WHUFC.com
A busy run of matches could see Valon Behrami play an important role to the
Hammers' cause
20.10.2010
Valon Behrami has had another positive week so far at Chadwell Heath as he
bids to return to competitive action. The Switzerland midfielder was an
unused substitute at Wolverhampton Wanderers last weekend, having fought
back from a medial ligament injury suffered at Stoke City in September. With
matches against Newcastle United and Stoke City coming up in quick
succession, Behrami is itching to play - especially as he has only figured
in two games so far this campaign. "I am feeling good," he said. "I have had
some bad luck in the last two years with injuries and it seems I have spent
a lot of time in this situation. It is normal that my confidence is not so
high but I have been working hard and if I keep giving this effort, it will
be OK. "I am thinking positive. It is not always easy but it is great to be
back with the team and ready to play again."
The 25-year-old relished travelling with the team to Molineux and exchanging
banter with the home crowd as he warmed up on the sidelines. "It was nice to
be with the squad at Wolves. I spoke to the manager and I wasn't ready to
start the game. Maybe I could have played for ten or 20 minutes if I was
needed. "But it was OK because the team did very well and they didn't need
me. For me, it was a positive day and I have another week to work again and
improve my condition even more."
Behrami has a close bond with the Hammers support and is eager to show them
what he is all about once more. He accepts that it is all about talking on
the pitch rather than off it. "It is very important for me to get back to
playing. A lot of things have been written and said. The only place I can
prove my commitment is on the pitch and I am here for that. I have maybe
only played 90 minutes this season in two games. I don't want to be seen to
be always talking about it. I want to demonstrate what I can do for the
team. "West Ham fans are passionate. They are here to see the team getting
better and whoever plays, they get behind. If I play and provided I give 100
per cent, they will be happy. If not, they will let me know and that is
right. "I am working to start every game but I know the team are doing well.
It is up to the manager of course. We have a game on Saturday and then on
Wednesday. If you ask me, of course I will say I am ready to start both
games but this is not my decision. I am ready when ever he thinks it is
best."
With the team unbeaten in five matches and bidding to reach the Carling Cup
finals with that Stoke match next week, Behrami has seen a noticeable lift
in the mood. He is enjoying competing for places with the likes of Pablo
Barrera and Victor Obinna adding to the attacking options. "I can see a
positive atmosphere at the training ground. The club signed quality players
who give 100 per cent and everyone wants to avoid a season like last year.
We didn't start very well but we are now unbeaten in five matches. "We have
found a good way to play and are doing what the manager wants. The Premier
League is hard so you need to stay focused because the day you give 90 per
cent is the day you will lose."
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Abdulla working hard
WHUFC.com
Ahmed Abdulla has made good progress this season and was on target in
midweek
20.10.2010
Former Arsenal schoolboy Ahmed Abdulla was naturally pleased to get on the
scoresheet against his former side in midweek. Abdulla, who left the Gunners
for West Ham United at the age of 16, scored a late penalty in the Hammers'
4-1 Barclays Premier Reserve League defeat on Tuesday, a result that ended
his side's three-match winning run. "We have played very well," said the
first-year professional, who has converted from a forward to creative
midfielder this term. "The team shape has been outstanding this season.
We've put a lot of hard work in, but at Arsenal we didn't put the work in as
we usually do. We didn't keep the ball as well as we could. We know we can
play the ball as well as anybody in the league, but on Tuesday it just
didn't go quite right. Hopefully, that will improve and we can start
another run soon. "I'm enjoying it in midfield because I get more of the
ball. Playing in midfield is my role this season because I can get on the
ball and get the game flowing as often as I can."
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Tony's Royal appointment
WHUFC.com
Tony Carr has attended Buckingham Palace to be formally made an MBE by the
Queen
20.10.2010
Academy Director Tony Carr has spoken of his immense pride after being made
an MBE by the Queen for his services to football. Carr, who is now in his
38th year of work with West Ham United's famed youth department, attended
Buckingham Palace for his investiture on Wednesday. The 60-year-old, who was
joined at the Palace by wife Brenda, daughter Louise and sons Dean and Neil,
said the moment was one he would never forget. "It made me feel so proud for
both myself and my family to receive this amazing honour from the Queen,"
said Carr, who embarked on a peerless coaching career after his playing days
were cut short by injury. "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."
Carr and his family made their way to Buckingham Palace before the Academy
Director went down on one knee to be invested by the Queen shortly after
12.30pm. Following the ceremony, the Academy Director mingled with his
fellow guests before enjoying a well-deserved lunch with his family. "I'm
going to enjoy the rest of the day, but I won't be drinking too much as I
have to be back in to take the boys for training first thing on Thursday,"
Carr confirmed.
"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."
During nearly four decades at the club, Carr has overseen the development of
dozens of top-class players, including many future internationals. Paul
Allen, Tony Cottee, Paul Ince, Rio Ferdinand, Frank Lampard, Joe Cole and,
more recently, Mark Noble and Jack Collison, have all come through the ranks
since he began work in 1973. Carr's amazing work was also rewarded by the
club last year with the award of a Testimonial. A successful match was
staged at the Boleyn Ground in May, with the year culminating with an
eagerly-anticipated dinner at the stadium on Thursday 18 November.
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Footballer Manuel da Costa arrested over sex assault
BBC.co.uk
A Premier League footballer has been arrested on suspicion of sexual
assault. West Ham United's Manuel da Costa was held by police investigating
an incident in a nightclub in Ilford, east London, on Sunday. The
24-year-old Portuguese defender was arrested on Tuesday on suspicion of
sexual assault and common assault. He was bailed to return to the police
station in early December pending further inquiries. A Metropolitan Police
spokesman said allegations had been made by a woman in her early 20s at an
east London police station. He added that a 24-year-old man attended an east
London police station by appointment, where he was arrested.
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West Ham's Da Costa arrested in sexual assault probe
October 21, 2010
ESPN
West Ham defender Manuel Da Costa has been arrested on suspicion of sexual
assault by police investigating an alleged incident at a night club, it
emerged on Thursday. Da Costa is on police bail pending further inquiries.
The Sun newspaper said the Portuguese player was alleged to have molested a
woman dancing at Faces nightclub in Ilford, east London, then to have
assaulted her and two of her friends when a row broke out. Scotland Yard
said allegations had been made by a woman in her early 20s at an east London
police station in the early hours of Sunday morning. The alleged incident
had happened shortly before. A spokesman said: "On Tuesday a 24-year-old man
attended an east London police station by appointment, where he was arrested
on suspicion of sexual assault and common assault. "He was later bailed to
return to the police station in early December pending further inquiries.''
Portuguese defender Da Costa has made four Premier League appearances for
the Hammers this season.
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Kids games are just the ticket
Published: Today
The Sun
PREMIER LEAGUE clubs have made their junior sides' matches ALL-TICKET to
stop their top young talent being poached. West Ham and Fulham have taken
the step for their Under-9 to Under-14 teams because they are in London
where many clubs are in a small area. Tony Carr, Hammers' director of youth
development, said: "We want to make it more difficult for agents and all
sorts of other people to entice our players. "There are predatory clubs out
there. No club is whiter-than-white and some will do anything to get the
best young players from other clubs. "No one would want scouts from all the
other clubs looking at their prized assets, or speaking to the parents."
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Behrami out to silence critics
Midfielder determined to prove commitment at Upton Park
Last updated: 20th October 2010
SSN
West Ham midfielder Valon Behrami is eager to return to full fitness in
order to silence critics who have questioned his commitment. The Switzerland
international saw a transfer to Roma fall through in the summer and at the
time he admitted his disappointment that he did not move to Italy. Behrami
then suffered a knee ligament injury in mid-September and is working at West
Ham's Chadwell Heath training ground to regain 100 per cent fitness. The
25-year-old was an unused substitute against Wolves last weekend as he edges
towards a return, but it has still been questioned whether he wants to be at
West Ham.
Passionate
Behrami, though, told his club's official website: "It is very important for
me to get back to playing. A lot of things have been written and said. "The
only place I can prove my commitment is on the pitch and I am here for that.
I have maybe only played 90 minutes this season in two games. "I don't want
to be seen to be always talking about it. I want to demonstrate what I can
do for the team. "West Ham fans are passionate. They are here to see the
team getting better and whoever plays, they get behind. "If I play and
provided I give 100 per cent, they will be happy. If not, they will let me
know and that is right."
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Former Hammer Fighting for Football
ADDED OCT 20, 2010, UNDER: EASTERN EUROPE,ENGLAND,EUROPE
Despite once being on the books of West Ham United, Petr Mikolanda has had
to fight to maintain a career in football. When you read about the hurdles
he has been up against, you'll see why it hasn't been straightforward. Mark
Smith reports from Prague. Staunch West Ham fans will recognize the name
Petr Mikolanda. Petr was part of the West Ham squad for the FA Cup Final
against Liverpool in 2006, yet he failed to make a first team appearance for
the Hammers. Petr signed his first professional contract with Viktoria
Zizkov in 2003 after playing youth team football for Slavia Prague. Seven
years later, Mikolanda is aiming to make a comeback to competitive football
with the Viktoria. Viktoria Zizkov are a modest club steeped in history,
they are one of the oldest clubs in the Czech Republic after being founded
in 1903 by a group of students. The stadium, right in the heart of Prague,
seats a compact 5000 fans, which generates an intimidating atmosphere for
away teams and supporters. The Club is known for its traditional 10:15am
kick off time, it's normally hit and miss if I ever see that time on a
Sunday morning, but if I do, then I try to make the quick tram ride to the
ground to watch the game. Zizkov had its most successful period in the late
1920's when it won the Czechoslovak Championship, but more recently – in
2001/2002 – Viktoria performed admirably in the UEFA Cup by reaching the
second round of the competition and knocking out Scottish giants Rangers on
away goals.
During the season 2004/05, young Czech striker Petr Mikolanda made a big
impression for Viktoria after banging in 13 goals, this caught the attention
of the scouts of English Premier League team West Ham United. West Ham had
just been promoted to the top flight in England and were looking for a young
powerful striker to add to their squad, Mikolanda impressed on trial with
the London club and was soon signed by Hammers boss Alan Pardew. Petr was
only 20 when he moved to England to play for West Ham, describing the move
as a"fairytale" as he would be playing alongside the likes of Teddy
Sheringham and Bobby Zamora. Although Mikolanda made his mark during
pre-season with West Ham – scoring three goals – he found it difficult to
break into the first team. Subsequently, Petr was sent out on loan to gain
some first team experience. After spells with Northampton, Swindon Town and
Rushden & Diamonds, Petr returned to West Ham only to be released by the
club in the summer of 2006.
Czech first division side Mlada Boleslav then came in and signed Mikolanda
on a free transfer. After only seven games for Boleslav came the
devastating news that almost ended his playing career. Petr's kidneys were
failing and he was placed on the list for a transplant. In the meantime,
Petr would require intensive treatment that involved kidney dialysis three
times a week.
In 2007, Viktoria Zizkov offered Mikolanda a route back into the game,
coaching their youth team. A return to his former club was an opportunity
Petr couldn't refuse. After three years of coaching at Viktoria Zizkov, and
whilst still on the waiting list for the kidney transplant, Petr was given
the green light by the doctors to play professional football again in August
this year.
After following this story in the local press in Prague, I contacted Petr
and had arranged an interview with him; unfortunately, he had to cancel at
the last minute due to a regular hospital visit. Sadly, it does seem that
there has been a setback with his return to football. Like Mikolanda,
Viktoria Zizkov are aiming to make a comeback as well – to the top division
of Czech football after spending the last few seasons stuck in Divison 2.
I wish Petr a speedy recovery and really hope to see him back playing before
the season is over. It would be a fitting tribute to the player, if both he
and Zizkov are back in the top flight of Czech football at the start of next
season.
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Hammers midfielder is desperate to return to first-team action after injury
1:39pm Wednesday 20th October 2010
Guardian Series
VALON BEHRAMI says he is ready to start for West Ham against Newcastle
United on Saturday after recovering from a knee injury. The Swiss midfielder
has been sidelined for much of the campaign so far with the injury but,
having appeared in the squad for the team's 1-1 draw with Wolves at the
weekend, he insists he is eagerly waiting manager Avram Grant's call. "I am
feeling good. I have had some bad luck in the last two years with injuries
and it seems I have spent a lot of time in this situation," Behrami said.
"It is normal that my confidence is not so high but I have been working hard
and if I keep giving this effort, it will be OK. "I am thinking positive. It
is not always easy but it is great to be back with the team and ready to
play again. "It was nice to be with the squad at Wolves. I spoke to the
manager and I wasn't ready to start the game. Maybe I could have played for
ten or 20 minutes if I was needed. But it was OK because the team did very
well and they didn't need me. For me, it was a positive day and I have
another week to work again and improve my condition even more. "I am working
to start every game but I know the team are doing well. It is up to the
manager of course. "We have a game on Saturday and then on Wednesday. If you
ask me, of course I will say I am ready to start both games but this is not
my decision. I am ready when ever he (the manager) thinks it is best."
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Is Ilunga on the way out?
Dave Evans, West Ham correspondent
Wednesday, 20 October, 2010
14:31 PM
Does Avram Grant's preference for first Danny Gabbidon and then Tal Ben Haim
at left back, mean that Herita Ilunga is on the way out of Upton Park?
WEST HAM defender Herita Ilunga's days may be numbered at Upton Park after
manager Avram Grant ignored his claims for a starting place on Saturday at
Wolves. With Matty Upson pulling out on the morning of the match, Grant was
left with the prospect of reshuffling his pack with Danny Gabbidon being
moved from left back into the centre of defence. But instead of promoting
Ilunga from the bench, the West Ham boss opted to play another central
defender in Tal Ben Haim in the left back position. Congo international
Ilunga, 28, (right) was heralded as one of West Ham's brightest players in
his first season at the club after signing from French club Toulouse,
initially on a season-long loan. The defender was snapped up for a bargain
£2million in the summer of 2009, but since then he has been beset by injury
problems. Last season he made 16 league starts, but never found the form he
had shown previously, while this term he has played in four matches. Ben
Haim was a surprise inclusion in the starting line-up at Molineux, but he
impressed with his composed defensive play and his ability to get forward –
something that has been lacking in Ilunga's play since his injury. The
Israeli even combined with Freddie Piquionne for the last-minute goal that
was cruelly chalked off by referee Mark Clattenburg. Grant will want to
strengthen his squad in January and Ilunga could be the man to make way.
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