning the pay-off to former manager Alan
Curbishley, whose negotiations ended with a settlement of around £2million.
The new Hammers regime, headed by David Gold and David Sullivan, are
questioning the bill from Kings Chambers in Manchester.
Their barristers advised West Ham in their fight against Curbishley, who won
his case for unfair dismissal following an 18-month stand-off. It is
understood the law firm's Paul Chaisty recommended last July that the club
settle with Curbishley for £500,000 — and the West Ham chairman Andrew
Bernhard and chief executive Scott Duxbury were in favour of such a deal.
But West Ham's influential finance director Nick Igoe led opposition against
the proposal, believing the club should not have to pay so much to
Curbishley, if anything at all. After costs, West Ham finally handed over
four times the amount under discussion in the summer. Now the club are upset
at having to fork out too much for advice they ignored.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
CARRICK RETAINS LIKING FOR HAMMERS
By Simon Stone, Press Association Sport Chief Football Writer
Sporting Life
Michael Carrick has only kind thoughts for West Ham - until Manchester
United tackle them at Old Trafford on Tuesday night that is. Carrick enjoyed
six seasons at Upton Park, even sticking with them after their relegation in
2003. Eventually the 28-year-old moved on, first to Tottenham and then
Manchester United, where he has won the title in each of his three seasons
so far. But the bond remains, which is why he is delighted a new ownership
team of David Sullivan and David Gold appears to be intent on bringing some
stability to the Eastenders. However, for 90 minutes at least, Carrick
cannot allow emotion to get in the way as United look to maintain interest
in the Barclays Premier League title battle following Saturday's shock
reverse at Everton. "West Ham gave me my chance," said the England star. "I
have a lot to thank them for and still have a lot of friends there.
"Hopefully the new owners can bring some stability, which maybe they have
not had over the last few years. "I want them to stay up to keep that
stability and hopefully progress after that. "But obviously, when we kick
off it is business as usual and I am desperate to get the win we need."
As the Hammers have not registered an away win since their opening day
triumph at Wolves, it appears unlikely they will stop United returning to
winning ways. Yet Carrick feels their squad is better than results suggest
and with a number of key men back, could turn out to be a major threat.
"They have some real talent but have had injuries at the wrong time," said
Carrick. "When they get their full strength team out they can be a match for
anyone. We are well aware of that. "Their away record has not been so good
but that will not stop them trying to play well and trying to get a result.
"They are fighting for their lives and we will have to produce a performance
if we are going to win."
Another Hammers old boy, Rio Ferdinand, is set to return from suspension to
bolster United's defence. The 31-year-old could partner Nemanja Vidic for
the first time since October given the Serbian is also expected to be
available after a recent nerve problem. Changes from Saturday are
anticipated, with Paul Scholes among those likely to be included. Sir Alex
Ferguson's biggest decision though surrounds Wayne Rooney, who has been in
such explosive form recently but appeared to be trying too hard to impress
against his old club at the weekend. Leaving Rooney on the bench would be a
brave move, even if its sole purpose would be to keep him fresh for Wembley,
but it would offer Dimitar Berbatov and Michael Owen to forge some kind of
partnership, or hand impressive youngster Mame Biram Diouf his first start.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
FAUBERT CLINGS TO WORLD CUP DREAM
By Adrian Curtis, Press Association Sport
Sporting Life
West Ham full-back Julien Faubert is determined to prove France coach
Raymond Domenech wrong and force his way back into his country's national
team. Faubert celebrated his 50th appearance for West Ham by scoring his
first goal for the club in the 3-0 win over Hull at Upton Park on Saturday.
Faubert's only cap for his country arrived back in 2006 but he is convinced
that he can force his way into Domenech's plans if he builds on his form.
West ham face Manchester United at Old Trafford on Tuesday night and Faubert
is determined to try and reach the World Cup finals this summer. "I am 26
now and at that age, you do think about the national team," said Faubert.
"When I came to West Ham the France manager didn't think it was a good
decision but I came because it's a nice club and I'm in the Premier League.
"I hope there is still time to go to the World Cup but if not, maybe I can
be in the team after that."
Faubert gestured to the heavens after scoring West Ham's third goal against
Hull in a tribute to his mother Elisabeth, who died of a brain tumour last
month. "It was hard when I lost my mum but I had lots of e-mails from
supporters," said Faubert. "I know that they are behind me and I try to play
well in her memory. "My wife helped me a lot in a hard moment, so now I have
to go forward for them. It's been hard."
Meanwhile, midfielder Scott Parker insists the Hammers go into Tuesday's
clash with United on a massive high after two successive league wins over
Birmingham and Hull.
The Hammers enjoyed back-to-back wins for the first time since March 2009
when they crushed nine-man Hull 3-0. The victory pushed West Ham into 13th
place in the Barclays Premier League and Parker says they will travel to Old
Trafford in a confident mood. "I said a few weeks ago when we were on a bit
of a bad run of results that, if we could put two wins back-to-back, we
could really go places," said Parker. "We've now got those two wins
back-to-back and hopefully we can push on. "We've got a tough game at
Manchester United and we go there with massive confidence. We've had two
good results against an in-form Birmingham and we came out worthy winners on
Saturday, so we go there with confidence. "We all know how hard it is going
to Old Trafford and they're coming off a little stinging at Everton but
we'll go there and see what we can do."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Gold confident things turning at West Ham
23.02.10 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham co-owner David Gold believes things are turning for the club on the
pitch and is supremely confident the Hammers will avoid relegation this
season. Gold used the efforts of Carlton Cole against Hull City on Saturday
as a guide to how West Ham players will continue to work hard for the club
to keep them in the top flight for next term.
"Things are turning around on the pitch," he said. "Getting two wins is
fantastic and we are starting to get out of this mess. "If you look at
Carlton Cole, after the Hull game I thought he was going to die. He could
barely breathe. He had given absolutely everything because he was fit but
not match fit. "But when he was called on, he found the energy and he went
for it despite being barely able to stand up. "That is what I want to see.
He had given 100 per cent so once you know the players are out there giving
100 per cent, it gives you the hope that everything is going to be OK. I
have not seen that before. "I am having sleepless night about relegation
and now I know the players feel the same way."
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