WHUFC.com
Radoslav Kovac is looking forward to taking on Newcastle United on Wednesday
evening
04.01.2011
Radoslav Kovac is looking forward to celebrating his first appearance at St
James' Park with three valuable Barclays Premier League points. The Czech
midfielder has enjoyed a productive festive season, helping the Hammers to
pick up eight points from their previous four matches to climb out of the
relegation zone. Wednesday's trip to newly-promoted Newcastle United offers
Kovac and his team-mates another chance to collect points and continue their
ascent of the standings. The 31-year-old told WHUTV that West Ham have what
it takes to win on Tyneside. "I was very happy with last Saturday because we
picked up a very important three points and I think this run can carry on.
Our situation is much, much better, but we need to continue to collect
points. "I hope we can keep rising up the table. Everybody has stuck
together and we took eight points from the four matches over Christmas and
the New Year."
Kovac has been an influential figure in Avram Grant's side in recent weeks.
Indeed, in 13 league and cup appearances this season, West Ham have lost
just twice. The defensive midfielder has started three times in the club's
run to the Carling Cup semi-finals and will be eyeing another appearance
when Birmingham City visit the Boleyn Ground for the semi-final first-leg
next Tuesday evening. For now, though, Kovac is fully-focused on helping
West Ham's Barclays Premier League cause. "It's a very big game against
Birmingham and it's very good that we're in the semi-final and so close to
the final but for me Premier League points are much more important. "Of
course it would be nice to play at Wembley again after I played there for my
national team, but for me it is more important that we pick up Premier
points."
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Newcastle United match preview
WHUFC.com
All the early team news and background for Wednesday's trip to the
north-east
04.01.2011
Newcastle United v West Ham United
Barclays Premier League
St. James' Park
Wednesday 5 January 2011
Kick-off: 7.45pm
Referee: Mike Dean
FULL COVERAGE ON WHUTV I TEXT COMMENTARY, TABLES AND SCORES
iPHONE APP I TWITTER I FACEBOOK I PODCAST
Introduction
• West Ham United travel to Newcastle United on a high, having lifted clear
of the relegation zone for the first time this season. The Hammers began the
week in 16th place, with the 2-0 home win against Wolverhampton Wanderers on
Saturday making it a four-match unbeaten run. Newcastle are equally buoyant
having won 1-0 at Wigan Athletic on Sunday. The Magpies are up to tenth but
only five points clear of their visitors this midweek.
• Alan Pardew, the new Newcastle manager, will know West Ham well having led
the team to distinction between 2003 and 2006 - the tenth manager in the
club's history. Avram Grant is No13 in that list.
• The last time the teams met at St James' Park saw Andy Carroll score his
first Newcastle goal on his first competitive start in a creditable 2-2 draw
for the Hammers on 10 January 2009. Former Magpies striker Craig Bellamy
(29) cancelled out Michael Owen's goal (19) before Carlton Cole put the
Hammers in front ten minutes after the break. The home side earned a point
when Carroll struck with 12 minutes to play.
Newcastle United: Given, Taylor, Coloccini, Bassong, Enrique, Gutierrez,
Guthrie, Geremi (N'Zogbia 62), Duff, Owen, Carroll
Subs not used: Harper, Xisco, Kadar, Edgar, Lua Lua
West Ham United: Green, Neill, Collins, Upson, Ilunga, Behrami, Parker,
Noble (Mullins 86), Collison (Boa Morte 76), Cole, Bellamy (Di Michele 81)
Subs not used: Stech, Faubert, Tristan, Tomkins
Last time out
Saturday 1 January 2010
West Ham United 2-0 Wolverhampton Wanderers
West Ham: Green, Gabbidon, Ben Haim, Upson, Tomkins, Parker, Kovac,
Stanislas (Noble 70), Piquionne, Cole, Sears
Subs not used: Boffin, Obinna, Boa Morte, Reid, Hines, Barrera
Goals: Zubar og 51, Sears 79
Sunday 2 January 2010
Wigan Athletic 0-1 Newcastle United
Newcastle: Harper, Taylor, Enrique, Simpson, Coloccini, Barton, Gutierrez,
Tiote, Nolan (Smith 86), Lovenkrands (Routledge 70), Ameobi (Best 77)
Subs not used: Krul, Williamson, Perch, Ranger
Goal: Ameobi 19
Last meeting
The sides met on Saturday 23 October 2010 at the Boleyn Ground -
coincidentally as now for the Hammers immediately after a match against
Wolves and before a game against Arsenal. Grant's men were quick out of the
blocks with Carlton Cole scoring on 12 minutes before Newcastle weathered
the storm and struck back with unanswered goals from Kevin Nolan (23) and
Andy Carroll (69).
West Ham: Green, Gabbidon, Jacobsen, Upson (Ilunga 53), Da Costa, Parker,
Noble, Behrami (Barrera 76) , Piquionne (McCarthy 68), Cole, Obinna
Subs not used: Stech, Ben Haim, Boa Morte, Faubert
Newcastle: Krul, Williamson, Enrique, Simpson, Coloccini, Barton, Gutierrez,
Tiote, Nolan, Carroll, Ameobi
Subs not used: Soderberg, Routledge, Taylor, Perch, Guthrie, Lovenkrands,
Smith
Head to head
Last six meetings (all league unless stated)
23 October 2010 - West Ham United 1-2 Newcastle United
10 January 2009 - Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
20 September 2008 - West Ham United 3-1 Newcastle United
26 April 2008 - West Ham United 2-2 Newcastle United
23 September 2007 - Newcastle United 3-1 West Ham United
20 January 2007 - Newcastle United 2-2 West Ham United
Overall record v Newcastle United (all competitions): W 37, D 35, L 48
Ten-year 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)
Newcastle United
2009/10 Championship 1st (102 points - promoted to Premier League)
2008/09 Premier League 18th (34 points - relegated to Championship)
2007/08 Premier League 12th (43 points)
2006/07 Premier League 13th (43 points)
2005/06 Premier League 7th (58 points)
2004/05 Premier League 14th (44 points)
2003/04 Premier League 5th (56 points)
2002/03 Premier League 3rd (69 points)
2001/02 Premier League 4th (71 points)
2000/01 Premier League 11th (51 points)
Referee
• Wednesday's referee is Mike Dean who was the official for the start of the
club's current four-match unbeaten run, the 1-1 away draw at Blackburn
Rovers on 18 December. Before that, he took charge of the Hammers'
opening-day 3-0 defeat at Aston Villa and the 2-2 home draw with West
Bromwich Albion on 10 November.
• He has overseen two Newcastle games this campaign. The first was the 1-0
win at Arsenal on 7 November and the 3-1 loss at West Bromwich Albion on 5
December.
• Dean began refereeing in 1985, starting out his career in senior football
in the Northern Premier League.
• In 2004, Dean took charge of his first international match, a friendly
between the Netherlands and Republic of Ireland at Amsterdam Arena. That
same year, he took control of the FA Community Shield between Arsenal and
Manchester United.
• In May 2006, he refereed the Championship play-off final between Leeds
United and Watford at the Millennium Stadium. In 2008, he was the
man-in-the-middle for the FA Cup final between Portsmouth and Cardiff City
at Wembley Stadium.
Team news
West Ham United
• Manager Avram Grant is definitely without Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh),
Jack Collison (knee) and Manuel da Costa (ankle). None are expected to
return before February at the earliest. Goalkeeper Peter Kurucz (knee) is
not expected to play at all this season.
• Herita Ilunga, Kieron Dyer (thigh) and Benni McCarthy (calf) are suffering
with muscle problems that will keep them out.
• Lars Jacobsen and Valon Behrami are back in full training having been kept
out with a troublesome heel and hip respectively since the Wigan Athletic
match on 27 November.
Newcastle United
• Andy Carroll missed out on Newcastle's win at Wigan with a thigh injury
that could keep him out again.
• France international midfielder Hatem Ben Arfa is still sidelined as he
continues his recuperation from a broken leg.
• England Under-21 midfielder Dan Gosling is also out as he is nursing a
knee injury, while right-sided defender or midfielder Ryan Taylor has an
ankle problem.
Background
West Ham United
• West Ham United are seeking back-to-back away victories in the Premier
League for the first time since December 2007, when they took maximum points
at Blackburn Rovers and then Middlesbrough.
• No West Ham player has started every game this season. Frederic Piquionne
and Carlton Cole have appeared in every Premier League fixture this season.
• West Ham have yet to score in the first ten minutes of a Premier League
game this season - the quickest strike being Carlton Cole's 12th-minute goal
against Newcastle in the first meeting.
• Danny Gabbidon has the quickest card in the division this season, earning
a caution just 85 seconds into the Fulham home game.
• Scott Parker's threat of a one-match ban for five yellow cards has
disappeared after he made it to the end of 2010 on four cautions. The
disciplinary rules now state that a two-match ban will follow for any player
picking up ten yellow cards.
• West Ham have not won at St James' Park since 1998, when the Hammers won
3-0. Ian Wright scored a brace in that victory.
Newcastle United
• The Magpies are under new management after Chris Hughton's departure and
Alan Pardew's appointment three days later on 9 December 2010.
• Newcastle have lost four times at St James' Park this season, the highest
number of home defeats for any Barclays Premier League club in 2010/11.
• Newcastle have kept just one clean sheet in their previous nine league
matches.
Old boys
• Scott Parker is a former Newcastle captain, who spent two years at the
north-east club after joining from Chelsea in July 2005 prior to his £7m
move to West Ham in June 2007. He played 55 league games, scoring four
goals.
• Kieron Dyer spent eight years at Newcastle between July 1999 and August
2007, before his £6m switch to the Hammers. He played 190 times for the club
in the Barclays Premier League, scoring 23 times.
• Newcastle manager Alan Pardew spent a little more than three years in
charge at West Ham between October 2003 and December 2006. Pardew led the
Hammers to promotion via the play-offs in 2004/05 and the 2006 FA Cup final.
In total, he took charge of 163 matches, winning 67, losing 58 and drawing
38.
• Others who have played for both clubs include Lee Bowyer, Franz Carr, John
Dowsey, Dave Gardner, Paul Goddard, Shaka Hislop, James Jackson, Vic Keeble,
Matthew Kingsley, Paul Kitson, Robert Lee, Joe Loughlin, Stuart Pearce,
Wayne Quinn, Bryan 'Pop' Robson, George Robson, Keith Robson, Harold Smith,
Nolberto Solano, Hal Tate and David Terrier.
Next up
• The Hammers welcome Barnsley in the FA Cup third round on Saturday when
Newcastle go to Stevenage Borough in the day's televised evening kick-off.
General information
• For ticket information, click here.
• Wednesday's forecast in Newcastle is for light rain and a maximum
temperature of 3C.
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Avram on Tuesday
WHUFC.com
The manager was in positive mood ahead of the long trip north to St. James'
Park
04.01.2011
Avram Grant was naturally upbeat on the back of a four-match unbeaten run as
he looked ahead to Newcastle United in his pre-match press conference. The
manager was asked once more about his squad situation and any possible
incomings but stressed that the focus was on keeping the good run going.
Avram on being out of the bottom three...
The feeling is good but we have a long way to go. We did well in the last
ten days by collecting points. We are very happy because we felt we needed
it and deserved it. If we were in the other situation I would still feel we
can do good things here. The atmosphere and the spirit are good but it was
before. Of course, the players are happier because football is a game of
results.
Avram on using the run as a springboard for the rest of the season…
I think yes it can be. We will have good days but we will also have not so
good days. This is football. Now we are in good momentum and we want to
continue this.
Avram on his lucky scarf - worn in the recent three wins...
It started in the game against Manchestter United. It was very cold. So Bob
[Oteng] the kitman gave me a scarf. I liked it because it was a scarf of the
club and since then I wear it a lot and we are winning. Maybe it is not
because we are scoring more goals…I am not superstitious so much but I will
not go against it!
Avram on links with Steve Sidwell, Wayne Bridge, Robbie Keane, Michael Owen
and others…
We are dealing with the situation. I don't have any news at the moment
especially as we have a game coming up and we want to concentrate on that. I
don't have anything to say on any deals until they are done. We know we want
the squad to be stronger. We are following the players that could help us
but we will not bring 15 or even five.
Avram on interest in David Beckham…
There are many other teams that want him. He is a big player and a big
personality. If he wants to come to West Ham, he is welcome. I like him as a
player and as a person. He is a local lad, which is a small advantage. We
talked about him at the beginning of the season but we try to be realistic
about all of these things. We are concentrating on what we have and what we
need to do.
Avram on Freddie Sears' impact and using young players...
I am very pleased with any young players that are coming in and doing
something. I am happy for him and the team because he is part of the vision
of this club - to use the young players but they need to be good and prove
themselves. He needs to continue like this. If he carries on he can play a
role for us to the end of the season. We have three under-21s who have been
playing in difficult times.
Avram on facing Newcastle United…
It would be great to keep the momentum going and so will they. They won a
difficult game away at Wigan and we are doing well. They are a very good
team, with a lot of quality. We are concentrating on what we need to do.
They have played well since the beginning of the season. They got some good
results against Sunderland and Liverpool. They have been playing together
for a long time.
Avram on the emotion for former Hammers manager Alan Pardew on Wednesday…
You need to ask him if it will be an emotional game for him. I like him as a
person and I think he is a very good manager.
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Steve Sidwell passes medical but West Ham move on hold
BBC.co.uk
Steve Sidwell's move to West Ham from Aston Villa has been delayed after the
midfielder passed a medical and agreed personal terms at Upton Park.
It has been reported the 28-year-old is mulling over offers from other
clubs. Hammers boss Avram Grant said: "I have nothing to say until the deals
are done. But I like Steve. I worked with him at Chelsea, he never let me
down."
Grant had hoped to bolster the midfield with his team only one point above
the Premier League relegation zone. With Sidwell still to put pen to paper,
Grant was left a little bemused as to why the deal was still to be
concluded. "I don't know, I am not dealing with the situation and I don't
have any news but we are continuing to look at this situation," the Israeli
told Sky Sports. Regarding other potential acquisitions in the current
transfer window, Grant added: "January stories, part of them are true and
part are not. "We have followed many players like many clubs, we are
following players to make us strong, but we will not bring in 15 players,
not even five."
Sidwell has played only four league games for Villa this season and was
signed from Chelsea for £5m in 2008. He began his professional career with
Arsenal in 2001 and has also played for Brentford, Brighton and Reading.
Having climbed off the bottom of the table, West Ham face a trip to
Newcastle on Wednesday where they will come up against former Hammers boss
Alan Pardew. Grant, looking to build on a run of four unbeaten matches,
said: "The feeling is good but there is a long way to go."
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Newcastle United v West Ham United
KUMB.com
Filed: Tuesday, 4th January 2011
By: Preview Percy
Petrol's up, VAT is up and train fares are up. The start of 2011 is full of
gloom and doom. And just when you think the start of the year couldn't get
any worse, here's Preview Percy to prove you wrong. Very wrong.....
Next up we have a long trip up the A1 and A1 (M) to St James' Park where we
visit Newcastle United for a supporter-unfriendly 7.45pm kick-off. Thanks a
bunch Premier League.
Now before I start a quick word for any Geordies that may be passing this
way. A quick check of a routefinder suggests that the distance between the
church of St Mary Le Bow in Cheapside, City of London (the site of the
famous Bow Bells) and High Wycombe, birthplace of Mike Ashley in the county
of Buckinghamshire is 31.2 miles. The distance between St James' Park and
The Stadium of Light is 12.6 miles. So the next time you decide to blame
some "Cockney Mafia" for all your ills bear in mind that you lot are roughly
2.5 times as Mackem as Ashley is "Cockney". So unless you want to spend the
rest of your lives being called "Mackems" try and come up with another
epithet for your scapegoat!
Rant over, our hosts currently lie in 10th place which, is 8 places and five
points above ourselves, them having a game in hand. Their last six matches
have produced 7 points with wins over Wigan (1-0 away), and Liverpool (3-1
home), defeats to Spurs (2-0 away), Man City (3-1 home) and West Brom (3-1
away) and a 1-1 draw against Chelsea at Stamford Bridge.
Of course it's been all change since we met them at the Boleyn last October.
Chris Hughton got the sack at the beginning of December, a move which,
although not entirely unexpected, still met with almost universal
disapproval from the football world. Hughton was replaced by Alan Pardew who
had been jobless since his falling out with the suits at Southampton. The
high point of Pardew's tenure at the Boleyn was of course the 2006 Cup
Final. After that, of course, the Icelandic hoards descended upon us like an
ash cloud from a volcano and by the end of the year Pardew was gone. And
that's all I have to say on that one. Plans to bring in Bradford manager
(and sometime Norman Wisdom impersonator) Peter Taylor alongside seem to
have come to naught with Taylor apparently preferring to stay in Yorkshire.
There's been a few updates on the legal front on Tyneside. You may recall
from an earlier preview that Andy Carroll had embarked on a one-man attempt
to keep the various courts in Newcastle open. Back in October Carroll was
bailed to appear for trial on assault charges on condition that he stay with
skipper Kevin Nolan, the idea being that this would keep the striker out of
trouble. This theory took a knock following tabloid "birds and booze"
allegations following the 5-1 defeat of Sunderland. However, on the bright
side for the lanky forward, the other court case that was pending at the
time of our last meeting has been dropped. This would have allowed him to
concentrate on this match were it not for the thigh injury that made him
miss the win at Wigan. He'll be out for another week or two which will
probably mean another start for Shola Ameobi, who put away a rather
scrambled winner at whatever the JJB Stadium is called this week.
Over the past few months young Dutch 'keeper Tim Krul had established
himself between the sticks in the absence of usual first choice 'keeper
Steve Harper through injury. Harper had recovered enough to make the bench
for the three matches prior to Wigan. However, he was restored to the
starting line-up on Sunday by Pardew who declared him to be his no.1 and he
will start tomorrow. In fact, there being no injury worries for the home
side (other than long-term casualties Ben Arfa, Taylor (Ryan) and Gosling)
I'd suspect that there won't be too many changes to the starting XI from
that which prevailed over Whelan's mob on Sunday which would mean them
lining up with Simpson, Taylor (Steven), Coloccini and Enrique across the
back, and Barton (with whom some sources have us linked), Tiote, Nolan and
Gutierrez (aka Jonas to save shirt printing costs).
As for ourselves, well there are no fresh injury worries. Kieron Dyer seems
to have been abducted by aliens and taken to their home planet – which is
probably even further away from civilisation than Newcastle. It's entirely
possible that he may teleport his way into contention through some hole in
the space-time continuum in time to face his old club, but it's not
something on which I'd stick money.
In midfield, Noble's return to fitness might see him replace Kovac whilst
Behrami is supposed to be "under assessment" though I'd be gobsmacked if his
dodgy hip repaired itself this side of the transfer window closing. You may
recall a similar injury that kept him out of contention at the start of the
season. Coincidence? I doubt it. Cynical? You bet! Jacobsen's heel faces
another inspection though I thought Ben-Haim did well enough against Wolves
to merit a start at right-back.
Up front it'll be a case of who is feeling fresh enough to survive our squad
rotation. Cole alternated between superb one minute and awful the next and
I've lost count of how many air-shots he's made in front of goal this
season. However, the two goals against Fulham were well taken and the last
time we were up on Tyneside he enjoyed himself so, for what it's worth I'd
start him though Grant may have other ideas.
Results have not been over favourable to us since the weekend and, without
kicking a ball, we find ourselves back in the relegation zone. It's tighter
than Chalks at round-buying time in there at the moment and one result can
almost have you looking at Europe. Ok a bit of an exaggeration perhaps but
as we saw at the weekend a leap of five places is entirely possible. Their
patchy form suggests that a win ought to be possible up there – especially
in the absence of Carroll. Whilst 3 points would be most agreeable, I think
that this one has "draw" written all over it so my prediction is for a 1-1
draw, a result which, although not good enough to get us out of the bottom
three, would nevertheless be a good return from somewhere that it is often
difficult to go.
Enjoy the game!
Last season: N/A
Danger Man: Kevin Nolan – in the absence of Carroll their skipper can often
weigh in with important goals.
Referee: Mike Dean – Something stinks here. This is the fourth time this
season we will have had to endure the posturings of this disgrace to the
game. Man Utd have had him only twice – and one of those was in the League
Cup against Scunthorpe. At least we're not live on the box – occasions for
which the Wirral Moron usually reserves his most appalling of decisions.
Daft fact of the week - The word "Geordie" comes from the ancient Viking
word for "Mackem who cannot tell the difference between London and High
Wycombe." Probably.
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Newcastle v West Ham
BBC.co.uk
Barclays Premier League
Venue: St James' Park Date: Wednesday, 5 January Kick-off: 1945 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
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle remain without striker Andy Carroll, who could return from a thigh
injury at Sunderland on 16 January. Shola Ameobi is likely to again deputise
for Carroll after scoring at Wigan, but defender Sol Campbell is still out
because of illness.
West Ham will assess injury doubts Valon Behrami and Lars Jacobsen.
Fit-again midfielder Mark Noble, who came off the bench against Wolves, is
in contention for a recall to the starting line-up.
Newcastle
Injured: Ben Arfa (broken leg), Gosling (knee), R Taylor (ankle)
West Ham
Doubtful: Behrami (hip), Jacobsen (heel)
Injured: Collison, Edgar & Kurucz (all knee), Da Costa (ankle), Dyer &
Hitzlsperger (both thigh), Ilunga (muscle problem), McCarthy (calf)
MATCH PREVIEW
West Ham's performances over the festive period mean Avram Grant's job
appears safe, for now at least. However, a trip to St James' Park will be a
salutary reminder of how quickly things can change; Chris Hughton guided
Newcastle to victory in the reverse fixture yet was sacked six weeks later.
A change of management certainly looked on the cards following the Hammers'
lifeless display against the Magpies on 23 October, but few would have
expected it to come on Tyneside. Newcastle boss Alan Pardew could have found
himself in the visitors' dug-out if West Ham had decided to axe Grant. The
Englishman never made any secret of his desire to return to the club that
sacked him in December 2006. Pardew's controversial appointment at St James'
Park caused unease amongst many Newcastle fans. However, performances so far
have generally been encouraging, and memories of Hughton's ruthless
dismissal are beginning to fade. Deprived of star man Andy Carroll against
Wigan on Sunday, the Magpies nonetheless won comfortably to move into the
top half of the table. West Ham ended their 16-month wait for an away league
win at Fulham on Boxing Day, and took seven points from a possible nine over
the festive period. However, they have not won back-to-back games on the
road since 2007, while their last win at Newcastle was in 1998.
MATCH FACTS
Head-to-head
• West Ham have not won at St James' Park since 1998, when the Hammers won
3-0. Ian Wright scored a brace in that game.
• The Magpies have scored 20 goals in their 10 league games at St James'
Park but have been beaten four times - no top-flight side has suffered more
defeats on their own turf.
• They have won only two of their last nine league games on Tyneside,
keeping one clean sheet.
• Newcastle have won six of the eight league games in which they scored
first this term (W6, D1, L1).
West Ham
• The Hammers' 3-1 win at Fulham ended a run of 27 away league games without
a victory. It was their first success on the road since beating Wolves on
the opening day of the 2009/10 campaign.
• They have not won back-to-back away matches in the Premier League since
December 2007, when they took maximum points at Blackburn and then
Middlesbrough.
• Carlton Cole has netted in his last two games against Newcastle.
LEADING GOALSCORERS
Newcastle
Carroll: 11 goals (11 league); Nolan 8 goals (8 league)
West Ham
Piquionne: 6 goals (5 league); Parker: 6 goals (4 league)
MATCH OFFICIALS
Referee: Mike Dean
Assistant referees: Peter Kirkup & Andy Garratt
Fourth official: Anthony Taylor
LAST LEAGUE MATCH LINE-UPS
Newcastle (W1-0 v Wigan, a): Harper, Simpson, Steven Taylor, Coloccini, Jose
Enrique, Barton, Nolan (Smith 86), Tiote, Gutierrez, Ameobi (Best 77),
Lovenkrands (Routledge 70). Subs not used: Krul, Williamson, Perch, Ranger.
West Ham (W2-0 v Wolves, h): Green, Ben-Haim, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon,
Sears, Parker, Kovac, Stanislas (Noble 69), Cole, Piquionne. Subs not used:
Boffin, Reid, Barrera, Boa Morte, Hines, Obinna.
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Grant is a happy Hammer
Boss pleased with festive success but won't be getting complacent
By Chris Burton Last updated: 4th January 2011
SSN
Avram Grant admits the mood in the West Ham camp has lifted on the back of a
four-match unbeaten run. The Hammers boss insists belief within the camp has
never plummeted, during a difficult first half to the 2010/11 campaign, but
concedes that a reversal in fortune has helped to raise morale. Having been
left propping up the Premier League table at Christmas, there were fears
that West Ham could be in for a long, hard slog. They have, however, enjoyed
a productive start to 2011, with a 2-0 victory over fellow strugglers Wolves
on New Year's Day taking them out of the drop zone. All of sudden things are
looking up around Upton Park and the pressure which had been building on
Grant's shoulders has started to ease.
Atmosphere
"The feeling is good but there is a long way to go," said the Israeli coach.
"We did well in the last 10 days and we are very happy because we needed
points and we felt we deserved points. "The atmosphere is the same, the
spirit is good and of course the players are happier. At the end of the day
football is about results. "There is a long way to go and we know we will
have good days and not so good days. "We will face tough times and good
times until the end of the season, but want to continue our good momentum."
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Plethora of options for Roque
Santa Cruz set for January switch
Last updated: 4th January 2011
SSN
A host of Premier League clubs are battling to sign Manchester City striker
Roque Santa Cruz. Skysports.com understands Aston Villa, West Ham, Fulham,
Newcastle and Blackburn are all keen on the Paraguayan. He has also been
linked with a move to the continent with Serie A and Bundesliga interest
confirmed, but it seems he is more likely to remain in England. City are
willing to let Santa Cruz leave, but would rather sell him than loan him,
although it remains to be seen if anyone could come up with that sort of
deal due to his wages. The 29-year-old will have the last word on his new
club, and he is likely to make a decision within the next week on who he
would like to join.
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Grant would welcome Becks
Hammers the latest club to show an interest in veteran
Last updated: 4th January 2011
SSN
West Ham boss Avram Grant has confirmed he would 'welcome' David Beckham at
Upton Park. Speculation over Beckham's future continues to mount with the
former England captain keen on securing a loan deal in Europe during the MLS
off season. Los Angeles Galaxy are yet to confirm whether they will sanction
any move, but that has not stopped the likes of Tottenham, Sunderland,
Newcastle and Blackburn all enquiring about his availability. Now Grant has
refused to rule West Ham out of the equation, should Beckham move to
England. "There are other teams who want him, he is a big player with a big
personality and if he wants to come to West Ham he would be welcome," Grant
told Sky Sports News. "I like him as a player and as a person, and he is a
local, so another advantage."
Grant admitted that the club's owners David Gold and David Sullivan, had
previously spoken to him about Beckham. "We spoke in the beginning of the
season, and we try to be realistic about these things," he said. "From our
club, as I said, I like him as a player and a person, but many clubs want
him and if he wanted to come to West Ham he would be welcome."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Grant in dark over Sidwell
Hammers boss waiting on loan deal
Last updated: 4th January 2011
SSN
West Ham United manager Avram Grant admits he is unaware as to why Steve
Sidwell has not completed his move to the club. The Hammers looked set to
land the Aston Villa midfielder on loan after he completed his medical and
agreed terms. However, it now appears that the move has been delayed as
rivals bids have been lodged for his services. Grant, though, admits he does
not know why Sidwell is not yet signed up. "I don't know, I am not dealing
with the situation and I don't have any news but we are continuing to look
at this situation," he told Sky Sports News. "I said that I like him, I
worked with him at Chelsea, he is a good person and that is part of the
atmosphere we are trying to create here. "I don't know as it is not up to me
at the moment."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Ba's Hammers move in doubt
Interest confirmed but deal not close
By Thomas Zocher & Graeme Bailey Last updated: 4th January 2011
SSN
Demba Ba's agent has confirmed West Ham's interest, but admitted a deal is
looking unlikely at the moment. Hoffenheim have flown to La Manga for a
winter training camp, but Ba was not present as they jetted out to Spain
amid claims he was heading for England. However, Hoffenheim spokesman Markus
Sieger has confirmed that Senegalese ace Ba will link up with the rest of
the squad as planned on Tuesday. "It is planned that Demba will travel
today," he told Deutsche Presseagentur. Ba's lawyer Ran Ronen confirmed that
West Ham have made contact with Hoffenheim.
No secret
"On Monday, nothing really new happened," he told Spox. "Today he will fly
to La Manga with Ernst Tanner [Hoffenheim general manager]. "It does seem he
could move and Demba would like to join a Premier League outfit, this is no
secret. "Joining West Ham? This is something I would put in doubt. I cannot
say anything concrete, West Ham did come up with a bid, but at the moment
Hoffenheim don't appear to be working on it." It is believed West Ham would
like to take Ba on loan with a view to a £6million deal in the summer.
25-year-old Ba, who spent time with Watfordas a youth player, joined
Hoffenheim in 2007 and has scored 37 league goals.
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It ain't scarf hot as Av wraps up
The Sun
By CHARLIE WYETT
Published: Today
AVRAM GRANT will be wearing his lucky West Ham scarf at Newcastle tonight.
The Hammers boss was given the neckwear by club kitman Bob Oteng before the
stunning 4-0 win over Manchester United in the Carling Cup quarter-finals.
Grant did not wear it for the next two games — defeats by Sunderland and
Manchester City. But since putting it back on, West Ham have taken eight
points from 12 and moved out of the bottom three for the first time this
season. Grant said: "Against Manchester United, it was very, very cold, so
Bob the kitman supplied the scarf. "Since then, every time I have worn the
scarf we have not lost, so I'm going with it. "I won't wear it in the summer
unless people believe it brings goals. "When I was manager of Maccabi Tel
Aviv in the winter of 1993, we won 11 games and I kept wearing the same
clothes. "But I couldn't carry on, my shirt was smelling. I changed and we
drew. The owner blamed me."
Grant's troops face former Hammers boss Alan Pardew at St James' Park
tonight. Grant added: "The feeling is good but we have a long way to go. I
think it can be a springboard. "We will have good days and not so good days
before the end of the season and need to get used to any situation. "Even in
the difficult days, we felt what we were doing was good." Grant is still
hopeful of signing Aston Villa's Steve Sidwell.
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Av hammers out deal
The Sun
Published: 04 Jan 2011
AVRAM GRANT has offered David Beckham the chance to join West Ham. Beckham
is widely expected to move to Tottenham on a three-month loan from LA
Galaxy. But Grant believes the lure of a return to East London could be too
great to resist considering the 35-year-old midfielder was born close to
Upton Park in Leytonstone. The Hammers boss said: "There are other teams who
want him, he's a big player and a big personality. "But if David Beckham
wants to come to West Ham he is welcome. "I like him as a player and as a
person, and he's a local lad. "Many clubs want him but if he wants to come
to West Ham I would be happy."
Grant refuses to talk about Robbie Keane, Michael Owen, Wayne Bridge and
Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba, who have all been linked with January moves to
the Premier League strugglers. But he has confirmed that Steve Sidwell is
close to joining from Aston Villa after passing a medical and agreeing
terms.
The Israeli said: "I like Steve. I worked with him at Chelsea, he never let
me down and he's a good person. "But January stories, part of them are true
and part are not. I have nothing to say until the deals are done. "We have
followed many players like many clubs, we are following players to make us
strong. "But we will not bring in 15 players, not even five."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
NEWCASTLE v West Ham: Andy Carroll misses out again for Magpies
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER Last updated at 10:45 AM on 4th January 2011
Daily Mail
Shola Ameobi is again likely to lead the line for Newcastle against West Ham
on Wednesday night with Andy Carroll still sidelined. Carroll will miss out
again with a thigh injury and is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's FA Cup
third-round trip to Stevenage as he targets a return at Sunderland on
January 16.
Ameobi could once again be partnered by Peter Lovenkrands, although manager
Alan Pardew has promised Leon Best and Nile Ranger that they will get
chances as he attempts to make the most of his squad. Defender Sol Campbell
will sit out again as he recovers from illness, while Dan Gosling is
approaching full fitness after his long-term knee injury. Hatem Ben Arfa
(double leg fracture) and Ryan Taylor (ankle ligaments) remain on the
sidelines.
Provisional squad (from): Harper, Krul, Simpson, Perch, Ferguson, Enrique,
Coloccini, Williamson, S. Taylor, Kadar, Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Smith,
Routledge, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Vuckic, Tavernier, Donaldson, Ameobi,
Lovenkrands, Best, Ranger, Xisco.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Steve Sidwell completes medical ahead of switch from Aston Villa to West Ham
By SPORTSMAIL REPORTER
Last updated at 1:49 PM on 4th January 2011
Daily Mail
West Ham are on the brink of sealing a deal to sign Steve Sidwell. The Aston
Villa midfielder has agreed terms and passed a medical ahead of his £250,000
switch to Upton Park. Boss Avram Grant has confirmed that he is on the verge
of wrapping up the deal to bolster his midfield options. The Hammers are in
a scrap to retain their Barclays Premier League status after a poor start to
the season. Grant will hope to use Sidwell alongside Scott Parker, who is
wanted by a number of clubs in the January transfer window.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
QPR line up McCarthy loan deal
Harry Harris
January 4, 2011
ESPN
ESPNsoccernet understands Championship-leaders QPR have made a bid to take
West Ham United striker Benni McCarthy on loan. QPR have offered to pay some
of McCarthy's £50,000-a-week salary and would then be prepared to make a
permanent move if they secure promotion to the Premier League.
West Ham are open to offers for McCarthy and even England striker Carlton
Cole as they attempt to sign two new strikers. The Hammers have bid for the
£6 million rated Senegal international Demba Ba, who is also on Blackburn's
wanted list. Ba has scored six goals so far this season in the Bundesliga,
and Hoffenheim are keen to secure a cash deal for the striker. However,
while Blackburn are willing to take the player on a permanent deal now, the
Hammers have asked to take him on loan until the end of the season. West Ham
remain in the hunt for Tottenham forward Robbie Keane, but they face stiff
competition from Newcastle United. It now appears West Ham could back out of
the deal to sign Steve Sidwell from Aston Villa. A transfer had been agreed
and Sidwell underwent a medical at Upton Park but completion of the deal has
been delayed. With West Ham still £80 million in debt, they are weighing up
all their options and, with Mark Noble returning from injury and the club
determined to keep Scott Parker, their priorities are in attack and defence.
The deal has not yet foundered, but two other Premier League clubs - Wolves
and West Brom - have expressed interest in Sidwell.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Premier League Preview: Newcastle United - West Ham
By Phil Haigh
Goal.com
Newcastle will be looking to cement their place in the top half of the table
with a home win, and three points could see them move up to eighth place in
the table and pushing for a Europa League spot. However, results going
against them could see them drop as low as 13th in the table.
West Ham have finally hit a good vein of form with two wins and two draws
from their last four games which has seen Avram Grant save his job, at least
for now, by steering the club away from the bottom of the table up to 16th.
Another win for the Hammers could see them further improve their position to
13th in the table, however if teams below them manage to pick up points it
could be a return to the foot of the table for the Irons.
Newcastle won the reverse fixture at Upton Park earlier in the season 2-1
with goals from Kevin Nolan and Carroll as West Ham scored with their only
shot on target of the game through Carlton Cole.
West Ham won their first away match for a huge 27 games in their last
fixture on the road as they beat Fulham 3-1 at Craven Cottage. However,
their defence will still be causing them concern as they have set a club
record with 18 games without a clean sheet away from home. It is Newcastle's
home form, in contrast, that is causing them concern with only two wins in
their last nine games in front of their famously vocal support. The Magpies
have also only managed one clean sheet in those nine fixtures. If anyone is
likely to be confident of scoring at St James' Park it is Carlton Cole, who
has bagged himself three goals in six games against Newcastle throughout his
career.
TEAM NEWS
Newcastle
Newcastle United have no new injury worries, but they will continue to be
without their leading scorer Andy Carroll, whose thigh strain kept him out
of the victory over Wigan. The Magpies will also still be long-term
casualties Ryan Taylor and Hatem Ben Arfa. Having picked up a comfortable
win away at Wigan on Sunday, Alan Pardew will be very tempted to pick the
same starting line-up.
Possible starting XI: Harper; Simpson, S Taylor, Coloccini, Enrique; Barton,
Nolan, Tiote, Gutierrez; Ameobi, Lovenkrands.
West Ham
West Ham are in a similar situation as they also have no new injury or
suspension worries, but are still unlikely to welcome back Herita Ilunga for
the trip to St James' Park. They also have Manuel da Costa and Tomas
Hitzlsperger still in the treatment room as it won't be until next month
before either return.
The return to first team action for youngsters Freddie Sears and Junior
Stanislas is likely to continue, as the Hammers have hit some form in recent
weeks and Avram Grant will be unlikely to change the team that dispatched of
Wolves on Saturday.
Possible starting XI: Green; Ben Haim, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon; Sears,
Parker, Kovac, Stanislas; Cole, Piquionne.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham boss Grant hoping to tie up Sidwell deal this week
Published 15:10 04/01/11 By Neil McLeman
The Mirror
Avram Grant hopes Steve Sidwell will ignore interest from Wolves and West
Brom to sign for West Ham. The Aston Villa midfielder passed a medical at
Upton Park last week but has still not finalised his transfer. The Hammers
are also trying to complete a loan deal for Hoffenheim's Senegal striker
Demba Ba with an option to buy at the end of the season. But Grant, who
coach Sidwell at Chelsea, said he could not explain the delay in signing the
midfielder with personal terms agreed. Speaking before tomorrow's trip to
Newcastle, the Irons manager said: "I really like him as a player. I worked
with him at Chelsea and although he did not always play, he never let me
down. He is a good person and we're trying to create that atmosphere here."
The Israeli was less optimistic about bringing Leytonstone-born David
Beckham back to his local team. He said: "There are other teams that want
him because he is a big player and personality. If he wants to come to West
Ham, he is welcome. "He is local as well, which is more of an advantage. We
spoke at the beginning of the season with the owners but we are realistic.
From our club there is has been no approach, but I like him as a player and
person. Many clubs want him and if he wants to come to West Ham we are
happy."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Bunch of bankers block Behrami and Sidwell moves
Published 23:00 04/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Roma's bankers have pulled the plug on signing West Ham's Valon Behrami –
and that has stalled Steve Sidwell's signing at Upton Park. The Aston Villa
midfielder passed a medical and agreed terms in East London but UniCredit
have told Roma to cut their wage bill instead.
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Pardew: I'd still be West Ham boss if Dean Ashton was fit
Published 23:00 04/01/11 By Simon Bird
The Mirror
Alan Pardew insists he holds no bitterness towards West Ham over his
sacking. The Newcastle boss faces the Hammers convinced that if striker Dean
Ashton had not got injured, he'd never have lost his job at Upton Park.
Pardew led West Ham to an FA Cup Final during his three year reign but was
axed in December 2006 after a bad run of results. He said: "I don't harp on
it. My experience there, to my mind, was a fantastic one. I had some great
times there. "It was tough at the start – I had a really tough group, who I
inherited, that didn't want to play for the club. "But I managed to get
through that and build a really good side. I left a side that was a lot
stronger than when I arrived. I was proud of my achievements at West Ham and
I don't harbour any bad feeling. "I honestly believe that if Dean Ashton
hadn't got injured, there's no way I'd have lost my job that year. No way.
"He was absolutely flying. He was England's No.9. It gives me a good
comparison to Andy Carroll, because I look at Andy now and, while he's not
the same player as Dean, I can see the hunger and the desire to be England's
No.9 in Andy. "Owners have their own agenda. And if you're not part of that
agenda, you're not going to survive too long. So I wasn't surprised when the
Icelandic group came in that I wasn't around for very long."
Pardew has missed out on signing Peter Taylor as his No.2 after the Bradford
boss backed out yesterday.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham use 'home' advantage to tempt Becks
Published 16:44 04/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Avram Grant today offered David Beckham the chance to come "home" and sign
for West Ham. The former England captain is said to be considering a move
back to the Premier League on loan from the Los Angeles Galaxy, with
Tottenham apparently leading the chase. But Grant has now put the Hammers
forward as a potential destination for 35-year-old midfielder Beckham, who
was born close to Upton Park in Leytonstone. "There are other teams who want
him, he's a big player and a big personality," said Grant. "But if David
Beckham wants to come to West Ham he is welcome. "I like him as a player and
as a person, and he's a local lad. "Many clubs want him but if he wants to
come to West Ham I would be happy."
Grant was less eager to talk about Robbie Keane, Michael Owen, Wayne Bridge
and Hoffenheim striker Demba Ba, who have all been linked with January moves
to the Hammers. Steve Sidwell has passed a medical and agreed terms on a
switch from Aston Villa, although he is now thought to be considering offers
from elsewhere. Grant said: "I like Steve. I worked with him at Chelsea, he
never let me down and he's a good person. But January stories, part of them
are true and part are not. I have nothing to say until the deals are done.
"We have followed many players like many clubs, we are following players to
make us strong, but we will not bring in 15 players, not even five."
The mood at West Ham's Chadwell Heath training ground has certainly improved
following their festive results which have seen them climb off the bottom of
the table and up to 16th place. Next up is a trip to face Newcastle and
former West Ham boss Alan Pardew, with Grant looking to build on a run of
four games unbeaten. "The feeling is good but there is a long way to go,"
Grant said. "We did well in the last 10 days and we are very happy because
we needed points and we felt we deserved points. "The atmosphere is the
same, the spirit is good and of course the players are happier. At the end
of the day football is about results. "There is a long way to go and we know
we will have good days and not so good days. "We will face tough times and
good times until the end of the season. But want to continue our good
momentum. "It will be an interesting game, Newcastle are a very good team
but we are concentrating on what we have to do."
Mark Noble is expected to return to the starting line-up after a hip injury,
alongside former Newcastle midfielder Scott Parker. But another former
Newcastle player, Kieron Dyer, is still sidelined with a thigh injury.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Newcastle's Carroll to miss West Ham match
Published 16:06 04/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
Shola Ameobi is again likely to lead the line for Newcastle against West Ham
with Andy Carroll still sidelined. Carroll will miss out again with a thigh
injury and is unlikely to be fit for Saturday's FA Cup third round trip to
Stevenage as he targets a return at Sunderland on January 16. Ameobi could
once again be partnered by Peter Lovenkrands, although manager Alan Pardew
has promised Leon Best and Nile Ranger that they will get chances as he
attempts to make the most of his squad. Defender Sol Campbell will sit out
again as he recovers from illness, while Dan Gosling is approaching full
fitness after his long-term knee injury. Hatem Ben Arfa (double leg
fracture) and Ryan Taylor (ankle ligaments) remain on the sidelines.
Provisional squad (from): Harper, Krul, Simpson, Perch, Ferguson, Enrique,
Coloccini, Williamson, S. Taylor, Kadar, Barton, Tiote, Nolan, Smith,
Routledge, Gutierrez, Guthrie, Vuckic, Tavernier, Donaldson, Ameobi,
Lovenkrands, Best, Ranger, Xisco.
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
West Ham worry over Behrami and Jacobsen fitness
Published 15:41 04/01/11 By MirrorFootball
The Mirror
West Ham will check on Lars Jacobsen and Valon Behrami ahead of the Barclays
Premier League trip to Newcastle. Full-back Jacobsen has been struggling
with a heel injury and midfielder Behrami has been out for a month with a
hip problem, but both were expected to train today. Midfielder Mark Noble is
in line to start after returning from his hip injury as a substitute against
Wolves, but Kieron Dyer (thigh), Herita Ilunga (leg), Benni McCarthy (calf),
Thomas Hitzlsperger (thigh), Jack Collison (knee) and Manuel da Costa
(ankle) remain sidelined.
Provisional squad: Green, Ben Haim, Tomkins, Upson, Gabbidon, Jacobsen,
Barrera, Stanislas, Kovac, Parker, Behrami, Spector, Boa Morte, Cole,
Obinna, Piquionne, Sears, Reid, Faubert, Boffin.
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Tony Cottee Column: Grant should be credited for West Ham revival
Tony Cottee, East London Advertiser Columnist
Tuesday, 4 January, 2011
16:18 PM
I have been critical in the past but Avram Grant deserves credit. He has
always stuck to his beliefs about how the game should be played and the club
will get out of trouble. There is of course a long way still to go but we
are in a much better position than we have been all season. The two wins
over Christmas have certainly secured his job in the short term, but only
time will tell if he will be at Upton Park for the long haul. He should be
praised for bringing Freddie Sears into the side when most wouldn't. A lot
of managers would have seen him go on loan at Scunthorpe and think the
standard he has been playing isn't good enough and therefore would not have
played him. Sears looked particularly sharp against Wolves and he took his
goal really well.
He didn't thrash at the ball and his movement to make himself available for
crosser Tal Ben Haim was also impressive. It was a tremendous win and one of
huge importance. You hear it described as a 'six-pointer' but I believe it
is worth more then that. The clean sheet and two goals will bring a huge
amount of confidence to players at both ends of the pitch. Games against the
sides around you dictate your season in all sorts of ways and to beat the
likes of Wolves and Fulham is a major boost. It will help attract players in
the transfer window also and it is important we are active in January. There
has been a lot of talk linking Carlton Cole with Liverpool and Valon Behrami
with a move back to Italy. Valon is clearly unhappy and I would rather us
get £5million for him than sell Carlton. I would rather keep a happy Cole
then an unhappy Behrami. On his day I still believe Carlton is our best
striker and I don't want him to go, but if the club are offered £7m or £8m,
they may be forced to wheel and deal to do whatever is necessary to keep the
club in the league. Seb Coe has given his support to West Ham to move into
the Olympic Stadium after the 2012 Games and although of course his opinion
is important, he does not have a final say. Seb will support West Ham
because the Hammers are the only club offering to keep the running track, a
factor which I know puts a lot of West Ham fans off moving there. I'm one of
them and it will be terrible having to watch football with a track in the
way and if it is removed it will be a fantastic stadium. I feel Spurs are
playing a bit of cat and mouse with Haringey Council and I think the club
and their fans would prefer to stay in Tottenham, but you have to face the
economics and it could favour them financially to move to east London. West
Ham and Leyton Orient will have a lot to say if Spurs do move our way,
because it is likely to have a negative effect on both sides.
Tony Cottee was talking to Matt Diner
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HAMMERS GO ALL OUT TO PIP LIVERPOOL FOR £4.2M MAN
The TYransfer Tavern
Date: 4th January 2011 at 7:52 pm
Recovering West Ham United are said to be desperate to bolster their squad
in a bid to survive relegation this season. They have looked shaky at the
back throughout the campaign and have been heavily linked with moves for
several defenders, with Man City's out-of-favour Wayne Bridge as a principal
target. However, should any deal for Bridge fall through, several sources
have pinpointed Liverpool's Emiliano Insua as a potential signing.
West Ham are struggling financially and are widely tipped to use the loan
market to strengthen in January. The London club are said to be broke and
trading off game receipts so a pay by play basis would suit them to the
ground. Insua has been out on loan with Turkish club Galatasaray and his
deal is due to end on June 30th with an option to buy the Argentine.
However, Insua has looked closer to an early January return to his parent
club as current club manager, Gheorghe Hagi has stated he does not want any
loan players at his club.
Liverpool's injury problems at the back this season may lead Roy Hodgson to
think twice about allowing Insua to be loaned out again unless he makes any
defensive signings himself. Insua became a regular fixture in the Liverpool
starting XI towards the end of Rafa Benitez's reign at Anfield and impressed
fans with his tenacity and effort. A deal with Fiorentina for the wing-back
had been confirmed in the summer worth around £4.2m, however no contract was
ever signed and the deal fell through. Now it would seem Insua is keen to
return to England and a temporary deal with the Hammer's could be his
opportunity to impress.
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Avram Grant reveals his lucky scarf is behind West Ham's revival
Grant brought back scarf for Boxing Day victory at Fulham
West Ham face Newcastle hoping for second away league win
Mike McGrath
guardian.co.uk, Tuesday 4 January 2011 22.00 GMT
Avram Grant has revealed the secret of West Ham United's upturn in recent
form ... his lucky scarf. The Israeli explained his side's surge up to 16th
in the Premier League was down to a piece of cloth costing less than £10
from the Upton Park shop. While players have been favouring snoods this
season, Grant was handed a scarf when temperatures dropped before the
Carling Cup quarter-final against Manchester United on 30 November. "It was
Bob Oteng, the kit man, who supplied it," Grant said. "It was very cold
against Manchester United but very warm after the game. Everything is warm
after a win."
Grant did not wear the club colours around his neck for the defeats to
Sunderland and Manchester City, and the draw with Blackburn Rovers, before
his fashion accessory returned against Fulham. There has been an element of
luck to West Ham's run of results since; Fulham set up both of Carlton
Cole's goals at Craven Cottage, while Everton and Wolves scored own goals at
Upton Park.
Grant has previous experience of having a lucky charm during an unbeaten
run, from his time with Maccabi Tel Aviv.
"I remember when I was in Israel it was winter and I wore the same clothes.
We won 11 games but I couldn't carry on wearing it, my shirt was smelling. I
changed and we drew so the owner blamed me."
The West Ham owners, David Gold and David Sullivan, are said to be in a
positive mood now the club are out of the relegation zone. "I speak to the
owners all the time and they are happy because it was not easy times," Grant
said. "But I must say that even in the difficult days, we felt what we were
doing was good and we just needed to close the gap."
West Ham travel to Newcastle United tomorrow night, and Grant is now
determined to build on the win at Fulham, his side's first Premier League
away victory since the opening day of the 2009-10 season. "Not to win away
games for so long is difficult. After beating Sunderland everyone was so
happy, even though it was the Carling Cup. Fulham was very important to win,
and the way we did as well."
::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::
Questions As The Olympic Stadium Deadline Approaches.
Ged 04 Jan 2011
West Ham Online
We recently ran a poll regarding attitudes towards the Olympic stadium and
given that the deadline for the decision is looming ever closer, I wanted to
review the results and add some thoughts of my own and naturally, to pose
some more questions. Before I start, I want to say that I don't know the
answers myself, I just know how the whole thing makes me feel. The nature of
polls is such that you only get to say yes to one of the questions asked so
I wanted to ask some broader questions. My thoughts aren't based on
tradition or history, although that does bother me and as I say I've not
offered any answers, just explained why I don't think this is the right move
for West Ham in the immediate future.
Just as a reminder, here was the outcome of the poll :
38% a/ Yes, all for it. Let's go!
19% b/ Not convinced. Accept it's going to happen though.
8% c/ Undecided.
29% d/ Not happy about it. Not happy about the running track. Not
convinced we can fill it. Ill conceived idea from the off, even more so if
we go down.
2% e/ That'll probably be the end of my days as a regular over West
Ham.
3% f/ I don't go often and don't really care that much one way or the
other.
Now, I must admit that whilst it's not an outright majority, I for one was
rather surprised that option a/ won by a clear 9% in the head to head across
the five options. Obviously I don't know why people feel that way, but I
assume the new stadium is in some way linked to a statement of ambition.
I personally voted c/ and I hope my reasoning will become clear through the
course of this article.
Firstly though I want to address the issue of the legacy in broad football
terms and by this, I mean that I don't actually think that as a legacy
stadium this would be good for either West Ham or Tottenham in the short to
medium term and possibly longer. Forgetting all the politics of Tottenham
playing in Newham and what a policing nightmare that could be, if the
Olympic Committee get their way and the running track is left in place, then
I really can't see either sets of fans being that happy there. Fans
currently sitting in the East Stand that remember the Chicken Run of old
possibly already have half an inkling of what that will be like. Obviously,
it will be worse and the effect for those behind the goals even more so.
With regard to Tottenham, Levy has apparently said that he'll tear the
stadium down and build a new one and redevelop the Crystal Palace arena, but
that, if the OC stick to their guns this will be unacceptable as the legacy
is the Stratford Stadium, not the ground it stands on. That intention alone
could put West Ham in the driving seat.
Anyway, let's concentrate on West Ham.
On the face of it, we have a lopsided stadium that has been reconstructed
poorly and in sections with the oldest section, the East Stand, looking like
something from a forgotten past, but less quaint than say Fulham and with a
severely restricted capacity. For many fans, running track aside, this will
make the almost new, only one previous owner Olympic Stadium a gimme. An
absolute no brainer.
We move out of the existing stadium and move into a purpose built state of
the art stadium, with all the amenities.
So here's question number one.
The Olympic Stadium will hold what? About 80,000 seats as it exists.
However, only 25,000, over 10,000 seats less than current capacity, will be
permanent seating. The rest, 55,000 can be dismantled. Can, of course being
the operative word. Now, I don't believe anyone thinks we can fill that in
the first few seasons, so we'll possibly want to reduce the capacity. But by
how much and how? Remove a tier? Two tiers?
Why would we want to reduce the capacity at all?
Well, for me, supply and demand. Arsenal in the old Arsenal Stadium at
Highbury had a capacity of 38,500 or there about. They had a significant
season ticket waiting list, which I'm lead to believe was around 7 years.
Suffice to say their official site boasts around 40000 people even now some
years after moving to the Emirates, which holds 60355, so that is possibly
not an idle boast. Yet Arsenal soldiered on at the old stadium for 15 years
in the premiership, with a capacity of only 2,000 more than us. And they've
been winning things. League titles, cups, Champions League/European Cup
competition pretty most years during that time. This has been done on the
back of prudent financial management and having the same coach for a decade.
It's created a demand that's not just better than supply, but out stripped
it beyond anything we may dream of in the next five to ten years.
We on the other hand have had one cup final and one relegation and one
promotion and I believe sold fewer season tickets this year than last. We
certainly no longer have a waiting list.
For me, this is the wrong opportunity at the wrong time. I'm not saying we
have to be matching Arsenal, but certainly that precedent should be a
consideration if we're to come anywhere near our aspirations.
As things stand at present, we're struggling to fill our current capacity.
We're changing managers every 2 and a bit seasons although that average
could drop if Grant gets the push, which, in my opinion is still a
possibility, even if it's at the end of the season. We're apparently
£100,000,000 in debt. We're still only part owned by Gold and Sullivan,
albeit the lions share – the other investors that they were talking to still
haven't appeared.
So for me, we're likely to be looking at a managed reduction in size.
So following on from that the next question is, how do we do this?
Looking again at supply and demand, we have to have a ground where tickets
are at a premium – not necessarily in price, but in availability. We're
currently in the semi final of a cup we've never won and there appears to be
concern in some quarters that we can't sell that out. People could possibly
turn up on the day. They already can for most matches, and the cutting of
match day tickets to a price below the price per game for season ticket
holders has as we've seen on these boards put some fans noses out of joint
which, combined with the consistency of the team, could actually adversely
affect season ticket sales in a negative way, unless we buy big.
Does this seem likely? We struggle to attract players where we are in the
league and apparently we haven't got a proverbial pot to piss in. Our most
attractive players to sell are the ones that might keep us in this league
(and I'm not even going to consider the consequences of being lumbered with
this white elephant if we don't survive).
So how do the board manage the supply and demand? Reduce the availability to
less than current capacity only to want to rebuild it if they get it right
later? Or will they just close off the other areas of the ground and
restrict seating artificially? I imagine it'll be expensive to maintain a
stadium with so many empty seats so restricting choice might make it cheaper
and more manageable. Obviously, we'd be a bit of a laughing stock if the top
tier or tiers were closed, but would removing the parts of the ground be
financially viable if we're only going to rebuild later?
There are a lot of other questions to ask, but I only really want to look at
one other issue here and that is the one of alternative usage and I think
this for me is a significant concern.
Whenever Wembley, for instance, is used for other events the pitch is a mess
but from what I've read this idea has been bandied about as a cash cow for
the club. Legacy sport aside, this could include Rugby, NFL or competing for
major gigs with the O2 just across the water. We've seen the effect that
this has on the national stadium in Internationals, the FA and League Cups
and the Charity Shield. It seems the days of playing on the baize so fondly
remember from the cup finals of our youths would be a thing of the past. We
could of course go back to those club pitches that each winter would take on
the demeanour of the Somme on a good day. Try playing the passing football
the West Ham way in a mire patch like that. That will attract players for
sure.
And then of course, there's the running track which I've already mentioned.
The Boleyn used to be a place that was so tight that when we fans were in
full flow opposition players hated playing there. It was intimidating. Even
if the board were to break their promise and remove the track, where would
they put seats? They apparently can't dig down because of the water table or
some other "geological" reason. If they were serious about retractable
seats, wouldn't this have needed to have been incorporated into the original
design? Where will they retract to? What sort of rake will they provide if
they're to be put in front of the existing bottom tier, which I'm assuming
like most stadia, will already be at or very close to ground level?
For me this whole thing feels more and more like part of a big practical
joke. It's a desperate but misguided attempt to demonstrate ambition but
it's putting the cart before the horse and whilst I do think things can and
hopefully will come good under Gold and Sullivan I have serious doubts about
this move and the effect it could have. It's a massive gamble.
I dearly want to be wrong.
People will argue about income streams, transport links and the like, but
for me this is all irrelevant if there's no one there to use them. Perhaps
we do need to move but not right now and not here.
Invest in bringing success on the pitch. Create a demand for tickets for all
games before providing seats for bums that don't turn up now.
This to me smacks of stories of bids to sign Ruud Van Nistleroy, Thierry
Henry, Ronaldhino and David Beckham, only on a much grander scale.
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Hoffenheim's Demba Ba goes on strike to force through West Ham move
By JOHN EDWARDS
Last updated at 3:03 AM on 5th January 2011
Daily Mail
EXCLUSIVE : West Ham target Demba Ba went on strike yesterday in an effort
to force through a £6million move to Upton Park. The Senegal striker, 25,
shocked his Hoffenheim bosses, and could be fined, after confronting them
over their reluctance to negotiate with the London club. Hoffenheim managing
director Ernst Tanner ordered Ba to join him on a flight to La Manga, 24
hours after the rest of the squad travelled there for a winter training
camp. But he had to concede defeat, after the former Watford junior said he
was staying at home.
Tanner confirmed that Ba, who has scored 37 goals in 93 games for
Hoffenheim, had withdrawn his labour to try to force their hand over West
Ham's interest and warned he could be docked a fortnight's pay. In a sign
that the Bundesliga side are ready to get tough with the rebel, he added
that they may even explore ways of putting his career on hold for the two
and a half years left on his contract. 'Yes, it's true he has refused to go
to La Manga, even though we demanded he catch a flight and join up with his
teammates,' said the Hoffenheim boss. 'I have told him he will have to face
the consequences. It could be a fine or we could throw him out altogether
and make him see out his contract without playing.'
West Ham believe 6ft 2in Ba can help them continue their climb away from the
foot of the Barclays Premier League and approached Hoffenheim with a loan
request, with a view to a £6million permanent deal at the end of the season.
Although the German club's response was lukewarm, at best, Ba has
demonstrated his eagerness to join Avram Grant's side. His lawyer Ran Ronen
said: 'It does seem Demba could move, and he'd like it to be to the Premier
League. West Ham came up with a bid, but, at the moment, Hoffenheim do not
appear to be working on it.' Newcastle manager Alan Pardew is still hoping
to convince former England boss Peter Taylor to join him as No 2 at St
James' Park, despite his surprise U-turn. The Premier League giants and
Taylor's League Two side Bradford City had agreed a compensation package for
the former England Under 21 coach to become Pardew's assistant.
But Taylor said yesterday: 'I have a lot of respect for Alan and for
Newcastle, but I just really didn't want to break my commitment here at
Bradford.'
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