WHUFC.com
Fans' favourite Victor Obinna has been speaking about being voted November's
finest
09.12.2010
Victor Obinna has been speaking about being voted the SBOBET player of the
month for November. The Nigeria striker was thrilled to be recognised in the
supporter poll, and pledged to do all he can to win it again. "I am really
happy to get the award," he said. "I want to thank all the fans for voting
for me.
"It is something to be proud of and it is something that is going to help me
to work harder for West Ham. I just want to make sure we move off the bottom
of the league and get where we want to be. "I want to thank them all for
their support and also want them to keep supporting West Ham. "
Obinna's last two outings at the Boleyn Ground saw him score his first
top-flight goal in a 3-1 win against Wigan Athletic and then follow that up
with all four assists in the Carling Cup 4-0 triumph over Manchester United.
"I really enjoyed those two matches. In every game, I have played I have
tried to do my best to make sure the team wins and gets the points but these
were great matches for me. Scoring my first Premier League goal was
fantastic but it was more important to get the win in such a big game. "No
one expected us to do what we did against Manchester United, it was a shock.
The noise was unbelievable. They are the best team at the moment in England.
It was a massive win for us. I did pretty well with the assists it was nice
to get such a reward after we all put so much into the game."
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Tombides learning fast
WHUFC.com
It has been a month to remember for Aussie youngster Dylan Tombides in Tony
Carr's youth team
09.12.2010
It has been quite a month for Dylan Tombides. The Australia Under-17 striker
made his reserves debut two weeks ago against Chelsea, with an impressive
cameo off the bench, having just scored the only goal against Arsenal's
youngsters in an Under-18 game. He then followed that up with a superb
strike in the Academy side's 5-0 defeat of Aldershot Town this week as Tony
Carr's team marched into the FA Youth Cup fourth round. The tall forward has
been delighted with his progress in English football. "It doesn't compare in
Australia with the level here," he said. "The football is just unbelievably
the highest standard. Football in Australia has got to come so far to catch
up. You saw against Aldershot how good it can be."
Reflecting on his 70th-minute strike, where he cut in from the flank and
fired in an unstoppable long-range drive, he said. "I am happy with the
goal, it took a while to come but I am happy with it. It was a good
performance from the lads and it was thoroughly deserved. "It was my first
time playing at Upton Park and nothing compares. This is where you want to
be in the future, even though this was just my first experience, it was
different quality."
Tombides said the FA Youth Cup was the pinnacle at this level for young
players to show their worth. "The Youth Cup is what is all about, winning
the league is good but here is where you show your true colours. After
winning 5-0, we should be full of confidence and we don't mind who we play
in the next round."
Should he carry on his bright progress, Tombides would relish the chance of
more reserves-team action under Alex Dyer. He knows he has to be patient,
especially with competition for places, but will keep working hard. "Just to
get my first start with the reserves would be nice but you've got to take
your chances when they come. There are lot of good players up there, like
Zavon Hines who just came back from an injury, and Frank Nouble. I just need
to take my time."
As well as the competition ahead of him, Tombides knows there are plenty of
other promising players chomping at the bit to break through from the U18s -
including Robert Hall, Matthias Fanimo, Blair Turgott and Danny Purdy. "It
is good for us all to get a chance," he added. "We can show we've got that
bit extra that can take the team on further."
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Obinna keen to maintain form
Striker keen to fire Hammers to safety
Last updated: 9th December 2010
SSN
Victor Obinna is hoping to maintain his good run of form by helping West Ham
climb off the bottom of the table. The Nigerian striker, who is on a
season-long loan from Inter Milan, has been named West Ham's player of the
month for November after a successful recent period. Obinna scored his first
Premier League goal in the 3-1 win over Wigan and then inspired West Ham to
a 4-0 win over Manchester United in the Carling Cup quarter-finals. The
23-year-old was happy to have his efforts recognised and he is determined to
help the side move clear of trouble at the wrong end of the table. "I am
really happy to get the award," Obinna told the club's official website. "It
is something to be proud of and it is something that is going to help me to
work harder for West Ham. "I just want to make sure we move off the bottom
of the league and get where we want to be. Scoring my first Premier League
goal was fantastic but it was more important to get the win in such a big
game. "No one expected us to do what we did against Manchester United, it
was a shock. "The noise was unbelievable. They are the best team at the
moment in England. It was a massive win for us."
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Mancini wary of Hammers
City boss cautious ahead of trip to the capital
Last updated: 9th December 2010
SSN
Roberto Mancini is expecting a 'tricky' encounter when Manchester City visit
West Ham on Saturday. The Hammers are currently rooted to the bottom of the
Premier League with just 12 points and host City on the back of their 1-0
defeat to Sunderland last weekend. Mancini's side, in contrast, sit fourth
in the table and have enjoyed impressive away form so far this season, with
four wins, two draws and just two defeats on the road. But the manager is
expecting a testing clash at Upton Park, insisting the Hammers' current
place in the table does not accurately reflect their performances this term.
"West Ham will be a difficult game because they are having a bad time at the
moment, but I think they have a good squad," Mancini told City's official
website. "They don't deserve to be near the bottom of the table and it is
going to be a tricky game.
Difficult
"The last time we were there was the last game of the season, and it was
quiet but I know that Upton Park is a difficult place to go with good
supporters, and they will make it hard for us. "But we need to play the
same, away or at home, and our record away is good this season." After a
dismal start to the campaign, Avram Grant's side have already been tipped
for relegation. But Mancini is confident former Chelsea boss Grant will
steer the Hammers clear of the drop zone. "I know Avram, he's a good manager
- he got Chelsea to a Champions League final!" he added. "I think that West
Ham will stay in the Premier League."
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Avram is the man for West Ham
The Sun
Published: 09 Dec 2010
ROBERTO MANCINI is backing Avram Grant to keep West Ham up this season. The
Hammers are rock bottom of the Premier League ahead of a visit from
Mancini's Manchester City on Saturday. And the Italian boss said: "I know
Avram, he's a good manager — he got Chelsea to a Champions League final.
"I think that West Ham will stay in the Premier League." Mancini expects a
tough test at Upton Park, despite the Hammers' poor start to the season. He
added: "It will be a difficult game because they are having a bad time at
the moment but I think they have a good squad. "They don't deserve to be
near the bottom of the table and it is going to be a tricky game. "I know
that Upton Park is a difficult place to go with good supporters and they
will make it hard for us. "But we need to play the same, away or at home,
and our record away is good this season."
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We've got to Piq ourselves up
The Sun
Published: Today
FREDERIC PIQUIONNE wants West Ham's players to take the pressure off
under-fire boss Avram Grant. After beating Wigan and Manchester United, the
Hammers' season looked to be back on track. But they were brought crashing
back down to earth with a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland that leaves them
rooted to the foot of the table. Grant's future continues to be under
threat, with tough fixtures at home to Manchester City and at Blackburn
coming up.
But striker Piquionne is adamant the right man is in charge and has called
on his team-mates to reproduce the spirit they showed against Manchester
United in the Carling Cup. The Frenchman said: "It is not the manager who
wins matches on the pitch. We must keep our responsibilities and we've
worked hard to do that. "For the future, we need to keep this attitude to
win games. We need to work hard."
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We can win without Tevez - Mancini
Published 23:00 09/12/10 By Darren Witcoop
The Mirror
Roberto Mancini has told his goal-shy Manchester City side to prove they
aren't a one-man team – by stepping out of Carlos Tevez's shadow. City have
struggled for goals all season and their job hasn't been helped with Tevez
missing against rock-bottom West Ham tomorrow. The 10-goal Argentinian
striker is banned at Upton Park after collecting five bookings. So Eastlands
chief Mancini has urged his star-studded squad to cope without their captain
and earn a win that would send them joint top of the Premier League. "I
think that this is a time when we can try to win without Carlos," he said.
"He is an important player for us. But the players that will play will have
a good game, I'm sure of that. "We know we must try to score with the other
players. There's enough quality there with Mario Balotelli, Jo, and Adam
Johnson. "If we continue to play like we did against Bolton and against
Stoke in the second half we can win without him."
The statistics make grim viewing for City fans, though. The mega-rich side
have won just once since January in games where Tevez – who pledged his
future to City this week – has not been on the scoresheet. Mancini added:
"Carlos is an important player inside the box as he's very dangerous. "He is
a fantastic player. He is one of the most important players in the world, in
Europe maybe. For us he is very important. "But if we play like we did
against Bolton, we can still win without him."
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West Ham want Newcastle's Barton
Published 23:00 09/12/10 By Alan Nixon - Exclusive
The Mirror
West Ham want to buy Newcastle star Joey Barton in the transfer window - and
use his fire to blast them out of the relegation zone. The Hammers heirarchy
have identified midfield dynamo Barton as the player to give their bid to
beat the drop a real chance and they hope to do a £5m deal next month.
The ambitious Londoners also plan to offer Barton a five-year contract on
big wages as proof of their faith in him as a long-term solution rather than
just a short-term saviour. Barton's future at the Toon is now in doubt after
the departure of Chris Hughton, a manager he admired and helped him back
into the game. He is one of the Magpies players who needs to be convinced
about new boss Alan Pardew. Now Newcastle owner Mike Ashley may cash in on
Barton, who is on a huge contract that has just 18 months to run before he
can leave for nothing. Barton has returned to the limelight this season
after putting his problems behind him and his form was one of the main
reasons for the newly-promoted team's flying start. However, the change of
management has encouraged West Ham to think they have a chance of landing
him. They have been on Barton's trail for months and now believe they can
get him. The key will be the size and length of contract that Hammers
supremos David Sullivan and David Gold can put on the table for him, with
the five-year deal bound to be tempting to the 28-year-old.
Barton seems to have put many of his demons behind him - despite the punch
landed on Blackburn's Morten Gamst Pedersen that earned him a three-game FA
ban at the end of Hughton's reign. It would be a massive outlay for West Ham
to get Barton, but they are chasing hard - although if they get him it could
mean that skipper Scott Parker is sold to one of his admirers.
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Spurs back in for Hammers hero Parker
Published 23:00 09/12/10 By John Cross
The Mirror
Avram Grant is facing another make-or-break game this weekend - just a
fortnight after 'saving' West Ham's season. Grant appeared to have eased the
pressure on his shoulders by beating Wigan after the club launched a "Save
Our Season" campaign around that particular game. But despite also knocking
out holders Manchester United to reach the Carling Cup semi-finals Grant is
still walking a tightrope and needs a result against Manchester City at
Upton Park. Grant's survival chances are also likely to be hit with West Ham
facing a battle to keep midfielder Scott Parker. Tottenham boss Harry
Redknapp has made moves to sign Parker in January, and it is believed West
Ham may decide to cash in if Spurs meet the £8m asking price. Redknapp
believes Parker can boost Tottenham's title chances as he sees him as an
ideal partner for Tom Huddlestone in central midfield. But Grant will be
desperate to keep the player, especially as the club may decide to sell Matt
Upson in January because the England defender is able to leave on a free
transfer next summer.
Parker signed a long-term contract at West Ham after they rejected a Spurs
bid in the summer, but Redknapp's interest has not gone away and the
midfielder has been in superb form, even though he could go in January.
Goalkeeper Rob Green's future is also uncertain as he is unsettled amid the
problems at West Ham, while Grant is facing a fresh battle to keep his job.
Hammers co-owner David Sullivan has remained fiercely loyal to Grant, but
the Israeli needs to start getting results quickly to avoid the axe. Grant
has been left under no illusions that the win over Wigan and reaching the
Carling Cup semis will not be enough to stave off the sack if results don't
improve. Under-pressure Grant has a long contract and West Ham would have to
pay him off, so the club must now decide how long they can give the
ex-Portsmouth boss to turn things around. But West Ham face an even bigger
dilemma over Parker - selling their prize asset would leave the fans in
uproar.
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Lescott wary of rock-bottom Hammers
Published 15:49 09/12/10 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Joleon Lescott insists Manchester City will take nothing for granted at West
Ham on Saturday. City have consolidated their position in the top four of
the Barclays Premier League by recording successive wins over Fulham and
Bolton and the Blues are now aiming to make the most of high-profile clashes
involving Arsenal, Manchester United and Chelsea over the next three
weekends. City know if they keep their present run going, they will not be
far off the Premier League summit by New Year's Day and ready for a
concerted push for glory in the second half of the season. On the face of
it, West Ham should not represent too much of a challenge given their woeful
form this term. However, Lescott only needs to remind himself that the
Hammers did dump Manchester United out of the Carling Cup earlier this month
and that City have lost at fellow basement dwellers Wolves this season to
realise nothing is for certain in this crazy season. "You can't take any
match for granted," he said. "West Ham are a capable side on their day and
do have a bit of momentum going into our game. "Any team in the Premier
League is capable of beating anyone, we have seen that already, so we will
have to be on our guard."
Although the Wolves game - and home draws with Blackburn and Birmingham -
suggests otherwise, Lescott believes City are a more durable outfit this
term, which makes them more likely to resist the barrage that awaits them at
Upton Park. "In previous years we have failed at those hurdles," he said.
"We are a bit more resilient this season. "We have kept a lot more clean
sheets and we are a lot harder to beat so I don't think West Ham will be
looking forward to us going there."
Barely a week after lamenting his lack of opportunities at Eastlands this
season, Lescott could now be set for a run in the side. Kolo Toure suffered
a calf injury against Bolton at the weekend and while there has been no
update on the Ivorian, Blues boss Roberto Mancini will be loathe to take a
risks with him at such a crucial stage of the season. "Getting into this
side and staying in it is the toughest challenge of my life," said Lescott.
"This season I haven't featured as much as I would have liked but I don't
have many complaints. Vincent (Kompany) and Kolo have been excellent. "I do
think I am as good as them though and I know when my chance comes I have to
take it."
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WEST HAM: IT'S GREAT TO AV YOU BACK, JACK COLLISON
Daily Star
10th December 2010 By Sami Mokbel
WEST HAM midfielder Jack Collison is ready to hand under-fire boss Avram
Grant a lifeline by returning from injury ahead of schedule. The midfielder
had knee surgery in May and wasn't expected back until February at the
earliest. But his rehabilitation has gone better than expected and he could
make a shock return for the Hammers next month. The Wales international
could be back for the visit of Arsenal on January 15. Collison, 22, has
started gym strengthening work at the club's training ground and is expected
to start his pre-season campaign before the turn of the year. The club are
keen not to take any risks, but it is a big boost for Grant, who is also
without injured midfielders Thomas Hitzlsperger and Mark Noble.
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West Ham ponder £3m Joey Barton bid after mentor Chris Hughton's sacking at
Newcastle
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 12:15 AM on 10th December 2010
Daily Mail
West Ham are considering a move for Newcastle United midfielder Joey Barton.
The one-time England international has been enjoying a renaissance in his
controversial career with former manager Chris Hughton utilising him as a
right-sided midfielder. The 28-year-old has been credited with playing a
pivotal role in Andy Carroll's emergence and was sorely missed last Sunday
when a groin injury kept him out of Hughton's last match - a 3-1 defeat to
West Brom.
Although Barton's bad side came out again against Blackburn last month when
he punched Morten Gamst Pedersen, he has generally impressed coaching staff
and teammates with his efforts to change his ways.
But his performances on the park have impressed further. He was outstanding
in Newcastle's 2-1 victory at West Ham and that has led them to consider a
£3million bid for a player who has 18 months left on contract. Three other
Premier League sides are also interested. Meanwhile, Newcastle are
interested in former Manchester City misfit Valeri Bojinov. Club scouts
have been watching the Bulgarian striker at Parma. The 24-year-old endured
an injury-plagued spell at City then fell victim to the raft of changes made
at the club following Sven Goran Eriksson's departure.
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Carew for Cole, Keane for Parker and Wayne Bridge on Loan?
West Ham Till I Die
It is getting to that, pre-transfer window, period when the speculation
starts about possible forthcoming deals.
The latest suggestion is that West Ham could be looking to sell Carlton Cole
and bring inVilla's John Carew as his replacement. According to some, Carew
will be the makeweight in a £8m Villa deal for Cole; while other reports
suggest that Cole may be off to Liverpool and that a separate deal will be
struck with Villa. Whatever way it goes, it is not a deal that particularly
appeals to me.
I would prefer to keep Carlton Cole, although I recognise that he may need
to be moved on to fund other deals. Piquionne has shown that he can lead
the attack successfully. In many ways, Piquionne is a far more subtle
striker than Cole, nowhere is this better demonstrated than his superior
ability in the air. In Cole, we have a stronger, more direct striker, who
can hold the ball up well. If Cole goes, then we probably need to bring in
another centre forward as cover for Piquionne. Otherwise, it means relying
on Benni McCarthy or Frank Nouble as cover. McCarthy should be able to do
the job, but he needs to finally step up to the plate, big time! Perhaps
Nouble is ready? He is certainly a young player that should have a big
future at the club?
The other rumour doing the rounds is that West Ham are interested in Spur's
Robbie Keane. Again, the acquisition has been linked to a swap deal for
Scott Parker. Personally, I feel that Keane is an experienced PL striker
who could be a real asset in a relegation struggle. But I do not support
the sale of Scott Parker in January. If the deal is to happen it needs to
be stand alone, but would Harry Redknapp would be interested in that?
The proposed deal for Wayne Bridge would solve the left-back problem and
strengthen the team immeasurably. Will Bridge come on loan, well the rumour
is that he wants to return to London. So, who would compete for his
signature? Possibly Spurs or Fulham? It would certainly be a bit of a coup
if the deal happens. If not, then we will probaby need to look at other
available transfer options or, failing that, promote Jordan Brown or Matt
Fry to the first team squad.
In my view, we need a left-back and an experienced striker as a bare
minimum. A naturally left sided player would also help the balance of the
team. While the club could possibly renew their interest in Blackburn
Rover's Chimbonda, who is available on a free next month, to provide
additional cover at right-back! Of course, any debate on in-coming
transfers is linked to potential departures. We must ask whether swap deal
will happen, whether at least one major asset will be sold to finance other
business; or if the club will actively look to raise funds from the sale of
Matt Upson, rather than letting him leave on a Bosman in the summer?
Finally, lets not forget that Zavon Hines is back in first team contention
and could make a major impact. Whilst, both Jack Collison and the
experienced Thomas Hitzlsperger could also return in the New Year. Having
those three players available can only be positive for the club.
SJ. Chandos.
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West Ham players to blame for poor form not boss Grant, says star
TalkSport
By Marc Isaacs
Thursday, December 9
West Ham striker Frederic Piquionne insists players need to take more
responsibility and ease the pressure on under-fire manager Avram Grant.
After beating Wigan and Manchester United, West Ham looked to have got their
season back on track, but they were brought crashing back down to earth with
a 1-0 defeat against Sunderland that leaves them rooted at the foot of the
table. Grant's future continues to be under threat and with forthcoming
games against Manchester City and Blackburn at Ewood Park, his position will
not get any easier. But Piquionne is adamant that the right man is in charge
and they have to re-produce the spirit they showed against Manchester United
in the Carling Cup if they are to stay in the Premier League. Piquionne
said: "It's not the manager [who wins matches] on the pitch. We have to keep
our responsibilities and we've worked hard to do that. For the future, we
need to keep this attitude to win games. "I think we will win more and more
games. We need to stay in the Premier League and we need to work hard. "The
atmosphere is better because we have won these games. I think it's a great
achievement for the team and it is good for the future."
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Reds, Spurs and Hammers target is "all round player"
Author: Jonny Abrams
Posted on:09 December 2010 - 17:38
Sport.co.uk
Martin Dahlin, the agent of PSV Eindhoven centre-forward Ola Toivonen, has
suggested that his client – who has been linked with Liverpool, Tottenham
Hotspur and West Ham United - has all it takes to be a success in the
Premiership. 24 year-old Sweden international Toivonen is currently joint
second top goal-scorer in the Dutch Eredivisie with 11 along with Mounir El
Hamdaoui of Ajax and Ricky van Wolfswinkel of FC Utrecht, just one behind
Björn Vleminckx of NEC Nijmegen. Speaking exclusively to Sport.co.uk, Dahlin
described Toivonen as an all-round player with a big future ahead of him. He
said: "Ola is getting better and better all the time. "At the moment, I
think he is one of the top goal-scorers in Holland and he's scoring goals in
the Europa League and for the Swedish national team as well, so he's doing
really, really well and, with time, I'm sure that he will be good enough for
the best leagues in the world. "He's a real all-round player – he's quite
big, he's quite fast, he scores goals, works hard and he's been very
important for his team. "But to compare him with somebody else is really
hard."
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West Ham United to resist January bids for Scott Parker
Spurs expected to come back in for West Ham midfielder
Avram Grant hopes to keep hold of his best player
Jamie Jackson
guardian.co.uk, Thursday 9 December 2010 17.17 GMT
West Ham United are adamant that Scott Parker will not be sold in the
January transfer window, with David Sullivan and David Gold, the co-owners,
informing Avram Grant his best player will stay at the club. Parker signed a
four-year deal, which has a further year's option, with West Ham in the
summer after Harry Redknapp attempted to buy the 30-year-old for Tottenham
Hotspur for £8m. Speculation has since arisen that West Ham's difficult
start to the season, which has left them bottom on 12 points, may cause the
club to cash in on their prize asset as his value would decrease if
relegation became inevitable. While Redknapp may make a new attempt to prise
Parker away in January, a highly-placed source close to the club said: "No
way will David Sullivan or David Gold sell Scott Parker, not at any price."
While Parker has so far scored six goals this season, which is nearly a
quarter of his career total of 26, his team-mate Victor Obinna has stated
his determination to be the driving force in West Ham's relegation fight.
Obinna scored his first league goal for the club in the 3-1 win over Wigan
Athletic and then created all four goals in West Ham's 4-0 rout of
Manchester United in the Carling Cup last week. "I just want to make sure we
move off the bottom of the league and get where we want to be," the Nigeria
forward, who is on loan from Internazionale, told the club's website.
"I really enjoyed those two matches. In every game I have played I have
tried to do my best to make sure the team wins and gets the points but these
were great matches for me. Scoring my first Premier League goal was
fantastic but it was more important to get the win in such a big game. "No
one expected us to do what we did against Manchester United, it was a shock.
The noise was unbelievable. They are the best team at the moment in England.
It was a massive win for us. I did pretty well with the assists and it was
nice to get such a reward after we all put so much into the game."
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Agent dashes Bolton and West Ham's hopes of landing Real Madrid starlet
By talkSPORT
Thursday, December 9
Bolton and West Ham's hopes of signing Real Madrid's Sergio Canales have
been temporarily dashed by the player's agent. The Spanish giants admitted
recently that they have received a number of enquiries for the 19-year-old
midfielder who has seen his chances limited since the arrivals of Mesut Ozil
and Sami Khedira in the summer. Kaka is also nearing a return to fitness at
the Bernabeu and manager Jose Mourinho will find it increasingly hard to
involve the teenager in first-team affairs. But the youngster's
representative reportedly said: "I do not want the player to leave Real
Madrid." But once the former Chelsea manager has a full squad to choose from
and makes possible additions in the transfer window it is likely that the
talented playmaker will be moved on despite the pleas of his agent.
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