WHUFC.com
Victor Obinna has settled in quickly and enjoying the competition for places
in the Hammers ranks
21.10.2010
Avram Grant has plenty of attacking options at his disposal this weekend.
The manager has Frederic Piquionne, Victor Obinna, Carlton Cole and Benni
McCarthy all pushing for places - with Zavon Hines coming along in light
training for a possible return at the turn of the year. The fit forwards
were all in lively form on Thursday, banging in the goals during a special
end-of-training shooting session that also featured Mark Noble and Pablo
Barrera. There is equally strong demand for places at the back as every
defender in the squad was involved on the Chadwell Heath pitches, with
Matthew Upson pushing for a recall and the likes of Herita Ilunga and James
Tomkins eager to also challenge the back four. In midfield, Julien Faubert's
suspension for his reserve-team red card will not kick in for 14 days. As
such, the manager has the pleasant headache of plenty of options for the
visit of Newcastle United. Despite the competitive air you would expect
among the players, there is a fantastic mood in the squad. Obinna summed it
up with the way he has quickly adapted to life in London. "I'm settled now
and I'm enjoying myself," he said. "This is the kind of football I really
wanted to play and I'm really happy to be here and to play in the English
Premier League."
Having scored against Sunderland in the Carling Cup, he is itching to
reigster his first in the league. "I'm looking to start scoring goals
because I believe that is what West Ham wants. "The football is really fast
and that's the kind of football I'm hoping to play. I've been trying to
adapt and it hasn't been that difficult for me. I've played a couple of
games and I'm enjoying myself."
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Pay on day for Newcastle
WHUFC.com
The Ticket Office will be open from 9am on Saturday ahead of the match with
the Magpies
21.10.2010
Fans yet to buy their tickets for Saturday's showdown with Newcastle United
should note they can pay on the day - should any seats remain unsold. With
the postal deadline having passed, supporters can still purchase online or
over the phone for collection on matchday. Alternatively, the Ticket Office
will be open to callers from 9am until the 5.30pm kick-off of what promises
to be a mouth-watering Barclays Premier League encounter. Season ticket
holders are able to take advantage of a superb promotion for the visit of
Newcastle United, with the club giving them an exclusive chance to buy up to
three additional tickets for friends and family at the reduced rate of £15
each.
Should any season ticket holders be wishing to sit with their relatives or
mates on this occasion, the Ticket Office will make attempts to relocate
them as a one-off. This innovative offer is first come, first served and is
subject to availability - with a maximum of 3,000 tickets available on this
basis. TIckets are selling fast across the board, so anyone interested in
being at the Boleyn should move fast or face disappointment Having extended
their unbeaten run to five matches in all competitions, Luis Boa Morte said
the Hammers were determined to make that a round half-dozen. "We are five
matches unbeaten and we want to keep that run going for as long as possible.
The next one is Newcastle and it is a game we are looking to get three
points from. "We're looking to beat Newcastle and we will be working through
the week to get the three points on Saturday. "No one wants to have a bad
start to the season because it leaves you with a big mountain to climb. We
needed to put things right and that's what we're trying to do now - we're
five games unbeaten so we're just going to try to keep going like that. "I
think everyone is playing well and has been putting in a shift for the club.
We are all looking to achieve the same targets for the club. We want to
finish as high as possible, that's what we're looking for."
Season ticket holders can buy seats for £15 for adults and £5 for kids,
while everyone else can snap up tickets for £20 for adults and £10 for kids.
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Queen meets Carr
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st October 2010
By: Staff Writer
Tony Carr popped over to Buckingham Palace yesterday to receive his
recently-awarded MBE from the Queen. West Ham United's Youth Academy
Director, who was accompanied by his family finally received the award for
which he was nominated last year during a special ceremony at the Palace.
A beaming Carr told the club's website: "It made me feel so proud for both
myself and my family to receive this amazing honour from the Queen. From
humble beginnings living in a council house in Bow to visiting Buckingham
Palace is quite a journey, but it is one I have thoroughly enjoyed every
step of the way. "I never thought anything like this would happen to me and
my family, so to be made an MBE is something truly special and it is a day I
will cherish forever. I want to thank all the other coaches and scouts who I
have worked with during my years at the club as well as, of course, all the
players who have gone on to do so well in the game."
Carr, who has worked in his role since 1973 was recently the subject of a
KUMB Q&A; to read the interview in full, click here.
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Da Costa career on the line
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st October 2010
By: Staff Writer
Manuel Da Costa has been arrested after being accused of sexual assault. The
Portuguese defender, who joined West Ham last year was detained by Police
after it was claimed that he molested a young female clubber and two of her
friends at Faces nightclub, Ilford. 24-year-old Da Costa, who had recently
been reinstated to the Portuguese national squad was collared after
apparently going 'berserk' at the popular nightspot. A witness is reported
to have said: "He [Da Costa] had been in the VIP area with other players and
looked drunk. He is alleged to have grabbed her and when she tried to push
him away he apparently hit her. Two of her friends came over and he is
alleged to have gone for them as well." Da Costa was taken to Ilford Police
station following the incident and was bailed on suspicion of both common
and sexual assault
August 2009: Calum Davenport is stabbed and later accused of assaulting his
sister following a family row at their home in Bedford.
January 2009: Diego Tristan is arrested after being caught drunk at the
wheel, having crashed his Porsche into the back of a taxi. Fined £3,500 and
banned from driving for three years.
November 2008: James Collins insists he is a victim of mistaken identity
after getting nicked outside Funky Buddah following an altercation.
September 2008: Carlton Cole spends the night in a cell after being pulled
for drink driving on the embankment - at 4:30am on a Tuesday morning.
October 2006: Anton Ferdinand is charged with assault and violent conduct
following a fracas outside Faces.
May 2004: Czech hardman Tomas Repka is arrested following a dispute with a
neighbour. Charges are later dropped.
September 2003: Gary Charles (accompanied by an empty vodka bottle) is found
lying semi-conscious in his Merc after causing a trail of destruction in
Long Eaton, Derbyshire..
October 1997: An inebriated John Hartson is nicked at the Swallow Hotel in
Waltham Abbey after becoming abusive towards hotel staff.
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Dyer warning for Carroll
Former Magpies midfielder tells striker to avoid his errors
Last updated: 21st October 2010
SSN
Former Newcastle United midfielder Kieron Dyer has warned Magpies striker
Andy Carroll of the dangers that lie ahead if he does not clean up his act.
The 21-year-old striker, who has been linked with an England call-up,
appeared before magistrates this week charged with assault. Carroll is now
living with Magpies skipper Kevin Nolan as a condition of his bail and Dyer,
who had an eventful eight years at St James' Park, knows the pitfalls of
being young and wealthy. Dyer believes Carroll has the ability to become an
excellent player for years to come, but believes he needs to avoid the
mistakes made by the West Ham midfielder in order to fulfil his potential.
"We had a young exciting team, a fantastic team when you think about it,"
Dyer told the Journal. "But there was a lot going on off the pitch as well.
Brat pack
"They called us the Brat Pack, and I suppose we were at the time. There was
myself, Craig Bellamy, Jermaine Jenas, Titus Bramble,Carl Cort - we were
young lads who had a lot of money, single, living away from home. "We were
enjoying life off the pitch and we got up to all sorts. But that is the
problem you have in a city like Newcastle. "We were doing well on the pitch
and we were intent on enjoying ourselves off it, but we got into too many
scrapes. We attracted the wrong sort of attention and there are things I did
which I just can't believe when I look back. "That is what happens when you
turn young men into millionaires in a city where they receive so much
adulation just for being footballers. There are so many dangers when that
happens, so many pitfalls - I fell into a lot of them. "I look at Andy
Carroll and you can see the same problems. I hope he gets himself sorted out
because he could become an excellent player."
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Obinna targets goals
Hammers forward feels settled at Upton Park
Last updated: 21st October 2010
SSN
West Ham striker Victor Obinna is looking to get on the goal trail after
admitting he feels settled at the club. The 23-year-old forward moved to
Upton Park on a season-long loan from Inter Milan in August and has scored
one goal in six appearances for so far. Obinna has competition for a place
up front with Frederic Piquionne, Carlton Cole and Benni McCarthy all vying
for starting roles. Nigerian Obinna has revealed he is loving life in the
Premier League, but now wants to show what he is really about. "I'm settled
now and I'm enjoying myself," he told the club's official website. "This is
the kind of football I really wanted to play and I'm really happy to be here
and to play in the English Premier League. I'm looking to start scoring
goals because I believe that is what West Ham wants. "The football is really
fast and that's the kind of football I'm hoping to play. I've been trying to
adapt and it hasn't been that difficult for me. "I've played a couple of
games and I'm enjoying myself."
West Ham have had a poor start to the league campaign and the rock-bottom
club take on Newcastle on Saturday.
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Newcastle boss Hughton warns of West Ham backlash
TalkSport
Thursday, October 21
Newcastle boss Chris Hughton has warned his players to be wary of bottom
club West Ham. The Hammers prop up the Premier League table but Hughton
believes Avram Grant has built a squad strong enough to not only survive,
but thrive in the top flight. Newcastle travel to Upton Park this weekend
and Hughton said: "They are a very good quality team and we have to make
sure we are properly prepared. "They have turned things around to a degree
after a poor start by their standards and are on the back of a good run. We
certainly can't put ourselves in a position where we underestimate them.
"What they were able to do was bring in quite a few players in the summer
and when you go through the squad, man for man it is a very, very good
squad."
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Da Costa set to face Newcastle despite police investigation
TalkSPort
By Marc Isaacs
Thursday, October 21
West Ham defender Manuel da Costa remains in contention to face Newcastle on
Saturday, despite being arrested on suspicion of sexual assault. Da Costa,
24, is on police bail until early December, pending further enquiries after
an alleged incident at a nightclub in east London. The Portuguese defender
has been outstanding for the Hammers in recent weeks and manager Avram Grant
will be keen to keep him in the starting line-up as they look to maintain
their five match unbeaten run. Despite the revelations, Da Costa turned up
for training on Thursday and took part in the session ahead of the Premier
League game at Upton Park.
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Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle and West Ham check out Israeli striker Itay
Shechter
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 2:59 AM on 22nd October 2010
Daily Mail
Scouts from Liverpool, Everton, Newcastle and West Ham were in Germany on
Wednesday night to watch striker Itay Shechter. The Israeli scored in Hapoel
Tel Aviv's 3-1 defeat in the Champions League against Schalke 04 and did
enough to impress. Earlier this month, Tottenham chief scout Ian Broomfield
watched him against Lyon and the 23-yearold scored in both of Israel's Euro
2012 qualifiers against Croatia and Greece. Hapoel wanted £2.5million for
Shechter in the summer when he was linked with Celtic and Birmingham. But
with the striker has improved on last season's performances when he was the
country's top scorer with 25 goals as Hapoel won a league and cup double, so
his club could up the price to £7m in January. But Shechter would struggle
to gain a work permit. Non-EU residents need to have represented their
country in 75 per cent of matches over the past two years but Shechter has
played in only eight of Israel's 15 matches (53 per cent). His agent has
documents to prove the Israeli has missed games due to injury and suspension
but he may still struggle to get a permit.
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Why is Scott Parker Not Selected to Play for England?
West Ham Till I Die
Scott Parker is very much the 'main man' in this Hammers team. His
performances over the last couple of seasons have been absolutely first
class. Parker's match statistics must surely confirm that he is one of
England's top performing midfielders, both in terms of tackles made and
surging forward runs. Yet, Parker is consistently overlooked for selection
by The Three Lions. Indeed, although called up for the provisional England
WC Squad of 30, for South Africa, and performing extremely well in training
(as testified by Harry Redknapp) he never got a look-in during the warm up
games and was subsequently sent home.
Some times players perform well for their clubs, but international managers
just do not rate them for whatever reason. Perhaps this is the case with
Capello and Parker? Maybe there are aspects of his game that, it is felt,
are not good enough for international football? Perhaps his pass completion
rate is not good enough or it is felt that his aggressive playing style will
be too readily penalised by international referees? Or is it just that
Capello prefers other midfielders like Barry, Lampard, Hargreaves (when
fit), Gerrard, etc. Certainly players like Barry must be seen as
indispensable, otherwise why would Capello take Barry to the WC when he had
just recovered from injury and had not proven his match fitness or form?
Putting aside any debate on Barry and Parker's respective qualities, it must
have been extremely dis-spiriting for Parker to be passed over for a player
who had not played a PL match for nearly two months, prior to selection for
South Africa.
It is a testimony to Parker's professionalism and commitment that he dealt
with this bitter disappointment and returned to his club and responded by
playing better than ever. Hopefully, Capello will recognise Parker's
ability and commitment and reward it with selection for the next scheduled
England international match. After England's tame performance in their last
Euro 2012 qualifier, Capello has nothing to lose and, possibly, a lot to
gain!
So the key question is will Parker's prior international exclusion be
reversed? Or will the reason(s) for his exclusion ensure its continuation?
All Parker can really do, in the circumstances, is keep playing well for
the Hammers and hope that he finally gets the England chance that his
all-action displays so richly deserve.
Lets hope that his name is not added to the illustrious list of Hammers
(such as Phil Parkes, Frank Lampard Snr, Billy Bonds, Pop Robson, Alan
Devonshire, Paul Goddard, Tony Cottee, etc) who were not given a fair (or
in some cases any) chance by former England managers?
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham United v Newcastle United: Match Preview
KUMB.com
Filed: Thursday, 21st October 2010
By: Preview Percy
"If you pay peanuts you get monkeys" or so the saying goes. We're saving up
for a bag of Percy Dalton's. Until then, Preview Percy writes our match
previews. Here's his take on this weekend's visit from Newcastle United...
Next we have a visit from Newcastle United on Saturday for a 5.30pm kick-off
for a match to be televised by Sky.
The visitors currently lie in 16th place two points and four places above
ourselves. Their 8 points to date have come from two wins (Villa 6-0 at home
and Everton 1-0 away) and two draws (1-1 at Wolves and 2-2 last week at home
to Wigan). Their defeats have come at Man Utd and Man City away (3-0 and 2-1
respectively), and at home to Stoke (2-1) and Blackpool (2-0). Like
ourselves they are still in the league cup having seen off Accrington
Stanley and a Chelsea XI in previous rounds. They face Arsenal at home on
Wednesday evening in the next round.
Newcastle have, in recent years, been nearly as much of a soap opera as we
have. The season before last they seemed to be having their own "Manager Of
The Month" competition. Kevin Keegan left early in the season and was
eventually replaced by Joe Kinnear whose rein is remembered in these parts
for his hilarious four letter word filled rant in an interview with a Daily
Mirror journalist. Many were amazed at the restraint he showed in only
swearing at the journo 52 times in the course of five minutes. Kinnear's
health problems – he had a heart bypass op in February 2009 – meant that he
did not see out the end of the season and Alan Shearer took time out from
boring the pants off us on MOTD to take over the side but was unable to
prevent relegation.
Former Hammer Chris Hughton took over for the Championship season –
originally as caretaker but later on a permanent basis – and the return to
the top flight was relatively smooth. The season wasn't entirely without its
soap elements as owner Mike Ashley explored more different and unusual ways
of upsetting the locals. Amongst his crimes were putting the naming rights
of St James' Park up for grabs. Indeed, last season, for a while the famous
ground was actually officially named the "sportsdirect.com @ St James' Park"
stadium, a name which really caught on amongst the faithful. Not.
Transfer activity during the window was interesting if unspectacular.
Defender James Perch came in from Forest for an undisclosed fee and promptly
set a record by picking up yellow cards in each of his first five matches,
earning himself a week off in record time. They also managed to pull a fast
one over Everton by picking up promising youngster Dan Gosling on a free. In
order for Everton to seek compensation, they were required to make the
player an improved contract offer before the end of May. Apparently the
verbal offer made to the player by the Toffees didn't count and, as a result
of the gaffe, Newcastle saved themselves a reported £4m on the deal.
Plymouth Argyle also missed out as they were on a percentage of any fee
received by Everton. Gosling is, however, a long-term absentee having done a
knee ligament whilst still at Everton – so it's not just us that signs
injured players.
In defence they also picked up Sol "He's Going Home In A Minute" Campbell on
a free from Arsenal, though he hasn't been first choice so far this year,
with only one sub appearance in the league and one start in the League Cup
under his belt. There are rumours that Campbell may be in line for a
coaching role on Tyneside, following Colin Calderwood's departure to
Hibernian earlier this week.
In midfield, Ivory Coast international Chiek Tiote came in from Twente for a
reported £3.5m whilst £2m was spent on bringing in Hatem Ben Arfa on a
season long loan with a view to a permanent deal. Ben Arfa, a French
international described as having "both talent and issues" scored a
spectacular goal on his full debut at Everton, but was then unlucky to come
up against a rampant Nigel de Jong, whose awful challenge broke both tib and
fib in the match at Eastlands. The fact that de Jong was then dropped by the
Dutch national side as a result of the challenge will come as little
consolation to the player whose season is effectively over before it began.
The Dutch reaction to de Jong's crime was impressive, but not quite as
impressive as it might have been had they taken the same action after the
midfielder's karate kick on Alonso in the World Cup final.
Of course the Magpies are not themselves without sinners. Joey Barton's
history is well documented and includes a spell as a guest of Her Majesty
(gawd bless 'er) for an incident outside a Liverpool McDonalds. He also has
a four month suspended for an assault on then Man City team mate Ousmane
Dabo and previous incidents include stubbing a cigar out on the eye of a
City youth team player. However, Barton has a rival in the bad boy stakes in
the form of youngster Andy Carroll.
Carroll is out on bail twice over at the moment. He's due to go on trial
next week for an alleged assault in a Newcastle nightclub last December,
whilst he was remanded on bail earlier this week for allegedly hitting his
ex-girlfriend. Carroll is apparently claiming the incident was a case of
self-defence, which, given that he's a big lad, suggests that his ex-Doris
is one scary woman. There again most of them are up there aren't they. On
hearing that Carroll's address was listed as a Newcastle hotel, the
magistrates granted him bail on condition that he stay with Magpies skipper
Kevin Nolan pending trial, thus proving that the English judiciary has no
sense of humour. I mean, how funny would it have been had they substituted
Barton for Nolan on this occasion?
Carroll has also been the subject of some controversy within the game
recently. He limped off during the Wolves match with an ankle injury. Toon
physio Derek Wright decided that the knock would prevent the player from
travelling with the England U21 squad for the away fixture against Portugal
and Carroll withdrew. This seemed to upset U21 boss Stuart Pearce, who
insisted that Carroll should report to have the injury assessed by the
England U21 physio. Not an uncommon incident in international football but
for one thing: the England U21 physio happens to be Derek Wright. The
predictable row ensured and Carroll was omitted from the last England U21
squad, though Pearce claimed that this was nothing more than his showing
loyalty to his existing strikers. Carroll subsequently made the provisional
30 man squad for the full England side to face Montenegro, though he failed
to make the final cut.
Carroll has spent the season at the head of a 4-4-1-1 formation with his new
landlord Nolan sitting in just behind. Nolan missed last week's draw against
Wigan – he either picked up a knock in training or was "rested" depending on
which version you believe. Either way expect him to return this weekend,
unlike Steven Taylor, the defender who has had a wretched time with injury
in 2010. Just as he was getting over a knee injury sustained in January he
picked up a broken jaw sustained at the hands of (that man again) Carroll –
some spat about text messages and girlfriends one understands. Taylor had
barely recovered from that one before he dislocated his shoulder in
pre-season. He's a few weeks away from a return, though how much of his
future will be at St James' Park remains to be seen – contract negotiations
earlier this year saw the player transfer-listed and it may be that he'll be
off elsewhere in January. Look out for his first match against Carroll if
that happens!
Another unlucky one is 'keeper Steve Harper. Harper spent years as no.2 to
Shay Given and must have been looking forward to being first choice in the
Premiership after promotion. However a broken collar bone sustained against
Man City (really wasn't their day was it) has led to the introduction of
Dutch U21 international 'keeper Tim Krul.
Up front, other attacking options include Shola Ameobi with whom the club
has shown an great deal of patience over the years – 43 goals in over 200
appearances is hardly prolific after all. This probably means he'll come on
against us and score a hatful. Danish international Peter Lovenkrands
deputised for Nolan last week but is more of a fringe player these days, his
main use coming from the bench or in League Cup matches.
And so to us. Well this preview is turning into an episode of "Crimewatch".
Manuel Da Costa was arrested earlier this week following alleged assaults
(both common and sexual) after a fracas in Faces nightclub. He has been
bailed to reappear at the (unspecified) nick in December "pending further
enquiries". Whatever the facts of the case, the capacity for professional
footballers to act stupidly in nightclubs or in cars is something that never
ceases to amaze me in a depressing sort of way. Based on the precedent set
by Carroll, we may perhaps see Da Costa ordered to spend his evenings at the
home of our skipper, though whether the beak will realise that that actually
means Matty Upson and not (as every journo seems to think) Scott Parker is
another matter.
Upson himself was a slight doubt following the neck injury that kept him out
of last week's draw at Molineux. However, reports suggest that he will have
recovered in time for this one. The defence was at sixes and sevens without
him in the first half last week, though things did improve in the legendary
"game of two halves". The partnership of Gabbidon and Da Costa showed all
the signs of having been thrown together at the last minute during the first
45. If Upson's absence is to go into a second week, it is to be hoped that
DaCosta has found time in between visits to "an East London police station"
to train alongside Gabbidon.
Elsewhere, Behrami's back from injury but Grant seems to prefer his starting
midfield to include Boa-Morte and the Swiss may have to settle for another
week on the bench. Barrera will have recovered from his transatlantic
travels but, following a fine performance last week, I'd expect Dyer to get
the nod over the Mexican (if fit). Assuming Upson's neck is ok, I'd expect
us to start with Upson coming in for Ben Haim with Gabbidon being preferred
at left-back to Ilunga once more.
Last week saw us grind out a result for the second week in a row but,
hilarious as the problems at Anfield are, we're still bottom – albeit a mere
three points (plus goal difference) from 11th place. It's about time we
started moving upwards – five unbeaten suggests progress - but it's time to
step up a gear. Rumours abound that all is not well behind the scenes at St
James' Park ('twas ever thus) and that Ashley is getting a little twitchy in
the trigger finger area so this is a match that is eminently winnable. If we
can play well in both halves – we've only done so in the second 45 of the
last couple of matches – I see no reason why this one shouldn't be a
cracker. I'll take us to win this one 3-1 as we claw our way slowly upwards.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: N/A
Danger Man: Andy Carroll – Da Costa and Upson (or Gabbidon) will have their
work cut out and will know they've been in a game.
Referee: Chris Foy – second visit to the Boleyn for the ref who was last
seen handling the 3-1 home defeat to Chelsea. He may as well write the name
"Parker" in his book now – he always does eventually.
Travel news: It couldn't last. There's no Hammersmith and City line service
to Upton Park this weekend. The District line will be open however so just
expect fewer trains than normal. If you leave now you should just make the
5.30pm kick-off.
Daft fact of the week: In the Newcastle-set film "Get Carter", during the
scene where Michael Caine wanders in and orders a pint of bitter (clicks
fingers) "in a thin glass", just along from him in the bar there is an old
bloke who, famously, has six fingers on his hand. What is less well known is
the fact that the bloke next to him is in fact Mike Ashley, who was trying
to flog the old guy a set of dodgy goalkeeper's gloves. By the way, if you
ever get a chance to see the Sylvester Stallone remake, do yourself a favour
and go to the dentist instead. It'll be less painful.
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Please donate to my sisters Kenyan Cycle ride for Women v Cancer
http://www.justgiving.com/sandhy-cycles-kenya
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