WHUFC.com
West Ham United and Newham Council shortlisted for London 2012 Olympic
Stadium bidding
12.11.2010
West Ham United and Newham Council have issued the following statement in
response to today's announcement - Friday 12 November - that their joint bid
to take over the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games has been shortlisted
by the Olympic Park Legacy Company:
"We are delighted to have been shortlisted for the next stage of the Olympic
Stadium process. We now look forward to discussing further with the Olympic
Park Legacy Company how West Ham and Newham can deliver the best legacy for
the stadium by making it a busy, iconic centre of sport, education and
culture that benefits not just East London, but the nation as a whole."
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Blackpool match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and essential information ahead of Saturday's match
12.11.2010
WEST HAM UNITED v BLACKPOOL
BARCLAYS PREMIER LEAGUE
SATURDAY 13 NOVEMBER 2010
KICK-OFF: 3PM
Introduction
• A minute's silence will be held ahead of Saturday's match in honour of all
those who have been lost or suffered during conflict. Sunday, of course, is
Remembrance Day.
• West Ham United may not have won in six Barclays Premier League matches
but the Hammers are also aware they have lost just twice in the last ten
outings in all competitions. While a succession of positive performances
have not always translated into points, Avram Grant knows a win could lift
his side off the bottom and within range of a cluster of teams.
• This is the first meeting between West Ham and Blackpool since 27 February
1971, when the teams drew 1-1 at Bloomfield Road. The Hammers had won 2-1 at
the Boleyn Ground on 31 October 1970 - almost exactly 40 years ago - but
lost out 4-0 away to the Seasiders in a FA Cup third-round game the
following January.
• Saturday's match will mark the 50th competitive meeting between West Ham
and Blackpool. The Hammers have won 17, the Tangerines 20 and there have
been 12 draws. In league football, West Ham's record is better in the 40
matches the pair have contested - 16 wins to 14, with ten draws.
• Blackpool have not won in their last 16 visits to the Boleyn Ground in all
competitions. In those matches, West Ham have recorded eleven wins and there
have been five draws. The Tangerines' last victory in east London came in
the shape of a 2-1 success on 14 April 1934.
• West Ham's biggest home win against Blackpool was a 5-1 FA Cup third-round
success on 4 January 1958. Blackpool have won just twice in 25 visits to the
Boleyn Ground, with a 2-0 Division Two victory on 24 April 1922 representing
their biggest win at the home of the Hammers.
Team news
West Ham United
• The Hammers hope to have Carlton Cole fit after the striker was withdrawn
during Wednesday's 2-2 draw with West Bromwich Albion with a slight
hamstring injury. Victor Obinna, who was only fit enough to start the
midweek match on the bench, could also be fit to start.
• Manager Avram Grant is definitely without Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh) and
Jack Collison (knee). Collison is hoping to return around the turn of the
year, Hitzlsperger has a February comeback date having had surgery on his
torn muscle.
• Mark Noble was ruled out for a month after having his appendix removed a
fortnight ago. Tal Ben Haim has been sidelined with a foot injury while
Junior Stanislas is battling to overcome a groin problem.
• Robert Green and Scott Parker will both hope to maintain their
ever-present records this season in the Barclays Premier League. Green is on
a run of 138 consecutive league starts for the club, while Parker made his
100th appearance for the club against West Brom.
• Manuel da Costa has been working hard to overcome an ankle injury that has
kept him out of the last two matches. Valon Behrami, meanwhile, has a hip
injury.
• Julien Faubert will serve the final match of a three-game suspension for
his red card in the reserves at Arsenal last month.
Blackpool
• Manager Ian Holloway is expected to make wholesale changes to his side
after resting ten players for the 3-2 midweek Barclays Premier League defeat
at Aston Villa. The likes of goalkeeper Matt Gilks and midfielder Charlie
Adam should return to the starting XI.
• Former West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood will hope to keep his place
after scoring on his return to the side at Villa Park on Wednesday evening.
• Defenders Craig Cathcart and Alex Baptiste (both knee) are facing a race
to be fit for Saturday's game. Cathcart missed the midweek trip to Aston
Villa after hurting his knee in the 2-1 home win over West Bromwich Albion a
fortnight ago. Baptiste, meanwhile, is even less likely to feature after
being injured in the 4-0 defeat at Chelsea on 23 September.
• Striker Billy Clarke, who is not a member of Blackpool's 25-man Barclays
Premier League squad, has been ruled out for the season with an anterior
cruciate knee ligament injury.
Last time out
West Ham United
• West Ham United were pegged back to a 2-2 draw for the second Barclays
Premier League fixture in succession. After relinquishing a two-goal
advantage at Birmingham City last weekend, the Hammers lost a 2-1 lead
against West Bromwich Albion on Wednesday evening. Peter Odemwingie put the
Baggies ahead from the penalty spot on 38 minutes, only for a Scott Parker
thunderbolt and Frederic Piquionne spot-kick to have the hosts in front by
the 48th minute. Spanish defender Pablo Ibanez secured a point at the Boleyn
Ground by heading in Chris Brunt's right-wing cross 19 minutes from full
time.
10 November 2010
Barclays Premier League
West Ham United 2-2 West Bromwich Albion
West Ham United: Green, Jacobsen, Gabbidon, Upson, Ilunga, Parker, Dyer, Boa
Morte (Kovac 54), Barrera (McCarthy 88), Piquionne, Cole (Obinna 76)
Subs not used: Stech, Spector, Reid, Tomkins
Blackpool
• Blackpool made ten changes from their 2-2 home draw with Everton last
weekend for their midweek trip to Aston Villa on Wednesday evening. The
Tangerines twice fought back from a goal down, only to lose out to a
last-minute goal from John Carew. Stewart Downing put Villa ahead before
Marlon Harewood equalised on the stroke of half-time. The home side went
back in front through Nathan Delfouneso, only for D.J. Campbell to level
things up again on 87 minutes.
10 November 2010
Barclays Premier League
Aston Villa 3-2 Blackpool
Blackpool: Kingson, Keinan (Evatt 75), Edwards, Carney, Southern, Sylvestre,
Basham, Phillips, Harewood ( Campbell 77), Euell ( Adam 72), Ormerod
Subs not used: Gilks, Eardley, Grandin, Varney
Last meeting
West Ham United and Blackpool last met in a Division One fixture at
Bloomfield Road on 27 February 1971. Fred Kemp put the Tangerines ahead
inside 26 seconds, only for Geoff Hurst to equalise for the Hammers from the
penalty spot with 17 minutes of the 90 remaining. Blackpool would end the
season by finishing bottom and being relegated to Division Two, while West
Ham would finish 20th - one place and seven points above the relegation
zone.
West Ham United: Ferguson, McDowell, Lampard, Bonds, Moore, Taylor,
Redknapp, Boyce, Robson, Hurst, Eustace (Greaves)
Blackpool: Ramsbottom, Armfield, Suddaby, Kemp, Hatton, James, Burns,
Mowbray, Craven, Coleman (Johnston), Hutchison
Head to head
Last six meetings
27 February 1971 Blackpool 1-1 West Ham United (Division One)
2 January 1971 Blackpool 4-0 West Ham United (FA Cup third round)
31 October 1970 West Ham United 2-1 Blackpool (Division One)
27 December 1966 West Ham United 4-0 Blackpool (Division One)
26 December 1966 Blackpool 1-4 West Ham United (Division One)
19 March 1966 Blackpool 2-1 West Ham United (Division One)
Overall record v Blackpool (all competitions) W 17 D 12 L 20
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 to Premier League 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)
Blackpool
2009/10 Championship 6th (70 points, promoted to Premier League via
play-offs)
2008/09 Championship 16th (56 points)
2007/08 Championship 19th (54 points)
2006/07 League One 3rd (83 points, promoted to Championship via play-offs)
2005/06 League One 19th (53 points)
2004/05 League One 16th (57 points)
2003/04 League One 14th (59 points)
2002/03 League One 13th (58 points)
2001/02 League One 16th (56 points)
2000/01 League Two 7th (72 points, promoted to League One via play-offs)
Background
West Ham United
• Scott Parker and Freddie Piquionne are West Ham United's leading scorers
this season with five goals each. Parker has scored three times in the
Barclays Premier League and twice in the Carling Cup, while Piquionne has
four in the top-flight and one in the cup.
• Danny Gabbidon's yellow card against Fulham on 2 October was the quickest
caution given to a top-flight player this season. It came after just one
minute and 25 seconds.
• West Ham have scored more than one goal in two consecutive Barclays
Premier League matches for the first time since doing so in beating Wigan
Athletic 3-2 on 24 April 2010 and losing by the same scoreline at Fulham a
week later. In between, the Hammers went eleven league games without scoring
more than one goal.
Blackpool
• Blackpool's leading scorers are Charlie Adam and Marlon Harewood, who have
each netted four times in all competitions. Harewood has scored all of his
goals in the Barclays Premier League, while Adam has scored three in the
league and once in the Carling Cup.
• After manager Ian Holloway made ten changes to his starting XI for the
midweek defeat at Aston Villa, no Blackpool player has started all 12
Barclays Premier League matches this season. Charlie Adam and Ian Evatt are
the only players to have appeared in all 12, having come on as substitutes
at Villa Park.
• On-loan forward Luke Varney is Blackpool's assists leader with four in the
Barclays Premier League, while Charlie Adam has three.
• Blackpool have had one player sent-off this season. Ian Evatt received his
marching orders in the 6-0 defeat at Arsenal on 21 August.
Referee
• Saturday's referee will be Kevin Friend, who will take charge of West Ham
United for the first time in his Barclays Premier League career.
• Friend started refereeing at the age of 13 in his home county of
Leicestershire.
• He began officiated in the Leicestershire Senior League and Midland
Football Alliance before being promoted to the National List of Assistant
Referees in 2000 and the National List of Referees in 2003.
• The 39-year-old was promoted to the Select Group ahead of the 2009/10
season and took charge of his first Premier League fixture on 20 September
2009, with Wolverhampton Wanderers beating Fulham 2-1.
• The official last refereed Blackpool in their 1-1 Championship draw with
Preston North End on 30 November 2009. Friend also took charge of the 2009
FA Vase Cup Final at Wembley on 10 May between Whitley Bay and Glossop North
End with Whitley Bay winning 2-0.
• This season Friend has referee nine games this season including four
Premier League matches, four Championship matches and one League Cup tie.
• Friend will be assisted by Patrick Keane and Peter Kirkup. Fourth official
James Linington took charge of the Hammers' 1-0 Carling Cup second-round
victory over Oxford United on 24 August 2010
Old boys
• Blackpool forward Marlon Harewood spent nearly four years with West Ham
United between November 2003 and July 2007. The 31-year-old made 170
appearances in all competitions for the Hammers, scoring 56 goals.
• Among the other players who have represented both clubs are L.Armeson
(guest player), Louis Cardwell (guest player), George Dick, Walter Miller,
Adam Nowland, Les Sealey, Don Travis and Bob Wyllie.
Next up
• West Ham United travel to Anfield to face Liverpool on Saturday 20
November, with kick-off at 5.30pm.
• Blackpool host Wolverhampton Wanderers on Saturday 20 November, with
kick-off at 3pm.
Travel information
• For directions to the Boleyn Ground, click here.
General information
• For ticket information, click here.
• The weather forecast for Saturday is for a sunny day with maximum daytime
temperatures of around 11C (52F).
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Avram on Friday
WHUFC.com
Avram Grant has held his pre-match press conference ahead of Saturday's
meeting with Blackpool
12.11.2010
West Ham United manager Avram Grant has spoken to the media ahead of
Saturday's Barclays Premier League meeting with Blackpool at the Boleyn
Ground. Avram on reaching a target of seven points from matches against
Birmingham City, West Bromwich Albion, Blackpool and Liverpool...
We need to take points and we want to take points. It doesn't matter if we
said it or not said it. We showed that we are doing everything to take the
points and I believe that we will do it.
Avram on improving defensively...
I like the players here. They know how to take responsibility and they show
what they want. We want to win tomorrow, we wanted to win the last game and
we will do everything to win tomorrow. That is what matters. I agree [with
Scott Parker] that we cannot afford to concede two goals again, especially
when we are playing so good. We scored two goals and almost scored more
because we created one or two big chances to win. Of course, we need to
defend better, but I don't think we didn't defend well [overall against West
Bromwich Albion]. It was from two corners. One came from a penalty that
wasn't a penalty, in my opinion and the other came from a great cross that
we didn't defend well. Always, when you concede goals you say you could have
defended better. When we are scoring two goals, especially, we don't want to
concede.
Avram on conceding leads this season...
First, I want us to take the lead again, then we can analyse things. In the
last two games, I don't think they scored against us because they put us
under a lot of pressure and created a lot of chances. They were small
mistakes and we are aware of this. First, we want to lead again, then I
think we will do the right things. Of course, I'm not happy about this, but
then we have had games when we were a goal down and we showed a lot of
character to come back.
Avram on ending a six-match winless league run...
It's a strange situation because we don't have enough points like we want,
but if you analyse our games the spirit is good and the mentality is good.
We did well to come from 1-0 down in the last game. The football that we
play is good football and in the last two games we scored two goals in both
games. Even before, we played good football. I always want to be better, but
if you check, we played against almost all the ten teams in front of us and
they were no better than us, if I may say. I know we didn't take enough
points, but if we continue to do things like this and correct a few things,
we will win games.
I think sometimes when you are on the bottom of the league, you see a big
gap between you and the other teams. You see the games and you say to
yourself 'We cannot do anything'. Here, we are playing against all the teams
around us and it was so close between winning and not taking the points. If
we continue to do the right things, I'm sure we will pick up points. This is
our target.
Avram on Blackpool's midweek team selection...
Ian [Holloway] is the manager and he knows his team better than anybody and
he can do anything he needs to do for the team. In this case, I must say I
support him because he knows what he needs to do from his side.
Of course, if it was in the end of the season and it affected the results of
other teams, I can accept sometimes when you don't pick the best team, but
when it's now, everybody needs to know that he is the manager and he can do
what he needs to do.
Avram on Blackpool's away form...
They are playing well away from home - better than they're playing at home.
I must say that this team is not with a big budget but they are doing well
this season. For me, Ian as a manager is doing a great job.
Avram on facing newly-promoted sides...
You know, when a team is coming from the Championship, if you see the
history there are always one or two that come with a lot of energy and pick
up a
lot of good results - I think Hull City two years ago were in second place
in December.
I think this year all three teams came good, especially Blackpool who do not
have a big budget. For me, it's more than a great job what Ian is doing
there.
For us, we need to think about ourselves. We are a good team. We were good
enough to win Wednesday but we didn't win, so we want to do it tomorrow.
Avram on Ian Holloway...
I like him. I met him in the managers' meeting before the season. He is a
very nice guy, he is intelligent, he knows what he is doing and I think
there are no two managers who are the same.
Avram on throwing a bottle during Wednesday's game...
Sometimes during the game I also am not happy about one thing or another.
Normally, during the game I am calm and want to take the right decisions,
but in this moment I was a little bit not [calm].
Avram on being the right man for the job...
I say to West Ham fans to not just look at the table. When we look at the
table, we are not happy with the table, but if you analyse the games and
performances of the players, we are very optimistic.
Avram on Luis Boa Morte...
I think Boa is one of our best players right now. We have a lot of injuries
and we don't like to speak about the injuries because the other players are
coming. Last week, we lost two midfield players who are very important to us
but Boa played and he played well.
I know, sometimes when you are bottom of the league the supporters are not
so happy and I understand it, but I think we need to support these players -
especially Boa who has done his job well.
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Youth Cup draw made
WHUFC.com
West Ham United will face AFC Wimbledon or Aldershot Town in the FA Youth
Cup third round
12.11.2010
West Ham United will play host to AFC Wimbledon or Aldershot Town in the FA
Youth Cup third round. The draw will see the Hammers face the winner of a
second-round meeting which will take place next Wednesday 17 November. AFC
Wimbledon have already won four ties to reach the second-round stage,
getting a walkover against Hendon, winning 1-0 at Thamesmead Town, defeating
Wealdstone by the same scoreline and 2-1 at Dartford in the first-round
proper. Aldershot, meanwhile, won 3-2 at Cirencester Town in their own
first-round tie. AFC Wimbledon's youth team compete in the Football
Conference Youth Alliance Premier Division and go into this weekend third in
the table. Aldershot's youngsters sit fifth in the Football League Youth
Alliance South East Conference. West Ham have won the FA Youth Cup on three
previous occasions, lifting the trophy in 1963, 1981 and 1999. The Hammers,
who were the first club drawn out of the hat, reached the fifth round last
season, defeating Plymouth Argyle and Queens Park Rangers before being
defeated by Newcastle United at the Boleyn Ground.
In this year's competition, holders Chelsea begin their defence with a trip
to Sunderland, while 2010 runners-up Aston Villa visit Bristol Rovers.
Full FA Youth Cup third-round draw -
(Ties to be played on or before Saturday 11 December 2010)
West Ham United v AFC Wimbledon or Aldershot Town
Blackburn Rovers v Reading
Doncaster Rovers v Middlesbrough
Dulwich Hamlet or Yeovil Town v Newcastle United
Port Vale or Grimsby Town v Burnley
Watford v Swindon Town or Coventry Sphinx
Leicester City v Macclesfield Town or Hartlepool United
Sunderland AFC v Chelsea
Arsenal v Huddersfield Town or Darlington
Oldham Athletic or Sheffield Wednesday v Manchester City
Brighton & Hove Albion or Torquay United v Derby County
Notts County or Shrewsbury Town v Liverpool
Barnsley v Tottenham Hotspur
Bristol City v Birmingham City
Bristol Rovers v Aston Villa
Wigan Athletic v Stoke City
Millwall v Walsall
Queens Park Rangers v Nottingham Forest
Bolton Wanderers v Tranmere Rovers or Crewe Alexandra
Fulham v West Bromwich Albion
Leeds United AFC v Scunthorpe United
Norwich City v Charlton Athletic or Bury Town
Hull City v Rushden & Diamonds or Wycombe Wanderers
Southend United or Brentford v Coventry City
Everton v Wolverhampton Wanderers
Blackpool v Cambridge United or Exeter City
Preston North End v Swansea City
Cardiff City v Crystal Palace
Woking or Cheltenham Town v Sheffield United
Bradford City v Southampton
Manchester United v Portsmouth
Ipswich Town v Peterborough United or Stratford Town
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Grant 'optimistic' for West Ham ahead of Blackpool game
BBC.co.uk
West Ham boss Avram Grant insists he remains positive going into Saturday's
vital clash with Blackpool despite his side's precarious position. The
Londoners are bottom of the table, four points adrift of safety, with only
one win from 12 Premier League matches. West Ham co-owner David Sullivan
said last week he expected seven points from the next four matches, but
Grant's side have managed just two draws so far. "I say to West Ham fans to
not just look at the table," said Grant. "When we look at the table we are
not happy, but if you analyse the performances of the players, we are very
optimistic. "It's a strange situation because we don't have enough points,
but if you analyse our games the spirit is good and the mentality is good.
"The football that we play is good football and in the last two games we
scored two goals in both games. Even before that, we played good football. I
know we haven't taken enough points, but if we continue to play good
football and correct a few things, we will win games. Sometimes when you are
on the bottom of the league, you see a big gap between you and the other
teams. You see the games and you say to yourself 'we cannot do anything'.
But if we continue to do the right things, I'm sure we will pick up points.
This is our target."
Wet Ham have failed to capitalise on leads in their last two matches,
against Birmingham City and West Brom, and midfielder Kieron Dyer believes
they cannot afford a repeat when Blackpool visit Upton Park on Saturday. "We
said Birmingham was a 'must win' game, but against Blackpool we need three
points otherwise people will start saying we might be doomed," admitted
Dyer. "Blackpool are going to come here and have a right go at us. We have
to be confident and match their desire. It is all about playing with no
fear. "I am a confident player and I don't let things affect me, but you can
see that some players are affected."
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West Ham v Blackpool
Barclays Premier League
Venue: Upton Park Date: Saturday, 13 November Kick-off: 1500 GMT
Coverage: Watch highlights on Match of the Day; listen on BBC Radio 5 live
and local radio; text commentary on BBC Sport website and mobiles
BBC.co.uk
TEAM NEWS
West Ham will assess striker Carlton Cole, who picked up a hamstring problem
in Wednesday's draw with West Brom. Midfielder Mark Noble remains out as he
recovers from appendix surgery.
Blackpool boss Ian Holloway is expected to make sweeping changes after
leaving 10 players out of Wednesday's 3-2 defeat at Aston Villa. Craig
Cathcart is in contention after a positive scan on his knee problem, and
could replace Dekel Keinan, who hobbled out of the game at Villa Park.
West Ham
Doubtful: Cole (hamstring)
Injured: Ben Haim (foot), Collison, Hines & Kurucz (all knee), Hitzlsperger
(thigh), Noble (appendix)
Blackpool
Doubtful: Almond (shoulder/fitness), Keinan (unspecified), Cathcart (knee)
Injured: Baptiste, Clarke, Martin & Rachubka (all knee)
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham and Blackpool meet for the first time since 1971, a season that
ended in the Seasiders' relegation from the top flight, with West Ham only
spared the drop by one place. Thirty-nine years later, and both clubs again
find themselves in the lower reaches of the table. Blackpool's return to the
country's elite division has been a rollercoaster of emotions, with Ian
Holloway's side fast becoming the Premier League's must-watch team - an
extraordinary 45 goals have been scored in their 12 matches so far. Next up
is West Ham at Upton Park, where Blackpool are winless in 16 attempts
stretching back 76 years. Their preparations have not been helped by
Holloway's threat to resign if he is punished by the Premier League for
fielding a perceived weakened team in the defeat to Aston Villa. West Ham,
meanwhile, are bottom of the table with only one win after enduring their
worst-ever start to a Premier League season. Avram Grant's side have shown
signs of improvement in recent weeks, but must address their form at Upton
Park, where they have won just one of their last seven.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• The Hammers are unbeaten in 16 meetings with Blackpool at home in all
competitions since losing 2-1 in the old Division Two back in April 1934.
• They have not met in any competition since the 1970/71 season.
West Ham
• West Ham are without a win in their last six Premier League matches.
• Their sole victory in the league this season was a 1-0 win at home to
Tottenham on 25 September.
• The Hammers have picked up only four points at Upton Park this season -
along with Blackpool, the fewest number of home points in the division.
• They have scored just five goals from open play, fewer than any other side
in the Premier League.
Blackpool
• There have been 45 goals scored in Blackpool's 12 Premier League matches
this season - an average of 3.75 per match.
• The Seasiders have the worst defensive record in the top flight, conceding
26 goals.
• No other Premier League club can better Blackpool's record of three away
wins this season.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
West Ham
Piquionne: 5 goals (4 league); Parker: 5 goals (3 league)
Blackpool
Harewood: 4 goals (4 league); Adam: 4 goals (3 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Kevin Friend
Assistant referees: Patrick Keane & Peter Kirkup
Fourth official: James Linington
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
West Ham (D2-2 v West Brom, h): Green, Ilunga, Gabbidon, Upson, Jacobsen,
Boa Morte (Kovac 54), Parker, Dyer, Barrera (McCarthy 88), Cole (Obinna 76),
Piquionne. Subs not used: Stech, Reid, Tomkins, Spector.
Blackpool (L2-3 v Aston Villa, a): Kingson, Basham, Edwards, Keinan (Evatt
75), Carney, Southern, Sylvestre, Euell (Adam 71), Phillips, Harewood
(Campbell 77), Ormerod. Subs not used: Gilks, Eardley, Grandin, Varney.
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Tottenham and West Ham lead London 2012 stadium bid
BBC.co.uk
Tottenham and West Ham football clubs have been named as the two preferred
bidders to take over London's Olympic Stadium after the Games in 2012.
The venue in Stratford must remain a "distinctive physical symbol" and help
to regenerate east London, the Olympic Park Legacy Company (OPLC) has said.
Tottenham plan to make the east London stadium an 80,000-seat venue. West
Ham want to create a 60,000-capacity arena for football, athletics, concerts
and community use. The Tottenham bid has been submitted in collaboration
with AEG, which runs the O2 Arena beside the Thames in Greenwich, south
London. West Ham have teamed up with Newham Council for their application.
"We are very pleased with the extensive and serious interest shown in the
stadium," said Margaret Ford, who chairs the OPLC. "We will go forward to
start negotiations with the two consortia. "Securing the most appropriate
and viable solution is crucial for our long-term aspirations for the future
Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area."
It is hoped the successful bidder will be announced by the end of March.
They will then be pressed to reopen the stadium "as rapidly as possible"
after the Games have finished. West Ham and Newham Council issued a joint
statement saying they were "delighted" to have made the final shortlist.
They promised to "deliver the best legacy for the stadium by making it a
busy, iconic centre of sport, education and culture that benefits not just
east London, but the nation as a whole". The chief executive of AEG Europe,
David Campbell, said neither he nor Tottenham were commenting on the
shortlist.
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West Ham v Blackpool preview
Hammers host Seasiders in the wake of selection storm
Last updated: 12th November 2010
SSN
PREDICTIONS:
Skysports.com prediction: 2-0
SKY BET odds: West Ham 10/11, Draw 23/10, Blackpool 3/1
One to Watch: Frederic Piquionne
MATCH FACTS
The Hammers have won only one of their last seven Premier League matches at
Upton Park.
The Hammers have conceded eight headed goals, the most in the Premier
League.
Blackpool have scored more goals from outside the box than any other Premier
League side (5)
West Ham could, theoretically, climb off the foot of the table with victory
over Blackpool on Saturday. The Hammers have spent the entire campaign to
date inside the relegation zone, with much of that time spent propping up
the division. They have, however, suffered only two defeats in their last
eight outings to suggest that they have the stomach for a battle. Draws have
proved costly over recent weeks, preventing them from climbing the
standings, but they remain just four points from safety. A win at the
weekend could see them become upwardly mobile once more, providing results
at Wolves and Wigan go their way. Unfortunately, Avram Grant's side have not
enjoyed the best of luck on home soil of late and must start to buck that
trend if they are to edge clear of danger.
West Ham have won only one of their last seven Premier League matches at
Upton Park and have the worst home record in the top flight this term.
Blackpool will be hoping to pile more pressure on the Hammers this weekend,
especially as their own form has started to give cause for concern.
Ian Holloway's side continue to show plenty of spirit, but just one win in
five has seen them slip to within three points of the drop zone. They have
already won three times on the road this season, but their two previous
visits to the capital saw them ship six at Arsenal and four at Chelsea. The
Seasiders made the headlines in midweek when Holloway opted to make 10
changes to his side for a trip to Aston Villa, with the Premier League set
to investigate his actions, so it will be interesting to see what team he
fields in East London. Saturday's encounter will the first time the two
sides have met in any competition since the 1970/71 season.
Team news
West Ham have no fresh injury or suspension concerns to contend with, but
remain without the services of a number of key men. Mark Noble is still
nursing his way back to full fitness following an appendix problem, while a
thigh complaint continues to prevent Thomas Hitzlsperger from making an
impact for the Hammers. Tal Ben Haim is yet to shake off a niggling ankle
problem, while Zavon Hines and Jack Collison remain long-term absentees with
knee injuries. Having made sweeping changes in midweek, Holloway may opt to
take a similar approach on Saturday. Keen to keep his players fresh, the
Blackpool boss could revert back to his tried and tested side. The likes of
Matt Gilks, Neal Eardley, David Vaughan, Gary Taylor-Fletcher and Charlie
Adam will all be pushing for recalls having sat out the 3-2 defeat to Villa.
Craig Cathcart will definitely be unavailable as he has a knee injury, while
Alex Baptiste (knee) and Billy Clarke (knee ligament) will also be missing.
Possible starting XIs
West Ham: Green, Jacobsen, Upson, Gabbidon, Ilunga, Barrera, Dyer, Parker,
Boa Morte, Piquionne, Cole.
Blackpool: Gilks, Eardley, Evatt, Keinan, Crainey, Taylor-Fletcher,
Southern, Vaughan, Adam, Varney, Campbell.
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London duo make shortlist
Capital clubs to vye for Olympic Stadium
Last updated: 12th November 2010
SSN
The fight for the right to use the London Olympic Stadium following the 2012
Games will be a two-way tussle between West Ham United and Tottenham Hotspur
after both bids successfully made it onto the final shortlist. The Olympic
Park Legacy Company announced on Friday that a consortium led by
Tottenham/AEG and a rival consortium headed by West Ham/Newham Council would
go into the conclusive negotiations ahead of a decision in March.
Margaret Ford, Chair of the Olympic Park Legacy Company, said: "We are very
pleased with the extensive and serious interest shown in the stadium.
"We started this process to ensure the very best legacy for the stadium, and
we are now at a point where we have selected the two strongest bids.
"We will go forward to start negotiations with the two consortia of
Tottenham Hotspur and AEG, and West Ham United and Newham Council. "The
stadium is a vital and vibrant component of the Olympic Park - securing the
most appropriate and viable solution is crucial for our long-term
aspirations for the future Queen Elizabeth Olympic Park area."
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Optimistic Grant targets wins
West Ham boss pleased with level of performance from side
Last updated: 12th November 2010
SSN
West Ham boss Avram Grant remains 'very optimistic' as he targets wins to
climb the league table. The Hammers sit bottom of the top flight - four
points from safety - having not won in six league attempts. But, speaking
ahead of the crucial clash with Blackpool at Upton Park on Saturday,
Grantremains confident his side can climb out of trouble. The Hammers have
played out 2-2 draws with Birmingham and then West Brom in their last two
games and Grant is happy with the level of performance from his side. He
said: "I say to West Ham fans to not just look at the table. When we look at
the table we are not happy, but if you analyse the performances of the
players, we are very optimistic.
Strange situation
"It's a strange situation because we don't have enough points like we want,
but if you analyse our games the spirit is good and the mentality is good.
"The football that we play is good football and in the last two games we
scored two goals in both games. Even before that, we played good football.
"I know we haven't taken enough points, but if we continue to play good
football and correct a few things, we will win games. "Sometimes when you
are on the bottom of the league, you see a big gap between you and the other
teams. "You see the games and you say to yourself 'We cannot do anything'.
"But if we continue to do the right things, I'm sure we will pick up points.
This is our target."
Holloway support
Grant has given his support to Blackpool boss Ian Holloway after he made 10
changes to his side for the 3-2 defeat to Aston Villa on Wednesday.
Holloway has threatened to resign should the Premier League choose to fine
him and Grant sympathises with his position. "Ian is the manager and he
knows his team better than anybody. He can do anything he needs to for the
team," he said. "In this case, I must say I support him because he knows
what he needs from his side. "Of course, if it was in the end of the season
and it affected the results of other teams....But when it's now, everybody
needs to know that he's the manager and he can do what he must."
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Gold issues apology to Pannu
Former Blues chief 'regrets' recent outburst
Last updated: 12th November 2010
SSN
Former Birmingham City co-owner David Gold has issued an apology to Peter
Pannu over comments he made to a newspaper. Gold, who now holds the same
role at West Ham, admitted he regretted making comments about Blues' acting
chairman in which he claimed he was denied the chance to remain chairman of
the St Andrews club. Pannu joined Birmingham's board as part of Carson
Yeung's takeover when the club was bought from Gold and David Sullivan, who
went on to buy Hammers. Birmingham were so upset by the article they banned
Gold from St Andrews for the recent match between Birmingham and West Ham
which ended in a 2-2 draw.
Offence
Gold has now issued a statement through the West Ham's official website
which read: "David Gold would like to say he regrets the article that
appeared in last Friday's Daily Telegraph, the emotional language he used
and any offence this might have caused Mr Peter Pannu." Birmingham have
received Gold's apology and have released a statement to put an end to the
matter. The club responded on their official website: "The club welcomes
this gesture, which is a correct step forward with regards to mending
relationships. "Acting chairman Pannu is not available for any comment at
this stage."
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Hammers linked with Ipsa
Right-back prepared to become Slovenian to push through switch
By Jure Bohoric Last updated: 12th November 2010
SS
Highly-rated defender Kristijan Ipsa has revealed that he is attracting
interest from West Ham. The 24-year-old right-back has earned rave reviews
for his performances for Danish side FC Midtjylland over the past couple of
years and claims the Hammers are keen to strike a deal. However, the
Croatian accepts that he would be unable to obtain a work permit at the
current time because he has never played at senior international level. Ipsa
is therefore prepared to take on a new nationality with Slovenia, who unlike
Croatiaare members of the European Union. Such a move would increase the
chances of Ipsa joining Avram Grant's side, while he would also like to play
for Slovenia. "Because I haven't played any games for the Croatian senior
team and because I'm not an EU citizen, my transfer to West Ham United
wasn't completed," the former Energie Cottbus player told Nogomania.
Looking good
"That is why I'm thinking about becoming a Slovenian citizen. Slovenia is my
second home, my grandmother is from Slovenia and I regularly visit this
country. "A few years ago I didn't get a new passport, but now I am again
working towards this goal and things are looking pretty good. "Would I also
like to play for Slovenia? Why not. I was never called to the Croatian
national team even though I was captain of the Under 21 team. "But let's not
talk too much about this. If I do get Slovenian citizenship, then I could
start to think about playing for Slovenia, but the doors to the Croatian
national team are obviously closed for me."
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Grant: I am staying positive
The Sun
Published: 12 Nov 2010
WEST HAM boss Avram Grant insists his side will begin their climb off the
foot of the Premier League if they maintain their current form. The Hammers
enter tomorrow's clash with Blackpool at Upton Park without a league victory
since September — a sequence spanning six games. They sit four points adrift
of safety after 12 matches, but Grant remains confident they are on the
right track. He said: "I say to West Ham fans to not just look at the table.
When we look at the table we are not happy, but if you analyse the
performances of the players, we are very optimistic. "It's a strange
situation because we don't have enough points like we want, but if you
analyse our games the spirit is good and the mentality is good. "The
football that we play is good football and in the last two games we scored
two goals in both games. Even before that, we played good football. "I know
we haven't taken enough points, but if we continue to play good football and
correct a few things, we will win games. "Sometimes when you are on the
bottom of the league, you see a big gap between you and the other teams.
"You see the games and you say to yourself 'We cannot do anything'. But if
we continue to do the right things, I'm sure we will pick up points. This is
our target."
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Avram: I'm not scared of the sack
By MATT PARKER
Published: Today
AVRAM GRANT insists he does not fear the sack - even if rock-bottom West Ham
lose at home to Blackpool today. The Hammers boss has seen his managerial
career at Upton Park get off to a shocking start and they are already four
points adrift from safety. He has won just ONE of his opening 12 Premier
League games and defeat to the Seasiders will crank up the pressure on the
former Pompey chief. But Grant says he does not fear the axe and is
confident of turning things around. He said: "I'm not worried about this.
I'm worried about the team. We are doing well and that's what is important.
"That is what is important to me - not talk about my position. I understand
it though. "We have a target for the season but we didn't speak about
specific targets for this game. "If you look at the team, in two months or a
month-and-a-half from now, you will see this club will not be in this
position. "I'm sure about this and that's what's important. You want to win
every game. "At Pompey it was different because you knew whatever you did on
the pitch it wouldn't help you. "But here it is different. I don't like
being in the bottom three because I'm very frustrated. "I feel we don't
deserve to be there but I see the future as being good. "I am confident
because I see the team and their performances. If the mentality wasn't so
good, then I wouldn't be confident. If I thought the players weren't trying
to give everything then maybe I could lose the confidence. I'm aware we
haven't taken enough points but it's more important what we are going to do.
We've got a lot of time to change the situation. "I'm never relaxed. In
football you never relax. If you win games you want to win more. "If you say
I'm confident, then yes. From my experience, if you are doing the right
things, then things will change."
Grant might be confident but his players appear to be losing faith in the
situation. After West Ham surrendered their lead in the 2-2 midweek draw
against West Brom, Scott Parker and Kieron Dyer both admitted they are
struggling to hold on to a lead. But Grant hit back: "If you are speaking
about the last two games, it is a fact. But we have shown great character in
coming from behind in many games. "We have a few leaders in the dressing
room but for me a leader is someone who leads by example, not just by
shouting about other players. "It is important to say the right things to
the media but more to do them on the pitch. Parker and Dyer did the right
things on the pitch. "My players are giving everything. There are always
mistakes and if you concede a goal you can say it was a mistake. "But they
are trying to do their best and in every area they are improving. In the
mental side and the football side we are much better and are trying to do
better. "I think there is some problem with playing at home because the
players want to please the supporters very much. They are trying to do
things they're not doing when we are playing away. But we need to deal with
this."
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You've got fat chance Benni
The Sun
By ANDREW DILLON
Published: Today
BENNI McCARTHY has a long weigh to go before he can convince Avram Grant he
is fit for action. The chunky West Ham striker is being weighed every Friday
to stop him busting a strict 85kg limit set by the club. McCarthy is the
only Hammer who has to undergo the embarrassing ritual. A club insider said:
"We are doing him a favour by weighing him so he has a chance to lose an
extra pound. "So far, he's not broken the limit but it must be embarrassing
to be the only one who has to stand on the scales after training and be
checked like a schoolboy who scoffs too many sweets." McCarthy, 32
yesterday, restrained himself from eating too much birthday cake to make the
weight limit and is set to be a sub for today's home clash with Blackpool.
McCarthy is yet to net for West Ham since signing a 2½-year £40,000-a-week
deal after joining from Blackburn in January. He was axed from South
Africa's World Cup squad for being too fat and has played just 35 minutes of
Prem action spread over two sub appearances this season. And the insider
added: "He is desperate to play."
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Grant rejects Parker's West Ham criticism
Published 14:32 12/11/10 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Avram Grant has rejected the criticism of his West Ham side from Scott
Parker. The England midfielder branded the defending of the Premier League
club as "not acceptable" after conceding another late equaliser. The Hammers
host Blackpool on Saturday looking to win a home match against a
newly-promoted team after losing to Newcastle and drawing with the Baggies.
But Grant said: "Of course, we need to defend better, but I don't think we
didn't defend well [against West Bromwich Albion]. It was from two corners.
One came from a penalty that wasn't a penalty, in my opinion and the other
came from a great cross that we didn't defend well."
But the former Chelsea and Portsmouth boss insisted he was happy for his
players to speak out. "I like the players here," he added. "They know how to
take responsibility and they show what they want. We want to win tomorrow,
we wanted to win the last game and we will do everything to win tomorrow.
That is what matters. "I agree [with Scott Parker] that we cannot afford to
concede two goals again, especially when we are playing so good. We scored
two goals and almost scored more because we created one or two big chances
to win."
Carlton Cole faces a late fitness test on his hamstring injury.
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