WHUFC.com
All the team news and vital information ahead of the final Barclays Premier
League fixture of 2009/10
07.05.2010
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United v Manchester City
Boleyn Ground
Sunday 9 May 2010
4pm
Referee: Howard Webb
Introduction
• West Ham United play host to Manchester City in their final fixture of the
2009/10 Barclays Premier League season knowing victory could see them finish
as high as 14th. City, meanwhile, must win to be sure of ending the season
in fifth place ahead of Aston Villa.
• Should the Hammers win, and Bolton Wanderers, Wigan Athletic and
Wolverhampton Wanderers not, then Gianfranco Zola's side will finish 14th.
• The Hammers have lost just two of the 14 final day matches they have
contested in the Premier League, and have not lost their closing fixture
since going down to a 2-1 defeat at Middlesbrough on 19 May 2001 - nine
seasons ago.
• Manchester City have enjoyed a good run of results at the Boleyn Ground in
recent years, winning on two of their last four visits to east London - 1-0
in December 2006 and 2-0 on the opening day of the 2007/08 season in
Sven-Goran Eriksson's first match in charge.
• West Ham won the most recent meeting between the two sides at the Boleyn
Ground, when Jack Collison's clever finish handed his team a 1-0 victory on
1 March 2009.
• West Ham United's biggest victories over Manchester City both came in the
same season - 1962/63. A 6-1 home Division One success on 18 May 1963 was
preceded by victory by the same margin in the away fixture on 8 September
1962.
• This is the 89th meeting between the two sides. West Ham have come out on
top on 35 occasions with 14 draws.
Last meeting
• Manchester City beat West Ham United 3-1 at the City of Manchester Stadium
on 29 September 2009.
• Former Hammer of the Year Carlos Tevez scored twice, tapping in Martin
Petrov's low cross after five minutes and heading in to complete the scoring
just after the hour-mark. In between, Carlton Cole had equalised by flicking
Radoslav Kovac's wayward shot before Petrov drove a low free-kick around the
wall and past Robert Green to put the hosts back in front.
The teams that day were -
West Ham United: Green, Faubert, Da Costa, Tomkins, Ilunga, Diamanti, Kovac
(Stanislas 71), Parker, Noble, Jimenez (Hines 71), Cole
Subs: Kurucz, Spector, Nouble, Payne, N'Gala
Goal: Cole 24
Manchester City: Given, Zabaleta, Toure, Lescott, Bridge, Wright-Phillips
(Santa Cruz 80), De Jong, Barry (Johnson 89), Petrov, Tevez, Bellamy
Subs: Taylor, Richards, Garrido, Sylvinho, Weiss
Goals: Tevez 5, 61, Petrov 32
Last time out
Sunday 2 May 2010
Barclays Premier League
Fulham 3-2 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Faubert (Diamanti 61), Da Costa, Upson,Spector,
Behrami (Stanislas 82), Kovac, Parker, Noble, Cole,Ilan (Franco 61)
Subs: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Boa Morte, Daprela
Goals: Cole 61, Franco 90
Wednesday 5 May 2010
Barclays Premier League
Manchester City 0-1 Tottenham Hotspur
Manchester City: Fulop, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Bridge,Adam Johnson
(Wright-Phillips 71), De Jong, Barry (Vieira 57),Bellamy (Santa Cruz 84),
Tevez, Adebayor
Subs: Nielsen, Richards, Onuoha, Sylvinho
Referee
• Sunday's referee will be Howard Webb.
• Webb began officiating in Yorkshire in 1989. Webb was appointed as a
Football League assistant referee in 1996, fulfilling the same role in the
Barclays Premier League in 1998.
• The 38-year-old took charge of his first Barclays Premier League match as
a referee in October 2003, and has since been the man-in-the-middle for a
host of high-profile fixtures.
• Webb refereed the 2005 FA Community Shield, 2006 FA Trophy final and 2006
UEFA European Under-21 Championship, as well as taking charge of his first
UEFA Champions League match in 2006.
• The former police officer was referee for the 2007 Carling Cup final and
was selected as England's representative at Euro 2008, taking charge of the
first match of the tournament between Austria and Poland and the Group D
fixture between Greece and eventual champions Spain.
• Last season, Webb was in charge of three West Ham United matches, the 3-0
loss at Manchester City in August, the 2-0 home win over Hull City in late
January, and the 2-1 final-day victory over Middlesbrough in May.
• This season he took charge of the 3-1 Carling Cup defeat by Bolton
Wanderers on 22 September, the 2-1 loss at Burnley on 6 February, and the
2-2 draw at Everton on 4 April.
Old boys
• There could be a couple of familiar faces on show on Sunday.
• Craig Bellamy scored seven goals in 24 league games for West Ham United
between July 2007 and January 2009. He moved to Manchester City for an
undisclosed fee on 19 January 2009.
• He could be joined in attack by former Hammer of the Year Carlos Tevez,
who left the Boleyn Ground to join City's great cross-town rivals Manchester
United at the end of the 2006/07 season. He joined the blue half of the city
for an undisclosed fee in June 2009.
• Other famous faces to have played for both clubs are Ian Bishop, James
Cumming, Justin Fashanu, David James, Patrick Leonard, Steve Lomas, Trevor
Morley, John Payne, Stuart Pearce, Trevor Sinclair, Paulo Wanchope and Mark
Ward.
Last six meetings
Head to head (last six meetings, league unless stated)
29 Sept 2009 - Manchester City 3-1 West Ham United
1 March 2009 - West Ham United 1-0 Manchester City
24 August 2008 - Manchester City 3-0 West Ham United
20 January 2008 - Manchester City 1-1 West Ham United
16 January 2008 - Manchester City 1-0 West Ham United (FA Cup)
5 January 2008 - West Ham United 0-0 Manchester City (FA Cup)
Overall record v Manchester City (all competitions) W 35 D 14 L 40
West Ham United
• West Ham United are seeking their third successive home win, having
defeated Sunderland 1-0 and Wigan Athletic 3-2 in their last two matches at
the Boleyn Ground.
• Should the Hammers fail to win, they will set an all-time record for the
lowest number of victories ever recorded in a top-flight campaign with
eight.
• Robert Green will complete a third consecutive ever-present league season
in the West Ham goal if he starts on Sunday. England's No1 has started 126
consecutive Barclays Premier League games. However, Green did miss 17
minutes when he was substituted late in the 4-0 home defeat by Manchester
United on 5 December.
• Carlton Cole goes into Sunday as West Ham's leading goalscorer this season
with ten - all of which have been scored in the league and nine have come
from open play. Alessandro Diamanti has netted eight times, including one in
the FA Cup third-round defeat by Arsenal.
• Should Julien Faubert start on Sunday, he will be making his 50th league
start for West Ham United.
• Manuel da Costa (pictured) made his league debut for West Ham at
Manchester City on 29 September 2009.
Manchester City
• Manchester City must win to guarantee fifth place in the Barclays Premier
League table, having missed out on a lucrative place in next season's UEFA
Champions League after losing 1-0 at home to Tottenham Hotspur on Wednesday.
• City have won only six of 18 league games away from home this season, but
are unbeaten in their last six away league matches - a run stretching back
to a 2-1 defeat at Hull City on 6 February.
• Carlos Tevez, who scored the winner for West Ham at Manchester United on
the final day of the season three years ago, has scored three times in five
matches against the Hammers since moving to Old Trafford in summer 2007,
including two for City in the reverse fixture earlier this season.
• Tevez is City's leading goalscorer with 29 in all competitions, including
23 in the league. Emmanuel Adebayor, with 14, and Craig Bellamy, with ten,
have also reached double figures.
• Tevez needs one goal on Sunday to become the second South American to
score 50 Premier League goals. The first was Gianfranco Zola's former
Chelsea team-mate and Uruguayan international, Gus Poyet.
• Bellamy actually made his debut for West Ham in the 2-0 home defeat by
City on 11 August 2007. Javier Garrido and Petrov both made their City
debuts in the same game.
• Injured goalkeeper Shay Given has started more league games than any other
City player this season with 35. Gareth Barry has started 34, while Tevez
has started 32 and appeared twice more as a substitute.
• Manchester City are unbeaten at home in the league to West Ham since April
2003, winning three of four matches.
Team news
• Jack Collison has had a knee cartilage operation and will be out of action
for around nine months. The Wales midfielder has not played since the 3-0
defeat at Manchester United in February because of the injury. He has
undergone surgery and, having begun his rehabiltation, will hope to return
as soon as he can in the new campaign.
• Collison joins Zavon Hines on the long-term injured list, with the new
Young Hammer of the Year hoping to be back in pre-season.
• Herita Ilunga and Kieron Dyer are also expected to figure fully from July
after muscle problems respectively, while Valon Behrami has a knee knock and
will miss the last game of the season.
• The manager could consider James Tomkins and Luis Boa Morte for Sunday's
visit of Manchester City after both came through the midweek Tony Carr
testimonial unscathed. It would be Boa Morte's first Premier League
appearance since the 2-1 win over Middlesbrough on the final day of last
season.
• Manchester City will definitely be without England midfielder Barry, who
has suffered an ankle injury and is expected to be out of action for a
month.
• Stephen Ireland (ankle), Michael Johnson (knee), Petrov (knee), Given
(shoulder) and defender Joleon Lescott (hamstring) are also ruled out of
Sunday's game.
General information
• Sunday's match is completely sold out.
• The weather forecast is for sunny intervals with a top temperature of
around 11C.
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Zola stresses Sunday significance
WHUFC.com
The manager is determined to get the right result to sign of a tough season
in style
07.05.2010
Gianfranco Zola has reiterated just how important the last game of the
season to everyone at West Ham United. Much of the media focus has been on
Manchester City being out of the running for UEFA Champions League
qualification, but the Hammers have the incentive of a possible 14th place
finish. Although not quite last season's ninth place, that would be not a
bad achievement with all the early-season issues to contend with. "I don't
know how significant it is for them," said the manager. "For us it is very
significant. It is the last game of the season and we are in front of our
supporters. If we win the game, we may be able to climb up the table. There
is a lot to play for and we are taking it very seriously. "It is worth money
for us to finish higher and also pride. The main objective was to be still
in the Premier League and if we can also do that we can do even better."
Zola also stressed his disappointment overall at the campaign, especially
away from home. "I am not pleased. We should have done better but I also
have to add that with the circumstances and the environment it hasn't been
easy. "That is something to be remembered when people are judging this
season but I am the manager and I take responsibility."
He admitted he had already turned some of his thoughts to next season - "I
am still the manager, it would be totally unprofessional if I didn't do
that" - but added that his future plans would be confirmed after a meeting
with the club next week. He said: "I am paid to do a job by the club and I
try to do it the best I can. That is what I have to do. I look to myself and
the rest we are going to talk about after the last match, which for me is
very important."
The City contest will also be important to the club's internationals,
although Valon Behrami misses out with a twisted knee. For the England
hopefuls, Zola said there was a chance to further their claims for Fabio
Capello's 30-man England squad to be announced on Tuesday. "If they are
called they would be ready to do the job," Zola said about Robert Green,
Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole. "They have a lot to prove. It hasn't been a
great season for West Ham so they have more to prove."
He also championed Scott Parker's cause, with the news that City midfielder
Gareth Barry is out for four weeks. "I feel for him but I think if they
decide to take Scott Parker on board, they won't be disappointed. He has
been our player of the season. "For me personally, he has been exceptional
and an inspiration for others. If you ask me I would say 'take him', but I
am his manager. I know that Fabio Capello will do the right thing."
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Collison out for nine months
WHUFC.com
The manager has confirmed that Jack Collison will miss the start of next
season after a knee op
07.05.2010
Jack Collison has had a knee cartilage operation and will be out of action
for around nine months. The Wales midfielder has not played since the 3-0
defeat at Manchester United in February because of the injury. He has
undergone surgery and, having begun his rehabiltation, will hope to return
as soon as he can in the new campaign. He joins Zavon Hines on the long-term
injured list, with the new Young Hammer of the Year hoping to be back in
pre-season. Gianfranco Zola said: "Jack had an operation the other day. He
is going to be out for nine months. We hope he comes back quicker than that.
I know he is a strong fellow and will do his best. I am sure it is a
difficult time for him."
Herita Ilunga and Kieron Dyer are also expected to figure fully from July
after muscle problems respectively, while Valon Behrami has a knee knock and
will miss the last game of the season. The manager could consider James
Tomkins and Luis Boa Morte for Sunday's visit of Manchester City after both
came through the midweek Tony Carr testimonial.
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Loan trio in action
WHUFC.com
Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson, Frank Nouble and Matt Fry all have something to play
for this weekend
07.05.2010
On-loan West Ham United defender Holmar Orn Eyjolfsson will be in action
this weekend as Belgian club KSV Roeselare battle for their top-flight
survival in the relegation play-offs. The Iceland Under-21 international is
expected to be a key figure as Roeselare take on KVSK United OL on Sunday
afternoon and on 23 May, KAS Eupen on 13 and 27 May and RAEC Mons on 16 and
20 May. The team which comes out on top of the four-team play-off group will
remain in Division One, while the other three will be in Division Two next
season. Eyjolfsson (pictured) has made 12 league and cup starts for
Roeselare, helping the club reach the Belgian Cup semi-finals for the first
time in their history. Closer to home, striker Frank Nouble will hope to
fire Swindon Town to automatic promotion from League One when the
fourth-placed Robins travel to third-placed Millwall on Saturday.
A victory at the New Den, combined with a draw or defeat for Leeds United at
home to Bristol Rovers, would see Swindon promoted. Should they fail to
finish second, Nouble's side will face one of Millwall, Leeds, Charlton
Athletic - where Hammers defender Matt Fry is on loan but yet to make a
senior appearance - or Huddersfield Town in the play-off semi-finals.
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U18s finish with win
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr's side ended their FA Premier Academy League season with a 3-0
victory over Charlton Athletic
07.05.2010
West Ham United Under-18s ended their FA Premier Academy League season on a
high with a 3-0 win over Charlton Athletic at Little Heath on Friday.
Matthias Fanimo (pictured) put the Hammers a goal up at the break before
Jack Werndly and substitute Dylan Tombides made the game safe in the second
half. Victory for Tony Carr's side ensured they will end the season fifth in
the Group A standing, with ten wins, eight draws and ten defeats from their
28 matches. Fanimo's well-constructed opener arrived on 28 minutes. Captain
Jordan Brown's throw-in was flicked on by Werndly to Cristian Montano, who
outpaced his marker before crossing low for the England U16 winger to
convert from close-range. Three minutes later, England U17 striker Robert
Hall, who had already curled one effort narrowly wide, came within inches of
doubling West Ham's advantage, only to see his 20-yard shot bounce back off
the inside of the far post. Into the second half and George Moncur, who is
on standby to join Hall in England's squad for the upcoming UEFA European
U17 Championship finals in Liechtenstein, drove a low shot straight at the
Charlton goalkeeper before Montano was denied by the same player. Home
stopper Sam Cowler was rarely troubled, but did produce a number of telling
catches and punches to clear the ball from danger. When Charlton did get
beyond centre-backs Callum McNaughton and Paco Craig, the No1 was also there
to mop up. Moncur curled another shot narrowly wide before West Ham finally
made their pressure count on 64 minutes with a superb second goal.
Right-back Jake Young and Fanimo combined before Hall's cross was dummied
cleverly by Moncur, allowing Werndly the time and space to sweep the ball
home from ten yards. It was the striker's fourth goal in his last three
matches. Eoin Wearen, who put in a series of crunching tackles in the
midfield, was next to threaten, only to see his deflected 25-yarder spin
just past the post. From the resulting Moncur corner, the Republic of
Ireland U17 midfielder saw his downward header cleared off the line. The
scoring was completed 12 minutes from time by Australian-born Tombides, who
played the ball wide to Hall before dashing into the box to flash a header
in with great aplomb at the near post. Lamar Hurley and Declan Hunt were
introduced late on by Carr, taking the total number of schoolboys to feature
to six - all of whom have agreed two-year scholarships with the club. While
Hall and, possibly, Moncur are off to Liechtenstein, Fanimo and Blair
Turgott will be on England U16 duty at the Nordic Tournament in Norway in
July.
Before then, the likes of Cowler, McNaughton, Montano, Ahmed Abdulla and
professionals Olly Lee and Jordan Spence are off to the Far East for the
HKFC IP Global International Soccer Sevens tournament in Hong Kong next
week.
West Ham United U18: Cowler, Young, Craig, McNaughton, Brown, Fanimo
(Tombides 72), Wearen (Hurley 78), Moncur (Hunt 80), Montano, Werndly, Hall
Subs not used: Larkin, Subuola
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Noble ready for old pals
WHUFC.com
Mark Noble has told Sunday's matchday programme he wants to get one over
Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy
07.05.2010
Mark Noble is looking forward to ending the Barclays Premier League season
on a high by getting one over old pals Carlos Tevez and Craig Bellamy. The
22-year-old struck up a close relationship with Tevez during West Ham
United's great escape from relegation three years ago, while the former
England Under-21 captain also enjoyed sharing a dressing room with Bellamy
for 18 exciting months. The Wales captain joined the City revolution in
January 2009, while Tevez moved to the City of Manchester Stadium after two
seasons at Manchester United last summer. On Wednesday, the pair suffered
the frustration of missing out on UEFA Champions League qualification
following a 1-0 home defeat by Tottenham Hotspur, and Noble wants to rub it
in by leading the Hammers to victory on Sunday. However, the midfielder told
the official matchday programme he would also enjoy catching up with two of
his former team-mates. "Carlos and Bellars are two of the best players I've
ever played alongside. Hopefully, they'll both be playing and it'll be nice
for them to come back and play against us. "Hopefully we can get something
against them at home. Our home form has been quite decent lately and the
fans have been fantastic. Hopefully we can do it for them again in the last
game of the season and we can all enjoy staying in the Premier League."
Sunday's programme contains a host of exclusive interviews, images and
features to mark the final fixture of the 2009/10 campaign. Chairmen David
Sullivan and David Gold look back on their first five months in charge, and
ahead to building for a better future over the summer. Hammer of the Year
Scott Parker talks about his fine personal form and determination to bring
better times back to the Boleyn next term, while the other end-of-season
award winners - Carlton Cole, Julien Faubert and Zavon Hines - also speak of
their pride at being recognised by the club's supporters. Tony Carr and
Hammers legend Paolo Di Canio talk about Wednesday's unforgettable
Testimomial Match to mark the Academy Director's 37 years of service, while
Carr also discusses the merits of the 13 youngsters who have agreed their
first scholarship contracts with the club. Manager Gianfranco Zola is
Talking Football, Interim WBO world lightweight title hopeful Kevin 'The
Hammer' Mitchell picks his all-time West Ham Dream Team, while Rob Lee is
the subject of Where Are They Now? With interviews with Cole, Carr and
reserve-team manager Alex Dyer, as well as all the statistics you could ever
need, supporters cannot afford to miss out on the official matchday
programme.
Priced at £3.50, Sunday's issue will be available in and around the Boleyn
Ground.
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West Ham & Wales' Jack Collison ruled out until 2011
BBC.co.uk
West Ham and Wales midfielder Jack Collison will be out for around nine
months after undergoing knee surgery. The 21-year-old never fully recovered
from the cartilage damage he suffered last season and has not played since
Wales' 1-0 defeat to Sweden on 3 March. "He had an operation and they told
me he is going to be out for nine months," said Hammers manager Gianfranco
Zola. "I know he is a strong fellow and I am sure he will be quicker than
that. I wish him a quick recovery." Zola has given the highest praise to the
young midfielder, a product of the West Ham youth system, in the past. His
loss will be a severe blow to Wales manager John Toshack, whose other young,
star, midfielder Aaron Ramsey is not expected back until 2011 after
suffering a horrific leg break when playing for Arsenal. In the shorter
term, Wales look particularly short in midfield for their 23 May friendly in
Croatia, Joe Allen (shoulder) having been added to their injury list this
week. The 22 May Championship play-off at Wembley takes precedence over the
Croatia match and there are Wales internationals in the squads of all four
semi-final contenders. Cardiff City have Joe Ledley, Adam Matthews and Darcy
Blake in their ranks, while their opponents Leicester have the in-form Andy
King. Rob Earnshaw and Chris Gunter feature for Nottingham Forest whose
play-off opponents Blackpool have Neal Eardley, David Vaughan and Rob
Edwards in their ranks. Wales captain Craig Bellamy is also unlikely to be
considered for the Croatia trip as he is expected to be visiting his
footballing foundation in Sierra Leone.
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West Ham v Man City
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Sunday, 9 May 2010 Kick-off: 1600 BST
Coverage: Full commentary on BBC London Online, BBC Sport website, BBC Radio
5 live, local radio, Final Score & highlights on Match of the Day
TEAM NEWS
West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami is unavailable after twisting his knee in
last weekend's defeat at Fulham. Wales international Jack Collison, who last
played for his club in February, faces nine months out after undergoing
surgery to repair cartilage damage.
Manchester City's Gareth Barry is ruled out for up to four weeks after
injuring his ankle in the loss to Tottenham. Goalkeeper Marton Fulop will
play the final match of his loan spell, while Joleon Lescott is still
sidelined.
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West Ham
Injured: Collison & Hines (both knee), Dyer (hamstring), Ilunga (calf)
Manchester City
Injured: Barry & Ireland (both ankle), Given (shoulder), Gonzalez (groin), M
Johnson & Petrov (both knee), Lescott (hamstring)
MATCH PREVIEW
While Carlo Ancelotti stands on the brink of guiding Chelsea to the title,
it has been a less successful season for the Premier League's two other
Italian tacticians. Gianfranco Zola may have kept the Hammers up, but his
relationship with West Ham's owners appears to have passed the point of no
return. Co-owner David Sullivan did not consult Zola before authorising a
£4m bid for West Brom's Graham Dorrans. Zola was also surprised to read
Sullivan's admission that every squad member, bar Scott Parker, was
potentially for sale this summer. With more than a hint of understatement,
Zola described those events as "not pleasant". There are echoes of Claudio
Ranieri's final season with Chelsea - Zola appears to be a dead man walking.
He was warmly received at Upton Park on Wednesday, when he made a
goalscoring cameo in a testimonial for academy director Tony Carr, who has
given the Hammers 37 years of service.
Failure to qualify for the Champions League left Roberto Mancini's position
vulnerable, but Manchester City chairman Khaldoon al-Mubarak has insisted he
will not be sacked this summer. Al-Mubarak says Mancini will be given "all
the tools he needs" to succeed. However, while the financial backing at
Eastlands may be virtually infinite, patience is not.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• Manchester City have won only two of their nine Premier League trips to
Upton Park. Their last win away to the Hammers was on the opening day of the
2007/08 season, when Rolando Bianchi and Geovanni scored.
• The Hammers have won only one of their last seven league games against
City, a 1-0 home victory last season when Jack Collison netted the only
goal.
• If the Hammers fail to win they will set a new club record for fewest ever
wins in a top-flight season.
• Gianfranco Zola's side are chasing a third successive home win, having
beaten Sunderland and Wigan in their last two matches at Upton Park.
• Those wins are the Hammers' only victories in their last 11 league games.
Manchester City
• City have won only six of 18 league games away from home this season.
• Carlos Tevez has scored three goals in five Premier League matches against
West Ham since leaving Upton Park, including two for City in the reverse
fixture.
• Tevez's next goal will be his 50th in the Premier League. The only South
American to reach that mark is Uruguayan midfielder Gus Poyet, who managed
54 for Chelsea and Tottenham.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
West Ham
Cole: 10 goals (10 league); Diamanti: 8 goals (7 league)
Manchester City
Tevez: 29 goals (23 league); Adebayor: 14 goals (14 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Howard Webb
Assistant referees: Darren Cann & Mike Mullarkey
Fourth official: Phil Crossley
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
West Ham (L2-3 v Fulham, a): Green, Faubert (Diamanti 61), da Costa, Upson,
Spector, Behrami (Stanislas 82), Kovac, Parker, Noble, Cole, Ilan (Franco
61). Subs not used: Kurucz, Gabbidon, Boa Morte, Daprela.
Man City (L0-1 v Tottenham, h): Fulop, Zabaleta, Toure, Kompany, Bridge,
Adam Johnson (Wright-Phillips 71), De Jong, Barry (Vieira 57), Bellamy
(Santa Cruz 84), Tevez, Adebayor. Subs not used: Nielsen, Richards, Onuoha,
Sylvinho.
MOST RECENT MEETING
Man City 3-1 West Ham (28 September 2009)
Manchester City scorers: Tevez 5, 61, Petrov 32
West Ham scorer: Cole 24
PERMUTATIONS
West Ham's highest possible finish: 14th (£5.6m)
West Ham's lowest possible finish: 17th (£3.2m)
Manchester City's highest possible finish: 5th (£12.8m)
Manchester City's lowest possible finish: 6th (£12m)
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West Ham United v Manchester City: Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Friday, 7th May 2010
By: Preview Percy
In his (thankfully) final effort of the season Preview Percy has a pop at
African football administrators, the manager of the year selection process,
Piers Morgan and, of course, Lord Griffiths. He also mentions Man City. A
bit. Applications for the post of match preview writer should be sent to the
editor....
So there we are. All done bar the shouting and just a final shake up to
establish who gets the top place before we have to start all over again in a
month or two. But enough of the General Election.
We now turn our minds to Sunday's end-of-season visit of Manchester City,
which (as with every other Premier League match) kicks-off at 4pm. The
possibility that there might be something on this match disappeared with
City's home defeat to Tottenham on Wednesday. Now I would never want a
Hammers side at any level to lose a match. I just can't do it. However, I
have to say that, had a defeat kept Spurs out of the top 4 I wouldn't have
been that upset. The decision to award Redknapp the manager of the year
award for a season where, despite the undoubted talent in his squad, his
position owed as much to Liverpool's nightmare season as it did to any of
his own efforts was a bit strange. I expect Benitez probably got a few votes
on that basis for getting the scousers into the Europa League (Pompey's
problems being responsible for qualification going down to 7th). At least
Hodgson achieved something on a limited budget on his own efforts.
It is the Europa league in which City will be strutting their stuff next
term. Which, although nice, isn't quite what the club's owners quite had in
mind when they started pumping money straight from the oil well into
Eastlands. The owners got cheesed off with Mark Hughes back in December,
handing him a pre-Christmas present of a P45. In came Mancini with his
scarf. Champions league football looked on the cards until that lousy match
against Spurs saw them blow it.
They will be missing a decent 'keeper in Shay Given, who sustained a
dislocated shoulder (pause to wince) in the 0-0 draw at the library. The
loan of Joe Hart to Birmingham and injuries elsewhere in the squad meant
that Mancini had to get permission to bring in Sunderland 'keeper Marton
Fulop on an emergency loan for the last few matches. I presume that Fulop
will start on Sunday, though a start for Faroe Islander Gunnar Nielsen is an
outside bet for a first start given the total lack of importance of the
match. Nielsen was on the bench when Given (wince again) sustained his
injury.
There are ex-Hammers of note amongst the visiting squad. Craig Bellamy's
departure in January 2009 was controversial. Stories suggesting that the
Welsh striker had refused to play for the club turned out to be false. So
false in fact that what we used to call Fleet Street were forced to print
apologies. Of course the newspaper industry in this country being what it
is, whilst the original "Bellamy On Strike" headlines were printed in
two-feet tall bold shouty-out fonts, the apologies, such as they were, were
printed in the form of a microdot contained within a full stop. Some papers
made doubly sure that the retraction wouldn't be read by anyone by including
the full-stop at the end of a paragraph written by Piers Morgan.
Bellamy has recently made nice noises about his time at the Boleyn, stating
that our result is the first that he and Tevez look for post-match. They
won't have to look far this weekend. Which brings us to Tevez. Now he's
obviously lost all his skill and inventiveness from the days when he was
legally adjudged by the ignorant Lord Griffiths to have been capable of
winning matches all on his own. Of course he'll always be revered around
here for his part (Griffiths please note the use of the word "part" or have
your carer explain it to you) in the "Great Escape" season. He invariably
seems to score against us but always keeps the badge kissing stuff down to a
minimum when he does. Tevez is, of course, assured of a decent reception.
However, Bellamy may see a change in attitude as more supporters realise
that not all they have read about him was entirely true.
One player whose experiences in recent months put most football hassles into
perspective is Emmanuel Adebayor. Adebayor was on the bus that was attacked
by terrorists en route to the African Cup Of Nations. The attack killed
three people. Only slightly less disgraceful than the attack itself was the
reaction of the inherently corrupt Confederation of African Football. Right
from their initial statement to the effect that the Togo team "should have
travelled by air" through to their breathtakingly rotten decision to ban
Togo from future tournaments for withdrawal from the Angola tournament the
CAF really covered themselves in glory. Thankfully, in a rare attack of
sanity from the equally bent Sepp Blatter, Blatter's puppet Issa Hayatou has
graciously decided to wave his magic wand to allow Togo back into formal
competition. Presumably the words "don't do it again" will complete the
letter. Admittedly none of this has much to do with Saturday's match but it
does make my blood boil nevertheless and I figured I was entitled to one
last pointless rant at the end of the season.
Having had a calming cup of Horlicks, I return to normal service by pointing
out that the visitors will be missing Gareth Barry, whose ankle injury may
also make him a doubt for the early stages of some tournament that's taking
place in June. South Africa I believe but don't quote me. Another absentee
will be Stephen Ireland. Ireland has been expressing doubts about his future
at Eastlands which is a bit of a shame really. Presumably, there is no place
in amongst the multi-zillion pound signings for someone who has come up
through the ranks. Ireland has had personal issues in the past (see previews
passim) but seems to have settled down a bit, though the car that he bought
his other half does go to show that footballer + too much money = zero
taste.
So what of us. Well I expect that, like me, you all can't wait for the
season to end. It's been a rotten 9 months – from start to finish. Just for
a change we'll have a number of players out injured. Collison's knee is now
going to keep him out until the new year. Hines is another long term
absentee. Also missing again will be Ilunga (knee), Behrami (knee), Tomkins
(ankle/foot) and Dyer (Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovolcanoconiosis).
Tomkins, however, did have a run out in the Tony Carr testimonial so he may
be on the bench.
And so to the final prediction of the season. We are on a hat-trick for home
wins I suppose. I was, however, going to go for 6-6 but Motherwell and Hibs
beat me to it . I'm afraid I can only see the season grinding to a halt with
a dull depressing defeat – I'll go for 3-1 to them as both Bellamy and Tevez
get themselves on the scoresheet.
Enjoy the game – and have a great summer!
Last season - won 1-0 Collison's goal after a Savio shot (remember him?) was
half-saved by Given was enough for all three points.
Referee - Howard Webb Somehow he is considered to be our best official,
which, based on his "performances" this season, means that it's likely that
it won't just be English players who may be embarrassing in South Africa.
Danger Man/Men – Tevez & Bellamy You just KNOW they're going to score don't
you.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham v Man City preview
City and Hammers have little to play for at Upton Park
Last updated: 7th May 2010
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: West Ham 2 Man City 2
SKYBET odds: West Ham 7/2, Draw 5/2, Man City 4/5
One to watch: Carlos Tevez
Manchester City take the field against West Ham on Sunday having already
failed in their bid to finish in the Premier League's top four this season.
City were beaten 1-0 by Tottenham at Eastlands on Wednesday night as they
saw all hope of a place in next year's UEFA Champions League vanish before
their eyes. They trail Spurs by four points going into the final weekend of
the campaign and may lack motivation travelling to Upton Park. Roberto
Mancini's men need a point to assure themselves of fifth and will want to
end on a high note. The Italian has shown his desire to stay on as boss but,
as his brief when taking the reins from Mark Hughes was to secure a top-four
berth, there may be further developments on the managerial front this
summer. There is no doubt that City will still want to flex their financial
muscle once the transfer window re-opens so a number of players may be
playing for their future in East London. The Hammers, meanwhile, are clear
of relegation and also have little to play for, so there may be a decidedly
relaxed atmosphere in and around Upton Park this weekend. But like City, it
remains to be seen if their Italian manager will be at the helm next season.
Gianfranco Zola has at times looked like a man with the weight of the world
on his shoulders and having led his side to safety he may opt to step down
once the final whistle goes on Sunday. West Ham are currently one place
above the relegation zone but if they beat the Blues and other results go
their way, they could finish the season as high as 14th.
Team news
Valon Behrami has been ruled out for the home side. The Switzerland
international twisted his knee in the defeat at Fulham and joins Herita
Ilunga (thigh), Zavon Hines (ankle) and Jack Collison (knee) on the
sidelines. Zola confirmed on Friday that Collison faces nine months out
after undergoing surgery to repair cartilage damage.
Gareth Barry will miss the game after suffering an ankle injury in the
midweek defeat to Spurs. Mancini estimates it could rule Barry out for four
weeks, placing his hopes of being fit for the World Cup in peril. Stephen
Ireland (ankle) will also miss out for City. Carlos Tevez returns to the
club where he is revered for keeping the Hammers in the Premier League in
2007.
Possible starting XIs:
West Ham: Green, Upson, Da Costa, Spector, Daprela, Parker, Kovac, Noble,
Faubert, Cole, Franco.
Man City: Fulop, Bridge, Toure, Zabaleta, Kompany, De Jong, Vieira, Johnson,
Bellamy, Tevez, Adebayor.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Spector supports Zola
Hammers defender relieved to stay up
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 7th May 2010
SSN
West Ham defender Jonathan Spector insists the whole squad want to see
Gianfranco Zola remain as Hammers manager. Zola's future at Upton Park has
been the subject of constant speculation after a disappointing campaign. A
number of names have been linked with replacing Zola in the Hammers hotseat,
but Spector feels the Italian has the backing of all the players in the West
Ham squad. "We as players don't know what is going to happen with the
manager," Spector told skysports.com. "But it is clear that all the players
like him as a person and as a manager. "We are behind him and I think our
celebrations against Wigan showed our solidarity with the manager. "The
manager believed in us and we believed in him."
Spector admits West Ham have underachieved this season and that their
survival came as a huge relief after a tense campaign. "Staying up was a
massive relief as it has been a stressful season," added Spector. "There was
a lot of uncertainty around the club and it seems West Ham were getting more
bad publicity than other teams so the team did well to stick together. "It
has been a poor season, as definitely we could have done better. "We have a
number of great players and we feel we did not hit the heights this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Collison suffers major blow
Hammers youngster sidelined for nine months after op
Last updated: 7th May 2010
SSN
West Ham midfielder Jack Collison is set to be out until next year after
recovering from knee surgery. The 21-year-old suffered cartilage damage
last season and has not been able to fully shake off the problem ever since.
He has started 20 games for the Hammers this term although his last outing
was an international fixture for Wales against Sweden in March. Manager
Gianfranco Zola said: "He had an operation the other day and they told me he
is going to be out for nine months. "I know he is a strong fellow and I am
sure he will be quicker than that. I wish him a quick recovery." Collison, a
former Peterborough and Cambridge youngster, has been tipped as a rising
star and will want to get over this severe setback as soon as possible.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola to discuss future
Hammers boss to sit down with owners after City clash
By James Riach Last updated: 7th May 2010
SSN
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola has revealed he will meet with the club's
owners next week to discuss his future. Zola has guided the Hammers to
Premier League safety this season but the last few months have seen the
pressure build on the Italian. Since the arrival of co-owners David Sullivan
and David Gold, Zola's position at Upton Park appears to have been strained
and reports suggest there may be a parting of the ways once the current
campaign comes to a close. The East London outfit take on Manchester City in
the final game of the league season on Sunday and Zola says he will be doing
his utmost to win the game, before the scheduled meeting next week. "I need
to focus on the game and then I will talk to the club and we will see what
the outcome is going to be. We are going to meet some time next week," he
said. "I am a professional person. I am paid by the club to do a job and I
try to do it as best I can. "I am not going to give any excuses, we should
have done better this season. I was expecting more. "But I have to add that
the circumstances and the environment have not been easy and people should
remember that when they judge the season. "I am the manager. I am not trying
to justify anything, just telling the truth. "I look at the job I have done
and I say, yes I should have done better. I don't take defeats very well but
it will make me stronger. "I look into myself and the rest we will talk
about after the last match."
City's midweek defeat to Tottenham means they can no longer finish fourth
and secure UEFA Champions League football for next year. But Zola believes
that while some may say compatriot Roberto Mancini has failed at Eastlands,
he insists that it is extremely tough to qualify for Europe's elite club
competition. "For the amount of money Manchester City have spent you might
say it hasn't been a good season," he added. "But you have to consider the
four teams that qualified for the Champions League - Chelsea, Manchester
United, Arsenal and Tottenham. "I said right at the beginning of the season
that Tottenham were on the same level as Manchester (City), looking at the
players and squad they have. "To see them getting into the Champions League
was no surprise to me. Manchester City maybe should have done better but
Tottenham in the last few games were unbelievable."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Franco deserves another season
The Sun
Published: 07 May 2010
JONATHAN SPECTOR insists West Ham's players want Gianfranco Zola to remain
in charge. Hammers boss Zola is expected to either quit or be sacked by
co-owners David Sullivan and David Gold at the end of the season. But
Spector, 24, believes the Italian deserves another crack after keeping the
Londoners in the Premier League. The defender said: "We as players don't
know what is going to happen with the manager. "But it is clear that all the
players like him as a person and as a manager. "We are behind him and I
think our celebrations when we secured safety by beating Wigan showed our
solidarity with the manager. "The manager believed in us and we believed in
him." Spector admits West Ham have massively underachieved this season. But
he does not feel Zola is to blame for the club's current lowly position of
17th with just one game left to play. The ex-Manchester United player added:
"Staying up was a massive relief as it has been a stressful season. "There
was a lot of uncertainty around the club and it seems West Ham were getting
more bad publicity than other teams, so the team did well to stick together.
"It has been a poor season as we definitely could have done better. "We have
a number of great players and we feel we did not hit the heights this
season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola cannot save his job
The Sun
By STEVE PAGE
Published: Today
GIANFRANCO ZOLA has admitted he does not have a clue how to save his job at
West Ham. The Boleyn boss is due to meet co-owners David Gold and David
Sullivan next week. And the Chelsea legend, who still has three years left
on his contract, knows he is facing a real struggle to convince them to keep
him on after a wretched season. Zola said: "I am not very good at promoting
myself and if you ask me what I am going to say, I honestly don't know. "I
am the manager and I will talk about my future when the season has finished.
"There is no point in me saying I want to stay or not. Let me talk to the
club first." Zola, whose side host Manchester City tomorrow, added: "I
expected more from this season and I'm not pleased. "But the circumstances
and environment have not been easy and people should remember that when they
judge the season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Karren Brady's football Diary
The Sun
KARREN BRADY - First lady of football
Published: Today
FOOTBALL'S First Lady and West Ham vice-chair KARREN BRADY on giving fans a
financial helping hand, dressing room battles, a big joker, a Champions
League newcomer with England potential and a manager who may need divine
intervention.
Saturday, May 1
THE fall of the house of Anfield is emphasised by the squabble to replace
them in the Champions League, narrowed down today to Tottenham and
Manchester City. I fear for Liverpool's immediate future. But for a year at
least - until Arab money ensures City feature annually in the top four, as
it surely will - there is some spice to the Premier League beyond Manchester
United or Chelsea for the Championship and the ferocious pass-the-parcel
among the extras at the bottom of the table. I may be Arsenal by family
inclination, yet in this instance I want Spurs to win out. They have tried
to build with the usual red bricks and not the gold bricks provided by Abu
Dhabi.
Sunday, May 2
MY policy change in election week is to keep down the cost of going to
matches. West Ham have announced no rise in the price of season tickets,
except for the VAT. A few years ago, every extra turnstile pound was crucial
to an ambitious club. While match receipts remain important, it is
ridiculous to pretend we cannot let fans share, to some extent, in the
riches from TV. Why give them all to players? A thought which struck me even
harder as I read the players' Rich List today. Gareth Barry is one. Barry is
an excellent professional. But he is being paid £4.2million-a-year, for
goodness sake. Many people are facing a tough time in the next few years and
it would be madness for football bosses to shut them out of grounds for the
sake of a few quid a head.
Monday, May 3
I HAVE never had a desire to go into a players' dressing room. But it would
be fun to be a fly on the wall in Stoke City's. Wow. Head butts, fights,
manager Tony Pulis doing his Vin Diesel bit while James Beattie, Tuncay
Sanli and now Dave Kitson fume angrily in the corners. Who needs Precinct
52?
Tuesday, May 4
JAMES CORDEN is the comedian at our Player of the Year dinner - worthy
winner Scott Parker - and is very funny. Amongst many good-hearted jokes, he
claims Mido has not attended as there is only one meal per person and he is
eating for 10. He adds that Benni McCarthy wants to lose a stone and a half
by running to the venue but will not arrive until next Tuesday! The 1980 FA
Cup final winning team attend. I can't help thinking how proud they are to
be Hammers, whereas some current players no longer have anything like the
degree of loyalty or love of the club.
Wednesday, May 5
TONY CARR'S team of West Ham graduates in his starting XI for his
testimonial tonight reads: Stephen Bywater, Glen Johnson, Paul Konchesky,
Rio Ferdinand, John Terry, Paul Ince, Frank Lampard, Mark Noble, Jermain
Defoe (absent at Eastlands), Tony Cottee, Joe Cole. Dozens more were
available. Academy director Tony began as a part-time coach 37 years ago and
has not stopped turning out fine young players since. He has proved more
valuable than any of them.
Thursday, May 6
ONE goal makes the difference between hero and Nero. There was Harry
Redknapp making the Champions League in triumph last night and Roberto
Mancini fiddling with his scarf as Manchester City burned. But talk today of
the Italian being sacked is ridiculous. He has been manager at Eastlands for
only four or five months. Emmanuel Adebayor spends longer at his
hairdresser. Now think of this. Harry or Roy Hodgson as the next England
manager after Fabio Capello.
Friday, May 7
BILLY DAVIES to meet the Pope. It could happen according to the Forest
manager, when in March he was fancifully considering his prize for promotion
to the Premier League.
I am looking at who might be our 19th opponents next season. If it is
Forest, Billy might recall his Derby debacle of a few years ago and think he
will need to be the Pope's boss to find the cash to stay up. Another East
Midland team with Lazarus-like powers, Leicester, have every chance of being
Forest's rivals in the Championship play-off finals. Their boss Nigel
Pearson and Davies have both done brilliant recuperative work. But as they
would both vouch from experience, Wembley victory would not be the end of a
mission but the start.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Jack's Hammer blow for Zola
The Sun
Published: 07 May 2010
JACK COLLISON is ruled out for NINE MONTHS after undergoing knee surgery.
The West Ham midfielder, 21, never fully recovered from the cartilage damage
he suffered last season and he has not played since Wales' 1-0 defeat to
Sweden on March 3. Hammers boss Gianfranco Zola said: "He had an operation
the other day and they told me is going to be out for nine months. "I know
he is a strong fellow and I am sure he will be quicker than that. I wish him
a quick recovery." Zola's own future remains a matter of fevered speculation
but he will not discuss the issue until his meeting with club owners David
Gold and David Sullivan next week. He successfully negotiated a turbulent
campaign to keep West Ham in the Premier League and a victory over
Manchester City on Sunday could see them side finish as high as 14th. But he
has accused joint-owners David Gold and David Sullivan of undermining his
position after clashing with the owners over a number of issues in recent
weeks. Zola only discovered West Ham had made a bid for West Brom's Scotland
midfielder Graham Dorrans after it was reported in the newspapers. And the
Italian was equally surprised to hear Sullivan reveal in an interview that
every member of the squad had been put up for sale, bar Scott Parker. Those
differences will have to be ironed out if the Italian is to stand any chance
of staying at Upton Park
He said: "I need to focus on the game and then I will talk to the club and
we will see what the outcome is going to be. We are going to meet some time
next week. "I'm a professional person. I'm paid by the club to do a job and
I try to do it as best I can. "I'm not going to give any excuses, we should
have done better this season. I was expecting more. "But I have to add that
the circumstances and the environment have not been easy and people should
remember that when they judge the season. "'I'm the manager. I am not trying
to justify anything, just telling the truth. "I look at the job I have done
and I say, yes I should have done better. I don't take defeats very well but
it will make me stronger. "I look into myself and the rest we will talk
about after the last match."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Zola: I'm to blame for West Ham's struggles this season
Published 23:00 07/05/10 By Nick Ive
The Mirror
Gianfranco Zola admits he is responsible for West Ham's stuttering season as
he prepares for what is likely to be his final game in charge of the
Hammers. Although the Italian managed to keep his side in the Premier
League, the Londoners have failed to live up to expectations as they flirted
with relegation for much of the campaign. Zola will meet with owners David
Gold and David Sullivan next week to find out his fate, but it is expected
he will be given his marching orders. Pompey boss Avram Grant, former
Hammers favourite and Mark Hughes are all potential successors. Zola held
his hand up to making mistakes, but refused to be drawn on his future. He
said: "I don't know what they are going to say. I am not very good at
promoting myself, but we will see what the outcome is when we are there. If
you ask me what I am going to say I honestly don't know.
"I am the manager and I am going to talk about that when the season has
finished. There is no point in me saying whether I want to stay or not. Let
me talk to the club first,
"I was expecting much more from this season, but I thought he circumstances
haven't been easy so that should be remembered. "I am the manager and I am
responsible. I look at the job I have done and what I should have done
better and yes I should have done better. I came to this conclusion and come
the end of the season I will analyse it even more."
Despite West Ham's disappointing season, the Hammers fans still showed their
support for under-fire Zola during Tony Carr's testimonial on Wednesday
night. "It was fantastic," admited Zola. "It meant a lot because at the end
of the day people are allowed to doubt my job because it might not have been
good, but the one thing is the passion, work and effort we put into the job
was massive and the people understand that." West Ham, who host Manchester
City tomorrow, will be without Jack Collison for up to nine months after the
Wales international underwent surgery on his cartilage this week.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Upson: I'm tempted by new three-year West Ham deal
Published 08:36 07/05/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Matthew Upson admits he could be tempted to stay at West Ham after being
offered a three-year deal. The 31-year-old has been linked with Manchester
City, Tottenham and Liverpool. But the defender relished the
responsibility of being handed the captaincy at Upton Park and has enjoyed
the pressure of keeping West Ham in the top flight.
Despite the uncertainty surrounding the long-term future of boss Gianfranco
Zola and the financial mess which the club – bought in January by David
Gold and David Sullivan – is in, Upson is not a certainty to go. Upson said:
"I'd rather play for a club that's demanding and has the harsh realities
that come with playing here. I enjoy it here because you have to give
everything each time you play. "There's been a lot of pressure. Aside from
the relegation battle, there's the general pressure of what's expected from
us every time we run out on that pitch. I've always said I enjoy that. "It's
been a turbulent time but we've come through."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham manager Gianfranco Zola to meet with co-chairmen to decide his
future
Gianfranco Zola will meet West Ham United co-chairmen David Sullivan and
David Gold on Tuesday to decide whether he remains as manager of the Premier
League club.
Telegraph.co.uk
By Jason Burt
Published: 6:47PM BST 07 May 2010
Gianfranco Zola's future as manager of West Ham will be decided next week .
The mood at West Ham has been so fractious, since the takeover in January,
that it appears inconceivable that Zola will stay in charge. It is thought
that only the manner of his departure from his post needs to be decided. The
Italian signed a three-year deal in May 2009 and is paid around £1.9 million
a year. It is understood the terms of his contract stipulate he is entitled
to a pay-off of one year's salary should he be sacked, which will be an
amount that Sullivan will not want to meet. On Friday Sullivan refused to
discuss the meeting which has been rescheduled from Monday, the day after
West Ham's final league match, at home to Manchester City. Portsmouth
manager Avram Grant is lobbying hard to take the job, should Zola leave, and
it may be indicative of West Ham's intentions that they are considering
moves for players such as Kevin-Prince Boateng and Jamie O'Hara, who have
spent this season at Fratton Park. There is still a hope at West Ham that
Zola – who enjoys the full support of the players – may stay but that would
only happen if he is given a series of guarantees from Sullivan, which
appears unlikely. On Friday Zola would not be drawn on his future although
he has been furious with Sullivan over a series of public statements, such
as putting the entire squad, bar Scott Parker, up for sale and bidding for
players without the manager being informed. "I need to focus on the [City]
game and then I will talk to the club and we will see what the outcome is
going to be. We are going to meet some time next week," Zola said.
Meanwhile, midfielder Jack Collison is set to be out of action until the new
year after undergoing knee surgery. The 21 year-old never fully recovered
from the cartilage damage he suffered last season and he has not played
since Wales's 1-0 defeat to Sweden on March 3
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Lasagne, Will Upson Stay and is this an Opportunity for Parker?
West Ham Till I Die
What's wrong with the statement below?
'Four years ago a dodgy lasagne cost Tottenham their rightful place in the
Champions League.'
Perhaps the fact that a good West Ham team had a significant role in
stopping them with a well deserved 2-1 victory!
This opening copy from David McDonnell's piece on Spurs defeat of Man City,
in Thursday's Sports Mirror, is typical of a certain assumption that it was
only the effects of the dodgy lasagne that determined their defeat at Upton
Park. Indeed, it is pregnant with the erroneous assumption that West Ham
could not have possibly beaten Spurs but for the so-called 'Lasagne factor.'
It annoys me, because it ignores the fact that West Ham had beaten better
teams than Spurs in the course of that 2005-06 season.
Elsewhere, Matt Upson is reported to be considering signing a new three year
deal on his existing terms. He has been quoted as stating that he enjoys
the responsibility of the captaincy and giving his all on the pitch.
Personally, I think that Upson is a good centre-half and I do have my doubts
whether, if he left, we would secure a player of comparative quality.
However, in his recent public statements, he does appear to be fooling
himself about his form this season. In the previous two seasons he has
shown excellent form and been very consistent, but arguably those standards
dropped this season. If he signs and gives 100% to get back on form then
fine, but regardless, I have to agree with those that argue that the club
captaincy next season should definitely go to Scott Parker.
Talking of defenders, it has been reported that Luke Young is seeking a move
away from Villa and a return to London. Young would be a good signing for
us and would add a conventional right-back to the squad. How long overdue
is that signing?
Finally, there is also a report that Gareth Barry has an ankle injury that
is likely to rule him out of the England World Cup Squad. Whilst I
sympathise with Barry missing out, perhaps it will now open up an
opportunity for Scott Parker. Parker has been in excellent form this season
and a call up would be richly deserved for Hammers talisman midfielder.
I think that Green and Upson are nailed on for inclusion in the England WC
Squad. It is more than possible that Carlton Cole will end up being edged
out of the final 23, but hopefully he will get the nod as well. However, if
Capello genuinely believes that players should be picked on form, then that
necessitates Parker's inclusion. After all, there have been few English
midfielders in as good form as Parker this season!
SJ. Chandos.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Defoe questions Hammers stance over Carlton Cole
Sport.co.uk
Author: Ben Moss
Posted on:07 May 2010 - 13:52
Tottenham Hotspur striker Jermain Defoe has questioned West Ham United's
decision to put Carlton Cole up for sale. The striker believes David
Sullivan's recent comment that whole of the Hammers playing staff was
available for transfer, aside from Scott Parker, could come back to haunt
his old club. The prolific Tottenham Hotspur forward suggests Fabio Capello
does not pick bad players and therefore queries why West Ham United, a club
that narrowly avoided relegation this season, would place one of their star
players on the transfer list. Defoe believes Cole and many of his Upton Park
colleagues could become disillusioned with Sullivan's stance, even if the
club then decide to keep them. Defoe suggests Sullivan's latest comments
could result in a number of West Ham United's players losing motivation.
The White Hart Lane star, who has scored 18 Premier League goals for
Tottenham Hotspur this season, wonders what may happen if Carlton Cole is
selected for the World Cup and subsequently showcases his undoubted ability.
The forward intimates West Ham United's policy of placing the majority of
their squad up for sale will then come back to haunt his old team. The
Tottenham Hotspur star told mirrorfootball.co.uk: "The World Cup could see
West Ham regret including Carlton Cole among the players they are willing to
sell this summer. " "I know Carlton having played with him for England and I
can tell you first hand that he is an excellent striker." "His goals have
been vital for the Hammers this season." "He has got a great first touch and
he offers so much in terms of the way that he holds up the ball up brings
other people into the game." "Why else would Fabio Capello bring him into
the squad this season and keep calling him up? To be in the England
manager's thoughts you have to be at the top of your game. You have to be
something special." "So I am surprised. Carlton clearly has something to
offer and only injuries this season have prevented him from scoring more
goals." "West Ham have effectively put him in the shop window." "But what
will they do if he goes to South Africa and scores at hatful of goals?"
"They might decide to keep him and by then it might be too late." "Worse
still, they could end up replacing Carlton with the kind of player that does
not have the same affinity for the Hammers that he has." "West Ham are a
family club with fantastic fans who pay good money and appreciate it when
you work hard." "That's why they have taken the young players such as Jack
Collison, James Tomkins and Mark Noble to their hearts." "They love the
club, they understand the culture and the supporters. They have come through
the ranks and they will be gutted to leave if that ends up being the case."
"And yet this season has been difficult for them. I know first hand from
playing in a relegation season that sometimes you can't express yourself as
you would like." "They have been playing under a lot of pressure all season.
But that does not make them bad players." "Telling the world they are all
for sale? Well, its like any job. If you find out you are not wanted then
your motivation dips." "Are you really going to run that extra mile? Are you
really going to stay behind in training to improve yourself for the games
ahead if you know that in the summer you will be gone anyway? Because I have
seen that happen with players." "Thankfully for Coley, he won't go down that
route because he is a strong character and he has the World Cup as his
motivation. He will come back from this an even stronger person"
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