Fanimo fires England
WHUFC.com
Matthias Fanimo scored as England U17s defeated Dylan Tombides' Australia
29.08.2010
Academy midfielder Matthias Fanimo set England on their way to a 4-0 victory
over Australia at the FA International U17 Tournament. The speedy winger
opened the scoring at Grimsby Town's Blundell Park as John Peacock's side
built on their opening 2-2 draw with Portugal. Fanimo opened the scoring six
minutes before half-time in front of a 2,040-strong crowd, paving the way
for a win that saw England climb to the top of the four-team tournament
table.
Courtney Meppen Walters, Raheem Sterling and Nick Powell added further goals
to wrap up a convincing success. Fanimo was not the only West Ham United
player on show, with forward Dylan Tombides starting the game for the
Australians. Indeed, Tombides had the Joeys' best chance, firing a
long-range shot narrowly over the crossbar before his club-mate's opener.
When it arrived, Fanimo's goal was a memorable one, with the teenager
cutting in from the right wing before smashing an unstoppable left-foot shot
in off the far post. England face Turkey in their final match at Scunthorpe
United's Glanford Park on Sunday, while Tombides and the Australians
complete their challenge by taking on Portugal. Further afield, Hammers
Academy forward Danny Purdy was introduced as an early substitute as
Republic of Ireland U18 were beaten 3-0 by Ukraine at their second match of
the Jezek International Tournament in Czech Republic. The Irish, who began
the tournament with a 2-0 defeat by the host nation, will face Hungary in a
5th/6th-place play-off on Sunday.
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Cole looking forward
WHUFC.com
Carlton Cole is aiming to score a morale-boosting victory over former club
Chelsea
29.08.2010
Carlton Cole believes West Ham United are one positive result away from
kick-starting their season. Now in his fifth campaign in claret and blue,
the England striker - called up for the UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers this week
with club-mate Matthew Upson - is now a senior figure in the dressing room
at the age of 26. After finishing the past two seasons as the club's leading
scorer, Cole has endured a stuttering start to 2010/11, missing a penalty in
the 3-1 home Barclays Premier League defeat by Bolton Wanderers and failing
to score in four appearances in all competitions. However, the No9 was in
powerful form at Manchester United on Saturday, giving Red Devils captain
Nemanja Vidic a testing afternoon before running himself into the ground in
a lone-forward role.
While Cole worked his socks off, the Hammers ended their tea-time visit to
Old Trafford with a third consecutive league defeat, and the forward knows
he and his team-mates need to start picking up points sooner rather than
later. "We were a bit disappointed. Obviously we came up here to try and put
a shift in but once they got their penalty [converted by Wayne Rooney to
open the scoring] they started to play in the Man United way, dominating a
bit more. That's the way life goes up here - it's very difficult to come up
here and get a result. "Of course [the three defeats] does affect
confidence. I think once we get going we're a good team, but it's the trying
to get going and getting the confidence up. The manager is here for that. We
believe in the manager and we want to do our best for him - that's the main
point."
With champions Chelsea next on the fixture list, Cole believes victory over
his former club is just the fillip the Hammers need to rediscover their
mojo.
"Getting any type of result from a top-four side will be like a
double-whammy bonus for us - it would get confidence up, get us three points
in the table, give us the belief back and obviously it's a win - so it's
massive if we can get anything from these top clubs."
Saturday's reverse at Old Trafford stretched West Ham's winless run on their
travels to 21 matches in league and cup. Cole, though, denied that
unenviable record was playing on his mind. "I don't even look at that. I
don't even think about it. I go out there in every game to do my best for
the team and I think once we get our first win - anywhere - we'll start to
get our confidence and do well. I think that's the main priority for us
right now."
Between now and the visit of Chelsea, the summer transfer window will slam
shut on Tuesday evening. While the club have already brought in six new
players - Thomas Hitzlsperger, Pablo Barrera, Frederic Piquionne, Tal Ben
Haim, Winston Reid and Victor Obinna - Cole said more new faces would be
welcomed into the Hammers dressing room. "I hope [we'll sign more players].
Obviously you want quality players. Hopefully the chairmen and the manager
will find the players they want to bring in and it will leave us in good
stead for the upcoming season. We want to be in a great position by
Christmas. Obviously we're getting our harder games out of the way already
and we want to start building. Any kind of acquisitions would be most
welcome."
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Upson and Cole called
WHUFC.com
West Ham United have two players in contention to face Bulgaria at Wembley
on Friday night
29.08.2010
Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have been named in Fabio Capello's squad for
England's two UEFA EURO 2012 qualifiers against Bulgaria and Switzerland.
Capello, who was at Old Trafford for Saturday's match at Manchester United,
has named a 24-man party in total, with Upson returning to the fold after
missing the friendly against Hungary earlier this month. Cole was an unused
substitute for that match but both will hope to figure at Wembley on Friday
night against Bulgaria - the Group G opener on the road to Poland and
Ukraine in two summers' time. The Three Lions then travel to Basel to take
on the Swiss on Tuesday week.
Robert Green was unavailable for selection because of a minor procedure this
week, although he should return to face Chelsea on Saturday 11 September.
Upson's chances could be boosted by John Terry and Rio Ferdinand's injury
absence, meaning he is the most senior central defender in the squad with 21
caps and two goals. Cole has seven appearances to date. Wales and Montenegro
are the other sides in Group G, with only the winners certain of qualifying
automatically for the finals.
England squad
Scott Carson, Ben Foster, Joe Hart, Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Michael
Dawson, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Matthew
Upson, Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard, Adam Johnson, James
Milner, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young, Darren Bent,
Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney
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In - and out?
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Matthew Upson and Carlton Cole have both been called up to the England squad
to face Bulgaria and Switzerland. The Three Lions face the two nations
within three days as the Premier League enjoys its first hiatus of the
season, beginning with the Bulgarians' trip to Wembley this coming Friday
night.
However with both Upson and Cole strongly linked with transfer deadline
moves away from West Ham it could be the case that neither are on United's
books by the time the two fixtures - the second being set for Tuesday week -
come around.
Upson has been linked with a string of clubs in recent weeks although would
prefer a move to Arsenal, whilst Cole is said to be the subject of strong
interest from Liverpool, who are rumoured to have offered a paltry
£6milliion for the striker; West Ham value the 26-year-old at around double
that.
Once again Scott Parker has been completely overlooked whilst Rob Green -
who has been dropped entirely from every squad since the World Cup Finals -
is set to undergo a minor op during the international break and is therefore
(conveniently) unavailable for selection.
Full England squad
Scott Carson, Ben Foster, Joe Hart; Gary Cahill, Ashley Cole, Michael
Dawson, Kieran Gibbs, Phil Jagielka, Glen Johnson, Joleon Lescott, Matthew
Upson; Gareth Barry, Michael Carrick, Steven Gerrard, Adam Johnson, James
Milner, Theo Walcott, Shaun Wright-Phillips, Ashley Young; Darren Bent,
Carlton Cole, Peter Crouch, Jermain Defoe, Wayne Rooney.
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Hines suffers injury setback
KUMB.com
Filed: Sunday, 29th August 2010
By: Staff Writer
Zavon Hines is likely to be out of action for the rest of the year after
suffering a setback in his rehabilitation. The young striker, who impressed
so much at the beginning of last season has been sidelined since December
2009 when he underwent surgery to cure a longstanding knee problem. He was
initially expected back at the beginning of the current season - however
KUMB.com has learnt that the England under 21 striker is unlikely to play
again until 2011.
21-year-old Hines made his first team debut in West Ham's 4-1 Carling Cup
second round win over Macclesfield in August 2008 during Alan Curbishley's
tenure, scoring the third of United's goals on the day. However it was to be
another year before he made his Premier League debut, when he replaced Scott
Parker five minutes from the end of West Ham's 2-1 home defeat to Tottenham
in August 2009. From that moment he became a permanent fixture in Gianfranco
Zola's first team squad, making 15 appearances - including a notable
performance against Liverpool in which he constantly teased veteran Jamie
Carragher - before succumbing to the injury which will almost certainly keep
him out of action until next year.
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Reds make Cole enquiry
Liverpool interested in West Ham striker
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN
Sky Sports News understands that Liverpool have made an enquiry about West
Ham striker Carlton Cole. Reds manager Roy Hodgson is looking to bolster his
attacking options before the transfer deadline on Tuesday and has identified
Cole as a potential target. Contact has been made with the Hammers but
Liverpool's pursuit of the player is still at an early stage and it is
unclear whether they will be able to strike a deal. Avram Grant has
previously stated that he does not want to sell the striker, while Cole
himself has declared that he expects to stay at Upton Park. But it is not
surprising that the 26-year-old has attracted interest after establishing
himself as an effective Premier League performer. Cole and his West Ham
team-mates have had little success this season, though, losing their first
three games to lie bottom of the table.
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Gold admits Beckham defeat
International U-turn signals end of Hammers hopes
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold has conceded defeat in bringing David Beckham
to the club in the future. The Hammers had hoped to bring the midfielder
back to his London roots for the twilight of his playing career, where he
would also serve as a club ambassador in a bid to secure a move to the new
Olympic Stadium. However, the 35-year-old Los Angeles Galaxy star has not
replied to Gold and fellow co-owner David Sullivan's offer, and West Ham are
set to give up their pursuit. "It was a possibility and we really did try to
get him, but we have not heard back," Gold said in the Sunday Express. "It
would appear he has gone on to other things and now we have to move on too."
The news comes after England manager Fabio Capello refused to rule out an
international return for Beckham, despite seeming to end his Three Lions
career earlier in the month. Since then, the Italian coach has admitted he
will give the former Manchester United and Real Madrid man a chance to
recover from his current Achilles problem before considering him for
selection. Beckham was warned by then Real boss Capello back in January 2007
that he would never play for the Spanish club again, but he fought back into
his first-team plans. He has made it clear that he is still hungry for an
England future, with the European Championships two years away.
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Grant expects Parker stay
Hammers boss looking to add names to squad
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN
West Ham manager Avram Grant expects Scott Parker to remain at the club
beyond the end of the transfer window. The 29-year-old combative midfielder
has been strongly linked with a move to Tottenham in recent weeks, after an
impressive campaign last time out. West Ham have made a poor start to the
Premier League season and Grant's side have yet to pick up a point in three
games. However, the Israeli coach expects to keep Parker at Upton Park as he
looks to get the Hammers up and running. He said: "I do not want to sell
Scott Parker and I expect him to stay."
Spurs boss Harry Redknapp thinks he can get the former Chelsea and Charlton
enforcer, while the East Londoners also face a battle to keep Carlton Cole
before the transfer window closes on Tuesday evening. Grant insists he is
not looking to sell any of the key players currently at the club, and is
still hoping to get one or two names in. "I hope we will do some business,"
he added. "We are trying but we cannot spend a lot of money, so it is not
easy."
Meanwhile, goalkeeper Robert Green is set to face two weeks on the sidelines
while he undergoes a minor procedure. The much-maligned shot-stopper
produced a number of excellent saves against Manchester United on Saturday
and will sit out the international break, although should return for the
next league game with Chelsea.
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Diamanti - I had little option
Italian forward reveals uncertainty at Upton Park
Last updated: 29th August 2010
SSN
Former West Ham attacker Alessandro Diamanti has revealed he left Upton Park
because he was disillusioned at the club. The 27-year-old Italian completed
his move to Brescia earlier in the week after just one season with the
Premier League outfit, where he put in a number of eye-catching
performances.
However, Diamanti admits that the uncertainty in the dressing room convinced
him that it was time to return to his homeland, plus the fact that Avram
Grant told him that he would not be a first-team regular. "Since I signed,
West Ham have had financial problems. During the season, no one from the
club explained to us what was going on," he said in the News of the World.
"There was a general uncertainty and in the dressing room, we didn't know
what to expect. "No one pushed me out but when I met the new coach Avram
Grant, he didn't tell me anything but I understood wouldn't have been a
regular in the team. "When I realised that, I asked my agent to move me as
quickly as possible. "Brescia was my best option. It took a lot to sign for
them because West Ham had spent a lot of money on me but I don't have any
regrets."
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Be afraid , be very afraid
The Sun
Published: Today
WEST HAM have made their worst start to a season since they went down in
1977. And next up it is Chelsea for goodness sake. After three straight
defeats, former England star Alan Shearer admits Hammers fans have every
right to be fearing for their Premier League survival. Shearer said: "If I
was a West Ham fan, from what I have seen so far, I would be really, really
worried. Their performance at Old Trafford was poor."
Hammers had already lost away to Aston Villa and at home to Bolton. But boss
Avram Grant insisted: "We've had tough fixtures so far. "I don't think any
team at our level in recent years has had such tough fixtures with most of
the big teams at the beginning of the season, but these are the fixtures we
have been given. "We have two weeks now to become stronger."
Grant admits it is proving difficult keeping everyone's chin up after
Hammers only just stayed up last season. He said: "The players always speak
about last season - which I don't like because there's no need to."
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Vinny's Manchester United Report
Vinny - Sun Aug 29 2010
West Ham Online
Manchester United 3 West Ham United 0
There was always inevitability about this result and most of us could have
predicted which way it would go but that still does not mean I am in someway
content with this defeat as another soulless performance has ended with
another loss.
Manchester United eased to victory as West Ham gave them little to be
concerned about all the way through. The hosts controlled the game as we
lacked quality all over the pitch.
Even though I like many others expected to be beaten the fact that we are
bottom of the league with our worst start to a season since 1977 means any
defeat will be hard to take.
We had one decent chance in the entire game and that came from Kieron Dyer
who hit the post. Dyer was to be one of the few players to come out of the
game with any positives as many of the players showed their concerning lack
of quality both on and off the ball.
Many talked about the players we needed to bring in during the summer but
for me the massive clear out of many poor players which we were led to
believe was going to happen never did and we are still left with three or
four players in particular who should have been bombed out of the club.
Manchester United were of course very good and they have quality players all
through their team so to think we should have been getting a result at a
place where few actually do does seem a little optimistic and almost silly
to contemplate but the situation we find ourselves in already (and we are in
a bad one despite only having played three games) forces a desperation
complex on the fans.
Avram Grant made a number of changes to the side who just scraped past
Oxford United last Tuesday.
Robert Green was back in goal with Marek Stech dropping back to the bench.
In front of Green saw Ilunga at left back, Gabbidon and Upson in the middle
with a surprise inclusion of Jonathan Spector at right back.
It was a five man midfield with Dyer on the left, Faubert on the right with
Noble, Parker and oddly Luis Boa Morte in the middle.
Carlton Cole was up front on his own and this team saw absolutely none of
our summer signings included in the starting line up. This is the same set
of players who nearly took the club down last season – why this would now
change because we are into a new season is beyond me.
New loan signing from Inter Milan Victor Obinna was not available for this
game and Tel Ben Haim was also not even in the squad.
You could say that the way we set ourselves up was asking for defeat. It
wasn't a starting line up that gave me any confidence and whilst I can
perhaps understand why he started Spector with regards to there being few
other options (Reid has been awful, Tomkins isn't a right back, Faubert was
needed in midfield) that sort of quality up against what Manchester United
have to offer will always be found out and as we saw it certainly was.
The game started evenly and we looked confident in possession but even from
an early stage you could see that playing with the isolated Carlton Cole up
front it was going to be very difficult for us to offer much going forward.
Wayne Rooney had one of the first attempts on goal as he found room to shoot
from outside the area but Robert Green easily saved.
Just after the quarter mark Manchester United won a soft free kick about 25
yards out which Nani took but his shot went over the bar and a goal at that
stage would have been harsh as we had competed quite well up until that
point.
Mark Noble picked up a booking for a late challenge on Wayne Rooney as the
ball got away from him.
There was no malice in the challenge but referee Mark Clattenburg thought
this was worthy of a yellow card.
Our only form of attack came through Kieron Dyer who looked very bright as
he used his pace and trickery to try and beat his man. We just couldn't get
enough players forward.
Apart from Dyer the only other option was to try and give it to Carlton Cole
but the passes into him were either poor or Cole would just not judge where
they were going and he quite clearly needed to work harder.
The home side came close to taking the lead when a floated pass forward saw
Berbatov flick the ball back superbly to Nani and he took a shot which
Robert Green pushed onto the cross bar and the ball was cleared.
Just after the half hour mark anything decent we had been doing was undone
in an instant as a ball forward from Scholes saw Giggs collect the ball and
drift into the area past Spector who put his foot out and Giggs went down. A
penalty was awarded and whether Spector made much contact or not it was
stupid and clumsy mistake to make.
Taking the penalty was Wayne Rooney who sent Green the wrong way to end his
goal drought and make a difficult task impossible.
Not long after the goal the hosts nearly doubled their lead when a cross
from Giggs was only cleared as far as Fletcher who took a shot from just
outside the area which Green tipped brilliantly over the bar.
With the half time whilst about to be blown Scott Parker burst forward only
to be tackled by both Giggs and Scholes and the latter played a wonderful
pass over the top for Nani to have a clear run on goal but his attempt to
loft the ball over Green went over the bar in what was a real let off.
Much like the game against Bolton last week at Upton Park, when we conceded
the confidence drains from the players and we fall apart. Up until
Manchester United had scored were looking decent enough without doing much
going forward but we were falling apart quickly and could not retain
possession from then on.
The second half carried on just as the first had ended and it only took four
minutes for the game to be effectively over as a fantastic passing move had
our players (Gabbidon mainly) falling on their arses as Nani waltzed through
our defence and hit an unstoppable left foot shot past Green.
I was worried at this point that it could get really embarrassing and given
the amount of 6-0 score lines we have had so far in the Premiership this
season I did fear that it could be our turn.
We had gone completely out of the game it seemed with our players lacking in
the basic skills of passing and moving.
There was one exception and that of course was Kieron Dyer who had our only
chance of the entire game. A nice move saw Boa Morte play the ball into the
feet of Faubert who flicked it into the path of Dyer who for the second game
running hit the post with his finish.
A third goal should have been scored when a cross into the area saw Berbatov
knock the ball back for Scholes but his low powerful shot was straight at
Robert Green.
On 68 minutes they did score their third goal as another nice move saw Nani
cross the ball to the back post for Berbatov to have easily peeled away from
Spector and acrobatically volley into the back of the net from a few yards
out.
Scott Parker might have done better with a half chance as Noble found him in
the area. The midfielder took a touch past the defender but his left foot
shot went well wide of the goal.
Barrera and Piquionne had come on by this point but had very little impact
and the game fizzled out and Manchester United cruised to a very easy
victory and West Ham to another dismal defeat.
Predictable it may have been but still horrible viewing.
Player Reviews
Robert Green
Not at fault for any of the goals and made a few good stops especially the
one from Fletcher in the first half. His shot stopping was good throughout
the game and he didn't spill many of the powerful efforts straight at him.
Jonathan Spector
Pardew, Curbishley, Zola and now Grant all see something in Spector as all
have used him time and time again. The other night Grant had him at left
back against Oxford and he looked poor. At right back against Manchester
United he looked just as bad. His defending is all wrong and he is a player
that if we continue to have to use we will struggle.
Matthew Upson
A difficult task keeping up with Rooney but Upson generally kept him quiet.
It was just a shame Manchester United have so many other quality players who
can score goals. Upson in fairness did alright in this one following his
nightmare against Bolton.
Danny Gabbidon
There were moments where the old Danny Gabbidon resurfaced. There was a
wonderful sliding tackle in the second half and he did make a few good
challenges. But then the backing off started to creep into his game and he
looked nervous. Nani's goal saw Gabbidon back off and fall over onto his
backside.
Herita Ilunga
No much a memorable performance from Ilunga because if I am honest I'm
struggling to remember much (if any) impact he had on the game at all.
Julien Faubert
I thought he was awful when in possession. He gave the ball away so many
times in the first half and seems to just have an inability to focus. As an
attacking right winger he offers nothing to the club.
Mark Noble
Some decent passing at times but as usual he has the tendency to disappear.
Still a first team starter for me as we have no one else to replace him. He
wasn't the worst player out there.
Scott Parker
Worked hard without putting in an crunching tackles (wouldn't want to get
injured for the champions league games now would he?) and whilst we are
trying to use him as a midfielder who bursts forwards I believe his
defensive abilities are what are best about his game and we are not seeing
these at the moment as we seem to be putting all our hope in him driving
forward with the ball.
Luis Boa Morte
Playing in a more central role he wasn't afraid to get stuck in but his
quality on the ball was once again a weakness and he offered very little in
this central midfielder role.
Kieron Dyer
A very bright performance from Dyer who has now played back to back
Premiership games for the first time since he signed for the club in 2007.
He looked sharp and I think if he can keep fit (don't laugh) he will be a
very important player.
Carlton Cole
He didn't get the service granted but I can't help but expect a little more
from Cole who just did not do the right things. His failure to hold the ball
up became quite frustrating and we know he is strong and can do this time
and time again he came off second best. We need more from Cole because this
was a pretty bad display.
Subs Used
Pablo Barrera (on for Faubert 61 mins)
As he has done in all the games he runs about a lot and loves to get the
ball. Still yet to have any impact when actually in possession though.
Frederique Piquionne (On for Dyer 75 mins)
On far too late and could have even just have been brought on for the
ineffective Cole.
Junior Stanislas (on for Boa Morte 91 mins)
I have no idea why he was brought on at this point and judging from his
performance against Oxford why he is even the squad.
Subs Not Used: Stech, Kovac, McCarthy, Da Costa
Bookings: Upson, Noble
Man Of The Match: Kieron Dyer
Manchester United: Van der Sar, O'Shea, Vidic, Evans (Smalling 74), Evra,
Nani, Scholes (Carrick 74), Fletcher, Giggs, Berbatov (Owen 74), Rooney
Subs: Kuszczak, Rafael, Valencia, Hernandez
Attendance: 75, 061
Overall
It's not very enjoyable being a West Ham fan at this moment in time. Three
games, three losses, minus eight goal difference, one goal (a penalty), none
of our new signings deemed first team starters, and of course bottom of the
league with Chelsea to come.
In fairness we were not expected to beat Manchester United but I am just
looking for anything that can give me a bit of optimisim about our season
and show me that something will change soon and that I can be happy about
going to West Ham again.
Next Game - Chelsea (h)
We haven't beaten Chelsea in so long and I cannot see it changing at this
point. They have won all their games so far and are looking the best team in
the country. How will we stop them and how will we hurt them?
If there was ever a game to change our season it would be this one and it
could really give us hope. But I just cannot see it.
Football they say is a 'funny old game' but I have yet to laugh at anything
I have seen this season. It's not been funny, its been depressing and I feel
like I am losing the memory of what it was like watching West Ham when
things were actually positive and I felt we were going to win a game.
The cloud of depression remains. Will it ever leave?
View From Grant
"Until the penalty we were in the game, Manchester United were not dangerous
and we played how we wanted to play. Then they got the penalty but I'm not
sure it was a penalty.
"In the second half they scored very early [through Nani] and that made it
very difficult. We played against a better team, who were at home. We were
fine in the first half but it was different after the second goal and then
it became too difficult for us.
"Our first half was good but they dominated the game in the second half.
Although we were behind at half-time we were still in the game and we wanted
to continue like that."
"We knew we had tough fixtures from the beginning of the season and we knew
that it would be difficult for us.
"It's important that we now have a two-week break and then we can start to
pick up points."
"We are trying to do some business but we cannot spend a lot of money. We
are trying to bring in players like [new forward] Victor Obinna, who want to
develop both themselves and with the team.
"What we are trying to do is not easy but we are trying to bring in two or
three players. We are looking at more than one position in the team.
"We want to change things this season and we want players who can play for
us next season, too. We know that we have a tough season and we need people
to make the squad stronger."
"A few of the new players are injured - Thomas Hitzlsperger, Winston Reid
and Tal Ben Haim - and it's a pity that they were not in a very good shape
to train until it was too late.
"Even though we knew that this game was important, we must look to the rest
of the season and we did not want to risk them. They will play and we will
have the full team that we want and things will look better.
"It will be a tough season and our target is not only for the beginning of
the season. We have a lot of games ahead of us and if we win two games we
will almost be in the middle of the table. I believe that we can do that.
"We know that want to progress but a few of the players we prepared in
pre-season like Hitzlsperger - a key player - who we wanted to show from the
beginning of the season got injured. It's not only about the first three
games, we need longer to show the direction we want to go in."
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Grants admits West Ham are in for a bleak season after failing to sign
enough new players
Published 22:59 29/08/10 By David McDonnell
The Mirror
Avram Grant admitted West Ham face a bleak season after a third straight
defeat condemned them to their worst start to a season for 33 years. Heavily
in debt off the field and bereft of confidence on it, Grant admitted he was
finding it hard to motivate his players. Although Grant has managed to sign
six players, none of whom started against United, West Ham already look
condemned to an ugly fight for survival. "We didn't find the players in the
positions we needed, so it's been more difficult than I expected," said
Grant. Asked about the prospect of signing Tottenham striker Robbie Keane on
loan, Grant said: "The club has big, big debts but he's a player I would
like to get. "It's the beginning of the season and we don't want to make
conclusions after two or three weeks. After 10 or 15 games we'll have a
better idea what the situation is."
It doesn't get any easier for Grant or his beleaguered West Ham players,
with his old club Chelsea their next opponents after the international
break.
"We've had tough fixtures so far," said Grant. "We have zero points now but
it's only the beginning of the season. "You win two games and suddenly
you're better off than the other teams around you."
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Hard-up Hammers drop price for Liverpool, Fulham and Birmingham target Cole
Published 23:00 29/08/10 By John Cross
The Mirror
Hard-up West Ham have dropped their price on England striker Carlton Cole as
they look to offload him in a last minute deal. Liverpool boss Roy Hodgson
is keen on Cole while Fulham and Birmingham have also tracked him this
summer but West Ham have yet to receive any acceptable offers. That has
prompted West Ham owners David Gold and David Sullivan to lower the price to
below £10m in an attempt to push a sale through. Hammers boss Avram Grant is
desperate to strengthen his squad after three straight defeats in the
Premier League has left the club in a desperate situation. West Ham do not
want to sell Scott Parker despite strong interest from Tottenham and Cole
would be a better option to help raise funds and give Grant some limited
spending power. Grant already has Frederic Piquionne, 30, and they are now
ready to sacrifice Cole to balance the books. West Ham also fancy
Tottenham's Jamie O'Hara to boost their squad but he has been struggling
with injury and any move may have to be on loan with a view to a permanent
switch.
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HODGSON TO KOP A SECOND COLE
By Andy Dunn
News Of The World
ROY HODGSON will make a last-ditch attempt to take Carlton Cole to Anfield
as he embarks on a late transfer window spending spree. The Liverpool
manager has already committed over half of the money generated by the sale
of Javier Mascherano to the signings of Raul Meireles and Paul Konchesky.
And his sights have now turned to bringing in top-class striking
reinforcements. Peter Crouch had become his No 1 target but it is now clear
that Tottenham boss Harry Redknapp will not part with the England striker.
Kenny Dalglish was despatched to watch PSV forward Ola Toivonen last weeked
but there is a feeling that - at the Dutch club's asking price of £13million
- the Swede is over-priced. Toivonen is still on the club's radar but
Hodgson will now focus on Cole, who has endured a tough start to his West
Ham season. Hodgson will offer cash plus a couple of players and might even
be prepared to do a deal that would take Ryan Babel to Upton Park.
Midfielder Lucas is certainly one that would be available to become a
makeweight in any deal. West Ham have said Cole is not for sale but the News
of the World understands they would take a fee of around £10million. Hodgson
could get that sort of money together as he has been given licence to spend
the Mascherano fee - in excess of £20m - and a bit more. But the Liverpool
chief would prefer to offer West Ham a player-plus-cash deal for the
26-year-old striker. If that was accepted, Hodgson would have funds to add
another player or two to his squad. As well as a striker to provide
much-needed assistance for Fernando Torres, Hodgson believes that he needs
another midfielder - especially as they have now reached the demanding group
stages of the Europa League. That is why he did not countenance a possible
sale of Dirk Kuyt, even though the Dutch player's agent had clearly been
busy with his European contacts. Liverpool were upset with former Kop boss
Rafa Benitez for unsettling Kuyt. The Spaniard's original Anfield contract -
seen by the News of the World - included a specific clause, outlawing him
from 'directly or indirectly' soliciting Liverppol players for a six-month
period after his departure from the club.
Anfield sources suggest the clause remained even after he signed a new deal.
Kuyt could still yet leave Anfield. It will not be in this transfer window
but Liverpool might be tempted to sell at the right price in January. A bid
in excess of £10m would certainly test their resolve to hold on to the
Dutchman. As Argentine midfielder Mascherano was completing the formalities
of his move to Barcelona, Hodgson wasted no time in beginning his late
outlay. After enquiries about Real Madrd midfielder Mahamadou Diarra came to
nothing, Hodgson turned to 27-year-old defensive midfielder Meireles, whose
arrival from Porto should be rubber-stamped today - along with the £4m
signing of Konchesky from Hodgson's former club Fulham. Indeed, Liverpool
have confirmed a fee has been agreed for Meireles with a routine medical set
to be completed soon.
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IT'S DIA AT UPTON PARK
News Of The World
By Greg Gobere, 28/08/2010
WEST HAM misfit Alessandro Diamanti has admitted his joy at leaving the
club's financial chaos behind. The Hammers racked up debts of £110million
before David Sullivan and David Gold rescued their boyhood club in January.
But Brescia's new £1.8m striker, 27, revealed his entire 12 months at the
Boleyn were fraught with financial uncertainty and miscommunication. He
said: "Since I signed, West Ham have had financial problems. During the
season, no one from the club explained to us what was going on. There was a
general uncertainty and in the dressing room, we didn't know what to
expect." Italian Diamanti added: "No-one pushed me out but when I met the
new coach Avram Grant, he didn't tell me anything but I understood I
wouldn't have been a regular in the team. "When I realised that, I asked my
agent to move me as quickly as possible. "Brescia was my best option. It
took a lot to sign for them because West Ham had spent a lot of money on me
but I don't have any regrets."
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A Comedy of Defensive Errors, as Our Next Home Match Takes on Crucial
Importance!
West Ham Till I Die
On leaving Old Trafford, after Saturday evening's match, I seriously
questioned my sanity for travelling up for this fixture every season. But
once my bitterness at the distasteful surrender had abated somewhat, I
actually began to recall that I had seen the Hammers win at Old Trafford on
quite a number of occasions over the years (In sharp contrast to our dire
record at Anfield since 1963-64). Perhaps that is the motivation, the
knowledge that we have done the business up there before (often against the
odds) and the warm memories of those sweet victories?
However, there was nothing warm or sweet about Saturday's result. I feared
the worst when I saw the starting line up. Grant dropped Piquionne and
Barrera (our two best players against Bolton) to accommodate Boa Morte and
Faubert on the left and right flank. He obviously felt that these players
would better track back and battle for possession, which is fairly sound
logic I guess. However, Personally, I would have preferred to have seen us
start with Barrera and moved Faubert back to right-back.
Again, Grant's post-match logic in concluding that Man Utd are a better team
than us cannot be faulted. Although I note that the reported pre-match
qualification about the 'best team not always winning' had been conveniently
forgotten. We were certainly under the cosh for much of the match (as
usual), although we managed to threaten on two or three occasions. Indeed,
some of our forward play was good, although it appeared that Cole was too
isolated up front and, as a consequences, we consistently lacked a real
cutting edge. Hopefully, Victor Obinna will help solve that particular
problem?
The most depressing thing for me was the continuing tendency for the Hammers
defence to shoot itself in the foot. For the penalty, Jonathan Spector let
Giggs cut in and get on the wrong side of him. Hence, he was at a distinct
disadvantage when the subsequent challenge was made. Having seen the
challenge once again, on TV replays, it is clear that Spector got the ball
before making contact with Giggs, but his poor positioning allowed the Man
Utd veteran to take advantage to win the spot kick.
Danny Gabbidon was arguably at fault for the second, in failing to make a
decisive challenge on Nani, backing off and then compounding it all by
falling over. For the third goal, more should have been done to stop Nani
getting the cross in to the far post. But having done so, Spector's failure
to mount a serious challenge to Berbatov was painful to observe. As I
said, a right defensive comedy of errors, but no one in the long suffering
Claret and Blue Army was laughing!
Will alleged transfer target, Mark Wilson, improve the defensive situation?
Apparently, Wilson can play at centre-half or defensive midfield. But the
question is, will his acquisition add extra quality to the squad? Is he
really any better than the players that we currently have? I hope so, if
the deal happens.
I also hope that we ideally retain Parker and Cole, but the failure the sell
Behrami probably makes a deal for one of the two more likely. I do not like
the prospect of losing one of our best players, but a deal will be more
palatable if it led to the acquisitions that shake up and strengthen the
squad. However, my big fear is that we will lose one or both of them and
then bring in players that fail to add extra quality and ultimately prove
ineffectual.
I suspect that we are missing Hitzlsperger, we certainly looked more solid
and tougher to beat in pre-season. I know that they were only pre-season
matches, but regardless his positive on-pitch influence was there for
everyone one to see. I sincerely hope that the German international is
back soon. We shall have to see what happens on transfer deadline day, but
I would prefer to see us sign a right-back with existing PL experience. If
a player is moved out, then perhaps they will make an improve bid for
Lorient striker, Kevin Gameiro? Alternatively, could Robbie Keane and/or
O'Hara arrive from Spurs as part of a deal for Parker? Could Lucas and Ryan
Babel arrive in exchange for Carlton Cole? Alternatively, could transfer
funds be raised via a late deal for Matt Upson or Valon Behrami? We shall
see come midnight on Tuesday?
It should be noted that the three opening defeats equal our worst ever top
level start in 1977-78, a relegation season! If we lose the forthcoming
home match against Chelski we will gain a new, unwanted club record. So our
next home match takes on a crucial importance on a number of levels. The
club need to be looking for at least a draw to stop the rot and put a point
on the board. In truth we need a repeat of last season's gutsy, battling
home performance that saw us go ever so close to beating them. We could
even be boosted by the continued absence of Chelski's England duo of Terry
and Lampard, although admittedly they still have plenty of quality available
without them.
I know that at this juncture it may appear fanciful to say it, but a draw
and win against Chelski and Stoke City could really turn things around for
us. As we all know stranger things have happened. Much may depend on the
success or otherwise of our dealings in the final 48 hours or so of the
current transfer window.
SJ. Chandos.
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