WHUFC.com
All the essential information ahead of Saturday's visit of the Barclays
Premier League champions
10.09.2010
West Ham United v Chelsea
Barclays Premier League
Boleyn Ground
Saturday 11 September 2010
Kick-off: 3pm
Referee: Chris Foy
Introduction
• West Ham United play host to reigning Barclays Premier League champions
Chelsea in their second home league match of the 2010/11 season at the
Boleyn Ground.
• The Hammers are aiming to kick-start their season after tasting defeat in
each of their opening three Premier League fixtures. An opening-day reverse
at Aston Villa (3-0) was followed by a disappointing home reverse against
Bolton Wanderers on Saturday 21 August (3-1) and a loss at Manchester United
on Saturday 28 August (3-0). Avram Grant's side also defeated Oxford United
(1-0) in the Carling Cup second round to set up a third-round trip to
Sunderland on Tuesday 21 September.
• Chelsea have made a perfect start to the new Premier League campaign,
defeating West Bromwich Albion at Stamford Bridge (6-0), winning at Wigan
Athletic (6-0) and securing a home win over Stoke City (2-0). Prior to that,
the Blues were defeated by Manchester United in the FA Community Shield at
Wembley (3-1).
• West Ham United have failed to beat Chelsea in any of their last five
Premier League meetings at the Boleyn Ground. The Hammers' last home victory
over the Blues came on 3 May 2003, when Paolo Di Canio - a special guest of
the club this Saturday - scored the only goal in a 1-0 home victory. Since
then, Chelsea have won four and drawn one of their last five visits, scoring
13 goals and conceding three.
• West Ham's biggest home win over Chelsea came courtesy of a 4-0 home
Division Two victory on Valentine's Day 1981.
Saturday's team news
West Ham United
• New signings Lars Jacobsen and Victor Obinna could both make their West
Ham United debuts on Saturday after joining the Hammers on transfer deadline
day. Denmark full-back Jacobsen has joined the club on a permanent one-year
contract from Blackburn Rovers, while Nigeria forward Obinna has linked up
with the club on a season-long loan from Italian double winners and UEFA
Champions League winners Internazionale.
• Valon Behrami is available again after recovering from the thigh injury
that has ruled him out of the start of the season. The midfielder was hurt
while on international duty with Switzerland at the start of August.
• Defender Tal Ben Haim could be set for his Premier League debut for the
club after starting Israel's opening two 2012 UEFA European Championship
qualifiers against Malta and Georgia.
• New arrival Ruud Boffin, a 22-year-old Belgian goalkeeper signed from
Dutch side MVV Maastricht, will be challenging Robert Green and Marek Stech
this season. Boffin made his full debut for the club in a 1-0 reserve-team
friendly win at Leicester City on Tuesday. Radoslav Kovac and Junior
Stanislas will also hope to have impressed after playing a full 90 minutes
in the same game.
• Manager Avram Grant could be without Thomas Hitzlsperger after the
28-year-old picked up a thigh injury during Germany's international friendly
draw in Denmark last month.
• Hungary Under-21 goalkeeper Peter Kurucz has joined Jack Collison and
Zavon Hines on the long-term injured list after rupturing his anterior
cruciate ligament while playing for the reserve team against Ipswich Town on
14 August. Kurucz has recently undergone surgery, while Collison and Hines
are regular visitors to Chadwell Heath as they continue their
rehabilitation.
Chelsea
• Chelsea will hope to welcome back England duo John Terry (hamstring) and
Frank Lampard (groin) after both missed the Three Lions' 2012 UEFA European
Championship qualifying wins over Bulgaria and Switzerland through injury.
• Portugal full-back Jose Bosingwa could also return after missing his
country's 2012 UEFA European Championship qualifying matches against Cyprus
and Norway with a knee injury.
• Serbia 2010 FIFA World Cup defender Branislav Ivanovic is definitely out
of Saturday's game after being ruled out for six weeks with a back injury
that is set to sideline him until mid-October.
• France Under-19 winger Gael Kakuta is out of this weekend's fixture with a
back injury.
Previous meetings
• The most recent meeting between the two sides was on 13 March 2010, when
41,755 supporters saw Chelsea run out 4-1 winners in a Barclays Premier
League fixture at Stamford Bridge. Alex put Chelsea ahead on 16 minutes
before Scott Parker levelled matters on the half-hour mark with a rasping
half-volley. Second-half goals from Didier Drogba (two) and Florent Malouda
settled matters.
The lineups were:
Chelsea: Turnbull, Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Ivanovic (Zhirkov 80), Malouda
(Kalou 87), Lampard, Mikel, Ballack, Drogba, Anelka (J. Cole 66)
Subs not used: Taylor, Bruma, Deco, Sturridge
West Ham United: Green, Gabbidon, Upson, Spector, Daprela, Parker, Kovac,
Dyer (Cole 68), Behrami, Ilan (Diamanti 84), Mido (Stanislas 68)
Subs not used: Stech, Tomkins, Collison, McCarthy
• Saturday's game marks the 94th time West Ham and Chelsea have faced one
another in competitive fixtures, and the 85th in the Football League and
Premier League. West Ham have won 36, Chelsea 39 and there have been 18
draws. In this competition, West Ham have won 34, Chelsea 33 and 17 matches
have been drawn.
Overall record
v Chelsea (all competitions) W 36 D 18 L 39
Last time out
• West Ham United were beaten 3-0 by Manchester United at Old Trafford on
Saturday 28 August. The tea-time kick-off, which was screened live by ESPN,
was evenly-contested until Jonathan Spector conceded a penalty for a foul on
former team-mate Ryan Giggs on the half-hour mark, allowing Wayne Rooney to
open the scoring from the spot. Second-half goals from Nani and Dimitar
Berbatov secured victory for Sir Alex Ferguson's side. The closest the
Hammers came to scoring was when Kieron Dyer's low shot eluded Edwin van der
Sar and bounced wide off the outside of the Dutchman's post.
28 August 2010
Barclays Premier League
Manchester United 3-0 West Ham United
West Ham United: Green, Gabbidon, Upson, Spector, Ilunga, Faubert (Barrera
62), Parker, Noble, Dyer (Piquionne 76), Boa Morte (Stanislas 89), Cole
Subs not used: Stech, Kovac, Da Costa, McCarthy,
• Chelsea continued their perfect start to the new Barclays Premier League
season by defeating Stoke City 2-0 at Stamford Bridge on Saturday 28 August.
Florent Malouda opened the scoring on 32 minutes before Didier Drogba made
sure of the Blues' third consecutive league win with a 77th-minute penalty.
28 August 2010
Barclays Premier League
Chelsea 2-0 Stoke City
Chelsea: Cech, Ferreira, Terry, Alex, Cole, Malouda, Lampard (Kalou 72),
Mikel, Essien (Ramires 85), Drogba, Anelka (Sturridge 81)
Subs not used: Turnbull, Zhirkov, Van Aanholt, Benayoun
West Ham United
• West Ham United could hand debuts to Nigeria forward Victor Obinna and
Denmark full-back Lars Jacobsen as new manager Avram Grant seeks his first
Barclays Premier League victory of the 2010/11 season. Both have been
training with the club this week - Obinna since Tuesday and Jacobsen since
returning from international duty on Thursday.
• Scott Parker should play his first game for the club since signing a new
long-term contract on Thursday afternoon. The two-time reigning Hammer of
the Year joined the Hammers from Newcastle United for £7m in July 2007.
Since then, the 29-year-old has made 89 appearances in all competitions,
scoring five goals.
• The Hammers brought in eight new players this summer - Obinna, Jacobsen,
Germany midfielder Thomas Hitzlsperger, Mexico winger Pablo Barrera, France
forward Frederic Piquionne, New Zealand defender Winston Reid, Belgian
goalkeeper Ruud Boffin and Israel defender Tal Ben Haim, who has arrived on
loan from Grant's former club Portsmouth.
• Five senior players left the Boleyn Ground during the summer transfer
window - Alessandro Diamanti and Fabio Daprela both joined Italian Serie A
new boys Brescia Calcio on permanent contracts. Brazilian Ilan was released
at the end of his short-term contract, Egyptian Mido returned to
Middlesbrough following the end of his loan spell and has since joined Ajax,
while Mexican Guillermo Franco was released at the end of his one-year
contract.
• Teenage midfielder Josh Payne was released and subsequently joined
Doncaster Rovers before being loaned to Oxford United. Academy graduate
Bondz N'Gala has linked up with Plymouth Argyle on a permanent basis.
• Grant managed Chelsea to the League Cup final in 2007/08. The Blues took
on Tottenham Hotspur at Wembley, but despite taking the lead through Didier
Drogba, a Dimitar Berbatov penalty and Jonathan Woodgate header denied
Chelsea the trophy. Later that same season, Grant's Chelsea were beaten on
penalties by Manchester United in Moscow in the UEFA Champions League final.
• West Ham possess the tenth-best record in Premier League history. The
Hammers have contested 581 matches, winning 195, drawing 146 and losing 240.
West Ham have scored 681 goals and conceded 819 in those matches. In total,
the Hammers have won 731 Premier League points.
Chelsea
• Chelsea go into Saturday's game atop the Barclays Premier League table,
having taken nine points from their opening three matches. The Blues have
scored 14 goals in that span, conceding none. Didier Drogba and Florent
Malouda have both scored four goals in three league starts, while Nicolas
Anelka and Salomon Kalou have both netted twice.
• Chelsea have brought in four new faces over the summer. Former West Ham
United midfielder Yossi Benayoun has arrived from Liverpool, while Brazil
FIFA World Cup midfielder Ramires has been snapped up from Portuguese club
SL Benfica.
• Croatian goalkeeper Matej Delac has joined the Blues from Inter Zapresic,
being immediately loaned to Dutch club SBV Vitesse. Czech Republic Under-17
international Tomas Kalas has arrived from Sigma Olomouc, but was
immediately loaned back to his former club.
• Chelsea allowed six players to leave Stamford Bridge during the summer
transfer window on a permanent basis. Michael Ballack moved back to Germany
with Bayer 04 Leverkusen, Ricardo Carvalho rejoined former Blues boss Jose
Mourinho at Real Madrid CF, while Joe Cole has joined Liverpool. Slovakia
forward Miroslav Stoch was allowed to leave for Turkish club Fenerbahce,
while Scott Sinclair has moved to Championship side Swansea City and striker
Franco Di Santo has joined Wigan Athletic.
• Nemanja Matic has joined new club-mate Delac at Vitesse on loan, while
England Under-21 midfielder Jack Cork has been loaned to Burnley and Michael
Mancienne has rejoined Wolverhampton Wanderers. Young goalkeeper Rhys Taylor
has joined Crewe Alexandra on a season-long loan, while forward Danny
Philliskirk has been loaned to League Two new boys Oxford United. Ryan
Bertrand has been loaned to Nottingham Forest, while Ben Gordon has joined
Kilmarnock on a temporary basis.
• Didier Drogba has scored five goals in eight career appearances against
West Ham United. The Ivory Coast striker has scored two hat-tricks in his
last four Premier League appearances, and eight goals in his last five
league matches dating back to a 2-0 win at Liverpool on 2 May 2010.
• Former Hammer Frank Lampard has scored three times for Chelsea at the
Boleyn Ground - including penalties in a 4-0 win in March 2008 and last
season's 1-1 draw. Lampard was also sent-off in that 4-0 victory three
seasons ago.
• Salomon Kalou appeared at the Boleyn Ground for Ivory Coast in a 1-0
international friendly victory over Italy in August. Didier Drogba missed
the game through injury.
• Chelsea have the third-best record in the history of the Premier League.
The Blues have contested 699 matches, winning 365, drawing 181 and losing
153. Chelsea have scored 1,162 goals in those matches, conceding 662. In
all, Chelsea have won 1,276 Premier League points.
Ten-year League records
West Ham United
2009/10 Premier League 17th (35 points)
2008/09 Premier League 9th (51 points)
2007/08 Premier League 10th (49 points)
2006/07 Premier League 15th (41 points)
2005/06 Premier League 9th (55 points)
2004/05 Championship 6th (73 points - promoted via play-offs)
2003/04 Championship 4th (74 points)
2002/03 Premier League 18th (42 points - relegated to Championship)
2001/02 Premier League 7th (53 points)
2000/01 Premier League 15th (42 points)
Chelsea
2009/10 Premier League 1st (86 points - champions)
2008/09 Premier League 3rd (83 points)
2007/08 Premier League 2nd (85 points)
2006/07 Premier League 2nd (83 points)
2005/06 Premier League 1st (91 points - champions)
2004/05 Premier League 1st (95 points - champions)
2003/04 Premier League 2nd (79 points)
2002/03 Premier League 4th (67 points)
2001/02 Premier League 6th (64 points)
2000/01 Premier League 6th (61 points)
Old boys
• Avram Grant was appointed as Director of Football at Chelsea on 8 July
2007. Following the departure of Jose Mourinho, Grant was appointed as
manager on 20 September 2007. The first Israeli to manage an English League
club, Grant led Chelsea to the 2008 League Cup final, where they lost to
Tottenham Hotspur, the 2008 UEFA Champions League final, where they lost to
Manchester United in a penalty shoot-out and second place in the Premier
League. Voted Manager of the Month for April 2008, Grant took charge of 54
matches in total at Stamford Bridge, winning 36, drawing 13 and losing just
five. He left Chelsea on 24 May 2008.
• Scott Parker made 28 appearances for Chelsea between January 2004 and May
2005, scoring once.
• Carlton Cole began his career at Chelsea, making 31 appearances between
August 2001 and May 2006, and scoring eight times.
• Chelsea's Frank Lampard began his professional career at West Ham United,
making 187 league and cup appearances and scoring 38 goals before heading
west in June 2001.
• Blues midfielder Yossi Benayoun spent two seasons at West Ham between July
2005 and July 2007, scoring eight goals in 72 appearances. Benayoun started
the 2006 FA Cup final for the Hammers and also played a starring role in the
'Great Escape' season of 2006/07.
• Chelsea captain John Terry spent time at West Ham as a schoolboy.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are Clive Allen,
Syd Bishop, Peter Brabrook, Billy Bridgeman, Billy Brown, Robert Bush,
Dickie Deacon, Alan Dickens, Len Goulden, Jimmy Greaves, Ron Greenwood CBE,
George Hilsdon, George Horn, Joseph Hughes, Sir Geoff Hurst, William
Jackson, Glen Johnson, Joe Kirkup, Andy Malcolm, Harry Medhurst, Scott
Minto, Eric Parsons, Joe Payne, Dave Sexton, John Sissons, Ron Tindall and
Billy Williams.
Saturday's officials
Referee - Chris Foy
Assistant referees - Andy Garratt and Bobby Pollock
Fourth official - Lee Probert
• Not to be confused with the Australian actor of the same name, Chris Foy
will be taking charge of West Ham United for the first time this season.
• The 47-year-old official took charge of five West Ham matches last season
- the opening-day 2-0 win at Wolverhampton Wanderers, the 3-1 loss at
Manchester City, the 2-2 home draw with Arsenal, when he appeared as a late
replacement for Steve Bennett, the 5-3 home win over Burnley and the 2-0
defeat at Tottenham Hotspur.
• Foy, who was born in St Helens, Merseyside, has been a Barclays Premier
League referee since 2001, having originally made the Select Group list of
assistant referees in 1995.
• In 2007, Foy officiated the FA Trophy final at Wembley, before returning
to the Home of Football a year later to act as fourth official for
Portsmouth's FA Cup final victory over Cardiff City.
• Today's match will be the referee's fourth Premier League engagement of
the 2010/11 campaign. Previously, he has taken charge of Manchester United's
3-0 win over Newcastle United, Tottenham Hotspur's 2-1 win at Stoke City and
Arsenal's 2-1 success at Blackburn Rovers a fortnight ago.
Next up
• West Ham United travel to the Britannia Stadium next Saturday to face
Stoke City in the Barclays Premier League. The fixture, which will be
broadcast live by Sky Sports, kicks-off at 12.45pm.
• Chelsea travel to Slovakian champions MSK Zilina on Wednesday evening for
their opening UEFA Champions League Group F fixture, with kick-off at
7.45pm.
General information
• Supporters using public transport to travel to the Barclays Premier League
fixtures with Chelsea and Tottenham Hotspur should take note of the
following important information. London Underground have informed the club
that the District and Hammersmith and City lines will also be closed between
Aldgate East and Barking/Upney all day on Saturday 11 September, when
Chelsea will visit the Boleyn Ground. Fans are urged to use rail replacement
buses or use alternative Tube and rail services to reach either Canning Town
or Barking stations, from which they can either walk or take a bus. The
District and Hammersmith and City lines will also be closed between
Whitechapel and East Ham all day on Saturday 25 September, when Tottenham
Hotspur will provide the opposition. Transport for London has informed the
club that these works are being carried out to upgrade the District line, as
well as on Network Rail and Crossrail schemes, and have been scheduled
following talks with all five London-based Barclays Premier League clubs.
For further information, visit www.tfl.gov.uk
• Saturday's weather forecast is for light rain showers with a maximum
daytime temperature of 19C (67F) in east London.
• A limited number of tickets are available for Saturday's match. To
purchase your seat, visit the West Stand ticket office between 9am and 5pm
on Friday, log on to whufcboxoffice.com or call 0871 222 2700. Any remaining
tickets will be on sale from the West Stand ticket office on Saturday
morning from 9am until kick-off.
• Beta Technology are Saturday's Man of the Match Sponsors. Beta Technology
is a knowledge based company supporting industry, the public sector and
academia to collaborate and to develop innovative projects
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Thrilled Parker pens new contract
WHUFC.com
Hammer of the Year winner Scott Parker has pledged his long-term future to
West Ham United
09.09.2010
Scott Parker said the fans were a "massive factor" in putting pen to paper
on a new long-term contract at West Ham United. The reigning Hammer of the
Year has committed his future to the club until 2014 with the option of a
further 12 months. Parker was all smiles as he signed the deal after
training at Chadwell Heath on Thursday, claiming "I always knew this was
where I was going to be". "I am delighted," he said. "I am just absolutely
delighted to have signed the contract. Everyone knows I enjoy playing my
football here. I really wanted to stay here, give it a shot and see what can
happen. I just want to do the best for West Ham and I can't wait for
Saturday against Chelsea."
Parker is still only 29 and said he feels in as good a physical condition as
he has for many years. He has ambitions for European football and admitted
it would be "fantastic" to play at the Olympic Stadium, were the club to
realise the ambition of securing the 2012 venue as a new home for the
Hammers.
With grand plans on the horizon and given his happiness in east London, talk
of him being wanted by other clubs was something that never concerned the
midfielder. "With the transfer window there is all this big hype. There are
obviously times when it is stressful but from the outset I always knew this
was where I was going to be. The owners came out and spoke last season and I
am more than happy."
Although last season was not the easiest for the club, Parker himself
enjoyed a stellar 2009/10 - so much so that the fans voted him Hammer of the
Year for the second straight campaign. "The fans mean a lot to me," he
added. "I came here [in July 2007] and didn't start the best with an injury.
Since then I have been in the team and the fans have taken to me very well.
"I think if you asked any player, the most important thing is feeling
welcome and being appreciated by the fans. I must say that for me personally
as a player that is the one thing I do feel. I feel appreciated. "The fans
show that every Saturday when they turn up home and away. That had a massive
factor in me deciding to stay and obviously sign a new contract."
Parker is relishing the prospect of taking on Chelsea on Saturday and sees
no reason why the club still cannot have a good campaign. "There is no
question that we have got a good squad of players. We have got players who
have come in and done really well and we have got players who have come back
to fitness. "We are looking forward. We have had a tough start. In saying
that, we have shown some good things this year but we need to do that for 90
minutes. I am sure that it won't be long before we start clicking and you
can see the best of us. "There is no hiding the fact that we need to try and
pick up some points. In the Premier League there never seems to be an easy
game - whenever you're looking for one the next game that comes along is
never easy. "We got a great result against Chelsea at home last year and
played really well. We drew 1-1 and their goal probably wasn't even a
penalty. We go in there with great hope and, if the fans get behind us and
we can put on a performance, you never know."
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Focused on Florent
WHUFC.com
Julien Faubert is ready to shackle old foe Florent Malouda when West Ham
United host Chelsea on Saturday
09.09.2010
Julien Faubert is looking forward to battling with old foe and fellow
Frenchman Florent Malouda when West Ham United lock horns with Chelsea on
Saturday. The Hammers star could start at right-back against the Blues'
in-form midfielder, who has scored four goals in four matches for his club
already in 2010/11. Malouda was also on target in France's 2-0 UEFA EURO
2012 qualifying win in Bosnia-Herzegovina - the same nation Faubert scored
against on his own international debut in August 2006 - on Tuesday evening.
While many defenders would shy away from the challenge of facing one of the
world's top players, the 27-year-old is relishing the opportunity of
renewing the rivalry the pair enjoyed during their time in French Ligue 1.
The duo met six times during their respective times with Girondins de
Bordeaux and Olympique Lyonnais - the most recent of which saw Faubert score
first but finish on the losing side in a 2-1 Lyon victory four years ago.
"I know Malouda is on fire," Faubert told WHUTV. "He was a big player before
and is a big player now, but I think we have to play as a team. If we play
as a team and we are really compact, we won't let him play and will restrict
his chances I think. "I am not scared of anybody so I don't care who I am up
against. I just try to play my best and do my best for the team. I know they
are the hardest players in the Premier League, but every team has quality on
their side and that's the modern football. They play a lot on the wings, so
it will be difficult for me, but I will try to make it difficult for them as
well. I will try my best."
Aside from old foe Malouda, Faubert is aware that the reigning Barclays
Premier League champions possess quality all over the pitch. Faubert was
part of the team that had the better of a 1-1 draw with the Blues in the
respective fixture last season and, despite starting as outsiders this time
around, the Hammers star insists Avram Grant's side have the belief that
they can upset the formbook again. "I think this is why we are football
players - to play in games like this. We have this game, then Stoke and
Tottenham as well. They are also two big games. We don't have to be scared
of this game because we play football for this. We can enjoy it but we have
to die on the pitch. We have the fans behind us so we have to try our best."
"I don't think it's an easy game for us but we need some points, so if it's
Chelsea or not Chelsea, we have to create something and we have to do
something on the pitch. We are at home and we can do a big game against a
team that won their first three games and scored a lot of goals. We have
chances in every game if we believe. "I think we can score. We have had
opportunities to score but we have missed chances and it makes it hard. If
we defend all the game it is hard as well, so we have to play, to be
confident and try to score. If we can score, I think we can keep the lead.
"That's what we have to do. We have to believe before the game and not lose
the game before we play. I think we have to believe, even though we know
they are a big team."
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Scott Parker pens new contract at West Ham
BBC.co.uk
West Ham midfielder Scott Parker has signed a new long-term contract with
the club that will keep him at Upton Park until 2014. Tottenham bid for
Parker in July, but West Ham owner David Sullivan turned down the offer and
said the 29-year-old was not for sale "at any price". And despite their
precarious financial position, the Hammers have managed to secure Parker's
services. "I always knew this was where I was going to be," said Parker. "I
really wanted to stay here, give it a shot and see what can happen. I just
want to do my best for West Ham and cannot wait to play against Chelsea on
Saturday." The former Charlton, Chelsea and Newcastle midfielder admitted
that there had been a lot of speculation over the summer but hinted that he
was boosted by the owners' determination to keep him. Parker was, in fact,
the only West Ham player not to be up for sale as the club desperately tried
to raise funds to tackle their debts, which were reported to be £110m when
Sullivan and David Gold took over in January. And the England international,
who was part of the provisional squad for the World Cup before being
overlooked by Fabio Capello, is eager to repay the faith shown in him by the
owners and by the club's fans. "With the transfer window there is always a
lot of hype. The owners spoke out last season and I am more than happy," he
added on West Ham's website. "And the fans mean a lot to me. The most
important thing is feeling welcome and appreciated by the fans - and that is
the one thing I do feel."
Parker is also keen to help turn around the Hammers' season after three
league defeats so far that have left them bottom of the table. They could
hardly have a more difficult tasks than facing defending champions Chelsea
at Upton Park on Saturday, but Parker remains optimistic. "There is no
hiding the fact that we need to try to pick up some points," he said. "But I
am sure that it won't be long before we start clicking and you see the best
of us. "We got a great result against Chelsea at home last year and played
really well. We drew 1-1 and their goal probably wasn't even a penalty. "We
go into the game with great hope and if the fans get behind us and we put in
a great performance, you never know."
Parker has made 85 appearances for West Ham since joining from Newcastle,
and endeared himself to supporters with a 30-yard strike against Wigan last
season which helped guarantee the club's Premier League status.
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Parker pens new deal
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th September 2010
By: Staff Writer
Scott Parker has signed a new five-year deal with West Ham. The 29-year-old
midfielder was linked with a string of clubs during the recent summer
transfer window - including Tottenham, who made at least two bids for the
former Charlton player - but remained at West Ham after David Sullivan stuck
by his declaration that the club's vice-captain would not be allowed to
leave. It is further suggested that Parker, who had three years of his
existing contract to run prior to signing the new contract - one that has
been on the table for some weeks - had agreed to put pen to paper prior to
the end of the transfer window. The deal - which, according to reports will
make Parker the club's highest-paid player - will keep him tied to West Ham
until the summer of 2015, by when he will be 34. "With the transfer window
there is all this big hype. There are obviously times when it is stressful
but from the outset I always knew this was where I was going to be," Parker
told whufc.com. "The owners came out and spoke last season and I am more
than happy."
West Ham face one of Parker's former clubs, Chelsea, at the Boleyn Ground
this weekend.
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West Ham United v Chelsea - Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 9th September 2010
By: Preview Percy
The transfer deadline has been and gone but our attempts to send Preview
Percy out on loan to FC Chernobyl fell through when we couldn't get anyone
to pay the air fare. Or the bus fare. Or the postage. So here he is again.
Unfortunately......
Next up we have Chelsea at home for a 3pm Saturday kick-off. Treasure it
while you can you lucky people. The visitors are of course top of the league
having had a goal-laden start to the season which has seen them dish out 6-0
thrashings to West Brom and Wigan with a mere 2-0 win at Stoke to follow.
Being a bit busy at the time they were on, I wasn't able to tune in to any
of the post-match radio phone-ins that it is compulsory to listen to on the
way home from away matches but you can bet your last penny that, if a
Chelsea supporter rang up to gloat about their current position, he or she
introduced themselves with the words "I've been a Chelsea supporter since
19-whatever(insert any old pre-Abrahamovic date here). I never cease to be
amazed at how many 12 year olds were about in 1955.
Let's get a couple of things out of the way early on. Firstly, no preview
worth its salt could possibly fail to mention Frank Lampard. Lampard always
says that he couldn't care less about the stick he gets from West Ham
supporters and, on the face of it, this seems to be the case as in recent
times there have been fewer and fewer four-page spreads explaining "twenty
reasons why I couldn't care less about the stick I get from West Ham
supporters". However Lampard is nothing if not intelligent. Realising that
his loyal Chelsea fans, all of whom have been supporting the club since
19-whatever, are unlikely to realise the link, he now gets the chap he paid
handsomely to write his "auto"biography to moan about the stick he gets from
West Ham fans in the Sun on his behalf. Of course some of the jibes –
particularly those concerning his weight - are a bit old hat these days.
However, I have to say that he did look as if he'd let himself go a bit when
I saw him with his other half on breakfast telly the other morning – and he
seems so keen to distance himself from his roots that he now seems to be
affecting some strange Brummie accent. Lampard is something of a doubt for
this weekend, having recently undergone surgery on a groin injury, though he
has returned to training this week.
The second player worthy of scrutiny is, of course, John Terry. In the last
few years this player has spent those moments when he was not getting off
with team mates' other halves trying to make money out of his position as
England Captain. It was a day of great joy in the Percy household when Terry
was forced to relinquish the role, thus allowing the likes of Cuthbert
Ottaway, Billy Wright and Sir Bobby to stop spinning in their respective
graves (though no doubt rotation was resumed when injury forced the armband
onto the arm of thug and gangster apologist Steve Gerrard). Terry's rap
sheet of crimes (both footballing and actual) is so long that this computer
hasn't got a hard drive big enough to cope. The papers' insistence that
Terry was ever "world class" always baffled us. At club level his all too
obvious shortcomings have usually been hidden by his being bailed out by
players of better quality. Even at England level, without Rio Ferdinand to
cover for him his lack of ability has often been exposed. This was painfully
obvious in the World Cup defeat by Germany where poor old Matty Upson was
made the scapegoat for the fact that the only time Terry was in the right
position all match was at kick-off. His behaviour behind the scenes before
and during the ill-fated tournament is also rumoured to have left a lot to
be desired – though whether or not his welcome absence from the national
side's decent start to the Euro2012 qualifying campaign will give Capello
food for thought is another matter. Terry missed the two internationals
through injury but his hamstring is set to have healed enough for him to
start on Saturday.
Terry and Lampard famously started out their careers under Tony Carr, unlike
another ex-Hammer Yossi Benayoun, who came from climes even further East
than Chadwell Heath. Yossi was something of a favourite in his spell at the
Boleyn until he blotted his copybook by succumbing to Liverpool's rather
obvious illegal approach after his announcement that he would sign that bit
of paper just as soon as he got back from his hols. His spell at Anfield was
not a totally happy one, giving those who put their faith in the existence
of Karma a bit of back-up for their views. He always seemed to be in and out
of the side and, although Benitez's departure was greeted with some
celebration in the Benayoun household, the change in management came too
late for anyone to persuade the Israeli that Merseyside was quite nice
really and the playmaker moved south for what for Chelsea was a knock-down
price of £5m.
Benayoun's involvement so far this season has been limited to appearances
from the bench in the 6-0 wins over the Baggies and the Child Slave
Employers, whilst he failed to get on against Stoke. I guess that sort of
thing is a bit easier to bear when the wages are better and you're part of a
squad actually likely to win something bigger than the Europa League. He
still has a way to go before he gets to emulate my all time favourite
Chelsea player Winston Bogarde. Bogarde, you will recall, resisted all
attempts to get shot of him during the years immediately prior to the
Abrahamovic takeover. Despite being made to train with the youth team and
being given a squad number higher than that allocated to the club's tea
lady, the beefy defender loyally turned up on time every day and did all
that was asked of him, happy in the knowledge that he was being handsomely
rewarded for doing sod-all. In the end Ken Bates went before Bogarde did and
there was a certain humourous honesty (albeit somewhat warped in nature)
from the Dutchman who at least admitted he was only there for the money.
Which of course is categorically not the case for any of the current Chelsea
squad. Honest.
As mentioned the visitors have been amongst the goals so far this season.
The notoriously unsteady Didier Drogba picked up an opening day hat-trick
and followed that with a second-half spot-kick against Stoke. Somehow he
managed to avoid scoring in the 6-0 win at the Whelan-dome despite playing
the full ninety, a feat that would surely have had questions being asked had
he been a cricketer. If you see what I mean. Kalou and Anelka picked up a
brace in that one whilst French winger Malouda has found the back of the net
in all three of Chelsea's matches thus far this season. So it's fair to say
that they're not dependent on any one player for their goals. It is,
however, also fair to say that they've taken full advantage of a fixture
list that has been as kind to them as it has been unkind to us. Sterner
challenges will face them – as this season's "traditional curtain-raiser"
made very clear.
And so to us. Transfer deadline day came and went with a fair degree of
disappointment for many fans. To be fair the ever increasing emphasis on the
final day of the window with its countdowns, its reporters stood outside
training grounds and its videos of 'Arry denying accusations of
wheeler-dealing, does rather tend to distort the window by compressing it
all into one 24 hour Sky-hyped period. Looking at the window as a whole
(rather than just deadline day), whilst it wasn't totally satisfactory, it
could have been a lot worse. Incoming we had Hitzlsperger, Barrera,
Piquionne, Ben Haim, Obinna and, on deadline day itself, Jacobsen and
Boffin. These latter two were most welcome for two reasons – Jacobsen is the
first proper right-back to sign for the club since the departure of Lucas
Neill whilst Ruud Boffin, well it's just a brilliant name isn't it. Looking
at the departure board it wasn't too much of a surprise to see Diamanti go,
though Daprela's departure was disappointing insofar as the player had
looked promising on his rare first team appearances. Clearly the management
(both old and new) saw something in training they didn't like, hence the
Swiss youngster's failure to hold down a regular starting place despite the
long term injury to Ilunga. Whilst there were a couple of deals that fell
through on the deadline day it at least made a change for us not to sell
someone so late that we were unable to get a replacement. And, of course we
kept hold of Scott Parker who was last seen signing a new four-year deal
(that's how you keep a promise Yossi).
On the injury front, for Saturday Hitzlsperger still remains a big doubt.
Green should have recovered from his "minor procedure" to start between the
sticks. Someone called Kieron Dyer is set to astound us all by being
available for the third league match in a row whilst Valon Behrami's mystery
injury appears to have cleared up at one nanosecond after the window closed,
once it became apparent that Roma weren't going to sign him. Take out the
long term injuries to Collison, Hines and Kurucz and we now have pretty much
a full squad to pick from. Which of course isn't much consolation when your
next match is against a team whose goal difference from 3 matches reads
14-0.
Given the poor start to the season all logic points to another heavy defeat
for this one. Even the bizarre and totally ludicrous omen that arises from
the fact that our opponents seem to put six past every team whose name
begins with a "W" is against us. (Hey you don't get this level of insight
from the BBC!). However, there is some small inkling, some small thought
forming at the back of my mind that we might get something out of this one.
There's no logic to it at all – by any scientific analysis should put paid
to any such thoughts. However, call it intuition, a feeling in my bones, or
just plain madness borne out of spending over 40 years of my life watching
this club but there's something that tells me that there's at least a point
to be got. So let an old man have a senior moment and I'll go for a
surprising 1-1 draw as we trouble the points table for the first time.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: drew 1-1 - a game we ought to have won. Diamanti's spot-kick
was cancelled out by Lampard's penalty, wrongly awarded by Mike Dean who
then went on to make Adrian Chiles take the kick three times. I would
describe it as a shocking decision but frankly it was depressingly par for
the course from an official who will never give a correct decision if a
dodgy one means that he can affect the outcome of a match.
Referee: Chris Foy – thankfully not Dean again which means that, on paper at
least it's all about eleven against eleven. Foy does seem to have a problem
with Scott Parker though....
Danger Man: Lampard – if fit he always scores against us – though he's been
a bit wayward with spot-kicks of late.
Travel tips - Yet again there's no District Line service to/from Upton Park
guys and gals. You can ponder why TFL and the football fixture list people
don't get their acts together as you make the long walk to the ground from
Canning Town (Jubilee Line/DLR), West Ham (Jubilee/C2C), Forest Gate
(National Express) or Barking (C2C) stations. Or as you celebrate another
birthday as you wait for the woefully inadequate replacement bus services.
Daft fact of the week: - Chelsea hold the record for an aggregate score in
European Competition having beaten Luxembourg side Jeunesse Hautcharage 21-0
on aggregate (8-0 and 13-0) in the 1971-72 Cup-Winners' Cup. An impressive
result maybe, until you consider that Jeunesse were the Luxembourg
equivalent of a pub side's second XI who somehow managed to win the
Luxembourg Cup after a string of giant killing results. Against Chelsea,
Jeunesse famously fielded a player with one arm and another who had
spectacles thick enough to cause grass fires on dry pitches, an event that
he sensibly prevented by keeping them stuck to his head with sellotape and a
rubber band. To this day he remains the only player to have spent more on
kit at WH Smith than at JJB.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Coe backs Hammers bid
Olympic chief offers support to Iron bid
Last updated: 9th September 2010
SSN
Lord Coe has welcomed West Ham United's bid to take over the Olympic Stadium
in Stratford after the 2012 Games. The Hammers have been boosted by the news
that Coe, chairman of the London Organising Committee for the Olympic Games,
would happily hand over the keys to the venue if it was up to him. The
Premier League club will find out before Christmas whether they have been
successful with Coe revealing a "plethora" of other alternatives are vying
for the facility. "I would welcome it," he said. "I was never naive enough
to believe that track and field [alone] could support an 80,000-seater
stadium and the whole point was not to lumber East London with a stadium
that nobody had a use for. "The Olympic Park Legacy Company are currently
talking to Newham Council, talking to West Ham and talking to a plethora of
other organisations that have shown interest at one level or another so I
know that West Ham are not the only game in town. "But the owners of West
Ham have expressed a real understanding that the community wants to have a
footprint here and I have no problems with track and field living alongside
football."
West Ham and Newham Council confirmed their joint bid in March this year and
will submit their official proposal for the right to lease the stadium on a
long-term commercial basis before the deadline at the end of this month.
Should it succeed, the club's owners will have to agree to finance some
necessary modifications to the stadium. "This would not come at no cost to
West Ham," warned Coe. "There would be things that they will need to do to
reconfigure the stadium such as installing catering facilities inside the
stadium. "It has not been designed as a football stadium in order not to
saddle future tenants with things they didn't necessarily want. But the
primary objective all along was to make sure we were not going to be left
with a white elephant."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Behrami reveals Roma woe
Swiss midfielder focused on Hammers after missing out on move
Last updated: 9th September 2010
SSN
Valon Behrami is disappointed not to have joined Roma, but insists he will
continue to give his all for West Ham. The Swiss international was heavily
linked with a move to Italy throughout the summer, with Palermo also
reported to be keen to strike a deal. However, a switch failed to
materialise and Behrami remains at Upton Park. The former Lazio man admits
he had hoped to have been playing his football back in Serie A by now, but
has assured the Hammers that he will not be letting his standards slip. "I
am disappointed the deal failed to go through - that is for certain,"
Behrami said in The Sun. "This club has given me a lot of things and helped
me when I was injured. "I never want it to look like I want to leave because
it is difficult. The club knows I had a personal private problem in my life.
I tried to go back to Italy to solve this problem. We didn't find the right
solution and I am happy to stay here. "I never tried to move to any other
club in England or Germany or wherever. I am here and I will give 100 per
cent for this club and the supporters. "In the last three weeks, the manager
and the chairman have both helped me a lot because they understood the
situation. Of course in football, there is the business side as well. We
didn't find the right solution for the club and for me."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Parker pens new deal
Midfielder commits himself until 2014
Last updated: 9th September 2010
SSN
Scott Parker has handed West Ham a massive boost by signing a new four-year
contract. The 29-year-old midfielder, whose form last season earned him a
call-up to Fabio Capello's provisional 30-man World Cup squad, was the
subject of some much-publicised attention from Tottenham and Liverpool in
the recent transfer window. The Hammers rejected a bid for Parker and they
have now tied his long-term future to Upton Park by offering him a deal
until 2014, with the option of a further year. And the former Chelsea man is
delighted to put speculation about his future to bed and commit himself to
Avram Grant's men. "I always knew this was where I was going to be," Parker
told the club's official website. "I am just absolutely delighted to have
signed the contract. Everyone knows I enjoy playing my football here. "I
really wanted to stay, give it a shot and see what can happen."
Fans' impact
Parker, who joined the Hammers from Newcastle in 2007, has paid tribute to
the club's fans and insisted they played a big part in his decision to stay
at Upton Park. The fans mean a lot to me," he added. "I think if you asked
any player, the most important thing is feeling welcome and being
appreciated by the fans. "That had a massive factor in me deciding to stay
and signing a new contract."
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Obinna urges fans patience
Winger insists it is a matter of time before things come good
Last updated: 9th September 2010
SSN
Victor Obinna has called for patience from West Ham fans amid a disastrous
start to the season. The Nigerian winger is on a season-long loan from Inter
Milan and has yet to feature for his new club, who are pointless from their
three Premier League games following defeats by Aston Villa, Bolton and
Manchester United. The Hammers' plight is not helped by the visit of
champions Chelsea at the weekend and manager Avram Grant's future is already
uncertain with his side sitting bottom of the league. But Obinna is certain
it is just a case of his new side taking time to gel and is confident of
beating Carlo Ancelotti's men at Upton Park. "The manager is working on that
and we just need a little time for the players to come together," the
Nigeria international told the club's official website. "We need to work
with each other and understand our strengths. Why can't we do something
against Chelsea? "Everything is possible in football. You can never tell.
Anything can happen in 90 minutes."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Sullivan - No Hammers panic
Boss Grant backing owners despite lack of funds
Last updated: 9th September 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Sullivan insists there is no need for panic at Upton
Park despite their miserable start to the season. The Hammers are currently
rooted to the foot of the Premier League table after a trio of defeats at
the hands of Aston Villa, Bolton and Manchester United. Next on the agenda
for Avram Grant's men is a home clash against free-scoring league leaders
Chelsea, who have roared out of the blocks in the defence of their title,
hitting 14 goals without reply to see off West Brom, Wigan and Stoke. Former
Blues and Portsmouth boss Grant retains the full support of Sullivan and
David Gold as they look to rebuild in East London following serious
financial concerns and last season's relegation scrap. "I'd like to put the
record straight," Sullivan told the London Evening Standard.
Rubbish
"Nobody is pressing any panic buttons and reports to the contrary are
rubbish. We are building a new team under a new manager and transition is a
tough time but game by game, I anticipate an improvement over the coming
months. "We expect the team to come together over the next few games and see
some real progress. When we looked at the early fixtures we knew we faced a
tough time but we only managed two points from the same fixtures last
season."
Sullivan has also back-tracked over his recent criticism of the club's
foreign players, after he suggested at the weekend that some 'couldn't be
bothered'.
He added: "It was one or two I didn't want to name. The vast majority are
totally committed and we have worked hard with others that wanted to go to
get them back onside."
Manager Grant, who was appointed in the summer following the decision to
part company with Gianfranco Zola, has admitted he would have preferred
greater backing in the summer transfer market, but understands the
constraints he is working under. "The situation at West Ham is not good
because there is a lot of debt," the Israeli admitted. "I would be more
happy with a few more million to spend but I know the situation. The owners
are trying to do the best. "You must know that if the owners did not buy
West Ham then West Ham could have been bankrupt. In the future I think we
will have more money to spend."
Despite their woeful start to the new term, Grant believes that his side
still retain the backing of the Hammers faithful. "The supporters are good
and we will try our best to make them happy," he added. "They are very good,
the reception has been good. The most important thing is that they are
behind the team. I must say, everyone in the club is trying to do their
best."
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Parker pens new contract
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: 09 Sep 2010
SCOTT PARKER has signed a £14.5million contract to remain the heartbeat of
West Ham. The midfielder yesterday put pen to paper on a new four-year deal.
SunSport revealed on August 11 the Hammers had held off interest from
Tottenham and Liverpool to persuade their talisman to stay for the
long-term.
Parker, 29, will pick up around £70,000 a week after a modest £2,000 rise.
He said: "The fans mean a lot to me. If you ask any player, the most
important thing is being appreciated by the fans." The former Chelsea,
Charlton and Newcastle man was West Ham's player of the season last term.
And club co-owner David Sullivan responded by saying he was the one player
definitely not for sale when the summer transfer window opened. The Hammers
faithful have seen their side plummet to the foot of the Premier League with
three straight defeats, with the daunting prospect of hosting champions
Chelsea on Saturday. West Ham fear losing Matthew Upson on a free next year
as talks on a new deal have yet to start.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Obinna asks fans for patience
Published 11:11 09/09/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror
Victor Obinna has urged patience from West Ham fans after the club's poor
start to the season. The Hammers are yet to register a point this campaign
following defeats to Aston Villa, Bolton and Manchester United. Manager
Avram Grant now faces the daunting task of hosting Barclays Premier League
champions Chelsea on Saturday. Obinna, who signed on a season-long loan from
Inter Milan last month, says it is only a matter of time before the team
start winning games. "The manager is working on that and we just need a
little time for the players to come together," the Nigerian told
www.whufc.com.
"We need to work with each other and understand our strengths. Why can't we
do something against Chelsea? "Everything is possible in football. You can
never tell. Anything can happen in 90 minutes."
Obinna, a pacy striker once tipped for greatness for former Inter boss Jose
Mourinho, may get his first taste of English football this weekend. Carlton
Cole and Frederic Piquionne have both struggled in front of goal so far this
season, with the Hammers' only league strike coming courtesy of a Mark Noble
penalty against the Trotters three weeks ago. Obinna is well aware of how
hard it will be to overcome the champions, who have a 100% record so far
this term, but is hoping that Grant gives him a chance on Saturday. "I have
been working hard," the striker said. "It has been very tough and I am
preparing for the games coming ahead. "I would like to be involved against
Chelsea if the manager decides. I believe it is going to be one of the
toughest games we have played this season."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Reports Avram Grant has only three games to save his job are 'premature',
says Gold
Published 23:00 09/09/10 By Mike Walters
The Mirror
West Ham co-chairman Davif Gold has branded suggestions that Avram Grant has
only three games to save his job at Upton Park "premature." Although defeat
by his former club Chelsea tomorrow would inevitably increase the pressure
on him, Grant's position is not under immediate threat. Gold said: "While we
do not suffer fools gladly, I would also point out that David Sullivan and
myself have a track record of standing by the managers we appoint. "At
Birmingham, we left Trevor Francis was in charge for five-and-a-half years,
Steve Bruce stayed for five-and-a-half years and we stood by Alex McLeish
after relegation so he could take the club back into the Premier League. "On
that basis, it is premature - to say the least - to suggest we are preparing
to press the panic button because we do not make these appointments lightly.
"Avram has assembled a new team and everything is in place for him to take
the club forward - except points on the board after three games."
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Exclusive: Avram will be excused crucial Stoke game to observe Jewish
holiday - even if Hammers are bottom
Published 23:00 09/09/10 By Mike Walters
The Mirror
Avram Grant will be given permission to miss West Ham's game at Stoke to
observe Yom Kippur - even if they are rock-bottom. Hammers boss Grant, whose
revamped side have yet to break their duck in the Premier League this
season, is unlikely to travel to the Potteries on September 18 because it
clashes with the Day of Atonement, the holiest date on the Jewish calendar.
Co-chairman David Gold, who also has Jewish ancestry, will not stand in the
way of his Israeli manager skipping the dugout at the Britannia stadium,
saying: "It is difficult to stand in the way of religious conviction."
But after starting with three straight defeats against Aston Villa, Bolton
and Manchester United, the Hammers - who play Double winners Chelsea at
Upton Park tomorrow - are in danger of going to Stoke without a point on the
board. Some fans are alarmed that Grant will be missing at a time when West
Ham could be rock-bottom, but Gold said: "Religion is a very personal thing
and, much as I would like Avram to be at every game, I would respect his
decision.
"It's like a player who wants to miss a game to be at the birth of his child
- no matter how much his team-mates might need him on the pitch, it's hard
to stand in his way of something which is so important in his personal life.
"It varies, from individual to individual, how important religion is to you
and it's a question of degrees. If my grandparents were still alive, they
would not have gone to a match on Yom Kippur. "Personally, I believe it is
possible to fulfil both your religious obligations and your work
obligations, but it's not so easy to do both if you are absolutely devout.
"I don't know Avram well enough yet to say whether he must be at the game,
but you can't make a judgement like this on behalf of someone else."
This is not the first time Grant has been faced with a religious dilemma.
Preparations for his first game in charge of Chelsea three years ago were
also interrupted by the Day of Atonement - he was in the dugout for the 2-0
defeat at Manchester United, but only after observing a 24-hour fast. And
high-profile sportsmen who ignore it risk invoking the wrath of hard-line
Jewish fundamentalists. Israeli international goalkeeper Dudu Aouate faced
calls for his expulsion from the national side when he said he would play
for his club, Deportivo La Coruna, against Real Sociedad on Yom Kippur.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Matthew Upson can still be an asset for West Ham AND England, says David
Gold
Published 22:30 09/09/10 By John Cross
The Mirror
West Ham joint owner David Gold last night urged Matt Upson not to give up
on his England career. Upson, 31, has been left angry and upset after
failing to even make the bench for England's Euro 2012 qualifiers against
Bulgaria and Switzerland. It has left Upson seriously considering his
international future after finding himself way down the pecking order in
Fabio Capello's plans. But Gold believes West Ham club captain should not
give up on England because he still has something to offer at international
level. Gold said: "From a club perspective you could say we are pleased our
international players have not gone and got injured like Michael Dawson and
Theo Walcott. "Thankfully Matthew Upson has returned unscathed but from a
personal point of view I am really sad he was not given the opportunity.
"When I see the team that's picked and Matthew is not in, I'm disappointed
for him. He works hard, he is the consummate professional. He is everything
we want to see from a professional footballer, on the back pages not the
front pages. "I've known him for years, he's a good guy and it would be nice
to see him playing for England. I would urge him to resist the idea of
retiring. "It's not as if time is passing him by. He can still be a great
asset for the England team as well as for West Ham United for many years."
Upson, who has won 21 caps, bore the brunt of the blame for England's World
Cup defeat to Germany in the summer. The former Arsenal and Birmingham
defender is now behind Phil Jagielka, Gary Cahill and Joleon Lescott with
John Terry and Rio Ferdinand to come back from injury. Upson is also facing
uncertain times at West Ham as he is into the final year of his contract.
Gold wants him to stay and sign a new deal but resisted the temptation to
sell Upson in August rather than lose him for free next summer. Gold added:
"We would love him to sign a new contract and stay for the rest of his
career at West Ham but there's no mad rush. "The transfer window is closed
and he has the rest of the season on his contract."
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Parker commits future to West Ham
Published 17:11 09/09/10 By Pa Sports
The Mirror
West Ham captain Scott Parker has ended speculation about his future by
signing a new contract until the end of the 2013-14 season. The central
midfielder, who signed for the club from Newcastle in 2007, had been the
subject of interest from Barclays Premier League rivals Tottenham, who had a
bid for the 29-year-old rejected during the transfer window. The Hammers
announced on Thursday afternoon that Parker had signed a new contract that
will see him stay at the club for another four years, with the option of a
further 12 months. Hammers co-owner David Sullivan said last year that
Parker's importance to the club was so high that he was the only player that
he would not consider selling. The midfielder, who made Fabio Capello's
provisional World Cup squad, was an ever-present for the East London club
during last season's campaign, in which the Hammers narrowly avoided
relegation. Parker's 30-yard drive against Wigan secured the club's Premier
League position for another season but his future at Upton Park was thrown
into doubt when Spurs boss Harry Redknapp tabled an £7million offer for the
midfielder last month. The former Chelsea midfielder, who has been voted the
club's player of the year for the last two campaigns, says he always knew
that he would remain at Upton Park. "I am just absolutely delighted to have
signed the contract," Parker told the club's official website. "Everyone
knows I enjoy playing my football here. I really wanted to stay here, give
it a shot and see what can happen." "With the transfer window there is all
this big hype," he added. "There are obviously times when it is stressful
but from the outset I always knew this was where I was going to be. "The
owners came out and spoke last season and I am more than happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Scott Parker signs new contract to keep him at West Ham until 2014
Tottenham had been interested in midfielder over summer
West Ham player delighted to have agreed new deal
Press Association
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 9 September 2010 17.07 BST
Scott Parker has ended speculation over his future by signing a new contract
to extend his stay at West Ham until the summer of 2014. Parker had been the
subject of interest from Tottenham during the summer, but a move to White
Hart Lane failed to materialise. Parker was inspirational in guiding West
Ham to safety last season, his winner against Wigan Athletic sealing the
club's survival in the Premier League. Indeed the midfielder's form was so
impressive that West Ham's co-owner, David Sullivan, said that every player
bar Parker was up for sale during the summer. "I am delighted," said Parker.
"I am just absolutely delighted to have signed the contract. Everyone knows
I enjoy playing my football here. "I really wanted to stay here, give it a
shot and see what can happen. I just want to do the best for West Ham and I
can't wait for Saturday against Chelsea. "With the transfer window there is
all this big hype. There are obviously times when it is stressful but from
the outset I always knew this was where I was going to be. The owners came
out and spoke last season and I am more than happy."
A poor start to the season has left West Ham on zero points after their
opening three games but Parker insists he is undaunted by the visit of the
champions to Upton Park on Saturday. "There is no question that we have got
a good squad of players," said Parker. "There is no hiding the fact that we
need to try and pick up some points. In the Premier League there never seems
to be an easy game. "We got a great result against Chelsea at home last year
and played really well. We drew 1-1 and their goal probably wasn't even a
penalty. We go in there with great hope and, if the fans get behind us and
we can put on a performance, you never know."
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Hammers Injury Jinx Strikes Youngster, as Back Four Selection is Pondered?
West Ham Till I Die
It is with much disappointment that I have noticed the reports that Anthony
Edgar has sustained a serious knee injury in the reserves recent 5-0 defeat
of QPR's second string. As a consequence Edgar will be in rehabilitation
deep in to 2011.
It is a great pity, as Edgar looked like one of our prospects who might just
figure at first team level this season. What is it with West Ham and
injuries, we seem to get more than our fair share and it is always our
better players/prospects that seem to fall victim. Just look at the
Hitzlsperger situation. Still I am sure that no one is as disappointed as
Edgar himself, the road through rehabilitation to recovery is a long and
lonely slog. Lets hope that he re-emerges to fully justify the club's high
hopes for him. Edgar joins Hines and Collison on the injury list. Three
of our very best youngsters, victims of long-term injury. It says it all
really! But at least there should be light at the end of the tunnel soon
for Collison and Hines?
Oh well, at least Winston Reid has recovered from the torn muscle in his
buttock! (that was the injury reported anyway). It must have been very
painful? Reid and Ben Haim's availability is on the credit side of the
injury balance sheet, but negatively there are also reports that Danny
Gabbidon is injured again! At least Dyer is looking remarkable fit and
robust at present (or should we not speak too soon?).
Personally, I would have been tempted to start with Jacobsen, Gabbidon,
Upson and Illunga in front of Rob Green. If Gabbidon is injured then
perhaps they might try Ben Haim and Upson as the central defensive
partnership? I would not select Tomkins for this match, he needs to rebuild
his confidence; whilst Da Costa does nor appear to be any nearer fitness.
Regardless, lets hope that Jacabsen does a decent job for us, I am not
expecting anything fancy, just a steady right-back who does the basic art of
defending well. If he can contribute anything going forward, then so much
the better!
Spector and Kovac should not get off the bench on Saturday. I would like to
see Noble and Behrami anchoring the midfield, Parker pushing forward to
support Cole, with Barrera or Dyer and Obinna either side of him.
Hopefully, Obinna will prove his worth, not least in the fact that he is
used to playing in a 4-3-3 formation. We need pace and threat in the final
third and both Obinna and Barrera are capable of providing that; whilst Dyer
is also a threat going forward. Indeed, with a little more luck, Dyer could
have already had a couple of goals this season.
There is also Faubert to call upon on the right flank or at right-back.
And, of course, we now have Ruud Boffin providing cover for Green and Stech
in goal. I must say that I admire Boffin's comments that he is at West Ham
to get the first team jersey and he will push Green all the way. A very
good and refreshing attitude, I must say. Whilst, any penalties must surely
be taken by Mark Noble! Especially after the Cole miss against Bolton
Wanderers, which was a crucial turning point in that game.
Will Avram Grant pick an attacking team against chelski? No, probably not.
I can see Kovac's in the starting line up! Let hope that Lampard and Terry
are absent. Mind you even without them, Chelski have enough classy players
to win most PL matches. Lets hope that lady luck smiles on us for a change
and we can force at least a draw, perhaps more if Christmas comes early this
year?
SJ. Chandos.
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PL TO UCL – A SAD FALL FROM GRACE FOR THIS FORMER ENGLAND PROSPECT
Date: 9th September 2010 at 3:35 pm | Written by Jack Howlett
Football Fancast
Few players will go from the Premier League to the United Counties League,
with a whole nine divisions separating the two. Former West Ham defender
Calum Davenport had his contract terminated by mutual consent in March this
year and has dropped to non-league football in order to regain match
fitness. Playing for his local side which contains old friends conveys his
unrelenting love for football. Should he recapture his form, he may be able
to restart his professional career which was so cruelly taken away from him.
Following a family disagreement the former Tottenham central defender was
violently stabbed by his sister's boyfriend. Davenport had been accused of
attacking his older sister but has since been cleared of all charges. The
shocking incident saw the footballer repeatedly stabbed in both legs,
loosing half the blood in his body. The severity of the assault meant there
were substantial doubts over whether Davenport would ever play football
again after undergoing emergency surgery.
It has been a sad turn of events for a player who was once considered an
England prospect. At an imposing 6ft 5in, the defender who began his career
at Coventry City earned eight caps for England under-21s. His evident
promise saw him transfer to White Hart Lane in 2004 for a fee of over £1
million. Due to the burgeoning defensive partnership between Ledley King and
Michael Dawson, loan periods at West Ham, Southampton and Norwich followed.
Having impressed during his spell at the Boleyn Ground, he sealed a
permanent switch there in January 2007. Injuries have unfortunately plagued
his career as shortly after this £3 million transfer, the centre-back was
forced to have a hernia operation. After regaining match fitness he was
loaned to Watford for one month. Davenport must have felt cursed as he
fractured a bone in his neck on his debut for the Hornets, ruling him out
for the remainder of the season.
He returned in pre-season and scored with an excellent headed goal in Alan
Curbishley's last game as West Ham manager, defeating Paul Ince's Blackburn.
A change of manager was yet another disruption in the career of this
towering defender. With Sunderland looking to bolster their defensive
options, he joined the Wearside club for the latter half of the 2008/09
season. Starting opportunities were not as forthcoming as he would have
wished but he impressed Ricky Sbragia by keeping opposition attackers at bay
particularly with his aerial strength. He played eight of their last nine
games, helping them to stave off the threat of relegation.
After a managerial change at Sunderland and concerns over his injury record,
Davenport returned to Upton Park and the horrific stabbing soon followed. He
now faces the immense challenge of rebuilding his career from scratch. His
new manager has said, "He is on a very long road and if we can help him one
per cent of the way back to fitness it will have been worthwhile." Fitness
is critical for the stopper who purportedly attracted the attention of Leeds
and Nottingham Forest this summer. A permanent deal may have been deemed too
big a risk given his turbulent, injury ravaged past. Being used to
adversity, hard work will eventually rouse the awareness of a Football
League club who will hopefully offer him the stability he has long been
deprived of.
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Hammers chief reveals big spending
Author: Jonny Abrams
Posted on:09 September 2010 - 15:26
Sport.co.uk
West Ham United co-owner David Sullivan claims to have run up a telephone
bill in excess of £2,000 during the last transfer window. The Hammers
brought Pablo Barrera, Winston Reid, Frederic Piquionne, Thomas
Hitzlsperger, Victor Obinna and Tal Ben Haim to Upton Park over the summer
in a bid to improve upon last season's 17th place finish under Gianfranco
Zola. But last season's poor showings have continued under new manager Avram
Grant, leaving West Ham sitting rock bottom of the nascent Premier League
table. Sullivan said: "I've never worked harder in a transfer window. We
signed eight players as well as hanging onto our star names. "My phone bill
was more than £2,000."
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West Ham anger fans revoking Lyall and Greenwood families' privileges
Lyall and Greenwood families have season tickets taken away
West Ham failed to give any prior notice of their decision
Matt Scott
The Guardian, Friday 10 September 2010
West Ham United have sparked anger among their fans by taking away
privileges from the families of John Lyall and Ron Greenwood without notice.
The late managers are East End royalty, having been responsible for the only
meaningful trophies West Ham have won in their 115-year history.
That was recognised last year when the main gates to Upton Park were renamed
in Lyall's honour and a Greenwood and Lyall Lounge was opened. Both families
had received complimentary directors' box tickets but, following the
takeover by David Sullivan and David Gold - who have made great play of
their credentials as West Ham fans – last season, that privilege was
downgraded to a pair of season tickets.
The families only learned that these too had been taken away when calling
the club in early August to ask what the arrangements would be for the new
season. "I fully appreciate the financial plight of the club and can
understand the reasoning why the season tickets have been withdrawn," said
Lyall's son, Murray. "But what I do find unacceptable is that no one in
authority had the decency to contact us and explain in person."
Lyall's widow, Yvonne, added: "After my husband's 34 years' loyal service to
the club in a playing, coaching and managerial capacity, I feel my family
should have been shown greater respect and understanding given our tragic
loss four years ago and the legacy he left behind."
It has "appalled" Amanda Jacks, a lifelong Hammers fan, who said: "West Ham
trade as a family club but no supporter would treat their family this way.
The strength of feeling from the West Ham support will only demonstrate what
an ill-considered decision this is."
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West Ham United v Chelsea: match preview
Read a full match preview of the Premier League game between between West
Ham United and Chelsea at Upton Park on Saturday Sept 11 2010, kick-off
15:00 BST.
PREVIEW
WEST HAM V CHELSEA
Saturday, September 11 15:00
Premier League
Upton Park
By John Ley
Published: 6:00AM BST 10 Sep 2010
West Ham (4-5-1): Green; Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga; Faubert, Parker,
Noble, Boa Morte; Cole, Obinna.
Chelsea (4-3-3): Cech; Ferreira, Alex, Terry, Cole; Kalou, Essien, Mikel;
Anelka, Drogba, Malouda.
Referee: Chris Foy. Matches: 3. R0 Y9.
Tale of the game
West Ham could give debuts to new signings Victor Obinna and Lars Jacobsen,
signed from Inter Milan and Blackburn respectively. But Thomas Hitzlsperger
remains a doubt and Zavon Hines and Jack Collison are still absent. John
Terry and Frank Lampard have a chance of being fit for Chelsea after missing
England duty with hamstring and knee injuries respectively. But with the
Champions league around the corner, they could be rested. Branislav
Ivanovic, Gael Kakuta and Jose Bosingwa are absent. West Ham have lost their
opening three League games, their worst start to a League season since 1977,
when they won just one of their opening 12 games and were relegated. A
fourth defeat would represent their worst ever start to a League campaign.
Avram Grant, the West Ham manager, faces his former club. And in contrast to
his poor start to life at Upton Park, opposite number Carlo Ancelotti has
averaged 2.32 points a game in his total of 41 Premier League matches in
charge.
Last season: West Ham 1 Chelsea 1, Chelsea 4 West Ham 1.
Stat of the game: Florent Malouda has scored the first goal of the game in
each of Chelsea's three Premier League games this season.
Betting tip: A romp for Chelsea. A 4-0 away win comes in at 12-1.
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Dyer to get new West Ham deal if he can stay fit
Triballfootball.com
10.09.10 | Andrew Slevison
West Ham United will reward Kieron Dyer with a new deal if he can remain fit
for enough games. The 31-year old midfielder has started just nine times in
two-and-a-half years at Upton Park indicating the club is worried about
tying him up to a new deal. But after starting the past two matches for the
Hammers, the club is prepared to give Dyer another chance and offer him a
new deal if he can get out on the pitch enough times. "If he plays two
thirds of the games this season, why wouldn't we want him to stay at the
club for the rest of his career? "A new contract is certainly something we
would look into," said co-owner David Gold.
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