WHUFC.com
Lars Jacobsen's great start to his Hammers career is temporarily on hold
06.10.2010
Lars Jacobsen has headed off on UEFA Euro 2012 qualifying duty reflecting on
a solid start to his West Ham United career. He has been with Denmark this
week before they travel to Porto to take on Portugal on Friday night. They
then play host to Cyprus in Copenhagen next Tuesday before he returns to
Chadwell Heath ready to try and help his new club make it five games
unbeaten at Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday week. The defender has
played a key role in the new-found rearguard stability at the Boleyn Ground,
most recently shown in last Saturday's 1-1 draw with Fulham. It was a result
he said was fair on both sides. Jacobsen was impressive yet again as Avram
Grant's side battled back from a goal down to grab a share of the spoils.
The right-back praised the manager for his half-time tactical change, which
saw the team switch from a 4-4-2 to a 4-3-3 formation and Frederic Piquionne
nod in a 51st-minute equaliser. "You always look to win the games,
especially at home, so obviously we're not buzzing but sometimes you have to
be honest," he said. "Fulham did well, especially in the first half they
gave us a lot of problems, so sometimes you have to take the point and be
happy with that and look forward. "We certainly didn't play the way we
wanted to in the first half. We didn't pass it the way we wanted to. Fulham
caught us a couple of times and it was probably deserved that they scored a
goal. "The manager changed the tactics a little bit at half-time, so it
certainly helped us a lot. It was very good of him to do that and we scored
an early goal which was very important for us to get the crowd going and get
ourselves going in the game. "I think we had a shot at it - we could have
won it but we could have lost it as well. It was an open game in the second
half and I think it was a better half for us."
Jacobsen, a 31-year-old with nearly 40 caps, is experienced enough to know
that securing a draw when you do not play well is an important habit to get
into
With that Wolves game and then Newcastle United next on the fixture list -
with a Carling Cup fourth-round meeting with Stoke City in between - the
defender knows West Ham have a great chance to climb out of the relegation
zone. "We are always happy to take the positives. We have now won two and
drawn two and we can't allow ourselves to look at the table right now
because I don 't think it is the position we belong. I think we belong
further up the table and I'm sure we will collect the points that we need to
get up there. "Especially after the last four games, we can certainly take
the positives. After a game like that, perhaps we didn't play up to our best
level but we still got a point. That's very important for us to keep
collecting the points."
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Dyer delighted with victory
WHUFC.com
The reserve-team coach was rightly on a high after a fine win away to
Liverpool
06.10.2010
Alex Dyer has hailed each and every one of his eleven players and his
support staff after the reserves picked up a tremendous victory at
Liverpool. The Hammers made it three wins from three in the Barclays Premier
Reserve League - all with clean sheets - with the 1-0 success on Tuesday,
which Dyer described as the finest of the campaign to date. Only Benni
McCarthy and Freddie Sears in attack had any real first-team experience, but
Dyer's young side put on a professional display. "The boys worked their
socks off, every one of them was different class," Dyer said. "It was
everything I had hoped for and more. To the last man, they all worked hard
and worked for the team. "Liverpool created a few chances and so did we. We
defended well when we had to and got the goal we needed. I said before the
game that it was good for us to come to different places and get new
experiences. It was a long journey here on the coach but they all upped
their game and did what we asked of them."
Dyer has worked hard to instill a squad mentality in his reserves, and is
also determined to ensure his team goes out to win every match they play.
"They are putting into practice what we do in training. They have taken
things on board, and of course it looks good when it works. They have to
step up to this level and show what they can do."
While the coach had praise for his inexperienced back four - only the
impressive Jordan Spence has been in the first-team picture - and his young
midfield, he reserved special mention for goalscorer McCarthy. It was his
second strike in quick succession after he found the net in the 2-0 home win
against Wigan Athletic last week. "He has worked really hard. He wants to
get fitter and get back in the first team where he belongs. He has put in a
shift and set a good example. He is getting stronger and he and Freddie
Sears both looked sharp. "Whatever the level and however it comes, it is
another goal for him and it will make him feel better. He will score goals
in the first team all day long. It is all good news for the club. Even the
young players on the bench that never got on will have taken a lot from
this, they will see what is required and know they aren't too far away
themselves."
Dyer was delighted to continue the feelgood factor at the club, and stressed
the atmosphere around the camp was positive. All of this is a big team
effort," said Dyer, who praised all of the travelling staff including
first-team goalkeeping coach David Coles and kit man Pete Williams. "It is
all just a big team effort. It ain't about the boys and it ain't just about
me. We all do our little bit to make it come together. Nights like this are
a joy.
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Sanchez signs
WHUFC.com
Young centre-back Sergio Sanchez has been rewarded for his promising
progress in the Academy
05.10.2010
Sergio Sanchez has signed his first professional contract with West Ham
United. The young Spanish defender has been part of Tony Carr's youth
set-up since arriving from Barcelona two years ago. A centre-back, he can
also play at right-back or in a holding midfield role. After establishing
himself as an Under-18 regular, Sanchez has stepped up to Alex Dyer's
reserves this season - playing a part in Tuesday night's win at Liverpool.
Upon signing his first contract, the promising Sanchez said: "I am
absolutely happy to sign my first contract. What I am aiming for is trying
to push up to the reserve team, get some games in there and hopefully do
well. "Obviously if I can be a success here, I will be delighted."
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Sullivan issues riot warning
Hammers owner fears 'civil unrest' if Spurs relocate to Stratford
Last updated: 6th October 2010
SSN
West Ham owner David Sullivan says there will be riots in east London if
Tottenham relocate to the Olympic Park stadium after the Games. Spurs have
joined Premier League rivals West Ham in confirming an interest in moving to
the 60,000 capacity Stratford venue following the Olympics in 2012. However,
Sullivan fears the proposed relocation could spark tension between the
supporters of the two rival clubs. "It would be such a slap in the face to
east London," Sullivan told the Daily Mail. "If it happens, there will be
real problems that could easily lead to civil unrest. "I think there could
be riots, such is the ill feeling between West Ham and Spurs and I know the
police feel the same."
Partners
Sports and entertainment company AEG, who are partnering Spurs in their
official bid to the 2012 legacy company, have put their considerable weight
behind the relocation. AEG's backing suggests the Stratford move is looking
increasingly like Spurs' preferred option, rather than simply a Plan B to
the Northumberland Development Project at White Hart Lane. West Ham held
talks with AEG before they linked up with Spurs, and Sullivan admits he is
'flabbergasted' by the way in which their London rivals are conducting their
business. "I feel very let down by Tottenham," he added. "The way they do
business is not right. "They pinched Eidur Gudjohnsen off us after we
brought him from Barcelona for talks. He just disappeared from the hotel.
And the way they unsettled Scott Parker was appalling. "Now they want to
move into our borough of Newham. How would they like it if we suddenly set
up a new home in Haringey? I'm flabbergasted by the cheek of it."
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Gold baffled by Spurs bid
Hammers co-owner insists his side remain Olympic favourites
Last updated: 6th October 2010
SSN
West Ham co-owner David Gold has been left baffled by Tottenham's rival bid
to move into the new Olympic Stadium. The North London club tabled a
surprise interest in taking up residence at the Stratford venue following
the 2012 Games, placing themselves in direct conflict with the Upton Park
outfit.
Gold and David Sullivan confirmed they were keen on relocating the Hammers
when they took control of the East End side in January and did not expect
further competition from their Premier League rivals. With Spurs having been
given the green light by Haringey council to stay closer to their current
White Hart Lane home with planning permission for a new stadium of their own
with the Northumberland Development Project, Gold does not see why they need
another alternative.
Difficult
Gold said: "I find it difficult to understand that the Spurs regime have
just got planning permission in Haringey council for their new stadium at
Tottenham. Why would they want another one? "I think the issues they have
over their other stadium are relatively small I think, so what I would say
is that our bid is a joint bid with Newham council and is the right bid, the
best bid, the preferred bid. "It brings more to the local community and I
think our bid will be successful."
Senior figures at West Ham are understood to be fuming at Spurs' bid, which
would see the North London outfit move eight miles to their new home. If
successful, West Ham would only have to move three miles and would remain in
the borough of Newham. Tottenham submitted their bid to move to the stadium
with the backing of sports and entertainment company AEG hours before the
deadline at the end of last month. They could arguably be the more
attractive option for the Olympic Park Legacy Company, who will decide the
stadium's future in December.
Hardcore
Harry Redknapp's team are currently playing UEFA Champions League football
while West Ham are at the foot of the Premier League table and are by no
means certain of being in the top flight when the 2012/2013 season begins.
But Gold remains confident that they would be able to fill the 60,000
capacity stadium if their bid is approved. "Our bid is that it will be for a
60,000-seater stadium which we will fill," he continued. "I believe there is
a hardcore of around 50,000 West Ham fans which will help us and we'll be
able to attract another 10,000 fans. "Young people and children will be able
to come to the new stadium at very cheap prices. "Families will be able to
come to matches that they haven't been able to afford before, so what our
bid brings is added opportunities and that's why we believe it will be the
preferred bid."
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Hearn - Orient face death knell
Brisbane Road chairman accuses Sullivan of hypocrisy
Last updated: 6th October 2010
SSN
Barry Hearn has claimed Leyton Orient would be left 'stone dead' if West Ham
are allowed to move into the Olympic Stadium. And the Brisbane Road chairman
has accused Hammers co-owner David Sullivan of hypocrisy over his anger at
Tottenham's interest in the Stratford venue. Sullivan had voiced his fear
there would be 'riots' if Spurs were granted permission to move from White
Hart Lane, a statement which cut little ice with Hearn. If either Premier
League club are given the green light to move after the 2012 Games, Hearn
fears that having a giant on their doorstep would spell the end for the
League One side, but he has doubts over Spurs' motivation.
Total hypocrisy
He told the London Evening Standard: "If he is worried about Tottenham then
he can only begin to have sleepless nights about the aggravation I'm going
to give him if he moves on my doorstep. "This is total hypocrisy on his
part. This is a case of Tesco moving next to the little sweet shop on the
corner as far as I'm concerned. "A club that has a 30-35,000 support base is
moving into an 80,000-seater stadium. It obviously means very cheap tickets
and it means a death knell for Leyton Orient, the Football League's second
oldest club. "I'm not upset about Tottenham because they have no chance of
getting it. We all know Tottenham are all using this to put pressure on
Haringey Council to make sure they get planning permission on their
redevelopment of White Hart Lane. That's a smokescreen. "I'm upset because
no-one is talking about the damage West Ham will do us because it would be
terminal. It would kill the club stone dead."
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Gabbidon - Tough to quit Wales
Defender explains international retirement
By Peter O'Rourke Last updated: 6th October 2010
SSN
Wales defender Danny Gabbidon has admitted it was a tough decision for him
to retire from international football. The West Ham player decided to quit
the international scene earlier this week after winning 43 caps for his
country. Gabbidon has endured a difficult last few years with a series of
injuries blighting his progress. The 31-year-old has worked his way back to
fitness and he has started five of West Ham's seven Premier League games
this season.
Gabbidon believes he has made the right decision to quit Wales in a bid to
prolong his club career.
Focus
"It was a really hard decision to quit playing for Wales, but I had to do
what I felt was right for me," Gabbidon told skysports.com. "I had thought a
lot about it, to be fair, and it was tough for me to make my decision. "I
sat down with my agent, Jamie Moralee, and discussed the situation and we
both felt at this stage of my career and after the problems I have had it
was best that I focus on staying fit for West Ham. "It has been a tough last
couple of seasons for me with the injuries and a lot of people don't know
what I have been through on and off the pitch. "I worked hard over the
summer on my fitness and I feel I am wiser about what I can and what I can't
do. "I am not sure my body could cope playing 40/45 games for West Ham and
then going away with Wales and playing two games in a week.
Important
"This is an important time in my career and I felt it was the right decision
to quit international football. "It was a decision for myself as I know my
body and I am happy with my decision. "I was proud to play for Wales for so
many years and win 43 caps and I wish them all the best in the future."
You can follow Danny Gabbidon on Twitter at @therealgabbidon.
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Hammers starlet turns pro
Spanish stopper signs contract with Upton Park side
Last updated: 6th October 2010
SSN
Spanish defender Sergio Sanchez has turned professional after signing a
contract with West Ham. The former Barcelona youngster has made the step up
from the club's Under 18 side to their reserve team this season. The
versatile defender can operate at right-back, centre-half and defensive
midfield. Sanchez is delighted to put pen-to-paper on his first professional
deal and is looking forward to continuing his progress at the club. "I am
absolutely happy to sign my first contract," he told the club's official
website. "What I am aiming for is trying to push up to the reserve team, get
some games in there and hopefully do well. "Obviously if I can be a success
here, I will be delighted."
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Destroyed for Life
The Sun
By SHAUN CUSTIS
Published: Today
ROBERT GREEN would have been destroyed for life had he played for England
straight after his World Cup clanger against the USA and committed another
howler. That is the view of England goalkeeping coach Ray Clemence who
witnessed Green's South African pain at first hand. West Ham's stopper was
vilified after fumbling Clint Dempsey's soft equaliser for the States. He
was axed for the next match against Algeria and the remaining World Cup
games as David James took over. Green is back in the squad for next
Tuesday's Euro 2012 qualifier against Montenegro - the first time he has
figured in manager Fabio Capello's plans since the USA nightmare. And
Clemence fully understood why Green had to be removed from the firing line.
He said: "It was Fabio's decision. You felt it was the right thing to do.
"There was so much pressure on the boy that if, God forbid, he had made
another mistake then he would have been in tatters for the rest of his
life."
Green, 30, made a gesture towards the Press box after West Ham's 1-0 win
over Spurs last month, indicating how he felt about the criticism he
received.
But Clemence insists Green is a strong character and that he would never
have walked away from the Three Lions. England's goalkeeping guru added: "I
didn't think he would retire after the World Cup. He will welcome coming
back into this squad with open arms and see it as a challenge. "It's not
that long ago he had No 6 on his gloves and he ended up playing the World
Cup only two years later. "He's not old where goalkeepers are concerned.
"Good goalkeepers play until they're 40 so a lot can happen. "He's a strong
character and only a strong character would have done what he did after the
USA game. "A lot of players would have skulked away and not wanted to speak
to anybody. But he was strong enough to come out and say 'Right this is it.
I know I made a mistake and we get on with it'. "Obviously over the next
three or four days Fabio decided to go with David but Rob's a strong lad who
will come back from that. "He's one of those lads you get in football who do
everything they possibly can to be the best they can. There's no reason why
he couldn't be England's No 1 again.
"The problem he has now is Joe Hart has come in, Ben Foster is playing
regular football at Birmingham, while Scott Carson is also playing well for
West Brom - so there is a lot of competition. "Obviously Rob is a good
goalkeeper, otherwise he wouldn't have gone to the World Cup in the first
place. "It was a difficult summer for him. It was a difficult start to the
season which you can understand because there was an awful lot of pressure
on him. But during the last two games he has played very well and looks to
be getting back to where he was before the World Cup. "All of a sudden from
not having a lot we've got four keepers who are going to be battling it out.
"Joe is the one in possession and, having been there myself, possession is
nine-tenths of the law in England goalkeeping."
Hart did not play in the World Cup at all. But Clemence says the Manchester
City ace has made major improvements in a short space of time. He said:
"It's in Joe's decision making where I've seen the biggest difference from
the start of last season to where he is now. "There is still the occasional
blip - and one was not so long ago. But they will hopefully be fewer and
further apart because that's what the great ones do."
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